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News Hagerty becomes VSCC insurance partner Tuesday, 2 August 2022 at 8:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Three-year deal for Hagerty as VSCC insurance partner Hagerty and the Vintage Sports-Car Club have announced a three-year partnership to provide insurance to the club’s members. As well as providing insurance for VSCC members, the deal will also offer those in the club additional benefits such as exclusive editorial features for the VSCC. Hagerty will also help the club look at how it can attract newcomers to vintage cars and motorsport. Tania Brown, Club Secretary of the VSCC, said: ‘We are delighted to partner with Hagerty, we have worked with them for a number of years and are delighted to extend our partnership. This latest exclusive deal will see us working together even closer for the benefit of our respective members, particularly promoting the use of vintage and classic cars and working on key challenges together, such as helping youngsters access insurance.’ Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International added, “Partnering with a brand as important to the industry as the VSCC creates a great opportunity to promote vintage cars to a new audience and we are excited to work together over the next three years.’ http://www.hagerty.co.uk www.vscc.co.uk

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News Reborn Bizzarrini arrives Tuesday, 5 April 2022 at 9:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie First Bizzarrini 5300 recreation on road The first example of the reborn Bizzarrini 5300 GT Corsa has been driven on the road. Built using factory blueprints and materials from suppliers to the original cars, the recreation has been built to replicate the first model as closely as possible. However, the new 5300 GT Corsa has safety improvements made possible with modern technology. This includes repositioning the fuel tanks from the sills to a void in the chassis used 3D scanning to find the correct space and clearance. Called the Revival series, 24 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Corsas will be built, all with two seats, roll bar, and safety fuel cell so the cars can compete in FIA Appendix K historic motorsport events. Simon Busby, Bizzarrini CMO said: ‘We have an ambitious long-term vision for the Bizzarrini brand, and the 5300GT Corsa Revival serves as either an introduction or a reminder of the storied heritage of Bizzarrini. We were thrilled with the car’s performance during endurance testing, delivering the same adrenaline-fueled driving experience as Giotto Bizzarrini’s original design. ‘Now, as we complete the process of building the cars for our customers throughout the world, we are refining the initial engineering and design proposals for our modern supercar. Utilising the very latest technologies, and built with the ethos, passion and values of our founding genius, this will truly be a Bizzarrini for a new generation.’ https://www.bizzarrini.com/

News Thornley Kelham reveal Jaguar XK European Thursday, 14 April 2022 at 10:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie First of Thornley Kelham’s European programme unveiled A Jaguar XK coupe is the first of the European programme cars from Thornley Kelham. The car has been reinterpreted by former McLaren designer Paul Howse and comes with a lightweight alloy body and 340bhp 3.8-litre engine. The bespoke European project by Thornley Kelham sets out to update and improve European sports cars on a similar theme and then build the car to a concours level. The XK has been given more curvature to the sides of its body, wider wheelarches, and a lower roofline, echoing the company’s Lancia Outlaw builds. Inside, the XK European mixes classic with modern design, and the cabin now features electric windows, air conditioning, power steering, Bluetooth connectivity, and a roll cage. Each European project takes Thornley Kelham 5000 hours to complete. Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham, said: ‘With our concours-winning restoration heritage and our years of experience in perfecting our bespoke Lancia Aurelia ‘Outlaw’ project, we have developed a team perfectly placed to design and engineer a car that reimagines automotive icons authentically, in intricate detail and with a fastidious attention to quality. ‘The Jaguar XK European is, to our eyes, the most beautiful car yet in the restomod sector, backed up with expertise and experience in developing cars that aren’t just perfect in their finish, but thrilling to own and drive.’ https://www.thornleykelham.com/

News Classic fans donate ambulances Thursday, 17 March 2022 at 10:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Two ambulances for Ukraine from UK classic fans Classic car fans Richard and Gosia Myers are preparing two emergency vehicles to help with the life-saving mission in Ukraine. A first-generation Land Freelander is being readied as a First Reponse car with assistance from local businesses around the Myers’ New Forest base. Richard said: ‘Having team members with direct family ties to Eastern Europe, we couldn't stand by and do nothing,” said Richard. “We decided to donate two vehicles to the Ukrainian Medical Services. The first (Land Rover Freelander) has just undergone a conversion to a First Response car and will be kitted out with medical supplies, spinal boards & trauma kits. The second (Fiat Ducato) is ready to be converted into a frontline Ambulance. ‘Once the second one is completed, we will drive them straight to the Poland-Ukraine border and hand them to a representative from the Ukrainian Medical Services.’ The Ambulances4Ukraine team are working with the full support and guidance of the Ukraine Embassy in London, as well as receiving huge support from Thurston, Condor Ferries, Guernsey Transport Solutions and A-Cute Medical. They are still in urgent need of emergency roof bars and beacons for the vehicles, along with sterile medical equipment. Kyiv resident and friend of Richard and Gosia, Inna Dashchenko, said: ‘Our medical defenders are waiting for these vehicles to evacuate wounded people from Bucha, Irpen and other hot points. To carry wounded soldiers from the battle fields to hospitals... the vehicles will do so many good things.’ https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ambulances4ukraine?utm_term=q4qk89GYE

News NEC Classic Show report Monday, 15 November 2021 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Welcome return of NEC Classic Show The Lancaster Classic Car Show made a welcome return for companies and enthusiasts at the NEC in Birmingham on 12-14 November. A total of 63,328 visitors made the journey to Birmingham to see 3000 classic cars and 270 car clubs spread across seven halls. Silverstone Auctions reported good business at its sale during the show, with an 81% sale rate and sales total of £8.3 million for cars and £550,000 for motorcycles. This was the company’s first dedicated motorcycle sale at the NEC show, while automobilia brought in £180,000 with an 84% sale rate. However, other traders that Classic Car Business spoke to were experiencing fewer sales compared to previous years. Dougal Cawley, of Longstone Tyres, told us: ‘We didn’t sell a single tyre at this year’s show, though we hope many people we spoke to will follow up and buy from us afterwards. Footfall was decent, but people certainly seemed to be looking rather than spending.’ This sentiment was echoed by other traders, though some also reported plenty of interest. Andrew Mundy, Sales and Marketing Manager of Rimmer Bros, said: ‘It’s been a busy show for us. There are plenty of enthusiasts out there keen to work on their cars over the winter and prepare them for the 2022 season. Overall, we’re pleased with the weekend.’ Show Director Lee Masters said: ‘We were thrilled to be back at the NEC and want to send our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, traders, exhibitors, car clubs and visitors who have supported us. The goodwill and love we have received has been beyond our wildest dreams. It has been an emotional show for all concerned.’ https://www.necclassicmotorshow.com/welcome

Silverstone Auctions predicts cars to watch in ’23 Friday, 6 January 2023 Restomod and EV cars boost BMH to record production Wednesday, 4 January 2023 Hagerty launches new online insurance system Wednesday, 4 January 2023 Silverstone Auctions predicts cars to watch in ’23 Friday, 6 January 2023 1/3 Classic Car Business News Silverstone Auctions predicts cars to watch in ’23 Friday, 6 January 2023 Read more Hagerty launches new online insurance system Wednesday, 4 January 2023 Read more Tetre Rouge Assets listed on London Stock Exchange Thursday, 15 December 2022 Read more Restomod and EV cars boost BMH to record production Wednesday, 4 January 2023 Read more RM Sotheby’s announces final Amelia Island sale Friday, 23 December 2022 Read more Vintage Air launches New Generation climate control Tuesday, 13 December 2022 Read more Job Opportunities Trainee Marketing Assistant - Car & Classic - 100% Remote Home Based Find out more Specialist classic/vintage car engineer Ipswich IP6 Find out more Trainee Classic Car Technician/ Mechanic/ Restoration/ Service Bishop's Stortford CM23 Find out more Workshop Technician (Classic car wheels) Slough Find out more

News Classic car owners want synthetic fuel Thursday, 10 November 2022 at 10:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Three quarter of classic car owners favour synthetic fuel over EV conversion Synthetic fuel is the preferred option for the continued use of classic cars by three quarters of owners. A study by Footman James has found that 76% of classic car owners believe the sustainability of classic cars lies with synthetic fuels rather than EV conversions. Only 24% of those asked said they would be prepared to convert their car to run with an electric conversion. The rising cost and availability of high-octane E5 fuel, which is more suitable for classic cars in comparison to E10, which has a higher ethanol content, puts pressure on owners and shows the automotive sector is right to look at alternatives. Managing Director of Footman James, David Bond, said: ‘I’m pleased owners are thinking about the future and how they may be able to align their classic cars with a net-zero future. Understanding the power that alternative fuels have for our industry shows not only a potentially positive outlook ahead, but also highlights to organisations the power that e-fuels have to secure ICE cars’ relevance and sustainability in the future. If we can keep more cars on the road rather than manufacturing new ones, that will save millions of tonnes of embedded carbon.’ Some vehicle manufacturers are investing in synthetic fuels and synthetic fuels may be one alternative method to power vehicles that have already been made. Due to the petrol pump infrastructure already in place, this would work well for classic vehicles. Garry Wilson, Chief Executive of the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance, added: ‘This is a fascinating question, and one that we are often asked. Some classics are deeply impressive converted to electric, but do it because you like how they drive, not because you think you are contributing to saving the planet, which you won’t be unless you drive it enough miles to recover the CO2 spike caused by battery manufacture. ‘Sustainable fuels on the other hand are a drop-in solution that, when they become widely available, we can all use without any modifications to our engines, slashing our carbon emissions immediately to 80 per cent of net-zero. That’s a huge environmental win that also protects the character of our classics.’ http://www.footmanjames.co.uk www.hcva.co.uk

News Heritage poll records strong interest Tuesday, 8 February 2022 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Polls shows strong interest in heritage sector An opinion poll commissioned by the Federation Skills Trust shows continued strong interest in the heritage transport sector. It found that 45% of adults in the UK expressed some interest in the sector. The majority of those interviewed for the poll said their main interest was in visiting attractions such as museums. While attendance data shows the largest group is those aged 55 and over, there is growing interest from younger groups aged 25-34 and 35-44. These two latter age groups make up 33% of all heritage attraction visitors in the past five years. Road and rail attractions are the two most popular with visitors, followed by marine and aviation. The opinion poll was conducted by Kantar and interviewed 1232 people across all ages, gender, ethnicity, region, and socio-economic groups. Francis Galashan, Chair of Trustees for the Federation Skills Trust, said: ‘We hope people will conclude that interest in the heritage sector is healthy. Regardless of which sector of heritage transport we are in, we must continue to work together ever more closely to ensure that mobile heritage has a vibrant and inclusive future.’ https://www.heritage.engineering/

News Watt unveils first EV classic Sunday, 3 October 2021 at 23:00:00 UTC By Alisdair Suttie The Watt Electric Vehicle Company has unveiled its first model, which is styled to look like a Porsche 356. Watt bases the car on its PACES EV platform with integrated batteries. In this coupe, it gives a 230-mile range, 0-62mph in five seconds, and 50-50 weight distribution. The two-seater has been designed to meet European Type Approval and weighs less than 1000kg. Its body is made from composite materials. Neil Yates, founder of Watt Electric Vehicle Company, said: ‘The Coupe represents two firsts for Watt Electric Vehicle Company. It is our very first model – and the first to utilise our PACES modular EV architecture, which will underpin many next-generation specialist passenger and commercial EVs. With our debut vehicle we wanted to build a light, engaging sports car, at the opposite end of the spectrum from the current trend toward hugely powerful, fast accelerating, but heavy electric supercars. ‘Thanks to our PACES architecture, we have been able to keep the Coupe’s weight to a minimum – under 1,000kg – yet we have also structurally-integrated a 40kWh battery into the chassis and exceeded all EUSSTA safety crash testing standards.’ The Watt Coupe costs from: £81,250 and customer deliveries begin in early 2022. http://www.wattelectricvehicles.com

News Swindon offers turn-key EV battery packs Wednesday, 12 October 2022 at 9:45:00 UTC By Al Suttie Off-the-shelf EV batteries for classics Swindon Powertrain now offers readymade classic car EV battery packs. The company has aimed to make the new battery packs affordable. Swindon Powertrain’s HED is believed to be the first commercially available ‘off the shelf’ battery pack available, developed specifically for such users to buy as a single unit or in low, mid or high volumes. Available from September, initially in either 30kWh or 60kWh options, HED is an automotive grade lithium-ion unit. Designed and developed according to ECE 100-03, it measures 1000mm long * 420mm wide and either 375 or 615mm tall, depending on battery capacity. Compact and light (from 190kg) HED comes supplied with Battery Management System and Manual Service Disconnect in an enclosure for thermal management and damage protection. A 12-month warranty is standard. Swindon Powertrain’s managing director Raphaël Caillé said: ‘Niche manufacturers and conversion specialists told us they couldn’t source new, industry-grade batteries from the big suppliers who aren’t interesting in low-volume supply. ‘This has led to some recycling parts from used EVs, often of unknown provenance. HED means they have a fresh, turnkey battery pack complete with the peace of mind that comes from over 50 years of supplying to the motorsport and automotive markets.’ http://www.swindonpowertrain.com

News GTO moves to Italy Tuesday, 8 February 2022 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie GTO Parts opens in Italy UK company GTO Engineering has opened a branch of its components division GTO Parts in Modena, Italy. The move comes in response to difficulties created by Brexit and European shipping customs. The new parts division will open in the Spring of 2022 to provide an off-the-shelf service for Ferrari owners, restorers and garages servicing these cars. A key aim of opening the Italian base for GTO Parts is to reduce delivery times to the company’s European customers and give complete transparency for shipping and duty costs. Mark Lyon, founder and Managing Director of GTO Engineering, said: ‘We’ve been wanting to open an Italian base for GTO Engineering and GTO Parts for a long time. Being Ferrari specialists and focusing on Ferrari and other Italian marques for parts, it is a natural progression for the company. ‘We know that we are not alone with the frustrations of shipping, customs and duties for items sent from the UK to Europe post-Brexit. Our response has been to invest in a new base for our company to help reduce some of the hassle and confusion for our customers, and also to source parts from European sellers. ‘We will now be able, with clarity, to confirm the exact duty to be paid and ensure only one set of VAT/taxes will be applicable, compared to our current predicament that duties are paid by European clients on receipt of items sent by us from the UK.’ https://www.gtopartsshop.com/en-gb