178 bhp, 4,887 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with wishbones, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar; live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs; and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

Wheelbase: 120 in.

THE MODERN MAGIC CARPET In the early 1950s, there was no other automobile quite like it in the world, which made it attractive for connoisseur heads of state, captains of industry, as well as the burgeoning jet set.

James Bond drove a version he had Mulliner re-body from a wreck in the 1961 novel Thunderball.

Famously, in the words of Autocar magazine, it was “a modern magic carpet.” In the words of modern BDC members: “Best car I have ever owned.” “Hope to take it to Heaven with me!” “Would not swap it for a thousand camels, even in the middle of the desert.” It was the fastest four-seat production car in the world – and the most expensive – cementing its exclusivity with only 207 made, 43 o...