Audi will give nine brand new models a UK debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Classic car, Vintage Car, Sports Car, News, Motorshow, SUV, Hot Hatch
Vintage Car
Classic car, Sports Car, Vintage Car, News
Lamborghini Miura relives ’The Italian Job’ for its 50th birthday
Automobili Lamborghini has sent two Miuras from its Museum down the route used in the film, “The Italian Job”.
Events, News, SUV, Crossover, Vintage Car, 4x4
New Jeep flagship London showroom
Jeep has launched a new flagship showroom in central London.
Executives, business leaders and sports stars were among the 100 guests hosted by Motor Village UK to celebrate the arrival of Jeep into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Wigmore Street location.
Just around the corner from London’s famous Oxford Street, Motor Village UK will display Jeep vehicles in its shiny new showroom for the first time this spring. The flagship has previously only sold Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Abarth vehicles, making it the first time the iconic 4x4 car brand comes to the city. The Jeep Wrangler, Renegade, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models will all be displayed.
The opening of the only Jeep dealership in central London coincides with Jeep’s 75th Anniversary celebrations for 2016. Born in 1941, Jeep has a rich heritage and history, and some of the marque's most famous models were on display at the gala launch opening including a 1946 Willys and a 1970s CJ-7.
Steve Zanlunghi, Head of Jeep Brand, EMEA and Managing Director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, and Fabio Di Prima, Head of Fiat Chrysler Motor Village UK, officially announced the opening of the site to an audience of selected guests. “London is clearly an important area for Jeep to be visible in, and what better way to do that than through the Motor Village site” said Di Prima. “From the iconic Wrangler, right through to our big Jeep Grand Cherokee, the whole range of award winning SUVs will be available for customers to see and discover more about. This is a wonderful opportunity for Jeep and its customers.”
A separate display, celebrating Jeep’s partnership with the blockbuster movie 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' was also shown, featuring the Jeep Renegade SUV, which appears in the film. As part of the celebrations, a special test drive experience has been organised until 31 March, in which customers can drive any of the current line-up of Jeep vehicles, with a Jeep specialist alongside for guidance.
Classic car, Concept Car, Motorshow, Sports Car, Vintage Car
Vauxhall reveals GT Concept
Vauxhall has revealed its new GT Concept ahead of a Geneva Motorshow debut.
The brands vision of a future sports car is described as ’purebred, pared down, yet unashamedly avant-garde’. The GT Concept is even shorn of door handles and door mirrors, and features a front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis that will ‘appeal to driving enthusiasts’.
The GT name mirrors that of the 1964 GT Concept, the first styling model to be produced by the Vauxhall Design and Engineering Centre in Luton which opened the same year. The 2016 concept pays homage to two significant motor show cars: the 1966 Vauxhall XVR (Xperimental Vauxhall Research) and the 1965 Opel Experimental GT - particularly with the long bonnet and central dual exhausts. Fifty years later, the GT Concept has a red signature line that splits the vehicle body horizontally and distinctive red tyres – mounted on rims with a ‘roller-skate’ design – which are a reference to an Vauxhall/Opel motorbike from the 1920s – the Motoclub 500 – which sported red-coloured rubber.
The GT Concept’s front-mid engine configuration keeps the car’s centre of gravity low and central for ‘excellent dynamics’. Beneath its stretched bonnet is a turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine, based on the all-aluminium unit used in the ADAM, Corsa and Astra. Developing 145PS and maximum torque of 205Nm, the engine delivers drive to the rear wheels, via a six-speed sequential transmission operated by steering-wheel mounted paddle shift. Weighing under 1000kgs, the GT Concept accelerates from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds and on to a maximum speed of 134mph.
The GT Concept uses ultra-modern projection technology, with a three-dimensional beam which allows glare-free high-beam driving. Based on Vauxhall’s IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, first seen in the recently launched Astra, the GT Concept sees the intelligent lighting system’s next stage of development. The design of the lights is completed by the three-dimensional design of the tail lamps.
A key innovation is the cars large doors with integrated side windows that show a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Both driver and front passenger gain access to the spacious interior after pressing a touchpad for the electric doors that is integrated in the red signature line of the roof. The doors open into the front arches, using a space-saving and patented mounting that allows a large opening angle for tight parking spaces in urban areas. Two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches offer enhanced visibility, especially in city driving. They transmit their images to two monitors on the left- and right-hand side of the cabin, rendering external mirrors obsolete. The windscreen flows into a glass panorama roof, affording occupants a similar experience to that of a targa-topped car, according to Vauxhall.
The Geneva Motorshow runs from March 3-13.
Concept Car, Electric, Vintage Car, Sports Car, News
Porsche gives all-electric Mission E the go-ahead
The supervisory board at Porsche HQ have given the green light to the company's first 100 per cent electric car.
Confirming the Mission E project, Dr. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, at Porsche described the news as: "beginning a new chapter in the history of the sports car."
The Mission E concept car debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The electric sports car combines 'outstanding driving performance' with day-to-day practicality. The four-door car with four individual seats has a system power output of over 600 hp (440 kW) and will accelerate to 62mph in under 3.5 seconds while offering a range of more than 310 miles. Charged via an 800-volt charger unit specially developed for the car, the lithium-ion batteries integrated within the vehicle floor have enough power again for 80 percent of the range after just 15 minutes. The vehicle can optionally be 'refuelled' wirelessly by induction via a coil set into the garage floor.
With the Mission E project, Porsche says it is 'continuing to back sustainable growth' with more than 1,000 new jobs are being created. The company will be investing around 700 million euros in its main site. Over the next few years, a new paint shop and a new assembly plant will be built. The existing engine factory is also being expanded for the production of electric motors. In addition, the existing body shop is being enlarged.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG: "With Mission E, we are making a clear statement about the future of the brand. Even in a greatly changing motoring world, Porsche will maintain its front-row position with this fascinating sports car."
Dr. Oliver Blume continued: "We are resolutely taking on the challenge of electric mobility. Even with solely battery-powered sports cars, Porsche is remaining true to its philosophy and offering our customers the sportiest and technologically most sophisticated model in this market segment."
The new vehicle is due to be launched at the end of the decade.
James Bond posters to go under the hammer
Auctioneers Coys are selling a collection of rare James Bond film posters and memorabilia at their "True Greats" auction on December 1.
The sale will feature posters from iconic productions such as Thunderball, Her Majesty's Secret Service, The World is Not Enough, Octopussy, You Only Live Twice, Dr No, Goldfinger and SPECTRE. The release of the latest Bond film last month has spiked interest, proving the 007 franchise is as popular as ever.
Perhaps the most anticipated item to go on sale is the rare 1965 Thunderball poster, which is estimated from £8,000 to £10,000. "Originally designed in four panel format, intended to be cut into two or four for the cinema to use around the advertising area, this particular version was never cut into sections and is one of the finest examples available." said, Adrian Cowdry, vintage poster specialist at Coys.
A limited edition SPECTRE poster that was designed for the cast and crew of the film will also feature and is estimated to fetch between £700 to £800.
There will also be a number of first edition Bond novels on sale, including Man with the Golden Gun, Octopussy and On Her Majesty's Secret Service, estimated at £150 to £500.
Also on sale is a 1928 Supercharged Bentley Blower. Long before Ian Fleming placed James Bond at the wheel of an Aston Martin, he had 007 thundering around in a Bentley in the early novels.
Coys' "True Greats" auction takes place on Tuesday 1 December 2015 at 3pm at the Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE.
Viewing is available on Monday 30 November and on the day of the sale from 10am.
The Stig names Ford Mustang as ultimate stunt car
The all-new Ford Mustang has been named the ultimate stunt car by Ben Collins, aka The Stig.
Also a top Hollywood stunt driver, racing driver and former Stig (for eight years) on the BBC's Top Gear - Collins has a new film out called "Ben Collins: Stunt Driver". In the new film, the Ford Mustang fastback - powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine - beats an array of high-performance road and competition cars during 48 hours of explosive, high-speed challenges featuring aerobatic planes, helicopter gunships and military machines.
"The point of this adventure was to find the perfect car for an epic, high octane, Hollywood-style car chase, and it's the iconic Ford Mustang that gets top billing," Collins said. "Mustang has starred in many a classic car chase during the past 50 years, and is still the stunt driver's weapon of choice to leave the bad guys standing in a cloud of tyre smoke."
Collins' movie stunt driving credits include the James Bond films Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre, as well as The Dark Knight Rises and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. Collins has also competed in Le Mans, GT and NASCAR race series.
The Mustang helped Collins evade baddies in his new film with all-new front and rear suspension systems including integral link independent rear suspension, and standard performance brake packages behind 19-inch wheels. The lightweight chassis delivers up to 0.97 g-force when cornering, says Ford. Launch Control also helps, with the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang sprinting from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds.
"Mustang has made more than 3,700 movie appearances and has kept cinema-goers on the edge of their seats in car chases from the legendary 'Bullitt' sequence in 1968, to the first movie to feature the all-new Mustang, 'Need for Speed' in 2014," said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "Being named the ultimate stunt car in 'Ben Collins: Stunt Driver' further cements Mustang's place as an automotive and screen icon."
The all-new Ford Mustang is now on sale in the UK now with prices starting from £29,995 (EcoBoost) and £33,995 (V8). The new DVD, Ben Collins: Stunt Driver is out this week.
Rolls-Royce chauffeurs stars to MOBO awards
Rolls-Royce chauffeured some of the biggest names in music to the 2015 MOBO Awards.
Arriving on the red carpet in the ultimate style at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, Winner of Best Male Act and Best Grime Act; Stormzy, producer and performer Naughty Boy, singer songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae and soul singer Lianne Le Havas all stepped out from their bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms.
Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain also took the opportunity to arrive in the finest style to the glittering ceremony.
"The MOBOs recognise and celebrate the craft that goes into creating the music that ensures the UK's position as the most vibrant creative centre in the world," said Kanya King MBE, founder of the MOBO Awards. "In the same spirit, a Rolls-Royce affords our stars the ultimate red carpet arrival by expressing the very best in contemporary British design, craftsmanship and style. We were delighted that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars agreed to be our partner for the event."
Audi 'prints' replica historical car
Audi Toolmaking has used a 3D printer to produce a model of the historical 1936 "Auto Union Typ C" Grand Prix car.
The company is now examining further possible applications of metal printers for the production of complex components. "We are pushing forward with new manufacturing technologies at Audi Toolmaking and at the Volkswagen Group," stated Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl, Audi's Board of Management Member for Production and Head of Toolmaking at the Volkswagen Group. "Together with partners in the area of research, we are constantly exploring the boundaries of new processes. One of our goals is to apply metal printers in series production."
The Volkswagen Group has a total of 14 toolmaking units in nine countries with cooperative ventures arranged for research and development. The first focus of the cooperation is the implementation of metallic 3D printing and 3D printing in the sand-printing method. Audi Toolmaking has now used metal printing to produce all the metallic parts of the Silver Arrow model "Auto Union Typ C" on a scale of 1:2.
For this purpose, a 'selective-sintering' laser melted layers of metallic powder with a grain size of 15 to 40 thousandths of a millimetre, roughly half of the diameter of a human hair. The process therefore allows the production of components with complex geometries, which with conventional methods could either not be produced or only with great difficulties. At present, this process can be used to produce shapes and objects with a length of 240 millimetres and a height of up to 200 millimeters. These printed components achieved a higher density than components made by die casting or hot forming.
Vintage Car, News, Coupe, Sports Car
Businessman leaves £10m Ferraris to RNLI
Businessman Richard Colton has left a rare Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and Ferrari 250 GT SWB to be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the RNLI.
Initial estimates place the combined value of the two Ferraris as potentially topping Ten million pounds. Richard Colton was a Northamptonshire-based businessman, who for 40 years collected and actively campaigned sensational classic cars. Described by close friends as a shy and private man, he was known to be 'somewhat nervous of the sea', which may have added to his great respect for the men and women who risk their lives daily around Britain's coast.
Colton was keen that his legacy be sold by a British classic car specialist auction house - hence H&H was chosen by his executors. Working closely with the auction house, Jim Kearns Senior Partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors was tasked, as joint executor, with ensuring that Colton's estate was executed in line with his wishes, that all proceeds be bequeathed to the RNLI.
Jim Kearns commented; "It is a remarkable and generous legacy. All of us at Wilson Browne Solicitors are proud to be part of such an exciting and wonderful bequest and it's testament to the faith Richard had in us as experts in the field that he not only relied on us for his Will but asked us to ensure that we got the best possible price (as joint executors) so the money could be put to work for the RNLI."
Kearns added; "The exquisite cars really were the impossible gift. To leave them to an individual would have incurred 40 per cent inheritance tax meaning that the cars would most likely have to be sold to pay for it. Leaving them to a charitable cause as noble as the RNLI means that they get the maximum value."
Money raised from the sale will be used to build a new lifeboat called Richard and Caroline Colton, named after Richard and his late wife.
Guy Rose, Legacy Manager at the RNLI, said: "We are deeply grateful and humbled by Mr Colton's generous gift and his decision to benefit the RNLI in this way. Six out of every 10 lifeboat launches are only made possible because of gifts left to us in Wills, so they are vital to saving lives at sea. Mr Colton's generosity will be felt most by our volunteer crews and the people whose lives they save."
The auction takes place on 14 October 2015 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridge.
Sports Car, Vintage Car, News, Convertible
Classic Cars assemble at Alexandra Palace
With just weeks to go until the doors open on Classic & Sports Car - The London Show, the organisers have assembled six iconic cars in front of the show's historic venue - Alexandra Palace.
Previewing the main event, which will take place from 30 October to 1 November, an Aston Martin DB4GT, Ferrari 250GT California Spider, Jaguar E-type Roadster, Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing', 1973 Pontiac Trans Am and Porsche 993 Carrera RS appeared in all their glory outside Alexandra Palace, which first opened in 1873.
These classic cars are a small selection of the 300 or so which will be on display, with stands featuring historic machines from world-famous collectors and world-renowned classic car retailers - all under one roof.
Classic & Sports Car - The London Show will also feature a number of high-profile themes in its first year, as well as some exciting exhibits.
Key attractions include a 'Best of British' theme, the Aston Martin celebration, a display of Sir Stirling Moss single-seaters and the Live Interview stage.
James Elliott, Classic & Sports Car magazine group editor, said: "The six cars that gathered recently in the sunshine in front of Alexandra Palace really captured the spirit of what we think the inaugural Classic & Sports Car - The London Show is all about... I'm hugely excited by the prospect of the show's special attractions and demonstrations and look forward to welcoming like-minded enthusiasts to be part of such a convivial atmosphere."
To book tickets, visit www.classicandsportscarshow.com or call 0844 581 1275.
Vintage Car, Saloon, Convertible, News
BCA to sell Morris Minor again - after 35 years
A classic 1957 Morris Minor last sold by BCA in 1980 has returned to the company to be sold once again.
The 2-door Morris Minor was sold at the former BCA Frimley centre in 1980 by the original owner who had bought it as a new car in 1957. The buyer in 1980 is now returning to BCA to sell the car for only the second time in nearly sixty years, at BCA Blackbushe on 14 October. Included in the paperwork is the 1980 BCA purchase invoice, confirming that the car originally sold for £680.
The Morris Minor is finished in black with a red leather interior and is being sold with a large number of original spares including a pair of boxed 'as new' Lucas semaphore indicators, various service parts, Morris badges, carpets, new floor panels, chrome overriders and a complete set of spare wheels. The car also retains its original period number plate 1351 HK. Largely original throughout, the car requires some gentle restoration to return to its former glories and would, BCA suggest, make a great project for an enthusiast.
Blackbushe centre manager James Gibson said: "This is a genuine two-owner from new car that BCA last sold 35 years ago. We are delighted that this stalwart of British roads from the fifties has made its way back to BCA ready for its next owner. Potential owners will recognise that this is a great opportunity to acquire a very original example of this iconic car, with a well-documented history, genuine mileage and an extensive set of spares that will be invaluable for restoring the car. We expect lots of interest and strong bidding on the day."
The 1957 Morris Minor goes for sale at BCA Blackbushe on Wednesday 14 October at 11.00 am. For more details and an online catalogue listing visit www.bca.co.uk
Sports Car, Supercars, News, Vintage Car
British-built cars line-up for Frankfurt send-off
The UK car industry united for a unique send-off to the Frankfurt Motor Show, with a thumbs up from Business Secretary Sajid Javid.
Vauxhall marks Chevette's 40th birthday
Vauxhall is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Chevette at the Footman James Sywell Classic - Pistons and Props motoring festival in September.
There will be several examples of the celebrated marque on display such as the Chevette HS2300 plus the Cavalier Mk1, also celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015.
All of the Vauxhall owners clubs have been invited to join the party.
The organisers are also giving private owners of the Vauxhall Chevette the opportunity to get involved, with 20 places allocated within the Vauxhall Heritage display.
Denis Chick, Director of Communications at Vauxhall Motors, said: "We're delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the Chevette at Sywell Classic and look forward to showing some of our Vauxhall heritage fleet as well as meeting owners who have kept their Chevettes in such excellent order and still on the road today. The Cavalier will also join in making this a double anniversary celebration."
Also on show will be the Biggles Bi-Plane, a replica BE-2c aircraft from the 1914/18 war which is supported by Vauxhall. It was commissioned in 1969 by the makers of the film 'Biggles Sweeps the Skies'. As well as taking to the sky it will be displayed alongside an original Vauxhall 1914 D-Type army staff car and the striking Biggles liveried Vauxhall Zafira Tourer support vehicle.
Sywell Classic Event Director Tom Siddall added: "This is the first time a major manufacturer has supported Sywell Classic and we're thrilled to have them on board for a celebration of their strong heritage."
Bringing Vauxhall right up date will be an example of the all-new Astra, launched just two weeks before at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Astra is British-built at Vauxhall's factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Vauxhall will also be showing the recently launched new Viva, a car that revives memories of its very successful 1960s predecessor.
Now in its third year, Sywell Classic will be held at Northamptonshire's Sywell Aerodrome on the weekend of 26-27 September.
Toyota celebrates 50 years in the UK
In 1965 Toyota made a modest entry into the UK car market with the Corona.
Fifty years later Toyota has sold almost three million vehicles in Britain, it also builds them here too. That first Corona wasn't big, it wasn't flashy and its arrival was marked by a small four-car stand at that year's motor show. Clocking up 50 years makes Toyota the Japanese car maker with the longest unbroken history in the UK.
Pride and Clark was the original UK importer and distributor, a South London family firm that launched its enterprise after John Pride travelled to the Far East to see the developing Japanese car industry for himself. His faith in Toyota was shared by a handful of car retailers who set up the first Toyota showrooms, at first with just a single model line - Corona - to offer their customers.
Business prospered as the range of vehicles grew, not least with introduction of the first Corolla in 1966. The name Toyota (GB) Ltd was adopted in 1967 and by 1980 200,000 cars had been sold, securing its position as a leading player in Britain's car market. Nine years later Toyota announced the UK as the location for a European manufacturing centre. Toyota Manufacturing UK's Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire and Deeside engine factory in North Wales came on stream in 1992 and have benefited from more than £2 billion investment in technology, skills and jobs.
Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, explained: "Toyota entered the UK market with the aim of providing better cars and better service, even if those weren't the words used back then. But ever since, Toyota has stood out for giving the customer something better - better equipment, better reliability and better service."
While Toyota says its focus is on the future and the development of 'ever-better cars', it honours the achievements of some its influential models of the past in a heritage fleet, maintained by Toyota (GB). The classic line-up includes an original Corona saloon, the famous Corolla AE86 that helped inspire today's GT86 coupe, a first-generation RAV4 and one of the earliest British-built models and a 1992-vintage Carina E.
In its 50th year in the UK, Toyota has already launched new Avensis and Auris models - built at Burnaston. Later this year it will also begin marketing the first of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles here, opening a new chapter in zero emissions driving with technology the drivers of those first Corona saloons could never have imagined.
Ian Fleming's Bentley R-Type Continental up for auction
James Bond creator Ian Fleming's 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback has been unearthed in an unrestored condition, and is set to go to auction.
Finished by renowned British coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner, the R-Type Continental Fastback was built in extremely limited numbers. These high-performance grand touring cars attracted an elite clientele that included royalty, celebrities, and captains of industry. This car - BC10LB - is no exception, as Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond series, ordered this Bentley for his friend and collaborator Ivar Bryce. Bryce worked for the British Security Coordination during World War II and was the inspiration for Fleming's character Felix Leiter. It's a little known fact that Fleming penned James Bond as a Bentley driver in the first six of his novels.
Originally finished in Deep Grey and specified as a left-hand drive, manual gearbox car with front wing spats and lightweight seats, Bryce's R-Type Continental was equipped with bespoke features such as fitted luggage and a racehorse mascot. Recently discovered in a Hollywood garage, where it had been hidden away for over three decades, this unrestored R-Type Continental is one of the most exciting post-war Bentleys to come to market.
Official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Gooding & Company, will be overseeing the sale and have put an estimate on the '53 Bentley at just over £1million.
The auction takes place on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16 in Pebble Beach, California.
Coupe, Convertible, News, Vintage Car
Rare Aston DB6 Volante up for auction
An exceptionally rare 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk 1 Volante Vantage is to go under the hammer at Barons at Sandown Park on 28 July.
One of just 29 ever made, it is believed to be the final such Volante Vantage built.
Chassis number DBVC-3738R has been in the same ownership since 1981, and is in extremely original condition - even the power hood is thought to be original. Now used only rarely - and only in the dry - it carries an estimate of £500,000-£750,000.
This model rarely comes to market and the auctioneers claim they have been receiving enquiries and many early bidding registrations from potential buyers worldwide.
Barons' director Tony Cavell said, "We are very excited to have the remarkable Aston Martin consigned to the sale, and the reaction has already been outstanding, with a significant amount of interest shown in the car."