Austin Sevens and Big Sevens galore, plus their enthusiastic owners, descend on the New Forest… Kim Henson reports. (All photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson, except for the view from the air of the '60' formation image, copyright Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd.). Over the weekend of 1st and 2nd July, The Pre-War Austin Seven Club held their 60th National Austin Seven Rally at the National … [Read more...]
Features by Kim Henson
In life, sometimes there are things that you just have to do. In my case many of them relate to my twin loves of 1) motoring, and 2) using writing to convey to others (and share with) my fascination for the subject.
I have been passionate about cars for as long as I can remember, and have always had a thirst for knowledge concerning how and why they work, and how to keep them operating as they should. In addition, I’ve always enjoyed driving, and trying to fairly assess and compare the various good and bad points of different makes and models.
High Standards at Daventry… in the sunshine
Kim Henson gives his personal assessment of the 2023 Standard Motor Club’s International Rally, celebrating 120 years of Standard cars… Over the (mostly) sun-bathed long weekend of 23rd to 25th June, enthusiasts of Standard vehicles met at the Daventry Court Hotel in Northamptonshire, coming from far and wide to celebrate the marque, to admire the cars and to enjoy each other’s company. While … [Read more...]
Beaulieu’s sun-bathed 2023 Spring Autojumble ticks all the boxes for classic enthusiasts
Kim Henson reports on his day there, giving his personal view of his visit… (All words by, and copyright, Kim Henson. All photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson and Jeff Carter, as individually credited. Kim adds, “Grateful thanks to photographer Jeff for his assistance at the event”.) After weeks of ‘variable’ weather, the sun shone in earnest for this year’s Beaulieu Spring Autojumble, … [Read more...]
Latest Honda Civic Type R – First Impressions
Kim Henson briefly samples the newest version of the Type R… It is more than three years since I enjoyed a week of test driving Honda’s Civic Type R, liking its overall competence and its distinctly sporting personality, which also, cleverly, didn’t detract from everyday family motoring practicality. Fast-forward to 2023 and the latest incarnation of the Type R is with us, some 22 years after … [Read more...]
Suzuki Swace (updated) – First Impressions
Kim Henson briefly samples the latest, updated version of Suzuki’s British-built Swace estate car… When I road-tested the first generation mid-size Suzuki Swace, in 2021, I rated it highly for its interior space, comfort, practicality and cost-effective economy of running (achieving nearly 60 miles per gallon in almost 500 miles of ‘real life’ motoring). I also enjoyed it dynamically; the Swace … [Read more...]
Road Test – ‘Roots’ Bamboo Bikes
Kim Henson reports on test-riding Roots Bamboo Bikes in and around Lostwithiel in Cornwall… In an article published on Wheels-Alive on 6th January this year (2023) on Wheels-Alive I described how the Roots Bamboo Bikes (which use sustainable bamboo – ethically-sourced and fairly-traded – for their frames) were developed in Ghana and how they came to be sold in Lostwithiel. In that feature I … [Read more...]
Efuels Report Europe takes an in-depth look at the current state of play with carbon-neutral synthetic fuels
Given their chance, efuels (synthetic fuels) could help us and the planet!! Kim Henson writes: The German fuelling association ‘UNITI’ has very recently presented the second edition of the European magazine “Efuels Report Europe”, and I have just studied in depth its 28 pages… This comprehensive document sets out in detail, and in a balanced manner considering many aspects, the challenges … [Read more...]
Bamboo Bikes – Made in Ghana, sold from Cornwall
Kim Henson describes an alternative form of bicycle construction which employs sustainable bamboo for the main frame assembly, and provides work for people in Ghana… (Photographs by Roots Yard/Roots Bamboo Bikes). My wife and I were recently enjoying a short break in Cornwall when a chance encounter with Jacqueline Ababio introduced us to the concept of bicycles constructed using bamboo. This … [Read more...]
For Your (Christmas and New Year) Bookshelf – Seven Years With Samantha (Around the World in a Vintage Austin Seven)
For Your (Christmas and New Year!) Bookshelf – Seven Years With Samantha (Around the World in a Vintage Austin Seven) Reviewed by: Kim Henson Author: Clive Ball (with black and white photographs by the author, plus drawings by Cedric Baxter) Published by: Patrick Stephens Ltd. (First edition September 1974) 248 pages (hardback) UK Price: Varies (no longer in print but used copies are … [Read more...]
Suzuki Vitara ALLGRIP Full Hybrid SZ5 – Road Test
Kim Henson assesses the Full Hybrid all wheel drive (‘ALLGRIP’) SZ5 version of Suzuki’s latest Vitara. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). The Vitara compact SUV has long been a favourite among buyers, offering good performance, affordable running costs and top notch reliability, in addition to everyday versatility for family motoring. From the spring of 2022 the … [Read more...]
Austin A30/A35 book; Accessible Classics, ‘Enjoying Your Austin’
If you are own, or are interested in buying, an Austin A30 or A35, or are just fascinated by the vehicles, this book may be useful and enjoyable for you... says Kim. Okay I'll declare an interest at once – since I wrote this book and it was a labour of love, taking six years to put together. Several 'Wheels-Alive' readers have been in touch to ask if this Austin book is still available; the … [Read more...]
Suzuki S-Cross Ultra ALLGRIP Full Hybrid – Road Test
Kim Henson test-drives the latest Full Hybrid all wheel drive ‘Ultra’ version of Suzuki’s S-Cross SUV, during a week of stormy weather… (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). A well-respected model within Suzuki’s line-up, the practical S-Cross SUV has evolved through the years and within the last 12 months there have been many changes. Before looking in detail at the … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – Herbert Austin’s Heavy Twelve-Four – ‘A very dependable motorcar’
Reviewed by Kim Henson Author: Jim Stringer Published by: Herridge and Sons Ltd. 128 pages (hardback), with colour and black and white photographs (over 300 illustrations) UK List Price: Offer price for signed copies, £32.50 (£7.50 off the normal price of £40.00) ISBN: 978-1-914929-00-7 Available from: Herridge and Sons Ltd; www.herridgeandsons.com At the outset I should declare … [Read more...]
Latest Genesis models (including electric-powered versions) – First Impressions
Kim Henson samples new cars from the Genesis stable… including their latest ‘electrified’ models. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). When I test drove a number of Genesis ‘luxury’ vehicles late last year and in the spring of 2022, the firm was new to the U.K. and at that stage all their cars were petrol or diesel powered, as the Genesis name and brand were introduced to … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – S. F. Edge – Maker of Motoring History
For Your Bookshelf – S. F. Edge – Maker of Motoring History. Reviewed by Kim Henson. Author: Simon Fisher Published by: Evro Publishing: https://www.evropublishing.com/ 192 pages hardback UK Price: £45.00 (65 U.S. Dollars) ISBN: 978-1-910515-79-3 Selwyn Francis Edge was one of the most important motoring pioneers in Britain, having been a keen cyclist towards the end of the 19th … [Read more...]
Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid – First Impressions
Kim Henson samples the latest version of Suzuki’s popular S-Cross SUV… Suzuki has just introduced to motoring writers their new ‘Full Hybrid’ variants of the S-Cross, as distinct from the ‘Mild Hybrid’ versions of the all-new S-Cross model which arrived late in 2021. Perspective Before looking in more detail at the newcomer, it is interesting and useful to see how Suzuki is doing in what is a … [Read more...]
SMMT Test Day South provides brief road test/first impressions opportunities a-plenty
Kim Henson reports on this year's ‘Test Day South’, held in Hampshire on 29th September… The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently held its annual regional Test Days (in the north and south of the country); always much-liked, useful events on the calendar of many motoring scribes… including me. (All words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). An annual event … [Read more...]
Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake PHEV – Brief Road Test
Kim Henson samples this striking-looking ‘estate’ from VW… (Words and photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson). The European debut of the Arteon was in 2017, with a facelift applied in 2020. Five door hatchback and five door Shooting Brake estate models are offered today, both of which have received widespread praise for their innovative and adventurous styling, especially the Shooting Brake … [Read more...]
STOLEN FORD ESCORT MARK I – HELP NEEDED PLEASE (REWARD OFFERED)
FORD ESCORT MARK I – STOLEN AND STILL MISSING: PLEASE CAN ANYONE HELP? A much-loved bronze-coloured Ford Escort Mark I two door saloon, registration UFX 365L, was stolen on April 12th, 2022 from a private driveway in Wallisdown, east Dorset. It is believed that it was taken in the early hours of the morning. This car is still missing and the owner, Graham King, is appealing again to see if … [Read more...]
Beaulieu International Autojumble 2022 – 55 not out!
This year’s Beaulieu International Autojumble went ahead and those attending seemed very happy to be there. Kim Henson reports… (Words by, and copyright, Kim Henson; photographs by, and copyright, Kim Henson and Chris Adamson, as individually credited). Many classic vehicle enthusiasts were looking forward to the 2022 International Autojumble at Beaulieu, the 55th event (sponsored again by … [Read more...]
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