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Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the world of classic cars.
The Great British Trade-up Challenge Finale
- 29th December, 2022
Douglas Hester was the very proud winner of our Great British Trade-up Challenge car and has now collected his prize, congratulations!
Introducing our December Bright Young Spark – Nathaniel Tegg
- 29th December, 2022
Our friends at Practical Classics magazine caught up with Nathaniel to find out more about where his interest in vintage and retro styles first began. Nathaniel has always enjoyed vintage things since he was very young.
THE FORD CORTINA XLE – THE ULTIMATE MK. III?
- 28th December, 2022
At first sight, this is the perfect Cortina for all drivers who regarded a Jason King moustache as the height of fashion and the Berni Inn as the pinnacle of haute cuisine. It certainly appears to be a prime example of a facelifted Cortina XL Mk. III but then you notice the white reflectors on the front bumper, different hubcaps, a ‘V6’ shield on the front wings and the ‘Big 6’ badges.
THE CONTINENTAL MK. II – A CELEBRATION
- 28th December, 2022
In 1956 a car with power assistance for the brakes, steering, front seat, windows and even the quarterlights, an AM radio with an electric aerial and whitewall tyres, was not so much luxurious as downright extravagant. Inside, the upholstery was either leather by Bridge of Weir of Scotland or a selection of cloth trims and you could also have your name engraved on a plate on the centre of the passenger compartment floor.
THE BIG FREEZE – WINTER MOTORING OF SIXTY YEARS AGO
- 28th December, 2022
Sixty years ago, the nation saw its lowest temperatures since 1740, with some parts of the country enduring 20-foot snowdrifts and power cuts. Some villages were cut off for days, and on Dartmoor, 6,000 animals went without food for four days until helicopters were able to drop supplies.
MEET THE OWNER - PAUL BARNES AND HIS FORD CORTINA HUNTSMAN
- 28th December, 2022
In 2009, the Ford enthusiast Paul Barnes was searching for a Cortina Mk. II but was unable to find any suitable example. Finally, however, one of his colleagues told him that his father-in-law had just lost a close friend and had one in his garage.
MEET THE OWNER – SHAUN BROADBENT AND HIS VAUXHALL VICEROY
- 28th December, 2022
Shaun Broadbent is selling one of the rarest Vauxhalls in the country. Only 2,295 Viceroys left the dealerships between 1980 and 1982, and today a mere nine remain on the road - Search results for 'Vauxhall viceroy' - How Many Left? Yet, it had genuine potential and is a prime example of how poor marketing can seriously hamper a car's prospects.
AMERICAN SPLENDOR - THE KAISER MANHATTAN
- 28th December, 2022
Sometimes – in fact, often – eBay is a place of great temptation. You begin your search with the intention of buying a new pair of driving gloves, but within an hour, you are contemplating another classic car. And when presented with the chance of bidding for a Kaiser Manhattan, this is wholly understandable.
THE FORD CAPRI MK.I – RIGHT CAR, RIGHT TIME, RIGHT MARKET
- 28th December, 2022
This writer was recently re-watching the Capri launch film and marvelling at a) how the plot gave hope to all middle-aged Brylcreemed would-be lotharios and b) Ford's superlative marketing. The development costs amounted to £20 million, so nothing was left to chance with the launch of "The Car You Always Promised Yourself" on the 5th of February 1969.
TOP TEN REASONS WHY CAR CLUBS ARE WONDERFUL
- 21st December, 2022
This could have so easily been a ‘Top 50’ or a ‘Top 100’, but here is just ten of the reasons why car clubs are wonderful.
MEET THE OWNER – ADRIAN WAINWRIGHT AND HIS VOLVO 244 GLE THOR
- 19th December, 2022
"My dream car when I was 17 was not a sporty Ford or Vauxhall but a Volvo 265 GLE Fuel injection automatic - a dream still not realised as yet!" But Adrian Wainwright now owns an even more exclusive Swedish car – the 244 GLE Thors.
30 Years of the Ford Mondeo
- 19th December, 2022
There are several aspects of the 1990s that many hope will never return – The Word on Channel Four comes to mind – but others are fondly missed. I mention this as a significant Ford has recently celebrated its 30th anniversary but the Mondeo Mk. I is now a fast-vanishing sight.
THE 1952 MOTOR SHOW
- 19th December, 2022
The date is the 22nd October 1952, and the ethos of the British motor industry is still very much 'Export or Die'. During this year, companies across the UK produced 448,000 vehicles, but they allocated 308,942 for export. But at least the end to the 'Car Covenant' looks in sight.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ W201 AT FORTY
- 13th December, 2022
It is almost impossible to believe the W201 celebrated its 40th birthday on the 8th December. Some cars have styling that appears locked in 1982, while Bruno Sacco's lines for the original 190 is timelessly elegant. It was also a crucial Mercedes-Benz alternative to the BMW 3-Series and the Audi 80.
