1894 Santler 3½hp Dogcart 4
Auctions & Sales

Oldest British Car Up For Auction – 1894 Santler 3½hp Dogcart

What is believed to be the oldest British made car still in existence will be auctioned by Bonhams in a few days.  The 1894 Santler 3½hp Dogcart is part of Bonhams’ London to Brighton Run Sale of “veteran motor cars and related automobilia”. The sale is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2017, in London.

Duckhams Classic British Oil Brand to be Relaunched
Classic Cars

Duckhams Classic British Oil Brand to be Relaunched

Duckhams, the much-loved oil brand, known around the world for its distinctive green hue has been inextricably linked to British motoring heritage since 1899. Duckhams invented Europe’s first ever Multigrade oil, Duckhams Q in 1951, an advancement that changed the face of automotive lubricants forever. Now, in 2017 the company will make its long-awaited return. Duckhams will re-launch with an initial focus on oils for classic vehicles, with the intention of expanding the range into motorsport and modern vehicles in the near future. Duckhams, which remains one of Britain finest exports reaching over sixty countries worldwide, was specified by almost all UK vehicle manufacturers responsible for producing cars from the golden era of motoring. MG, Morris, Wolseley, Rover, and BMC all recommended that you didn’t use anything else!

MINI USA Launches New MINI John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for Countryman and Clubman at SEMA Show
MINI

John Cooper Works Tuning Kit Launched for Countryman & Clubman

MINI USA has announced the launch of the new MINI John Cooper Works Tuning Kit at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, expanding the current tuning kit offering to now include Clubman and Countryman models. The new John Cooper Works Tuning Kit utilizes a retrofit exhaust system, aftermarket components and engine software programming increasing the engine power output and exhaust system performance. This new John Cooper Works Tuning Kit can be installed on any MY 2018 Cooper S or Cooper S ALL4 Clubman or Countryman model, intensifying the vehicle‘s sporty performance and sound characteristics. The MINI USA team will also have the new MINI Ice Blue special edition Cooper S Hardtop on display at the show.

MG ZS - UK Launch - Oct 2017 (10) - small
MG

MG to Offer 7-Year Warranty on MG ZS

MG Motor UK has today announced the introduction of a full 7-year warranty on its brand-new Compact-SUV, the MG ZS. Completely transferable to any new owner before the 7 year/80,000-mile limit is reached; the highly competitive package also guarantees any genuine replacement MG parts for the remainder of the agreement. The 7 year/80,000-mile protection is an extension of the manufacturer warranty and gives customers complete peace of mind. Like the MG3 and MG GS, the MG ZS also comes with the option of a six-year anti-perforation warranty covering against corrosion.

BCCWNC - Autumn In The Mountains 2017 - 600_465027634
Events

Event Recap – BCCWNC “Autumn in the Mountains Charity” Show

We just got in a brief event report from Scott Monfort of the British Car Club of Western North Carolina (BCCWNC). Their annual “Autumn in the Mountains” show was held on September 30th of this year in Hendersonville, North Carolina. This is a wonderful Fall event with proceeds going to charity. Scott said: We had 90 cars show for the event.  This was less than last year but we still increased our collections by 10% over last year.  I was hoping to top last years entries of 100 cars but I am grateful for the increase in spectators. It was a beautiful day with clear skies and moderate temperature. The $4,400 received during the one-day event will be donated to the local Meals on Wheels charity. The pictures sent show members with their cars, group car shots, an award being given, […]

Aston Martin Vanquish S Tom Brady Signature Edition_01
Aston Martin

Tom Brady Signature Edition Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante

Record-breaking National Football League star, Tom Brady, has collaborated with Aston Martin’s Q by Aston Martin bespoke service to produce the Aston Martin Vanquish S Volante ‘Tom Brady Signature Edition’. This stunning version of the Vanquish S is strictly limited to just 12 examples. Tom Brady said: It was an easy decision to go with the Vanquish S for the special edition – it is an incredible car to drive and is truly a work of art. Going through the process of curating a unique Aston Martin has been fascinating. We started with a blank canvas and finished with this beautiful car. It’s been great to see it all come to fruition and I’m proud to share a name with it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HERALDS THE ARRIVAL OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE NEW PHANTOM
Highlights

British Ambassador to US Heralds Rolls-Royce New Phantom

The Rolls-Royce New Phantom made its debut in the nation’s capital yesterday at an event hosted by Sir Kim Darroch, the British Ambassador to the United States at his official residence in Washington D.C.  New Phantom is the pinnacle offering from Rolls-Royce, the world’s leading luxury brand. As the longest existing nameplate in motoring history, Phantom has defined British luxury craftsmanship for more than 92 years. Every modern Rolls-Royce is handcrafted exclusively at The Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England.

The Water Diaries Expedition Leader Fearghal ONuillan with Special Vehicle Operations prepared Discovery
Land Rover

Land Rover Discovery Expedition Brings Desert Exploration to Classroom

Thousands of children will explore the vast Jordanian desert and learn about water conservation thanks to a unique Land Rover Discovery expedition. The specially prepared Discovery family SUV will support the recipients of the 2017 Land Rover Bursary, administered by the Royal Geographical Society (with the IBG). The ‘Water Diaries’ expedition will cross one of the driest countries on the planet to investigate how the population manages its most precious resource, water.

BMW MINI British pressings plant Swindon
Corporate Business

British Car Production Falls Again in September

Reuters is reporting that British car production fell 4.1 percent in September from the same month a year earlier, the fifth decline in six months that adds to signs of faltering consumer and business confidence. Exports, accounting for 80 percent of total output, fell 1.1 percent, while domestic demand slumped 14.2 percent, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), pushing total production down to 153,224 cars.

MG Motor UK recognised as one of the UK’s most reliable brands
MG

MG Recognized as One of UKs Most Reliable Cars

The results are in for the What Car? reliability survey, with MG coming ahead of brands such as Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen. In the most reliable cars by brand category, MG Motor UK was in the top ten – an impressive result that illustrates the brand’s commitment to quality manufacturing. MG had already been ranked high in the What Car? satisfaction survey. The survey involved 14,200 participants, who were each asked to report on faults that had occurred in the past twelve months on cars aged between 0-3 years. Categories included battery, bodywork, brakes, engine, engine electrics, exhaust, exterior lights, fuel system, gearbox/clutch, interior trim, non-engine electrics, steering, suspension and other. Speaking about the result, Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, said: To be recognised for the second time this year in the What Car? […]

VotW - dunhill Presents The Flying Scotsman Rally 2017
Video of the Week

VotW – dunhill Presents The Flying Scotsman Rally 2017

For our Video of the Week this last Wednesday of October we are going to let the famed British brand dunhill do the duties. When dunhill first laid plans to enjoy the ultimate Flying Scotsman Rally experience, there was only one man they could turn to for the job – William Medcalf. Supported by dunhill, The Flying Scotsman Rally is Britain’s premier vintage car rally that comprises three days of open-road motoring against the most picturesque backdrops in the north of the UK. And William Medcalf has one of the greatest competitive histories at the event.

Rolls-Royce Launches all-new Phantom on Iconic Night in Mayfair
Rolls-Royce

New Rolls-Royce Phantom Launched in Mayfair

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London – Rolls-Royce’s flagship dealership – has hosted a spectacular evening to mark the launch of the all-new Phantom in the heart of Mayfair. Rolls-Royce is Britain’s most iconic motor car brand, and the Phantom has been its premier model since the first-generation car was released in 1925 – when it was judged as ‘The Best Car in the World’ by cognoscenti. As such, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London based its launch evening around the theme “because the world needs icons”.

GOMW - Guild of Motoring Writers
Jaguar

GOMW Jaguar / Sir William Lyons Awards Open

The prestigious Jaguar / Guild Of Motoring Writers (GOMW) Sir William Lyons Award is now open for entries, offering aspiring motoring journalists aged 17-23 their first step on the career ladder to becoming a professional writer. After celebrating 50 years of the award in 2016, the 2017 prize will once again be presented at the Royal Automobile Club during the Guild Annual Dinner and Awards. It gives the winner their first chance to network with potential employers and PR colleagues.

Roger Ormisher to Become McLaren NA VP of Communications and PR
McLaren

Roger Ormisher to Become McLaren NA VP of Communications and PR

McLaren Automotive today announces a further strengthening of its North American communications team, during a period of unprecedented growth for the brand in the region, with the addition of Roger Ormisher to the new position of Vice President, Communications and PR. He will report directly to McLaren Global Communications and PR Director, Wayne Bruce, who is based in the company’s Surrey, UK headquarters, and regionally into the McLaren North America President, Tony Joseph, located in New York. Roger Ormisher will be responsible for developing and implementing a press communications strategy to enhance and grow the visibility of the McLaren brand on the back of the recent launches of the 720S and 570S Spider, both new to the US market in 2017.

Longtime MINI Owner and Amateur Racer Wraps Up Another Successful SCCA Season in 2012 MINI Cooper S Hardtop
MINI

MINI Race Craig Wilcox With Another Successful Season

MINI USA is once again proud to congratulate amateur racer Craig Wilcox on his continued success in the Tire Rack SCCA ProSolo Series and the Tire Rack SCCA Solo Nationals. Wilcox, of Blue Springs, Mo., finished as the Year-End Points Winner in the ProSolo Series Championship and finished second place in the Solo National Championship in September at the Lincoln Airpark in Lincoln, Neb. It was the sixth time Wilcox finished as the Year-End Points Winner in the ProSolo Series. Wilcox has also been crowned the Prosolo Series Champion four times in the past five years as well as four Solo National Championships with ten podium finishes over his racing career which began in 2003. The longtime MINI owner continues to race his 2012 MINI Cooper S Hardtop, which doubles as his day-to-day primary vehicle. The 2017 season kickoff event […]

Lotus Elise Cup 260 - Sports Car Alchemy
Lotus

Lotus Elise Cup 260 – Sports Car Alchemy

Rare and race-bred, the extreme limited-edition Lotus Elise Cup 260 packs the company’s passion for motorsport engineering into one of the most accomplished cars it has ever produced. Taking what’s widely regarded as the benchmark for intuitive handling and driver involvement, Lotus has integrated some of the latest design philosophies from high-performance stablemates including the Exige Cup 380, and the mighty Evora GT430, as well as building upon the track and competition only Elise Race 250. Setting a standard for outright track pace and low lap times, this ultimate Elise has been unveiled as the company prepares for the 70th anniversary of when founder Colin Chapman built his first car in 1948. Referencing Lotus’ motorsport successes, the new Elise Cup 260 has a laurel wreath decal on the left buttress and the Union Jack on both the rear wing endplates […]

ADRIAN HALLMARK APPOINTED CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF BENTLEY MOTORS – AND THREE NEW BOARD LEVEL APPOINTMENTS MADE AS BENTLEY GAINS NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM
Bentley

Bentley Appoints Adrian Hallmark as Chairman and CEO

Bentley Motors today announces the appointment of Adrian Hallmark as its new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, starting on 1st February 2018. Hallmark’s appointment marks one of four senior leadership changes at Bentley Motors with new Board Members for Engineering; Sales and Marketing; and People, Digitalisation and IT. Hallmark, 55, joins Bentley from Jaguar Land Rover, where he held the role of Global Strategy Director. He brings more than 18 years of automotive board level experience from the US, Europe and Asia with Porsche, Volkswagen, SAAB and Bentley Motors. During his time at Bentley, he held the role of Board Member for Sales, Marketing and PR and played an integral role in the introduction of the sector-defining Continental GT in 2003.

Aston Martin Residences Break Ground in Miami, Florida(3)
Aston Martin

Aston Martin Residences Break Ground in Miami, Florida

Aston Martin and global property developer G&G Business Developments have broken ground on Aston Martin Residences at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way in Miami, confirming that construction of the 66-story luxury condominium tower is set for completion in 2021. The milestone marks the development of Aston Martin’s first real estate project and the iconic brand’s expansion into luxury residential design. Aston Martin Residences at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way has become the first condominium tower to break ground in Downtown Miami this year, underscoring the development team’s strength and market confidence. The striking building of curvilinear glass and steel is set to rise on one of the last parcels of developable land on the Downtown Miami waterfront and has been designed by Revuelta Architecture and Bodas Miani Anger, renowned for creating visually impressive and exceptionally well-engineered landmark properties. General contractor Coastal Construction […]

London City Concours
Events

City Concours Returns to London for 2018

City Concours, the unique and world-class automotive garden party, is to return to Central London in Summer 2018. Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural event this summer, City Concours will once again display some of the world’s finest cars within the intimate and exclusive setting of the Honourable Artillery Company from 7-8 June 2018. All are welcome to enjoy a relaxed environment with great food, luxurious exhibitors and a variety of entertainment suites, all alongside some of the world’s most magnificent automobiles positioned around the historic gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company in Central London.

VotW - 4th European Austin Healey Meeting, Scotland
Austin Healey

VotW – Austin Healey Club 4th European Meeting Scotland

This week our video comes by way of Scotland and features the immortal Austin Healey. This event may have taken place four years ago, but I think you will agree that the cars look as good today as they did then, or even 50 years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsAV2CugktU] Coming to us from the Austin Healey Club in the UK, the footage is actually from 2013 when Crieff Hydro in Scotland hosted over 250 Austin Healey cars and their owners at the 4th European Healey Meeting. The above video was taken at the Knockhill Circuit in Dumfermline, Fife, which played host to the event’s Auto Test. Fastest time of the day went to Oliver Chatham’s 3000 Mk1, which completed the 1.3-mile course in 37.7 secs. The Austin Healey Club is a group of 1,600 enthusiasts dedicated to preserving the Austin Healey Marque […]