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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 Hagerty partners StarterMotor Tuesday, 29 March 2022 at 15:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie StarterMotor charity gains Hagerty sponsor The StarterMotor charity that encourages younger enthusiasts to become involved with classic cars is now being sponsored by Hagerty. The deal will see Hagerty as Principle Sponsor with a presence at various events while providing insurance and partnership benefits to the Bicester Heritage-based charity. David Withers, Chief Executive of StarterMotor, said: ‘There is a clear need to engage a new generation, to encourage them to take up careers in the historic vehicle industry and to enjoy historic cars. StarterMotor has partnerships with educational facilities, colleges and apprenticeship schemes and provides vehicles and other resources for their students to not only learn from, but also to use in competitions, events and shows.” Mark Roper, Managing Director for Hagerty International, said: ‘Engaging the next generation of classic car enthusiasts has long been a key objective of Hagerty, and we already run a series of global education and promotional activities to do just that. ‘Working with StarterMotor allows us to focus on the UK market, and we have a host of initiatives, soon to launch, which will excite and appeal to young enthusiasts looking for a career in the classic and collector car industry.’ https://www.hagerty.co.uk/ https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/partners/starter-motor-charity/

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 Bell Sport & Classic reveal details of three-year Ferrari restoration Wednesday, 26 October 2022 at 10:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Salon Privé-winning restoration process revealed Bell Sport & Classic has revealed the details behind its restoration of the Ferrari 330 GTC that won the 2022 Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance in September. The Ferrari was the only car in its class that also took part in the two-day Salon Privé tour prior to the concours judging. The firm’s Managing Director, Tim Kearns, said: ‘It’s a fundamental part of our philosophy that we just don’t build a car to get maximum points from the judges in a concours, it’s got to drive beautifully, too. The 330 GTC was the only car in its class to take part in the Salon Privé tour in the lead up to the event. ‘Every car we restore, while flawless visually, has got to perform at the highest possible level. It’s got to be a true driver’s car. And it has to be capable of being used every day of the week even if it isn’t.’ The three-year restoration started with a complete removal of the interior, which took two weeks, followed by all exterior trim being removed. Only then did the team move on to removing the engine, gearbox, and suspension. Many components were restored rather than replaced, including the original 14-inch magnesium wheels, which were badly corroded and kerbed. Original factory build sheets were used to confirm the car’s specification and helped to match the pale green paint, which is called Verde Chiaro Metallizato. Bell Sport & Classic’s Head of Acquisition and Sales, Peter Smith, said: ‘With this Ferrari 330 GTC, we have created a car that looks perfect from first glance right down to the details you will never see. We believe passionately that beauty is so much more than skin-deep. That’s why, if you took this car apart, every component would look new, even though it is 56-years old. ‘Versus the more famous V12 Ferraris of the period, the 330 GTC hides its light under a relative bushel, but it is such a wonderful combination of style and performance that this is one Ferrari unlikely to remain underrated for much longer.’ http://www.bellsportandclassic.co.uk

News TR door panel reintroduced Monday, 25 April 2022 at 13:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie BMH offers TR B-pillar again British Motor Heritage has reintroduced its replacement B-pillar panels for the Triumph TR4, 4A and 5 models. The company has also reinstated panel for the same area on the TR250 and TR6 models. BMH has invested in new tooling to create the panels, which come finished in an electro-coated paint. Prices or the panels are £145 plus VAT for the TR4 and £135 plus VAT for the TR5, 250 and 6. Managing Director of BMH Graham Payne said: ‘In the last two years, we have invested considerable sums of money in the refurbishment of our original BMC/Leyland tooling, some of which is now over 60-years old. In cases such as the Triumph B-Posts, where the original tooling no longer exists, we will consider investing in new hardware whenever there is sufficient demand to create a viable production programme.’ https://www.bmh-ltd.com/

News Goodwood launches insurance comparison service Tuesday, 14 March 2023 at 10:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Goodwood Classic Solutions comparison site launched Goodwood has launched its Classic Solutions insurance comparison service that sources quotes from a panel of specialist underwriters. The service offers three online quotes to its users and offers various search criteria, such as an agreed value, limited mileage discounts, salvage retention, and modifications. Partnering with Sterling Insurance, Goodwood claims its new service will revolutionise classic car insurance. The Duke of Richmond said: ‘I’m thrilled we are launching this unique classic car insurance service for the motoring community. Exceptional customer experiences are at the heart of what we do and with the launch of Goodwood Classic Solutions in 2023 - the year we celebrate 75 years of motorsport at Goodwood - it couldn’t be a better time to extend this passion and expertise to fellow enthusiasts.’ http://www.goodwood.com

News RHD Shelby Cobras for UK Tuesday, 14 December 2021 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Clive Sutton brings Shelby-licensed Cobras to UK Right-hand drive Shelby Cobras will now be imported to the UK by Clive Sutton. The cars are built by Superformance and will be offered in MkII, MkIII and MkIII-R shapes with 5.7- and 7.0-litre V8 engines supplied by Roush. Clive Sutton said: ‘We have a long history with the Cobra, so it holds a special place in our hearts. Offering the world’s only Shelby-licensed Cobras is a source of great pride and we can’t wait to share these special vehicles with enthusiasts everywhere.’ Superformance’s Lance Stander added: ‘We are delighted to welcome UK retailer Clive Sutton to the Superformance family. The Clive Sutton team has a long history of importing American sports cars to the UK, including Shelby Cobras. We look forward to building right-hand drive Superformance MkIII's for the UK market and growing our Superformance presence there.’ Prices start at £123,950 for the MkIII. https://www.clivesutton.co.uk/

News Hyundai to rebuild 1974 concept with Giugiaro Thursday, 24 November 2022 at 10:45:00 UTC By Al Suttie Original Pony concept due for rebuild Hyundai has confirmed it will be working with Giorgetto Giugiaro to rebuild the firm’s original 1974 Pony Coupe Concept. The 1974 Turin Motor Show concept car will be rebuilt in time to be displayed in the spring of 2023. Working with Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio who run GFG Style, Hyundai will use the car alongside its recent ‘45’ concept that took inspiration from the 1974 car. The Pony Coupe Concept is also credited with influencing Giugiaro’s work on the DeLorean DMC 12. Giorgetto Giugiaro said: ‘I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was still a young designer at the start of my career. I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a vehicle for a company and country that was about to take on a fiercely competitive global market. Now, I’m deeply honored that Hyundai has asked me to rebuild it for posterity and as a celebration of the brand’s heritage.’ Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, added: ‘We look forward to collaborating with GFG Style on this extraordinary design project. Not only does this project hold historical value, but it also represents a cross-cultural exchange that could pave the way for more collaborations down the road.’ http://www.gfgstyle.it www.hyundai.co.uk

News Motul and NMM partner Thursday, 3 March 2022 at 17:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie National Motor Museum to use Motul oils The National Motor Museum has appointed Motul as its lubricants partner to supply oil and fluids to almost 300 vehicles in the museum’s collection. As part of the deal, Motul is installing its recently-launched BioClean parts washing system into the Beaulieu workshop. The system does away with the harmful solvents usually used to clean dirty automotive parts and replaces them with an all-in-one efficient, environmentally friendly parts cleaning system that consists of a wash stand and a water-based cleaning fluid. Motul UK’s Andy Wait said: ‘We are really excited to be working with our country’s National Motor Museum again. It is testimony to the breadth and depth of Motul’s product range that we are able to cater for so many of the vehicles they have on site, and we relish the prospect of developing our relationship with Beaulieu.’ Beaulieu’s Chief Engineer Doug Hill added: ‘Motul has consistently been at the cutting edge of lubricant and automotive technology, and has a history that is second-to-none but it is always looking to the future. This is very important for us, and we look forward to moving forward with them as partners, and making full use of what they have to offer.’ https://www.motul.com/gb/en

News Paul Wood 1946-2022 Thursday, 26 May 2022 at 8:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Paul Wood passes away Rolls-Royce specialist Paul Wood passed away suddenly on Sunday 22 May. A statement from his family says: ‘Paul was so very grateful to spend his whole life doing what he loved, his enthusiasm for all things automotive was infectious. As well as a legend in our community, he was a kind and loving family man, our consort and our hero. ‘Paul was a much-loved husband, father, uncle and of course twin brother. This has come as a huge shock to us all. Please bear with us as we make sense of what has happened and try to come to terms with our significant loss.’ The statement adds: ‘Paul had spent many years future proofing P & A Wood for an eventuality such as this. Not only does he leave behind his family but an expert workforce that he and Andrew have spent years training, he was incredibly proud of what they had both achieved over the years. We know that he would want nothing more than for the business to continue working hard to produce fantastic work to the highest standards and ensure that his legacy lives on here at P & A Wood. Paul’s brilliance will be sorely missed but his determination, dedication and passion for motor cars will forever be held dear in our hearts. All future work will be produced in Paul’s honour.’ Our condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues.

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 Hagerty Marketplace online auctions launched in US Friday, 4 November 2022 at 11:15:00 UTC By Al Suttie Hagerty adds online auction to portfolio Following Hagerty’s acquisition of the Broad Arrow Group auction firm earlier in 2022, the company has announced its new Hagerty Marketplace online auction platform in the US. The company says its aim is to offer sellers and buyers a more trusted and easier to use platform. Each seller will have a dedicated auction team member to provide support with the sale and logistics. Buyers using the Hagerty Marketplace will provide a US government-issued identification and credit card before bidding to ensure there is a genuine person behind each bid. Kenneth Ahn, President of Hagerty Marketplace, said: ‘Over the past few years, the collector car industry has seen exceptional growth in demand for online car auctions, driven by the convenience of bidding from practically anywhere. But when car collectors are buying and selling five, six, or seven-figure cars online, we believe there are areas for significant improvement over the status quo. ‘Our goal is to provide an online auction platform that is differentiated by trust, with unparalleled level of service and data-driven expertise. We are excited to launch Hagerty’s Marketplace online auctions and we are committed to continuing to innovate and grow along with this emerging market.’ http://www.hagerty.com/drivers-club/my-garage/marketplace