Highlights

Aston Martin today opened its first brand experience boutique in the heart of London’s Mayfair district. Located in one of the capital’s most sought-after streets ‘Aston Martin at No. 8 Dover Street’ is an intersection of the company’s products, experiences and brand collaborations. No. 8 Dover Street will also be a destination for design master classes, art exhibitions, dinner series and other exclusive events. No. 8 Dover Street is an expression of the British marque’s Art of Living by Aston Martin concept, a carefully chosen portfolio of the finest artisan products and truly bespoke experiences that embody the Aston Martin spirit.

For the last 10 years, British Motor Heritage (BMH) MD, John Yea, has ably campaigned an FIA-compliant MGB in a variety of classic motorsport formulae. What’s particularly noteworthy about the car is that it was created around one of BMH’s authentic replacement bodyshells and that its build team included an undergraduate student from Oxford Brookes University.

MINI Challenge will join the British GT Championship for the first time next year, cementing its place as one of Europe’s fastest-growing single-make racing championship. The news marks the biggest step yet for the popular championship and follows a recent agreement between MINI Challenge and MINI UK which will see the brand provide increased support through the 2017 race season.

Our video this week is a features the sights and sounds of MG2016, the all-MG national meet held in June, 2016. The Ohio River in Louisville made a great backdrop for the 700 plus MGs on the show field. Get a short taste of the happenings. From the official “closing document” from Rick Ingram, Executive Director – North American Council of MG Registers: There were 829 registrations for this gathering. “On The Field” were 715 vehicles comprised of 2.66% ”pre-war” cars, 13.15% T-series cars, 22.52% MGAs or variants, and 56.78% MGBs/Cs/Midgets/1100s-1300s/or “Post-Abingdon” MGs. Additionally, 4.9% registered as “Other British” or enthusiasts participating without their MG. About 700 folks enjoyed our “Churchill Downs Experience” on Monday evening, and another 325 folks had the same experience on Wednesday evening. … Two hundred twenty enthusiasts visited the Corvette factory and museum over Tuesday and Wednesday on event-sponsored tours. About the same […]

For over 40 years, Witney-based British Motor Heritage (BMH) has been at the heart of the restoration and conservation of many of Britain’s best loved classic cars, having built over 6,000 complete replacement bodyshells for the MGB, MG RV8, MG Midget, Austin-Healey Sprite, Triumph TR6, original Mini and Mini Clubman, as well as literally tens of thousands of individual panels. Unlike those of alternative suppliers, these items are manufactured to original standards on the original tooling; though happily without the disruptions that characterised BMC production in the 1970s – until recently……………. Managing Director John Yea takes up the story: “We were preparing to run a batch of new bodyshells for the Mini Clubman when the staff discovered a great tit had nested in the specialist tooling reserved for this model. Important as it is to maintain our production schedules, we […]

Aston Martin Racing returns to the track this week, as the FIA World Endurance Championship heads to Mexico for its inaugural visit to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City. Despite stormy conditions forecast for this week’s round of the WEC, the team will be hoping for smooth sailing following its double podium success last time out at the Nürburgring.

Kip Motor Company announces their 25th year of authentic restoration services for antique British, European, and exotic Domestic vehicles. With humble beginnings in the home garage, Kip’s fledging restoration company  (mostly Studebaker, Ford & Chevrolet) started providing service for his wife’s Nash Metropolitan that she used as her ‘company sales car’. Soon, other local owners requested service, restoration, and parts for their Metropolitan.

A stunning reconstruction of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of the star attractions at Beaulieu during this summer’s school holidays, being driven around the picturesque grounds of the National Motor Museum and posing for visitors’ photos. Visitors to the Beaulieu attraction can spot this extraordinary vehicle, which will be acting as a photo opportunity. This reconstruction of one of the most memorable film cars is certainly a stylish and exciting backdrop for family photos and visitors’ snaps.

In a celebration of style and lightweight performance, and helping mark the 50th anniversary of the company’s famous Hethel site, Lotus has revealed the latest addition to its collection: the exclusive Elise 250 Special Edition. Based on the critically acclaimed Elise Cup 250 launched earlier this year, but featuring a raft of exclusive components as standard, the new Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition offers an outstanding combination of performance and panache. With a supercharged 243 hp engine, a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds, and a unique, hand-finished interior, it perfectly defines the quintessential British sportscar in this celebration year.

In a display of automotive excellence, more than 150 Bentleys will grace the grounds of Windsor Castle at this year’s Concours of Elegance (2-4 September). Now in its fifth year, the Concours of Elegance has established itself as one of the world’s most prestigious motoring gatherings, convening the finest cars at Britain’s stunning Royal palaces. As a key partner of the Concours, Bentley will be presenting a range of models from its past and present – from the famous 1930 Six-Speed Van den Plas Tourer ‘Old Number 2’ (which won the Brooklands Double 12), to the new Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase and Bentayga. On Friday 2 September, Bentley will showcase three cars that bring to life the story of the marque’s pinnacle luxury flagship, the Mulsanne. Chassis No. 2 is a perfect example of the first Mulsanne produced, while the two […]

Last produced in 1939, a modernised completed Atalanta will be displayed at the fifth International Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle on 2-4 September 2016. The world’s rarest cars from around the world, spanning more than 100 years of automotive progress, will gather at the Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle this September. Amongst the icons, look out for the reawakening of a lesser-known British automotive rarity – the new Atalanta.

Following a successful practice session at the Bonneville Salt Flats, achieving a speed of 274.2 mph to become the world’s fastest ever Triumph, Triumph Motorcycles has confirmed the attempt to set a new outright motorcycle Land Speed World Record will take place mid-September, 2016, weather permitting. Piloted by TT star Guy Martin the Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner will return to the famous Bonneville salt flats and attempt to beat the current 376.8mph record speed on an 11 mile-long course. Despite having a good course surface for testing the team felt that the salt wasn’t yet fully capable of supporting a top-speed streamliner run. In consultation with FIM course manager Mike Cook  the team are targeting the September dates as the best possible opportunity for the optimal course conditions required for the record attempt.

Two Jaguar E-types that were built on the same day, 24th August, in 1961 on the production line at Browns Lane in Coventry have been reunited at Classic Motor Cars (CMC) of Bridgnorth in Shropshire, United Kingdom, to celebrate their 55th birthdays. One E-Type was the first production inside bonnet lock right-hand drive fixed head coupe; the other was the first production inside bonnet lock right-hand drive roadster.

To accompany the North American debut of the Vanquish Zagato Coupe at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Aston Martin is proud to announce a striking partner for this very special car; the Vanquish Zagato Volante. Driven by overwhelming customer interest for the previously revealed Coupe, the Vanquish Zagato Volante will be strictly built to a limited production run of 99 cars at Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, England.

A Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type, once part of the Ecurie Ecosse race team, became the most expensive British automobile sold at auction with a final price of $21.78 million. In addition, the very first Shelby Cobra, a CSX 2000, went for $13.75 million, setting the American record. The 1955 Jaguar was the first such model supplied to a private team by the maker, based in England’s Midlands. The car went on to beat Jaguar’s own entries in the 1956 Le Mans. It was offered for the first time in 20 years, after being in an American collection. The RM Sotheby’s sale, which started on August 19, is continuing in Monterey, California.

This past summer,  MotorPunk organised a fitting tribute to WWI fighter ace and Morgan fanatic, Captain Albert Ball, with a 13 car fly-past on the 99th anniversary of his tragic death. Whilst lacking the creature comfort of a traditional Grand Tourer, the Morgan Three Wheeler is a marvelous machine to look at, and an absolute hoot to drive. You just have to pack light! MotorPunk on Captain Albert Ball … On May 7th, 1917, Captain Albert Ball met his end following a dogfight with Lothar von Richthofen, brother of the famous Red Baron. An unlikely hero, Captain Ball was a modest man from Nottingham who rose to become one of Britain’s finest fighter aces. He was also one of the very first customers for Morgan’s Three Wheeler, a car he described as being “the closest thing to flying, without leaving […]

Many respected media outlets including the New York Times recently published articles about 2016 new cars being too expensive for the average family. One Welsh family demonstrated that it’s still possible to find a great deal on a new car. And when you do, you should grab it when you can. And, that’s what they did. Four times! The story begins with a young woman’s quest for a new car. While shopping for a car with her parents, they happened to hear a radio advert for MG Motors at Nathaniel Car Sales Ltd in South Wales. Intrigued by the advert, the family headed over to the source.

This just in from Greg Prehodka MG Vintage Racers. I just wanted to let you know that annual awarding of the MG Vintage Racers’ “Bill Parish Master of Speed Deception Award” that Ford Heacock of Heacock Classic Car Insurance established with MGVR years ago in Bill’s memory, continues! There have been so many deserving recipients of this award over the years! At the MGVR “Focus Event” at Waterford Hills, Michigan the end of July, MG racer Mark Brandow was awarded it as the MG racer “Having the most fun!” Mark’s MG vintage racing goes back to the 70’s, and he was a founding member of MGVR in 1981. He races both an MGTC and an MGA, and lives in Minnesota . Mark always has a smile on his face, helps other MG racers, and has great MG spirit! I’m sure if […]