Oldest known surviving Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) car heads to auction

1970 Ford Escort Mexico, believed to be the oldest surviving AVO car, going under the hammer It is just one of a handful of ‘launch’ Mexico’s built in October 1970, just before official production began Expected to fetch between £60,000-£70,000 with H&H Classics A 1970 Ford Escort Mexico, believed to be the oldest known surviving Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) car, is up for auction with H&H Classics. The highly significant model, which is just one of a handful of ‘launch’ Mexico’s built in October 1970 the month before official production began, is expected to fetch between £60,000-£70,000 when it goes under the hammer at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on Wednesday 9th October. AVO produced Ford’s high performance road production cars and were hugely popular at the time and continue to attract intense interest today. The model for auction has an ‘LVX’ Ford press registration plate and between 2006 and 2017 it was comprehensively restored to exacting original specification with over £60,000 reputedly spent. It is also offered with a large history file including a very rare Escort Mexico sales brochure, a copy of ‘Classic Ford’ magazine featuring the car, plus a copy of the original buff logbook and DVLA ownership history. During its time with Ford, the car was lent to Hendon police college to test against trainee pursuit drivers, and subsequently bought by a police officer from the driving school. Paul Cheetham, motor car specialist at H&H Classics, said: “It’s a privilege to offer this 1970 Ford Escort Mexico AVO car for auction. “It is an unmissable opportunity for any fast Ford fanatic as opportunities to acquire AVO cars with such provenance are truly unrepeatable.” The comprehensive restoration to original factory specification included keeping as many original parts as possible, with any parts that needed replacing being carried out with genuine parts. Paul added: “This Mexico is one of the first handful of Escort Mexico’s produced, believed to be one of four, before official production began. It is also the joint second Mexico registered, being registered new to Ford Motor Company on December 4th 1970. “We expect there to be strong interest in this very special model at our auction in October.” Those wishing to bid on the 1970 Ford Escort Mexico AVO car or any of the other lots can do so on the day in person, via online or telephone bidding, or by leaving a commission bid. For further details or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk. NotesEstablished in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading specialist automotive auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the classic and collector vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable. Over the past 31 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley. To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk Useful LinksH&H Classics – https://www.handh.co.uk/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HHClassicsLtd/X- https://twitter.com/handhclassicsInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/handhclassics/YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/HandHAuctions PicturesFor a full set of high resolution images which accompany this release, please visit the following Dropbox PR ContactDanny Rughoobeer at Red Marlindanny@redmarlin.co.ukT +44 (0) 1926 832 395M +44 (0) 7739 878 365 Ref: 7454/100924

New high-performance Renault Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid available to order now priced from £45,695 OTR

Renault Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid introduces the new E-Tech 300 hp plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a 22 kWh battery for a pure-electric driving range of up to 65 miles The extra power is provided by a 136 hp electric motor added to the rear axle; coupled with 4Control Advanced, Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid features four-wheel steering and drive Available in two levels of trim – techno esprit Alpine and atelier Alpine atelier Alpine version boasts a striking appearance with matte Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a Diamond Black floating spoiler, exclusive 21-inch ‘Chicane’ alloy wheels, complemented by a specially tuned chassis developed with Alpine Cars atelier Alpine version premieres an intelligent self-adjusting suspension system coupled with a new camera for predictive control Available to order now priced from £45,695 OTR The new high-performance Renault Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid is now available to order with prices starting from £45,695 on-the-road. This brand flagship – powered by a new plug-in hybrid powertrain and brimming with advanced technologies such as four-wheel-steering, four-wheel-drive, and a new intelligent self-adjusting suspension system on range-topping atelier Alpine trim – delivers precise roadholding and a dynamic driving experience, developed with the support of the experts from storied Alpine. With its powerful 136 hp rear electric motor working in conjunction with the 70 hp front motor and 34 hp HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator), the Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid offers a potent blend of two worlds – ICE and electric. Its performance matches the finely-tuned responses of its chassis, with exhilarating acceleration from 0-62 mph in just 6.4 seconds. Yet the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid is more than just a high-performance powertrain. A vehicle in tune with its times, it is ultra-efficient, with a WLTP combined economy figure of up to 564.9 mpg and CO2 emissions from only 12g/km, it boasts a range of up to 1,000 km (621 miles), and up to 65 miles of pure-electric driving. MODEL POWER (hp) TORQUE (Nm) CONSUMPTION(WLTP mpg) CO2 EMISSIONS (g/km) 0-62mph (secs) TOP SPEED (mph) E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid 300 230 + 205 up to 564.9 from 12 6.4 111 The surefootedness of four-wheel-drive is matched by the agility and manoeuvrability of Renault’s 4Control Advanced four-wheel-steering system, which both enhances driving pleasure and reduces the Rafale’s turning circle by an impressive 1.2 metres. In atelier Alpine trim, an exclusive chassis set-up developed by Alpine Cars’ engineers pushes the dynamic envelope still further. Alongside their dedicated tuning, a new active suspension system with a predictive camera continuously adjusts the damping in anticipation of the changing road conditions ahead. The Rafale atelier Alpine E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid also features its own distinctive look with matte Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a diamond Black floating spoiler, and special 21-inch ‘Chicane’ black alloy wheels. In total, six exterior colour options are available: Flame Red, Diamond Black, Shadow Grey, Summit Blue, and two matte choices – Satin Pearl White and Satin Summit Blue – the latter exclusively available on the atelier Alpine version. The new Renault Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid is available to order now priced from £45,695 for the techno esprit Alpine trim, and £49,695 for the atelier Alpine. Pricing MODEL BIK (2024/2025) BASIC PRICE VAT 20% TOTAL RETAIL PRICE VED YR 1 DELIVERY CHARGE FRF OTR PRICE techno esprit Alpine E-Tech 4WD 300hp 8% £37,450.00 £7,490.00 £44,940 £0 £700 £55 £45,695 atelier Alpine E-Tech 4WD 300hp 8% £40,783.33 £8,156.67 £48,940 £0 £700 £55 £49,695 Grade walktechno esprit Alpine standard equipment Castellet 20-inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels with smoked varnish shark fin antenna boot alloy kick plate esprit Alpine exterior styling matrix LED vision headlights automatic headlights and windscreen wipers automatic high / low beam mirage effect rear LED lights frameless auto-dimming rear view mirror with brightness adapt and rain sensor Alcantara® synthetic leather / fabric seats – quilted and perforated with blue background and illuminated Alpine logo interior ambient lighting esprit Alpine interior styling and welcome sequence synthetic leather sport steering wheel with triple topstitching and Alcantara finish aluminium pedals blue trim seatbelts on front seats and outermost rear black carpet blue trim within door pockets automatic dual-zone air conditioning electric power tailgate opening front and rear one-touch electric windows heated front seats 40/20/40 folding rear seats 6-way electric front seats with 2-way lumbar and massage function on driver seat air purifier sliding centre console armrest ingenious® rear armrest with swivelling arms/fold-out stands for devices and charging ports heated windscreen heated steering wheel height and depth adjustable steering wheel driver and front passenger seat height adjustment paddle shift levers for regenerative braking electronic parking brake with auto-hold function hands-free keycard – keyless access and start heated electric folding wing mirrors 12.3-inch driver information display 9.3-inch head-up display 12-inch OpenR Link screen Arkamys 6-speaker audio with DAB and built-in Google wireless phone charger with light emergency brake assist anti-lock braking system driver and passenger front airbag plus side airbags blind spot warning distance warning alert lane departure warning with emergency lane keep assist including solid line, oncoming traffic and road edge detection Renault Automatic Emergency assist (E-Call) sound for pedestrians (1 to 19 mph) ISOFIX child seat fixing points on rear outermost seats super locking tyre inflation kit tyre pressure warning light occupant safe exit alert active driver assist: adaptive cruise control with speed limiter plus lane centring 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering active emergency braking system – urban and pedestrian/cyclist detection with junction function rear active emergency braking system rear cross traffic/pedestrian alert with rear automatic braking (AEB) intelligent speed assist: traffic sign recognition with speed alert driver attention alert lane change warning hill start assist (and trailer stability assist) front & rear park assist with front, rear and side parking sensors rear-view camera MULTI-SENSE: driving modes (eco, comfort, sport and personal) atelier Alpine standard equipment (in addition to techno esprit Alpine) Chicane 21-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels with dark tint intelligent predictive…

JCT600 chooses Ohme as EV charging partner

JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions (VLS) has chosen Ohme as its official home EV charging partner. Ohme is the UK’s largest smart home charging provider and the new partnership with JCT600 VLS will provide drivers with access to innovative, reliable and cost-effective home-charging as well as a seamless approach to the ordering and installation of a home charger. JCT600 VLS is one of the UK’s leading leasing and fleet solution providers. “We wanted a product that was best-in-class, provided cutting edge technology to support the charger and could be used by all drivers regardless of the EV they had or their energy tariff,” said Rebecca Eggington, Head of Customer Experience at JCT600 VLS. “Finding a partner that closely aligns with our own values was important to us. Ohme prides itself on ensuring customers are well supported through every stage of the journey, and this is why we trust them to look after our customers. The easy installation process, smart phone app management and over-the-air updates will ensure our customers have a hassle-free and future-proof charging experience.” Ohme’s dynamic smart chargers can connect with the grid in real time, automatically adjusting to optimise the cost of charging and accessing all the times of the smartest, greenest and lowest cost energy tariffs. Ohme also offers drivers the option to charge their car when renewable energy generation on the National Grid is at its highest, further lowering their CO2 impact. “The UK business car market has already proven itself highly valuable in the transition towards greater e-mobility and we are delighted to be named as JCT600 VLS’ official EV charger provider,” said David Watson, Ohme CEO. “The combination of JCT600 VLS’ expertise and immense business fleet knowledge with Ohme’s position as the UK’s leading dynamic EV charging company, will help drivers and fleets to charge smarter and greener as well as making significant savings on their running costs.” Ohme is the official charger provider for the Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars and Polestar in both the UK and Ireland as well as Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai in the UK. Ohme has also been named as Best Chargepoint Manufacturer in the 2024 Irish EV Awards. For more information visit www.ohme-ev.com

eBay reveals Jeep drivers have the most hands-on approach to DIY car maintenance

eBay’s research reveals that Jeep owners in the UK are the most hands-on with car maintenance Chevrolet and Peugeot owners also show strong DIY enthusiasm, ranking second and third, respectively The “My Garage” search function allows motorists to easily find the right parts for their vehicle simply by entering their registration number* London, 10 September 2024. eBay, one of the UK’s largest online automotive marketplaces, has identified the UK motorists who are most inclined to roll up their sleeves and handle car maintenance themselves, with Jeep owners leading the pack. According to eBay’s research, Jeep drivers are the most likely to get their hands dirty, with Chevrolet and Peugeot owners not far behind. In the study, Jeep owners were found to be 81 times more likely to carry out their own maintenance than the average car owner. Chevrolet owners were 62 times more likely to engage in DIY car maintenance, while Peugeot owners were 47 times more likely to handle their own repairs. Other brands with high DIY maintenance inclinations included MINI, Vauxhall, SEAT, Škoda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Fiat. From January to June of this year, the most popular Jeep part purchased on eBay was a replacement battery, followed by a set of two door edge protector strips. Replacement outside under door mirror air temperature sensors for the Jeep Renegade came in third. eBay’s marketplace features millions of new, pre-owned, and Certified Recycled parts. Certified Recycled parts, in particular, are up to 70% cheaper than OEM parts RRP, providing shoppers with peace of mind since all items are vetted, warrantied, and sourced from approved end-of-life vehicles. The platform’s “My Garage” search function makes it simple for users to find the correct parts for their vehicles by just entering their registration number.* eBay also hosts official brand stores for BMW, Ford, Lexus, MINI, Suzuki, and Toyota, along with classic brands like Jaguar Classic and Land Rover Classic. Abir Tewari, UK Director Commercial Operations Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: “With average garage labour rates in the UK now exceeding £75 per hour, taking on your own car maintenance is a practical way to cut running costs. Our findings show that Jeep drivers are particularly hands-on – they’re nearly twice as likely to perform their own maintenance compared to the average car owner.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tesla drivers are the least likely to do their own car maintenance, being 79 times less likely than the average UK car owner. The study used data from GlobalWebIndex (GWI) to evaluate car owners’ attitudes towards DIY car maintenance. New car owners were excluded from the research, as they are more likely to use professional services to maintain their vehicle warranties, which usually require routine maintenance to be performed by VAT-registered garages. Rank Brand of vehicle owned DIY Maintenance Index(100 = average car owner inclination towards DIY maintenance) 1 Jeep 181 2 Chevrolet 161 3 Peugeot 147 4= MINI 131 4= Vauxhall 131 6 SEAT 129 7 Skoda 127 8 Mitsubishi 125 9 Suzuki 123 10 Fiat 120 Rank Part 1 017TE Exide EA1000 017 019 Car Battery 2 Black Door Edge Protector Strip 2x 12″” Door Protector Black 3 Jeep Renegade B1 BU Outside Air Temperature Sensor Under Door Mirror 4 Swirl Valve Bypass Resistor Plug Fix for Jeep V6 Diesel OM642 5 12V Universal Windscreen Wiper Motor with Arm and Blade for Willys Jeep 6 ATF +4 Automatic Transmission Fluid MS-9602 MS-7176 7 Rear Wiper Blade 10 Jeep Compass 8 10x VVO® Front Wheel Arch Flare & Trim Moulding Clips Jeep Renegade 9 Jeep Renegade 2015 to 2018 Tailored Carpet Car Floor Mats Black 4pc Set” 10 Gearbox Automatic Transmission Dipstick For Jeep Press Contactsebay@performancecomms.com About eBayeBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2023, eBay enabled more than $73 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com. Notes to Editors:Research based on GWI Global Insights across 3,750 respondents in Q1 2023 and Q1 2024. * Available when using the desktop version of the site** Labour rate statistic based on findings of What Car? study: https://www.iaea-online.org/news/2023/04/vast-differences-in-uk-labour-rates

Hot and cold one-off: Premiere for the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE at the ID. Meeting

Tribute to the Golf Mk2 special model Fire and Ice2 – again in co-operation with BOGNER Unique one-off impresses with exclusive exterior paint and surprising details Interior materials made from original materials and accessories Wolfsburg – Volkswagen presents the ID.3 GTX1 FIRE+ICE at the ID. Meeting in Locarno, Switzerland. Developed in collaboration with BOGNER, the Munich- based luxury sports fashion brand, the car is reminiscent of the legendary Golf Fire and Ice2, which became a surprise success in the 1990s and has since achieved cult status among fans. With an exclusive 3-layer paint finish with glass bead effect and numerous details in the interior, the vehicle pays tribute to its predecessor and transfers its design idea into the all-electric modern age. Andreas Mindt, Head of Design at Volkswagen: “With the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE, we are emphasizing how highly emotional our sporty top model is. Our design team had incredible fun reinterpreting the iconic 90s design and thus developing it further.” Close co-operation with BOGNER. The idea for the vehicle came from employees in Technical Development. As with the Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice, the designers from Volkswagen and BOGNER worked together. Tom Becker, Director of BOGNER FIRE+ICE: “The combination of our performance brand FIRE+ICE with the sporty ID.3 GTX is BOGNER’s modern interpretation of the iconic Golf Fire and Ice. The special thing is that we were able to integrate many of our original materials and accessories into the interior of the vehicle.” Individualised exterior design. The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE stands out above all thanks to its exclusive 3-layer paint finish with glass bead effect. The Electric Violet pearl effect colour was specially developed for this unique model and is a reinterpretation of the Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice exterior paint. In addition to the dark blue base coat, the three- coat paint contains special glass beads, which create a special colour effect and extraordinary character. Depending on the incidence of light, the colour changes from dark blue to violet or even black. The roof frame strip adds a sporty accent with the powerful red anodised paint Flaming Red. The sides of the vehicle are dominated by foiling with the geometric FIRE+ICE pattern in transparent matt. Another special feature are the 21-inch rims, which emphasise the dynamic appearance with a blue anodised paint finish with a glossy twist. The original FIRE+ICE logo from the 1990s adorns the B-pillar and the roof edge spoiler. Surprising details in the interior. The interior is divided into two colours. While the accent colour Flaming Red for ‘FIRE’ predominates on the seats and seams on the driver’s side and the seat behind, the seats and interior on the passenger side are characterised by design elements in ice blue (‘ICE’). The stainless steel accelerator pedals have a special ‘FIRE+ICE’ design instead of the Play/Pause design known from the ID. family. Accelerate with the ‘FIRE’ logo – brake by stepping on the ‘ICE’ logo. The upper part of the instrument panel and the floor mats have also been customised with a laser-engraved ‘FIRE+ICE’ pattern. Inspired by the BOGNER FIRE+ICE collections, numerous colours, fabrics and elements were used. The seats are quilted and reflect the design of the current FIRE+ICE down jackets, including the iconic B-zippers. If you open these on the seats, the original FIRE+ICE fabric from the 1990s appears underneath. Webbing from bags from the FIRE+ICE collection was also used behind the front seats. ID.3 GTX Performance – powerful motor, large battery and high charging capacity. The FIRE+ICE version uses the most powerful Volkswagen electric motor to date in the ID.3 GTX Performance with an output of 240 kW (326 PS) and a maximum torque of 545 Nm. This electric motor accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 200 km/h. The GTX-specific chassis, which is equipped with stronger stabilisers and Sport DCC adaptive chassis control, is also tuned to the very high performance of the drive system. The electrical energy is supplied by a 79 kWh lithium-ion battery (net), which can be charged at DC fast-charging stations with up to 185 kW3. With this power, the battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in around 26 minutes. The combined WLTP range is up to 601 km4. A look back to the 1990s. With the “Fire and Ice” special model, Volkswagen presented an exclusive version of the Golf Mk2 in 1990 that was both sporty and comfortable. Its design was created in collaboration with fashion designer and director Willy Bogner. With its extravagant appearance – a dark violet pearl effect paint finish, alloy wheels, front spoiler and body extensions – and the powerful engine with between 90 and 160 PS, the Golf Fire and Ice, especially the GTI version, quickly became a sought-after rarity. It became a surprise success. A total of 16,700 units were sold. Originally, only 10,000 units were planned. 1) ID.3 GTX Performance – Combined power consumption 16.5-14.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A.2) Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice – The vehicle is no longer offered for sale.3) Maximum possible charging capacity. The charging behaviour of different charging stations can differ, even if their kW capacity is the same. In addition to a charging station’s kW output, the maximum charge current also influences the amount of energy that flows. Furthermore, the ambient temperature, battery temperature and charge level influence the maximum possible charging capacity. The specified maximum charging capacity is calculated under WLTP conditions at a temperature of approx. 23 °C and a charge level from five per cent. If these variables change, the charging capacity may deviate from the specified standard value.4) Range determined on the rolling road test bed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the most range-favourable equipment variant. The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary…

World’s oldest Bentley T-Series returns home

The very first Bentley T-Series returns to the Heritage Collection First registered on 28 September 1965 as a company ‘trials car’ Car found after years in storage as a non-running example Recommissioned over 18 months of painstaking work at Bentley specialists, P&A Wood Team encountered many challenges, from wiring loom and accident damage to missing dashboard A sensitive recommissioning process – ‘repair over replace’ mantra A significant model in Bentley history: the first monocoque (Crewe, 9 September 2024) The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, a standard saloon in Shell Grey, has returned to Crewe after 59 years. Sensitively recommissioned and retaining much of its original componentry and running gear, it takes its place in the Bentley Heritage Collection of road- and race-cars that together describe all 105 years of Bentley’s history. T-Series chassis number SBH1001 was used as a company trials car and featured in the original press coverage following the model launch at the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto. When found under a cover in storage, the car had not run for decades and was missing several key areas – including its entire interior. The car’s significance as the first T-Series – or equivalent Rolls Royce Silver Shadow – off the production line prompted the decision to recommission it, preserving as much of the original car as possible. Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, explains: “The T-Series is one of the final two pieces of the puzzle to complete our rejuvenated Heritage Collection. Our Chief Communications Officer, Wayne Bruce and I quite literally found it under a tarpaulin in the back of a warehouse, and given it was the first-of-line chassis we knew we had to save it. Together with our T-Series Mulliner Coupe, this revitalised sedan completes the Bentley heritage story of the 1960s and 1970s, and is now an outstanding example of the model, which was the first Bentley to use a unitary monocoque construction.” After a group of Bentley apprentices started the process of dismantling and assessing the car, the recommissioning of the T-Series was entrusted to the expert team at P&A Wood, specialists in the preservation and restoration of classic Bentleys and the company’s partner for Heritage Collection projects. Louise Wood, daughter of co-founder Andrew Wood, led the project, supported by Coachwork manager Dave Lowe – a P&A Wood veteran of 23 years. Restored to prime conditionTaking stock of the T-Series Bentley, key elements of the drivetrain proved to be in surprisingly good condition. The engine burst into life after a 15-year silence, needing only a thorough service, and the gearbox simply required minor adjustment. The rear axle too was in a good state and only needed new seals. Major challenges for the team included a missing dashboard, no interior trim, a wiring loom in pieces without a detailed diagram, corrosion around the rear subframe and previous poor-quality crash repairs. With few replacement parts available off-the shelf, the team sourced a donor vehicle that was at the end of its life. As the specification of the T-Series evolved over the years, it was important that the donor should also be an early model. Every detail was discussed and pored over, right down to the correct (Rolls-Royce) logo on the seat belt buckles and the lack of wing mirrors. The T Series featured innovative vibration-deadening Vibrashock mounts and a two-circuit hydro-pneumatic ride height control, all of which were thoroughly overhauled. All hydraulic hoses were replaced, and unique components like the brake distribution valves were restored to full working condition. Rewiring and fitting the dashboard proved a major undertaking, requiring huge amounts of time and perseverance. Meanwhile the paintwork was stripped, revealing poorly executed accident repair work and inconsistent panel gaps. One rear wing was corroded and had to be replaced, after which the entire vehicle was given multiple coats of 2k high build primer, each coat being carefully sanded down once dry. ‘We spent a lot of time softening the panel edges, so they don’t look carved out of filler,’ Dave Lowe explains. ‘And though we’re using modern two-pack finishes, we tried to do everything in the old Crewe way.’ That included a final sand down with 8000 grit abrasive followed by machine polishing. Brightwork and bumpers were cleaned and polished, but not re-chromed – preserving the original patina. That story now begins a new chapter, as the T-Series is reunited with its former press office registration number of 1900 TU as the latest addition to the Heritage Collection. Along with the 45 other cars in the Collection, the T-Series will live on Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England, on permanent display and kept in running, road legal condition to enable driving when needed. The Bentley T-SeriesIn 1958, work began on designing the first monocoque Bentley and Rolls-Royce, destined to replace coachbuilt bodies underpinned by a separate chassis. The result was the car sold by Bentley as the T-Series and by Rolls-Royce as the Silver Shadow. By 1962, John Blatchley – famous for styling the R-Type Continental – had completed a new exterior design for a steel and aluminium monocoque body. The design improved on the passenger space of the preceding S3, but with the overall car now seven inches shorter, five inches lower and three and a half inches narrower. Using the freshly developed 225 bhp, 6.23-litre V8 engine, seven prototypes undertook significant testing including endurance runs of over 100,000 miles. At the time the engine achieved the highest specific output by weight of any production car in the world of 2.7 lb/hp (1.2 kg/hp). Design innovations included separate sub frames to carry the engine and transmission, suspension, steering and rear axle assemblies, with ‘Vibrashock’ rubber sub frame mounts developed to isolate road noise and vibration. The Bentley T-Series was hailed as a clear example of revolutionary engineering given it was the first Bentley to move away from a separate chassis build, and its relatively lightweight construction gave impressive performance for a four-sedan in 1965, with a maximum speed of 115 mph and 0-62…

‘Immaculate’, 5,500-miles from new Ferrari California leads the ‘No Reserve section’ of Hampson’s Autumn sale

Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire, 22 September Among the lots in Hampson’s Autumn sale of classic, performance and supercars at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire on 22nd September, there are a number of rather special cars offered at No Reserve. Heading the ‘No Reserve’ list is an outstanding 2013 Ferrari California which has covered just under 5,500 miles in 11 years, and which has been maintained by its supplying Ferrari authorised dealer – Stratstone Ferrari of Wilmslow – throughout its life. This represents an exceptional opportunity for a Ferrari enthusiast or collector to acquire a particularly fine example, with the vendor – only the car’s second owner – describing it as being in ‘excellent’ condition throughout. This high-specification machine features a number of factory options, including carbon fibre pack, Daytona seats with embroidered Cavallino emblem to the headrests, and Scuderia Ferrari shields on the Rosso Corsa paintwork. Ferraris with such a desirable history and warranted low mileage are very rare indeed. Ones offered at No Reserve are even harder to find, and eminently collectable as a result. For British sportscar fans, the No Reserve list includes a distinctive and subtly tuned example of Aston Martin’s beautiful V8 Vantage. Dating from 2005, this car was RS Fabrication’s development vehicle, and benefits from a wealth of improvements, with changes boosting the N400 edition’s output by 10% to 440hp and adding 30% more torque. Another exceptionally low mileage car being offered at No Reserve comes in the form of the 1997 Ford Fiesta Encore with just under 10,000 miles on the clock. The vendor states that the car ‘really belongs in a Ford collection’ and that it remains in ‘as-new’ condition, still sporting the original Pirelli tyres and dealer stickers. These charismatic little modern classics are becoming increasingly collectable, and one in such untouched condition and with such low mileage is a rarity indeed. The ‘No Reservers’ also include a duo of Jensens: a 1971 FF and a 1972 Interceptor SP. The FF is a well-known car in Jensen circles and is believed to have originally been owned by GKN and used as a test car for its four-wheel drive system (the FF being the first non all-terrain production car to be equipped with 4WD, beating the Audi quattro by some 14 years), while the SP is one of just 25 cars produced with Reef Blue paintwork (from a total production run of 232). A rare, pre-HE model, 1978 Jaguar XJS V12 which comes complete with its Leyland Cars Passport to Service booklet and original book pack brings another touch of 1970s’ English classic Grand Tourer style to the Bolesworth sale. The stately 1959 Alvis TD21 Drophead Coupé is a remarkably well-preserved and rare motor car which has been in the same family ownership its entire 65-year life. More than 25 years ago it was put into dry storage and has remained garaged and unused ever since. Consequently, it is now in need of recommissioning and presents a rewarding opportunity to an Alvis enthusiast. An added attraction is that it comes complete with the cherished registration ‘WYR 8’. These motorcars rarely come up for sale, let alone one which has been hidden away for over a quarter of a century. Another dignified machine on the No Reserve list is the 1951 Jaguar Mk V 3.5-litre drophead coupé. One of just 108 right-hand-drive examples built, and with just two former keepers, it comes complete with a large history file. The ‘No Reservers’ also include a rare, 1963 Austin Mini Super De Luxe – a desirable early floor-start example, which has been kept in very original condition – a very smart, 1968 MG C roadster, which is comes to market after being in the same enthusiast ownership for 22 years and a 1979 MG Midget barn find, complete with hard top, and which has had just three owners from new. There is also a 1992 TWR V8S, a sought-after model which has covered less than 900 miles in the past 19 years, and a 1947 MG YA which is fresh from long-term enthusiast ownership and was resprayed and ceramic coated in 2023. And, for something a little different, there is a 1964 Volkswagen Beach Buggy, resplendent in black gel coat paint with silver flakes! For further information and to consign a vehicle to the sale, please visit https://hampsonauctions.com.

Motorcycle Live 2024 Media Accreditation is now OPEN!

Media accreditation for MCL24, in association with Bikesure Insurance, is now open… Come and join us to see how Motorcycle Live has been AMPLIFIED! Show organisers have been busy working behind the scenes to make MCL24 more immersive than ever, with a festival vibe… To get your press pass to the UK’s biggest motorcycle show, click here. Once approved you are welcome to join us on any day – or days – you wish. Press and Trade Day is Monday 18 November, and a schedule will be shared ahead of the event so that you can plan all the great things you want to see and do – and make a list of the people you want to talk to! Taking place between 16-24 November, at the NEC Birmingham, MCL24 will be open to the public between 10am-5pm, but, the Press Office will be open 9am-5.30pm – if you just can’t wait to get in and need early access, then please contact the MCL Press Office once you’re accredited and we’ll see what we can do… If you have any questions, please give us a shout! The MCL Press Office Teampress@motorcyclelivemedia.co.uk+44 (0)1525 270100

Where ambition becomes reality

The CUPRA Terramar redefines what SUVs can deliver in terms of emotion, performance and design CUPRA Design Director Jorge Diez outlines the creation of a model with sporty proportions in line with the brand’s unmistakable DNA “The CUPRA Terramar aims to push emotions to the limit with a bold design and its characteristic determined appearance” Martorell, 09-09-2024 – Back in 2018, a bold, new brand was born combining emotion, design and sportiness as its unwavering principles. It was the beginning of CUPRA’s story, starting off by introducing itself to the world at the Terramar Circuit in Sitges, close to Barcelona. Today, six years later, the emblematic racetrack lends its name to the brand’s newest hero for the new era, with the launch of the CUPRA Terramar. CUPRA’s new sporty SUV is finally here, in a journey where ambition has become reality. CUPRA Design Director Jorge Diez outlines the creation of a model that redefines what SUVs can deliver in terms of emotion, performance and design. Where do you, as designers, get your inspiration from for a car like the CUPRA Terramar?For some people, design follows function, but for us, it follows emotions. In this sense, at CUPRA we’ve always been committed to inspiring the world from Barcelona, but with this model, which has ‘terra’ (land) and ‘mar’ (sea) in its name, we’ve taken it even further. The inspiration we get as designers does not only come from the amazing architecture and design spirit of Barcelona, it’s also about the influence of the Mediterranean culture, full of life, and the strong character of its people. By combining it with our design philosophy, we’ve achieved a more authentic form of expression. Our aim was to emphasise the point where the land meets the raw, elemental power of the sea. Its dimensions stand out, but without sacrificing sporty proportions. How did you achieve this?We thrive on challenges. Competition is in our DNA, and as in the America’s Cup, there’s no such thing as second place for us, nor for our design. That’s why we’ve built one of the most demanded architectures in the market: a 4.5-metre SUV with a bold and confident design. We wanted to combine the height and larger dimensions typical of SUVs with a muscular approach featuring high-contrast lines, characteristic of our sporty designs. The front end, for example, has a long, high, proud and determined bonnet, designed in a V-shape towards the bottom of the grille to increase dynamism. The rear of the car culminates in strong shoulders that give it a bold character. In the end, it’s all about its lines and surfaces. What do these lines and surfaces convey?The lines of the CUPRA Terramar speak for themselves, showcasing a strong character that conveys determination and focus. These are combined with sensual surfaces that reflect our emotional spirit and human inspiration in design. Running along the lower side section of the car, we have created what we call “the Rocker Wave,” a sensuous ascending line resembling a wave that lifts the car, giving it a unique personality. The strong definition of the front, with our prominent shark nose, and the rear, with sharp and negative surfaces, evokes a powerful sense of tension. What is the CUPRA Terramar going to contribute to CUPRA’s design?The CUPRA Terramar aims to push emotions to the limit with a bold design, sporty proportions and its characteristic determined appearance, all while taking CUPRA into one of the fastest growing segments in Europe. By adopting the brand’s new design language, we’ve materialised the full-blown CUPRA DNA, which can be seen in the use of our copper-toned detailing or the brand’s eye signature with three triangles, which lends confidence to its look. The result is this highly emotional sporty electrified SUV, with a striking design inspired by Barcelona.

Škoda Elroq: The first exterior sketches of the all-new compact SUV

First Škoda model to adopt the brand’s new Modern Solid design language All-new front-end design with Škoda lettering and distinctive Tech-Deck Face, LED Matrix headlights and a bold front bumper Unique Dark Chrome details complete the car’s distinguished look Mladá Boleslav, 9 September 2024 – On #WorldEVDay, Škoda has unveiled new details of the all-new Elroq, its first production model to adopt the Modern Solid design language. The first exterior sketches of the Elroq provide a sneak preview of the striking design, including a new front with Škoda lettering, Tech-Deck Face and Matrix-LED headlights integrated into a bold bumper. Other visual highlights include details in Unique Dark Chrome and the new Elroq-exclusive Timiano Green colour. Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design at Škoda Auto, explains: “The all-new Škoda Elroq embodies our new Modern Solid design language and takes the exterior design even further with its eye-catching Tech-Deck Face and distinctive front bumper. The Škoda lettering on the bonnet stands out as another characteristic feature of our all-new fully electric car, with accents in Unique Dark Chrome rounding off the look. Thanks to its long range and rugged body style, the Elroq will be the perfect companion for Everyday Explorers on outdoor adventures, while its compact size also makes it ideal for urban driving.” Split headlight design, new Škoda lettering on the bonnet and Tech-Deck Face The exterior sketches of the all-electric Škoda Elroq depict a newly designed, striking front end. A key feature is the innovative Tech-Deck Face, a flat, wide structure that replaces the traditional Škoda grille. The front is further distinguished by a split headlight design, with the slimmer upper section seamlessly extending into the wings. The bonnet displays the Škoda lettering in Unique Dark Chrome, marking the Elroq as the first vehicle to embody Škoda’s new corporate identity. Adding to its distinct appearance, the Elroq debuts the new Timiano Green colour, while its rugged look is accentuated by robust bumpers at both the front and rear. The rear of the Elroq sports a prominent roof spoiler and slim LED taillights. Additional visual highlights include Unique Dark Chrome accents, such as the centrally positioned lettering on the tailgate and the 2D Škoda logo adorning the centre caps of the alloy wheels. Contact Vítězslav KodymHead of Product Communications+420 604 292 131vitezslav.kodym@skoda-auto.cz Jiří BryndaSpokesperson Product Communications+420 730 865 212jiri.brynda@skoda-auto.cz Škoda Auto is successfully steering through the new decade with the Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030. aims to be one of the five best-selling brands in Europe by 2030 with an attractive line-up in the entry-level segments and additional e-models. effectively leverages existing potential in important growth markets such as India, North Africa, Vietnam and the ASEAN region. currently offers its customers eleven passenger-car series: the Fabia, Scala, Octavia and Superb as well as the Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Enyaq, Enyaq Coupé, Slavia and Kushaq. delivered over 866,000 vehicles to customers around the world in 2023. has been a member of the Volkswagen Group for 30 years. The Volkswagen Group is one of the most successful vehicle manufacturers in the world. is part of the Brand Group CORE – the organisational merger of the Volkswagen Group’s volume brands – to achieve joint growth and to significantly increase the overall efficiency of the five volume brands independently manufactures and develops components such as MEB battery systems, engines and transmissions as part of the Volkswagen Group; these components are also used in vehicles of other Group brands. operates at three sites in the Czech Republic; has additional production capacity in China, Slovakia and India primarily through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine with a local partner. employs approximately 40,000 people globally and is active in around 100 markets.