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.

NEW BOOK TAKES A LOOK AT THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE SMALL CAR

NEW BOOK TAKES A LOOK AT THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE SMALL CAR

Mini Scrapbook 60 years of a British icon

By Martin Port

Published by Porter Press International

Publication date: 17 June 2019

Softback ● RRP: £20.00

ISBN: 978-1-907085-94-9 ● 176 pages

Format 240mm x 300mm ● Over 400 photos

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Mini – a little car which made a big impact when it was launched in 1959. With its unique combination of aesthetics, space efficiency, engineering approach, and handling, the Mini was the brainchild of genius designer Alec Issigonis, and proved to be an instant hit – not just with the general buying public, but also with celebrities like The Beatles, Twiggy and Peter Sellers, and racers like Sir Stirling Moss. It became a much-loved staple of the British car industry – a position that it has arguably maintained for 60 years and continues to enjoy today.

In this latest addition to the Scrapbook series from Porter Press, the story of this unique little car is broken up into accessible nuggets and supported by an extensive array of archive and contemporary photographs, to illustrate just what makes the Mini so special, so loved and such fun!

Story highlights

• Setting the scene – Discovering why this charismatic little car is so loved around the world.

• From concept to reality – Revealing how Alec Issigonis and his team turned their thoughts from rough sketches to prototypes to production cars.

• The life of the Mini – Introducing each incarnation of the classic Mini, from 1959 to 2000.

• The Mini in competition – Exploring the car’s place in motorsport and the famous racers who got behind the wheel.

• Popular culture – From celebrity owners to appearances on the silver screen – including Brit cult classic movie The Italian Job.

• Tuning the Mini – Delves into a whole host of upgrades and add-ons that were available, including key tuning modifications as demonstrated by Downton, Cooper and Broadspeed.

• Mini variants – The Mini was the basis for many, many variations – from the Moke to the Midas, from the slightly strange to the downright absurd.

• BMW Mini – Brings us up to date, with a look at 21st-century incarnations, including the 60th-anniversary model – the latest in a long line of cars to wear the Mini name.

• Lots to look at – Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of never-before-seen photographs, documents and memorabilia that document the car’s past, present and future.

• A very different sort of book – Dip in, dip out and discover all the fun of the Mini!

The author

Author Martin Port has worked in automotive publishing for 18 years – the last 16 of these for leading classic car title, Classic & Sports Car. Over the last 27 years, he has owned a variety of classics, from a Mini Metro to a Morris Minor, a Porsche 912 to a Series II Land-Rover, and, of course, the legendary Mini. The first of these was a 1968 Morris Mini MkII Super DeLuxe, driven from Cheshire to Berkshire with a hole in one of the valves. The second was a 1980 model rescued from a hedge in Richmond the day that it was due to be scrapped. Thanks to the Mini’s unique driving experience, which always puts a smile on his face, it will always have a corner of his motoring heart.

Also out now!

As well as being the 60th anniversary of the Mini, this year also marks the 50thanniversary of British cult classic film The Italian Job, in which of course the Mini plays a starring, scene-stealing role. Fans of the iconic little car can celebrate this milestone with another new title fresh from the Porter Press fold: The Self Preservation Society – 50 Years of The Italian Job. Written by the world authority on the film, Matthew Field, this new book takes a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how the film made its way to our screens. It is based on more than 50 in-depth interviews with the cast and crew and lavishly illustrated with hundreds of never-before-seen photographs and production documents.

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

THORNLEY KELHAM RESTORES THREE ULTRA-RARE LANCIA FLAMINIA ZAGATOS

THORNLEY KELHAM RESTORES THREE ULTRA-RARE LANCIA FLAMINIA ZAGATOS

Cotswolds-based classic car restoration specialist, Thornley Kelham, have completed extensive nut-and-bolt restoration work on three ultra-rare Lancia Flaminia Zagatos. Only 526 Flaminia Zagatos were built between 1959 and 1967, and not only has Thornley Kelham restored these three, but it also has a further two currently being completed in its state-of-the-art workshops, and another for sale.

With in-house bodywork, paint, engine and fabrication shops, Thornley Kelham is widely regarded for the quality of its restorations of historically significant, often unique vehicles. Having restored a number of rare Lancia models in the past, including perhaps the most famous Lancia in the world, the ex-Bracco Aurelia B20GT, Thornley Kelham has over 10 years of top-end restoration expertise.

Lancia Flaminia Zagato production spanned eight years and four evolutions and – in Zagato’s Centenary Year – is still widely regarded as one of the carrozzeria’s most beautiful designs, featuring classic sporting lines and the iconic double-bubble roof. With disc brakes all-round on later models, and fully independent front suspension it was renowned for its excellent balance and superb on-road manners.

Prior to the restoration work of the three Flaminia Sport Zagatos, Thornley Kelham commissioned 3D Engineers to scan a Zagato, from which a buck was produced. This enabled the team to make new or repair existing skins for all future Flaminia Zagatos that may arrive. The svelte aluminium body panels are enormously delicate and intricately shaped, making the creation of new panels challenging work.

There were three generations of Zagato-bodied Flaminias. The earliest cars, numbering 199, were single carburettor models, the first 99 of which had cowled headlamps. This design changed to open headlamps in 1960 due to revised Italian traffic regulations. This lead to:

The second evolution of the Flaminia, the Sport 3C, which is virtually identical to its predecessor but with three carburettors (3C) fitted to its 2.5-litre V6 engine. Power surged from 119bhp to 140bhp thanks to this change and a total of 152 models were produced. Two of the cars restored were from this period.

The final, and latest, example of the triumvirate is a one-of-33 Flaminia Sport 3C 2.8 model, produced in 1963. These latter cars were fitted with a bored-out version of the 2.5-litre engine, taking total displacement to 2.8 litres, boosting power to 150bhp. This particular car is arguably unique, being fitted with the covered headlights of the early  Series I Flaminias.

But Flaminia Zagato development didn’t stop with the 3C 2.8. In 1964, Lancia released the Super Sport variant, radically updated, featuring a new Kamm Tail design and a strengthened version of the 2.8-litre engine, complete with bigger carburettors. Only 150 examples were produced, and Thornley Kelham is currently carrying out extensive restoration work on two of them. 

A further Flaminia Super Sport Zagato is currently being offered for sale by Thornley Kelham, complete with its original 2.8-litre engine and upgrades including adjustable Zagato-style seats with lumbar support, custom stainless-steel exhaust system with stainless-steel headers, Amadori-style 15” magnesium alloy wheels, auxiliary electric fan, and a dynator. The braking system has been largely rebuilt with upgraded front calipers. For more information see the website: www.thornleykelham.com

INTRODUCING RETRO CARS - A NEW TYPE OF CAR MAGAZINE FOR YOUNGER, AFFORDABLE CLASSIC CARS

INTRODUCING RETRO CARS - A NEW TYPE OF CAR MAGAZINE FOR YOUNGER, AFFORDABLE CLASSIC CARS

A brand new type of classic car magazine is set to hit the shelves, concentrating on a rapidly growing but under-represented area of the scene often frequented by younger enthusiasts.

Retro Cars is a reinvention of one of Kelsey Media’s established titles, but rather than focusing on modified cars the title is going back to its roots, with modern classic cars from the 1980s through to the mid-2000s being the heart of its content.

In the first issue, the Retro Cars team take an in-depth look at the Ford Focus to determine if it truly was the best car of the 1990s, pit the Mk 2 Mazda MX-5 against the Mk 3 Toyota MR2, look at cheaper alternatives to modern classic icons, compare VW Golf Marks 1 to 4 and even take a Mazda Demio out to compete in the Sunday Cup - something that the PlayStation Generation will instantly relate to.

Retro Cars will be published every eight weeks and will be edited by established motoring writer Craig Cheetham, who was Deputy Motoring Editor for Auto Express back when most of the cars that star in the mag were brand new.

He said: “There are so many groups on social media platforms these days that concentrate on affordable cars from the 80s, 90s and 2000s and this tells us that there’s an appetite there for preserving these vehicles as future classics. These are probably the last generation of cars that are within the scope of straightforward home maintenance, while still being rewarding to own and drive.

“The 1990s, in particular, were a golden era for the car industry, with the pace of development and quality of car dynamics evolving rapidly. As nostalgia evolves at the same time, we’re seeing the best examples of these cars being increasingly more cherished by car enthusiasts, who see them as an inexpensive way of having an unusual and enjoyable car that’s perfectly suitable for everyday use. These enthusiasts are the core of the market we’re aiming for.”

The magazine will be published by Kelsey Media, which is a well-known brand within the enthusiast automotive sector of the magazine market - one of the few areas of the print publishing industry that remains strong in an increasingly digital era.

Kelsey Media Managing Director Phil Weeden said: “There are other titles out there that serve enthusiasts of the more modern generation of classic cars, but they tend to focus on high-end, thoroughbred models. Retro Cars is very different. These are the cars that we grew up with, that our readers will remember owning and driving, or being driven to school in, or craving for during their teenage years. There’s a big gap in the magazine market for the increasingly popular enthusiasm for these new-age future classics and I’m hugely excited by the potential that Retro Cars has to grow and serve this market.”

Among the editorial team on the new magazine will be Tom Barnard, formerly Auto Express Motoring Editor, Ian Seabrook, a YouTube sensation with his Hubnut videos, Sam Skelton, a highly regarded enthusiast of modern classic and executive cars and Paul Walton, a former Top Gear journalist and editor of Retro’s sister title, Jaguar World.

The first issue of the new magazine appears on newsstands on May 17th, but those who want to sign up early can take advantage of an amazing launch subscription offer, which includes a fabulous 40-piece BlueSpot socket set and six issues of Retro Cars for just £21.99. You can view the subscription offer here shop.kelsey.co.uk/rca175

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.

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.

RARE LORD SCRUMPTIOUS CAR JOINS BEAULIEU’S CHITTY EXHIBITION

RARE LORD SCRUMPTIOUS CAR JOINS BEAULIEU’S CHITTY EXHIBITION

A rare 1912 Austro-Daimler 27/80 Prince Henry that starred as Lord Scrumptious’ chauffeur-driven car in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is to go on show at Beaulieu.

The Prince Henry joins an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious, original Child Catcher carriage, the film’s inventive machines created by Rowland Emett, a replica Grandpa Potts’ hut, original artwork and memorabilia in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years at the National Motor Museum.

The Austro-Daimler is one of just four known surviving examples of a model known as one of the world’s first sports cars – and its off-screen story is as astonishing as its on-screen exploits in the much-loved musical film.

Only about 50 of the exclusive Austro-Daimler 27/80 Prince Henry were built and this car has been in the same family for more than six decades. The current keeper’s grandfather, vintage and veteran car dealer Cecil Bendall, bought it for £310 in 1956 from the estate of Herbert Whitley who founded Paignton Zoo. Bendall restored the car before using it to compete in numerous Veteran Car Club rallies and Vintage Sports-Car Club motorsport events and often provided historic vehicles for filming.

The car starred as the transport of Lord Scrumptious and was driven by spies during the kidnap of Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which was released in 1968. By a decade later, its sophisticated 5.7-litre engine was in need of a rebuild and Bendall later hoped to drive it in the Land’s End to John O’Groats Trial but sadly passed away before the project could be completed. His grandson Tristan Jensen has since picked up the baton, with the goal of getting this impressive machine back in action to drive in historic motoring events once again.

Tristan said: “A busy life, family and many cars are slowing down the progress. However, all of the new parts have now been made and the engine just requires assembly. I am planning to enter events again in 2020.”

After many years off the road, the Prince Henry has been dusted down to join Beaulieu’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition from Easter and will remain on display until the exhibition concludes in November.

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.

NEW CLASSIC CAR TV SHOW RACES TO ITV4

NEW CLASSIC CAR TV SHOW RACES TO ITV4

One of the UK’s leading classic vehicle insurance specialists, Footman James, is proud to announce that their sponsored show, The Car Years, will be aired on ITV4

Today, Footman James revealed at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, that the brand-new classic car TV show, The Car Years, will be hosted on ITV4.

ITV4 is a haven of sport, action and entertainment, now thanks to The Car Years, it’s adding to their classic car programmes too. Alongside some of the world’s most entertaining sporting action, with the likes of the French Open, Live Darts and Goodwood Revival, it’s now time to add another classic car show to the list.

Fronted by British racing driver and TV presenter, Vicki Butler-Henderson, alongside TV and radio presenter, Alex Riley; The Car Years will be a breath of fresh air to the classic car scene.

Each episode will focus on an important year in automotive history, where both Butler-Henderson and Riley will go head to head with each other to select a classic car from that year and pitch their reasons why they think they should win to some of the most cultivated experts in the classic vehicle industry. The judges include, presenter and journalist, Quentin Willson; ex-Top Gear and current The Grand Tour editor, Richard Porter; F1 star and F1 pundit, Karun Chandhok; and Managing Director of Coys auction house, Chris Routledge. With every episode based at the home of Footman James’ partners, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, enthusiasts will be sure to recognise some of the amazing backdrops too.

Footman James recently asked funny man himself, Alex Riley, in a Q&A session, why he thinks people should tune into The Car Years; Riley answered, ‘I can’t think of another show that’s so totally focussed 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.’

Footman James Managing Director, David Bond, added, ‘it’s great that we can finally reveal the channel that The Car Years will be featured on. It is a completely new direction for us at Footman James to sponsor a TV show, as we have never done anything like this before and the fact that it is on ITV4 is all that more exciting. I want to thank Alex and Vicki for supporting the show as their comedic chemistry, mixed with their love for classic cars, really makes The Car Years a classic car TV show not to be missed.’

The Car Year’s Producer, Jim Wiseman, commented, ‘Wiser Film are very proud of what we’ve managed to achieve producing this new and exciting car series. We feel privileged to have Footman James as our sponsor.’

The date of when The Car Years will be aired is yet to be confirmed, but you can be first in the know by following Footman James on Facebook or by signing up to their newsletter by visiting footmanjames.co.uk/newsletter.

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS ANNOUNCES NEW GRIDS AT GALA AWARDS NIGHT

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS ANNOUNCES NEW GRIDS AT GALA AWARDS NIGHT

Last night the UK’s premier classic race organiser Motor Racing Legends (MRL) crowned their 2018 series winners in style at a gala awards dinner at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.

The evening was hosted by MRL Chairman, Duncan Wiltshire and attended by many leading figures of the British motorsport scene including the CEO of Motorsport UK, Hugh Chambers and Motorsport Vision Chief Jonathan Palmer.

During the evening’s presentation, it was announced that MRL are to take on the organisation of the two grids from the Historic Motor Racing News stable, the U2TC for under two-litre touring cars and the Pre63-GT series. Ownership of these two well-established series will remain with Carol Spagg, who is looking to step back from the day-to-day organisation and administration. Carol, who was a guest at the dinner, commented “Motor Racing Legends is the obvious choice to manage these series on a day to day basis. They run professional and well-respected races at all the right meetings.”

Both the U2TC and Pre-63GT series will join MRL’s already extensive portfolio of historic race grids, which include: The Pre-War Sports Cars Series; the Historic Touring Car Challenge and Tony Dron Trophy for Touring Cars between 1966- 1990; the Stirling Moss Trophy and the Royal Automobile Woodcote Trophy for 50s Sports cars. All six grids will kick off the 2019 season at the forthcoming Donington Historic Festival (3-5 May).

Duncan commented, “I am very excited to be taking over responsibility for these two popular and long-running series. They are a perfect fit alongside our existing races and our team are accustomed to delivering the service that Carol’s drivers will expect. It should be a seamless transition.”

The awards ceremony celebrated all the 2018 trophy winners. Highlights include Chris Ward, and John Young (Lister Knobbly) who lifted the hallowed Stirling Moss Trophy, the same trophy won by Moss for his first ever British Grand Prix win in 1955 at Aintree. John Ure and Nick Wigley raised the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for their successful season in the Cooper-Bristol T24/25 and Mark Smith took home the overall Historic Touring Car Challenge award.

It was the super-fast Alvis Firefly of Rudi Friedrichs that took home the overall Pre-War Sports Trophy and The Tony Dron Trophy (The Tricentrol Cup,) as won by Tony Dron himself at the British Saloon Car Championship race at the British Grand Prix in 1977 went to Patrick Watts and Steve Soper for their hard-fought success in Watts’ Group 1 Ford Capri.

Vincent Collard - Spa Six Hour promoter and organiser - was honoured with the Motor Racing Legends Trophy for his services to historic motorsport.

Jack and Roger Stanford were awarded the Traditional Oak Family Spirit Trophy for their season in the BMW M3 and Tony Wood and Will Nuthall took home the Brian Lister Cup.

A list of all the class winners can be found at www.motorracinglegends.com

Entry forms and regulations will be issued early February but if you would like more information about racing at Donington Historic Festival or any of the forthcoming season’s races run by Motor Racing Legends please visit www.motorracinglegends.com or email: Lindsey Warren at lindsey@motorracinglegends.com, or

Gillian Carr at gillian@motorracinglegends.com 

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

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.