RESPONSIBLE USE IS KEY – FIVA INTRODUCES ITS NEW GUIDE FOR HISTORIC MOTORING

RESPONSIBLE USE IS KEY – FIVA INTRODUCES ITS NEW GUIDE FOR HISTORIC MOTORING

One of the highlights of FIVA’s annual General Assembly, held this year in Gibraltar, was the presentation of the FIVA Guide for responsible use of historic vehicles on today’s roads. It reminds owners and drivers of historic vehicles of the importance of caring for the environment, and for the safety of other road users when taking a trip in a historic vehicle.

Tiddo Bresters, FIVA’s Vice President for Legislation, comments, “FIVA is fully aware that the world of mobility and transport is changing. However, it is also deeply convinced that in times of rapid innovation in vehicle technology, the sight of historic vehicles in use on the roads – artefacts that demonstrate the designs, the skills and the cultures of past times – will continue to delight people all over the world.

“Not only does our new Guide address the more than a million and a half historic vehicle owners that FIVA represents, it will also help the authorities and institutions influential in road safety and the environment to recognise that historic vehicles have a place in the world’s future landscape – as they have had for so many decades in the past.”

With the publication of the new Guide, FIVA confirms its commitment to maintaining the high standards of road safety for which historic vehicle drivers are known – not least by the insurance industry. (Indeed, FIVA is a member of the European Road Safety Charter, which it joined almost 10 years ago.)

The Guide replaces earlier publications that expressed FIVA’s respect for these two essential concerns – the environment and the safety of other road-users – and FIVA’s member organisations in around 70 countries, across all continents, will be encouraged to actively distribute it.

The Guide, which has over 20 pages and is imaginatively illustrated by three women illustrators from three different countries, has been edited under the direction of FIVA’s Legislation Commission. The cover of the Guide (image available for publication) is inspired by an actual photograph taken by FIVA’s Tiddo Bresters in Heidelberg in 2018 – and it perfectly illustrates the joy of introducing future generations to our mobile heritage. It shows children displaying a natural curiosity in the unusual sight of a BMW Isetta – a motorcycle-engined microcar from the 1950s – and in the background, the illustrator has added its modern equivalent, a brand-new electric microcar, the Microlino, inspired by the Isetta.

GOODWOOD PRESENTS THE JIM CLARK TRUST WITH £53,000 FUNDRAISING FROM THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL OF SPEED

GOODWOOD PRESENTS THE JIM CLARK TRUST WITH £53,000 FUNDRAISING FROM THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL OF SPEED

The Jim Clark Trust is delighted to announce that £53,000 was raised by donations from Goodwood Festival of Speed visitors over the four-day event weekend held this summer (12-15 July 2018). The official charity of the Festival, the proceeds will help to celebrate the memory of one of the most successful and admired motor racing legends of all time, with plans for a new Jim Clark Museum.

The Jim Clark Trust would like to thank the generosity of all those who donated over the course of the event, as well as guests at the Goodwood House Saturday Night Party, the Goodwood Road Racing Club and in particular, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon for inviting the Trust to be the chosen charity for this year’s event.

This year’s Festival of Speed 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of 1968 with a competition launched to win the 100,000th Lotus ever made to raise funds for the charity ­– a Jim Clark special edition Lotus Evora GT410 Sport inspired by Jim’s famous 1960’s Elan and created by Lotus Exclusive. The winner of the competition will be announced at the opening of the new Jim Clark Museum in summer 2019. Motorsport fans around the world are encouraged to enter this amazing competition at www.jimclarklotus.com.

The new, expanded Jim Clark Museum is being built to preserve the memory and display some of the incredible cars in which Jim Clark raced. The new £1.6m museum is funded by a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Borders Council and The Jim Clark Trust. The building works began in June 2018 and the new museum is expected to open in summer 2019.

The Jim Clark Trust is committed to £300,000 funding towards the project. The current plans have space for two race cars and the Trust is now seeking additional funds to explore plans to increase the number of cars on display in the future. The Trust, whose aims are focused on heritage, education and inspiration is run by relatives of Jim Clark and is reliant on public support. In recent years fundraising has included events, grants, crowdfunding, merchandise, and special edition memorabilia such as driving gloves and a commemorative whisky.

The launch of the Jim Clark special edition Lotus Evora GT410 Sport competition is the most ambitious fundraising campaign to date and has attracted interest from Jim Clark fans, F1, classic and motorsport fans around the world. The Lotus Evora includes special features such as a Scottish tartan interior, classic wooden gear knob, Jim Clark signature and discreet interior plaque making this 100,000th Lotus truly unique. The launch of the competition was attended by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, a Patron of the Trust, with Group Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng.

Over the course of the Festival, The Jim Clark Trust welcomed visitors to their stand with an exhibition featuring the life of Jim Clark as a racing driver and farmer in the Scottish Borders, historic memorabilia and a display of classic and modern race cars. Honorary President of the Trust Sir Jackie Stewart commemorated the 50th anniversary of 1968 by driving Jim’s Lotus 25 up the Hill Climb with Doug Niven, Jim’s cousin and Family Trustee, in a Lotus Cortina. Plans for the new museum also received the support of FIA President Jean Todt announced as a new Patron of the Trust at the Festival of Speed.

Commentating on the presentation of the funds raised from this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ben Smith, Secretary of the Jim Clark Trust, said, “The support of Goodwood and donations raised by the thousands of visitors to this year’s Festival of Speed visitors is tremendous and we are extremely grateful. A sincere thank you must go to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, the army of bucket collectors and volunteers who helped to support the fundraising over four memorable days at this year’s event. We were greatly encouraged by the genuine interest in our plans and affection for Jim Clark and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the new museum in the future.”

ATTACK OF THE CLONES: CAR CLONING IN LONDON RISES BY 50% IN ONE YEAR

ATTACK OF THE CLONES: CAR CLONING IN LONDON RISES BY 50% IN ONE YEAR

Cases of car cloning in London have risen by 50 per cent in just one year, with concerns that similar levels of cloning may be rife across the rest of the UK, according to official figures obtained by HonestJohn.co.uk.

The leading consumer motoring website analysed previously unseen Transport for London (TfL) data for the Congestion Charge zone and found that the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) being cancelled due to car cloning has soared.

In 2016 the number of PCNs cancelled on the grounds that the car was a clone was 1099; however, in 2017, this figure increased by 50 per cent with 1652 cases being recorded by TfL. Data for the first six months of 2018 show that car cloning continues to rise, with official figures up by a third on January - June 2017.

The true figure for the number of cloned cars on the road in London is thought to be much higher, given the complex and lengthy PCN appeals process and the fact that the Congestion Charge zone only operates Monday to Friday.

In the event of a PCN being issued due to a cloned car, the legitimately registered keeper will be required to provide evidence to satisfy the issuer of the ticket that their car was not at the time and place where the alleged offence occurred.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said HonestJohn.co.uk’s Managing Editor, Daniel Powell. “On the grounds that it is down to the car owner to prove they are innocent, it would be safe to assume that the true figure for car cloning in London is significantly higher as many drivers will be unable supply the evidence TfL requires to cancel the PCN.

“For those involved, it can be a very frightening and stressful experience, because they will be threatened with crippling fines and court action if they cannot provide comprehensive proof that they were not on the capital’s roads. It also raises an important question - how many drivers simply pay the fine to avoid the stress?

“There are a number of steps car owners can take to protect themselves, with the most obvious one being photos of their car to show the subtle differences between the clone and legitimate vehicle. Legal number plates usually have the manufacturer’s logo on them, while the clones are usually blank. CCTV footage will also prove a car’s location at a certain time, along with footage from a dash camera with GPS tracking.”

As part of its detailed response to HonestJohn.co.uk’s FOI, TfL said: “Prior to issuing the PCN we manually verify that the image of the vehicle observed in the zone matches the vehicle information provided by the DVLA. Only when there is a match is a penalty issued. At the point of issuing the penalty, we would not know if a vehicle had been cloned. 

“On receipt of the penalty, a motorist can follow the representations and appeals procedure and challenge a PCN. If we receive a representation stating a vehicle has been cloned we request evidence to confirm this.”

The Congestion Charge zone is enforced by a network of roadside automatic number plate recognition cameras (commonly known as ANPR), which record the registration and image of each vehicle as it enters and leaves the zone. Drivers that do not pay the London Congestion zone fee are sent a PCN for £130, which they need to pay within 28 days. TfL usually reduces the penalty to £65 if it is paid within 14 days.

Source: HONEST JOHN

FIVA CULTURE AWARDS: THE WINNERS ARE REVEALED

FIVA CULTURE AWARDS: THE WINNERS ARE REVEALED

Earlier this year, the FIVA Culture Commission (CC) invited classic vehicle enthusiasts to nominate entrants for a new series of awards to celebrate our cultural and technical mobile heritage.

FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) announced that the Culture Awards would comprise the following three categories: 

• RESEARCH

• DEDICATED SERVICE by INDIVIDUALS or ORGANISATIONS (CLUBS, FEDERATIONS, MUSEUMS), ETC.

• EDUCATION, TRAINING and the raising of AWARENESS

At the annual FIVA General Assembly in Gibraltar, the CC had the honour of revealing the winners of the three categories. The selection proved to be difficult due to the quality of the submissions, and the CC needed to study all the applications in great detail, with consideration given to a range of factors that included media coverage, the involvement of the general public and the participation of younger enthusiasts.

Nataša G. Jerina, CC President, commented, “It was very satisfying and a surprise to receive so many applications in the first year of the award presentation and the quality of the responses made selecting a winner even more of a challenge.”

The FIVA Culture Commission is now pleased to announce that the 2018 winners by category are:

RESEARCH

Winner: The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs with its National Historic Vehicle Survey

The CC noted not just the comprehensive quality of the Survey but how the findings indicated a wider appreciation of historic vehicles by the British population; the association of historic vehicles with other heritage organisations; plus a set of figures, such as the £5.5 billion value of the movement to the UK economy, all of which help to influence the UK government and politicians to ensure we can continue to use our historic vehicles on the road. In particular, we were impressed by the understanding of employment trends and the need to ensure that skilled resources are developed in this sector, leading to the creation of the Heritage Skills Academy.

DEDICATED SERVICE

Winner: The ‘Motorcycle Republic Symposium’, an event organised by the Hellenic Motorcycle Museum

The CC noted that the 3-day event, part of the annual FIVA motorcycle week, welcomed more than 2,000 visitors who were able to see some 50 motorcycles and attend a comprehensive range of presentations, ranging from a video presentation on the ‘Charter of Turin’ to a talk on ‘Education in Riding Safely’.

EDUCATION, TRAINING and the raising of AWARENESS

Winner: Federación Mexicana de Automoviles Antiguos y de Colección, A.C. with the Diploma syllabus

The project is very comprehensive, with a strong practical component and – having been in operation for nine years – it can boast approximately 300 graduates.

Special Culture Award 2017

Finally, the FIVA Culture Commission would like to thank Motorhistorisk Samraad and Mr Henning Thomsen for an application originally sent in 2017, nominating Mr Ole Sommer for a Culture Award for Dedicated Service. We’re pleased to confirm that the Commission has agreed to present a Special Culture Award in recognition of the wide-ranging and passionate commitment to historic vehicles, and Jaguars, in particular, demonstrated throughout Mr Sommer’s life.

“It’s fantastic to realise how many projects are being undertaken worldwide, many of which we are as yet unaware of, that we believe we should endeavour to promote whenever possible. We hope to receive many more applications in 2019 and we look forward to receiving them with great enthusiasm!” confirms Nataša Jerina.

The winning projects will each be the subject of a short video on the FIVA website.

COUNT’S RECORD-BREAKING BABS JOINS CHITTY EXHIBITION AT BEAULIEU

COUNT’S RECORD-BREAKING BABS JOINS CHITTY EXHIBITION AT BEAULIEU

BABS in Beaulieu exhibition

The iconic Land Speed Record breaker Babs that inspired Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has joined the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

The incredible machine, known as Chitty Bang Bang IV, was the creation of racing driver Count Louis Zborowski and inspired Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang story.

Babs joins an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious, the original Child Catcher carriage, Coggins Garage recreated in the museum to house the inventive machines of Rowland Emett and a replica of Grandpa Potts’ hut in Beaulieu’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years which celebrates the film’s golden anniversary.

Babs started life in 1923 as the Higham Special and was even more extreme in its design than the Count’s previous three Chittys. When he died a year later, it was bought for £125 by talented racing driver John Godfrey Parry-Thomas who re-christened it, Babs. After boosting power to 500 bhp by adding new pistons to its American Liberty V12 aeroplane engine, Parry-Thomas beat the Land Speed Record by more than 20mph by reaching 171mph.

When Sir Malcolm Campbell raised the record again the following year, Parry-Thomas made an attempt to regain the title which ended in disaster and he was killed. The wrecked car was buried at Pendine Sands, where it remained for more than 40 years.

In 1969 Babs was excavated by university lecturer and car restorer Owen Wyn Owen, who discovered that the car was not as badly decayed as expected and embarked on bringing it back to its former glory. Today, the fully-restored Babs is a fitting tribute to the aeroplane-engined racing cars and their fearless drivers whose exploits inspired Ian Fleming.

Other Chitty memorabilia on show at Beaulieu includes the leather bonnet strap from the Count’s original Mercedes Chitty, a solid silver Chitty model bought for producer Cubby Broccoli by his wife Dana and original film concept art by Sir Ken Adam, storyboard watercolour artwork by Robert Laing and technical drawings by Peter Lamont which have never been previously exhibited.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years can be seen as part of the general admission to Beaulieu, which includes entrance to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu family home of Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. To buy tickets in advance online or for more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation with #Chitty50years.

THE SEAT 1400: SEAT’S FIRST EVER VEHICLE CELEBRATES ITS 65TH ANNIVERSARY

THE SEAT 1400: SEAT’S FIRST EVER VEHICLE CELEBRATES ITS 65TH ANNIVERSARY

The car that launched SEAT is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. The SEAT 1400, a luxurious and elegant saloon, marked the beginning of the brand’s story and formed the platform for its future success.

The first SEAT 1400 – with registration plate number B-87.223 – rolled off the production line at the brand’s Zona Franca factory in Barcelona on the 13th November 1953, just three years after the brand had been formed.

Priced at 117,000 pesetas (around €705 or £616), the production rate was just five vehicles a day during the first year, but that number would rapidly climb.

Conceived as the vehicle to build the foundations of SEAT’s business, 1400 was an impressively executed four-door, front engine, rear-wheel drive saloon, equally at home as an official state authority vehicle or providing transportation to the masses as a public taxi.

Performance to impress

Built at SEAT’s manufacturing plant in Barcelona, with an initial workforce of 925 employees, the 1400’s technical specifications were reflective of the period: longitudinally mounted petrol engine at the front with power delivered to the rigid rear axle which incorporated a differential.

That engine was a four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 1,395cc, linked to a four-speed manual transmission and with a maximum output of 44PS, giving it a top speed of 120km/h.

The chassis incorporated helical springs that produced an elastic effect on the rear suspension, and longitudinal semi-cantilever springs – which acted as thrust arms – to give it anti-roll stabilisation. A Panhard rod ensured the lateral positioning of the axle. This setup was ultra-modern for the time.

The 1400’s exterior took its design cue from American vehicles of the time, with a rounded rear shape extenuated by conical-shaped rear lights, but it also introduced curved, one-piece windscreens and a heating system to the market.

As well as appealing aesthetics, the SEAT 1400 also offered more than sufficient performance. Its 48-litre fuel tank gave it significant range thanks to its fuel consumption figure of 10.5 litres/100km (27mpg) and it would gladly cruise at 100km/h (62mpg).

Manufactured for success

By the end of the SEAT 1400’s initial production run in 1954, 1,345 units had been produced, but that was just the beginning of the car’s life. The 1400 family continued with the introduction of the 1400 A in 1954, the 1400B in 1956 and 1400 C in 1960, along with a number of special versions.

With each version came improvements to the performance and design, helping solidify its position in the market and grow SEAT as a brand.

The 1400 helped SEAT’s growth skyrocket. Initial production numbers were small, by the end of 1954, 959 units were delivered, however, a year later annual production was tipping towards 3,000 – and the 1400 was produced with nearly 100% nationally sourced components.

In 1956 7,000 vehicles were manufactured, with that number hitting 10,000 a year later. By the end of its life, 98,978 units had been sold and its place in history was guaranteed.

Technical specifications

SEAT 1400

Engine
Number of cylinders/valves	Four-cylinder/Eight valves
Bore and stroke	82mm x 66mm
Displacement	1,395cc
Carburettor	Solex or Weber downdraft with manual choke
Cooling	Liquid cooled belt driven fan. Water pump
Transmission	Four-speed manual, plus reverse
Chassis	Front: Independent, deformable trapezium with springs and telescopic shock absorbers Rear: Rigid axle with springs, telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and longitudinal leaf springs
Tyres	5.90 x 14
Brakes	Front and rear drums

JAGUAR F-TYPE RALLY CARS CELEBRATE 70 YEARS OF SPORTS CAR HERITAGE

JAGUAR F-TYPE RALLY CARS CELEBRATE 70 YEARS OF SPORTS CAR HERITAGE

Watch F-TYPE rally cars in action: https://youtu.be/YsUcDmCmLMg

12 November 2018, Whitley: Jaguar has developed two F-TYPE Convertible rally cars, with design cues from the F-TYPE Chequered Flag Limited Edition, to continue its celebration of 70 years of sports car heritage since the XK 120 was revealed in 1948.

The one-off F-TYPE rally cars also pay homage to the legendary Jaguar XK 120 registered ‘NUB 120’ which, in the early 1950s in the hands of Ian Appleyard, completed three consecutive Alpine Rallies without incurring a single penalty point, and won the RAC and Tulip.

Both rally-specification F-TYPE Convertibles are powered by Jaguar’s 300PS 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder petrol engine. With modifications overseen by Jaguar Design and Engineering, both cars were built to FIA specification, with comprehensively uprated brakes and suspension fitted alongside a protective roll cage, race-seats with a six-point harness, bonnet-mounted light pod and fire extinguisher.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said: “The opportunity to design a rally car doesn’t come along very often so I was fascinated to see how we could take our modern day sports car to a similar character. These models are a fitting tribute to the XK 120 and all the great Jaguar sports cars since its reveal 70 years ago, including the latest F-TYPE Chequered Flag Limited Edition."

The rally F-TYPEs feature upgrades to the brakes, suspension and drivetrain including the addition of grooved discs with four-piston callipers front and rear. Hand-built competition dampers and softer springs ensure the high-performance cars can be driven flat-out over rough rally stages. Three-way adjustable dampers allow the cars to be tuned for different surfaces and feature spherical bearings for added precision. With motorsport-spec wheels and tyres specifically for use on gravel, a limited-slip differential improves power delivery on loose surfaces while a hydraulic handbrake helps drivers tackle hairpin bends.

The celebratory models were put through their paces at the Walters Arena rally stage, South Wales, to demonstrate their performance credentials and will now attend a series of Jaguar events over the next few months.

The rally cars’ livery takes design inspiration from the new F-TYPE Chequered Flag Limited Edition, which features a range of subtle exterior visual enhancements, including unique 20-inch Gloss Black wheels with a Diamond Turned finish and a Black Contrast roof on the Coupé. Inside, the luxurious Ebony Windsor Leather interior features Performance seats with embossed Chequered Flag headrests and a Dark Brushed Aluminium centre console trim finisher.

The Jaguar F-TYPE Chequered Flag Limited Edition is available from £62,335 and can be configured at www.jaguar.co.uk. You can read more about the F-TYPE Chequered Flag Limited Edition here.

TEN OF THE BEST: CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR CLUB AWARDS NAMES 2018 WINNERS

TEN OF THE BEST: CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR CLUB AWARDS NAMES 2018 WINNERS

The winners of the 2018 Classic & Sports Car Club Awards, held in association with Lancaster Insurance, have been revealed at a memorable ceremony at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham.

This year, the judges received an unprecedented number of entries from a diverse array of car clubs, as well as those passionate individuals who share a drive to preserve motoring history and broaden the appeal of the classic car community.

Alastair Clements, Editor in Chief of Classic & Sports Car, said: “Our judging panel was blown away by the volume and quality of the submissions this year. The overall impression from evaluating the entries was just how passionate, supportive and welcoming the entire classic car world is. We’ve learnt about labour-of-love restorations, incredible charity drives, youthful exuberance and an especially poignant rally marking the centenary of World War I. These extraordinary groups are the people who shape the classic car community. Moreover, the submissions also brought home what a bright future there is for classic motoring, and we would like to congratulate all of our 2018 winners on their fantastic efforts over the past year.”

The winners of the 2018 Classic & Sports Car Club Awards in association with Lancaster Insurance are:

Club of the Year: Ford100e.com

Lancaster Insurance Club Initiative of the Year: ‘Crossmember’ membership system, The Rover P6 Club

Club Personality of the Year: Peter Lee, Transit Van Club

Best Contribution to Charity: Secret Supercar Meet, Supercar Driver

Best Contribution by a Youngster: Katrina Forey, TR Register

Most Improved Club Magazine: Talbot Owners’ Club Magazine

Club Magazine of the Year: Idle Chatter, The 1100 Club

Best Club Website: www.hondas800sportscarclub.co.uk, Honda S800 Sports Car Club

Best Club Run/Rally: ‘The Long, Long Trail’, The Veteran Car Club of Great Britain

Best Club Show/Event: International Alvis Weekend 2018, Alvis Owner Club

In addition to these 10 pre-show categories, the Classic & Sports Car Club Awards judges also spent time exploring the halls of the Classic Motor Show, taking place this weekend at Birmingham’s NEC. The panel looked at car clubs’ displays across a further seven categories, seeking out the best cars and stands at the show.

These seven winning displays are:

Most Interesting Selection of Cars: Historic Lotus Register (Stand 2-840)

Best Themed Club Stand: Austin Counties Car Club (Stand 3-495)

Best Small Club Stand: Fiat 500 Enthusiasts’ Club (Stand 5-560)

Best Medium Club Stand: Wolseley Register (Stand 3-158)

Best Large Club Stand: Veteran Car Club (Stand 1-355)

Car of the Show: Bugatti Type 57S Vanvooren Cabriolet, courtesy Andrew Pisker, Bugatti Owners’ Club (Stand 1-325)

C&SC Special Award: Ford Cortina GT, courtesy Theo Bengry, Historic Marathon Rally Group (Stand 8-360)

To read more about our 2018 winners, head over to the Classic & Sports Car website at www.classicandsportscar.com or follow us on our social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using #CSCClubAwards.

RACE, RETRAIN AND RE-COVER, MISSION MOTORSPORT JAGUAR F-TYPE #POPPYCAR WINS VEHICLE GRAPHICS 2018 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

RACE, RETRAIN AND RE-COVER, MISSION MOTORSPORT JAGUAR F-TYPE #POPPYCAR WINS VEHICLE GRAPHICS 2018 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

Winning top honours at the British Signs Awards as Vehicle Graphics 2018 Special Achievement Award, this year marks a poignant partnership for Jaguar and Mission Motorsport’s Jaguar F-Type SVR Poppy Car as we approach the centenary of the Armistice this weekend. Following its Vehicle Graphics 2018 Special Achievement Award win, the Mission Motorsport-liveried Jaguar F-Type SVR will go on to the Forces’ Motorsport Charity’s annual Race of Remembrance at Anglesey Circuit this weekend (9-11 November) to lead the packed grid of 50 racing cars as the official Safety Car.

A year since the Poppy Car was unveiled in November 2017, and 100 years since the end of WW1, the poppy-themed Jaguar F-Type SVR has been a focal point for the recovery of wounded, injured and sick-servicemen. A collaboration between Jaguar and the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, Mission Motorsport, the Poppy Car is just one project by Mission Motorsport, a charity that has helped give jobs to 1,500 ex-servicemen and women in the automotive industry – 954 in Jaguar Land Rover alone since the first Invictus Games in 2014.

The Poppy Car was designed and wrapped by ex-servicemen Lance Corporal Chris Read, Guardsman Chris Walker, Private Dan Elliott Lance Corporal Francis Stokes and Sergeant Major David Turnbull, all of whom are beneficiaries of Mission Motorsport and were medically discharged from service. The core team of Read, Walker and Elliott prototyped, designed, reprinted and went back to the drawing board countless times, but they succeeded, emphatically, at creating something uniquely poignant. No two views of the Jaguar F-Type SVR are the same. The Poppy Car changes with the light, with perspective, and with the words of the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ running through the design the car represents more than an art installation – it is something that has resonance, depth, and meaning.

Since the Jaguar F-Type SVR was wrapped, three of the ex-servicemen have moved into full-time employment, Lance Corporal Francis Stokes now works for Williams F1. Private Dan Elliot secured employment within Jaguar Land Rover working in their Research department and Sergeant Major David Turnbull is currently running the Livery department at Mission Motorsport.

Speaking on behalf of the charity about winning this important award, CEO James Cameron said, “The Poppy Car is a collaboration and project that has brought so much joy to everyone that has worked on and been close to it. The team were entirely responsible for the creative and practical delivery of the project from first principles, and the finished car has become emblematic of the wider cause, particularly poignant as we approach Remembrance weekend.

“At Mission Motorsport, our aim is to provide a stepping stone for our ex-servicemen and women to get back into day-to-day life away from the battlefield. Race, retrain and ‘re-cover’, our livery department is ecstatic that despite fantastic competition the Poppy Car won the Vehicle Wrap of the Year. An amazing achievement for those involved and reflects the emotion, hard work and dedication that went into making such a remarkable car.”

Starting this year as it means to go on, the Mission Motorsport Jaguar F-Type SVR Poppy Car started 2018 on stage at the International Autosport Show at the NEC. From there it has visited all the Recovery Centres throughout the UK, toured battlefields – turning heads and raising awareness. Not just a showpiece, the 575bhp Jaguar F-Type SVR has also been used at the VMax 200 events at Kendrew Barracks as part of a wider recovery sports program for beneficiaries to get the chance to reach over 180 mph behind the wheel.

Approaching the centenary of the Armistice, this week the car embarked on the JLR Remembrance Tour visiting manufacturing sites across the UK and was the centrepiece for the launch of the Poppy Appeal in Birmingham. Once again, the car will finish its journey at the Race of Remembrance in Wales where it will act as the official Safety Car for the race. The 2018 Race of Remembrance event, organised by Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, will be the fifth consecutive annual 12-hour endurance race held at Anglesey Circuit, which commemorates the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families. This year will be especially poignant as it marks 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of WW1.

THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB LAUNCHES ANNUAL HISTORIC AWARDS

THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB LAUNCHES ANNUAL HISTORIC AWARDS

The Royal Automobile Club is launching a new set of annual awards to recognise excellence and outstanding contributions to the UK’s historic motoring and motorsport industries at a gala evening to be held in the Club’s Pall Mall clubhouse on Thursday 21 November 2019.

Continuing the Club’s rich pedigree in celebrating motoring accomplishments, the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards will reward achievement and innovation by highlighting and celebrating the wide range of companies, clubs, events, associations and individuals responsible for influencing and driving the British historic motoring movement.

The nomination and judging process is central to the prestige and integrity of the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards. With the exception of the Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award, category nominations will be invited from all corners of the UK’s historic motoring scene.

The Awards will be judged by a hand-picked panel of independent experts consisting of some of the most highly-regarded individuals in their respective fields, each with specific in-depth knowledge of their assigned categories, making a win one of the most sought-after accolades in the industry.

The Royal Automobile Club has been at the heart of the motoring and motorsport world for over 120 years since its formation in 1897 and the Awards serve as a natural continuation of the Club’s heritage.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, commented: “The Club has a long history of rewarding endeavours, starting with the first British Grand Prix in 1926. We do everything for the long-term - witness the Veteran Car Run which is over a century old - meaning these awards will become an annual event going forward. Our independent judging panel is integral to these Historic Awards – each one is hand-picked based on their depth of knowledge and expertise in their field. All judges will base their decisions on a clear set of criteria so that candidates will understand exactly how each category will be assessed.

“This is a perfect opportunity for the Club to honour and celebrate the wealth of talent and commitment that exists across this vibrant and growing industry. We are delighted to be partnering with Historic Promotions; Duncan Wiltshire’s team are true enthusiasts for all things related to historic motoring and motorsport and bring a significant degree of expertise and credibility to the awards”.

Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of Historic Promotions, said: “The Royal Automobile Club has the unimpeachable authority and integrity which is imperative for any awards programme. We are delighted to be working with the Club on this major new activity, which we believe will raise the bar for such awards and become a highly respected fixture on the motoring calendar. We are hand-picking judges who have a remarkable amount of experience across the categories and who can recognise excellence and appreciate outstanding talent.”

Award categories will be announced on 9 January 2019 and nominations for the inaugural Awards open on 20 March 2019.

The gala evening on the 21 November 2019 will see the leading lights from across the industry gather to celebrate and honour the winners in style at the historic Pall Mall clubhouse.

The Awards will complement the Royal Automobile Club’s current motoring activities such as the 1000 Mile Trial, the Regent Street Motor Show and the Veteran Car Run and join the renowned list of Club motoring and motorsport awards and trophies, which include the Dewar Trophy the Segrave Trophy, the coveted Historic Tourist Trophy, the Woodcote Trophy and the Royal Automobile TT Celebration, the jewel in the crown of the Goodwood Revival.

To learn more about the awards please go to the Royal Automobile Club website.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 70 INCREDIBLE DAYS!

AROUND THE WORLD IN 70 INCREDIBLE DAYS!   • Ambitious new endurance ‘Rally the Globe’ club launched • Classic car automotive adventures topped by around the world epic • Carrera Iberia and Southern Cross Safari in East Africa also confirmed • A team of renowned experts to mastermind intercontinental events    An exciting and significant new international endurance rally club is launched today (Wednesday), together with confirmation of an epic round the world motoring adventure in 2020/2021.   Founded by renowned rallying mastermind Fred Gallagher with substantial backing from a number of influential endurance rally participants, Rally the Globe has been established to deliver unrivalled levels of professionalism, experience, vision and voyage.   Emphasising this inspirational ethos for delivering outstanding trans-nation and inter-continental competition and camaraderie for enthusiastic owners of pre-1976 vintage and classic cars, detailed planning for three truly incredible events is already in motion.   The evocatively titled ‘Carrera Iberia’ in October 2019 will mark Rally the Globe’s debut, providing entrants with some of the finest driving possible in Spain and Portugal. Deserted country roads, race circuits and historic hotels are all on the menu.   The focus then switches from western Europe to East Africa for the inaugural ‘Southern Cross Safari’ in February 2020. Set in Kenya and Tanzania it, too, features an amazing route taking competitors through both Masai Mara and Serengeti National Reserves before finishing on the shores of the Indian Ocean.   Then – and very much living up to the club’s name – comes the ultimate ‘Round The World’. Combining both adventure and endurance, this zenith of all road trips will be split into three sections: the first from London to Casablanca via the Sahara; the second from New York to Anchorage in Alaska and the third from Vladivostok in eastern Russia back to London. The rally will be staged over a total of 70 days between May 2020 and June 2021.   Participants will be able to compete in one, two or all three legs of the rally.  The ultimate prize will be to complete – or even dare to win– the Round The World title. A number of equally spectacular events are also in the pipeline (see map below).    “It’s an ambitious and exceptional programme that really underlines our philosophy of providing those possessing a true spirit of adventure with memorable drives through parts of the world that they probably wouldn’t otherwise ever see or savour,” explained Rally Director, Gallagher. “We pride ourselves not only in finding some of the greatest driving roads on Earth but also in seeking out both quirky and astonishing places along the route for our crews to relish in between their competitive tests.”   Having competed at the very top level winning numerous World Championship rallies when co-driving with sporting legends such as Juha Kankkunen, Ari Vatanen and Björn Waldegård – and subsequently working as Clerk of the Course on many World Rally Championship rallies and classic enduros – Gallagher’s track record is second to none.   Adding further strength to the notable Rally the Globe organising team, Gallagher has secured the services of many of the most experienced and well-respected figures in the operation and management of successful global endurance rallies.   John Spiller, who oversaw the Subaru rally team in the Colin McRae era and more recently has successfully overseen events in Southeast Asia, South America and the Middle East, has joined Rally the Globe. A number of other proven experts in logistics, rally organisation and technical support have also confirmed that they will be joining the club in the coming months.   “Fred has put together a fantastic team including just about all the top names in endurance rallying,” confirmed 1920s Bentley owner and Rally the Globe Chairman, Graham Goodwin who is a regular competitor as well as a pro-active investor in the new venture.   “We are setting this up as a not-for-profit club for invited members all sharing a similar passion for memorable automotive adventures. We all desire events that will serve up a magical cocktail of great classic cars, the thrill of competition and some unforgettable shared experiences in far-off places – and that’s what Fred and his impressive Rally the Globe group will deliver in spades!”   For more information on the Rally, the Globe team and the three events already announced, visit www.rallytheglobe.com.