PENDINE OFFERS ULTRA-RARE ASTON MARTIN V8 ZAGATO PROTOTYPE IN ZAGATO CENTENARY YEAR

PENDINE OFFERS ULTRA-RARE ASTON MARTIN V8 ZAGATO PROTOTYPE IN ZAGATO CENTENARY YEAR

An extremely rare 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato prototype worthy of the world’s finest car collections is for sale with Bicester Heritage based, specialist dealer, Pendine Historic Cars.

Chassis 20011 is one of just three prototypes, and one of two configured in right-hand drive built ahead of the original limited production run of around 50 Aston Martin V8 Zagato coupés, all of which were pre-sold before production had even started.

Finished in Gladiator Red and presented in beautiful, restored condition, this particular prototype was commissioned with a unique specification by Aston Martin enthusiast Wensley Hayden-Baillie, a close friend of former Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett.

It comes to market from a private collection for the first time in 20 years in an unmissable opportunity for Aston Martin collectors and those looking to mark the 100thyear of the Zagato brand.

“Chassis 20011 is a well-known Aston Martin and is surely one of the finest examples of all of the V8 Zagatos built,” comments James Mitchell, founder, Pendine Historic Cars.

“According to the current owner, who has raced and driven more V8 Zagatos than most, it drives unlike the other cars and is visceral by comparison. This is a special car which seriously deserves recognition for its place in the marque’s genesis.”

Based on the Aston Martin V8 but with a Zagato coach built body, the car’s angular appearance and squared-off grille are paired with a lighter weight and shorter wheelbase than the ‘standard’ Vantage, with deleted rear seats.

The factory quoted 0-60 time of under five seconds with a top speed of around 190mph, making it Aston Martin’s fastest ever car at the time.

As with all cars commissioned by Wensley Hayden-Baillie, chassis 20011 has an exceptionally high specification and consequently is one of only four known to have been built with the 432bhp motor, and one of just two with an integral roll bar. Other features include black leather seats, leather-covered steering wheel and dashboard, walnut centre console and authenticity plaques.

Between 2009 and 2013 the car was subjected to a breath-taking restoration by Pebble Beach winning specialist, Auto Restorations, which took place in New Zealand and was overseen by the current, third custodian.

Today the car is listed by Aston Martin Heritage Trust as a significant car and in recognition of its status was invited to the highly prestigious Concorso Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como in 2016, one of only 52 cars annually, worldwide, to receive such an invitation. This was followed by an invitation to the inaugural City of London Concours in 2017.

The V8 Zagato prototype is for sale with an asking price of £530,000 and is accompanied by all of its original manuals, delivery and warranty documents as well as copies of the fascinating factory memos about this special build. There is an unbroken, complete and extensive history file along with the original service vouchers book and handbook.

Interested parties should contact James Mitchell at Pendine Historic Cars directly by emailing james@pendine.com or on +44 1869 357126.

For further details on the 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato prototype for sale with Pendine Historic Cars, visit https://pendine.com/portfolio/1986-aston-martin-v8-zagato/.

All images copyright “Pendine Historic Cars”

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

FUNDRAISING ROUND BRITAIN COASTAL DRIVE TO RUN FOR FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR

FUNDRAISING ROUND BRITAIN COASTAL DRIVE TO RUN FOR FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR

The Round Britain Coastal Drive, created in 2016 as a one-off event to raise funds for the charity Prostate Cancer UK, is to run again in 2019 for the fourth successive year. The aim this year is to raise £45,000, in support of the shocking statistic that one man dies every 45 minutes as a result of prostate cancer.

The Round Britain Coastal Drive is open this year to all XK-badged and XK-engined Jaguars.

This year’s 3,400-mile drive around the circumference of the British mainland will feature some new start and finish locations. The event will be flagged-away from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, on Monday 16 September and will conclude on Thursday 3 October at Lyndhurst in the New Forest National Park.

Most participants choose to drive one or several of the event’s 18 daily stages, but some “all-rounders” opt to drive the entire route. Renowned Jaguar parts specialists, SNG Barratt Group will be supporting the event once again, with a van full of spare parts. Technicians will provide assistance on all 18 stages, including CBR Motor Bodies of Walsall, the respected specialists in classic restoration, bodywork and repairs. Participants will also be assisted throughout by event hosts from the XK Club and ambassadors from Prostate Cancer UK.

Philip Porter, author, publisher, architect of the Round Britain Coastal Drive and co-founder of the International Jaguar XK Club, said: “We are appealing to owners of XK-badged and XK-engined Jaguars, in the UK and further afield, to join us in some or all of the Road Britain Coastal Drive. This is an enormously enjoyable way of driving your classic car, seeing fantastic scenery, socialising with like-minded enthusiasts, and raising money for a great cause.”

Gabriella Bailey, Interim Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “The Round Britain Coastal Drive events are fantastic and have so far raised over £200,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, which is a tremendous amount. We are thrilled that Philip and his wife Julie have organised this event for the fourth year in a row, this time with XK-engined Jaguars.

“We are also so grateful that any funds raised through our partnership with the Jaguar XK Club this year, will be match-funded, pound for pound, by an anonymous partner. This generous offer will go towards supporting our Specialist Nurse services, the UK’s only telephone, email and Live Chat support specific to prostate cancer, at Prostate Cancer UK.

“Our Specialist Nurses are here for anyone living with or concerned about prostate cancer or prostate problems.

There are over 400,000 men living with the disease in the UK, which means this service will continue to act as a lifeline for so many. By doubling the value, we are doubling the difference to the lives of men and their loved ones.”

Anyone interested in taking part can find more information on the event website, https://www.roundbritaincoastaldrive.co.uk/xk-club-round-britain-coastal-drive.html, or by phoning the International XK Club on 01584 781588. Membership of the XK Club brings many attractive benefits and costs little more than a tank of fuel.

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

 As Bentley enters its Centenary year, the oldest remaining and first racing model – EXP 2 – will be displayed at Retromobile, Paris.

The first of many unique events in 2019 that will see Bentley celebrate this landmark year, Retromobile kick-starts the world car show season between 6-10 February at Salon des Expositions, Porte de Versailles.

Showcasing Bentley’s motoring evolution over the past 100 years, the British brand’s stand-in Paris offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the heritage and the innovation of the British luxury car manufacturer. Joining its illustrious forebear in Paris will be the new Continental GT Convertible – the pinnacle open-top Grand Tourer.

Although separated by 100 years of automotive evolution, the two models share fundamental Bentley characteristics: both are genuine Grand Tourers; both offer sector-defining levels of performance, and both feature innovative technology at their core.

The year, Retromobile celebrates its 44th anniversary, with over 120,000 visitors expected to attend from all over the world. For more information on the event please visit www.retromobile.com.

EXP 2 – The Oldest Surviving & First Racing Bentley

In the first few years of his company’s existence, W.O. Bentley made three prototypes: EXP 1 (EXPerimental No.1) at New Street Mews off Baker Street (which first ran in October 1919); EXP 2 built later that year at Bentley’s new workshop in Cricklewood (cannibalising much of EXP 1): and EXP 3 – better known as ‘The Cab’ and W.O.’s personal car.

A legacy of the Cricklewood era, EXP 2 is the oldest Bentley in existence. As the second Bentley to ever be made, its debut was at the 1919 Olympia Motor Show and is a landmark car in the brand’s 100-year history.

Drawing influence from W.O. Bentley’s pre-war competition experience – when he pioneered the use of aluminium pistons – EXP 2 is also the brand’s first car to win a race, powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a top speed of 80 mph.

Frank Clement, W.O.’s development engineer and racing driver, won the Junior Sprint Handicap at Brooklands on 16 May 1921 in EXP2 – the first recorded racing victory for Bentley. Clement not only took the brand’s maiden win at the famous banked circuit but also saw off some famous names in the process.

2019 Calendar of Heritage Events

As Bentley commemorates 100 extraordinary years, brand enthusiasts will be able to join the celebrations at a number of events hosted around the world – showcasing the best of Bentley past and present.

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION
44th Salon Rétromobile	6-10 February	Paris, France
13th Annual Boca Concours d’Elegance	22-24 February	Boca Raton, Florida, US
W.O. Bonhams exhibition	11 April	London
Bentley Drivers Club Centenary Extraordinary Drive	15-31 March	Castle of Mey – Crewe – London
Benjafield Racing Club, W.O. race	13 April	Silverstone race track
Mille Miglia	15-18 May	Brescia – Rome – Brescia, IT
24 Hours of Le Mans	15-16 June	Le Mans, France
RREC Annual Rally & Concours	21 June	Burghley house, England
Chantilly Arts & Elegance	30 June	Chantilly, France
RROC National Meeting	22-27 July	Detroit, US
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance	21-26 August	Carmel, California, US
Salon Privé Concours d'Elegance	6-8 September	Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

Bentley’s Centenary – 100 Years of Extraordinary

In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today.

The 10th of July 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year and this extraordinary milestone – reached by only a special few companies – will be a cause for celebration of the company’s history, its global success today and its exciting 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

MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY INTRODUCES RANGE OF ‘110 ANNIVERSARY’ MODELS AHEAD OF THEIR LANDMARK 110TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY INTRODUCES RANGE OF ‘110 ANNIVERSARY’ MODELS AHEAD OF THEIR LANDMARK 110TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

The Morgan Motor Company is excited to announce the first in a number of celebrations for its 110th anniversary year in 2019, which will see a series of ‘110 Anniversary’ models added to the line-up.

Each of the ‘110 Anniversary’ models benefit from unique badging, denoting their significance as 110th year editions, as well as an extensive list of specially selected performance and styling options included at no extra cost.

In addition to performance and styling options, a new range of standard colours has also been introduced. In addition to the ‘Sport Range’ of colours, there is now a ‘Classic Range’ and ‘Metallic Range’, which includes a selection of colours chosen by Morgan Design. These colours reflect some of the most popular Morgan colours throughout the company’s history, as well as some personal favourites hand-picked by Morgan’s design team.

A mix of performance and visual enhancements are also offered with each ‘110 Anniversary’ model. A front valance, rear exit sports exhaust and leather bonnet strap stand out as the more purposeful and race inspired options for Plus 4 and Roadster.

Interior trim and detail enhancements include a leather or wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, performance seats, a mohair hood pack and any choice of Yarwood leather, also available across Plus 4 and Roadster. In addition, customers will also have the option to have the ‘110 Anniversary’ logo embroidered on their headrest in matching or contrasting stich-work, further signifying the special nature of their new Morgan. All of these options are available at no extra cost.

The Plus 4 is priced from £44,106.00 inc. VAT in the UK, with 15 options worth a total of £8,700 now included within the price of the ‘110 Anniversary’ model.

The Roadster starts at £55,074.00 Inc. VAT in the UK, and similar benefits from a total of 15 new options offered at no extra cost but worth £8,000.

As well as the Plus 4 and Roadster, the 3 Wheeler also receives a selection of interior and exterior ‘110 Anniversary’ options at no extra cost. For the interior, quilted leather stitching, centre split seats, storage pockets and a mohair tonneau cover are now all included.

Stand out exterior options for the 3 Wheeler comprise any solid colour from the newly introduced colour ranges, black roll hoops, black exhaust heat shields and a body coloured engine cowl. The 3 Wheeler is priced from £39,486.00 inc. VAT in the UK. In total, 10 options are now included at no extra cost with the purchase of a new 3 Wheeler, worth a total of £3,300.

The announcement of the ‘110 Anniversary’ model changes for 2019 is the first in a series of announcements Morgan will make in their 110th year, their most significant milestone since the 2009 centenary.

“It is an immense pleasure and an honour to lead the Morgan Motor Company as we approach such a significant milestone in our history. We are delighted to be thriving as a privately owned, British, family-owned automotive manufacturer, and in our 110th year of business are stronger than ever. Milestones such as a 110th anniversary offer everyone associated with the brand an opportunity for reflection, as well as an opportunity for us to offer even more to our customers. The ‘110 Edition’ vehicles are the beginning of our celebrations, and we look forward to making further exciting announcements throughout 2019.”

Steve Morris, Managing Director, Morgan Motor Company

ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES SHORTLIST FOR ITS 2018 MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES SHORTLIST FOR ITS 2018 MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Now in its fifth year, the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book Awards are recognised as the most prestigious awards to be bestowed in the automotive publishing industry. The annual awards, hosted by respected broadcaster and journalist Simon Taylor, will take place on Wednesday 31 October at a special evening held at the Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse, amongst many distinguished industry guests.

Two awards will be presented - the main Motoring Book of the Year Award for a book with a wide appeal at an affordable price, and a Specialist Book of the Year Award which, in the opinions of the judges, is an impressive feat of research and endeavour regardless of its retail cost.

“We never fail to be amazed at the quality and variety of titles that our experienced judges propose for the Awards, and this year is no exception,” said Peter Read, the Club’s Motoring Committee Chairman.

 “The Royal Automobile Club possesses one of the world’s finest motoring libraries in the world, one we add to constantly. The history of the Club spans that of the car itself, and it is our duty to stoke enthusiasm in all aspects of motoring history including literature” said Peter Read.

The award committee consists of six expert judges who are totally independent of the Royal Automobile Club, that represent the UK’s most informed motoring literary critics. Tom Wiltshire, book reviewer for leading weekly magazine Auto Express, and Mark Dixon, the respected deputy editor of Octane magazine. They are joined by Christian Whitehead from the motoring department of London bookstore Foyles, leading independent motoring bookseller Ben Horton of Hortons Books, Gordon Cruickshank from Motor Sport magazine and Mick Walsh international editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine.

2018 shortlist of contenders includes works on racing driver biographies, marque histories and general motoring to legends in engineering and vehicle design.

Motoring Book of the Year Contenders

The six titles shortlisted for Motoring Book of the Year Award are:

• Pironi: The Champion That Never Was by David Sedgwick, published by Pitch Publishing
• Enzo Ferrari: Power, Politics and the Making of an Automotive Empire by Luca Dal Monte, published by David Bull Publishing
• Donald Healey’s 8C Triumph Dolomite, by Jonathan Wood, published by Jonathan Wood
• Drive: The Definitive History of Motoring by Giles Chapman, published by Dorling Kindersley
• Adrian Newey: How to Build a Car, by Adrian Newey, published by Harper Collins
• Hobbo: Motor-Racer, Motor-Mouth, The autobiography of David Hobbs by David Hobbs with Andrew Marriott, published by Evro Publishing

Specialist Motoring Book of the Year Contenders

The six titles shortlisted for Specialist Motoring Book of the Year Award are:

• Daimler Days Volume 3 - More Than a Celebration of 100 Years of Daimler Motor Cars by Brian E. Smith, published by Daimler Days Publishing
• Inside Track: Phil Hill, Ferrari's American World Champion - His Story, His Photography. Volume 1 1927 – 1967 by Phil Hill with Doug Nye, published by The GP Library Ltd
• Reid Railton: Man of Speed by Karl Ludvigsen, published by Evro Publishing
• Jim Clark: The Best of the Best by David Tremayne, published by Evro Publishing
• Gaston Grümmer The Art of Carrosserie by Philippe Gaston Grümmer and Laurent Friry, published by Dalton Watson Fine Books
• Turbo 3.0: Porsche's First Turbocharged Supercar, by Ryan Snodgrass, published by Parabolica Press

The Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards is one of the one of the most important events during the Club’s annual London Motor Week during which the Club hosts an array of high-profile motoring events, including the Art of Motoring exhibition, Motoring Lectures, the Motoring Forum, a dinner with former BMW Board Member, Dr Ian Roberston and the Dewar and Simms Trophy presentations awarded for British engineering excellence. The week culminates with the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show on Saturday 3 November and the world-famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox on Sunday 4 November.