The Cooper influence – by Dave Moss. John Newton Cooper was born in Kingston upon Thames on July 17th 1923, and left school at fifteen to work in the machine shop which was part of the Surbiton based garage run by his father, Charles Cooper. Growing up with Brooklands racing circuit just down the road, John must have soaked up the atmosphere and influences of motor racing – for amongst other … [Read more...]
News & Views
Our take on what’s been happening in the world of motoring
We appreciate that these days there are vast quantities of motoring news items freely available to all, from huge numbers of global sources. It would be impossible to bring them all to you through these pages – so we are not even going to try!
Instead, we will include selected motoring-related stories which we feel will be of interest. Depending on the item, we hope that they will also inform, encourage, entertain and provoke further thought!
Each item will be dated, and as new stories arrive, older posts will be archived chronologically.
Welsh Automotive Forum encourages assistance for the industry
WAF plan for saving Automotive Jobs in Wales… …Robin Roberts (Wheels Within Wales) tells all. Welsh Government and councils must prioritise supporting Tata Steel Port Talbot and Toyota Deeside, according to a far reaching report prepared for the Welsh Automotive Forum. The report by Ian Henry, head of Autoanalysis, follows similar studies he has carried out for WAF in recent years but his … [Read more...]
Mini Happy Returns – 60+ years on; The Mini with the Mostest…
Motors with the mostest – the fourth in a series by Dave Moss celebrating more than 60 years since the BMC Mini made its debut. Today, with newspapers, magazines, websites, and blogs and more covering every aspect of modern life, material appears every day written by ladies with a female audience in mind.... but back in the Mini's early days, when the reading choice was between newspapers or … [Read more...]
More about the British Motor Museum playing host to a live musical theatre performance in September
Earl Carpenter visits the British Motor Museum ahead of September's live musical performances... As mentioned on this website on 4th August (please go to: https://www.wheels-alive.co.uk/british-motor-museum-to-play-host-to-a-live-musical-theatre-performance/) the Britsh Motor Museum will play host to a new innovative production ‘Voices of the West End’ which will be performed live in … [Read more...]
NEW FORD KUGA PHEV SAFETY RECALL
Safety Recall for Plug-in Hybrid versions of the latest Ford Kuga… David Miles (Miles Better News Agency) reports. Just as my road test reports about the new Ford Kuga PHEV had been published Ford announced it has halted global sales of this model due to concerns about overheating battery packs. The plug-in hybrid SUV arrived in showrooms only recently but has proved popular, accounting for … [Read more...]
Motor Ombudsman study reveals majority of car owners have used six-month extension to delay MOT
MoT delay used by the majority of motorists... More than half of car owners (56%), who had an MOT due between 30th March and 31st July 2020, chose to use the six-month extension to delay their car’s test beyond the expiry date on their existing certificate, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman Nearly three-quarters of motorists (72%) who had opted to … [Read more...]
Troubled times ahead for the motor industry
OUTLINING THE CRUCIAL TIMES AHEAD FOR THE CAR INDUSTRY… …By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Tens of thousands of jobs are likely to disappear from the UK automotive sector before the end of the year. Some 11,349 jobs so far axed following lockdown will grow and despite the July 11% rise in new car registrations the outlook is bleak. That’s because the first upturn in showroom … [Read more...]
The Bristol Bullet – it could be yours!
Bristol Cars liquidation sale includes the first Bristol Bullet… …writes Robin Roberts. Car enthusiasts are getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance to buy a unique one-off four-year-old British sports car, and it could cost them hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Bristol Bullet roadster is among items being disposed of by joint liquidators of Bristol Cars, which folded earlier this … [Read more...]
Gordon Murray’s T50 Supercar makes its debut
Gordon Murray’s T50 Supercar has been revealed... Robin Roberts reports. Just 100 versions of the £2.36 Million ex-works three-seater with gull-wing doors will be available from January 2022 and they are expected to be snapped up by owners who will have the cockpit made to measure for them. The model celebrates Gordon Murray’s 50 years in the motor sport and road car design and engineering … [Read more...]
British Motor Museum to play host to a live musical theatre performance!
‘Voices of the West End’ to feature at Gaydon… The British Motor Museum will play host to a new innovative production ‘Voices of the West End’ which will be performed live in the safe and beautiful grounds of the Museum on 25, 26 & 27 September. The outdoor production, which is a collaboration between Ginger Boy Productions and Birmingham Hippodrome, will showcase music from the West End’s … [Read more...]
Pininfarina commissioned to build Britishvolt gigaplant at St Athan
Another firm gets involved at St Athan... A company which has styled Ferrari cars and some of the world’s most iconic automobiles has been commissioned to build the Britishvolt battery gigaplant at St Athan – by Robin Roberts (and Wheels Within Wales). Pininfarina has more than 90 years at the forefront of innovative automotive design, and more recently an expansion into the field of … [Read more...]
No more Mitsubishis here…
Mitsubishi cars will stop being sold in the UK and Europe. Robin Roberts (and Wheels Within Wales) reports… Importers Colt Cars, of Cirencester, Glos. has written to over 100 UK franchise dealers saying the news was unexpected from Japan and meant no new generation models would be coming through the system, but they can sell current models. Colt Cars is working to ensure as many retailers as … [Read more...]
First Aston Martin DBX SUV rolls off the St. Athan production line
Aston Martin production of their luxury £154,000 DBX SUV started today in Wales. Robin Roberts reports... The big four-door model was announced for St Athan, some 20 miles west of Cardiff, in 2016 and over the last four years the company has been converting three massive superhangers into the company’s latest production centre at the former RAF base. It has gradually taken on over 600 … [Read more...]
The Motor Ombudsman offers new online resources to help motorists and businesses
The Motor Ombudsman marks five years of UK ADR Regulations with new online resources... The Motor Ombudsman introduces dedicated Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) FAQs and tips for consumers and businesses on its website (TheMotorOmbudsman.org) to mark the fifth anniversary of the ADR Regulations coming into force on 9th July 2015 The new online resources provide a dedicated one-stop … [Read more...]
Ineos about turn with Welsh factory
Ineos has suspended its plans to build its new 4x4 Grenadier in Wales... Robin Roberts reports... In a blow to Welsh automotive manufacturing which promised up to 500 jobs the firm said today, “INEOS Automotive can confirm that it is reviewing its manufacturing strategy for the new Grenadier in light of the COVID-19 pandemic – which has led to some delays in our development plans, but has also … [Read more...]
Here comes the INEOS Grenadier 4×4 – designed for hard work
This is the new INEOS Grenadier... ...writes Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). The British-designed, German engineered and powered heavy duty 4x4 will go into production in Wales at the end of 2021 as part of a £600 Million investment directed by one of the richest men in Britain, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Heavily influenced by the previous Land Rover Defender loved by INEOS Group boss … [Read more...]
MoT Test extension revoked…
Robin Roberts gives an important update re. MoT tests... The automatic MOT extension will be revoked from 1 August. Motorists and riders must get their vehicle tested if its MoT has lapsed since March. RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said, “Extending MOT tests was the right short-term measure after a number of garages closed when all of us were asked to stay at home. But with many more … [Read more...]
Buy or Lease – Which Way to Go?
Should You Consider Leasing or Buying Your Next Vehicle? When it comes to buying or leasing a vehicle, it may be a decision you’ve been pondering for a while when looking for your next car. Buying might seem like the simpler option but leasing a vehicle can have many advantages for buyers and should not be automatically overlooked. So, should you buy or lease your next vehicle? The Benefits … [Read more...]
Classic Profile – Alvis 3 litre
Elegant, competent and well-respected, Alvis 3 litre models are fine classics, as Dave Moss explains… The history of the Alvis company dates back to 1919, and the firm's models have long been loved by enthusiasts, with some of the 1930s designs being especially attractive; these cars are much sought-after today. The photographs below illustrate just how stylish these models … [Read more...]
When Does a Car Become a Classic? The Ultimate Guide to UK Classic Car History
Veteran, vintage, post-vintage or simply 'classic'? For some people, a car is nothing more than a necessary item, a means of getting from A to B. For others, choosing a car is so much more than that. More than just a method of transportation, it’s a thing of beauty, a thing to be admired, to inspire envy: A classic. So, what’s a classic car? Well, that’s an easy one to answer: It’s an old car. … [Read more...]
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