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News Custodian aims to offer free-to-use classic vehicle archive Thursday, 20 October 2022 at 9:15:00 UTC By Al Suttie Classic vehicle management firm looking to free use future Classic car vehicle document management firm Custodian is seeking to crowdsource the future of specialist cars by pooling specialist knowledge. The firm says its unique software will allow it to offer unbiased information to its users and the wider classic car world. It says this information will help increase the value of a car, and make it simpler to find the right specialist to work on a car. Charles Clegg, CEO of Custodian, said: ‘As a lifelong car enthusiast, I know that the collective information that exists within the community has been largely subjective, anecdotal, disparate and unstructured. With our proprietary software, we’re applying the very latest data science and technology to make it objective, peer-reviewed, centrally held and organised. ‘Using our platform, all that priceless knowledge and insight that’s currently scattered across the classic car world could be untangled and organised; safe, secure, transparent and accessible, helping everyone make more informed buying and care decisions - and, we hope, prevent people from making the costly mistakes nearly every classic or specialist car enthusiast has made along the way. As our community grows, so does the library of knowledge that previously risked being lost forever.’ http://www.custodian.club

News Porsche hosts resto challenge Thursday, 24 February 2022 at 10:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie US Porsche Restoration Challenge is back for 2022 Porsche Classic North America has announced the return of its Restoration Challenge. This invites US Porsche dealerships to restore one of the company’s vehicles and compete for overall victory. The Restoration Challenge is designed to encourage more Porsche dealers to be involved with classic cars. For 2022, there are expected to be more than 60 dealers across the US entering the competition, which is a 50% increase on 2021. Jonathan Sieber, Manager Porsche Classic in the US, said: ‘The mission of Porsche Classic and our dealer partners is to go above and beyond every day to keep vintage cars on the road and driving just as well as the moment they left the factory. With the Restoration Challenge, dealers and service teams are able to showcase their skills and capabilities while revitalising these dream machines. Our inaugural competition in 2021 produced some truly stunning examples of classic Porsche sports cars, and we expect even more from our participants this year.’ The entries will be judged by a panel of experts from Porsche Cars North America, looking at the standard of work, authenticity, and documentation. Eligible cars range from the earliest 356s all the way to first Boxster and Cayenne models. https://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/classic/

News Gateway Auctions now offers online sales Wednesday, 18 January 2023 at 0:15:00 UTC By Al Suttie New timed-online classic car sales from Gateway Auctions One of the UK’s largest auction firms is now moving into the classic car sector as Gateway Auctions offers timed-online sales with up to 380,000 bidders across its platforms. Gateway Auctions Classic Cars has been set up with a hand-picked team including Roger Nowell, Sam Grange-Bailey, Theresa Cunliffe, and Fuzz Townshend. The firm’s first sale will end on Friday 23 February, with onsite viewings available prior to the sale’s end time. Auctions will run every month and cars will be displayed on the six largest bidding platforms including White Label, BidSpotter.co.uk, i-bidder.com, thesaleroom.com, and LiveAuctioneers.com. Managing Director David Sunderland said: ‘Last year, we sold around 20,000 individual lots through our construction equipment sales, and despite that volume, each auction runs like clockwork. We’d been looking to branch into classic cars for some time now, since many of our customers share our passion for older, interesting vehicles. ‘I needed someone with expertise in the industry to make it work, and Roger Nowell – who I’ve known for many years, and will run this new part of the business – was that man. Gateway is so pleased to have Roger and his newly-appointed team on board, and we’re really looking forward to opening up our timed-online sales to classic car enthusiasts across the UK.’ Roger Nowell, Gateway Auctions’ Classics Director said: ‘It’s rare for a business to enter the classic car sales market that can offer such a unique mix of features, as Gateway can. Not only will it be the only classic car auction house to operate timed-online sales across the most popular bidding sites, with massive exposure, but it will also be the North West’s only timed-online sale with vehicles physically on site with all the advantages that that brings for buyers and sellers.’ http://www.gatewayauctions.com/classic-car-auctions/

News FIVA adds nine to Hall of Fame Thursday, 14 July 2022 at 16:00:00 UTC By CCB staff Nine new people are added to FIVA Hall of Fame FIVA has announced nine new people from the classic car world who will join its Hall of Fame. The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens launched the Hall of Fame in 2021 and the following nine people will now join: Evert Louwman of the Louwman Museum in the Netherlands Shahrzad Paknyat-Hamedani, who has helped to create Iran’s smallest motor museum Cesare Fiorio, a leading figure from Italian motorsport in the 1960s and 1970s Rosemary Smith, pioneering Irish rally driver Luis Spadafora, creator of Argentina’s Museo del Automovil in Buenos Aires Walter Rohrl, rally driver Elisabeth Junek, racing driver from the Czech Republic Battista Pininfarina, founder of Carrozzeria Pininfarina Soichiro Honda, founder of the Honda Motor Company Gaby von Oppenheim, one of FIVA’s judges, said: ‘FIVA clubs around the world were invited to nominate their own motoring heroes, regardless of whether these individuals are household names or relatively unknown. The primary criterion is that they choose men or women who have made significant contributions to our automotive heritage. From among the nominations, a prestigious international panel of judges selects the final inductees.’ https://fiva.org/en/fiva-home/

Job opportunities Specialist classic/vintage car engineer Ipswich IP6 Job description Due to the expansion of our classic and vintage car department, we are looking for an experienced technician to join our team. This part-time position with flexible hours would suit an individual with extensive knowledge of both classic and pre-war cars. A background in machine engineering would also be an advantage. An ability to work on their own initiative is desirable. Part-time hours: 24 per week Job Types: Part-time, Permanent Salary: £14.00 per hour Benefits: • Flexible schedule • On-site parking • Sick pay Apply

News Hilton Group expands showroom Tuesday, 5 April 2022 at 9:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie New three-floor space for Hilton Group The Hilton Group has opened its new three-storey facility in Bishop’s Stortford. The purpose-built 75,000sq/ft complex gives the firm a total of 100,000sq/ft of space for storage, showrooms, and workshops. It also includes a roof terrace for customers. The upper two storeys are given over to storage and showroom space for the firm that specialises in classic car restoration and approved body work repairs. A custom-made ramp allows access to the first floor for vehicle repairs to be undertaken. Hilton Group Founder, Peter Hilton, said: ‘This new facility is the future of our business, perfectly encapsulating everything we do here at the Group. The new state-of-the-art showrooms are the ideal showcase for our perfect restoration work at Hilton & Moss – as well as TVR and Lotus models as part of Car Sales – our two-storey 30-bay workshop further extends our reputation as the largest manufacturer-approved repair facility in the UK, and Hilton Car Storage showcases our absolute passion and attention to detail. More than that, though, we wanted to create a real destination for car enthusiasts in the South East and beyond.’ https://hiltonaccidentrepair.co.uk/

News FIVA addresses bringing young people to classic sector Thursday, 19 May 2022 at 9:30:00 UTC By CCB staff Global symposium addresses need for young people in historic industry The first global symposium aimed at addressing the need to bring young people into the classic car community was held in Marrakech, Morocco and supported by FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens). The event included presentations from young delegates from 10 countries, including the US, Japan, Slovenia, India, and Brazil. FIVA found that countries that have seen a later boom in classic car interest and ownership often have a more forward-looking approach to involving young people. Three key steps to engaging young people in the classic car community were identified. They are: historic vehicles need to be more accessible to young people; social media is of more importance to younger classic car enthusiasts than traditional media; and restomods are of increasing interest to younger owners. FIVA President Tiddo Bresters said: ‘I’m very happy to learn from the youth of today: it is for them to tell us the direction we need to take to ensure their interest in historic vehicles.’ https://fiva.org/

News KW offers adjustable suspension for Mercedes SEC Monday, 12 December 2022 at 10:45:00 UTC By Al Suttie Mercedes C126 adjustable suspension kit added by KW The C126 model of Mercedes SEC is now covered by KW’s V3 coilover suspension kit. The kit is adjustable for both compression and rebound, and has been designed to work on all models of the C126 coupe. It works with completely unmodified front wishbones and rear trailing arms, and it also offers an adjustable ride height. Sascha Daucher, from KW’s Brand Management Team, said: ‘Some Mercedes enthusiasts might fear having to retrofit MacPherson struts, but we can give the all-clear. The only thing that needs to be retrofitted when having an eight-cylinder V-engine is the optional starting torque support (level compensation) at the rear axle. But these are unnecessary within our dampers with multi-valve technology.’ Daucher added: ‘A Mercedes which is equipped with V3 drives way more dynamic than with a coilover setup that was developed 40 years ago.’ http://www.kwsuspensions.net

News DB5 Junior unveiled Wednesday, 2 March 2022 at 9:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Little Car Company reveals Aston Martin DB5 Junior The Little Car Company has added an Aston Martin DB5 Junior to its model line-up and it comes with official approval from Aston’s factory driver Darren Turner. Developed with input from Aston Martin, the DB5 Junior is a two-thirds scale replica of the real thing from the outside. A genuine DB5 was 3D scanned to create accurate drawings for the Junior. Under the skin, power comes from a 6.7bhp electric motor that can be used in three modes. The Novice setting restricts power to the rear wheels at 1.3bhp to keep top speed to 12mph. Or, it can be used in Expert mode to give a top speed of 30mph, though the Junior can only be used on private land. A Competition set-up gives full performance. There is also a DB5 Junior Vantage model on offer, which comes with a Vantage mode that increases power to 13.4bhp. It’s accessed using a hidden ‘missile’ switch. This model also has a carbon-fibre body to reduce weight and increase performance. Only 1059 DB5 Juniors will be built, each costing from £35,000, or £45,000 for the Vantage. https://thelittlecar.co/db5junior/

News Burlen acquires Austin name Tuesday, 6 September 2022 at 8:15:00 UTC By Al Suttie Austin trademark to rename J40 Motor Company Burlen has acquired the Austin trademark and will rename its pedal car company as Austin Pedal Cars Ltd. Formerly the J40 Motor Company, run by Burlen to restore and provide parts for the classic pedal cars, Austin Pedal Cars will begin trading with immediate effect. Mark Burnett, Burlen’s Managing Director, said ‘Austin, as a brand, will live on in our hands, keeping the name alive and educating future generations in the importance of automotive history and giving them the first steps into car ownership. ‘Austin will do this by creating further Austin models whilst also enhancing our parts, clubs and community offering. J40 Motor Company will continue to serve the established J40 community, continuing all the good work the J40 Motor Company name has become renowned for.’ http://www.burlen.co.uk

News AC Cars makes David Conza CEO Tuesday, 24 May 2022 at 15:30:00 UTC By CCB staff Swiss entrepreneur joins AC Swiss businessman David Conza has been announced as the new CEO of AC Cars and he brings a new investment to parent company Acedes Holdings, LLC. Conza said: ‘I’m proud to be able to lead such a famous company and continue a legacy that stretches back 121 years. This is an inherently British brand, and we will honor that by building highly advanced cars worthy of wearing the AC badge.’ Alan Lubinsky, Chairman of AC Cars added: ‘As a car enthusiast and successful entrepreneur, David has a fantastic insight into the market and what clients really look for when buying luxury sport cars. His passion and determination will propel the company forward, providing the impetus and investment needed to produce the next generation of cars. I’m excited to be working with him as we carry the spirit of AC Cars into the future.’ https://www.accars.eu/

News Aston Martin marks Virage conversion Tuesday, 29 March 2022 at 15:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie 30th anniversary of 6.3-litre Virage upgrade Aston Martin has marked the 30th anniversary of its Virage 6.3-litre conversion at its Works base in Newport Pagnell. The company sold 46 Virage cars in 1992 and many have been upgraded to the 6.3-litre engine. Around 60 cars have been converted in total, giving the cars 500bhp and 480lb ft of torque. Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, was himself involved in the Virage 6.3 conversion project and remembers driving the development and demonstration vehicle, affectionately known today as "Minky". He said: ‘The Virage 6.3 conversion was, and remains, a superb example of the capabilities of the department that is now Aston Martin Works. ‘The car was comprehensively re-engineered, and restyled, right here in Newport Pagnell. It remains a true testament to the ingenuity and vision of the Aston Martin business and I’m thrilled – but also a little shocked from a personal point of view – that we are able to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2022.’ https://astonmartinworks.com/