Marques

Aston Martin is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Schwab as President for Aston Martin The Americas, reporting to Global Sales Director Christian Marti, effective 26 October. Laura joins Aston Martin from Jaguar Land Rover where she worked most recently as Marketing Director, leading marketing communications, experiential events, sponsorships, product marketing, customer engagement and corporate social responsibility. Based at the company’s regional headquarters in Irvine, California, Laura’s role as Regional President embraces sales and service, public relations, brand marketing and communications to both Aston Martin’s customers and 46 dealers in the region, spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. Having graduated from University of Kentucky College of Law, Laura started her career with a technology start-up company in Southern California, before joining the automotive industry and since amassing fifteen years’ experience across a variety of operational, sales […]

DNA-inspired sculptures created by world renowned artists and designers, including Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum, raised £250,000 at auction as part of Cancer Research UK’s campaign to raise money for the Francis Crick Institute. Ian Callum’s Jaguar inspired sculpture raised an impressive £11,000 at leading auction house Christie’s last night. On describing his inspiration behind the design he said: “When it came to decorating the double-helix sculpture, it was about beauty, simplicity and something gorgeous to look at and that is our DNA here at Jaguar. My inspiration came from the cars and I wanted to emulate the sense of flow created as they travel through the air. We are all very proud to have been involved in this piece, not only because it derived out of that desire to create something exciting, but more importantly because the money […]

Our video this week is courtesy of Aston Martin. Normally we don’t use purely promotional videos as our VotWs, but this one is simply too cool to pass up. As the last remaining airworthy Avro Vulcan prepares for its final flight later this month, the iconic 1950s British V bomber has been united with its modern namesake: the Aston Martin Vulcan. Vulcan XH558 – currently being operated by the charitable trust Vulcan To The Sky – is due to retire from ‘active service’ in October, going on to form the centrepiece of the educational Vulcan Aviation Academy & Heritage Centre at her home base,  Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster. Ahead of that final flight, the famous Cold War-era long range bomber was paired with the Aston Martin Vulcan – the new track-only supercar – via a special fly-past at Elvington […]

With a diverse and impressive range of cars already consigned, the early entries for Barons’ Autumn Classic (October 27th, Sandown Park) indicate that the auction house’s strong run of sales in 2015 is set to continue. The sale is headed by a very fine 1962 Bentley Continental S2, which was built for the celebrated musician, nightclub owner and bandleader Edmundo Ros, a huge star worldwide from the 1940s to his retirement in the 1970s. Once a familiar sight around the streets of Knightsbridge, London, this handsome Tudor grey Bentley has been the subject of considerable restoration, and comes complete with a comprehensive history file, including original Bentley build sheets and correspondence with Edmundo Ros. Estimate: £85,000-£105,000. The Bentley is followed by a magnificent, concours-winning 1965 Series One E-type Jaguar convertible, which spent most of its life in New York, returning […]

The ground-breaking Caterham Academy championship celebrated its 20th anniversary Thursday, October 1. The very first Academy event took place, under the banner of the Top Gear Caterham Scholarship, at Mallory Park in 1995 and Caterham has located rare footage of the event to celebrate the landmark birthday. Since its inception, the Academy has gone on to become one of the most popular novice race series in the UK, with more than 900 amateur male and female drivers competing across the 21 seasons racing the iconic Caterham Seven. The series is still going strong, with only a handful of the 56 grid slots for 2016 remaining. Academy graduates and aspiring racers alike can get a taste of the action from the inaugural event by viewing the following video.

This behind-the-scenes video focuses on the Aston Martin DB10 in Spectre. Director Sam Mendes and actor Daniel Craig share their thoughts on the collaboration with Aston Martin. Stunt Coordinator Gary Powell discusses his experience with the DB10 in Rome. Spectre will be released in the UK on October 26, 2015 and in the US on November 6, 2015. The DB10 was developed specifically for Spectre, just ten examples were built, all of which survived the grueling stunt sequences. The exclusive sports car celebrates Aston Martin’s half century association with James Bond, which started with the iconic DB5 in 1964. Note: Press release courtesy of Aston Martin.

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 […]

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 […]