As the year 2023 draws to a close and we prepare to participate in the annual celebrations, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the developments in the motoring world.
Throughout the year, we provided comprehensive coverage of the most significant classic car stories, the launch of important new vehicles, events, road trips, and more. If it was pertinent to the car community, it held significance for us at Hagerty. Through our stories, videos, events, and products, we have consistently endeavored to offer our utmost support to our valued audience.
We extend our appreciation for the support we have received and aspire to continue this journey into 2024 and beyond. However, for now, let us reminisce and revisit the highlights of 2023…
January
The year began with the unexpected debut of the Porsche 911 Dakar, followed by the introduction of a carbon-offset scheme for classic car owners and guidance on applying for road tax and MOT exemption. Additionally, we had the pleasure of engaging with Richard Hammond to share stories about cars, bikes, and motoring mishaps.
Regrettably, January also witnessed a motorcycle accident involving fellow petrolhead Jay Leno, although he made a swift recovery. On a somber note, the legendary Hoonigan Ken Block passed away following a snowmobile crash. May he rest in peace. Looking ahead, we had the privilege of meeting the world’s youngest car magazine editor, in hopes of inspiring the next generation of enthusiasts.
February
In February, we explored The Ice at St. Moritz, the coolest car show in Switzerland, commemorated 70 years of MG badge engineering, and experienced the exclusive opportunity to drive the only Jaguar XJ13 in existence. We also pondered the significance of the Toyota GR86, potentially the last of its kind.
March
March brought unforeseen developments. We learned with a heavy heart that
Top Gear
was halting production after presenter Freddie Flintoff’s accident. On a brighter note, AC announced the revival of the
Cobra
for the 21st century, a small firm in Wales began selling ‘new’
Metro 6R4s,
and we discovered the mountain-conquering capabilities of the
Morgan Plus 4.
Additionally, March brought surprises in the form of an
electric Porsche 911
and the
Ferrari Purosangue
– both of which captured our attention.
April
April marked 70 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda, an iconic car we had the pleasure of profiling and reviewing. It also marked 50 years since Caterham assumed the rights to build Colin Chapman’s Lotus Seven, along with the announcement of a new future-facing roadster by MG. We also expanded Hagerty’s offerings with the opening of an online store, featuring a wide variety of stylish car merchandise.
May
In celebration of MG’s centenary, we reflected on the company’s greatest achievements. Notably, we discovered that King Charles III owns an Aston Martin that runs on wine and cheese, while the new DB12 will require more conventional fuel. Porsche also added some extra power to the 718 in the form of the RS Spyder.
June
After 44 years, the
Aston Martin Bulldog
finally achieved its 200-mph dream, while Nik Berg realized a lifelong dream by driving a
Lamborghini Miura
as part of Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Additionally, Nik drove the restomod KAM Manufaktur 912c –
a Porsche from an alternative universe.
July
The Prodrive P25 demonstrated that even 1990s cars are ripe for restomod treatment, Aston Martin commemorated 110 years with the Valour, and Lotus unveiled its most powerful four-cylinder model to date. Meanwhile, Caterham took a different approach by unveiling an electric concept car that appears destined for production.
August
We revealed Hagerty’s annual Power List, tracking the impact of celebrity ownership or movie stardom on classic car values. Additionally, we announced the grand opening of our Clubhouse at Bicester Heritage. We also geared up for the Festival of the Unexceptional, where thousands of mundane motor enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the ordinary. Looking ahead to next year’s tenth anniversary of this extraordinary event, we encouraged readers to secure their tickets early.
September
Our other notable gathering was Radwood, where enthusiasts of all things automotive from the 80s and 90s united. This event provided a nostalgic trip through pastel colours, side-strakes, and oversized mobile phones. We also relished the traditional Goodwood Revival, where classic and vintage race cars were driven as intended. Amidst favorable weather conditions, we ventured off to Snowdonia to explore the best of British folly on four, three, and two wheels.
October
In October, we reflected on the 75th anniversary of Citroën’s 2CV debut and pondered whether it was the right time to invest. We also revisited the often-misunderstood Triumph Stag and experienced the restomod treatment of another British classic, the MGB, courtesy of Frontline Cars. Additionally, we explored Mazda’s suggestion for the future of the rotary engine and contemplated the potential of sustainable fuels as an alternative to electrification.
November
November proved to be a month of high-value transactions. A Ferrari 250 GTO became the second most expensive car to sell at auction, fetching a staggering £42 million. We also had the opportunity to test drive a £3.5m Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, a half-million pound Helm Jaguar E-Type, a £200,000 EV-swapped Mustang, and compared the BMW 2002 Turbo with the latest M4 CSL. The importance of having insurance surely resonated with us!
December
Aside from the excitement of the holidays, December marked the release of Michael Mann’s
Ferrari,
and we gained insider insights from actor-racer
Patrick Dempsey.
We celebrated 30 years of the
Aston Martin DB7
and made a case for the
MGTF
as a future classic.
So there you have it – a roundup of the noteworthy events of 2023. What were your personal highlights of the year in motoring, and what would you like to see more of in 2024? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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