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News Porsche restores Paris-Dakar 959 Thursday, 2 February 2023 at 14:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Second-placed Dakar 959 recommissioned Porsche carried out a sympathetic recommissioning of the 959 that came second in the 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally driven by Jacky Ickx and Clause Brasseur. The car will make its public debut after the rebuild at Retro Classics in Stuttgart on 23-26 February. The car had not been touched since it was stored by the factory after the rally, but Porsche’s classic division says it was a relatively straightforward process to bring the 18,000km car back to working order. As part of the work to recommission the car, it has been kept in the similar state to when it completed the rally. Porsche’s Head of Museum Workshop Kuno Werner said: ‘By keeping the damage from then we can tell the story authentically and preserve it.’ The car has since been tested by Jacky Ickx and he declared: ‘Memories came back to me immediately. It’s fantastic to be part of the car’s story again.’ http://www.porsche.com

News Olympia return for London Classic Car Show Tuesday, 15 November 2022 at 14:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie London show returns to Olympia on 24-26 February The London Classic Car Show will return to Olympia in 2023 and the show runs from 24-26 February. Kate Woodley, Show Director at organiser Brand Events, said: ‘We are thrilled to be bringing The London Classic Car Show back to Olympia. “It’s a truly spectacular venue which provides us with the perfect backdrop for wonderful displays of iconic cars from throughout the ages. Olympia already feels like our spiritual home, and we have a truly great show planned for 2023.’ Among the exhibits already confirmed for the show is a display of Porsche 911 models and another highlighting barn finds. Tickets for the London Classic Car Show go on sale on 24 November. http://www.theclassiccarshowuk.com

News Alfa Romeo launches Classiche Thursday, 20 October 2022 at 9:15:00 UTC By Al Suttie New Classiche programme for classic Alfas Alfa Romeo has joined the expanding number of car manufacturers offering their own heritage services with the launch of its Classiche programme. The Alfa Romeo Classiche service will offer owners the chance to add to the existing Certificate of Origin for their for car with a Certificate of Authenticity and Restoration. To obtain this certification each car goes through a rigorous inspection and evaluation process which is carried out by the specialised team, verifying the authenticity of the car, its components and the functioning of the main mechanical parts. The vehicle can be examined at the Officine Classiche in Mirafiori, Turin, or at the customer’s home if requested. The company is also set to offer its own in-house restoration service, which will include everything from simple maintenance to full nut-and-bolt rebuilds. Jean Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo’s CEO, said: ‘Alfa Romeo is going through a key phase in its history. The historical period we are going through is a genuine evolution. While planning for the future, our heritage is always our main source of inspiration. ‘For us, the Alfa Romeo Classiche heritage programme aims to enhance our historic automotive heritage by certifying the authenticity of vintage Alfa Romeos and giving new life to marvellous examples that still captivate and excite car enthusiasts around the world.’ http://www.fcaheritage.com

News Beaulieu fits Tracker Wednesday, 9 February 2022 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie National Motor Museum partners with Tracker The National Motor Museum has fitted Tracker vehicle locating devices to many of the most valuable cars in the collection at Beaulieu. Doug Hill, Museum Manager and Chief Engineer of the National Motor Museum, said: ‘At Beaulieu, we have the ultimate privilege of being home to some of the most iconic examples of worldwide automotive design. With that privilege comes the responsibility of protecting these priceless vehicles. Tracker’s police partnership combined with its unrivalled technology gives us the ultimate peace of mind that we are truly safeguarding our collection.’ Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said: ‘Classic cars are a lucrative market for organised crime gangs and professional thieves who steal to order. However, many of these older vehicles lack today’s inbuilt sophisticated security systems and identification marks, which makes them particularly vulnerable to theft. Our solutions overcome these security weaknesses. ‘The National Motor Museum holds numerous events at Beaulieu and across the UK each year, where the public enjoy seeing some of the country’s finest classic vehicles. We’re really proud to be involved in helping protect these iconic vehicles, playing our part in keeping the best of British automotive history safe when on the road, and secure when at home at the National Motor Museum.’ https://www.tracker.co.uk/

News Dave Youngs becomes Peter James Partnership Director Friday, 22 July 2022 at 9:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Insurer appoints new Partnership Director Classic car insurer Peter James has appointed Dave Youngs as its new Partnership Director. Youngs will head up the implementation of a new, innovative and value-adding club proposition to car and bike clubs across the UK. He has 15 years’ experience in the classic car insurance field. The company says this new proposition will offer increased benefits to clubs by providing ongoing financial support, adding value to club membership, and working with partners to design bespoke products and tailored pricing for insurance for club members. Peter James is also keen to support the future of classic car clubs through the development of insurance schemes for younger classic vehicle enthusiasts. Garry Carlin, Head of Classic at Peter James Insurance, said: ‘I’d like to welcome Dave to the team. We look forward to forging closer relationships with our club partners by offering bespoke support solutions. The appointment demonstrates the commitment by Peter James to be the insurance provider of choice for classic vehicle clubs and their members.’ https://www.peterjamesinsurance.co.uk/

News Mazda museum in Japan reopens Thursday, 21 April 2022 at 15:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Mazda reopens museum at Hiroshima factory Mazda is set to reopen its museum in Hiroshima on 23 May after a complete renovation of the facility. The layout of the museum’s displays has been completely revamped to create more space for visitors to see the exhibits. There’s also a new colour scheme to help the cars stand out more from their background. Mazda has divided the displays into 10 zones, each one with its own theme. An online tour of the company’s museum has also been launched and is now live. https://www.mazda.com/en/about/museum/ https://www2.mazda.com/ja/onlinemazdamuseum/

News Management changes at MPC Thursday, 10 November 2022 at 10:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Manor Park Classics announces revised management Manor Park Classics has announced that Managing Director Roger Nowell is stepping down from his position, though he will remain as a part-time consultant. James Gregory will assume the role of managing the business as part of his job as Sales Manager, along with Operations Director Rik Askins. Stephen Ashworth, MPC’s Chairman, said: ‘Over the last two years, Manor Park Classics has become a widely recognised national brand in the industry with an unrivalled reputation for quality, performance, honesty and first-class customer service. Roger has been a fundamental part of creating this and I want to thank him for his hard work and professionalism. I am pleased that he has decided to stay on with us as a consultant.’ MPC is looking to expand in 2023 and recruit a further member to its classic car sales team, as well as a classic motorcycle specialist. http://www.manorparkclassics.com

News Ford Escort tops online searches Thursday, 3 March 2022 at 10:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Ford Escort is most searched for classic The Ford Escort has been named as the most popular car for online searches in 2021 by Car & Classic. A top 10 of searches of cars for sale by the online classifieds and auction website also showed a shift towards more affordable classics from the 1980s. The Escort displaced the Porsche 911 as the most popular search on the website, pushing the 911 into second spot. In third place, the Triumph Stag has seen searches more than double, while the BMW E30 3 Series is in fourth place with searches up by 20% on 2020’s figures. The Ford Mustang took fifth place. Other cars in the top 10, in order of search numbers, are the Jaguar E-type, Ford Capri, Volkswagen Beetle, MGB GT, and MGB roadster. Showing the rising demand for Japanese sports cars, the Toyota Supra and MR2, Mazda RX-7, and Datsun 240Z all appeared in the top 20 searches of 2021. The Supra’s rise showed a surge from the edge of the Top 50 to nearly edging out the MGB. https://www.carandclassic.com/

News Enzo still in its wrapper for sale Wednesday, 1 March 2023 at 9:15:00 UTC By Al Suttie RM Sotheby’s offers Ferrari Enzo still in factory wrapping A unique Ferrari Enzo that is believed to be the lowest mileage example in existence is being sold by RM Sotheby’s through its Sealed service without reserve. The 2003 Enzo has just 141 miles on the odometer and is finished in Argento Nürburgring 101/C silver with Cuoio leather interior. It’s thought this is the only Enzo in this colour combination. Delivered new to its owner in Japan, the V12 Enzo has remained in the same ownership until now. It still has much of the original factory plastic protective wrapping, making this a real time-warp opportunity. The sealed bid process opens on 15 March and ends on 17 March at 12pm EDT. http://www.rmsothebys.com

News Flying Spares supports homeless charity Friday, 27 January 2023 at 12:45:00 UTC By Al Suttie Rolls and Bentley specialist supporting Doorway charity Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Flying Spares has renewed its association with Doorway, a charity helping young homeless people with advice and accommodation. Keith Bullock, Chair of Flying Spares’ Employee Ownership Council, said: ‘Our founders Ben and Lucy Handford always supported local charities, and when we moved to Employee Ownership in 2020 we were keen to carry that on. We canvassed opinion across all departments and the clear preference was to support Doorway. For a small organisation, they do incredible work across Warwickshire and beyond. We raised a four-figure sum for them last year and aim to better that in 2023. ‘Everyone at Flying Spares knows that Doorway is our chosen charity, and barely a week goes by when we don’t do something. Last year’s biggest fundraisers included a cake day for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a guess the scores competition for the football World Cup, and a Christmas jumper day and raffle. We buy in bulk for our tuck shop, so it’s still cheaper than the shops, and a percentage goes to Doorway. There’s a collection tin in reception, and our staff and their families donate useful second-hand items too, especially clothes. All contributions, large or small, it all helps.’ Carol Gallagher, CEO at Doorway, said: ‘We’ve been working with Flying Spares for a couple of years now, and they have been brilliant. Their support helps us to provide accommodation for young homeless people, to start to get their lives back on track. We have a contract to deliver housing-related support services, and benefit from grants, but the donations we receive from local companies and individuals are so generous. We couldn’t do what we do without them.’ http://www.flyingspares.com www.doorway.org.uk

News GTO Engineering appoints Louis Scott Monday, 2 May 2022 at 9:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Louis Scott joins GTO Engineering as Senior Sales Executive GTO Engineering has appointed Louis Scott as its new Senior Vehicle Sales Executive. Scott will support the vehicle sales, acquisition, and brokerage teams across the firm’s three global sites. He joins from Koenigsegg and has previous experience with Ferrari. Mark Lyon, Founder and Managing Director of GTO Engineering, said: ‘Our team is evolving, growing and we’re showing the future of GTO Engineering is not just its cars but the people behind the vehicles. Louis joining the team is an incredible moment, bringing a vast experience in the entire sales process of supercars and hypercars, as well as customer relations and team building skills.’ Scott added: ‘I’ve long followed GTO Engineering and its cars, being not only neighbours to its headquarters in Twyford, UK, but also at various events. The market is dictating that driver’s cars are here to stay and valued by a range of enthusiasts.’ https://www.gtoengineering.com/

News Concours adds pioneering women feature Monday, 11 April 2022 at 12:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Levitt Concours honours leading women in automotive field The Concours of Elegance has announced it is adding the Levitt Concours to honour pioneering women in the automotive world. This new feature is named in honour of Dorothy Levitt who was a Land Sped Record holder. Thirty rare vehicles owned and driven by women will make up the Levitt Concours, which will be held as part of the Councours of Elegance and Hampton Court Palace on 2-4 September. Among the cars confirmed to take part in this new feature are an Austin Healey 3000 and Ferrari Daytona. Dorothy Levitt was nicknamed ‘The Fastest Girl on Earth’ and began her racing career in 1903 in a 12hp Gladiator. https://concoursofelegance.co.uk/