New Lotus Emira 'unboxed' and introduced at re-born Hethel HQ... Sensational Emira debut staged at Lotus’ historic home, significantly upgraded with new facilities and all-new sports car factory Emira ‘unboxed’ live in front of more than 300 guests Jenson Button, F1 World Champion and Lotus customer, was surprise special guest with world-exclusive first Emira test drive … [Read more...]
Classic Austin-Healey/MG upgrade – installing a Mazda MX 5 gearbox in a Sprite or Midget
Fitting a five speed Mazda MX 5 Gearbox into a Sprite or Midget... Hylton Reid explains how he did it. © H. G. Reid 2020 Kim adds: "For many owners of classic cars, including Sprites and Midgets, and especially those examples used often for long distances (in normal times!) the installation of a five speed gearbox (incorporating an 'overdrive' ratio top gear) provides major benefits in terms … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf – Porsche Boxster – The Practically Free Sportscar
For Your Bookshelf – Porsche Boxster – The Practically Free Sportscar... ...Reviewed by Kim Henson. (Book cover and Boxster photographs provided by Robert McGowan). Title: Porsche Boxster – The Practically Free Supercar (‘The beginner’s guide to owning the ultimate roadster’) Author: Robert McGowan Published by: Independently published 277 pages; paperback Price (typical): £13.75, … [Read more...]
For Your Bookshelf: Jaguar F-Type – The Complete Story
Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly Title: Jaguar F-Type – The Complete Story Author: Andrew Noakes Published by: Crowood Press Ltd www.crowood.com 192 pages (paperback), with 254 colour and 30 mono photographs ISBN: 978-1-78500-731-6 Price: £25.00 (but £20.00 if bought via the Crowood website, and for the E-book Edition, including VAT) The question Jaguar enthusiasts ask most often is … [Read more...]
Mazda MX-5 Convertible (special edition) – Road Test
Mazda MX-5 R-Sport SE… …the modern classic tested by Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). As a modern classic, the Mazda MX-5 has just become more exclusive because the new MX-5 R Sport Convertible is limited to 150 examples in the UK. The MX-5 range has consistently led its sports car sector since the 1990s with revisions and upgrades. This stand-out MX-5 Convertible version … [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...]
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...]
Vauxhall Classics No. 7 – XVR Concept, 1966
In our seventh feature in this series looking at significant Vauxhall models through the decades since the company's inception, we focus on a product from what was, for 20 years, the UK’s leading design facility: Vauxhall’s Design & Engineering Centre. The XVR was so nearly a production reality, but Opel’s GT – a similar design and concept – failed commercially, which gave Vauxhall cold … [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...]
MG F – 25 years of this modern classic and it’s still looking good
MG F - 25 years is a long time - by Dave Moss, who tells the fascinating story of this model (and the TF)... The MG F, which passed the 25th anniversary of its Geneva Show announcement on March 7th 2020, was a remarkable car. Developed to capitalise on a long and formidably successful heritage defined by its world famous (and subtly reworked) octagon badge, it has left a fitting and indelible … [Read more...]
Book Review – Porsche 911 – The Practically Free Supercar
Book reviewed by Kim Henson... (Book cover and Porsche 911 photos courtesy of Robert McGowan). Title: Porsche 911 – The Practically Free Supercar (‘The complete beginner’s guide to the smartest route into Porsche ownership’) Author: Robert McGowan Published by: Independently published 166 pages; paperback Price (typical): £12.87, including postage ISBN-10: 1091444838 ISBN-13: … [Read more...]
TVR News
Robin Roberts reports on good news for TVR devotees... The TVR sports cars’ Welsh factory will be fitted out for assembly of its 200 mph Griffith supercar, the company has told its enthusiastic owners’ club. Jones Brothers have been appointed to carry out the work on its site adjacent to the A465 Heads of the Valleys road and overlooking Ebbw Vale. In a statement, the TVR Car Club said, … [Read more...]
New Forest McLaren dealership opens – and McLaren GT unveiled
Opening of New Forest McLaren dealership and unveiling of McLaren GT… Chris Adamson reports. (Photographs by Chris and McLaren). Affluent south coast motorists are the target audience for the ninth McLaren dealership to open in Britain as the British sportscar brand heads towards its target of 6,000 world-wide sales by 2024 – last year they sold 4,816 units. McLaren New Forest is located … [Read more...]
Book review – MGB – The Illustrated History
MGB – The Illustrated History (4th edition). Reviewed by Kieron Fennelly. Authors: Jonanthan Wood/Lionel Burrell Published by: Veloce; veloce.co.uk 248 pages; hardback Price: £35 UK; $50 US ISBN: 978-1-787113-62-6 Over half a million MGBs were built during the model’s eighteen year life and the rorty MG remains one of the most popular and useable of classic cars. Veloce’s reprint … [Read more...]
Mazda MX-5 2.0 Z-Sport – Road Test
Mazda MX-5 2.0 Z-Sport for 2018. By Robin Roberts (and Miles Better News Agency). Summer is never complete for me without testing the latest Mazda MX-5 convertible. It is arguably the most successful modern sports car and exudes excitement from its simple but clean lines and combines ability with agility so it covers the miles and makes winding country roads a delight to drive as … [Read more...]
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider – Road Test
Alfa’s sporty 4C Spider… Test-driven by Robin Roberts (Miles Better News Agency). Italians love their food almost as much as they love cars like the Alfa 4C Spider. Meals can swing between the heavy classics to lighter Mediterranean morsels and they are usually all memorable. The essential element is that every meal is meant to be enjoyed for its own sake and if you like a straightforward … [Read more...]
Classic News – E-type Zero – Electrically powered Jaguar E Type!
Combining classic styling and a modern power train – a classic EV (Electric Vehicle) E Type! Report by Robin Roberts. Jaguar Land Rover Classic is presenting an electric-powered Jaguar E-type at the Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest, which opens to the public on 8 September in London. The car, known as E-type Zero, has been restored and converted at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, not far … [Read more...]
