Archive

The entrants of Classic & Sports Car’s global poll to find the best British car ever are set to be celebrated in an iconic feature at Classic & Sports Car – The London Show. After votes were cast in their thousands, the winning car has been decided and will be revealed at the inaugural event, taking place from 30th October to 1st November at Alexandra Palace. The display, including all ten contenders, will continue its British theme with Hertfordshire-based company, Autoglym, revealed as the sponsor. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the royal warranted brand manufactures over 100 car care and valeting products. With cars as varied as the Austin Seven, McLaren F1, Ford GT40 and Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost also making up the top ten shortlist the feature is sure to be a key attraction at Classic & Sports Car – […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 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. […]

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 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 […]

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’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 […]

Hosted by Triumph Sports Car Club of San Diego at the Hilton Del Mar Hotel on the coast adjacent to Del Mar Fair Grounds and Race Track with Traditional and New Events. Autocross and Funcours with social events and ‘great drives’ to some of San Diego’s 90+ Micro-Breweries or Temecula Valley Wine Country.  A coastal drive will highlight the scenic beauty of San Diego with opportunities for optional tours of USS MIDWAY Aircraft Carrier Museum and cocktail or dinner cruises aboard Hornblower Yachts.  We hope you will join us for three or four fun-filled days of Triumphs and Camaraderie – Don’t forget to hone your dart throwing skills too, or join us for terrific tech sessions!

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 […]

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, 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 […]

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.

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 […]

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.

The CT MG Club’s “BRITISH BY THE SEA” is a fun Gathering of people who own and appreciate British Vehicles. Our BBTS Gathering is always scheduled on the first Sunday in June, at the scenic 240-acre Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford Ct., on the north shore if Long Island Sound. We want to encourage people to come down and enjoy a day mingling with other LBC owners, talk about cars, have a picnic, a glass of wine, and also take in all that Harkness Memorial State Park has to offer, such as the beach, the Mansion Eolia, and the Gardens. The CT MG Club donates a large amount of our proceeds from BBTS to the Park to purchase plants for the West Gardens, helping to restore the “Eolia” Gardens to their original grandeur as designed by Beatrix Farrand in 1919. In addition, we provide “people power” over a few […]