E-TYPE UK COMPLETES 1,500 MILE MOTORING CLASSIC RALLY IN STYLE

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E-TYPE UK COMPLETES 1,500 MILE MOTORING CLASSIC RALLY IN STYLE

• E-Type UK complete the Motoring Classic Rally in a fully restored 1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Roadster
• The 1,500-mile route began in Seattle and concluded at Pebble Beach, California
• 1963 E-Type, fully restored by E-Type UK, performed faultlessly throughout challenging drive

Kent, 30th August 2018

Leading specialists E-Type UK brought a piece of British style to the 2018 Pebble Beach Motoring Classic Rally, a 1,500-mile rally winding its way from Seattle to California.

With founder Marcus Holland at the wheel of a stunning 1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8, fully restored by E-Type UK, the rally covered roughly 150 miles per day through highways, mountain passes and quaint American towns.

Setting off from the Woodmark Hotel alongside 19 other superlative classics, from pre-war Bentleys to 1960s Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars, the route headed towards the coast via a number of picturesque locations.

A particular highlight included the usually snow-lined Stevens Pass in Washington, where the E-Type got to display its spritely handling characteristics, before arriving into the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth which was constructed in the same era as the iconic Jaguar.

The mountain passes continued as the rally ventured further south through Mount Adams and Mount Hood with the E-Type tackling some extreme weather and arriving at the Timberline Lodge, as seen in ‘The Shining’.

Heading further south still, the journey took in the Crater Lake National Park, the Avenue of the Giants with the scenery proving as breathtaking as the roads. In the final days, a stop was made to view one of the most significant Mercedes-Benz collections in the world, the Keller Collection, before pushing on and heading to the end destination, The Lodge at Pebble Beach.

The E-Type performed superbly, a testament to not only the work of E-Type UK but also the superb grand touring capabilities of these stunning machines. There was little time for rest, however, as a sister company, DM Historics showed an incredible unrestored 1953 Jaguar XK120 FHC at the illustrious Pebble Beach Concours.

Founder Marcus Holland commented “At E-Type UK we really believe in using these gorgeous cars, and are lucky to have passionate customers who feel the same way. The Pebble Beach Motoring Classic was an absolutely fantastic event for the E-Type and a perfect way to begin our time in the US for Pebble Beach Concours.”

Source: E-Type UK

GULF AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY JOIN FORCES FOR ANOTHER LUBRICANT INDUSTRY FIRST WITH THE ’68 HERITAGE EDITION FORD GT

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GULF AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY JOIN FORCES FOR ANOTHER LUBRICANT INDUSTRY FIRST WITH THE ’68 HERITAGE EDITION FORD GT

• Ford GT ‘68 Heritage edition celebrates 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning GT40 P/1075, one of the few cars to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice
• The most iconic racing livery to ever grace a Ford vehicle returns with the Ford GT ’68 Heritage edition, with unique Heritage Blue and Heritage Orange paint scheme
• New car wows crowds at various events over launch weekend during Monterey Historic week

Aug. 29, 2018, Monterey California – Gulf is extremely proud in 2018 to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first Le Mans win, with the legendary Ford GT40, and, as a fitting climax to these celebrations, Gulf has joined with Ford to produce the new Ford GT ’68 Heritage edition for the 2019 and 2020 model years. The Heritage Blue with Heritage Orange paint scheme honours the Gulf Oil-sponsored Ford GT40 - chassis #1075 - that won back-to-back 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.

Gulf has many oil industry firsts to its name - including being the first company in the world to open a drive-in fuel station - and this is the first time that a lubricant & fuel manufacturer has partnered with a global Vehicle Manufacturer to produce a road car production model. 

“Many say the Gulf Oil paint scheme is the most famous in motorsports, propelled by the 1968 GT40 that quickly became a global sensation after Ford beat its European competitors not three, but four times in a row,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president, global operations. “We set out to accentuate the new Ford GT’s race-inspired aerodynamic lines with the Gulf colours while staying true to the original GT40 Le Mans winner.”

The Ford GT ‘68 Heritage Edition was officially launched at the Rolex Historic Reunion event at the Laguna Seca Raceway in California on Friday by Ford’s Joe Hinrichs and Gulf’s Ravi Chawla. The car took its place in a specially designed garage, which depicted the 50-year span of success and which featured Gulf-Ford GT40 #1075, the actual 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning car.

“We are delighted to partner with Ford to help the Gulf-themed Heritage Edition Ford GT become reality. The Ford Marque has played a major role in creating Gulf’s place in motoring and motorsport legend and the same is true in reverse,” enthused MD of Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd, Ravi Chawla, at the launch of the car. “Every Gulf outright victory at Le Mans has been Ford-powered and of course Gulf Ford GT40s took the latter two wins of Ford’s four consecutive victories at Le Mans from 1966-1969. What could be more fitting than both brands coming together to produce this fantastic motor car – the modern spiritual successor to the amazing Gulf-Ford GT40s that took Le Mans and World Championship honours.”

After its launch at Laguna Seca on Friday, the car then moved to the Exotics on Cannery Row (EOCR) street festival. This unique event brings an estimated 150,000 people out onto the streets of Monterey to watch the parade of supercars and the car starred as one of the central features of the Michelin display area that is the focal point of EOCR.

Sunday marked the annual running of the Pebble Beach Concours, widely recognised as the world’s number one such event and here the Gulf-liveried car was one of the major attractions of Pebble Beach’s renowned Concept Car Lawn, located on what is usually the practice putting green of the legendary golf course, in front of the famous Pebble Beach Lodge.

The new car was incredibly well received wherever it appeared throughout the launch weekend.

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP – UNIQUE CAR

The Ford GT ’68 Heritage edition features the famous Heritage Blue exterior with Heritage Orange graphics and is offered with optional exposed carbon a-pillar and roundel with #9 graphics on both the hood and doors. The car sports unique high gloss dark stainless 20-inch one-piece forged aluminium wheels with black lug nuts. Orange callipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look.

The Limited-edition Ford GT features exclusive interior colours, materials and appointments. Ebony Alcantara is used extensively throughout the interior. Contrasting blue and orange stitching accentuates the seats and steering wheel with a new seat embossment inspired by the original ’68 Le Mans-winning car as well as clear & polished anodized paddle shifters. High gloss dark stainless appliqués are used on the instrument panel, door register bezels and x-brace completing the look.

The ’68 Heritage edition boasts a unique serialised identification plate plus exposed matte carbon fibre door sills, air register pods and centre console.

Limited quantities will be available for the 2019 and 2020 model years and, for 2020, the package will boast an optional No. 6 in honour of the 1969 Le Mans winner.

AUTOCLASSICS SUPPORT FOR LEGENDS SHOWCASE IN LLANDUDNO

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AUTOCLASSICS SUPPORT FOR LEGENDS SHOWCASE 
IN LLANDUDNO

• New backing from AutoClassics.com announced
• Special display of historic rally cars plus parade on the Great Orme
• Line-up includes TR7 V8s, Metro 6R4s, Escorts and Lancia Stratos
• Grandstand and Rally Xtra hospitality upgrades available for street stage

The organisers of Dayinsure Wales Rally GB are delighted to announce that AutoClassics.com is supporting its special Rally Legends display in Llandudno – one of the major attractions during a history-making finale to this year’s Dayinsure Wales Rally GB (4-7 October).

The famous Conwy County resort will host a full weekend’s entertainment in the countdown to Sunday’s dramatic rally finale which, for the very first time, will witness the stars from the World Rally Championship racing against-the-clock around the famed Great Orme and then through the closed streets of Llandudno.

Whetting appetites – and simultaneously celebrating the event’s remarkable history – an evocative showcase of much-loved rally cars from bygone eras will be exhibited on the Promenade on Saturday and then on the town’s central Mostyn Street on Sunday – an eye-catching gathering now backed by AutoClassics.com.

Adding to the attraction, these revered cars will also be part of a glittering parade fronted by four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen. Together with his co-driver Nicky Grist, the Finn will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of his epic victory on the 1993 Network Q RAC Rally.

Retro icons already confirmed include many of the sport’s most illustrious machines including a Lancia Stratos, Ford Escorts, Triumph TR7 V8s, Lancia Integrales plus a number of idols from the fabled Group B era such as MG Metro 6R4s, Nissan 240 RS and Renault 5 Maxi Turbo.

The presence of so many great cars from yesteryear make this the perfect showcase for AutoClassics.com to support. The online platform is the new global marketplace and information base for collector cars of all ages. The website provides free-to-list advertising as well as high-quality news, features and market analysis.

“Autoclassics.com is delighted to be teaming up Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – an event that is steeped in such wonderful history,” enthused Ben Caspary, Partnership Director at AutoClassics. “This mouth-watering Rally Legends showcase presents us at Autoclassics.com with perfect opportunity to get excited about rallying past and present. What’s more, like advertising on AutoClassics.com, its totally free!

“As regular browsers are already aware, AutoClassics is dedicated to providing the most extensive range of classic and historic cars for sale coupled with in depth coverage across news, events, competition and ownership to further inspire users. Moreover, being part of the Motorsport Network enables us to collectively share the passion amongst all our brands with the fans.”

With such a proud history to impart, the new association has been welcomed by Dayinsure Wales Rally GB managing director Ben Taylor.

“Whether it was all those unforgettable wins by Roger Clark, Colin McRae or Richard Burns – or maybe the hallowed Group B era – the UK’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship boasts a truly remarkable heritage,” enthused Taylor.

“With so much to celebrate, we are always keen to promote the past alongside the current generation of amazing WRC cars which are, by any standards, some the of most exciting the championship has ever seen. This exciting new relationship with AutoClassics.com will help us to energise both new and existing rally fans.” 

While admittance to the Rally Legends showcase and Great Orme Llandudno street stage are free to all-comers, upgrades for both grandstand seats and Rally Xtra hospitality are available for those wanting to maximise their experience at Sunday’s momentous finale.

Full ticket details can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com website and via the event’s social media channels.

Source: Dayinsure Wales Rally GB

BEAULIEU GOES BACK TO THE EIGHTIES AT FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

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BEAULIEU GOES BACK TO THE EIGHTIES AT FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

Saturday 27th October 2018

Step back in time at the Fireworks Spectacular as Beaulieu goes Back to the Eighties for one of the biggest displays in the south.

Choreographed to ’80s hits and with a range of entertainment to please the whole family, the display will begin at 7.30pm on Saturday 27th October in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Immerse yourself in the fun of the show and come dressed in a retro 1980s outfit. Prepare your perm, fit shoulder pads or pick out your most colourful tracksuit and sneakers to celebrate the decade of memorable music, fashion, films and technology.

Arrive at the attraction from 3pm to enjoy traditional fairground rides, including a big wheel and popular gallopers, children’s swing boats and a coconut shy, before the start of the display.* Hot food and drinks are available inside and out.

On the Wave 105 stage, radio presenters will get the evening off to a dynamic start with live entertainment running before and after the fireworks.

Advance tickets bought before 5pm on October 18th are £13.50 an adult, £8.75 a child and £38 a family. To book or for more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/beaulieu-fireworks/ or call 01590 612888.

Fireworks Spectacular tickets offer admission from 3pm, though visitors with attraction tickets who arrive earlier in the day are welcome to stay and enjoy the fireworks.

Event admission also includes entry to the Beaulieu attraction until 5pm, with the exception of World of Top Gear which closes at 3pm. The National Motor Museum, with its collection of more than 250 vehicles from the dawn of motoring the present day, will stay open until 9.30pm and event-goers can ride on the Monorail for an extra charge.

Join the conversation using #beaulieufireworks on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, Facebook at /national motor museum and Instagram @national_motor_museum.

* Old time fairground rides are subject to availability and at good-value extra charges.

PEBBLE BEACH WORLD PREMIERE FOR THE NEW SPECIAL SERIES FERRARI 488 PISTA SPIDER

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PEBBLE BEACH WORLD PREMIERE FOR THE NEW SPECIAL SERIES FERRARI 488 PISTA SPIDER

The 50th drop-top model from the Maranello marque

Maranello, 26 August 2018 - The Prancing Horse’s new Special Series model, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, has been unveiled during the world-famous Concours d’Elegance® at Pebble Beach in California.

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is the 50th drop-top model from the Prancing Horse and a premiere in the US was a natural choice given that, ever since the 1950s, North American clients have always been keen connoisseurs of high-performance convertibles.

The new car sets a new benchmark for Ferrari for spider performance with an unprecedented weight-power ratio of 1.92 kg/cv. A result made possible by the adoption of the most powerful Ferrari V8 engine ever, which was recently named Best Engine in the world for the third consecutive year at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards. The 3902cc twin-turbo V8 unleashes 720 cv and combines that power with increasing torque at all engine speeds for continuous and unending acceleration all the way to the red line. The unique engine sound is now even more riveting thanks to the open-top configuration.

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider represents the natural development of the defining design of the coupé version. The Ferrari designers’ primary objective was to maintain unaltered the perfect marriage of aerodynamic efficiency, purity of form and racing spirit.

This concept is underlined by the characteristic central livery which runs the whole length of the car, expanding towards the rear where it finishes at the end of the rear wing next to the spoiler. This continual expansion of the stripe recalls the movement of the airflow and exalts the lines of the car.

The philosophy that imposed an uncompromising choice of materials for the bodywork is also revisited in the interior solutions, with weight being saved by the use of lightweight, pared-back components. As well as the generous use of carbon-fibre and Alcantara® throughout, the carpets have been replaced by patterned aluminium foot plates and the drivers-side door handle is now a simple strap.

In terms of engineering, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is directly derived from the 488 Pista which encapsulates all the racing experience gathered on world’s circuits with the 488 Challenge and the 488 GTE. As a result, the new Spider offers the highest level yet of technological transfer from the track to a road-legal drop-top car.

The vehicle dynamics honed for this Special Series 8-cylinder convertible deliver a seamless combination of razor-sharp acceleration, braking efficiency, lightning-fast gear shifting, precision steering, grip, stability and superb handling. The result? A completely captivating and unprecedented driving experience. This was achieved thanks partly to the new lateral dynamics control system, the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE), which makes on-the-limit driving more intuitive, controllable and predictable.

The car features new diamond-finish 20” alloy wheels with a novel 10-spoke star-effect interpretation of Ferrari’s traditional mid-rear engine Berlinetta-style rims. Also available are the optional one-piece carbon-fibre wheels which offer a 20% weight reduction over the standard forged alloys.

Images of the new Ferrari 488 Pista Spider can be downloaded from the Ferrari Media Site: www.media.ferrari.com

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

Short Technical Specification

ENGINE

Type: V8 – 90° twin-turbo

Overall displacement: 3902 cc

Max. power output * : 530 kW (720 cv) at 8000 rpm

Max. torque *: 770 Nm at 3000 rpm in 7th gear

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Length: 4605 mm

Width: 1975 mm

Height: 1206 mm

Dry weight** : 1380 kg

PERFORMANCE

0-100 km/h: 2.85 s

0 -200 km/h: 8 s

Max. speed: 340 km/h

FUEL CONSUMPTION/C02 EMISSIONS

Under homologation

* with 98 octane petrol

**With optional lightweight contents

Source: Ferrari North Europe

E-LECTRIC! JAGUAR CLASSIC WILL BUILD ZERO-EMISSIONS E-TYPES

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E-LECTRIC! JAGUAR CLASSIC WILL BUILD ZERO-EMISSIONS E-TYPES

• Zero-emissions conversions for iconic sports car get production go-ahead
• Production follows the successful debut of E-type Zero concept in 2017
• Latest concept to make US debut at California’s Monterey Car Week
• Prospective clients invited to contact Jaguar Classic with expressions of interest via: zero@jaguarlandrover.com / +44 (0) 203 601 1255 / www.jaguar.com/classic

(Ryton-on-Dunsmore, 24 August 2018) 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-types 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.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said:“We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept. Future-proofing the enjoyment of classic car ownership is a major stepping stone for Jaguar Classic.

“E-type Zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works, while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover’s dedication to creating zero emission vehicles across every part of the business, including Jaguar Classic.”

Technical specifications and pricing details will follow, but Jaguar Classic is now taking expressions of interest from potential E-type Zero clients. Deliveries of the first electric E-type vehicles are expected to start from summer 2020.

Jaguar E-type Zero concept

The Jaguar E-type Zero concept not only drives and looks like an E-type, it also offers outstanding performance, with quicker acceleration than the original Series 1 E-type.

Jaguar Classic is targeting a range in excess of 170 miles for all-electric E-types, helped by the car’s low kerb weight and sleek aerodynamics. The concept is powered by a 40kWh battery, which can be recharged in six to seven hours, depending on power source.

Apart from its state-of-the-art powertrain, modified instrumentation and fascia showcasing the latest touchscreen infotainment (which will be available as an option), the E-type Zero concept is largely original. Efficient LED headlights complement the iconic Series 1 design.

An electric powertrain with single-speed reduction gear has been specially designed for the E-type, utilising many Jaguar I-PACE components. Its lithium-ion battery pack has the same dimensions, and similar weight, to the standard E-type’s six-cylinder petrol XK engine and is in the same location.

The electric motor lies just behind the battery pack, in place of the E-type’s gearbox. A new propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive.

Using an electric powertrain with similar weight and dimensions to the outgoing petrol engine and transmission means the car’s structure, including suspension and brakes, has not changed, simplifying the conversion and keeping the driving experience in line with the original vehicle. It drives, handles, rides and brakes like an original E-type with front-rear weight distribution unchanged.

The latest iteration of the E-type Zero concept, finished in a Bespoke Bronze paint finish, will give the car its US debut at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday 24 August.

HAZEL CHAPMAN AND THE 100,000TH LOTUS IN 70TH CELEBRATIONS

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HAZEL CHAPMAN AND THE 100,000TH LOTUS 
IN 70TH CELEBRATIONS

Hazel Chapman and the Jim Clark Trust special edition Evora GT410 Sport

• Widow of Lotus founder joins sports car company’s celebrations
• Helping mark the 70th anniversary of Colin Chapman’s first car
• 100,000th Lotus built in tribute to Team Lotus racer Jim Clark
• Commissioned to support the Jim Clark Trust
• Enter the competition to win the car at www.jimclarklotus.com

Joining the celebrations for one of the world’s most iconic sports car manufacturers, the widow of company founder Colin Chapman has personally approved the 100,000thLotus, 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.” The Evora continues a lineage of lightweight car design that can trace its roots back to the very first Lotus - an ethos that drives the company to optimise mass and aerodynamics in order to maximise performance and handling.

In 1948 Colin Chapman built his first competition car, following his own theories for improved performance. He formed Lotus Engineering in 1952 and from there the company continued to innovate in both road and race cars. Changing the very nature and intent of vehicle design forever, Chapman was in the vanguard of a new way of thinking and his principles remain as relevant today as they were 70 years ago.

Hazel was the first investor in Lotus. Loaning her then-boyfriend Colin the £50 he needed to establish Lotus Engineering in a lock-up borrowed from Hazel’s parents. Colin Chapman re-imagined and re-engineered an Austin Seven to create the first Lotus – the Mark I. Built by hand, and with Hazel helping where needed, Colin completed the car in the spring of 1948 and immediately entered it in competitive trials. With Hazel in the passenger seat and Colin behind the wheel, they picked up two class awards in the Mark I’s first events.

From that small garage on the outskirts of London sprang a global brand and Hazel worked alongside Colin as the business grew and found fame. She was even instrumental in establishing the company’s current site in Hethel, working on the layout and design, as the old airbase was rebuilt as the Lotus headquarters and manufacturing facility.

A fitting tribute to one of the most successful racing drivers of all time, the 100,000th Lotus Evora GT410 Sport is a one-off produced in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust, which has launched a competition to win the landmark Lotus while raising funds to help complete its new museum. Inspired by the very first Lotus Elan, driven by Clark in the 1960s, the new Evora was conceived and constructed at the famous Hethel site – the home of the company for the last 50 years. 

Commissioned to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Clark’s tragic death while competing at Hockenheim in 1968, the 100,000th Lotus was unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Echoing the original Lotus Elan’s colour scheme, with red paintwork, a silver roof and silver wheels, plus tartan upholstery, it commemorates the legacy of one of motorsport’s most enduring figures.

Hazel Chapman and the Jim Clark Trust special edition Evora GT410 Sport

About the Evora GT410 Sport

Launched in Lotus’ 70th year, the Evora GT410 Sport is a winning blend of raw ability and style. Drawing from its more potent stablemate, the Evora GT430, it incorporates many high-performance elements yet retains a subtler, understated profile.

Forged through a process of continual evolution, the Evora GT410 Sport incorporates specifically designed composite front and rear body panels and advanced aerodynamics, so that the GT-class coupe generates up to 96kg of downforce. As with all high-performance Evoras, visible-weave carbon fibre plays a considerable role in the car’s construction, enabling a lightest possible dry weight of just 1,256 kg.

The Evora GT410 Sport is powered by a specially calibrated version of Lotus’ supercharged, 3.5-litre 6-cylinder engine. With an integrated water-to-air charge cooler, it produces 410 hp at 7000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 3500 rpm, allowing the Evora GT410 Sport to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds

As an alternative to Lotus’ slick, six-speed manual gearbox, with a Torsen type limited slip differential (LSD), the Evora GT410 Sport can be ordered with an automatic transmission, which is slightly quicker through the gears. The six-speed auto gearbox utilises an optimised ECU for ultra-fast changes and gear selection is made via lightweight aluminium paddles mounted to the steering wheel.

Hazel Chapman and son Clive (Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus)

Source: Lotus

STORIED HERITAGE MEETS NISSAN INTELLIGENT MOBILITY FUTURE AT ROLEX MONTEREY MOTORSPORTS REUNION

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STORIED HERITAGE MEETS NISSAN INTELLIGENT MOBILITY FUTURE AT ROLEX MONTEREY MOTORSPORTS REUNION

• Nissan becomes first Japanese car company honoured as featured marque during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca
• More than 50 vintage Nissan and Datsun racecars help celebrate fans' brand passion
• Nissan Formula E race car to highlight next generation of motorsports at Nissan
• Much anticipated North American debut of new Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign

The organizers of the 2018 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (RMMR) recognize Nissan as the first-ever Japanese featured marque. Held annually during Monterey Car Week, which features the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, the RMMR is one of the most prestigious vintage racing events in North America.

"Since the first Nissan race win in 1936 in Tokyo with the supercharged Datsun NL-75, motorsports has been a core element of the company's success - redefining the limits of man and machine, fostering ambition, stoking passion and cultivating a tireless drive for victory – all of which continues today," said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's global design chief. "For others, the cool marine layer and dew-covered fescue of Pebble Beach creates a perfect stage for beautifully-restored cars of significance, but Nissan is a brand that is quite at home spending the week powering down the corkscrew at Laguna Seca."

Over the past 50 years, Nissan (and Datsun) has won more than 100 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championships and more than 200 races in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) competition in the U.S.

More than 50 Nissan/Datsun race cars have registered to compete on the track at RMMR this year. These include IMSA champion Steve Millen in his Daytona and Le Mans-winning Nissan 300ZX Turbo and Hall of Fame racer John Morton driving the BRE Datsun 240Z. Comedian and vintage car collector Adam Carolla will drive his SCCA National GT-1 Championship 300ZX Turbo, originally raced by Paul Newman.

"The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion has honoured a variety of legendary marques steeped in racing history since the event began in 1974," said Barry Toepke, vice president of communication and historic racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. "Never before has a Japanese automaker been so honoured. We wanted to change that course and feature Nissan and Datsun because the brands resonate internationally and have fully established their racing pedigree. We felt it was time to recognize and honour the Nissan brand for its past, present and future."

A variety of historic Nissans also will be on display in the paddock, including the original BRE Datsun 510 John Morton drove to the 1971 and 1972 SCCA titles, the GTP ZX-Turbo Geoff Brabham piloted to eight consecutive wins and an International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) driver's championship in 1988 and Bob Sharp's four-time SCCA C-Production Champion 240Z.

Nissan North America has curated a special collection of 14 cars in its paddock area display, three of which are making U.S. debuts: the 1969 Japan Grand Prix winning Nissan R382, the one-of-a-kind Nissan R390 GT1 road car and the just-introduced Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign.

"After making a grand global entrance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, I can't think of a better setting than Laguna Seca for the North American debut of the GT-R50 by Italdesign," said Albaisa. "Monterey Car Week is a special place and time for automotive aficionados, collectors and dreamers."

Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the brand's vision for bringing leading technologies to the market is on display through the 2019 Altima and the 2018 Nissan LEAF, featuring ProPILOT Assist and the all-new Nissan Formula E race car, which previews the next generation of Nissan Motorsports.

In addition to the collection of special cars, Nissan's large paddock display will feature Adam Carolla's popular "CarCast" podcast live from noon to 1 p.m. PDT (3 - 4 p.m. EDT) Saturday, Aug. 25. A legendary driver, designer and car builder Peter Brock will join Carolla to talk about the beginning of BRE and the team's run to history more than 50 years ago.

For more information on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, including race schedules, entry lists and up-to-the-minute event updates, go to www.weathertechraceway.com/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion. Spectator tickets are available at http://www.weathertechraceway.com/ticket-information

Source: Nissan