Truly the season in which to be jolly

There is a noticeable seasonal change to this issue of Octane. Of course, the classic car world no longer hibernates for winter as it once did – traditionally there was a shutdown between the NEC show and Rétromobile, except for those hardy rallyists who are only tempted out when the conditions are most treacherous – but lighter mornings and evenings bring a sense of springtime rebirth.

Which is kind of appropriate, given some of the stories featured this month.

Not only do we delve into a long-thoughtdestroyed Maserati Quattroporte prototype in all its barnfind glory, but we also poke around in the eerie remnants of Bertone before its historic treasure trove of models and drawings goes to new homes. There is also the rebirth of the Lister Knobbly, not only as a trackday continuation special, but as a road weapon. And we have the boldest, most madcap restoration that I have ever seen. When you see what decades abandoned in a Swedish forest did to this VW bus, you’ll probably question its saviour’s sanity. I did, but there is admiration in equal measure.

One of the things I love most about this job is how much I learn, every issue. One misconception I’ve had put straight this month is that ‘barndoor’, when referring to such a VW bus, meant the side doors. I won’t be making that mistake again.

Similarly, until now I had no idea that the Lamborghini Countach was homologated for Group B. No, not rallying, but the proposed tarmac race series. Because the formula was stillborn, the homologation remained a technicality, but the moment we were aware of what might have been (bearing in mind that Ferrari had homologated its 288 GTO for Group B), we were salivating at such a tantalising prospect.

So, what else could we do but put the cars back-to-back and create the showdown that never quite happened in period? Now that’s a new beginning.