Articles by Mike Ryan

Never heard of a 'Matra' or a 'Djet'? You're not alone, as these rare machines are rarely seen outside their native France. The Djet was originally produced by Rene Bonnet, with manufacture continuing when the French aerospace company Matra (Mechanique Aviation TRAction) took over Rene Bonnet in 1965.

Valiant's Charger is an automotive icon of the 1970s, and for fans of the Chrysler muscle car, an E38 'big tank' version is the holy grail. A fully restored example of just such a car will be auctioned this weekend by Bonhams, in conjunction with the 2011 RACV Motorclassica event, held at Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building.

Amongst the muscle, race, classic and modern vehicles consigned for this weekend's Motorclassica auction held by Bonhams, some outstanding vintage vehicles are also being offered, including a quartet of classic Vauxhalls.

When new, the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was the last word in luxury American motoring. More than twice the price of a regular production Caddy, the Brougham was a limited edition created for the elite. This original, three-owner car will join a diverse range of new and old classics at Bonhams' October 23 auction, held in conjunction with Motorclassica.

The Queen's in the country, and that means some flash royal limousines will be out and about. One that won't be ferrying HRH around will be this 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, as it has been consigned for Bonhams' Motorclassica auction in Melbourne.

Holden's very first concept car - the 1969 Holden Hurricane - has been saved from the jaws of weld-school death to reclaim its former glory.

Australia Defence Force personnel are set to benefit from a newly-announced association with Summernats, enabling troops to access free and discounted tickets to the January event.

Last month the world's automotive spotlight turned on the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Manufacturers released details of a host of world premieres in one of the best shows yet; here we look at some of the highlights.

This immaculate HT Monaro, which is being auctioned as part of Bonhams Motorclassica event on October 23, is one of an alleged 64 that were sent to South Africa in 1970. What sets this Monaro, and South African Monaros in general, apart from local versions, is the vinyl roof.

Bringing together more than 100 of the world's rarest and most desirable classic, vintage and veteran cars, RACV Motorclassica returns to Melbourne next weekend with a smorgasbord of automotive excellence. This year's show will feature a larger contingent of vintage and pre-war era exhibits, including this breathtaking 1932 Chrysler Imperial with a colourful past.

Lexus LFA represents a pivotal point in the luxury marque's development and reveals a new focus for the Lexus brand.

Ferrari delivered a great second-place performance in Japan at last weekend's Grand Prix rounds. Assessing the team's prospects, Fernando Alonso said that they had to aim for the podium in the remaining races of the season.