Modified – Honda NS-X

Japan’s answer to the Ferrari in the 90’s and arguably the far superior car in terms of handling and build quality. We don’t see enough NS-X’s over here so when one turns up it is always a pleasure. I love the NS-X in both standard and modified form, and this example was particularly interesting for me as it has a body-kit consisting of various bits and bobs from various incarnations of the NS-X, such as the Mugen RR front bumper and the opinion dividing R-GT snorkel. I caught this car once before line astern with a bunch of other modified NS-X’s but didn’t have a camera on me, so I was really pleased to see it again. This is why I’m making it my modified car of the month.

Supercar – Mercedes CLK55 DTM AMG

The legendary CLK55 DTM AMG has always eluded me. I have seen at least six examples but have only been able to get rather dodgy pictures of them. This one had me fumbling for my camera again. I think it is because they are so stealthy in black and the fact that almost every other car in Hong Kong is a Mercedes you get used to seeing that familiar nose. Anyway, Mercedes only built 100 examples of this beast and many fewer in RHD form. Some of the figures related to this car are mind-blowing. 582 BHP, 590 lb-ft of torque and at the time it cost the best part of 250,000 Euros after taxes! Still, for the lucky few that got to experience this 200 mph super-coupe the layout was well worth it.

Classic – Porsche 356 SC

How could I put anything in this category other than the legendary Porsche 356? A shape so perfect Porsche haven’t changed the basic shape even to this very day. In the 60′s, like today, sure there were faster, better handling and even better looking cars in the, but this really was an all-rounder – a true motoring legend. I see this car regularly at the weekends but have never managed a decent shot of it. Full credit to the owner who uses it as it was intended.

Car of the month – Ferrari 458 Italia

On reflection I did see quite a few incredible cars in the months of May and June and plenty that I could have potentially awarded the Car of the Month tag to, but it seemed fitting that the 458 should pick up the honours. If you’ve read the motoring press in the last few months there hasn’t been a bad word said about Maranello’s finest. By all accounts it seems to be one of the most well rounded supercars ever built. As happy to sit in a traffic jam as it is to dance around an empty mountain pass, it’s the supercar for all conditions and not only that, it is utterly stunning to see and hear. This is the car that paves the way for the future of the supercar and for that reason it’s my car of the month – all hail the 458.

Best of the rest

Aston Martin V8 Vantage by Mansory

Subaru Impreza WRX STi Rally Replica

Porsche 993 Clubsport RS

Porsche 993 Turbo GT2 Replica

Vanden Plas 4-Litre R

Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series

Ferrari 512TR

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX Jackie Chan Edition

Porsche 997.2 GT3 RS

Porsche 914

All the other 300+ photos from May/June can be found here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48817379@N03/sets/72157626607443911/with/5682223791/

To commemorate my failure as a blogger, here is a CLS in mourning (black)

Thanks of course goes to SeriousWheels

Nothing like a tough Mini to brighten your day. Rally ready.