110 years ago today, 2nd June 1910: Charles Stewart Rolls makes history as he pilots his Wright biplane across the English Channel and back again... Rolls-Royce celebrates 110 year anniversary of Charles Stewart Rolls’ world’s first non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by aeroplane. Aviation pioneer completed the round trip from Dover to Sangatte and back on 2 June 1910. … [Read more...]
Classics
Vauxhall Classics No. 9 – Astra GTE (Mark 1)
In this series about important Vauxhall models through the decades, this time we are looking at the company's first official hot-hatch, the Astra Mk1 GTE, which spawned an almost continuous line of fast Astras, ending with the last-generation, 280 hp VXR. VAUXHALL ASTRA GTE MK. 1 The Astra GTE Mk. 1 marked Vauxhall’s first foray in to the relatively new ‘hot hatch’ segment, which had … [Read more...]
Volkswagen’s iconic Transporter clocks up 70 years
Transporting through time... or a transporter of delight – by Dave Moss. In this feature Dave describes the history and development of the VW Transporter, and looks at contemporary competitor vehicles... (Photographs from VW, also Audi – DKW images, and as individually credited). Europe has produced some much loved, long lived, and high volume cars in over a century of existence, but very … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 8 – Firenza HP ‘Droopsnoot’, 1973 – 75
In this eighth article in our series of significant Vauxhall models to appear since the company's arrival in the early years of the last century, we focus on the short-lived, but utterly memorable Firenza HP ‘Droopsnoot’ of the 1970s. (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). A ground-breaker for Vauxhall in so many ways, this car became the flag-bearer for the company’s motorsport … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – Motor Coaches and Charabancs
Reviewed by Kim Henson... Title: Motor Coaches and Charabancs Author: James Taylor Published by: Shire Publications, www.shirebooks.co.uk 64 pages; softback Price: £8.99 (but currently offerd for an online price of £6.29, representing a discount of 30 per cent, through the Shire Publications website; link above). ISBN: 978-1-78442 412 1 The wonderful series of motor vehicle and … [Read more...]
100 years of Mazda – and 60 years of their two door coupés
Mazda is celebrating its centenary, and six decades of innovative and stylish two door coupé models... (All information and photographs courtesy of Mazda). Mazda’s first car: the R360 was a stylish micro coupé launched in 1960 for Japan’s Kei car segment. Launched in 1967, the Mazda Cosmo was a ground-breaking performance coupé for Mazda. Today the style of concepts like … [Read more...]
Suzuki at 100 – Paying tribute to Sir Stirling Moss and looking at Suzuki’s 1960s models
Tribute to Sir Stirling Moss (1929-2020)... (All information and photographs courtesy of Suzuki). 2020 is Suzuki’s 100th Anniversary with Michio Suzuki having first started in business in March 1920 with the manufacture of textile looms. These became more advanced and very popular right through to the early 1950’s when there was a global decline in the Cotton industry. Initial development … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 6 – 1950s/60s PA Velox and Cresta, plus Bedford CA commercials
In this sixth article looking back at milestone models through the decades of Vauxhall’s history, the Luton-based company recognises not only the heavy design influence from their then US parent, but also the growing importance of Bedford – Vauxhall’s commercial vehicle division – to the business. So, we have two vehicles for your delectation today: The PA Velox/Cresta, and the Bedford CA panel … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 5 – A22 Infantry ‘Churchill’ Tank
In feature No. 5 in a series looking at significant Vauxhall vehicles through the decades, this week we show how, when faced with a national crisis – and in this case, the Second World War – the company could turn its hand to manufacturing almost anything. Even a tank… (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). VAUXHALL’S A22 INFANTRY ‘CHURCHILL’ TANK Today, we see how engineering … [Read more...]
Motoring for Fun – A classic adventure in Normandy with a 1954 Austin A40 Somerset and a 1939 Amilcar Compound
Kim Henson describes a happy week in Normandy in his 1954 Austin A40 Somerset Coupé… together with friends in a 1939 Amilcar Compound. Note: This trip took place in September/October 2016; this article about the holiday is intended to cheer readers while the current lockdown applies, and to help everyone look forward to the time when we can once again undertake pleasure motoring. However, for … [Read more...]
Book Review – Classic Engines, Modern Fuel
For Your Bookshelf – Classic Engines, Modern Fuel – The Problems, the Solutions …Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Title: Classic Engines, Modern Fuel – The Problems, the Solutions Author: Paul Ireland Published by: Veloce Publishing www.veloce.co.uk 152 pages; softback Price: £15.99 ISBN: 978-1-787115-90-3 The author investigates a subject which vexes many classic car owners, … [Read more...]
Classic Clubs Series – No. 2 – The Austin Counties Car Club
Are you interested in, or do you own… any of the Austin models built between 1939 and 1954 (and some commercial versions were produced until 1957)? If the answer is yes, it would be a good move to contact and join this club… With regard to this series of articles, Kim Henson says… “Over time Wheels-Alive will be looking at the many enthusiastic organisations that exist to help their members to … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 4 – 1937 to 1940 Ten-Four H-Type
In feature No. 4 in a series covering significant Vauxhall models through the decades, we take a look at an innovative and ahead-of-its-time family saloon from 1937, the H-Type Ten-Four... (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). VAUXHALL H-TYPE TEN-FOUR In 1937, Vauxhall’s H-type ‘Ten-Four’ model turned the booming 10 hp (RAC rating) market on its head. It was … [Read more...]
Norton Motorcycles goes to India…
TVS Motor – the £16m Indian takeaway of the British Norton Brand. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). TVS Motor from India has confirmed they have purchased Norton Motorcycles for £16 million. The iconic British motorcycle brand of the Norton slid into administration in February this year after having sold only 128 motorcycles globally in 2019. The company was rescued by TVS … [Read more...]
News – The very significant ‘ethanol in petrol problem’ – Higher levels are almost here – Latest information
Increasing ethanol content in petrol – an update on the story so far, which affects many more recent models as well as classics – by Dave Moss. (Photographs used in the main text by Kim Henson). What's happened so far... In July 2018, the Government published a consultation and call for evidence along with proposals on changes relating to the future supply and sale of petrol containing ethanol. … [Read more...]
Book Review – Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé
Book Review – Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé – The Autobiography of CSX 2300 …Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Title: Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupé Author: Rinsey Mills Published by: Porter Press International Ltd. www.porterpress.com 336 pages; hardback Price: £60.00 ISBN: 978-1-907085-42-0 This is a mighty tome, entirely appropriate though for what was a mighty if … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 3 – 30/98, 1919-27
In article No. 3 in a series looking at significant Vauxhall models through the decades, we highlight Britain’s very first catalogued 100 mph car, the iconic Vauxhall 30-98. (All information and photographs from Vauxhall). VAUXHALL 30-98 Built in series from 1919 to 1927, the 30-98 was, in its day, the fastest catalogued production car in Great Britain, with a … [Read more...]
Motoring For Fun – A dawdle in south Devon in an Austin A35
‘Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon (in Summertime)’… Kim Henson describes a relaxing meander on a hot day through a west country landscape where time has (almost) stood still. (Kim adds: Of course I realise that as I write this (April 2020), sadly for the time being ‘motoring for fun’ in the real world is not possible. INDEED THE ADVICE TO "STAY AT HOME AND SAVE LIVES AND HELP THE N.H.S." IS VITAL. … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 2 – C-10 Prince Henry – ‘The world’s first sports car’
In our second article in a series looking at Vauxhall models through the decades, we are looking at the amazing-for-its-time C-10 three litre 'Prince Henry' sports model, which arrived in 1910. All information and photographs from Vauxhall, plus, for a little context, here’s a link to a lovely Vauxhall film made around 20 years ago which shows the sheer breadth of Vauxhall’s heritage … [Read more...]
Alvis helps owners of their cars to work on them at home, providing technical support
Innovative Alvis offers free technical support to owners working on their cars at home... With many workshops shut, Alvis owners can get advice from factory technicians to tackle jobs at home. With classic car workshops closed and owners keen to have cars ready for when restrictions lift, Alvis’ parts division Red Triangle, is offering its customers free technical support to … [Read more...]
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