Disc 1. VW Beetle
1 x 47:00 min
It
is the most instantly recognisable car in history and a landmark in
engineering and design excellence. Even today, more than 60 years after
the first prototype was built in Nazi Germany, the ageless Beetle
remains a fixture on motorways the world over. VW BEETLE is an engaging
look at the long history of this enduring classic. See rare footage of
the early prototypes of the "Strength through Joy" car designed by Dr.
Ferdinand Porsche at Hitler's behest. Follow the evolution of the
endearing auto all the way through to the final production cars in
South America. Discover how the Beetle, while keeping the same basic
appearance, underwent 78,000 design changes in its long life, and climb
behind the wheel for a nostalgic spin in the most popular and
successful car ever built.
Disc 2. Bugatti & Alfa Romeo
1 x 92:00 min
There
is no other car that surpasses the mystique of those created by Ettore
Bugatti. His race-winning roadsters and grand luxury autos dominated
the automobile world of the 20s and 30s. This is the story of one man's
determination to create cars that would stand apart and make a
statement. They were as much works of art as they were mechanical
creations and Bugatti only wanted to sell them to people that met his
own standards. This exclusivity meant that he didn't make too many
cars. But the ones he did make have become legends.
It
is a name synonymous with innovative engineering, driving pleasure and
most of all, a passion for winning. Alfa Romeo's history dates back to
1910 when investors formed the Lombardy Automobile Manufacturing
Company - it's Italian name spelling out A-L-F-A. The high flying
industrialist, Nicola Romeo, took over this fledgling auto company,
added his name to the badge and turned it into a racing and sports car
legend. From those early days to the eventual takeover by Fiat in 1987,
we chart the company's spectacular successes and look under the hood of
its most dazzling marques.
Disc 3. Ferrari
1 x 47:00 min
Many
successful racing drivers have tried their hand at automobile design,
but few have been as persistent as Enzo Ferrari. In almost 80 years in
the business, he created a legacy marked by some of the finest and most
beautiful cars ever to grace the road. The complete history of Ferrari,
the man and the machines, comes to life here. In remarkable interviews,
Ferrari and the men who have driven his cars to glory, trace the
evolution of the fabled marque and relive its triumphs on the track.
Get an up-close look at some of the most treasured cars ever built from
the 250 GTO to the legendary Testarossa and strap in for a high-speed
adventure with a Ferrari test driver. See how the company evolved from
a racing team to a specialist car company and how changing fortunes led
to its purchase by FIAT in the 1970s. From the birth of a dream to the
death of a legend, this is the story of FERRARI.
Disc 4. The Jaguar E Type
1 x 47:00 min
In
the late 1950s, Jaguar enjoyed a remarkable string of racing success
highlighted by its victories at the gruelling 24-hour Le Mans race. The
car behind these victories was the D-type and, when it was transformed
into a vehicle the public could buy, the re-skinned racer was
christened the E-type. Immediately the E became one of the most
celebrated and sought after cars of all time. Over the years, its
reputation has only grown. The very first E-types were almost identical
mechanically to the racing Jaguars and they showed it in their handling
and mind-blowing 150 mile per hour top speed. But it was the styling
that made the E so famous. See how Jaguar transformed their racer into
a viable production model and how the E evolved over the years. Get an
up-close look at the many variations on the theme that kept the sleek
Jag so popular and hear from the men who were behind this automotive
legend.
Disc 5. Mercesdes Benz SL
1 x 47:00 min
In
the early 1950s, Mercedes-Benz looked to recapture the racing glory of
the years before World War II. To do this, they developed the
revolutionary 300 SL and an automotive legend was born. The 300 SL lost
its first race but that proved to be an exception. Dependable,
blazingly fast and beautiful, it was a world-beating sensation. But the
story of this landmark vehicle really gets interesting with the
appearance of a New York businessman who believed that the racecar
would be a sales success. He convinced Mercedes to make a street
version by ordering 1,000 of the as-yet undeveloped car! But only 1,400
people were willing to buy the radically-styled 300 SL and Mercedes
eventually replaced the design with a more conventional roadster.
Footage from the world's great racetracks, interviews with the men who
built and drove this legendary vehicle and an up-close look at some
perfectly restored 300 SL "Gullwings" highlight this definitive program.
Disc 6. Morgan & Austin Healey
1 x 94:00 min
Simple
and sporty, the Morgan stands out in the sea of high-tech wonders that
are churned out by sports car manufacturers today. Built by hand at the
rate of 10 a week, Morgans are the only car made today that still use a
wooden body frame. Visit the factory for a revealing look at this
unique vehicle. Trace the history of the company from its days as one
of the leading manufacturers of three-wheelers in the first half of the
century to today. See how these remarkable roadsters are made and hop
in for a nostalgic ride that instantly demonstrates why Morgan buyers
are willing to be put on a six-year waiting list in order to get their
brand-new classic!
Austin Healey has long been one
of Britain's most popular sports cars. Nimble and quick, their quirky
appearance and peppy performance appealed to aficionados. But a new
chapter was written with the introduction of the "Big Healey" in 1953
and the more powerful 3000 pushed Austin Healey sales to their all-time
peak. From under the hood to interviews with the men who drove the
Healeys to glory in races worldwide, this is the definitive story of
one of the most important British autos of all time.
Disc 7. The Porsche 911
1 x 47:00 min
If
the Porsche 911 had lasted only a few years, it would still be one of
the most remarkable cars ever built. That it remains a bestseller after
more than 30 years makes this rear-engined speed demon a true
automotive legend. From Nazi Germany to the streets of Hollywood, this
is the complete story of the 911. Trace its origins back to the humble
VW Beetle designed by Ferdinand Porsche before he set out to form his
own company. See how the first 911 was designed by Porsche's son Ferry,
who wanted a sports car "with space for a set of golf clubs." Meet the
men who continue to refine this evergreen classic, keeping it at the
forefront of the world's high-performance cars and take to the test
track to see just what these German wonders can do. Finally, a
remarkable parade of older 911s show how the legend has evolved over
the years.
Disc 8. Rolls Royce
1 x 48:00 min
Convinced
he could build a better car than the one he was driving, engineer and
perfectionist, Henry Royce, designed an automobile that was so well
made, some called it perfect. News of its reliability caught the
attention of the young aristocrat, Charles Rolls, who was then selling
cars in London. The two of them agreed that Rolls would sell all the
cars that Royce could build. Three years later, in 1907, they built the
most famous Rolls-Royce ever made, the "Silver Ghost". They decided to
show it off by staging a 15-thousand mile, non-stop test. The car made
it all the way and put Rolls-Royce on the map, justifiably claiming it
to be the best car in the world. It certainly became the favourite auto
of the aristocracy. Since then, "The Spirit of Ecstasy", or the flying
lady, that sits on the radiator of every Rolls-Royce has come to
symbolise the absolute best of everything. From the first Silver Ghost
to the Phantom of today, this programme charts the history of the
world's most magnificent motorcars.
