Magnum Sterling Chromite Ii Braided Throttle Cable - 38in. 3306 on 2040-parts.com

World’s oldest unrestored Austin Mini up for grabs

1959 Austin Mini Seven De Luxe - up for grabs A 1959 Austin Mini Seven De Luxe – thought to be the oldest surviving un-restored Mini – goes under the hammer this month. When you look at these photos of the 1959 Austin Mini Seven De Luxe it’s hard to believe it has anything in common with the BMW MINI, but it has. Without the BMC Mini , the BMW MINI wouldn’t exist.

Video: Adrian van Hooydonk on the BMW 4-Series Coupe concept

BMW's Director of Design Adrian van Hooydonk explains the design strategy behind the 4-Series Coupe concept's design in a video interview filmed at the car's reveal at the Munich Design Night. He talks us through how the design team played with the wheelbase length to create new shapes and convey a sense of "elegance and power". Check out the full story and gallery of the BMW 4-Series Coupe concept for more information on the car that will replace the 3 Series coupe.

2012 Mercedes SL Spied

2012 Mercedes SL caught testing When the fifth generation Mercedes SL hit the headlines back in 2002 it was a revelation, offering as it did the best of a coupe and a convertible and a completely bonkers performance version in the SL55. But eight years is a long time in the life of a car – even with a cosmetic facelift in 2008 – and the SL has lost its way as the flagship of the Mercedes range. More powerful cars like the SLS have put the SL in to the shadows, and even its little brother – the Mercedes SLK – is probably more desirable.