By Dejan Jovanovic
The ever-present march of technology waits for no man. For many automotive enthusiasts, however, there’s an undeniable magic in the primitive, in the classical… With time, even the most beloved collector cars can fall prey to aging components, neglect and weathering. If you’ve got deep enough pockets, though, you always have the option of something called ‘continuation cars’. These are modern recreations of legendary old vehicles that offer a bridge between the past and the future. They are hand-crafted masterpieces brought into the 21st century with cutting-edge engineering, making them an appealing choice for high-end collectors and enthusiasts. British brands like Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Alvis, and AC are at the forefront of this recent trend of reviving iconic models, giving a new generation the chance to experience history on four wheels.Aston Martin’s Continuation series, which began in 2017, set the standard for recreating classic cars with unmatched attention to detail. These models, including the famous James Bond DB5 Goldfinger and DB4 GT Zagato Continuation, represent a rare opportunity to own and drive some of the brand’s most celebrated vehicles. As Aston Martin’s spokesperson explains to The Kurator, these cars are “crafted using the same traditional methods as its illustrious forebears, fused with modern engineering advancements.” .Hand-built in the company’s historic Newport Pagnell facility, these models benefit from contemporary improvements in performance and safety while maintaining the original design’s spirit. With their timeless elegance matched with modern reliability, these continuation cars stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Aston Martin’s heritage that goes back more than 110 years. .The value of an Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation is estimated to be around $3.5 million, with the DB4 GT Continuation models priced similarly, making these cars highly exclusive and a significant investment for collectors.. Bentley, too, has embraced the continuation movement, particularly with its most recent Speed Six Continuation Series. Following the creation of the first pre-war continuation cars — the 12-car series of Blower Bentleys — Bentley continues to raise the bar. As Mike Sayer, Head of Product Communications at Bentley, explains, these projects are aimed at “relearning, reacquiring, and retaining the advanced skillset required to build, maintain, and service Bentleys of this era.”The Speed Six series is a direct link to the past, bringing the pre-war Bentley experience back to life with unparalleled authenticity. With techniques such as rebuilding engines from scratch and restoring the cars using the same materials and methods from the 1920s, Bentley ensures that the original experience is fully preserved. “Before these projects, Bentley did not retain any pre-war Bentley servicing or restoration knowledge – but now, we are experts in trimming these cars, including the use of original Rexine,” adds Sayer. “We can rebuild pre-war engines from scratch. We can build these cars from their most fundamental components down to the last nut and bolt.”Prices for the Speed Six Continuation models are estimated at around $2 million, fitting for a car that represents the epitome of British automotive heritage, yet these continuation cars are not just profitable side projects but rather an important part of a broader effort to retain invaluable knowledge and the lost art of craftsmanship. “A beautiful side effect is that we’ve also introduced the joys of pre-war Bentley ownership and driving to a new family of customers, some of whom had no prior experience with machines of this era,” says Sayer.Jaguar, renowned for its racing heritage, has also entered the continuation car world with models like the XKSS, D-Type, C-Type, and Lightweight E-Type. It’s practically an entire vehicle line-up. These cars are precise re-creations of the originals, down to the finest detail, allowing collectors to experience the thrill of driving a piece of Jaguar’s motorsport legacy, a legacy that includes three victories at the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 1950s. .Jaguar’s approach to continuation cars celebrates the brand’s rich history while embracing modern enhancements to ensure they are as thrilling and reliable as their predecessors. The XKSS continuation series, with only nine cars produced, is priced around $1.7 million, while the D-Type continuation models can fetch upwards of $2 million.Then there is Alvis, certainly less of a household name today but once a highly prestigious marque in British motoring. They, too, have embraced the continuation trend with a whole portfolio of cars some of which were originally produced in the 1930s — at the time Alvis cars were renowned for their combination of luxury and performance making them one of the standout automobiles of the era. .The continuation cars, built to the same specifications as the originals, use the same materials and craftsmanship that Alvis was known for, but with updated engineering techniques and modern safety standards. The cars feature hand-crafted body panels, interiors with original leather trim, and production methods that were employed during Alvis’ golden age. Each car is tailored to the individual specifications of the buyer, providing a personalized experience for collectors who are prepared to shell out $650,000.It would be rude to leave out the AC Ace, originally launched in the 1950s and arguably one of the most iconic British roadsters ever made. Its global claim to fame however came from across the pond in the US where the diminutive little Ace was transformed into a fire-breathing Cobra to win races against the might of Ferrari, Corvette, and other motorsport juggernauts. It succeeded, and the AC Cobra is to this day one of the most replicated cars ever made. But rarely anyone ever considers the original AC Ace roadster today, which is where the continuation model comes in to revive this forgotten hero. Unlike the brutish, V8-engined US Cobras with their bulging arches and meaty wheels and tyres, the British counterpart came equipped with a smooth six-cylinder Bristol engine packed in a narrow, svelte roadster body on classic, elegant wire-spoke wheels. The AC Ace continuation cars are priced at around $275,000, depending on the specific configuration and customization options.The UAE’s automotive market is a hub for high-end collectors, and the region’s appreciation for automotive excellence ensures that cars like these special continuation models are here to stay. As more manufacturers join the trend and technology continues to advance, these vehicles will remain a link to the past, bringing iconic models into the modern era. For collectors, the opportunity to drive a continuation car is not just about nostalgia or materialism — it’s about experiencing history in motion, with all the thrill and excitement (and a little bit of danger) that the past has to offer.