Month: August 2018

Owing to around half of its owners being dog owners, Land Rover has launched a range of premium Pet Packs to help their four-legged friends travel in the lap of luxury. The new accessories come as millions of owners look to pamper their canine companions in celebration of International Dog Appreciation Day on Sunday, 26 August. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlwRsaCcGqA Each Pet Pack includes a selection of specially chosen accessories to suit a range of requirements. They include a premium quilted load space liner to protect against paw prints, a foldable pet carrier, access ramp, spill-resistant water bowl and a portable shower for those muddy walks.

Joining the celebrations for one of the world’s most iconic sports car manufacturers Hazel Chapman, widow of company founder Colin Chapman, has personally approved the 100,000th Lotus, as part of the marque’s 70th-anniversary celebration. Hand built on the same site that Hazel Chapman helped establish, the Jim Clark Trust special edition Lotus Evora GT410 Sport is the 100,000th Lotus built and a milestone in the iconic British company’s history. Reviewing the car for the first time with her son Clive Chapman, Hazel Chapman said: 70 years ago, I never dreamt that there would be a 100,000th Lotus. I’m immensely proud of the company and Colin’s legacy. Today Lotus still builds such fantastic sports cars and I’m touched to be able to see the 100,000th car.”

Following an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the original concept for ‘the most beautiful electric car in the world’, Jaguar Classic has confirmed it will offer all-electric E-type Zero for sale. The news follows the iconic EV sports car’s successful debut in concept form at Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest in September 2017. Combining its restoration expertise with cutting-edge technology from the Jaguar I-PACE, the award-winning zero-emissions performance SUV, Jaguar Classic will offer tailor-made E-types restored and converted to electric power at the same Classic Works facility as its outstanding E-type Reborn restorations in Coventry, UK. An EV conversion service for existing E-type owners will also be offered. To preserve the authenticity of the base vehicle, the EV conversion will be fully reversible.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan makes its American debut to the public at this year’s Monterey Car Week as the marque showcases a stunning array of Bespoke motor cars, each one a classic in the making. In addition to Cullinan, the Rolls-Royce of SUVs, the brand will present a splendid selection of individual creations at events throughout the week and deliver two very high profile commissions to their owners, live at events throughout the week. Monterey Car Week is one of the world’s premier luxury motor car events, so it is fitting that we showcase the finest Bespoke motor cars in the world here, and also debut Cullinan, the Rolls-Royce of SUVs, to the American public. From the primacy of Phantom to the power of Cullinan, the Rolls-Royce presence at 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has never been more compelling, and these Bespoke Rolls-Royces […]

Our roving auction guy and contributor Bob Seidler was recently over the border in Canada and submitted this report on one of his excursions. So what do you do when your wife has a speaking engagement in Toronto and you have the day free? Of course, you Uber over to Legendary Motorcar Company in scenic Halton Hills, just west of Toronto. For viewers of The Velocity Channel, you know Legendary Motorcar as a mainstay of their lineup, dating back to the early days of Velocity when owner Peter Klute hosted DreamCar Garage. This was a delightful series in which two good-natured Canadians guys were buying, restoring and selling cars out of their garage.

A historic and nostalgic look at the role of the Land Rover in the emergency services over the last 70 years. Land Rover products have been used by the emergency services almost from the moment the first model left the factory in 1948. The agility and size of these vehicles made them an immediate hit with fire services, where they initially became popular as factory fire tenders. Police forces were also attracted by the cross-country ability and versatility of Land Rovers, especially outside Britain, and, when long-wheelbase models provided extra space, they also became favorites for ambulance conversions. Some emergency-service conversions required very little adaptation and were carried out in the workshops of the end-users. Others – such as six-wheel Range Rover fire tenders – required major alterations from the factory-standard vehicle. Meanwhile, specialist companies developed dedicated ambulance and fire […]

Land Rover has embarked on an unexpected expedition to preserve the precious African rhinoceros and its habitat by joining an urban rhino trail across London. A gleaming Land Rover rhino model, embellished by Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer Gerry McGovern, made its debut in central London in the latest collaboration of a 15-year relationship with Tusk. The unique 1.2m-long rhino sculpture was towed into Trafalgar Square in support of the Tusk Rhino Trail, to aid conservation projects for the endangered species. The initiative involves 21 sculptures donated and decorated by leading figures from the worlds of art and design installed at prominent locations across the capital.

Aston Martin Racing’s new Vantage GTE recorded its first top-four finish and made a significant step forward in pace and development during the 6 Hours of Silverstone this weekend. Both Vantage GTEs maintained their 100% finishing records during Round 3 of the FIA World Endurance Championship, with Alex Lynn (GB) and Maxime Martin (BEL) delivering the #97 car’s best finish yet with a trouble-free run to fourth on home soil. Their team-mates Nicki Thiim (DEN) and Marco Sørensen (DEN) were also heading for a strong result until encountering a gear selection issue that required some unscheduled stops to resolve. The ‘DaneTrain’ recovered to finish eighth, ensuring the team’s third double-points finish of the season in the GTE Pro category. We have definitely made big progress with the car. We showed that we have a strong car in qualifying and that […]

Aston Martin stunned the world when it first unveiled DB4 in 1958 and now, on its 60thanniversary, an exclusive display will take place at the Concours of Elegance, hosted at Hampton Court Palace, from the 31 August until 2 September 2018. Assembled by the Aston Martin Owners Club, the line-up will include a DB4 prototype, an example of DB4 Series 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 plus an original DB4 GT, DB4 GT Zagato and DB4 Bertone Jet. The newly launched DB4 GT Continuation will also form part of the display.

An amazing collection of British classics including a 1968 Triumph TR5, a 1975 Bristol 411 Series 4, a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster and a 1933 MG J2 Midget will head to auction at the CCA September Sale at the Warwickshire Event Centre on 15th September. An incredible 1968 Triumph TR5 on offer at the September Sale is undoubtedly one of the best in the country, following a painstakingly millimeter-perfect rebuild on a brand new factory spec chassis. The six-cylinder 2.5-litre engine has been fully rebuilt, including a new head suitable for use with unleaded fuel, and a full tune-up to give maximum performance. The bodywork has been completely rebuilt with new inner and outer sills along with a multi-coat repaint in a wonderful shade of Signal Red. Along with the repaint the TR5 comes with a brand new […]

Jaguar Land Rover reported total worldwide retail sales of 36,144 vehicles in July 2018, down 21.6% year on year, primarily reflecting transitional issues in certain markets. July2018 Changeyear-on-year Jan – July 2018 Changeyear-on-year JaguarLand Rover 36,144 (21.6)% 354,363 (2.4)% Jaguar 10,992 (15.2)% 105,047 (2.9)% Land Rover 25,152 (24.0)% 249,316 (2.2)% Retails for July were down in China (46.9%), reflecting continued market volatility in the first month of the duty change as well as trade tensions. Sales were also down in Europe (26.5%) and the UK (18.3%), impacted by the industry-wide issue of delays in WLTP certification of 2019 model year vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover has made good progress however and all its vehicles are certified or expected to be shortly. Retail sales were also down in North America (9.5%), resulting from softer industry volumes (down more than 3%) combined with […]

Aston Martin kicks off the 2018 Monterey Automotive Week by again opening the doors of ‘Aston Martin Club 1913’, inviting attendees to get to know the Aston Martin Lagonda Group and its leadership team. This year’s theme, “Boundless,” showcases the group’s world expanding beyond automotive, to include products on land, sea and in the air. President for Aston Martin The Americas, Laura Schwab said: “While people flock to Monterey Week for its history, this year at Aston Martin Club 1913, we’ll give guests a glimpse into what’s next. We’ll showcase everything from the present – the new DBS Superleggera, to the electric – with the new Lagonda Vision Concept, and the sky-bound – the Volante Vision Concept. The creative horsepower behind this brand is limitless, and that will be evident to all who join us at the Aston Martin Club […]

MG Motor UK, the UK’s fastest growing car manufacturer, is delighted to introduce New MG3; the latest addition to the iconic British brand’s rapidly evolving product range. Replacing the brand’s current MG3, which sold over 10,000 units in its four years on sale, the stylish supermini is a natural evolution, bringing it into MG’s new design family, first seen with the MG ZS compact SUV. Demonstrating its faith in the build quality and reliability of its products, MG has extended its 7 year/80,000-miles warranty to New MG3. The new warranty really adds to New MG3’s value-for-money offering, making it one of the most attractive packages on the market. Fully-transferrable to future owners, the comprehensive warranty gives great reassurance to MG buyers.

In a stunning new film launched today, Lotus Cars celebrates its anniversary in manufacturing outstanding sports cars, ahead of its 70th birthday event, by creating a unique logo on the test track at its HQ in Hethel. Leaving a 70–themed mark on the test track’s skidpan using just two of its most celebrated models, no CGI and more than a few pairs of tires, the precise driving required is a fitting tribute to the precision engineering that the marque is world famous for. Rather than rely on artificial aids or electronic trickery, the new video perfectly reflects Lotus’s approach to sports cars by showing the action on the day as it unfolded, with the final aerial shot proving the cars’ and drivers’ ability. Piloted by Gavan Kershaw (Head of Attributes) and Daniel Peck (Vehicle Dynamics Engineer), the duo is part of […]

In this clip from Extra Gear in 2016, Rory Reid heads to MG Live at Silverstone to get the verdict on the MGB Abingdon Edition. From the Frontline website: The concept was the easy part, the design a greater challenge and the implementation even more so, but welcome to the all-new MG Abingdon Edition. Conceived for the driver that appreciates quality and craftsmanship but wanting something more than just understated class, style and charm. The Abingdon Delivers literally earth shattering performance transporting you from 0 – 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. Combine this with the latest in suspension and braking design, add in the most detailed of finishing’s using the finest materials available in the world and you have a car that will not only make you smile every time you see it, but find every excuse […]

Nearly 200 Triumphs and their owners gathered at the Radisson Hotel in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, for the 2018 VTR National Annual Convention.  A reception Tuesday evening kicked off the show’s autocross competition, riverboat rides, local driving tours, and rallies. The big events — the Participants Choice and the Concours Show – blossomed Friday along the mighty Mississippi in Riverside Park. Among the entrants were three rare Triumph Italia 2000 GTs from eastern Pennsylvania. Each was restored by Ragtops & Roadsters, with body, paint and upholstery work done by its sister shop Pollock Auto Restoration. Ragtops specialize in restoration and preservation of all British and European sports cars. From left to right; Vignale #194, restored by R&R in 1995, earned a Preservation Award with 385.5 points out a perfect score of 400 points — not too shabby after 23 years! Finished […]

Jaguar Land Rover Classic is demonstrating the brand’s commitment to classic vehicle owners and enthusiasts in North America by establishing a new refurbishing/restoration, sales and servicing center in Savannah, Georgia. Set to open in summer 2019, the facility will give access to a range of authentic classic cars, services, parts, and experiences across both British marques. The new 75,000 square foot facility will be the first for Jaguar Land Rover Classic outside Europe, with more than 75 highly-skilled full-time employees.

The Morgan Motor Company are excited to collaborate on two concept bicycles with a fellow British company, Pashley Cycles. Founded in 1926, Pashley Cycles are the longest established British cycle manufacturer, famed the world over for their range of traditionally built and impeccably styled cycles. With centuries of combined heritage, craftsmanship and passion for their product, Pashley and Morgan are two “like-minded” brands just waiting for the perfect opportunity to collaborate. Launching in this weekend at Morgan’s much-anticipated Thrill on the Hill, the Pashley-Morgan range will include two new bikes, both of which will be produced at Pashley’s Stratford-upon-Avon factory. The bicycles have a stylish hand-crafted frame which features a new curved top tube design. It is fillet brazed using Reynolds 631 tubing and incorporates a custom formed top tube, frame mounted race plate, distinctive S-bend seat stays and unique […]