SEARCH RESULTS

News Record Race Retro Wednesday, 1 March 2023 at 10:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Popular show sets new auction highs The popular Race Retro show saw more than 22,000 visitors pass through the doors of Stoneleigh Park. As part of the three-day show, Silverstone Auctions’ sale saw a new world record price achieved for a For Sierra Cosworth RS500. The low-mileage Ford was estimated to sell for £150,000-£180,000, but achieved £596,250 when the hammer fell. It was joined by a Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 that sold for another new world record price of £109,125. Further world record prices were achieved by the Lotus Elan Drophead Coupe formerly owned by Diana Rigg that made £164,250. Jochen Rindt’s Lotus Elan made £65,250, while a Land Rover Defender ordered new by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, sold for £123,750. The busy show proved there remains strong interest in historic motorsport as traders reported good business to Classic Car Business. Many we spoke to said it was a real uptick for them after the quieter period over winter. Dan White, Director of Suspension Supplies Ltd, said: ‘It’s been busy all weekend with enquiries and talking to visitors. There’s a real enthusiasm for these cars and the businesses that surround them.’ Another company enjoying plenty of interest was Brand Engineering, supplier of precision components and driveshafts. Darren Adams, Operations Manager, said: ‘We didn’t know if anyone would be interested in what we do, but we’ve been overwhelmed with people wanting to discuss our services. We’ve been flat out all weekend and it’s been a very positive show for our company.’ This view was echoed across the trade stands inside the main halls of Race Retro, while outside the live rally stage was a big draw for the 22,187 visitors. Show Director Lee Masters said: ‘There was a real buzz in the halls and there is a lot of affection for this event so everyone was thrilled to see it back. Our main priority for this year was to get the show back up and running, not just for the industry but also for the enthusiasts. Now, our focus is on working with the venue to develop the show and build on Reis Race Retro’s solid foundations to encourage a new generation into historic motorsport.’ Mary Singleton, Senior Operations Manager at Reis Motorsport Insurance, added: ‘We had a fantastic weekend at Stoneleigh, it certainly kick-started the season in style! As always, the show celebrated all that is great about the motorsport community, and it was so special to meet so many fellow enthusiasts over the three days.’ http://www.raceretro.com www.reis.co.uk

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 Hammond at resto show Thursday, 3 March 2022 at 16:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Hammond and MGB to appear at Restoration Show Richard Hammond will make his first appearance at this year’s Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show on Friday 18 March. Alongside his show appearance, Hammond’s 1972 MGB GT will be on display as part of the MG Car Club’s Young Members display. The show will be part of the filming for the second series of Richard Hammond’s Workshop, which will appear on Discovery+. Hammond said: ‘I’ve spent 25 years critiquing other people’s cars and now I’m putting my own work out there. My grandfather was an automotive craftsman, who knows, maybe I’ve inherited some of his skill.’ https://www.necrestorationshow.com/

News Tex adds more Triumph parts Monday, 8 August 2022 at 14:30:00 UTC By CCB staff More TR6 and GT6 parts added to Tex range Tex has added a variety of new parts to its Triumph spares range, including rubber seals and finishers for the TR6 hardtop. Also now available from Tex are twin choke cable kits for the TR6 and GT6. Another new range is the wing fitting kit for the TR6 that comes with fast assemble Acme bolts. http://www.texautomotive.com

News New J40s launched Friday, 25 February 2022 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Continuation J40s revealed The J40 Motor Company is introducing a continuation series of the popular pedal cars. They will be sold by the company, owned by Burlen, alongside a restoration service for the tiny Austin machines. Customers for the continuation cars will be able to order bespoke colour and trim finishes. The increase in sales will also see the firm take on new employees at its Salisbury base, though the J40s will be sold through its Bicester Heritage site. Mark Burnett, Managing Director of Burlen, said: ‘The J40 is a true classic car and its owners require the same level of specialist support as any other classic vehicle to ensure their survival. ‘Burlen has offered continuous support to the global classic vehicle community for many years, and we understand how important a reliable supply of parts is to keep historic vehicle alive. While we operate in a classic world, our attitudes towards manufacturing and product is wholly modern and these attitudes and skills will be no different within the J40 Motor Company.’ https://www.j40motorco.com/#/

News New VP at Hagerty Tuesday, 15 February 2022 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Prakash Ranjan is new Hagerty VP of marketing tech Hagerty has appointed Prakash Ranjan as its new Vice President of Marketing Technology. Ranjan will lead the classic insurance specialist’s digital transformation. Previously, Ranjan led engineering, marketing technology, and digital ventures for MGM Resorts International, and before that he worked at several Fortune 50 companies. Kelly Smith, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Hagerty, said: ‘As Hagerty continues to evolve and find new ways to engage the automotive enthusiast community, digital transformation is an essential part of our business strategy. Prakash brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in digital technology, and we’re excited to welcome him to our growing team.’ Ranjan added: ‘Hagerty’s vision, values and culture, and its oversized impact on car lovers and drivers in general are the key reasons I joined the company. I’m thrilled to work with this world-class team to supercharge our digital agenda toward serving Hagerty’s purpose of saving driving and preserving car culture for future generations.’ https://www.hagerty.com/

News Hagerty launches Digital Labs Friday, 22 April 2022 at 8:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie New digital initiative from Hagerty Hagerty has announced a new initiative called Digital Labs to help the company keep pace with online developments. One of the first products launched under this programme is a reworked version of the firm’s Valuation Tools, which lists values for more than 40,000 vehicles. Kelly Smith, Chief Strategy Officer of Hagerty, said: ‘Hagerty Digital Labs is about business acceleration. We are developing a one-stop shop focused on creating value from innovative ideas in the shortest possible time. We are car lovers and innovators who are intent on advancing the industry through revolutionary technology.’ Hagerty CEO McKeel Hagerty added: ‘As a growth company focusing on many dimensions of the automotive world, innovation and digital product thinking are critical for our future. Digital labs will allow us to innovate faster, attract more talented team members and do more for our members and partners.’ https://www.hagertylabs.com/

Job opportunities Workshop Technician (Classic car wheels) Slough Job description To produce the highest quality products for the historic motor industry. Motor Wheel Service builds, repairs, and restores wire wheels for classic, vintage & veteran cars. You’ll be learning from experienced term members, and we’ll expect you to be able to achieve a high level of competence in all areas of engineering skills required for the job. We work with a variety of old and new techniques and machinery to build our products. ​Care and quality are absolutely paramount for this role as Motor Wheel Service deals with wheels on some of the world’s finest motorcars. ​About you: For this role, because we produce such a niche product, direct experience is very hard to come by. So, really what we’re looking for is someone passionate about the motor industry, and someone who likes working with a team of like-minded team members. This role can be a great start to a career in the automotive industry, and we look for people looking to build a career in the industry, and engineering, as well as a positive, can do attitude. Apply

News Fiskens donates Citroen auction proceeds to Ukraine charity Monday, 1 August 2022 at 16:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Concours of Elegance Citroen 2CV sale benefits Ukrainian charity Classic car dealer Fiskens is donating the proceeds of the sale of its Citroen 2CV Dolly at the Concours of Elegance auction to the charity Voices of Children. The auction is being held by Gooding and Company on 3 September at Hampton Court Palace as part of the Concours of Elegance. Gooding & Company President and Founder, David Gooding, said: ‘We are grateful for the opportunity to present this Citroën Dolly, cherished by Gregor and the Fisken family, at our upcoming London auction. ‘It is an honour to not only transfer this darling car to its next custodian, but most importantly, to assist in Gregor’s goal of aiding the Ukrainian children and families who have suffered from the tragedies of war.’ Gregor Fisken added: ‘While so much of the world seems to have returned to normal, we simply cannot ignore the horrible events in Ukraine. Our hearts go out to those whose lives will be forever changed by this needless war. ‘We’ve been thinking on ways we can help and to that end, we are going to auction our family Citroën 2CV6 Dolly and donate our entire proceeds. It has given my family a lot of joy and we hope the money that it raises will help families in need.’ The 1985 Citroen 2CV is being sold without reserve and it estimated to fetch between £10,000 and £20,000. http://www.goodingco.com concoursofelegance.co.uk www.fiskens.com

News Auto Artists aid Ukraine Friday, 4 March 2022 at 15:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie Auto Artists for Ukraine raising money for humanitarian aid A new classic car initiative has been set up called Auto Artists for Ukraine to raise money for the humanitarian crisis in Urkaine. The initiative is offering artwork by many automotive artists via social media, with all proceeds of the sale going to the British Red Cross’ Ukraine CrisisAppeal. Among those artists already signed up are Tim Layzell, Helen Stanley, and Ella Friere. More than 25 artists have contributed work and there is a variety of works being offered at a range of prices. Auto Artists for Ukraine has been set up by the Reverend Adam Gompertz and Jonny Ambrose, who said: ‘Why we are doing this is having seen the escalating horror in Ukraine. We realise our initiative might only make a small contribution in the grand scheme of things, but we wanted to raise funds, and join others in uniting a love of all things automotive and to help Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.’ https://www.sleepingwithart.com/autoartistsforukraine

News New classic careers partnership Friday, 4 March 2022 at 9:30:00 UTC By Al Suttie Piston Foundation and Lime Rock join forces The Piston Foundation and race track Line Rock Park have joined together to provide career opportunities within the classic automotive sector in the US. Driven by a demand for more skilled tradespeople in the sector, the Piston Foundation charity and Lime Rock Park race track recognised they both serve the same enthusiast community. The result is a partnership will create a pathway for anyone interested in working in the classic car sector. Robert P Minnick, CEO and Founder of the Piston Foundation, said: ‘Our mission is to promote and fund skilled-trade education to create rewarding career paths for a new generation of collector car specialists and technicians. Since the Piston Foundation and Lime Rock Park serve similar communities, a partnership makes sense for everyone, including racers who use the track and car enthusiasts who enjoy events at this storied facility. ‘Our goal is to bring more young people into the collector car industry so the craftspeople who built this American touchstone can transfer their skills to a new generation. We offer a philanthropic platform where car enthusiasts and members of the automotive industry, like Lime Rock Park, can come together to directly support career opportunities for young people and help build a sustainable future for the trade of vehicle restoration.’ Dicky Riegel, President and CEO of Lime Rock Park, added: ‘It is up to all of us to propel the future by encouraging young people to join our industry. There is a great deal of interest in our plans for the future of this historic racetrack. Robert’s ideas for the Piston Foundation create a vision and a pathway for our shared automotive enthusiasm to be nurtured in the next generation. Lime Rock Park looks forward to providing the dynamic setting where the Piston Foundation offers career opportunities with young men and women.’ https://pistonfoundation.org/ https://limerock.com/

News Carbon offset from HCVA Thursday, 11 November 2021 at 0:00:00 UTC By Al Suttie HCVA launches carbon offset scheme The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance has launched a new initiative to help classic vehicles achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. The scheme offsets CO2 emissions and is being run in partnership with NET-HERO. Vehicle driver contribute 2p per mile they drive annually, so a typical classic car owner covering 1200 miles per annum would pay £30 for a year’s CO2 offsetting. The money is used to support reforestation and the restoration of peatland and grassland. Every driver who signs up to the scheme will receive a vignette they can display in their car. The HCVA’s Garry Wilson said: ‘The historic and classic vehicles sector is a vanishingly small contributor to the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions yet contributes nearly £3 billion to the Exchequer each year. Classic vehicles are also an important part of our cultural heritage so we want to ensure that the wider classic sector have the ability to achieve a Net-Zero status ahead of the mainstream automotive sector.’ http://www.hcva.co.uk