Mini Cooper The Real Thing - Front
Classic Cars

New Mini Cooper eBook

Britain’s mighty atom, the original Mini Cooper, has a huge reputation out of all proportion to its size. The Mini was created by the fertile mind of Alec Issigonis and modified by John Cooper to become known as the Mini Cooper in 1961. Giant killing in motorsport, particularly in the Monte Carlo Rally, built the enduring Mini Cooper legend. Original production ended in the early 1970s but  was resumed in the early 1990s. 1994 once again saw Paddy Hopkirk campaigning a Mini Cooper in the Monte! Mini Cooper: The Real Thing! by Johnny Tipler ISBN: 9781845847524 Print equivalent ISBN: 9781874105227 EBOOK AVAILABLE NOW! $23.99 / £18.99 – prices may vary between vendors Features … The story of Britain’s mighty atom the original Mini Cooper Production history & evolution Building the Cooper Profiles of Sir Alec Issigonis and Paddy Hopkirk Details […]

Caterham Cars opens new showroom in Italy
Caterham

Caterham Opens Showroom In Italy

British sportscar manufacturer, Caterham Cars, has expanded its growing European dealer network with the appointment of Borghi Automobili as a new distributor in Italy’s fashion capital, Milan. Borghi Automobili was established in 1919 and has almost a century’s experience in selling exotic sportscars from all over the world. The appointment re-establishes Caterham’s presence in Italy and the full European range of Caterham’s iconic British sportscars – including the Seven 165, the brand-new Seven 275, and Europe’s most powerful Seven; the 485 – will be available, as well as Caterham Academy and R300 race cars.  In addition to catering for new customers, Borghi Automobili also offers Italian customers a full after sales service. To celebrate its appointment as an official dealer, Borghi Automobili held a launch event on Friday 25th September at the showroom and showcased the recently released Seven 275 […]

VotW - MBGGT
Articles

VotW – MGB Buyer’s Guide featuring MGBGT

There is no doubt that of all the British marques, MG is the one that has sunk deepest into my veins. And of those classic cars, the MGBGT holds a special place in my heart. So, for our video of the week this go round we will turn to an MG buyer’s guide. Danny Hopkins, editor of Practical Classics Magazine, uses a 1975 MGBGT Jubilee edition to illustrate what to look for — including typical trouble spots — before you make a purchase.

Jaguar Oliver Sweeney Driving Shoe
Corporate Business

New Jaguar Oliver Sweeney Driving Shoe

Jaguar and Oliver Sweeney announce the latest range of co-developed shoes from the on-going collaboration between the British brands today. Named Weslake and Sayer, the two new styles of formal driving shoe are celebrations of the company’s design and engineering heritage. Malcolm Sayer was one of the company’s most famous designers, the man credited with the C-type, D-type, E-type, XJ-S and the unique XJ13. Whilst Harry Weslake was Jaguar’s legendary engine designer.

Rolls-Royce Dealership
Corporate Business

Rolls-Royce To Open Showroom in Bristol

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced today that Bristol is to be the location for its new showroom – the super-luxury marque’s seventh in the UK. Set to open in the first half of 2016 under the management of Rybrook Holdings, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bristol will be established in Cribbs Causeway, just to the north of the city. Responsible for sales and servicing across the South West of the UK, the showroom will serve customers from an area of more than 12,000 square miles from Lands End, through Wales and up to the Cotswolds. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bristol is Rybrook’s second Rolls-Royce franchise, having successfully operated Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Birmingham for a number of years. Construction of the state-of-the-art showroom is due to commence in October, and will open officially to customers in the spring offering both sales and aftersales facilities. […]

MG6 S DTI-TECH, Under £17,500 Class Winner, Towcar Awards 2016
Corporate Business

MG6 Named Class Winner by Caravan Club

Thursday, 24 September, the MG6 S scooped the ‘Under £17,500’ class winner award at the Caravan Club Towcar of the Year event. During rigorous testing, that took place in July at the Millbrook Proving Ground, the MG6 wowed judges and was named winner of its class. Judges comments were: “This keenly-priced, front wheel drive MG surprised a few judges with its ‘more-than-capable’ towing performance around the challenging Millbrook course. It boasts a generous 100kg noseweight limit and impressive boot space. The hill start was very good for a front wheel drive car.” For this year’s competition, which is in its 33rd year, 43 cars were split into seven price classes and two weight categories. The classes were vehicles priced: under £17,500; £17,500 – £22,000; £22,000 – £26,000; £26,000 – £30,000; £30,000 – £40,000; and over £50,000.

Rolls-Royce Grill and Emblem
Corporate Business

Leadership Change at Rolls-Royce NA

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that President (North America), Eric Shepherd, has decided to move to a new entrepreneurial role in the super-luxury automotive retail sector within the Rolls-Royce family. Chief Executive, Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, said, “Eric’s move is a big loss to our successful business at Rolls-Royce North America but we are highly supportive of talented managers like Eric pursuing personal business opportunities, particularly when it means they stay within the Rolls-Royce community. Eric’s dynamic leadership of our North American operation has been highly effective. He has established a strong team and cohesive network which has led to a substantial strengthening of our business in the region.” Shepherd will continue in office as President of Rolls-Royce NA until 31 December 2015. He will be succeeded by Pedro Mota who will join Rolls-Royce NA from Porsche Cars NA where he served […]

2016 MINI Clubman
Corporate Business

New MINI Clubman Pricing Announced

MINI USA announced pricing today on its all-new 2016 MINI Clubman with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,100 for the Cooper model. The most spacious and versatile MINI every built, the new MINI Clubman is the first MINI to enter the compact premium segment. It is both longer and wider than previous MINI models and offers premium quality and craftsmanship in every detail for under $25,000. The Cooper S variant will start at $27,650.  All prices exclude the $850 Destination & Handling fee. “The premium quality and value of the new MINI Clubman will set the standard for the premium compact segment going forward,” said Patrick McKenna, Department Head, Product Planning & Events, MINI USA. “MINI defined the premium small car segment with the relaunch of the Hardtop back in 2002 and the new Clubman will help us redefine […]

Aston Martin Belfast Opening
Aston Martin

Aston Martin Opens Belfast Facility

Aston Martin Belfast’s new facility opened its doors last night as customers enjoyed a celebratory reception to mark the occasion and were treated to an exclusive display. The dealership, which continues to be operated by long-term partner Charles Hurst, benefits from a £1m development and signals the group’s commitment to the luxury British brand. Opened officially by Marcus Blake, Aston Martin Regional Director, UK, the new dealership benefits from a luxurious new and pre-owned showroom, dedicated aftersales team and a workshop staffed by world-class Gaydon-trained technicians. As a result, both current and future Aston Martin customers from Northern Ireland and Ireland can continue to expect the highest levels of customer service. Attendees were also treated to a private viewing of the new Aston Martin DB10 which will be seen in the upcoming James Bond film Spectre. Also included in the […]

Robert Morey - British Sports Car Consulting
Articles

There’s Always Better

We welcome a new contributor today, Robert Morey of British Sports Car Consulting. Robert is a long time friend and car lover, and he brings us a remembrances of the old homestead and vintage cars. Hopefully Robert’s contributions will be a regular occurrence here, and your feedback and comments are both welcome and requested. There’s Always Better by Robert Morey I remember my great grandmother’s chairs. They were huge. Seemingly the size of a car, but perhaps this was due to my size as these are some of my earliest memories. The enormous overstuffed  chairs had comforters of the “grandma knitted them” variety draped over them in several layers, and this made the already over padded appearance even more inviting. Never mind the fact that those chairs were situated like the wagons of the Wild West around the also huge […]

Land Rover Defender Challenge
Corporate Business

Defender Challenge by Bowler Returns

After the summer break, Defender Challenge by Bowler returns this weekend for its fourth round as nine teams battle it out at the Trackrod Rally, part of the annual Rally Yorkshire event. Based at Pickering Showground, the course takes in 53 miles of rally stages that twist through the spectacular Yorkshire countryside over two days and opening with the daunting prospect of challenging night stages. The FIA-approved Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Tops are modified by Bowler Motorsport specifically for rally competitions. Engines are tuned to 170bhp and 450Nm of torque and the suspension system features uprated dampers and roll bars. Lighter wheels, a full roll-cage and rally safety features complete the specification. This weekend, a number of Land Rover employees and apprentices join the Bowler technical teams to support the rally. In addition to their ‘day jobs’, enthusiasts from […]

Norman Dewis, OBE
Caterham

Jaguar’s Norman Dewis Enters MPG Marathon at 95

Norman Dewis, OBE, chief test driver and development engineer for Jaguar Cars from 1952 to 1985, is set to become the oldest ever contestant when he drives in this year’s MPG Marathon – at the tender age of 95! Dewis, who was born in 1920, will be entering this year’s event, rated as the UK’s most prestigious lean-driving challenge, in a rear wheel drive, 2.0 litre 163hp Jaguar XE alongside Jaguar Heritage communications officer, Tony O’Keeffe. Over the years, Dewis has played a major role in the development of some of Jaguar’s most iconic models, including the E-Type, XJ6, XJ-S and many more. He was behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK120 in October 1953 when it reached 172.412mph at Jabbeke, Belgium, a record for production cars. Awarded the OBE for services to the motor industry in the New Year’s […]

Sir Stirling Moss - Oulton Park
Classic Cars

Stirling Moss Single-Seaters to Display at The London Show

Classic & Sports Car – The London Show is delighted to announce, as a complement to its ‘Best of British’ theme, a display of important British single-seaters raced by ‘Mr Motor Racing’ Sir Stirling Moss. While Moss raced hundreds of different machines in dozens of different categories, including single-seaters, touring cars, sportscars and rally cars, all over the world in his spectacular career, it was his dedication to promoting Britain and its racing industry that was unrivalled. So much so that he would use his outrageous skill to compensate for often less-competitive machinery in his patriotic pursuits.

MG Motors
Corporate Business

House of Cars is Latest MG Dealer

Nathaniel Cars, known locally in Bridgend as the ‘House of Cars’, is the latest dealer to join the MG franchise. The Wales based family-run garage, which was established by Wayne Griffiths 35 years ago, is now run by him and his son Nathan. With a strong local presence, the company will be a great addition to MG’s growing dealer network when it goes live next week (1st October). Both Wayne and Nathan Griffiths are very excited to be adding MG to their existing three franchises. Nathan said: “We can’t wait to start selling MGs. We think the model range offers exceptional value for money and has a huge potential. It’s also great to be selling such an iconic British brand; something I’m sure our customers will feel a sense of pride in too.” “We’re really excited about the range and […]

VotW - Stowe Vermont British Invasion
Articles

VotW – Stowe Vermont British Invasion

Our video this week is dedicated to the British Invasion show in Stowe, Vermont. The 2015 edition occurred this past weekend, and although we couldn’t make it (hope to next year), we are told it was a great event. This video features the show held last year. This video is an episode of My Classic Car hosted by Dennis Gage. In this particular episode, Dennis travels to Stowe, for the 2014 British Invasion car show. Additionally he discusses classic car restoration in the Autogeek Garage. I will admit that one of the segments I had to rewatch multiple times in this episode is the piece with one of my favorite cars, the 1932 MG J1.

2015 Bonhams VCR Route 1
Classic Cars

Bonhams London to Brighton Run Update

As many as half a million spectators will line the route of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run this November, when the longest running motoring event in the world sets off on its annual adventure from London to Brighton (Sunday 1 November). Like the hardy teams piloting their amazing horseless carriages from the capital to the coast, the spectators brave whatever the weather conjures up to salute motoring’s pioneers: every car taking part was built before 1905. Best of all, every vantage point along the 60-mile route offers completely free viewing allowing everyone to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of more than 400 veterans as they ‘put-put’ their way to Brighton. Although the Run follows more or less the same route as last year, there have been a few changes to make it even better for participants […]

Rolls-Royce Wraith History of Rugby Origins
Corporate Business

Rolls-Royce Wraith – History of Rugby

When the established rules become a constraint to creativity, it takes individuals of vision to carry the game forward. It was this spirit of individuality that has inspired the creation of two Great British institutions – Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the game of rugby. Celebrating the illustrious history of the latter, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to introduce the Rolls-Royce ‘Wraith – History of Rugby’, a unique creation from the company’s Bespoke Design Studio in Goodwood, England. Usually tasked with reflecting the individual taste and lifestyle of a bold new generation of customer, Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke team has drawn inspiration from the rich history of the quintessentially English sport to create a unique car. The Rolls-Royce ‘Wraith – History of Rugby’ celebrates England’s fundamental attachment to the great game, through an expression of individuality in keeping with the pioneering inspiration behind […]

Concours at Windsor Castle
Classic Cars

Windsor Castle Confirmed For 2016 Concours

In 2016, the Concours of Elegance returns to the spectacular venue which saw the event established, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle. From Friday the 2nd of September through to Sunday the 4th of September, the most exceptional cars from all over the world will gather to help celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday with a spectacular Concours of Elegance display in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle. The Concours of Elegance remains unique in the UK as the only automotive event to be held at a Royal venue each year, with 2016 marking the show’s fifth year of spectacular automotive gatherings in some of the world’s most iconic locations, including St James’s Palace, Hampton Court Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and next year’s return to Windsor Castle. His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent […]

Royal Automobile Announces Shortlist of Contenders
Highlights

Shortlist of Contenders for RAC Motoring Book of the Year

The most spectacular sports cars – and two of Britain’s racing driver heroes – stand out among the subject matter for the Royal Automobile Club’s 2015 Motoring Book of the Year Award, which will be announced on Wednesday, 28 October. Nominations for the Award have now all been received from the six independent judges, who review car-related books professionally for the most respected motoring publications in the country. Major new works on the Porsche 917, the Jaguar Lightweight E-type 4WPD and Alfa Romeo’s Grand Prix cars are in contention amongst superb autobiographies of Sir Stirling Moss OBE, and the late Jim Clark – in what’s turned out to be a truly vintage year for new titles.

Bonhams Offers Best of British
Aston Martin

Bonhams Offers Best of British

With British-made classic cars continuing to hold their own at auction, Bonhams is offering for sale a unique collection of Bentley, Aston Martin, Frazer Nash and Invicta vehicles. The fleet was assembled by Lancashire-based businessman Gordon Willey. British cars are sometimes effectively beating more highly estimated cars at auction. With Ferraris hitting records, buyers have been selective in recent sales at several houses. Willey’s multi-million-pound collection includes seven Bentleys such as a 1929 4½-Litre Tourer estimated at £400,000-£500,000. There are also pre-war cars such as a 1938 Frazer-Nash BMW 328 Roadster, once owned by British dance-band leader Billy Cotton and estimated at £550,000-£650,000 ($101,000). The lots also include Willey’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon, estimated at £400,000-£500,000, and delivered new to the Nizam of Nabunda. There is also an ex-Nigel Dawes 1934 Invicta 4½-Litre ‘S’ Type Low Chassis Tourer, […]