STUDIO434® ADDS A UNIQUE AND RARE RAILTON TO ITS GROWING CAR COLLECTION

STUDIO434® ADDS A UNIQUE AND RARE RAILTON TO ITS GROWING CAR COLLECTION

 1989 Railton Claremont

Studio434®, suggested to be the largest private car collection in Europe, has added a unique and rare 1989 Railton Claremont, a striking coupe designed by the late William Towns, to its growing collection. Studio434® cars have other models designed by the late William Towns including 24 Aston Martin Lagonda “Wedge” models – the world’s largest collection – plus the Hustler and Huntsman utilitarian vehicles.

The Railton Claremont is based on the Jaguar V12 XJS engine and underpinnings and was the brainchild of William Towns and is one of only two Railton tourers manufactured in 1989. The other is the Railton Fairmile, both cars were featured at the 1989 Motorfair, held at the legendary Earls Court exhibition site.

“I am a great fan of the iconic British car designer William Towns”, said Studio434® owner, Rodger Dudding,” and when I saw that the Railton Claremont was available at auction, I had to add it to our collection. It will now sit alongside our other William Towns’ designed cars including the Aston Martin Lagonda “Wedge” models, together with the unusual Hustler and Hunter vehicles”.

Studio434® now has over 460 cars and motorcycles representing models from the early 1900s to the present day. Many of the cards are used in films and tv series including Mr Selfridge, Peaky Blinders and The Crown, most recently some of Rodger’s cars were used in the Elton John biopic Rocketman.

ECURIE ECOSSE LM69 – CREATING A MODERN RACING THOROUGHBRED

ECURIE ECOSSE LM69 – CREATING A MODERN RACING THOROUGHBRED

What if…?

It’s a question that has dominated the history of the XJ13, a prototype built by Jaguar in 1966 in a quest to continue the marque’s legendary run of success in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Powered by a new quad-cam, 5-litre V12, the XJ13 was Jaguar’s first mid-engined car – and without doubt one of the most beautiful automotive designs of all time.

Sadly, it remained unraced. A combination of internal politics and a change in sporting regulations meant that it was banished to a corner of the Competition Department – mothballed and all but forgotten as other projects took priority.

But what if the XJ13 had been developed and raced? What if this car’s immense potential had been realised?

Picture the scene: one day in late 1967, members of Ecurie Ecosse – the famous Scottish race team that twice won Le Mans in the 1950s with Jaguar D-types – travel to the Browns Lane factory to discuss repeating that success. During their visit, they spot the XJ13, covered up and tucked away. But as soon as the covers come off, they know that they’ve got a potential winner on their hands.

A deal is done, and work begins on a two-year project to develop and build a car in order for Ecurie Ecosse to take on the might of Ford, Ferrari and Porsche at the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours.

This alternate reality could have been one of motor racing’s greatest stories – just imagine if the money, not to say courage and ambition, had been invested into it. Now a team of designers and engineers have done just that…

The birth of the Ecurie Ecosse LM69

Fifty years on, the spectacular LM69 is to be launched. While remaining true in spirit and sympathetic to the style of the fabulous XJ13, its bodywork has been developed into an all-new design that has its own purposeful beauty.

The quad-cam V12 is the heart of the car, a unique signature that has been designed to evoke the experience of driving at Le Mans in 1969. And not only is the LM69 suitable for track use, but it’s also fully road-legal.

A strict brief was established from the start: the design and engineering team would have to adhere to the regulations of the time and feature only design details and technology that entered motorsport no later than early 1969.

As the XJ13 would have done had it been prepared for serious competition use, the LM69 benefits from innovations that appeared during that exciting era. Composite materials have been used, it’s lighter than the original car, and it boasts experimental aerodynamic devices, wider wheels and tyres, and a much-improved engine.

Only 25 will be produced, in keeping with the 1969 FIA homologation requirements and to maintain its exclusivity. Each one will be individually hand-built in the West Midlands by the best British craftsmen in their field. 

Discover the Ecurie Ecosse LM69

The Ecurie Ecosse LM69 will be officially launched at the International Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, London on 6-8 September 2019.

The gardens at Hampton Court Palace will be home to more than 300 of the finest and rarest motor cars ever to be seen. The crown jewels of the automotive world – 1896 pioneers to present-day supercars including the LM69.

The Ecurie Ecosse presence at this year’s Concours of Elegance affords a rare opportunity to see and commission a piece of motoring history. 

For further information, please visit: www.ecuriecars.com

ASTON MARTIN ACCELERATES TOWARDS GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

ASTON MARTIN ACCELERATES TOWARDS GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

70 years since Aston Martin first raced at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, the luxury British manufacturer returns to Goodwood Festival of Speed as this year’s featured marque. There have been many significant moments in Aston Martin’s long-standing relationship with Goodwood and this year will be no different with Aston Martin showcasing its bold new future and highlights from its past. 

Included in this year’s event will be the global dynamic debut of the DBS Superleggera Volante and the limited edition, Vantage AMR. Unveiled earlier this year, Aston Martin has introduced a 7-speed manual transmission to its true sports car, Vantage. Also featuring dynamic tweaks inspired by motorsport, Vantage AMR delivers a heightened driving experience while commemorating Aston Martin’s 1-2 win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a limited edition ‘Vantage 59’ livery.

There will also be an opportunity to see the Rapide E dynamically for the first time in the UK with the high-performance battery electric sportscar driving up the hill from the First Glance paddock. The first electric Aston Martin, driven at Festival of Speed by Aston Martin Racing works driver Darren Turner, is powered by an 800V electrical architecture battery with a 65kWh installed capacity. The battery system powers two rear-mounted electric motors that produce a combined target output of just over 610PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque.

Festival of Speed will also be the first time that Aston Martin’s first SUV, DBX, will be heard as it runs up the hill from the First Glance paddock. Due to be unveiled at the end of 2019, the camouflaged pre-production will be driven by Aston Martin’s Chief Engineer, Matt Becker, who will put the SUV through its paces as it nears its global launch date.

Included in the Supercar Paddock will be the Lava Collection which features each of the four Vanquish Zagatos in the now iconic paint colour, Lava Red. Between the four V12 engines there is almost 2,400bhp with only 99 Volantes, Coupes and Shooting Brakes built – only 28 Speedsters were made. The project was announced in 2016 with the final car in the series, Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake delivered to customers this year. The four models will be joined by the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation which will be on display in Aston Martin hospitality, adding to the celebration of 100 years of Zagato. Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro will also be running, and the current World Endurance Racing Vantage GTE will also be driven up the hill by Aston Martin Racing works driver Jonny Adam who has just returned from competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Other nods to Aston Martin’s rich history will be made with attendance from great racing cars from pasts successes at Brooklands, Circuit de la Sarthe and Silverstone. Each car will feature in the Aston Martin moment which will occur each day of the Festival of Speed honouring 106-years of racing history.

Aston Martin President and Group CEO, Andy Palmer, said: “We are a business that is currently experiencing a momentous period of growth. Attending the Festival of Speed allows us to showcase our latest developments in electric and SUV technology while celebrating the rich history of our past.

“Aston Martin is proud to have been involved in the Festival of Speed since it began in 1993. It’s a nerve-wracking experience every time I drive up the hill in front of the crowds, the margin for error is tiny, but there is such an extraordinary atmosphere that it is like no other motor show on earth. It’s this excitement that keeps both participants and visitors returning year after year.”

For more information on the attractions at the Goodwood Festival of Speed please visit https://www.goodwood.com/motorsport/festival-of-speed/.

CITY OF LE MANS RENAMES STREET ‘RUE DES BENTLEY BOYS’ AS BENTLEY CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE AT 24 HOURS OF LE MANS

CITY OF LE MANS RENAMES STREET ‘RUE DES BENTLEY BOYS’ AS BENTLEY CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE AT 24 HOURS OF LE MANS

The illustrious racing heritage of Bentley Motors is being honoured at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans – the world’s greatest motorsport event. Today, to mark the company’s Centenary and the brand’s close association with the race, the City of Le Mans renamed a street in honour of the indomitable ‘Bentley Boys’ who won five Le Mans 24-hour races between 1924 and 1930, and their successors who took the laurels in 2003.

On Saturday, 25 Bentley motor cars from across the marque’s last century will drive the Parade Lap at the beginning of this year’s race. They will be led by the all-new Flying Spur in its Global Dynamic debut, and the 2003 Le Mans race-winning EXP Speed 8.

A trackside display entitled ‘Bentley Through The Decades’ will also be a major highlight of the 87th running of the endurance race this weekend in France. Among the legendary Bentley models will be previous Le Mans race entries, including Bentley Motor’s Birkin Team Car; the legendary 1927 3-Litre No 2 Team Car from the 1930 race and the 1926 3-Litre Team Car No 8. EXP 2, the oldest surviving Bentley, will also be on display. Although it never raced at Le Mans, it is the most successful racing Bentley ever with 11 first and 7-second places to its name.

A new display on Bentley’s racing heritage will also open in the trackside 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. Honouring Bentley’s six famous victories at the event the display will showcase a replica Speed 8 and Speed 6 and will run until September 2019.

Bentley Boys Honoured In Le Mans

Today, Bentley has been honoured by the City of Le Mans, which has renamed one of its major streets in memory of the company’s illustrious racing heritage. Rue de Laigne becomes ‘Rue des Bentley Boys’ paying homage to the group of wealthy young men who raced W.O. Bentley’s fast and dependable cars in the early 20th Century, and their 21st Century successors.

During the 1920s, Bentley enjoyed great success on the racetrack and also broke many speed records. It brought W.O.s new company front page recognition, none more so than the company’s first Le Mans victory in 1924.

W.O. worked with ‘Bentley Boy’ John Duff to prepare for the 1924 endurance race, travelling to France to watch his car take the company’s first chequered flag at Le Mans. The dashing Bentley Boys went on to win four more consecutive races from 1927 to 1930, dominating the Golden Era of Le Mans racing and delivering one of the sport’s greatest achievements.

After an absence of 73 years, Bentley returned to contest Le Mans in 2001 and won the race in 2003. 

The Mayor of Le Mans, M.Stéphane Le Foll, led the re-naming ceremony and was joined by representatives of Auto Club de l’Ouest President M.Pierre Fillon, Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, Bentley’s Head of Heritage Collection, Robin Peel and several current day ‘Bentley Boys’.

Global Dynamic Debut of All-New Flying Spur

Le Mans will host the global dynamic debut of the all-new Flying Spur on Saturday 15 June, as it demonstrates its sporting capabilities as Pace Car in the pre-race Parade Lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driven by Chris Craft, Bentley's Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, it will lead more than 20 historic and current Bentley models from the company’s first 100 years around the historic racetrack in front of hundreds of thousands of motor racing fans from around the globe.

The all-new, All-Wheel Drive Flying Spur is an extraordinary Grand Tourer with unparalleled agility. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain, the sports sedan sets new standards for both driving enjoyment and luxury.

It is the very first Bentley to feature All-Wheel Steering, enhancing both stability at cruising speeds and agility around town. The new, all-wheel drive Flying Spur is a ground-up development that sets a new benchmark for technology and craftsmanship in the luxury sector.

Two Special Le Mans Displays

Located on the track’s famous Dunlop Curve, a ‘Bentley Through The Decades’ static display on Friday (June 14) will feature a host of special Bentley models from the last 100 years. In addition to the EXP 2 and the 1927 Team Car, the display includes the Team Blower, an R-Type Continental, a Series 1 FS Continental and the EXP Speed 8 that won at Le Mans in 2003.

Before the start of the 87th 24 Hours of Le Mans, the prestigious Parade Lap on Saturday (June 15) will also be dominated by Bentley cars. Other models to join the all-new Flying Spur on the track circuit will include the EXP 2, the 1925 3 Litre ‘Speed’, the 4 ½ Blower, the 3 Litre Team Car, a Brooklands and a Continental GT3-R.

100 Years Of Extraordinary

From Le Mans victories, through to the incredibly powerful road cars of the modern era, all of Bentley’s extraordinary cars have innovation hand-built into them. July 10, 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year - an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a few companies.

The Le Mans celebrations are just part of a year-long series of special activities, with celebrations at other events around the world. They will showcase Bentley’s motoring evolution over the last 100 years, highlighting its global success today and the exciting future of innovation ahead.

THE LISTER MOTOR COMPANY LAUNCHES KNOBBLY CONTINUATION FILM, FEATURING A VERY SPECIAL CAR

THE LISTER MOTOR COMPANY LAUNCHES KNOBBLY CONTINUATION FILM, FEATURING A VERY SPECIAL CAR

The Lister Motor Company, manufacturers of the LFT-666, LFP, LFT-C and a range of continuation models, has produced a film showing the road-legal Lister Knobbly continuation being constructed, and driven, at the Lister factory in Cambridgeshire.

All Knobbly continuation models are built to the very same specification as the original 1958 Knobbly racers, using the late Brian Lister’s original drawings and manufacturing jigs, but the car featured in this film has a very interesting story behind it.

The Lister Motor Company was acquired by the Whittaker family in 2013, a purchase that came about thanks to Andrew Whittaker buying the Lister Knobbly you see in the film, registration number 324 JTD.

The Whittaker family has a passion for cars, and it was long an ambition of Andrew to own an original Lister Knobbly. When a suitable car was offered for sale in 2011 a deal was struck, but the Knobbly he purchased was far from complete, in fact what Whittaker now owned was barely more than a Knobbly body and a few boxes of parts.

On the hunt for the items needed to complete the car, a call was made to Brian Lister Engineering in Cambridgeshire to enquire if they could assist with some hard to find Knobbly mechanicals.

As result of that call, Andrew and Lawrence Whittaker received an invite to visit the factory to view a number of spare parts which resided in an old wooden container, untouched since Lister cars stopped being manufactured in Cambridge many years previously.

Not only did that container yield some much-needed parts, it also contained some incredible Lister history, including technical drawings, blueprints, photos and styling bucks…in fact, all that was needed to create Lister Knobbly and Costin models. It was then that the Whittaker’s realised that Lister could be reborn.

Following that chance visit to Cambridge, and the arduous collection of meetings, exploration due diligence and negotiations that followed, in 2013 the Whittaker family finally became owners of five limited companies that now sit correctly under the group company, The Lister Motor Company Limited.

Long before the LFT-666 supercar was launched, the first Whittaker Lister was the Knobbly Continuation, built at the Cambridge factory by the same team who had built the Knobbly under Brian Lister, coaxed out of retirement by Andrew & Lawrence Whittaker, who helped a new, younger Lister team.

It was 324 JTD that was used to develop the continuation cars, providing a rolling chassis to ensure the drawings and blueprints were accurate and as a prototype to evaluate on the road. That car has long since been completed, and features in the film launched today.

All Lister Knobbly Continuation cars can be built to FIA specification and still be road legal, making them one of a small number of new cars you can drive to the circuit, race and drive home again. Despite following an original design laid out more than 60 years ago, the reborn Knobbly can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 181mph.

A new Lister Knobbly Continuation can still be purchased today, priced at £315,000.

Lister Motor Company owner Lawrence Whittaker said: “Every Lister Knobbly is special, be it an original or a factory approved continuation, but 324 JTD will always be regarded as the car that reignited Lister. This car and the subsequent search for parts led to car building restarting in Cambridge, the launch of the LFT-666, LFP and LFT-C and the opening of a new £5m Lister Headquarters in Blackburn.”

“This film captures the evocative nature of the Knobbly and showcases the Cambridgeshire factory and the glorious surroundings in which it is based. It’s a special film, featuring a special car, and we hope you enjoy watching it.”

The film can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hefaivuvUAE&feature=youtu.be

Photo Credit: Robert Cooper

ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019

ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB MOTORING BOOK

OF THE YEAR 2019

With less than six weeks to go before the cut-off date for entries, the 2019 Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of The Year judging process will soon be underway.

Now in its sixth consecutive year, entrants can choose between two categories: the Motoring Book of the Year or the Specialist Book of the Year award.

The two accolades are open for books issued between July 2018 and June 2019 (12 months), with the Motoring Book of the Year title being awarded to ‘an exceptional book with wide appeal’ and costing no more than £75. The Specialist Book of the Year award is given for a book demonstrating ‘impeccable research with flawless writing’.

The Royal Automobile Club awards celebrate the many automotive great books, authors and publishers, and their importance in both exploring and documenting the many key events, vehicles and individuals who have helped shape the history of motoring.

Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Royal Automobile Club, said “It’s been wonderful to see so many new launches over the past year and we want to encourage as many authors and publishers to submit their new titles for our awards. This sector of the industry is in good shape with many publishers having a healthy a pipeline of launches up their sleeve, which is very encouraging”.

Every year, the Club’s judges are given the challenging task of singling out one of a dozen titles to be crowned the Motoring Book of the Year, while also deciding which author will receive the Specialist Book of the Year award, designed to recognise the talent of combining impeccable research with flawless writing.

New for 2019 – The Royal Automobile will also award a Lifetime Achievement award to honour an individual or business who has made a major contribution to the automotive publishing industry.

The judging panel includes some of Britain’s most experienced car book reviewers: Gordon Cruickshank of Motor Sport, Mark Dixon of Octane, Mick Walsh of Classic & Sports Car, avid book collector and editor of the BRDC Bulletin Ian Titchmarsh. Representing the book retail sector are Ben Horton of specialist bookseller, Horton’s Books, and Christian Whitehead of the London bookstore, Foyles.

With a rich pedigree in celebrating motoring accomplishments and a heritage bound to the history of the motor car, the Club is well suited to recognising excellence in motoring literature.

The Royal Automobile Motoring Book of The Year takes place at the Pall Mall clubhouse during the Club’s London Motor Week in October 2019. It is the crowning moment of an evening which includes an entertaining interview with a ‘motoring book legend’.

The event forms part of the Club’s London Motor Week, which culminates in the world famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported on Sunday 3 November 2019.

The Club urges all automotive authors and publishers to make the judges aware of eligible titles. The closing date for submissions is Monday 1 July. For further submission details please contact: rebecca@eventspr.co.uk or visit www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk

JAGUAR CLASSIC CREATES TAILOR-MADE XK120 FOR MALE MODEL DAVID GANDY

JAGUAR CLASSIC CREATES TAILOR-MADE XK120 FOR MALE MODEL DAVID GANDY

Jaguar Classic has completed a bespoke XK120 sports car restoration commissioned by renowned British male model and life-long Jaguar enthusiast David Gandy.

The 11-month project, which was a close collaboration between David Gandy and Jaguar Classic’s experts at its Classic Works facility in Warwickshire, took 2,700 hours to complete.

Following a brief to make it race-ready for classic motorsport events such as the Jaguar Classic Challenge, the car’s specification is inspired by the original XK120 Lightweight.

David Gandy said: “Having driven a Jaguar XK120 at the Mille Miglia in 2013 and 2014, I knew that I wanted to own one of these incredibly special cars. The team at Jaguar Classic have done such a remarkable job engineering this car and executing everything that I asked for and it was amazing to have such an in-depth involvement in its creation.”

Jaguar Classic’s dedicated sourcing team tracked-down a suitable 1954 base car in California, US, and has retained as much of the original car as possible.

The in-line six-cylinder unit was meticulously rebuilt over five and a half months, with the final objective to use the car for racing. The result is a performance upgrade from the original 180bhp output to 225bhp and enhanced durability for higher speeds, with items like the core plugs featuring steel bracing so they don’t dislodge during high-performance driving. An all-new, upgraded exhaust system features dual pipes instead of the usual single pipe.

Further improvements include the use of a faster-shifting racing-style gearbox which is more durable under high stresses and uprated brakes, with the front set-up now featuring disc brakes with four-pot callipers while the rear retains the original refurbished drum brakes. The suspension features fully adjustable dampers, allowing the Classic team to fine-tune the handling for specific events.

Calum McKechnie, Head of Jaguar Classic, said: “This unique XK120 showcases the expertise, skill and craftsmanship that Jaguar Classic makes available for all of its customers. Not only were we able to bring this iconic sports car back to life mechanically, but the attention to detail and the bespoke design of the interior sets David’s car apart.”

The design and finishing touches were created in collaboration with David, who chose the colour and materials at every step of the renovation. The exterior is finished in solid black, made up of 13 litres and four coats of paint, while additional exterior features include a racing-inspired flip-top fuel cap. The original split-screen windscreen has been replaced by twin aero screens, another feature synonymous with the XK120 Lightweight.

Inside, the car is just as unique. Finished in an Aged Saddle tan leather, the seats feature a bespoke lattice design with the seatbacks finished in aluminium rather than the usual fabric material. While two batteries would usually sit behind the driver’s seat, for this car the Classic team put a single battery behind the passenger seat to free up space behind the driver, to enhance comfort for 6ft 2inch tall David. This was also a consideration for the choice of steering wheel, which is smaller than normal to provide more legroom.

The finished car was handed over to its delighted owner, who intends to use it on road and in competition, ahead of last weekend’s Monaco E-Prix race.

For more details about Jaguar Classic go to www.jaguar.com/classic

THE CONTROVERSIAL FERRARI THAT DEFIED EXPECTATIONS BY DOMINATING LE MANS

THE CONTROVERSIAL FERRARI THAT DEFIED EXPECTATIONS BY DOMINATING LE MANS

Exceptional Cars Series No. 7

Ferrari 250 LM  

The remarkable history of 6313    

By James Page   

Published by Porter Press International

Publication date: May 2019

Jacketed Hardback ● RRP: £30.00 ● ISBN: 978-1-907085-73-4

128 pages ● Format 240 mm x 280 mm ● 120+ images inc. colour

Born of controversy, the compact Ferrari 250 LM mid-engined coupe was intended to qualify as a GT car for world championship racing but was decreed by the sport’s rule-makers as ineligible. Instead, the new model was obliged to race through 1964 and 1965 as a sports-prototype against faster, purpose-built machinery. And yet, despite this apparent disadvantage, two 250 LMs dominated the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1965. One of those cars, chassis number 6313, is the subject of the seventh title in Porter Press’ Exceptional Cars series.

6313 was the third 250 LM acquired by Jacques Swaters’ Ecurie Francorchamps team and one of the last of the 32 built. Painted in the bright yellow racing colours of Belgium and driven at Le Mans in ’65 by Pierre Dumay and Gustave Gosselin, this car led from the 11th to the 20th hours before having to pit with bodywork damaged by a rear tyre failure. Racing back into action after hasty repairs, 6313 finished second to the NART 250 LM of Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory.

Story highlights

• How the 250 LM was intended to be the ultimate variation of Ferrari’s fabled 250 GT theme, a development of the SWB and GTO, but the rule-makers saw it differently.
• The genesis of the 250 LM, its development, technical details, and specification. Here are all the elements upon which Ferrari’s legend has been built: beautiful Pininfarina bodywork, a sonorous Colombo V12 engine, and motor sport success.
• The race that made 6313 famous, the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours, and how the car finished second despite a setback.
• How 6313’s identity was confused for many years with that of its team-mate, 6023, until detective work by Ferrari specialist Keith Bluemel revealed the truth.
• 6313’s other major European long-distance races in 1965 at Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring, and Reims, as well as participation in the Grande Premio de Angola.
• Driver profiles, period documents and photographs, and studio photos of the car today.

The author

James Page is a former editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine and now a freelance motoring writer and author. He still contributes to Classic & Sports Car, as well as other titles including Autosport and Octane. James has written several books for Porter Press including Jaguar Lightweight E-type – The Autobiography of 49 FXN, published in the acclaimed Great Cars series, and the Aston Martin title DB4 G.T. Continuation: History in the making.

BEAULIEU IS THE HOME OF MOTORING FOR NEW CAR SERIES FILMING

BEAULIEU IS THE HOME OF MOTORING FOR NEW CAR SERIES FILMING

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is the perfect backdrop for new prime-time car show The Car Years which begins broadcasting its first series on Tuesdays from May 7th.

The museum – with its world-famous collection of more than 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring history – was the natural choice for presenters Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley to go head-to-head with their favourite cars from chosen years. The Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its stunning grounds and gardens are also featured during the six-episode series.

Starting with an ITV4 double-bill from 8pm, Vicki will pitch the iconic Porsche 911 sports car against Alex with his Ford Mustang original muscle car from 1964. Then for 1984, Vicky chooses the turbo powered Ford RS200 while Alex picks Miami Vice favourite, the Ferrari Testarossa.

Winners of the car battles are picked by judges including former F1 drivers and broadcasters Tiff Needell and Karun Chandhok, motoring writers and presenters Erin Baker and Quentin Willson, former Top Gear Stig and stunt driver Ben Collins, motoring author and vlogger Richard Porter and world-renowned motoring auctioneer Chris Routledge.

Later in the series, the British MGA sports car driven by the likes of Elvis Presley is pitted against the Hollywood favourite Mercedes 190SL from 1955, while the world-beating Audi Quattro is set against Alex’s childhood hero the Renault 5 Turbo from 1980, the Porsche Boxster competes against its sports car rival the Lotus Elise from 1996 and four-seater performance cars the Golf GTi hot hatch and Saab 99 Turbo go head-to-head for 1976.

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director Steve Munn said: “We have been pleased to host The Car Years filming and look forward to working with the production team on future series. As the home of British motoring, Beaulieu is the perfect setting for the new show which celebrates some of the most popular cars in automotive history.”

The Car Years is also a perfect fit for its sponsors, Beaulieu’s partners and classic vehicle insurance specialists Footman James. The show’s celebrities recently appeared at Beaulieu’s media partners’ Practical Classic’s Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC.

To see the backdrops used in filming, a ticket to Beaulieu includes entry to the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

FROM MORIBUND TO MILLE MIGLIA - THORNLEY KELHAM RESURRECTS DERELICT LANCIA FOR WORLD’S PREMIER CLASSIC RALLY

FROM MORIBUND TO MILLE MIGLIA - THORNLEY KELHAM RESURRECTS DERELICT LANCIA FOR WORLD’S PREMIER CLASSIC RALLY

 A 1953 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series 3 has been given a new lease of life by leading restoration specialists Thornley Kelham. The previously decaying classic has been taken from an almost unsalvageable restoration condition to factory fresh over a two-and-a-half-year period and has now been accepted into arguably the most prestigious classic car rally of all – the Mille Miglia.

Having restored a considerable number of Aurelias in the past, Thornley Kelham’s expertise in, and understanding of these models and their intricacies enabled their team to resurrect a vehicle that many others would have deemed beyond restoration.

The 1953 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series 3 was discovered in incredibly poor condition in the USA, with a staggering amount of rust plaguing the car. The usual rust points of these vehicles - namely floor pans, sills and door bottoms – had been totally ravaged by years left exposed to the elements. So severe was the problem that even the top of the wings had rusted through, the transmission tunnel had completely eroded, and the body required strengthening prior to being media blasted as the car had so little structural integrity.

Despite the condition of the vehicle, Thornley Kelham’s customer was determined to see the Aurelia resurrected and play his part in saving this rare car. The tired body was fully restored, in many cases by fabricating entirely new panels. A considerable portion of the lower body had to be fabricated whilst maintaining factory curvatures and shut lines, amongst myriad other repairs before moving onto Thornley Kelham’s paintshop to be prepared and painted in the original beige colour, as per the factory build sheet.

Given the owner’s aspirations to compete in the Mille Miglia, and the awful condition of the original seat frames, Thornley Kelham fabricated a set of its Rally De Corsa style seats and also carried out a common period competition upgrades of a Nardi floor shift, Nardi bonnet scoop and Nardi twin carburettors and Borrani “bi-metallic” wheels. Every component of the car was restored or replaced over a period of two and a half years, with the end result being a box fresh and period correct Aurelia – a far cry from the condition it entered the TK facility in.

Once completed, the owner’s maiden journey in the resurrected Aurelia was a 500-mile weekend of fault-free driving, testament to the thorough road testing and quality checks carried out prior to delivery. The next adventure for the car will be Mille Miglia. Thornley Kelham will provide a dedicated support team throughout the event with two mechanics allocated to the car at all times, allowing the owner to fully focus on the joy of driving and ensuring the car remains in superb order throughout the gruelling event.

TINY CLASSIC FORD ESCORT MADE OF GOLD, DIAMONDS AND SILVER EXPECTED TO FETCH A FORTUNE AT AUCTION

TINY CLASSIC FORD ESCORT MADE OF GOLD, DIAMONDS AND SILVER EXPECTED TO FETCH A FORTUNE AT AUCTION

Warley, Essex, April 25, 2019 – If bling is more your thing than driving then this is the perfect car for you. It’ll never be roadworthy, but this Ford Escort is worth a fortune. Why? It’s a one-off 1:25 scale model made from silver, gold and diamonds.

The project has been a slow-burning labour of love for professional jeweller – and petrolhead – Russell Lord. The owner, over the years, of 55 full-sized Ford Escort cars, Lord first began work on this amazing model 25 years ago, pouring thousands of hours into completing the car.

The body is made of silver and the car also features gold brakes and spoiler, 18-carat gold wheels and bonnet hinges, 18-carat white gold front grille, 72-point diamond headlights, orange sapphire indicators and ruby rear brake lights.

“It’s been a hobby that I’ve come back to again and again but three years ago I determined to finish it. I know this car inside out – so there were no plans I just built it from the ground up piece by piece,” said Lord, from Essex, in the UK.

Based on the works rally car driven by Ari Vatanen in the late 1970s, the Mk2 Escort – which cost 90,000 euros (£78,000) in materials alone – will be auctioned on the car auction website www.themarket.co.uk on May 2, with all profits donated to charity.

Details include spinning pulleys on the front of the engine, a moving diamond-encrusted platinum gear stick and the glass windows – that involved smashing countless vases to find sections of glass with exactly the right curve.

THE CAR YEARS AIRING ON ITV4 EVERY TUESDAY FROM 7TH MAY

THE CAR YEARS AIRING ON ITV4 EVERY TUESDAY FROM 7TH MAY

Brand-new car show sponsored by Footman James and fronted by Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley to air on ITV4 at 8pm and 8.30pm on Tuesdays from 7th May

The first episodes of The Car Years, presented by Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley, will hit screens on 7th May with a double bill on ITV4. Sponsored by Footman James, the new show for petrol heads celebrates some of the most important cars in automotive history.

Enjoying a prime evening slot, the first double-bill of The Car Years will air from 8pm and continues at 8.30pm. The first instalment of six challenges lead presenters Vicki and Alex to champion what in their opinion is the best car released in 1964, Vicki makes the case for the iconic Porsche 911 while Alex thinks American muscle should win and fights the corner of the Ford Mustang.

Only one car can win, and adjudication comes in the form of three expert judges. A panel of famous faces and industry experts join the show’s cast, each doubling up as an expert commentator and helping tell the stories and backgrounds behind the stand-out cars.  The first episode sees Quentin Willson, presenter and journalist; Chris Routledge, Managing Director of leading auction house Coys and ex-Top Gear and current The Grand Tour script editor Richard Porter make the big decision on whether the 911 or the Mustang win.

Episode two focuses on 1984 and the warring presenters are challenged to pick a supercar that born in 84 but best sums up the decade of decadence that was the Eighties.  Vicki opts for a turbo-powered Group B rally-ready Ford RS200 while Alex champions Miami Vice favourite the Ferrari Testarossa.  The winning car is chosen once again by Chris Routledge and Richard Porter this time joined by former F1 star, journalist and broadcaster Karun Chandhok on the expert panel.

A perfect fit for one of the leading classic vehicle insurance specialists, Footman James Managing Director, David Bond explained why The Car Years is a sure-fire hit, “Vicki, Alex and the rest of the presenting team make the show. The programme has the right balance of learning about what makes these iconic cars special and the stories behind how they came to life, delivered with beautiful photography and humour. I challenge everyone to watch the first episode and not head straight to the classifieds.”

After appearing on the Footman James stand at last month’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, co-presenter Alex Riley explained why car fans should tune to ITV4 at 8pm on Tuesday 7th May, “I can’t think of another show that’s so totally focused on the cars… because we’re not buying, selling, or restoring, we can really go to town telling their often surprising stories. Add in gorgeous photography and brilliant archive footage and it’s a feast for the eyes.”

For more information on The Car Years, please click here.