Classic, Performance & Retro March 2012

News - Reviews Tests - Show Reports - carREPORTS clubs - cars for sale LATEST NEWS -- Road EVENTS - FEATURES - CARS- technical FOR SALEtips - SHOW - REVIEWS

March 2012 - Issue 13

Booze Missile!

Lotus Elise Champagne Rescue Run

Race retro - flying cars - Auto Union Type C - Retromobile - And Much More!

Ford - Chevrolet - Cobra Engine Crate Specialist - Camaro - Corvette

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Editorial It is said that you can wait ages for a bus, then suddenly three will come along at the same time. Well, this month has been a bit like that, with everything happening in the last couple of weeks. Probably just as well since February got of to a rather chilly start and most of the UK found itself under a blanket of snow. Perhaps blanket is the wrong word to use; after all, blankets are supposed to keep you warm, where as the snow...

Anyway, it was good to see the annual ‘shiny-motor-fest’ which is Retromobile in Paris once again exceed all expectations. As usual the cars on display were absolutely superb, but we were shocked to see, what was without doubt a very desirable Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, sell during the show for over €4.5 million. That is a mindboggling price for a car! I mean, what would you do with it? Drive it on the roads? Park it in Tesco’s car park?

Err...no chance. It will most likely spend its future years wrapped in cotton wool and stored securely in a climatecontrolled room where even the air particles are filtered.

Cars are supposed to be machines that we get in and drive. If a car is never driven because it is too valuable, then at some point it stops being a ‘car’ and becomes an expensive collection of parts, or perhaps just an investment project.

In a way it’s a shame that these stunning cars are not being enjoyed the way their makers intended; a Ferrari begs to be driven at pace and hurled through corners, not kept in an air conditioned box! Still, at least we know that these cars will still be here for future generations, even if they can’t actually see them!

As usual we have some great features in this issue of Classic, Performance & Retro. Make sure you don’t miss Rich Duisberg’s mad dash across Europe (well...from England to France) in a Lotus in an attempt to keep his local pub stocked with Champagne. David Harrison also takes a look at the mythical ‘flying car’ and finds out that they are not as mythical as people think.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue; if nothing else, at least it might give you an excuse to come in from that cold garage!

Drive Safe!

The Classic, Performance & Retro team.

Below: A moody night time shot as Rich Duisberg parks his Lotus Elise next to the abandoned F1 racing circuit near Reims, France. (Pic - Darryl Sleath)

Editor: Simon Hazeldine- Designer: Chris Peacock - Sub Editor: David Harrison - Advertising: Tom Saunders - Web ‘Geek’: Luke Mowatt - Marketing: Peter Allinson. The entire contents of Classic, Performance & Retro magazine are copyright. No part of it may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Classic, Performance & Retro Magazine is a FREE monthly publication produced by AV8 Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, England. Contact Details: PO Box 280, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 9DH. Website - www.cprmag.com - E-mail - info@cprmag.com - Telephone +44 (0)1353 777519. We are happy to accept photographs and articles with a view to including them in Classic, Performance & Retro Magazine, but please note: all submissions are sent at contributors own risk and we will not be liable for any loss or damage.

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Booze Missile!

Lotus Champagne Run

Race Retro Show Report

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047

Those Magnificent Men In Their...Flying Cars!

CONTENTS www.cprmag.com Issue 13 March 2012

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Race Retro - Show report: Race Retro - the annual historic motorsport show - was held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on February 24-26. Simon Hazeldine grabbed his wellies and headed up the M6 Motorway to catch all the high-octane action.

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Booze Missile!: When his local pub ran out of Champagne, Rich Duisberg set off in a Lotus Elise to get some more before the pub called ‘last orders.’ Only thing is, he went all the way to France to get it!

046

Flying Cars: You might think that the idea of a ‘flying car’ is little more than wishful thinking, but as David Harrison found out, the ‘airborne automobile’ has been around since the 1930s and several are still being developed today.

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Auto Union Type C: In some ways, the iconic Auto Union Type C from the 1930s was the blue-print for today’s modern racing cars, and as Arthur Collingwood explains, for one season at least, the car out-paced the legendary Mercedes-Benz ‘Silver Arrows.’

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Retromobile Paris: Rétromobile, held in Paris on February 1-5, got the new European classic car season underway with flair, passion and a large wedge of Galic charm.

Phil Sullivan reports.

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Thunder Cats!: The Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club took their racing Jaguars to Brands Hatch in Kent for a pre-season shakedown. Simon Hazeldine joined the fun.

RegularFeatures: Retromobile Show Report

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News: All the latest news and gossip from the Classic, Performance & Retro worlds.

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Club News: A round-up of news from some of the best car clubs in the world.

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New Stuff: A look at what’s hot...and what’s not in the automotive marketplace.

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What’s On: Never miss another race meeting or car show with our comprehensive events guide.

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Auction News: A round up of what’s been happening in the auctions rooms around the world.

Classic, Performance & Retro magazine is a FREE monthly online publication produced by AV8 Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, England.

March 2012 5

News

The Latest Automotive News From Around The World!

Elton John’s Jaguar E-Type To Star In Bonhams Auction A red 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster that belonged to Sir Elton John is one of the highlights of the Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia sale, taking place at Bonhams Oxford on March 3rd 2012. Estimated to sell for £50,000-70,000 the car was bought by Sir Elton in 1987. According to his fleet manager, Sir Elton and his staff referred to the E-Type as ‘OK Elton’ due to its number plate OKE 1, which was worn throughout his ownership and is sold with the car.

A 1961 Morgan Plus 4 Supersports High Line will also be offered in the Bonhams sale, estimated to sell for £55,000 – 65,000. The Line has been owned from new by the Vought Family, renowned for their pioneering work and engineering in the aviation industry and of Vought Corsair fame. It has undergone a £100,000 restoration and is now finished in the Corsair livery of Blue and Yellow.

Further highlights include a recent barn discovery, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, estimated to sell for £40,000 – 60,000 and a 1966 Citroën DS21 Décapotable which is estimated to sell for £36,000 – 42,000.

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Record Gathering Of Ferrari F40s For Silverstone A world record gathering of Ferraris is the latest special birthday celebration announced for this summer’s Silverstone Classic, which will be held at Silverstone circuit on July 20-22.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the remarkable Ferrari F40; the incredible supercar rated by many ‘cognoscenti’ as the finest showroom model to have been created by the revered Italian automotive company. Commemorating such an important milestone, the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain is organising the largest collection of F40s ever seen for 2012’s running of the classic racing festival.

“Our original aim was to get at least 25 of these Ferraris together and, as I have contacted owners, I have been gratified that so many want to be part of the celebration – so much so that we now have more than 50 F40s registered for the event with more still to come!” reported Nigel Chiltern-Hunt, the club’s co-ordinator for this anniversary gathering and himself the owner of one of these most loved and admired of all Ferraris. “A parade of those F40s present is planned for the Sunday and it undoubtedly will be the largest gathering of F40s ever seen anywhere in the world and will certainly beat the club’s own previous record of 40 F40s seen at the Silverstone Classic in 2007.”

First introduced in 1987 to honour Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the mid-engined F40 was the final car commissioned by the Prancing Horse’s legendary founder Enzo Ferrari – as such it was specifically designed to serve as a dramatic and lasting testament to his track-developed, high performance supercar ethos. Blessed with a dramatic ultra-lightweight body designed by Pininfarina (featuring many carbon-fibre and Kevlar panels plus plastic windows) and propelled by a twin-turbocharged V8 developing 478hp, performance was nothing short of phenomenal.

Indeed the F40 was the world’s first 200mph production road car and has been widely hailed as ‘the greatest supercar’ of all time.

With an original price tag of close to £300,000, just 1315 F40s were produced in Maranello between 1987 and 1992 – and no fewer than 50 of these stunning Italian sportscars will be on show at Silverstone in July.

Top Gear Laps In Supercar Event If you have ever fancied riding around the Top Gear test track in an exotic ‘supercar’ then head along to The Supercar Event in Dunsfold Airfield, Surrey on 23-24 June.

The event is being organised by a team of volunteers who are working with The Children’s Trust charity, and visitors will be able to grab a ride around the track in cars such as the Koenigsegg, Ferrari Enzo and 458, McLaren MP412C and Ford GT40. You can find out more about this high-octane event by visiting the website at: www.thesupercarevent.com All money raised goes to children’s charities.

March 2012 7

News

The Latest Automotive News From Around The World!

Get An MG TF LE500 For £20.00!

Summit Garage in Dudley, West Midlands, is offering you the chance to win a limited edition MG TF LE500 No 1 in stunning vibrant orange. The MG TF LE500 represented the re-birth of the MG brand in the UK and came with the slogan, ‘A New Journey.’ The car being offered as the prize is in fact the first ever production MG TF LE500 to roll off Longbridge line, so not only is it desirable, it’s historic too. If you want to try and win the car, simply answer the following question.

MG was first formed in 1924, but what do the letters MG stand for? A) Maurice Garage. B) Morris Garages. C) Morris Garage. This prize competition is limited to the first 850 entries, send your answer A), B) or C) and your name,address and a contact telephone number along with a cheque for £20.00 made out to Summit Garage (Dudley) Ltd at 413-415, Himley Road, Lower Gornal, Dudley, DY3 2RA, or phone on 01384 259555 (option 4) and give your answer A), B) or C)and your name, address and a contact telephone number and pay by Debit or Credit Card. £1000 from the proceeds of the competition will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support and the official prize draw will be made at MG Live! at Silverstone on Sunday 24th June 2012.

Rare Morgan Project In Dorset Sale

A rare 1947 Morgan 4/4 Series 1 Drophead Coupe is to go under the hammer at the DVCA sale on March 22. The car - which is expected to fetch between £8,000 to £10,000 - is in need of restoration and has been in the current ownership since 2004. The car was formerly the property of an exWorld War Two fighter pilot, who kept it for some 36 years. A new Ford 1500 engine and gearbox, with a remote gear change extension, were fitted in 1967, replacing the Standard unit. The vendor says that the Morgan still starts easily and will nudge 90mph in the hands of someone with little imagination and great enthusiasm.

It might look a little shabby around the edges, but it has passed an MOT test recently and the owner plans to drive it some 80 miles to the auction sale. The owners says that everything works with the exception of the windscreen wipers, the screen folding flat for the purpose of the MOT test. Weather equipment comprises a pair of sidescreens with sliding windows and a hood frame of sorts, which may not prove correct for the car as it stands.

With the Morgan comes a brand new ash frame, a correct polished wood dashboard, and a comprehensive history file, which contains MOT test certificates dating from 1965, including the current one which expires January 6, 2013, together with the V5C registration certificate, numerous invoices and data. The tax exempt road fund licence is valid until December 2012. The sale takes place at Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions, Station Road, Stalbridge, in Dorset.

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News

The Latest Automotive News From Around The World!

San Marino Motor Classic Returns

Following the success of its inaugural event last year, the San Marino Motor Classic will once again be held again on the sprawling main lawn of Lacy Park in sunny San Marino, California, on June 10.

The event centres around a keenly contested concours competition and will be able to view a wide variety of cars, including: veterans, vintage, post-war luxury and sports cars. Last year some 200 cars took part in the event which is set in a stunning grassy location surrounded by lush green woodland. Around 3,000 spectators came through the gates and an impressive $125,000 was raised for charity. Apart from the car show itself, there will also be a Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner, Pasadena/San Marino Architectural Tour, a Gala benefitting the Petersen Automotive Museum and an After Glow Party. For more details, see the website at: www.sanmarinomotorclassic.com

Ravenol Takes On UK Motorsport Market

Ravenol, one of the largest independent oil and lubricant manufacturers in Germany, is to enter the UK market with its new distributor, German Oil Limited. Ravenol specialise in developing and manufacturing high performance oils and lubricants for the automotive, motorsport and motorcycle markets, as well as other everyday applications. UK distributor, German Oil Limited, is run by an experienced management team headed by Brian Chase and Dave Mott who have more than 30 years combined experience in the oil and lubricant industry.

Dave Mott, Sales Director of German Oil Limited commented, “We are delighted to be representing Ravenol in the UK market. Despite being relatively unknown in the UK, Ravenol is renowned in Europe and further afield for the quality of its high performance oils and lubricants.”

To celebrate its launch in the UK market Ravenol has announced a series of high profile motorsport sponsorship partnerships which includes becoming the Official Oil & Lubricant Partner to the British Rally Championship and becoming a key partner to a leading British Touring Car Championship team.

Mott adds, “There is no better way to raise awareness and demonstrate the high performance credentials of Ravenol products than being involved in a number of high profile motorsport championships. Our technical partnerships with the BRC and other championships and teams will enable us to fully show the technical qualities of Ravenol oils and lubricants” Ravenol products are no stranger to motorsport, having already been used in the World Rally Championship, World Touring Car Championship, FIA GT1, European Truck Racing and Powerboat racing to name a few.

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News, Gossip & Views From The World Of Motorsport

BHRC ‘Spirit of Clubmen’ Winners Announced

The three winners of the Holton Homes ‘Spirit of Clubmen’ Awards within the Kololi Beach Club MSA British Historic Rally Championship have been announced. John Moxon, David Kirby and Will Rowlands will all receive a fully paid entry fee for a round of the 2012 championship thanks to the support of Holton Homes, the company of BHRC contender Peter Egerton.

The three drivers, one from each category, were selected by an expert panel, which looked for crews that typify the ethos of clubmen, competing in a self-prepared car and running on limited funds. The panel also considered crews that had endured more than their share of misfortune across the season. Category One award winner John Moxon, and his co-driving brother Stephen, started to contest a few more events in 2011 in their Volvo Amazon as retirement was allowing them more time to spend rallying. Unfortunately, their season ended when the Volvo nosed into a building in Ulster, and was then pushed further into it when a Subaru in the modern event went off in the same place. The free entry will be a great incentive as they progress a pretty major rebuild of the Amazon.

Category Two award winner David Kirby is the youngest regular competitor in the BHRC and had a great 2011 season in his Ford Escort Mk1 Mexico, co-driven by 17-year old Ben Friend. However, funds were tight and David had to pick and choose the events he could afford to do, so the Holton Homes award will be a real boost to his 2012 campaign.

Category Three award winner Will Rowlands had a tough start to his career in historic rallying with a beautifully built, 16-valve Ford Escort Mk2. His 2010 season was a nightmare with gearbox and other expensive car woes, but in 2011 he came back and had good runs on a couple of the gravel rallies and on his first asphalt event, the Harry Flatters Rally.

“All three winners are most deserving recipients of the Holton Homes Award,” said championship co-ordinator Simon Marks. “Rallying at any level is not cheap, and this generous award will make a real difference to these three crews. We are extremely grateful to Holton Homes for providing the awards.”

Lotus Works Team Set For European Le Mans Series Lotus is preparing to enter an official team in this year’s European Le Mans Series.

The black and gold-coloured Evora GTE will compete in the GTE Pro class with factory driver Johnny Mowlem at the wheel. The two other drivers that will comprise this one-car team will be announced shortly.

Lotus Giudici Racing is run by former professional touring car driver turned GT racer Gianni Giudici, who ran an Evora GT4 in the European Blancpain Series last year and finished runner-up. Testing kicks off at Lotus’ Hethel track, followed by six hour endurance races at Le Castellet (France), Zolder (Belgium), Donington (UK), Brno (Czech Republic) and Portimao (Portugal).

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News, Gossip & Views From The World Of Motorsport

Photo: GP Library

The ‘Return to Power’ for 1966 – 1971 3 litre F1 cars The ‘Return to Power’ is a new series for 3 litre Formula1 cars from 1966 to 1971 and is set to kick off by taking centre stage at Brands Hatch on May 26/27 with the ‘Historic Race of Champions.’

The race is being promoted by historic racers Andrew Smith, Joe Twyman and Roger Wills together with Masters Historic Racing. It will provide an opportunity for owners of earlier F1 cars from this highly evocative era to race competitively, away from the later winged and ground-effect cars. The Historic Race of Champions will be run at the Masters Historic Festival at Brands Hatch, just two weeks after the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Leading preparation company Hall & Hall is sponsoring the race and will add further weight since it has several customers with eligible cars.

Two races will be run for the cars over the weekend and Joe Twyman is confident of a healthy entry. “We are aiming for 20 cars, maybe more. The event will be two weeks after Monaco meaning that many cars will be race-ready and in Europe already, and we want to gauge the competitor response before looking at more races.”

Andrew Smith and Roger Wills are both set to race their March 701s, Smith’s car being the exJackie Stewart Tyrrell March that won the Daily Mail Race of Champions in 1970, and Wills’ being the ex-Chris Amon works car that won the Daily Express International Trophy in the same year.

“We want to provide a platform for these cars to race competitively on their own,” stresses Twyman. “Apart from Monaco every two years, there is no other race for this era of car and we want to change that.”

The race will run under Masters regulations with DFV-engined cars restricted to 10,000rpm and tyres will be cut slicks. Due to the sponsorship provided by Hall & Hall the entry fees will be very competitive. Plans are also underway to recreate the traditional award for pole position: 100 bottles of champagne to the driver who sets the fastest lap time in qualifying.

“We really want this to be a success,” says Masters Series boss Ron Maydon. “We are working hard to encourage owners of these cars to take to the track and we want this to be the start of something big.”

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Tell Us About Your Club!

ClubNews MG Car Club

Want to tell us about your club or event? Then send details into Club News at: info@cprmag.com

Club Lotus

No Show For Club Lotus In 2012 MG RV8 Book To Be Reprinted Due to popular demand, the MG Car Club is reprinting 50 unsigned and unnumbered copies of the ‘MG RV8 Manufacturing Story.’ The club says that the book is a fascinating insight into the people, the process and the paperwork behind the low volume production of the MG RV8 by Rover Special Products, and contains many never seen before photographs.

The story tells how Manufacturing Manager Cliff Law, was invited by Steve Schlemmer of Rover Special Products to set up the production line of the MG RV8 on a very low budget.

With little or no investment in plant and equipment, the book describes how he succeeded by his knowledge of the Rover Plant and his contacts throughout the Rover Group. If you would like to order a copy, contact the club on 01235 555552. mgcc.co.uk

Tell Us About Your Club!

Want to tell us about your club or event? Then send details into Club News at: info@cprmag.com and we’ll include it in our Club News page.

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Club Lotus has cancelled its 2012 show at Donington Park in Leicestershire. The club held show at the same venue in August last year, and while it proved to be very successful, the overwhelming feedback from both exhibitors and many visitors was that it should be moved back to its original April date. A spokesperson for the club said: “Unfortunately for several reasons beyond our control, it became clear very late last year that it would not be possible to hold the Show at Donington this coming April. We know that everyone feels Donington is the best venue for our Show and therefore we’ve taken the difficult decision not to hold a Club Lotus Show in 2012.

The good news is that the Show will be back at Donington in April 2013 and we’ll let you know the date as soon as possible. We know this will disappoint many traders and visitors and it’s not a decision we took lightly. However we hope everyone will understand and look forward with us to a great Show back at Donington in April 2013.” www.clublotus.co.uk

Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK

Large Gathering Planned For Spring Alfa Day 2012 The Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK is holding a ‘Spring Alfa Day’ on Sunday April 29, at the Cotswold Wildlife Park which is located two miles south of Burford, Oxfordshire, on the A361. The club says it has secured a large grass parking area next to all the amenities and hopes to encourage ‘section parking,’ with each section organising a theme for their parking area. There will be a prize for the best display of the day which will be chosen by the Honorary Club Chairman, Mr James Wheeler. The Club Shop will be presenting its 2012 collection of AROC merchandise and the event will be supported by a number of trade and private stands offering parts, accessories, literature and models. The gates will open at 0930 hrs and Spring Alfa Day will finish at 1600 hrs. More details on the club’s website. www.aroc-uk.com

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Race Retro Race Retro - the annual historic motorsport show - was held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on February 24-26.

Simon Hazeldine grabbed his wellies and headed up the M6 Motorway to catch all the high-octane action.

L

ast year’s Race Retro was good.

Muddy...but good. This year’s show therefore had a lot to live up to and expectation was high. Those of you with long memories might recall that I criticised the choice of venue last year, as it seemed that its grass parking areas were not coping with the traffic generated by three large car shows in one very wet month.

This year, things seemed a little better and the flow of traffic through the gates was more organised. Visitor numbers seemed to be more or less the same as last year too, which means that the questionable conditions hadn’t deterred too many from attending. Thankfully the weather this year had been a little kinder in the lead up to the show, and as I drove up the M6 I even had to listen to reports on the radio that some areas of the UK are experiencing drought conditions!

So, what was on offer? Well, quite a lot as it goes. As usual, the show has particular themes running throughout the weekend, and quite often these mark notable anniversaries in the automotive world.

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March 2012 19

MGBs on display inside the main door.

Tail to tail - the Porsche 956 display.

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Porsche Icons This year, the show’s featured marque was Porsche and there were lots of interesting cars on display from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer.

Among these was the iconic Porsche 956, which was celebrating its 30th birthday, and Race Retro had two of the cars on display. Another stand was celebrating the achievements of Porsche in motorsport for over sixty years with even the humble 356 getting in on the act.

Porsche 956 in famous Rothmans colours.

Porsche 962C which raced at Le Mans in 1988.

However, it was the lightningfast Porsche 956 that caught my attention. The classic Group C racer - regarded by many as the most successful of all time - made its debut in 1982 at the Six Hours of Silverstone event. It was a race where Porsche showed the world exactly what this new car could do, and then some.

The Silverstone race was the second race of the World Endurance Racing Championship under the new

Blaupunkt liveried Porsche 956.

March 2012 21

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TVR Tuscon is ‘Gulf’ colours at Race Retro.

‘Group C’ regulations. It was the final qualifying session where thing really started hotting up.

There was just two minutes of the session remaining and the Italian Lancia Martini team with their newly built LC1 sit firmly on provisional pole. Lancia Team Manager Cesare Fiorio was satisfied that his home grown hotshot F1 driver Ricardo Patrese had put the lightweight LC1 beyond the reach of the new Group C opposition with a best lap time of 1.18.

But just a couple of garages

Full Boost further down the Silverstone pit lane, Rothmans Porsche team manager Peter Falk instructs his lead driver Jacky Ickx that the time has finally arrived for the turbo boost on the new Porsche 956 to be screwed down from the safe 600bhp 1.1 bar that he

Stunning Austin Healey.

had been using throughout the session so far. Now with ‘qualifying’ boost, Ickx sweeps out of the pit lane accelerating up the rise towards Maggotts. A little over a minute later, the new 956 in it’s striking Rothmans livery flashes over the timing strip, Ickx now entering his

last flying lap of the day.

One minute and seventeen seconds later the Rothmans Porsche 956 is firmly on pole!

Standing by his charges outside the Lancia garage in the pit lane Fiorio, visibly shaken, throws a fit of rage, grabbing Patrese and literally hurls him back into the LC1 March 2012 23

Mini Clubman racer.

Fiat 500 Abarth. cockpit. But try as Patrese might, the glory of the day is lost to Porsche. No time left in the session, and realistically nowhere that even the dashing Patrese is going to find the one and a half seconds he needs to bring the Italian car back to top spot.

Car of the Year The Porsche 956, voted ‘MotorSport’ racing car of the year in 1982, and it’s development 962 successor went on to win countless sports car races throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. A tally of 17 classic endurance race 24 www.cprmag.com

outright victories including seven LeMans 24 Hour and six Daytona 24 Hour victories. For 14 consecutive seasons the dominant Porsche 956/962 phenomena remained competitive until the end of it’s long career.

Live Stage Over in Hall 3, veteran motorcycle and truck racer Steve Parrish was chatting to a number of celebrities from the motorsport world.

Parrish’s interviewing style was relaxed and lighthearted, and the interviews were more like a chat in the local pub than a serious journalistic question and

answer session. The format worked well and he seemed to get the most out of his guests. Among the stars scheduled to appear were Tony Mason (former Top Gear presenter, rally codriver and commentator), Jay Kay (exotic car collector and singer with Jamiroquai), Norman Dewis (former Jaguar Test Driver) and Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams (veteran driver and historic motorsport star).

Having grown up in the same small village that Steve Parrish lived in during the height of his motorcycle racing career, I can honestly say that this is one man who could fill several books with his own humorous stories.

Just ask him about the car number plate that caused much consternation with some local residents and even found the attention of the local newspaper!

With the entertainment factor running high at the live stage, it would have been easy to sit there all day just taking it all in. Unfortunately, that would have meant missing the rest of the show, so it was a case of having to pick and choose which ‘acts’ I wanted to see most. Of course, there is a real case here for going to see the exhibition side of Race Retro on one day, and then coming back to watch all the live entertainment on another.

Rally Action Outside the halls, the unseasonably good weather allowed unhindered viewing of the ‘Live Rally Stage’ which had been moved much closer to the main buildings this year. This is always a

The cool, seductive lines of the Jaguar E-type. popular attraction at Race Retro, and it is a fantastic opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with some of the rallying greats from the past.

If like me, you grew up in the 70 and 80s, then seeing cars like the Audi Quattro, the Triumph TR7 V8 and the Rothmans liveried Ford Escorts charging through the mud at break-neck speed is pure nostalgia! There was also an Aston Martin V8 Rally GT, a Ford RS200, an MG 6R4, a Lancia 037, a Peugeot 205T16, a Porsche RSR supported by Stratos, a Rover V8 SD1 and a Manta 400.

Some of the car’s original drivers were also slipping back behind the wheels of their much campaigned machines to show that they had lost none of the talent

Triumph TR4 loaded with performance mods.

(well, not much of it) that made them stars of the rallying world.

Apart from the vintage Group B rally cars, there was also a selection of vintage Karts blasting around Stoneleigh Park during the Historic Karting Demonstrations.

These tiny machines zipped

along at a surprising pace, and while it looked like great fun, most of the drivers looked freezing cold. Give me a nice warm, dry car any day!

Want To Be A HERO? If watching the cars blasting around the estate March 2012 25

26 www.cprmag.com

wasn’t enough, visitors could actually have a go themselves thanks to ‘HERO,’ or the ‘Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation’ as it is better known. For a fee of £20.00, visitors got the chance to drive one of HERO’s specially prepared rally cars on a purpose-built course next to the Live Rally Stage circuit. It certainly seemed like a popular attraction judging by the number of people waiting to take a turn in the cars.

Visitors could choose from a Triumph TR6, an MGB, an Alfa GTV, a Mini Cooper S and a BMW 1602, and each driver was accompanied around the track by a HERO navigator. I cannot think of any other shows or events where people can just roll up and take a turn in some very appealing historic rally cars, and those that took the opportunity certainly seemed to be making the most of it.

1962 Lotus 24 on the Hall & Hall stand.

Steve Parrish (Right) chats to Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams.

In The Halls Back in the halls, the exhibitors seemed to be doing a fair amount of trade, with a steady stream of attendees picking through the various wares on offer.

The stands ranged from the glitzy and glamorous which were draped with rare automotive gems, to the ‘market-style’ autojumble pitches in Hall 4. It was an interesting mix, but it seemed to cater for pretty much anyone who competes in, or is enthusiastic about historic motorsport.

Hall 1 catered mainly for the historic rally cars and endurance racers. Among the exhibitors were classic and stage rallying organisers,

The autojumble in Hall 4. rally preparation and accessory companies and engineering and servicing specialists.

One stand to catch my eye was the one from Club Lanciasport which featured some very desirable cars.

These included a stunning Lancia Stratos in the classic Alitalia colours of Sandro Munari and Silvio Maiga, and an equally impressive Lancia Rally 037 in the Martini colours of John Lyall and Vic Preston.

March 2012 27

A Mk2 Ford Escort throws up dirt on the live rally stage at Stoneleigh.

There was also a beautiful ‘low drag’ Linder Nocker Jaguar E-Type ‘Lightweight’ on the Classic Motor Cars Ltd stand which seemed to stop every visitor in their tracks.

Over in Hall 2, or the ‘Racing & Speed Hall’ as it had been named, historic racing specialists Hall & Hall (how many ‘Halls’ can you get in one sentence? Ed.) had a superb collection of veteran cars which seemed to cover nearly every genre of racing.

Among the precious metal on show was a 1962 Lotus 24 Climax and a 1968 Lola T70 SL73.130, both of which were immaculate.

Museum Pieces Also in Hall 2 was a very nice display from the Brooklands Museum which featured a 1925 Brooklands Racing Special called ‘Nanette’ and a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport. It was great to see these cars at Race 28 www.cprmag.com

Retro, but you just cant beat seeing this amazing collection at its home in the Brooklands Museum. It is one of the most incredible places any ‘petrolhead’ can visit, and the atmosphere is simply unrivalled. While we are on the subject of museums, and conveniently also in Hall 2, was the stand from the Coventry Museum of Transport, which like Brooklands, is also an essential place to visit for anyone with an interest in cars.

Hall 3 was probably the liveliest of the three main exhibition halls as it housed the live stage, the bar and the main cafeteria area. The same format as last year had been retained, which saw the return of the popular Fire Engine Bar and the ‘American retro’ themed DW’s Diner.

The food on offer was good and seemed to be sensibly priced, which is more than

can be said for a lot of events like this.

Two-Wheeled Cars!

Also in this hall were some amazing vintage motorcycles.

‘Two-wheeled cars’ aren’t really my thing, but I can certainly appreciate the amount of work that has gone into some of the bikes on display.

Lashings of chrome and some beautiful paint jobs ensured that the bikes sparkled in the artificial lighting and really lit up the display area. Having said that, I’m still not sure why the bikes are part of this show. Usually, you’re either into bikes, or cars...but rarely both.

Are there enough bikes and related exhibitors to justify the bikers paying the full ticket price? Who knows, but I guess the fact that the exhibitors return year after year must tell you something.

Despite its immaculate condition, this 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL failed to sell at the Race Retro auction.

Market Place Then there was Hall 4. This, as mentioned earlier, is where the show’s autojumble area is located. It takes on the air of a typical town market place, with visitors raking through the products on offer looking for a good deal.

You name it, and it was probably here in one form or another. Everything from complete engines and gearboxes to nuts and bolts were being keenly snapped up by the eagle-eyed bargain hunters, and there was over 100 stands to take your pick from.

The far side of the hall was being used as an indoor ‘Parc Ferme’ for the Group B rally cars which were doing their stuff outside.

Most of the cars were out by the track when I wandered through, but a very loud Rover SD1 came thundering through the doors and raised

Replica ‘works rally’ Triumph TR4 also failed to sell in the sale.

American style diner in Hall 3.

March 2012 29

the decibel level in the hall from buzzing to ‘wow!’

Under The Hammer Another aspect of Race Retro which always brings an air of excitement and unpredictability to the event is the auction which was held on the Saturday. Last year’s auctioneers H&H had been replaced by Silverstone 30 www.cprmag.com

Auctions who did an excellent job of rattling through the many lots on offer.

I wont go into too much detail here as there will be a full report in the next issue on all the ‘movers and shakers,’ however, the star attraction was the stunning 1958 Tojeiro Jaguar which eventually sold for £286,000.

Another keenly anticipated

item, or rather items, were the race helmet and suit worn by the late Ayrton Senna. These exceptionally rare and collectable items had certificates of authenticity from McLaren and sent the bidding into overdrive, with the hammer eventually falling at £74,750 for the helmet and £35,650 for the suit.

Opel rally car crosses the finish line on the live rally stage at Race Retro.

The general feedback I got from the visitors I spoke to was that this had been a very good show.

Even the grass areas seemed to be less muddy than last year and there wasn’t even any queues to get into the car park.

The standard of cars on display was exceptional and the exhibitors should be

commended for putting on some great displays. The show was the same as last year, yet different. It seemed slicker, better organised and overall it was a more pleasing experience for the visitors. The good weather always helps, so hopefully the organisers will book more of the same for next year’s show.

Next year’s Race Retro is scheduled to take place at Stoneleigh on February 23-24, 2013.

March 2012 31

www.nationalkitcarshow.co.uk

www.nationalkitcarshow.co.uk

Booze Missile When his local pub ran out of Champagne, Rich Duisberg set off in a Lotus Elise to get some more and said he’d be back before ‘last orders.’ Only thing is, he went all the way to France to get it!

Words: Rich Duisberg - Photos: Darryl Sleath

34 www.cprmag.com

,

I

popped into my local pub recently for a cheeky straightener, and to discuss with my good friend ‘Dr Octane’ how we might best enjoy the Lotus Elise Club Racer we had for the week, when the Landlord apologised for being out of Champagne.

Despite our judgement being clouded by sobriety, an idea was born. Could we dash to Reims to buy a bottle of bubbly, and get back to pub before last orders that day? I don’t know about last orders, but ‘tall order’ springs to mind.

We had the car, but no plans or preparation, and you might think that nobody in their right mind would attempt such a feat, and you’d be right, but then its been a long time since anyone said I was in my ‘right mind!’ We limbo’d into the Lotus. Are you sitting comfortably ?

Leaving our pork scratchings untouched, we left Leicestershire in a cloud of

dust, stopping only briefly to pick up passports and cameras from home, and to fight over the keys to the Elise.

Plastic We still hadn’t even arranged how we would get across the Channel, but after a brief discussion, the train was given the vote as the quickest option. I shouted our booking over the phone to Eurotunnel as the Elise headed down the M1, pounded around the M25, and arrived at Folkestone with barely enough time to apply beam deflectors and ponder the effectiveness of a magnetic GB sticker on plastic panels. We could have resorted to chewing gum, or perhaps ‘gaffa’ tape, but that would have ruined the lovely paintwork on the immaculate Lotus. In the end we opted to stick it in the rear window. The Club Racer is rather sparsely equipped; as standard you have to make March 2012 35

The Lotus safely aboard the cross-Channel train.

do with no stereo, no sound deadening and no passenger footrest. Even the roof is an optional extra! There is simply no excess fat on its aluminium frame; even the battery and badges are lighter than usual. All this weight trimming saves 34Kg over the standard car and (not that

36 www.cprmag.com

I’m usually bothered but…) does a combined 45 MPG. The suspension and exhaust are fettled for optimum performance and it grips like a cat up a curtain. Doctor Octane, when not driving, was subconsciously making ‘braaap, braaaaaap, bop-bopbop, braaaaaaaaap’ noises

like Mr Toad on speed. The Elise makes you feel like a kid.

It’s a great feeling.

Excited Children We whizzed across northern France in our booze cruise missile, stopping only to refill the little fuel tank and to lob coins into toll booths.

Pommery was our destination, one of Reim’s biggest Champagne Houses, with it ancient cellars (called crayères) originally created

by Romans during their occupation of Gaul. They certainly have some very nice real estate, but they also make a brilliant bottle of bubbly. The Elise hopped over the aging cobbles in the courtyard and we parked right outside the main door. We bought a brace of Jeroboams, and took a few snaps whilst trying to fend off a swarm of excited children. An

The Elise outside the Champagne house at Reims.

March 2012 37

Above: “I think we’re gonna need a bigger car!”

Left: Solution - take bottles out of boxes!

Below: The classic lines of the Lotus Elise.

that it has stood here since the 12th century, no, we just thought it would make a great background for our photos.

Outside the Cathedral everyone from kids on bikes to passing pensioners stopped to admire the Elise. Grown men pretended not to look overly interested whilst taking sneaky snaps with their iPhones.

Everyone smiles at an Elise.

Even one in ‘Scottish Nude’ blue.

Racing Ghosts uninvited security guard stood with the car and, I’m quite sure, imagined that it was his.

Attention Grabber Leaving the Champagne house, we headed into the historic city of Reims. Being the ‘culture vultures’ that we are, Dr Octane and I marvelled at the wonderful architecture that the city had to offer, although the one building that stood head and shoulders above the rest (quite literally!) was its cathedral. We simply 38 www.cprmag.com

had to stop and check it out; not because it was once the place where the kings of France were crowned, or

As much as we enjoyed immersing ourselves in all this history, the day was dragging on and we were aware that

Looks amazing doesn’t it?

The cathedral isn’t bad either!

March 2012 39

there was a pub back home in dire need of our fizzy cargo.

Just outside Reims and roughly on our route home is a place called Gueux (pronounced ‘goo’) which was opened in 1926 and staged Formula1 races from 1950 to 1966. The circuit is essentially a triangle of public roads and races here were famed for their high speeds. Rumour has it that the circuit’s owners even cut down trees and demolished houses in order to make the track even faster.

It closed its doors to the last spectators in 1972 and it now stands eerily silent, with only the noise from the occasional passing car to bring any life to the place.

On the start-finish straight, the faded Grandstands, pits and other decaying buildings still stand. There is an incredible atmosphere here. There are no shops or tourist information kiosks and you’re left to ignore the ‘keep off’ signs and explore the historic site, including the control tower with a cold wind blowing through its glassless

40 www.cprmag.com

windows. Crumbling facades advertise long-gone brands.

We stopped just long enough to take a few photos as the weather was starting to remind us that it was January and the light was starting to fade.

Ironically, the last Formula1 race at Reims saw the three Lotus entrants fail to finish the race, with clutch, oil leak and gearbox failures. Thankfully, ours felt taut and tireless.

heading home A quick hit of coffee and a squashed ‘pain au chocolat’ and we were heading back to Calais for the return crossing.

On leaving Gueux, despite being equipped with a ‘flatnav’ (map), we managed to head due West as opposed to North and didn’t notice until we’d nearly hit Paris. We had been too busy v-maxing the

screaming Elise. A quick recalculation and we cut crosscountry heading more-or-less in the right direction. The 1.6 litre engine has a modest 134bhp and needs full use of all six gears to wind it up to speed, but it is capable of comfortably hacking through the hills at speed. Porsche fans will no doubt snort at the comparative lack of gadgets, modest horsepower

The old circuit buildings at Gueux near Reims take on a ghostly feel at night.

March 2012 41

and the ‘let’s go camping’ technology employed in the roof. However, they would be missing the point of this car entirely. Everything in the Elise is done to inform and reward the driver in a refreshingly straightforward way. No technology to flatter ham-footed drivers, no acronyms to impress pubbores, no autobahn-only performance stats. In the case of the Lotus - less is more.

We finally picked up the correct Autoroute. Some ‘man-maths’ set our new cruising speed, balancing the few scant hours we had left against the briskest pace we could make without attracting the long arm of the Gendarmes. If you think

The pit garages at Gueux where the Elise’s ancestors once raced.

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The race track at Gueux has an amazing atmosphere.

the British police are overenthusiastic with their speed traps, you ain’t seen nothing!

When the French police set up a speed trap, they wear full camouflage outfits and hide

in bushes so you can’t see them. No hi-viz jackets or big white vans on this side of the Channel.

We just made the Eurotunnel on time, chatted to the

inevitable friendly crowd that gathered, and hit Kent later than we would have liked with a three hour drive back to Leicestershire to catch last orders. The South East of England was busy with blinkered commuters and the M25 looked ugly, so we opted to head up the M11 and go cross country via the A14, A6 and one of my favourite roads, the B6047. The Elise had been more than happy on highways, but where we expected it to come alive was on potholed, bendy B-roads.

mission complete The B6047 was our homestraight, but it’s far from straight. Despite the darkness, damp tarmac and dimly-lit tractors, the Elise tore through There are insufficient pixels on hilly countryside with ease. the internet for me to explain You can brake later; there is just how good the Elise drives complete steering feel and at speed in these conditions. you can elbow it into apexes We pulled into the pub car with extreme accuracy. Road park and switched off the surface imperfections are transmitted without tormenting. engine. It had been a long day,

Back under the Channel with the cargo safely on board. but we weren’t tired, and as if to prove the point, Dr Octane was still making ‘braaap’ noises. We abandoned the car in the car park and dashed in at exactly 10.50pm.

Champagne, anyone?

Made it! Just in time for last orders.

March 2012 43

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Those magnificent Men In Their...

Flying Cars

You might think that the idea of ‘flying cars’ is little more than wishful thinking, but as David Harrison found out, the ‘airborne automobile’ has been around since the 1930s and several are still being developed today.

Y

ou’re stuck in traffic...again.

There is no way forward, and you can forget about trying to turn around and head back where you came from because that’s just as bad. All you can do is wait it out. You fiddle with the controls on the

46 www.cprmag.com

radio but find nothing of interest.

Then you start to daydream.

Wouldn’t it be cool if you and your car could just take-off and fly over all this stationary traffic?

You fantasise about accelerating down the road and pulling back on the steering wheel to

magically lift your vehicle off the road and into the air. ‘Beeeep!’

A blast on somebody’s horn jolts you back to reality and you nudge your car forwards another six inches before once more grinding to a halt.

Yep, flying cars are, and for most

aeronautical pioneer Glen Curtiss designed his Autoplane in 1917. The bizarre-looking contraption boasted no less than three wings, but despite this, it only managed to make a few short ‘hops’ off the ground before the project was abandoned.

Successful Flight The first person to actually make a successful flight with a ‘flying car’ was American Waldo Waterman. Waterman, a charismatic figure who had worked alongside Glen Curtiss during his early career, built a machine called the Arrowbile, which made its first flight on March 21, 1937. As if to underline the fact that this was a flying car, and not an aeroplane you could drive on the road, the Arrowbile was powered by an automotive Studebaker engine. In the air, it had a respectable cruise speed of 112mph which compared favourably with other light aircraft of its era, while on the ground it could drive at speeds of up to 56mph.

Waterman produced several prototypes over the next couple of decades but the venture was never a commercial success and most of the machines were destined for museums.

The bizarre-looking Curtiss Autoplane.

The Waterman Arrowbile was powered by a Studebaker engine.

Above: the Waterman Arrowbile now resides in a museum in the USA. Left: American invesntor Waldo Waterman. of us, will always be nothing more than a daydream. Even if the technology one day makes it possible, the chances of us all cruising around ‘Jetsons’ style is highly unlikely. At least for the foreseeable future.

However, the idea of a flying car is nearly as old as motoring

itself. Some inventors look at the flying car as the Holy Grail of all inventions. Many have tried to combine the humble motor car with the aeroplane, and to be fair, some have had a reasonable amount of success.

The earliest example of just such a machine was when

Taylor Aerocar A slightly more successful attempt to build a flying car came from another American designer, Moulton Taylor. His Taylor Aerocar made its first flight in 1949 and featured removable flying surfaces and detachable rear fuselage which were towed behind the vehicle when in ‘car’ mode. Taylor needed to find 500 orders for the Aerocar to put it into production, but only managed March 2012 47

Ed Sweeney’s Taylor Aerocar still flies.

The Aerocar has to tow its wings and fuselage when on the road.

to find 250. As a result, only six were ever made.

Amazingly, one example is still in airworthy condition...and it drives too! I spoke to one pilot who has flown and driven the Aerocar, and he wasn’t overly impressed, describing its handling qualities as ‘marginal at best!’ Two other examples have recently been offered for sale, with one owner asking for a whopping $2.2 million despite having not flown since 1977 and needing a full restoration.

Evolution

The Taylor Aerocar III 48 www.cprmag.com

Even though his Aerocar never entered full production, Taylor never really gave up on the idea and in 1960s he reworked one of the earlier Aerocars into the Aerocar III. This machine used the same basic design, but the ‘car’ part of the assembly looked much sleeker and more aerodynamic. It actually looked like a car with its wheels tucked under the bodywork instead of protruding on stalks like on the earlier Aerocars. However, it wasn’t to be, and even this

The ill-fated AVE Mizar.

brave attempt at combining the plane and car slipped quietly into obscurity.

Triumph & Tragedy Like all great inventions, the pursuit of the flying car dream isn’t without tragedy. One particular venture actually looked like it could be quite successful, in so much as it used parts from a well-tested Cessna Skymaster aircraft and mated them to a Ford Pinto car.

It looked like a car...and it could fly, so it pretty much ticked all the boxes.

The AVE Mizar was idea of Henry Smolinski and was built by his company Advanced Vehicle Engineers in Los Angeles, California.

Like the Taylor Aerocar, the wings, propeller and tail-planes had to be removed before you could drive the ‘car’ on the road, and on paper at least, it looked like a good prospect.

That was until you started to look a little more closely at the figures; it transpired that the Mizar was already at its maximum gross weight before any fuel or passengers were added. Flying an over-weight

The AVE Mizar used a Ford Pinto as the ‘car’ part of the aircraft.

The 1946 Airphibian was another bold attempt to make a ‘flying car.’ aircraft not only has an adverse effect on the way it handles; it also puts extra stress on the wings and other flying surfaces.

Overlooking the questionable weight of the machine may

have sealed the fate of both the project and its designer.

Two prototypes of the Mizar were built and the aircraft made a number of successful flights between 1971 and 1973.

March 2012 49

The Parajet Skycar get airborne over Aerodromo Ordis in northern Spain.

The crew prepares the Skycar for an early morning flight.

50 www.cprmag.com

Production was scheduled to start in 1974 and the manufacturer even stated that the machines would cost between $18,000 and $29,000 depending on spec.

Then on September 11, 1973, Smolinski and his associate, Harold Blake, took off in the Mizar on a routine test flight.

Minutes later, the machine was seen to crash in a fiery explosion which killed both occupants. Some witness

reports stated that the righthand wing folded up, while others said that the car part of the assembly simply came away from the wings.

Either way, the accident investigators found that poor quality welds were partly responsible for the crash as the right wing-strut attachment had failed where it met the body panel of the Pinto.

Needless to say, that was the end of that particular project.

Parajet Skycar

Winding the clock forward to the present day and it seems that there are more ‘flying cars’ in the pipeline than ever before.

UK-based Parajet came up with a novel approach to solving the problem by basically attaching a giant paragliding wing to something that looks like a dune buggy on steroids with a large propeller on the back.

It sounds bizarre, but it works!

Sort of.

In 2009, the Skycar was flown across the Sraights of Gibraltar as part of a 9,000km trek from London to Timbutu in Mali. The Skycar made it, as did its crew, but only just.

Initial attempts to fly the machine showed that it was difficult to handle in the air, so much so that on one test flight in southern Spain, pilot Neil Laughton nearly bailed out of the Skycar when he couldn’t get it under control.

March 2012 51

Left: The Parajet Skycar could be the most practical answer to the flying car to date.

As he was about to jump, the Skycar seemed to stabilize and Laughton climbed back in and managed to land it back on the beach.

A subsequent landing in North Africa was just slightly better than a controlled crash, and when another flight was attempted by a different pilot deep into Africa, he hit a small tree on take-off and the resulting damage effectively grounded the machine for the remainder of the expedition.

Practical Solution?

I’m sure that with a little more development and testing, the Skycar could be the first practical solution to the ‘flying car’ problem.

After all, the wing is essentially a piece of fabric and can easily be folded up and stowed inside the car when on the road, so there is no need to tow the wings behind when on the ground. It 52 www.cprmag.com

will be interesting to see what the Skycar leads to.

Terrafugia Transition Another modern attempt to create the perfect flying car is the Terrafugia Transition. This rather odd looking machine bears a slight resemblance to a car, but has folding wings attached to the bodywork, a twin-boom tail and a ‘pusher’ The Parajet Skycar as it looks today.

propeller mounted on the rear of the main cabin. The Transition has already started its flighttest programme and it certainly drives on the ground, so could this be the flying car we have all been waiting for? Maybe, but then again, maybe not. You see, it seems the Transition might meet US highways requirements and is legal to drive on the roads in the USA, but try and register one in the UK, or any other European country for that matter, and you’ll get more than you bargained for. For a start, in the UK the authorities frown upon tyres which are not completely covered by the wheel arches, so can you imagine how they would react to an exposed propeller? The MOT test could also be highly entertaining; just picture the Transition teetering on a ramp at you local testing station with some young mechanic sitting inside, when he hits the wing folding button.

Ouch.

The manufacturer is selling it on the strength that you can use it like a normal plane to fly from A to B, but if the weather turns sour, you can just land and the nearest airfield and complete your journey by road. Like the Skycar, it will be interesting to see how it turns out.

The Terrafugia Transition - would it pass a British MOT test?

If anything, all this has proved that it IS possible to build a car that flies, or even an aeroplane you can drive on the roads, but the one thing that will always stop it from becoming the traffic jam busting machine we all dream about is...licencing. Yep, you can have all the technology you like, but ultimately it will be a piece of paper that keeps the ‘Jetsons’ firmly on the ground.

You see, if a machine flies, it is classed as an aircraft, and to operate and aircraft, you need a pilot licence. At the moment, if you want to get a pilot licence here in the UK you can expect to pay over £7,000. That involves getting over 40 hours of flight training under your belt, passing seven tough written exams, and taking a two-hour long flight test.

All that means that only qualified pilots will be able to operate machines like the Terrifugia Transition, which means that it isn’t really a flying

The Transition makes its first flight.

car at all; it is in fact an aircraft you can drive on the road. Who knows, maybe one day someone will invent the perfect flying car that can take-off and land vertically, float along effortlessly on a cushion of air, while onboard computers take care of navigation and collision avoidance. It might happen, but so far the closest anybody has come to it is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

March 2012 53

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GAZ Suspension Kit For Reliant Scimitar Available from: Gaz Price: £477.28 plus VAT www.gazshocks.com Leading suspension specialists GAZ are now offering a GAZ GP coilover suspension kit to improve the handling of the classic Reliant Scimitar. The kit is sutable for Scimitar GT - Straight Model 6 1964-66/Scimitar GT - V6 Model - Coupe 1966-75/Scimitar GTE, GTC, 5A 1968 on. The GAZ kit can be specified for street and trackday use and GAZ will supply them with appropriate damper rates and springs for the intended purpose.

Naturally all the usual GAZ features are included; there is a gas cell in the outer reservoir to help prevent cavitation. The units are then filled with a multi grade high viscosity index fluid to help resist fade under extreme conditions. GAZ units are bump and rebound adjustable while on the vehicle by means of an easily accessible adjuster knob. Ride height is adjustable through 40mm of adjustment and the units are plated and fitted with anodised adjusters for long life. A full set of four dampers and springs for the Reliant Scimitar retails at £477.28 + VAT. Aston/Ferrari/Maserati Weber Fuel Filter Available from: Webcon Price: £28.14 + VAT See: www.webcon.co.uk Aston Martin, Ferrari and Maserati vehicles use the Weber fuel injection filter type FI02 in their EFi systems. Now Webcon can offer the genuine Weber type FI02 fuel injection filter as a separate item. Part number WFF213 can also be used in aftermarket EFI applications. The fully sealed unit, with lightweight aluminium alloy casing, filters down to 10 microns to ensure no contamination reaches the fuel injectors. The dimensions of WFF213 are as follows: Length: 130mm. Diameter: 58mm. The connections are Inlet: M14 x 1.5. Outlet: M12 x 1.5 WFF213 can be converted to push on connections by the fitment of connectors which are available seperately from Webcon.

56 www.cprmag.com

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Torco Waterproof Grease Available From: Nimbus Motorsport Prices From: £4.23 plus VAT See: www.nimbusmotorsport.com Chevy Gen lll/LS Series Small Block (1993 & Earlier) Custom Age 625+ Head Stud Kit Available from: ARP Price: POA See: www.arp-bolts.com ARP has just released a new Custom Age 625+ head stud kit for 1993 & earlier Chevy Gen lll/LS series small block applications. It includes a set of twenty Custom Age 625+ head studs, twenty parallel ground washers, twenty 8740 chrome moly steel 12 pt nuts, ten 8740 8mm studs and the appropriate nuts and washers to secure the intake side of the cylinder head to the engine block. It also includes a 1/2 oz. pack of ARP Ultra-Torque fastener assembly lubricant.

All Custom Age 625+ studs are centerless ground, heat treated prior to thread rolling and machining, and are nominally rated at 270,000psi. The maker says that these fasteners deliver a 60% increase in tensile strength over the OEM Torque to Yield (TTY) head bolts.

Want to see your new product mentioned here? Just call us on +44 (0)1353 777519 or e-mail us at: info@cprmag.com

Torco Waterproof Grease is lithium complex grease formulated to offer superior lubricating qualities in a wide range of powersport applications. It provides excellent waterproofing, shock load protection, extreme temperature stability and antirust protection. Torco Waterproof Grease is buttery smooth and easy to apply. It is designed for use in all bearing types, linkages and seals found on cars. It is ideal for use in extreme wet conditions and for classic vehicles that may be laid up for extended periods of time.

Supplied in an 8oz tube it retails at £4.23 plus VAT

The Global Parts Source for Triumph TR Sports Cars

World renowned TR specialists • Full range of standard parts • Upgraded fast road/rally/ race parts • Many parts available from stock ‘off the shelf’ • Parts catalogues available online • Fully equipped workshop • 400 bhp rolling road For parts, visit:

www.revingtontr.com For parts advice and workshop bookings, call:

+44 (0)1823 698 437 March 2012 57

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March 2011 29

Time to get some work done to YOUR classic car?

TRGB are now established as one of the leading Triumph specialists in the country and have extensive and almost unrivalled experience on the restoration and maintenance of these cars. Along the way we have also gained years of experience working on other classic cars. Work and personal projects aside from our Triumphs include: full restoration of an E-type 4.2 Jaguar, full restoration of a ‘Healey 3000’, full engine build on a V12-E and full and detailed restoration of a Ferrari Dino (including full engine build).

Our workshop is always very busy and to this end we have decided to expand this side of the business and are delighted to announce a new member of staff: Mr Jason Wright. Jason brings with him a wealth of experience and has worked on many TRs as well as Jaguar and TVR from a well-known leading dealership, and so will add his knowledge to the extensive experience of both Tim and Richard. To promote this new expansion we are offering a 10% discount (£40.50/hr + VAT) on all work booked in during the first three months of 2011.

If you require any work on YOUR classic car, please call Gary at TRGB.

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www.trgb.co.uk

Type C

In some ways, the iconic Auto Union Type C from the 1930s was the blue-print for todays modern racing cars, and as Arthur Collingwood explains, for one season at least, the car out-paced the legendary Mercedes-Benz ‘Silver Arrows.’

C

ast your mind back to the earliest days of motorsport and names like Ferrari, Bentley, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes 60 www.cprmag.com

Benz were very much at the forefront of that fast developing industry. Success on the track meant success in the showrooms, and

competition was fierce as the manufacturers jostled for top honours as the fledgling sport began to establish itself.

Those initial efforts paid

Auto Union Type C going flat out.

(All images - Audi) off in a big way as far as 1930s that may not be quite the previously mentioned so familiar is Auto Union, and manufacturers were that’s actually quite surprising concerned; Ferrari and since the modern incarnation Mercedes Benz have current of the German manufacturer is F1 teams, while Alfa Romeo actually the reigning Le Mans and Bentley had great success 24 Hour Race champion - Audi. for several decades.

Auto Union Gmbh was One manufacturer from the formed in 1932 and was

an amalgamation of four struggling car builders, namely Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. Interestingly, despite all four brands coming together under the same umbrella, they each continued to build cars under their individual brand names. That March 2012 61

Auto Union Type C at the 1937 Grand Prix at Donington Park.

Bernd Rosemeyer slides the Type C through a corner at the 1937 GP at Doninton Park.

Baron Klaus von Oertzen.

However, during the 1933 Berlin Motor Show, the then German Chancellor - Adolf Hitler - announced two separate programmes which he hoped would both fire the imagination of the German car industry and raise the profile of the country abroad.

‘People’s Car’

might sound odd, but if you want a more recent example of a similar arrangement, look no further than British Leyland.

Auto Union based itself in Chemnitz, in the Saxony region of Germany. It was 1933, and German industry was expanding at break-neck 62 www.cprmag.com

speed as the country had by then largely recovered from the ravages of the First World War. The manufacturer needed a new car which would place it firmly in the public eye and that target became a priority for Auto Union’s Chairman,

The first programme called for a mass-produced small car, or ‘people’s car’ that would be affordable to most German families. The other programme called for the foundation of a ‘high speed German automotive industry,’ or basically a state sponsored racing team. Hitler was keen to break the Anglo-Italian domination of the motorsport scene and wanted German manufacturers and drivers to

become the best in the world.

Of course, the first of the two programmes resulted in the Volkswagen Beetle, although that particular car owes its existence more to good fortune than any plans drawn up by Hitler, but that’s another story. The idea of statesponsored motorsport was embraced wholeheartedly by manufacturers like MercedesBenz and Auto Union and the ‘silver arrow’ cars they produced would play a major role in world motorsport during the 1930s.

Much has been written about the Mercedes-Benz ‘silver arrows’ and cars like the W-125 or W-154 need little introduction, but the silver machines produced by Auto Union are perhaps less well known, unless you happen to be a historic motorsport enthusiast.

Silver Arrow There has also been much speculation as to why the cars were left in their natural unpainted metal finish. Italian cars were usually painted red, the British cars were green and French cars tended to be painted blue, but popular opinion states that the German cars were left unpainted to save weight which led to increased speed.

That particular fact is often questioned and it seems that we will never find out for sure if it is 100% true. As a result, and almost by accident, silver became the colour associated with German cars, a tradition that remains to this day with even the Mercedes F1 team running silver painted cars.

Auto Union set up a specialist racing department at the Horch works in Zwicau in

With no propshaft running through the cockpit, the driver could sit lower to improve aerodynamics.

1933 and started work on a series of racing cars which would wear Auto Union badge. The company had no real experience with highperformance cars, so they enlisted the help of Dr Ing Ferdinand Porsche and Adolf Rosenberg, who were already in the process of building a new Grand Prix car. Porsche had previously worked for

Austro Daimler and MercedesBenz where he designed the successful S-Type racing car, so he was seen as the ideal man to head the Auto Union project.

Mid-Engine The base design envisaged

by Porsche centred around a mid-engined car, which at the time was considered to be

Auto Union Type C at the Goodwood Festival Speed in 2002.

March 2012 63

Bernd Rosemeyer drives the Type C in a German Hillclimb Championship race in 1936.

quite radical. The reasoning behind it was that the midengine layout would place more weight over the rear axle which would improve traction, and since there was no need to have a propshaft running through the cockpit, the driver could sit lower which in turn lowered the centreof-gravity and offered better aerodynamics.

The Type A The first car to roll out of the Horch works was the Auto Union Type A. The designer had to build the car to meet the current legislation, which meant keeping the weight below 750kg. It might then seem surprising that he opted to fit a massive 4.4 litre V16 engine producing 295bhp, but still managed to keep the weight down by using lightweight alloys for its construction.

64 www.cprmag.com

The first race for the Type A came at Avus in May 1934. All the signs looked good. Auto Union driver Hans Stuck took the lead from the start and by the time he had completed the first lap, he was over one minute ahead of the nearest car. Unfortunately, a clutch failure later forced Stuck to retire, and the second Auto Union car driven by August Momberger came home in third place. That seemed disappointing after the promise shown by Stuck in the early stages of the race, but the signs for the Type A were good. However, due to technical problems, the leading Mercedes-Benz cars didn’t take part in the race and would later prove to be more than a match for the Auto Union car. Later that year, Stuck drove the Type A to victory in the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.

The Type B Modifications were soon made to the car to refine some of the problems that had occurred during its first season, and so the Auto Union Type B was born. The main differences were a larger, more powerful engine and the rear semielliptical leaf springs were replaced with torsion bar springs.

Italian driver Archille Varzi was lured from Alfa Romeo to join Stuck at the Auto Union team. Varzi drove the Type A on his debut in the Tunis GP and came home in first place. Stuck driving the Type B in its first outing didn’t fare quite so well. The car was quick, but he lost time when a tyre burst and the Mercedes W25 secured the win. the remainder of the season was

Right: Bernt Rosemeyer in the pits.

Race engineer Wilhelm Sebastian stands next to Rosemeyer, while in the background Ferdinand Porsche times the stop.

March 2012 65

Italian driver Achille Varzi in the Auto Union Type C. 66 www.cprmag.com

Auto Union Type C being followed by a Mercedes 300 SLR disapointing and the Type B didn’t really live up to the expectation.

The Type C In response, Porsche pulled out all the stops and really went for it with the Type C. Engine size was once again increased, this time to a whopping six litres!

This produced an equally impressive 520bhp which was regarded as more than enough to defeat the Mercedes cars.

However, the increased power came at a price. It made the car difficult to control, a trait that was initially attributed the engine’s location, but as time would tell, mid-engined cars make formidable racing machines.

The Type C quickly gained a

Hans Stuck drives the Auto Union Type C in the 1937 German Hillclimb Championship. reputation for difficult handling, much of which was actually down to the unpredictability of the front and rear suspension.

Unbeatable It seemed that only Stuck could master the Type C, and

when he did, the machine was practically unbeatable.

In the 1936 Tripoli GP, Stuck was leading the field and seemed certain to bring the Type C home to victory. That was until he was asked to slow down and let Italian team mate March 2012 67

Varzi overtake him to take the victory. It was a controversial decision driven by politics as before the race, the German government had requested an Italian winner as a gesture of good will to its Axis ally.

Crowned Champion The Auto Union car racked up more wins during the 1936 season, with German driver Bernd Rosemayer taking 68 www.cprmag.com

victories in the Eiffelrennen at the NĂźrburgring and later in the German Grand Prix at the same track. Further wins at the Swiss and Italian GPs saw him crowned champion with Stuck finishing second.

The 1937 season saw few changes to the Type C since Porsche was now working on Hitler’s Volkswagen project.

Mercedes on the other had, determined to win back their

crown, worked hard over the closed season and produced the W125 with a 575bhp eightcylinder engine.

The work paid off for Mercedes as the car dominated the championship, with Auto Union left to pick up wins in just a few minor races. Rudolf Caracciola in the Mercedes was crowned champion for 1937 and Auto Union were left to rethink their entire strategy.

1938 saw many rule changes which effectively made the Type C obsolete. With Porsche no longer on the scene, Professor Eberan von Eberhorst was drafted in to oversee the construction of the Type D. Auto Union received another major blow when Bernt Rosemeyer was killed while attempting to set a new speed record on a German Autobahn

Right: The Type C’s engine was a development of the unit used in earlier cars and produced a massive 520bhp.

March 2012 69

Auto Union Type C at Eifel Klasssik Nurburgring, in 2002. suspension. Each unit was attached by two trailing links and the lower ones on each side were connected together via a torsion bar running through the crossmember.

The braking system was all hydraulic with drums fitted to all wheels.

A trio of Auto Union cars, with Type C, Type D and Type A in the picture. in a modified Auto Union Type C ‘streamliner.’

Radical Design The construction of the car was radical for its day. The engine not only used light weight alloys to build the heads and blocks, the cylinders were also angled down at 45° which left just enough space for the intake manifold. Air was pumped to the manifold from 70 www.cprmag.com

Full Circle

the rear of the car by a huge ‘Rootes type’ supercharger, but despite its unique design, the rest of the engine retained a more conventional layout.

The engine was mated to a five-speed gearbox and the whole assembly was installed in a tubular ‘ladder frame’ braced with four crossmembers. At the front end, another crossmember held the independent

The Auto Union Type C will always be remembered as the car that defeated the all-conquering MercedesBenz ‘Silver Arrows,’ and in some respects, its innovative mid-engine layout acted as a ‘blueprint’ for many of the racing and performance cars in production today. It is believed that only three of the original cars now survive, along with a couple of replicas, but the legacy that these silver cars left is undisputable.

As if to bring the story full

circle, a car produced by Audi, with a mid-engine layout, won the Le Mans 24 Hour Race last year. The R18 TDi, painted silver and black, and wearing the same ‘four rings’ badge as the Auto Union cars, crossed the line just 13.8 seconds ahead of the rival Peugeot car to secure a historic victory for the German manufacturer. The car was the result of a multimillion Euro development programme and featured some outstanding 21st century technology, but perhaps it is fitting to say that the programme actually started back in the 1930s, and the current Le Mans champion owes a huge debt of thanks to the plucky ‘Silver Arrows’ from Auto Union. So, next time you hear a manufacturer say it has developed a ‘brand new’ car for the coming season, some of that car might not be as new as you think!

Auto Union Type C - Front Angle.

Bernd Rosemeyer After Victory in the 1937 Coppa Acerbo.

The Audi R18 TDi won the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hour Race.

March 2012 71

Rétromobile

Paris February 1-5, 2012

Rétromobile, held in Paris on February 1-5, got the new European classic car season underway with flair, passion and a large wedge of Galic charm.

Phil Sullivan reports.

I

f ‘Autosport - The Racing Car Show’ is the unofficial launching point for the new motorsport season, then Rétromobile in Paris surely performs the same function for the European classic car scene.

Many of us choose to hide our treasured cars away in snug garages over the winter, so a show like this early in the year is a great way to help shrug off the winter blues.

72 www.cprmag.com

If you haven’t been before, you might not be aware of what you are missing. This isn’t some scruffy autojumble with disinterested visitors trudging around ankle deep in mud; no, Rétromobile is glitzy, glamorous and as highly a polished show as you are ever likely to attend.

It is well supported by some of the biggest exhibitors in the classic car world, and as if to underline the show’s importance, manufacturers like Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Citroen, and Renault also bring along cars which

are usually hidden away in their historic departments.

Of course, this being France, the world famous Le Mans 24 Hour Race is featured heavily, with past entrants on display and even one or two modern ones too. Take Mercedes for example; the German manufacturer had really embraced the Le Mans theme with its stand, which was decorated with a pre-war SSK and a very nice 300SL from the 1950s.

From a slightly more recent era, there was also the last Mercedes to win at Le Mans

A stunning Talbot-Lago T150 C SS Teardrop Coupe

- the Sauber Mercedes C9.

One highly anticipated feature of Rétromobile was the appearance of the stunning Mullin Collection which occupied one end of Pavilion 3. The collection was assembled by Peter Mullin and usually resides in Oxnard, just north of Los Angeles in the state of California.

Despite being based in the US, the collection contains some of the most desirable - and rarest - French cars ever built.

Among them was the 1934 VOISIN Type C25 Aérodyne.

This exquisite example of Galic engineering has a ‘valveless’ six-cylinder inline engine and of the seven cars built, only five survive. The coachwork was designed to mimic the aerodynamic shape of an aircraft wing and the car even had a sliding pneumatic roof. The interior is simply pure Art Deco. This particular car also grabbed a notable piece of silverware recently when it won Best of Show at the prestigious Pebble Beach competition in August last year.

When it comes to historic

The highy impressibe Mullin Collection.

One of the stranger displays!

race preparation, there can be few bigger names than Hall & Hall. The Lincolnshire based company has restored many ex-Formula1 cars and

is also tasked with servicing and maintaining some of the rarest and most demanding cars on the planet. With that in mind, it will come as little March 2012 73

This immaculate Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder was sold at the show for an incredible €4.5 million. surprise when I say that their stand at Rétromobile was positively swamped with some very desirable machinery.

Among the cars was the first ‘Ecclestone’ Brabham F1 car from 1972 and alongside that was a rather attractive 1970 De Tomaso-backed Williams driven by Piers Courage.

As you walk through the entrance door to Rétromobile, there is usually something really special to catch your eye, and this year was no exception. The first thing to greet visitors as they arrived was a pair of original Ferrari 250 GTOs, which were there

74 www.cprmag.com

to mark the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the model later this year. There is also a French connection to this particular model of Ferrari as a 250 GTO driven by Noblet/ Guichet took second place at the 1962 Le Mans 24 Hour Race. As if that wasn’t enough, across on the nearby Peter Auto Stand was a stunning Porsche 917 which will take part in this year’s Le Mans Classic, no doubt accompanied by several 250 GTOs. Getting away from all the dazzling cars for one moment, perhaps one of the most

impressive exhibits at the show wasn’t very shiny at all. In fact it looked extremely greasy and oily...and it didn’t even have any wheels! Okay, so it was an engine, and it was huge, about the size of a double-decker bus in fact.

Next time you are struggling with a heavy engine block in your garage, spare a thought for the guys who had to lug this beast around. It was a Type 9 VOS Duvant engine which was built in 1962 to supply back-up electricity to Auteuil Race Course in the event of a power cut. It remained hidden away in a

basement on the course for nearly half a century and was last run in 1990.

It was found and recovered by the Association des Amoureux des Vieux Moteurs who took the engine apart and removed it from the site one piece at a time. That must have been quite a challenging job when your consider that the block weighs in at a massive 14 tons, the flywheel 3.5 tons and a con-rod 120kg. The engine ran again in 2010 and apparently made a lot of noise and smoke. It might be impressive, but I wouldn’t want the fuel bill.

Once again RĂŠtromobile lived up to my expectations.

There are not many shows that can rival it for pure automotive glamour, and the quality of cars on display is unsurpassable.

There is also a certain French quirkiness about the show which just adds to its charm, and personally, I can’t wait to go again next year. See you there!

Past warriors from the Le Mans 24 Hour Race made popular displays.

Ferrari 250 GT on display at Retromobile.

The massive Type 9 Duvant engine.

March 2012 75

What’son

Find Out What’s On Near You!

Each month, Classic, Performance & Retro magazine brings you some of the best motoring events from around the world in our comprehensive ‘What’s On’ guide. Each listing features a live website link, so if you want know more a single click of the mouse is all you need. If you would like us to include your event, just send an e-mail with the details to: info@cprmag.com

Testing gets under way for the coming European Le Mans Series at Circuit Paul Ricard on March 9-10.

March 2012 Date

Event

Website/Tel

1

Ace Cafe classic mini meet, London, UK

www.ace-cafe-london.com

3

Knutsford MC Tour of Cheshire

www.knutsfordmotorclub.co.uk

4

International Triumph Show, Stoneleigh, Warks, UK

livepromotions.co.uk

4

Penrith Car & Bike Autojumble, Penrith, Cumbria, UK

www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com

4-6

Goodwood Breakfast-Tax free Sunday, Goodwood, UK

www.goodwood.co.uk

4

Newark Autojumble, Newark, Notts, UK

www.penny-farthing-fairs.co.uk

9-10

Masters Goodwood Track Days, Goodwood, UK

www.themastersseries.com

9-10

European Le Mans Series Test Day, France

www.lemans-series.com

11

Ultimate Dubs, Telford international centre, UK

www.ultimate-dubs.co.uk

11

VBOA Spring Parts Day & Autojumble, Coventry, UK

www.vboa.org.uk

11

Brooklands Morris and Austin Day, Surrey, UK

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

13

Ace Cafe Classic car night, London, UK

www.ace-cafe-london.com

15

Three Legs of Man Rally, Isle of Man, UK

www.classicrally.org.uk

17

HSCC Donington, Donington Park, Leics, UK

www.hscc.org.uk

17

Masters at Oulton Park, Oulton Park, UK

www.themastersseries.com

18

Skipton Autojumble, Skipton, N.Yorks, UK

www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com

18

Mini Drivers at Goodwood, Goodwood, UK

www.goodwood.co.uk

18

Brooklands Breakfast & Drive It Day, Surrey, UK

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

24-25

VolksWorld Show, Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, UK

www.volksworld.com

24-25

Spring Transport Festival, Manchester Museum of Transport, UK

www.gmts.co.uk

24-25

North West Indoor Classic Car Show, Manchester, UK

www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

25

Brooklands Mini Day, Weybridge, Surrey, UK

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

31

Heritage Transport Show and Auction, Detling, Kent, UK

www.kentshowground.co.uk

30-Apr1

6 Heures du Castellet European Le Mans Series, France

www.lemans-series.com

76 www.cprmag.com

BYRON_BOOKAZINE5

1/7/09

17:42

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December 2010 75

Thunder Cats!

The Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club took their racing Jaguars to Brands Hatch in Kent for a pre-season shakedown. Simon Hazeldine joined the fun.

W

ith winter more-orless finally over, race and track cars all over the country are finally emerging from their long

78 www.cprmag.com

hibernation. The inclement weather might keep the cars off the track for a few months, but it also allows the teams and drivers time

to make modifications and improvements to their cars which will hopefully see them knock vital seconds off last year’s lap times.

Above: Phil Woods in his XJ40 (#35) closes on Stewart Oria Lyddall (XJSomni #23),cum winner of the dollest, sedit, volorHighly Modifiedautate XJS season for 3 years. et omniae voluptam, endit Work carried out can vary from just bolting on a new spoiler to a full strip down and rebuild, but until the car actually goes out on track again, there is no way of knowing just how effective the changes will be.

In the dizzy world Formula1,

many of the teams head off to Jerez in Spain for their annual pre-season shake-down and testing sessions...at least that is what they tell us. What they are actually doing is using the precious track time to set-up the new car and wring

out every last possible drop of performance, and of course there is a certain amount hype to be gained for the team with the fastest car of the session.

Things are no different in the world of amateur racing; adjustments are made to the March 2012 79

Above: Jaguar D-Type 774RW won the infamous 1955 Le Mans 24 Hour Race.

Left: The winter sun beats down on the stands at Brands Hatch.

cars over the winter months, and they still need testing before being unleashed in a fully competitive race.

Flat Out The Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club (JEC) has been running its own race series since 1998 and the races are impressive, both for the quality of the cars on show and for the high 80 www.cprmag.com

standard of driving. Head along to one of the club race events and you could see Jaguar E-Types, XK120s, XJS, Saloons, and even the odd D-Type or XJ13. Yep, some of the cars are indeed priceless relics from the golden era of racing, but if you thought that they would be tenderly guided around the track to avoid any potential accidents,

you’d be wrong. These guys go flat out and race as hard as any pro-drivers; the Jaguars are loud snarling beasts and the sound they make as they hit the rev-limiter makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Wild cats? Nah. Thunder Cats? You bet!

racing mode With one eye on the forthcoming season, the guys from JEC Racing headed down to deepest, darkest Kent (well, just over the Dartford Crossing actually!) to Brands Hatch for their pre-season shakedown and testing session. As already mentioned, the main objective is to test the cars, but the track time is equally important to the drivers as it gives them an opportunity to blow away the cobwebs and get back into ‘racing mode.’

XJS heads out for another session.

Jaguar MkII. The circuit itself really needs no introduction, but just in case you have never heard of it, Brands Hatch is regarded by many as the traditional home of British motorsport.

While Silverstone might be better known these days for its association with the Formula1 and the British Grand Prix, it was Brands Hatch that hosted the F1 races from 1964 until 1986.

Club colours!

Paul Merrett’s Jaguar XJS gets a tyre change.

historic circuit There has been a race track of sorts on the current site since the 1920s, although the first race to be held here saw nothing more exciting than bicycles competing against cross-country runners. Over the following years, the basic dirt-track was used for motorcycle races and it wasn’t until 1950 that a tarmac

surface was laid which was suitable for cars.

The first sanctioned Formula1 race was held at the track on July 11, 1964, and was won

by Jim Clark driving a Lotus 25. The last F1 Grand Prix to be held at the Kent circuit was the 1986 British Grand Prix won by Nigel Mansell. It was

a memorable race, although a major incident would ensure it was remembered for all the wrong reasons. An accident occurred on the first lap at Paddock Bend, where Jacques Laffite broke both legs after going head-on into the wall on the right-hand side of the track. The crash spelt the March 2012 81

Crossing the starting grid flat out.

Jaguar C-Type 367 GMO is another car with an impressive history. end of his promising career and from that year until the present day, Formula1 races have been held exclusively at Silverstone.

So, back to the Jaguars. The track had been hired for the day and was available from 82 www.cprmag.com

The two track sessions were fairly relaxed affairs, although of course strict safety guidelines were adhered to.

Driver briefings were held from 08.30 and then every half hour following until 10.00am.

Any drivers new to the circuit had to complete sighting laps before heading out onto the track for any serious driving and all cars had to be noise tested to ensure they met the circuit’s 105dB at 3/4 RPM noise restriction.

le mans legend As the 09.00am start time 09.00 until 17.00, with an hour arrived, the pit lane erupted in a cacophony of noise as Jaguar in the middle for lunch. To cars ancient and modern help spread the cost, other clubs were invited to take part, fired up their engines. One including the GT40 Enthusiasts’ of the rarer cars taking part in the day’s entertainment Club, although only one GT40 was a rather special D-Type turned up which was owned that has had a long and very

by Desmond Finnan.

Andrew Harrison starts another lap in his XJS. distinguished racing career.

D-Type 774 RW (Chassis No505) is in fact an original Le Mans 24 Hour veteran that competed in the hands of non other than Mike Hawthorne during the infamous 1955 race.

What happened that fateful day has been well documented and some of the lessons learned shaped many of the safety regulations that are still in place today. I don’t want to dwell on the tragic accident that devastated the 1955 race because this feature is about a track day, but at the same time, to trivialize it in a single sentence would somehow seem quite callous.

The accident happened as Hawthorne’s Jaguar was about to enter the pit lane on lap 35. Pierre Levegh behind the wheel of the No20 MercedesBenz 300 SLR collided with

Some cars featured some interesting artwork!

an Austin Healey 100 driven

by Lance Maklin, causing the Mercedes to take-off and leap the crash barrier which separated the spectators from the track. The car came down in the tightly packed crowd opposite the pit lane, killing the driver and 83 spectators.

A further 120 were injured, many of them seriously. In terms of loss of life, the crash still ranks as the worst in motorsport history.

There has been much speculation as to what, or who, caused the crash. Opinion seems to vary depending March 2012 83

The ex-Mike Hawthorn Jaguar D-Type 774RW in the pit lane at Brands Hatch.

on whether you are British, French or German, but probably the fairest comment is to say it was a racing accident.

Before the crash, Hawthorne was just in the lead, heading a tense battle between the Jaguars and the MercedesBenz cars. He came into the pit lane only vaguely aware of what had just happened and overshot the Jaguar garage where he was due to 84 www.cprmag.com

refuel and swap places with his co-driver. Since reversing wasn’t allowed, a shaken Hawthorn was sent back out to complete one further lap before eventually bringing the car back to the garage for the swap. Hawthorne handed over to co-driver Ivor Bueb who took the D-Type back out on to the circuit and had to drive past the burning wreckage of Levegh’s car on the subsequent laps.

The Jaguar team waited on the decision of from the Le Mans organisers as to whether the race would be cancelled or not. Eventually, the French authorities decided it should continue, and reasoning that their withdrawal could not change what had happened earlier, the British team carried on with the race.

The Mercedes-Benz team later pulled its cars from the event, but not until they had driven for a further six hours after the crash. 774 RW went on to win the race, although much of the recognition for doing so was lost due to the tragedy and the German withdrawal.

To see Hawthorn and Bueb’s Jaguar at Brands Hatch was indeed an unexpected treat, and I could only guess at what this priceless machine must be worth. The Austin Healey 100 driven by Lance Maklin in the 1955 race was offered for sale at an auction in the UK last December. The car was in an unrestored state and needed considerable work to return it to its former glory.

Despite this, it still sold for an incredible £843,000.

historic c-type Another car with an impressive history was Jaguar C-Type 367 GMO. This ex-Henri Peignaux, Luc Decollanges/ Pierre Ugnon two-seater

competed in the 1953 Mille Miglia round-Italy race in the hands of Decollanges and Pierre Gilbert Ugnon who was a prominent Lyonnais businessman and head of the local Lyons Automobile Club. Sadly the car crashed when it hit a poorly marked railway crossing in the predawn darkness. The car rolled into a nearby field, throwing both occupants out of the cockpit. Descollanges was badly injured, but fortunately survived, but Ugnon lost his life in the accident.

The car was eventually restored in the late 1980s and it looked and sounded stunning as it lapped the circuit at Brands Hatch.

Atom bomb With cars filtering out on to the track throughout the day, it was interesting to see how some of the different models measured up against each other. The XJS cars seemed to head out in pairs and were putting in some impressive times, but there was one car that seemed to leave all others standing when it came to speed. And it wasn’t a Jaguar!

An Ariel Atom was flying around the track at a blistering pace and seemed to be in a class of its own. Apparently the car was owned by a spectator who turned up to watch, and got so excited by all the action that he paid the money and went on track himself! The tiny machine flew down the Brabham Straight at break-neck speed before racing up the hill to tackle the infamous Druids corner where it clung to the apex as if on rails. It really looked like an impressive machine and must surely be a perfect car for the

Desmond Finnan in the lone GT40.

A Ford Escort MkII gets in on the act!

An XJS does a bit of ‘off-roading!

March 2012 85

Another stunning collection of The ex-Mike Hawthorn veteran F1 cars on display.Jaguar D-Type 774RW in the pit lane at Brands Hatch.

86 www.cprmag.com

serious track day enthusiast.

Another non-Jaguar that appeared to be setting some impressive times was the dark blue MGA Twin Cam owned and driven by Colin Jones. This car usually takes part in the MG Car Club Thoroughbred Sportscars Championship and Colin was using the day to get a bit of pre-season practice in.

Judging by the way the car was blasting around the track, Colin’s rival competitors could have their work cut out this year.

‘body bending’ Thankfully, there didn’t appear to be any ‘body bending’ accidents during the two sessions and all the cars remained intact. The only ‘incident’ I saw was a minor spin, where Jaguar XJS No6 driven by one of Rodney Frost’s guests lost grip as it came through the Graham Hill Bend. A screech of tyres and the car pirouetted across the tarmac onto the grass. No damage done though, and the car was quickly back on track again.

As pre-season shakedowns go, this day was a resounding success. Even the weather

Cockpit of Jaguar D-Type 774RW still looks very original.

D-Type 774RW just oozes history!

March 2012 87

MGA Twin Cam belonging to Colin Jones looks very quick on the track.

88 www.cprmag.com

The pit lane at Brands Hatch.

behaved itself which is saying something when you consider what February is usually like here in the UK. Credit for the slick organisation must go to Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club Racing which was headed for the day by an exceptionally busy Terry Dye. Two of the club members - Ray Ingman and Stewart Lyddall were also on hand to give advice and tutoring to anyone who needed it.

Chris Pizzala trying out his new race car.

packed diary JEC Racing has a packed diary of events for the coming season which starts with the Snetterton 300 (Classic Sportscar Championships) which takes place on April 1415. The event features several races, including two races for

Jaguar Saloons and two for the XJS cars. There is also a race for other Jaguar powered cars, so it promises to be an exciting weekend. If you want to see the ‘big cats’ in action for yourself, you can buy a weekend ticket for just £16.00,

which seems like pretty good value to me!

If you want to know more about JEC Racing, you can visit the club website at: www.jec.org.uk which has a full list of the races and events for the coming year.

March 2012 89

Saturday night and Sunday morning.

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Following the company’s slogan “When only the best will do”, it is only natural that JD Classics should choose Autoglym car care products to finish and protect its stunning vehicles which include Aston Martins, Bentleys and Ferraris as well as Jaguars.

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auctionnews

Latest News From The Auction Rooms

Top seller was this beautiful 1957 Ferrari 410 at $1,815,000.

Ferrari Fever At RM’s Arizona Sale RM Auctions Arizona Sale Arizona, USA. January 22, 2012.

RM Auctions - Arizona, USA. Type

Year

Price

Ferrari 410 Superamerica Scaglietti Coupe

1957

$1,815,000

BMW 507 Roadster

1959

$990,000

Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder

1973

$990,000

Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta

1963

$979,000

Duesenberg Model J LWB LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton

1930

$880,000

Shelby 427 Cobra

1966

$880,000

Ferrari F40 Berlinetta

1991

$781,000

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

1957

$737,000

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe

1955

$632,500

Ferrari 342 America Coupe Speciale

1952

$632,500

Ferrari Daytona Spyder.

RM Auctions kicked off its 2012 calendar on a positive note in Arizona on January 22, posting over $25.5 million in sales with a strong 89% sell-through at its annual Arizona Biltmore sale in Phoenix.

Now in its 13th year, the well-established auction presented a magnificent roster of 140 blue-chip motor cars – spanning the spectrum of the collector car market – before a standing-room only crowd.

Bidders represented 21 countries around the world, with a strong showing of European enthusiasts.

“Our Arizona sale proved to be a great kick start to what is shaping up as another terrific auction year.

We are very pleased with the results of the sale and were delighted to welcome the world’s premiere collectors back to the Arizona Biltmore,” said Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions.

“The results speak for themselves, once again proving that great automobiles, rare, correct examples with documented provenance, consistently attract great prices at auction as collectors continue to seek out the best examples for their collections.”

94 www.cprmag.com

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This stunning BMW 507 Roadster sold for $990,000.

This Ferrari 342 America Coupe sold for ÂŁ17,600.

Headlining the top-sellers list at RM’s two-day Arizona auction was a superb roster of Ferraris, led by the unique ex-Dottore Wax / Greg Garrison 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Scaglietti Coupe, s/n 0671 SA, the only example of the 34 410 Superamericas to have been bodied new by Scaglietti. The first new Ferrari road car to be bodied by the esteemed Modenese coachbuilder, 0671 SA claimed top honors of the weekend, selling for a strong $1,815,000 to great applause from the crowd.

There was certainly a Ferrari theme at this auction and the sale presented no less than ten examples from the Modenese prancing horse. A 1991 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta with less than 300

Immaculate Triumph TR3B sold for $30,350.

miles and originally delivered new to famed auto executive Lee Iacocca, spurred a lively bidding war in the room, achieving a record price of $781,000, while a desirable 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, s/n 16705, offered for the first time in 23 years brought $990,000, and a multi-award winning 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta, s/n 4459 GT, realized $979,000.

Additional sale highlights included a beautifully restored 1959 BMW 507 Roadster for $990,000 and a low mileage 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster for $880,000. An outstanding, concours-quality 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster also garnered strong attention, selling for an exceptional $335,500.

March 2012 95

auctionnews

Latest News From The Auction Rooms

This rare Ferrari 250GT California Spyder topped the bill at the Retromobile Artcurial sale fetching €4,507,104.

Ferrari 250GT California Spyder Stars At Retromobile Auction In Paris Retromobile Artcurial Sale Paris, France February 3, 2012.

A Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder once belonging to a famous ‘playboy’ from the South of France, sold at the Artcurial Retromobile sale in Paris on February 3, fetching an incredible €4,507,104.

Leaving the factory on 11 April 1959, this was the 22nd Ferrari California to be built, including the prototype. It was finished in lacquered silver grey, with black leather interior, black fabric hood, a hard-top and the preferred optional covered headlights. The Pubblico Registro in Modena indicates that 1283GT was first registered on 15 April 1959 as MO 51012, to Franco Mattioli from Sassuolo, the neighbouring district to Maranello. However, Mattioli was in fact acting as an agent for a certain Roger Plemiannikow, alias Roger Vadim. Accompanied by his second wife, the Danish actress Annette Stroyberg, Vadim drove this Ferrari for nearly six years without changing its Italian plates. In 1959 he returned the car to the factory to have the drum brakes replaced with the Amadori disc brakes that were standard on models produced from that year. He then ordered the new shortchassis California model, and chassis number 2175GT was delivered to him at the start of 1961 96 www.cprmag.com

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The Ferrari’s immaculate interior. by the garage Montchoisy, the Swiss Ferrari importer based in Geneva. According to Marcel Massini, the “ long “ California was re-sold in 1965 by the same garage Montchoisy to Georges Lang, a shipper from Annecy.

The car was registered in the Haute-Savoie department, 10 FY 74, and was repainted Bordeaux red. In 1967, Lang acquired a Lamborghini Miura from the Atomic Garage in Lyon, trading in the California at the same time. A friend of the vendor remembers seeing the car for sale for 7,000 F, and later in 1973 in a neighbouring garage in Pont-de-la-Caille, on the road from Annecy to Geneva.

It was rediscovered in 1993 and sold to an important American dealer who had it transported to Amsterdam for export. However,

Roger Vadim and actress Annette Stroyberg with the Ferrari in the 1960s.

Jean Guikas, on discovering the car at the docks, bought it and took it to Marseille where he kept it until 1997. When Jean-Claude Bajol realised that this was the actual car owned

by Vadim that he had dreamed about for so many years, he

wrote a cheque to the dealer immediately. He undertook a nut and bolt restoration of the car which was carried out in Modena, so thorough that it even included replacing the Luppi leather upholstery with period Ferrari leather.

March 2011 97

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onscreen

Top DVDs, Videos & Movies

Sideways In A D-Type!

Format: PAL/Colour + B&W Running Time: 60+ Minutes Price: £12.00 Available From: www.xkd505.com If you are bored with the glitzy high-end DVDs that somehow seem to sanitise the subjects they are covering and irritate you with endless droning music, then this film might just appeal to you. It follows respected driver Win Percy as he blasts around Goodwood circuit in a Jaguar D-Type during a 14 lap historic race. With cameras positioned in the cockpit, it allows you to see exactly how the driver threads the car around the track while picking out the racing line to achieve the quickest lap times. The 14-lap race is covered in its entirety so nothing is missed out; every turn, every braking point, every apex - they are all shown in detail while Percy demonstrates exactly how it’s done.

The car itself is something of an icon, for it is the same car that Mike Hawthorn won the Le Mans 24 Hours race for Jaguar in 1955.

Carrying chassis No XKD 505 wearing the registration 774 RW, it looks superb as it flies around the track in the hands of the driver.

Apart from being a thoroughly entertaining film to watch, it is also very educational from a driving point of view. The commentry is provided be Percy himself, and he talks the viewer through the race and describes in detail what he is doing with the car and how he deals with back markers and over-taking manouvres.

I had to admire the driver for his courage; not just for taking part in the historic race, but more so because he was driving an almost priceless car at very high speed and the risk of serious damage is high. Thankfully, the car and driver finish the race in one piece.

100 www.cprmag.com

This is a thoroughly entertaining DVD and whether you just like classic cars, or are a fan of historic racing, this DVD will make a very welcome addition to you collection.

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Bookshelf

Speedy Stories & Revving Reads!

Jaguar XJ13 - The definitive story of the Le Mans car and the V12 engine that powered it.

Author: Peter Wilson Price: £75.00 Format: Hardback. ISBN: 9780956685711 Available From: www.paulskilleterbooks.co.uk This book tells the inside story of Jaguar’s fabulous Le Mans prototype – gloriously shaped by Malcolm Sayer and arguably the world’s most famous race car never to have turned a wheel in competition! In some 300 pages and 600 illustrations, many in colour, every aspect of XJ13’s origins, design, build and testing is covered by author Peter D. Wilson – who is uniquely qualified for this task because in the early/mid-1960s he was an engineer working in Jaguar’s competition department and helped build the car.

The book also gives the first-ever detailed account of the fantastic 5.0 litre four-cam V12 engine which powered XJ13 (and which was intended to power Jaguar road cars too). This brings to light the extraordinary saga of Jaguar’s intended purchasing of Lotus, with the carrot of a Jaguar V12 race engine for Colin Chapman’s Indianapolis aspirations cleverly dangled by Sir William Lyons! A story which has never been told before, it includes a fascinating exchange of correspondence between those two wiley old campaigners, Lyons and Chapman.

Not only does Peter have personal knowledge of XJ13, he also interviewed key people in the story, including Mike Kimberley who was assigned the project after the sad departure of Derrick White to Cooper Cars (Mike went on to become chief executive of Lotus for many years).

Then retired engine men George Buck,Jim Eastick and Frank Philpott, who developed the four-cam engine on the test-bed, also contributed their knowledge and helped Peter assess the significance of the many test reports which have been analysed for the book. These and large quantity of other key documents came to light during the hundreds of hours Peter spent researching in the Jaguar Heritage archives at Browns Lane, and a number of them are reproduced in full.

The book also explores other mid-engine designs which Malcolm Sayer proposed, including after the XJ13 project was shelved. It also tells how the eventual production ‘flat head’ V12 engine emerged from the original Baily/Heynes design (codenamed ‘XJ6’) which powered the XJ13, but which proved too bulky and complex for use in road Jaguars.

All in all, this is a detailed account of this extraordinary Le Mans Jaguar that is both technical enough to please the engineer, but also expressed in a way that even the layman can appreciate what it takes to design, build and test a sophisticated, 200mph+, V12-engined Le Mans car.

How to Improve MGB, MGC & MGB V8 – New 2nd Edition Author: Roger Willaims Price: (Special Offer) £17.50 Format: Paperback. ISBN: 9781845841874 Available From: www.veloce.co.uk Covers all aspects of improving these cars for today’s conditions, and for higher performance generally; in the areas of power, braking, appearance and comfort. This updated and revised edition includes information on numerous new subjects such as V6 engines, air-conditioning, ignition improvements, engine management, and weight reduction. There is also an individual chapter on the various engines involved, and, in particular, some original and unique research on (four cylinder) cylinder head performance and comparisons.

Okay, so this isn’t actually a new book, but Veloce is offering it at a special offer price of just £17.50 (original price was £35.00) so now is a perfect time to grab a copy of this book. If you are restoring and MGB or already have one on the road, then this book is packed with lots of really useful information which will help transform your car.

102 www.cprmag.com

www.cprmag.com The Book of the Lamborghini Urraco Author: Arnstein Landsem RRP: £40.00 Format: Hardback. ISBN: 9781845842864 Available From: www.veloce.co.uk The Lamborghini Urraco: the little baby Lambo that was meant to beat the Porsche 911 and Ferrari 308, but which instead ran into a myriad of problems. This book describes what really happened, and why the car never got the chance it deserved.

The Urraco lived on in the form of the Silhouette and the Jalpa; the latter greatly responsible for keeping the Lamborghini brand alive in the 1980s. The full story of these V8 Lamborghinis is recorded in these pages, with exclusive interviews from the leading figures behind the cars. The book also includes detailed advice on what to look out for when buying one of these future supercar classics.

Hundreds of amazing photos, most never before published makes this the ultimate book on the V8 Lamborghinis.

Dream Garages International : Great Gearhead Garages from Around the World Author: Lee Klancher RRP: £25.00 Format: Hardback. ISBN: 9780760340752 Available From: www.motorbooks.co.uk Some of the most amazing spaces in the world are profiled in this lavish, illustrated journey across the continents, fulfilling the automotive voyeur’s dream of exploring private car sanctuaries from around the world. Incredible supercar collections, a museum packed with obscure makes and models, and quirky collector spaces from Europe, Japan, Australia, and North America combine to provide a fascinating portrait of how the gearhead phenomenon manifests itself in cultures across the globe.

The pages are packed with glossy photos taken from some amazing private collections showing cars that are rarely seen in public. This is one of those great ‘coffee table’ books that you can pick up every now and then to satisfy your motoring cravings, or perhaps inspire you to build a similar collection yourself...once you have bought that winning lottery ticket of course!

Rolls-Royce and Bentley : The Crewe years Author: Martin Bennett RRP: £59.95 Format: Hardback. ISBN: 9781844254811 Available From: www.motorbooks.co.uk The names Rolls-Royce and Bentley have long been synonymous with engineering excellence, longevity, luxury and beauty of line. This redesigned and modernised third edition of a best-selling classic traces the remarkable story of these automotive aristocrats, examining all the post-war models manufactured at Crewe, bringing the story right up to date. More recent developments include the marques’ acquisition in 1998 by rival German manufacturers, the last Crewe-built Rolls-Royce Corniche in 2002, and the 2007 Continental GT coupe and Bentley Arnage Diamond Series unveiled to mark 60 years of production at Crewe.

The book has a real quality feel about it, and while it is undoubtedly superbly written, it is the photographs that really make it stand out. Like the cars it covers, this book isn’t cheap, but if you are a fan of the RollsRoyce marque, then it will be a very welcome addition to your book shelf.

March 2012 103

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1973 MIDGET 1275cc, tax / MoT May 2012, tax exempt, restored 1990s, garaged, SS exhaust, some spares and accessories, condition 3. £2200ono Tel: 02380 813654 (Southampton)

Lotus Exige S1, 2000. 27,000 miles with a full service history. Lotus Racing Green metallic. Black leather seats and Alcantara trim. Carbon airbox. Fitted with 190 bhp Lotus upgrade. Janspeed full sports exhaust system. Fitted with a TRACKER security device. Comes with a Engineer Drive Evaluation certificate from the Lotus Sports Open Day in March, 2009. Comes with EEC Certificate of Conformity (COC).

Comes with 8 MOT certificates to confirm the modest mileage. Yokohama A048 tyres.

Recent rear wheel bearings. Sony CD Radio. Comes with original Sales Invoice in with the extensive history file. Full MOT and service. £21,995. Telephone: +44 (0)1227 728190

104 www.cprmag.com

Porsche GT3 2009 Cup S Ex Mulhner Motorsport Used by Mulhner in Europe in 2009 then used in the 2009/2010 Cytec UAE GT Championship for the last 5 rounds run by Mulhner motorsport in Dubai. The final round was cancelled.

2 wins were acheived from the other 4 rounds, one with Rene Rast the other with Andrew Donaldson. Engine has circa 32-35 hrs max TBCGearbox has 12-15 hrs max TBC The car is fitted with adjustable ABS and downshift blipper. This is a factory built 997 CUP S. Spares include:3 sets of wheelsFront bumperRadiatorsBrake padsWheel socket . Call +44 (0)1256 760256 for more info.

1956 MGA ROADSTER, Red, complete nut and bolt restoration with all invoices, MGB 1800cc engine, 5 speed box, 1,100 miles, excellent condition. Genuine reason for sale, £21,950, 07595 037932 (Hampshire)

Be Wise When You Advertise!

When you advertise always take steps to guard against identity fraud. Do not place personal details in your adverts.

If you are selling a car, remember that there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there who will use every trick in the book to part you from your car or your money. Take sensible precautions.

If you are buying a car; make sure you check it thoroughly. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Never meet a vendor on the street or at service stations. Research the type of car you are buying so you know what to look for. If you are unsure, take an expert along with you.

TVR Chimaera 4.0 Litre, 1999 V reg, Navy Blue, Tan Interior, Power Steering, CD player, Alloys, Full Service History, 67,666 miles. As featured in Classic, Performance & Retro magazine October 2011. £10,995. Contact Mark on 01354 638678 Tornado TS40, SVA January 2003, Mileage 25,000, MOT valid till 2013, Blue with Orange stripe by permission from Gulf Oil 302ci Ford V8 developing 315 bhp and 314 ft/lbs at 5500 rpm, Holley Carbs, Renault Uni gearbox, 0-60 5.5 secs, 145 mph top speed, Rose jointed front suspension Developed by Frank Catt and Southern GT Xenon Headlights, Chromium plate rear suspension, Adjustable anti- roll bars front MG Midget 1500cc Unleaded Engine Full/Half Tonneau Cover, and rear, Adjustable shock absorbers.

Image BRM wheels Front: 215/45ZR17 Rollover Bar. MOT December Yokohama Tyres - Rear: 245/40ZR17 2010, Tax April 2011. Good Yokohama Tyres. Fast road use brake Condition Some Service History. pads. Aluminium Radiator, Remotely operated fire extinguisher and Electric cut 64000 Miles, Tahiti Blue £2,650.00 out, Central door locking, Air conditioning, ono (Somerset)Tel 01458445806 Interior light, Glass rear windscreen, Built Or email: peter.b10@tiscali.co.uk

by Desmond Finnan, ex-chairman of GT40 Enthusiasts Club in 4Years, with the help and encouragement of The GT40 Enthusiasts Club members Maintained by Frank Catt and Spirit Automotive and is immediately suitable for road and track use. The car has been featured in Complete Kit Car twice and Total Kit Car on their front cover. It has featured in Aviva Pensioner’s Magazine, The Horsleys, and Sorted Magazine. It WILLIAMS CLIO 3.

Genuine featured in Chris Barrie’s Massive Speed 13,194mls! Have owned 15+ years TV series, and The Porsche owners Club magazine. Photographs of the car have One previous owner. All history been used in the Grandstand Motorsports and documentation. Never had any brochure and in adverts for Wheelsports paintwork,original tyres, NO RUST, track days. More information from Near concours condition. Private plate negotiable. 07518023961.

Desmond Finnan on 01483 285455.

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MG MIDGET, WHITE, RUBBER BUMPER, 1979, 1500cc, 16,771 miles, luggage rack and radio, 12 months MOT and 6 months Tax. Very good condition. £2,500. Tel: 07947 551006 W.Sussex

1962 MG MIDGET midnight blue, 3 owners from new, 64k, Original delivery paperwork etc. Rebuilt 96, MOT July. Always garaged/used in dry. Condition 2/3. £5000 Tel: 01580 830237

TVR Griffith 5.0 litre, 1996, Yellow, Black Leather Interior, Walnut Dash, Power Steering, Full Service History, 35,079 miles. £19,995. Call Mark on 01354 638678

Morris Minor Traveller (1967)Almond green. Fairly good condition, good runner, well-maintained + garaged.

Owned since 1997. MOT’d until Oct ‘12. Tax exempt. Respray, reconditioned engine, radiator + exhaust in 2006, gearbox (‘07), converted to unleaded, seat belts + engine isolator switch, complete new wood (‘03) just been re-varnished.

Buyer collects. £3,450. 07043 242550

1963 Morris Minor convertible.

Delightful little convertible Minor.

Finished in deep black (recently re-sprayed) with brand new interior including seats recovered, new door and quarter trims recovered over new hard board.

Nice red carpets and red hood really make this car stand out.

1098cc engine starts on the button and pulls very well.

Full MOT and service when sold. £5,995. 01733 270227 (Cambs)

1986 Mini Cooper recreation.

Stunning car finished in grey with white roof. Full rebuild with a rust free shell, and is fitted with many period MK1 parts including MK1 boot lid, rear lights, cooper front grill, full wood dash and cooper alloys and wheel arch spats. 1275 GTA engine fitted runs perfect. All in all this mini is as close to perfect as they come. £5,995. 01733 270227 (Cambs)

TR4 1964 Full body off restored rally style TR4.

89mm Omega pistons, with fast road cam running on Webbers with very quick engine (reputed 180bhp!)

Extensive engine upgrades.

Rebuilt & uprated A-Type overdrive, Alloy Surrey top. Great fun to drive. Full photographic history file of the restoration. £27,500. Call Gary on 01487 842168 (T)

1976 MGB GT V8 factory car, flame red with black leather interior. Dry use only. Professionally restored (1998). FSH. A superb example of this rare model. Condition 2. £5995. Tel: 01642 750877

1974 Triumph Stag £6,995 This manual, overdrive car still retains its original factory hard top and has a good soft top. On the road the car performs very well with a super strong, responsive engine and a smooth, quiet gearbox.

01944 758000

1980 MGB GT Yellow, 110,965 miles, SORN / garaged, since 2000, taxed 6 months, year MoT. Lady owner since 1986, one pervious owner. £2750ono.

Ideal Christmas present?!

Condition 3. Tel: 02392 732837 jwilsonmather@yahoo.co.uk (Portsmouth)

MGB ROADSTER 1973 Flame red, superb condition, walnut dashboard, wire wheels, overdrive,, comprehensive restoration history, bm/ht certificate taxed long MoT last 10 years low dry mileage. Condition 2. £7,500ono Tel: 01702 588089 (Essex)

1963 Ford Classic Consul, MOT, new paintwork, brand new tyres including the spare, drives like a dream - no knocking or screeching, tax exempt, cheap on classic car insurance. £3,250, 01302 560096

MG TF 160vvc, 2003, 70,700 miles. Service history includes: MG new design cylinder head, new clutch and cambelt, waxoyled. MoT 22/07/12 tax 31/01/12 medical condition forces sale. Condition 3. £1995ono. Tel: 01736 366606 (Cornwall)

MGB ROADSTER 1965, with overdrive, Red, Seebring bodykit, flared arches, Wolfrace wheels, wide tyres. Solid car. T&T. 5-bearing crank. Runs well, stiff suspension. Does need TLC. £3250 ono. 07817 850022 Day. 01895 236747 Eve

March 2012 December 2010 105 109

Smallads

ZT-T 260SE 4.6LTR V8 mustang, 2004/54, facelift, one of 70. 5 speed manual, FMGSH, MOT, Tax, traction, ABS, climate control, sunroof, GPS/TV, half leather, 47,400 miles, brilliant. £10870 ono. 01296 770450 Bucks

The Online Marketplace for Classic, Performance & Retro cars!

MGF 1.8i, THAITIT BLUE, 2000 W plate 62k. Leather upholstery.

New hood, cylinder head/timing Mini Red Hot (1988) in Flame Red belt. FSH. Garaged/covered.

(Manual) with Grey interior trim.

MOT and Tax until April 2011.

This car has just undergone a full VGC, great fun. £2300. Telephone mechanical overhaul including 07768 323558 (Hampshire) new subframe and components.

It’s a very tidy, presentable example and an ideal starter car for a young person. £4,995.

01325 311232

1971 RACING GREEN MIDGET for restoration. Off road for 12 years following MOT failure on body work. £500.00 Tel: 01590 644616, Hampshire.

1961 Austin Healey 3000 MKII Works Replica RHD. Colorado red, old English white works hard-top. Road/race/rally, full FIA papers past and present available. A fortune has been spent with leading race Healey specialists. Massive spec. Very fast. Please contact Martin Daly for full and detailed mechanical spec. Stunning machine. £48,950.

01663 733209

Jaguar 3.8 S Type. 1966. Manual, with Overdrive. Gun Metal Grey with Red interior. This is a top example of this famous Marque.

This Jaguar 3.8 S Type comes with the original Service History from the 60’s and 70’s, also the wall maintenance sheet, and the original Log Book. Thick files of very detailed Service History from later periods.

This Jaguar totally lives up to its pedigree. Sleek, fast, stunningly beautiful. Very special top condition. £16,900. 0114 231 5000

MGF, 1.8 VVC 2003. Silver, MGB ROADSTER 1977, black leather, air-con. Alloys, CD Flamenco red. Lady owner last player, central-locking/alarm, 84K, 29 years, all history, not used last serviced regularly (condition 3), 6 years. Mechanically excellent removable boot luggage rack/ but work needed for MOT. Ideal weather-proof suitcase. MOT restoration project, £1,750. Aug11, Tax Feb11. 01844 351211 Nottingham 0115 9261175. £1,950 ono

106 www.cprmag.com

1967 mustang, 289 V-8 with Flowmaster headers and C-4 automatic transmission giving power to the ground. Beautiful red exterior with handsome black vinyl top and red interior. Its stunning appearance is enhanced by 2008 16 inch GT wheels with optional spinners. Options include: power steering, power brakes, windshield washers, remote control exterior door mirror, console, vinyl top, selfretracting seat belt package, with new radiator, new bumpers, and has a Panasonic CD player, Vin # 7F01C214697. 43500 miles on odometer (unconfirmed). This is a clean Texas car. 001 336-7658312 (USA)

This superb example had a full engine rebuild to 250BHP by leading engineer Simon Armstrong of Ultimate Performance Ltd (a full page write-up can be seen in the Club-Lotus Magazine).

Finished in Brooklands green with magnolia leather trim, alloys, sunroof, aircond, uprated brakes, suspension, stainless sportsexhaust. Presented in near Concours condition after a recent, full, re-commission. A very special Ferrari 2004 Ferrari Enzo Esprit. £18,950. 01663 733209 £875,000. Beautifully presented example of this amazing car that was a classic from inception.

Finished in red with bespoke black alcantara with red quilted stitching. Contact Joe Macari Tel: +44(0)20 8870 9007 Email: sales@joemacari.com Joe Macari MGC ROADSTER with triple carb Downton Conversion. 1968 Old English White with Red leather interior, Red hood, boot rack.

Good runner £14,995 contact Keith 07889 805432 keith@classicmobilia.co.uk MG ZA, 1956, RED lots of time and money spent restoring but now unable to finish. Engine running, interior needs refurbish.

Modified gearbox, front disc brakes. Offers considered. Tel: 01638 660665 Newmarket

MIDGET 1973 RWA, 1275 engine, gearbox overhauled, complete clutch assembly, everything works! Professionaly maintained, garaged, tripod headlamps, bumper included, duck hood, leather seats, Taxed Oct11, MOT Oct11. 07930 521335. £4750 ovno. Lancs. Condition 2

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MG TF VVC 160 SPRINT SPECIAL EDITION (52). Chrome TR5 FULL RESTORATION TO pack, luggage rack. Gunsmoke, b/ EXCEPTIONAL STANDARD. part/leather seats, e/mirrors, PAS, PROFESSIONAL DETAILED 16” Alloy, brand new hood, grey BODY OFF CHASSIS BUILD TO CONCOURS STANDARD AND tonneau cover, 28k miles. £4995.

VIRTUALLY NO MILES SINCE. 07766 167521 CHROME WIRE WHEELS FULL LEATHER AND WALNUT INTERIOR. THIS CAR IS AS BEAUTIFUL ON THE UNDERSIDE AS IT IS THE TOP! VIRTUALLY READY TO SHOW OR ENJOY. Telephone: 01487 842168

TRIUMPH TR4 - 2.5 1963 Signal Red fitted CP TR6 stage 2 engine, on triple SU’s. TR5 performance, superb drive. Body-off chassis/ suspension/engine upgrades by TR specialist. Strong and reliable £15,950 ono. For spec & photos call Mike 07979 531877 or e-mail mike@chadinman.com

MGB V8 3.5EFI ROADSTER Vitesse 3.5 big valve engine + R/Rover EFI. Very fast! New 15” polished wheels. Yokohamas.

MGC axle. Professional respray 2010. New leather. Full MOT. A/ value £14K, accept £12,500. 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500, This MGB ROADSTER 1967, 01332 833889 is a good solid little 1500cc Midnight Blue, wire wheels. Rust gray.geoff@virgin.net Spitfire. Finished in green with free. Reconditioned engine, 4 light beige seats. Drives and runs syncromesh overdrive gearbox, very well, also fitted with a roll bar. black carpet, new dashboard, New MOT and service when sold. black leather seats, moto-lita £2495.00. 01733 270227 / 07841 steering wheel, new hood. £9,500.

718715 (T) T: 07802 255555 London. Cond 2

TRIUMPH VITESSE MKII 2LTR CONVERTIBLE. OVERDRIVE. FULL BODY OFF RESTORATION WITH DETAILED PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD. EXTENSIVE HISTORY, REBUILT ENGINE LOTS OF BILLS AND OLD MOT’S ETC. RUNS AND DRIVES REALLY WELL, STAINLESS EXHAUST. HAS THE ODD PAINT BLEMISH WHICH YOU WILL FORGIVE ONCE YOU HAVE SEEN THE UNDERSIDE! LAST OWNER FOR 6 YEARS, WILL COME WITH 12 MONTHS MOT. £6,495. Telephone: 01487 842168

1970 Triumph TR6, good solid car, this is the 150bhp model with the 2.5L injection engine. Finished in red with black interior. Original TR6 wheels. MOT’d till May 2011 & tax excempt so ready to go!!!

Good history file. Good early 6 at the right money! £7,995. 01733 270227 (Cambs)

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Austin Healey 100/6 BN4 1957 early longbridge car. Ex north america LHD. Structurally superb.

Very original black car fitted with front disc brakes and louvered bonnet, running and driving. Easy project. 01723 361227

Sebring SX, 2008 registration, 3.9 Rover V8 with fast road cams, 1986 Porsche 928S, 4.7 litre V8 Gas flowed cylinder heads, Holly engine and automatic gearbox. 360 carbs,offenhauser manifold, Finished in Guards Red with 5 speed gearbox. Electronic half leather red seats and grey ignition, uprated oil pump, Oil carpets. Lovely looking 928 cooler and remote filter system. with the wedge front and early Roll bar, 3 point seat belt harness, style rear lights. Body is in great 16” Image alloy wheels, fast road condition and shines beautifully. model. As featured in Classic, Good history file with this car, Full Performance & Retro June 2011.

MOT when sold. £5,995. 01733 Reduced to sell at £25,000. Call 270227 / 07841 718715 (T) Mark on 01354 638678.

Just E-mail a photo and the details to: info@cprmag.com March 2012 107

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