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...]
Classics
For Your Bookshelf: Ferrari 857S – The remarkable history of 0578M
Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Title: Ferrari 857S – The remarkable history of 0578M Author: Ian Wagstaff Published by: Porter Press International Ltd. www.porterpress.co.uk 128 pages; hardback ISBN: 978-1-913089-08-5 £30 Fifties and sixties sports cars, especially Ferraris, exert an enduring fascination. Volume nine in Porter Press’s Exceptional Cars series deals with the … [Read more...]
Ford Probe into Cougar – Future Classics?
Ford has produced some fascinating modern classics, some of which have not yet fully emerged the limelight. Dave Moss delves into the Probe (and Cougar) story… Prior to 1994, even the most dedicated European followers of the world's motor industry would have been aware of no more than two cars called ‘Probe.’ One was a 1981 Ford concept vehicle - Probe 3, unusual because it was developed after … [Read more...]
How to upgrade your classic car to improve everyday use
These suggested improvements are worth considering to make it better still... While a classic car should spend most of its life in the garage or on show on your driveway, it is completely reasonable to want to show it off to the world once in a while by taking it out on the road. As long as the weather conditions are good, there is no harm in doing so. However, there are some classic car owners … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 12 – VXR8 GTS-R
After 117 years of automotive diversity, in our series looking at classic Vauxhalls we reach the company’s 12th decade as Britain’s oldest surviving car and commercial brand, representing the long and varied history of Britain’s car industry. Now part of Groupe PSA, Vauxhall continues to manufacturer cars and vans in the UK, and the company says that it will be at the forefront of the electric … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – The All-American Hero and Jaguar’s Racing E-types
Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Title: The All-American Hero and Jaguar’s Racing E types Author: Phillip Bingham Published by: Porter Press International Ltd. www.porterpress.co.uk 287 pages; hardback Price: £60.00 ISBN: 978-1-907085-01-9 The subtitle of this work, 'Briggs Cunningham’s Le Mans dream' reflects the ambition of one (very) rich American enthusiast to win Le Mans with … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 11 – VXR220
In this 11th feature in a series looking at a selection of important Vauxhall models since 1903, we reach the 21st Century, and see a concerted effort by the company to return to its sporting roots with the launch of the VXR brand. The first model off the start line? The VXR220. (All information and photographs from Vauxhall.) VAUXHALL VXR220 It’s not often that one of Vauxhall's press … [Read more...]
BMC/BL Mini – The Clubman and 1275GT Scenario
Mini Clubman and 1275GT history and development… …Dave Moss describes what happened. In the mid 1960s, agonising began at BMC over how best to update or replace the Mini, which was turning into one of its most successful cars. The decision was ultimately overtaken by the mergers which first created British Motor Holdings and then the British Leyland Motor Corporation – bringing all the BMC … [Read more...]
Rolls-Royce pays tribute to founder’s pioneering flight of 2nd June 1910
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...]
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...]
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