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UK collector pays $800k for license plate '25 O'

You can't get a vanity license plate in the UK, but Brits have proven their willingness time and time again to part with huge amounts of cash in order to get a particularly desirable number to put on the front and back of their high-priced machinery. This time, a Ferrari collector paid over $800,000 for the license plate "25 O." The princely sum of GBP518,000 – equivalent to over $814k at today's rates – was paid by John Collins, owner of classic car broker Talacrest. Collins reportedly intends to put it on his Ferrari 250 GT SWB. What's more is that he had just paid another GBP130,320 ($205k) for the license plate "250 L" that he plans to put on his 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, the long-wheelbase touring version of the same vehicle. The winning bids were placed at an auction held by the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency – the 150th such auction held by the government office, marking its 25th anniversary. The "25 O" plate broke the event's previous record of GBP357,000 ($560k), paid in March 2009 for plate number "1 D." In 2008 noted tuner Afzal Kahn bought the license plate "F1" for GBP440,000, which is less than what Collins paid for "25 O" but different exchange rates worked that out to $870k at the time. Kahn was said to have turned down a $9 million offer for that plate last year. DVLA PERSONALISED REGISTRATIONS SETS A NEW BRITISH RECORD AS 25 O SELLS FOR GBP500,000 DVLA Personalised Registrations has set a new British record for a personalised registration sold by the Agency after 25 O was bought for more than GBP500,000. Incredibly, John Collins, who, as owner of Talacrest, is regarded as one of the world's leading collectors and dealers of classic Ferraris, bought 25 O for GBP518,000 less than three hours after successfully buying 250 L for a staggering GBP130,320. Both sums include fees and take the total amount paid by the businessman to GBP648,320. Both are among the 1,600 registrations being auctioned by the Agency as part of its 25th Anniversary three-day auction – and also 150th live sale – currently being held at The Vale Resort near Cardiff. Both registrations will be placed on two of the world's most exclusive cars; 250 L will head onto a rare 1964 Ferrari Lusso, while 25 O will sit on the Ferrari 250 SWB once owned by the rock singer Eric Clapton.

F1 teams to test titanium skid plates to reignite spark in series

The 2014 Formula One season opened with one overwhelming complaint - the cars didn't sound right. It sapped the excitement, despite the fact that this season has seen a number of truly thrilling races (Bahrain, Spain and Montreal all come to mind). Attempts have been made to restore some of the audible thrill of the cars, although efforts have remained unsuccessful.
If F1 can't fix the sound of the cars, then other methods need to be considered to restore its self-perceived lack of excitement. One of those involves fitting titanium skid plates to the cars in a bid to reintroduce the sparks that were so prevalent in the sport's past.
Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari conducted initial experiments with the new skid plates during early practice sessions for the 2014 Austrian Grand Prix. Kimi Raikkonen and Nico Rosberg had the plates fitted to different locations of their cars, in a bid to see which created the most dramatic sparks. Considering the photos the tests, though, neither Mercedes' nor Ferrari's setup really seemed successful, which is why you're seeing Johnny Herbert and his 1989 Benneton B188 up top.

Ferrari slated to reveal revised FF on Lake Como next month

Ferrari is reportedly gearing up to present a new version of the FF. Initially introduced in 2011, Maranello's all-wheel-drive shooting brake is now the oldest model in the lineup. But it won't be for much longer. The Italian automaker reportedly sent out a notice to select customers recently, inviting them to the debut of a V12 grand tourer with 2+2 seating. While it didn't explicitly name the model, those parameters could only apply to the FF. The reveal is slated to take place on February 15 at Villa Erba, the estate neighboring Villa d'Este on Lake Como that also hosts part of the Concorso d'Eleganza each year. That event is not slated to take place until May, but Ferrari is apparently renting it out for the event. Expect the updated FF to make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show the following month. We predict revised styling to the front and rear fascias and new head- and taillights more in keeping with the company's newer models. The 6.3-liter V12 will likely carry over, but where the current model packs 651 horsepower, the revised version could step up to around 700 to bridge the gap to the more potent F12 Berlinetta with its 730 hp – or 769 in the F12 TdF. Don't expect any turbochargers – at least not on the V12 – as Ferrari doesn't plan on applying them to its 12-cylinder models. A hybrid version could be in the cards. Rumors have also suggested that a lower-priced V8 version could be offered as well, though that could end up encroaching too closely on the California's territory. One way or another, the part-time all-wheel drive system is likely to stay – as will the four-seat layout. Plus, a more tapered roofline could help the revised FF cut a more elegant silhouette. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2013 Ferrari FF: Review View 35 Photos News Source: Motor AuthorityImage Credit: Copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL Geneva Motor Show Ferrari Coupe Hatchback Wagon Supercars ferrari ff