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News Caton reveals A-H 100 reinvention Wednesday, 13 April 2022 at 8:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Only 25 Healey by Caton to be built Caton has revealed its first hand-built car with the launch of the Healey by Caton. The Austin-Healey 100 reincarnation is built in the UK and only 25 examples will be produced. The Healey by Caton will be shown to the public at Salon Privé and has been made using the latest technology to ensure accuracy of reproduction. Power comes from a 2954cc four-cylinder engine that produces 185bhp. It’s based on an Austin-Healey block and upgraded with high compression pistons, race camshaft, and twin H8 carburettors. The engines are being built by specialist JME Healeys. Darryl Scriven has directed the design of the Healey by Caton and he said: ‘Donald Healey got so much right when he designed the car originally. We wanted to pay homage to the original vehicle while making it more comfortable to live with, more fun to drive and even more dynamic and beautiful to look at.’ https://www.caton.uk/

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 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 New premises for Quickfit Saturday, 20 November 2021 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Quickfit moves Quickfit Safety Belt Service has moved to new premises and is now located in a larger industrial unit in Loudwater, High Wycombe. The company is continuing to operate while moving premises and can also supply seat belt components. https://www.quickfitsbs.com/

News Bicester Heritage is StarterMotor’s biggest donor Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at 16:45:00 UTC By Al Suttie StarterMotor receives £20,691 from Scrambles in 2022 Bicester Heritage’s Scramble events have raised £20,691 for the StarterMotor charity in 2022. Ticket sales for the popular Scrambles helped generate the amount, making Bicester Heritage the single largest donor to StarterMotor in 2022. StarterMotor offers career awareness days, work experience, and the opportunity to drive the charity’s classic fleet. It also provides representation at events, including the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, and opportunities for the future generation of motoring enthusiasts to learn new skills. Dave Withers, Chief Executive, StarterMotor, said: ‘Bicester Heritage has been a principal supporter of StarterMotor from the beginning, and donations, particularly through Scrambles but in other areas too, have helped expand the charity mission year after year. Our youth ambassadors, volunteers and all the young beneficiaries are hugely grateful. Daniel Geoghegan, Chief Executive Officer, added: ‘Our Scramble events truly are the best opportunity to experience Bicester Heritage at its best, and our intention is always to welcome as many interested local parties as possible to join us for these celebrations of both classics and modern machines. With 2022 having celebrated a plethora of events, I am sure 2023 will provide us with even more opportunity to support StarterMotor and celebrate with enthusiasts of all ages.’ http://www.startermotor.co www. bicesterheritage.co.uk

News Young Driver acquires rare Atco Junior ​ By Al Suttie One-of-two young driver training cars acquired Young Driver has acquired a rare 1938 Atco Junior SafetyFirst Trainer to help promote its driver skills courses for young people. The 98cc Villiers-powered Atco is one of 200 built pre-war and thought to be one of two survivors. Ian Mulingani, Young Driver’s Managing Director, said: ‘We hope to have our Atco SafetyFirst up and running very soon so that we can demonstrate it at some of our venues and tell its remarkable story to our new generation of young drivers.’ He added: ‘We’re passionate about classic cars. We offer the option of trying one of our classics - a pre-war Austin Seven, Morris Minor or a ‘60s Vauxhall VX 4/90. If young drivers can master one of these, they have a far greater appreciation of how a modern, geared, ICE-driven vehicle works, which ultimately improves their driving skills. The company offers classic car driving courses to 10- to 17-year olds. http://www.youngdriver.eu

News Maserati unveils Classiche Tuesday, 14 December 2021 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Maserati Classiche launched alongside new parts Maserati has launched its Classiche certification programme and the first car to receive its authenticity certificate is a Mistral 3700. The Italian company has also introduced its Collectors and Customers programme to provide genuine parts to help with servicing and restoration of classic, youngtimer and Speciali cars. The Collectors and Customers scheme is set to manufacture many spare parts that are currently no longer available. This will use original design drawings and modern technology to ensure accurate fit and improved reliability. A committee of experts makes up the Classiche Certification programme for cars more than 20-years old. Users of this service also benefit from in-house minor repairs and an on-demand vehicle detailing offer. https://www.maserati.com/gb/en?redirect=1

News Bicester receives award for supporting former Armed Forces personnel Thursday, 10 November 2022 at 14:45:00 UTC By Al Suttie Bicester Motion awarded bronze medal by Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bicester Motion has received a bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its commitment to supporting formers members of the Armed Forces. James Cameron, CEO and Founder of Mission Motorsport, said: ‘As a founder member of the Mission Automotive initiative, Bicester Motion continues to open up opportunities for those seeking employment following a military career. We are incredibly proud to be working with all the companies at Bicester Motion who support our work, and are one step closer to making Britain the best place to be a veteran.’ Dan Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Motion, added: ‘Here at Bicester our mission remains to provide a welcoming and equal-opportunities workplace for all. Developing our relationship with Armed Forces personnel and the unique skillsets and talent that they offer to our site, is truly remarkable to see.’ A number of specialist businesses based at Bicester Motion’s Heritage quarter have also been awarded bronze by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. They include Blue Diamond Riley Services, Classic Performance Engineering, Classic Oils, Harry Fraser Upholstery, Heritage Skills Academy, Historit, Kingsbury Racing, RH45 Insurance, and the Vintage Radiator Company. http://www.bicestermotion.com

News European icons from Thornley Kelham Wednesday, 2 March 2022 at 15:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie New range of uprated classics from Thornley Kelham Thornley Kelham has announced it will offer a range of uprated European classic cars. The line-up will include Alfa Romeo, Jaguar and Porsche models with improvements along the lines of the Lancia Aurelia B20 Outlaw coupe the company completed in 2021. The first cars to be restored by the company in this way have already been commissioned by customers. Each will have subtle improvements to engine, suspension, brakes and interior. It’s expected each car will take around 5000 hours to complete and cost from £250,000. Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham, said: ‘In the 1950s, Max Hoffman almost single-handedly turned the American market onto the beautiful agile sports cars of Europe, including Porsche, BMW and Alfa Romeo. The exotic allure of cars from this part of the world was so enticing that Porsche even sold a number of 356s to the American market badged as “European”. It was the first time many Americans had ever encountered these brands, broadening horizons with fresh, exciting new sports cars. ‘It’s this golden era that we want to recapture with the European programme, offering modern day buyers the same kind of thrill of finding something new, something beautiful and something exhilarating.’ https://www.thornleykelham.com/

News Classic Insurance Services sponsors Historic Motoring Awards Wednesday, 10 August 2022 at 15:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Insurer sponsors classic awards Classic Insurance Services will sponsor the Historic Motoring Awards 2022, with the awards ceremony held in London on 16 November. The Historic Motoring Awards presented by Octane magazine recognise excellence in the classic car sector. Carole Pearson, Head of Classic Insurance Services, said: ‘We are thrilled to be headline sponsor of the Historic Motoring Awards, and look forward to supporting Octane in acknowledging and celebrating excellence throughout the classic and performance car industry. The partnership demonstrates our enthusiasm and commitment towards recognising and protecting unique pieces of automotive history.’ http://www.classicinsuranceservices.com

News Additional Scramble date Tuesday, 15 February 2022 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Bicester adds Saturday date to April Scramble The popularity of the Sunday Scramble at Bicester Heritage has prompted Bicester Heritage to add a Saturday event to accommodate unprecedented demand. The new date is 23 April in addition to the existing Sunday 24 April meeting. There will be 5000 tickets for the Saturday 23 April Scramble. Dan Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Heritage, said: ‘The April Scramble fires the post-pandemic starting pistol for us all and we can’t wait to welcome enthusiasts to Bicester Heritage for this important weekend.’ https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/

News Veterans complete London to Brighton on sustainable fuel Friday, 18 November 2022 at 9:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Two entrants in London to Brighton Run powered by sustainable fuel Sustainable fuel was used for the first time in two of the entrants for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. A single-cylinder, 6.5bhp 1904 Covert ran using 100% fossil-free fuel developed by P1 and similar to the decarbonised fuel used officially in the FIA World Rally Championship. Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, and Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, shared a 1901 Mors powered by sustainable fuel. Cussons said: ‘It really could not have been any easier. We simply drained and refilled the tank, completed a short test drive and packed the Mors off to London for the dawn start on the next day. In what were truly testing conditions, the car performed superbly – if anything the engine ran better than ever. ‘While electric cars may be part of the solution, it’s so very important that we keep an open mind. If we can find affordable alternatives that do not require a complete overhaul of the infrastructure as well as environmentally costly replacement of existing vehicles, so much the better.’ http://www.veterancarrun.com