Drive July August 17

essentials

ISSUE 3 • JULY/AUGUST 2017

Ride in style Take a tour of Cumbria’s Border country

Va-va voom

We reveal the hottest new rides on the roads

Motor milestones Volvo and Mill North East celebrate success

The all new all electric EV3.

Meet us at the NE1 Motorshow In Just 12 months of opening the showroom doors of Car Barn and Beamish Morgan we are delighted to confirm that alongside our parent company Aston Workshop Limited we will be exhibiting at the 2017 NE1 Motor Show.

This year see’s our new venture come to life with many new clients coming to experience a wide variety of classic cars and new and approved used Morgans. We specialise in anything from rare and original classic Mini’s to fully restored series 1 Jaguar E-types. As always if you have a classic car you’d like to sell we’d be delighted to discuss further.

Beamish Morgan brings a new life into one of England’s oldest car manufactures with some fantastic new models including the Morgan Aero 8 on display at the NE1 Motorshow as well as the all Electric EV3 Wheeler..

Sales

Restoration

For more information please call

01207 233 525

For more information visit

aston.co.uk

Parts

Servicing

Global delivery | Beamish

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England

Welcome

The Essentials

ISSUE 3 • JULY/AUGUST 2017

04 Motor milestones

24

Volvo and Mill North East celebrate two anniversaries

08 Country rides Take a tour of Cumbria’s Border Country

10 Cool cars New models worth keeping an eye out for

14 Va-va-voom We take Aston Martin’s Vanquish S Coupe for a spin

16 Speed-seeker Young motor sport star, Joseph Taylor, is heading for the big time

Welcome to Drive

The third issue of Drive serves up a roaring mix of brand new supercars, retro wonders and restored classics, plus dreamy drives to get you inspired. We also chat to some of the region’s speed-seekers, from young motor sport star, Joseph Taylor, to the creative brain behind Aston Martin’s mightiest motors and a member of the Tyneside American Car and Truck Club. We also check in with the guys at Volvo and Mill North East as they celebrate their success - and look forward to the big things to come. And for all you eagle-eyed petrol-heads out there, we reveal the hottest new models on the roads - the ones worth lusting-after and saving up for. Enjoy!

20 Retro racer Classic cars are back in style

24 Restored beauty Jaguar E-type is brought back to life in style

30 Motor man We get to know Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman

Contributors Peter Jackson

Photography Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Lisa Anderson: lisa@remembermedia.co.uk / 07734 560565 or Debi Coldwell: debi@remembermedia.co.uk / 07910 918366

Remember Media Limited, e-volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South Business Park, DH4 5QY remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2016 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, June 2017. Drive Essentials is published annually by Remember Media Ltd.

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DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Xxxxxxxx Va va Volvo

A roaring

success This year sees a major milestone for Volvo and for Mill North East, one of the brand’s greatest champions. We take a look at some of the changes planned by both with Mill’s MD, Bill Ward >>

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

04

VaXxxxxxxx va Volvo

05

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Va va Volvo

This year marks two anniversaries for Volvo in the North East.

Although the brand didn’t arrive on the UK’s shores until 1958, the first Volvo car was built in 1927.

And in 1947, Mill Garages - a name now almost synonymous with the brand in the North East was founded in the Old Mill House below Fulwell Mill in Sunderland, at a time when the country was still licking its war wounds and rationing was still in force.

In 1965 Mill began its association with Volvo and in 1995 became the sole dealer for the North East and now Mill is the biggest Volvo dealer in the UK, selling nearly 3,000 new cars a year.

In fact, the company now accounts for 8% of Volvo’s national market share.

It expects to record 3,200 registrations this year, as its contribution towards Volvo’s UK target of 60,000. It has sites in Newcastle, Sunderland, Stockton and Harrogate.

Managing director Bill Ward is confident that even more exciting times lie ahead.

“Volvo as a marque has changed dramatically

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

over the past few years and there are even more dramatic changes ahead,’’ he says. “We are opening new doors and attracting a whole range of new customers who might not have considered Volvo in the past and now see a Volvo as an exciting alternative to a BMW, a Jaguar or a Mercedes. Volvo is a premium car which has always been known for safety but now also has style and performance.

“We are very excited about the future because we will become the North East’s number one speciality car brand.’’

He points to the new models which are coming on stream. An all new XC60 – the second largest volume seller for Volvo – is arriving in the showrooms as Luxe goes to press and an all new XC40 will be out at the end of the year.

Volvo is also introducing its new 90 cluster – the XC90, the V90 estate, and the S90 saloon.

This represents a completely new stable of models for Volvo.

“Within two years they will be oldest cars in the range,’’ says Ward.

Nor, does it seem, will Volvo be happy to stop

06

at that. It was sold by Ford to Chinese company Geely Automobile in 2010 and its new owner has invested heavily in research and development, particularly in class-leading, efficient new engines.

Also, the company – long renowned for the safety of its vehicles – is vocal about its 2020 Vision, which states: “our vision is that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car”.

Apparently, it aims to achieve this through a carefully designed frame with extremely heavy steel used at points in the car where impacts cause the most damage and with an energyabsorbing seat system to improve spinal protection during crashes and a surrounding airbag system.

An auto-brake system will use a system of lasers and cameras to detect active and passive obstacles from all angles, including sidedetection - useful for urban drivers sharing the road with cyclists.

Volvo chief executive Hakan Samuelsson said recently: “We are the premium alternative. O

Va va Volvo

‘WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE BECAUSE WE WILL BECOME THE NORTH EAST’S NUMBER ONE SPECIALITY CAR BRAND’ ur brand is about design to be proud of and about responsibility, both in terms of safety and the environment. Not everybody wants a big engine with a lot of horsepower. For some that is not premium, and those are our customers.’’

Autonomous or driverless vehicles are also going to be part of the mix.

Samuelsson added: “Autonomous driving is absolutely right for us, with our commitment to safety. Again the brand will help. It’s a big advantage having the Volvo Iron Mark on the front of the car. In the future it will give credibility when you’re reading your emails at 80mph.’’

What also excites Mill Volvo is not just the new models but also the new environment in which those vehicles will be sold.

The manufacturer has embarked on the Volvo Retail Experience which means that its car showrooms in the UK will be transformed into customer-focused, Scandinavian-inspired spaces that are “cool on the outside, warm on the inside”.

As far as the inside goes, some 40% of the showroom will become a ‘living room’, with that familiar, clean-cut Swedish-look furniture on which customers can relax, surfing the internet or catching up on emails, thanks to free wi-fi, while sustaining themselves with Swedish cakes and coffee. The remaining 60% will be dedicated to a contrasting ‘street’ area in which will be displayed Volvo’s new car range.

This emphasis on customer comfort is partly down to Volvo’s desire for aftersales customers to wait while their car is serviced. Although Volvo car dealers may still offer courtesy cars and collection and delivery, a new ‘lean’ method

of working by teams of two technicians on each car will mean a service should be completed in less than an hour. Also, interior glazing provides a window into the workshop, allowing the customer to observe their vehicle as the technicians are working on it.

The ambition is to complete the transformation of the dealer network by 2020.

As part of that process Mill has recently completed the £800,000 refurbishment of its Mill Volvo Teesside dealership at Preston Farm, Stockton. Over the coming years it plans the same process for its other dealerships.

Mill is also concentrating on the development of its people and Ward, who is chair of the Volvo Training Group, has been instrumental in the introduction of a new-to-car-sales apprenticeship programme.

“We are now investing in apprenticeships that don’t just stop at the workshops, which is

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historically what most dealerships have done,’’ he says. “It is not necessarily just for young people but for those who have had exposure to consumers in some way in various industries.

We are trying to have a focus on investing in people to create and deliver a great service.’’

The course is now on its third cohort, with about 12 having qualified through the apprenticeship.

A proud North Easterner, Ward sees the business, the Volvo brand and the North East as being part of a winning dynamic.

He says: “A large part of our success is down to the fact that we are still a family business in many respects and we are locally owned.’’

And he is confident that the new Volvos will prove popular with the people of the North East.

He adds: “They suit each other – they are both strong and reliable.’’

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Dream drive

Country rides Cumbria’s Border Country is not only rich in history – from the Romans to the Reivers, it also has some fantastic driving

Our drive begins in Haltwhistle, an ancient mining town with a 12th century church, and now bypassed by the A69. From here, take the A69 a short distance west before leaving it for the village of Greenhead. It’s worth stopping here to explore a series of attractive ravines, known as the Nine Nicks of Thirlwall. The Roman track, known as the Maiden Way, runs from here to Penrith.

After leaving Greenhead, the real interest of the drive begins. Turn onto the B6318 for Gilsland and then you have a section of Hadrian’s Wall on the left. The sections of the Wall running through this stretch of Cumbria are the best preserved and the most atmospheric.

On reaching Gilsland, you may find it hard to believe, but its natural sulphur and chalybeate (search me) springs once made this a popular spa resort. For those with an interest in old churches, it’s worth making a short detour

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

from Gilsland to Upper Denton, where the Saxon builders used stone from Hadrian’s Wall to build the church.

Leave Gilsland by crossing the River Irthing and after quarter of a mile turn left and start to climb with great views of the Wall down to your left. After another mile turn left onto a road signposted Birdoswald, Lanercost. The countryside around here is utterly beguiling, a hidden corner of winding, hedge-lined lanes, rolling green fields and scattered woodland.

It’s all too easy to lose all sense of direction, so stay alert for the signposts – or listen to the Sat Nav. Birdoswald is an English Heritage site and one of the best preserved forts on the Wall. It’s a good spot to stretch your legs, view the longest continuous remaining stretch of the Wall and have a cup of tea.

From there, continue along the line of the

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Wall to reach Banks, where there are more notable Roman sites, and from there to Lanercost and its ruined priory, which stands evocatively skeletal, framed against the sky.

Here you’ll also find the Lanercost Tea Room with its attendant gift shop in the restored outbuildings of the original priory farm. It’s a beautiful location and the home-made-fromlocal-produce food makes it worth stopping.

Pass the entrance to the priory, cross the river then turn immediately left, crossing Naworth Park to reach Naworth Castle. This magnificent 14th century pile is the private ancestral home of the Howard family. Sadly, it’s only open to the public for functions and private guided tours, so you’ll have to be content with peering through the railings.

Next is Brampton, a pleasant little market town, which boasts an unusual eight-sided moot hall in its cobble-flanked main street. From here,

Dream drive

Hadrian’s Wall Lancercost

Banks

Birdoswald Gilsland Upper Denton

Greenhead Haltwhistle

Naworth Castle

Bellister Castle

Brampton Featherstone Castle Hallbankgate Carlise

Warwick Bridge

Toppin Castle

Rowfoot Coanwood

Talkin

Wetheral

take the A689, past Carlisle Airport and over the M6 into Carlisle.

If you have the time, it’s well worth spending a couple of hours or more in Carlisle, an attractive and friendly city with a light open feel. It boasts a huge castle which has a great museum and exhibitions, then in the city itself is the award-winning Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery and the cathedral.

Leave Carlisle by heading south on the A6 to the M6 junction roundabout where you take the second exit for Wetheral, an attractive village, where an ancient abbey gatehouse faces across the River Eden to Corby Castle – another stronghold of the Howards. The area around here is another hidden gem and Eden seems an apt name.

Take the road back to the A69 and follow it for about a mile to Warwick Bridge. Again, time permitting, it’s worth stopping here as the most

attractive parts of the village, such as the Norman church, are away from the main road.

From Warwick Bridge take a minor road signposted Castle Carrock, then almost immediately left for Toppin Castle, then after a mile and half, branch left again following the sign post for Talkin, a hamlet by a high fell. It’s worth making a short diversion from here to Talkin Tarn, a 60-acre lake set amid 120 acres of farmland and woodland. A local beauty spot and a favourite with dingy sailors, rowers and anglers, there’s a pleasant 1.3 mile path around the tarn, which is suitable for wheelchairs.

A quarter of a mile after leaving Talkin, turn right and follow the signpost for Hallbankgate and climb for some great views back over the tarn and the great expanse of the Cumberland Plain.

At Hallbankgate, turn right onto the A689 for Alston, continue through Halton Lea Gate

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and after a mile turn left signposted Coanwood to a crossroads where you take a left at a crossroads for Haltwhistle. Drive on to the hamlet of Rowfoot and turn left at the signpost for Featherstone Park and then, after half a mile, drop sharply down to Featherstone Castle, which dates from the 13th century, and is not open to the public.

From here head along a secluded picturesque road running along the east bank of the River South Tyne. After a bridge follow the signpost for Haltwhistle, then climb to a T-junction to turn left and after nearly two miles reach Bellister Castle (yes, another castle), which is more of a tower really, attached to a manor house.

A short distance later, turn left and cross a bridge to return to Haltwhistle.

The whole drive is nearly 55 miles but you need the best part of a day to do it justice.

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

ONES TO WATCH Cool cars worth keeping an eye out for...

The electric wonder…

MINI COOPER S E COUNTRYMAN ALL4 Agile, versatile and effortless to drive, MINI’s new plug-in hybrid is motoring proof that good things come in small, zippy packages. Boasting SUV capability this Mini has enough electric energy to take you as far as you dare to go, whether it be a short shopping spree or a long-haul expedition on the open road. Available in three modes to suit your driving style and as easy to charge as your latest tech gadget - simply plug in to a 10A socket at home using the supplied cable.

From £31,538

The head-turner…

ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE AMR Offering added horsepower, sharpened good looks and striking optional upgrades worth lusting after, the new Vantage AMR is guaranteed to satisfy need-for-speed petrol-heads and make-astatement motorists. A race-inspired supercar, available as both V8 and V12 models and in Coupe and Roadster body styles, it demands attention on the tracks and is the first of a fierce new breed - the first AMR model to enter production. Available with 430bhp V8 or 595bhp V12 engines for envious va-va-voom.

From £97,995

The contemporary cruiser…

JAGUAR XF SPORTSBRAKE The estate version of Jaguar’s large executive saloon takes modern luxury to the next level, blending stylish materials with finelycrafted finishes and dreamy dynamics for an exciting ride. Think grained leather seats for ultimate comfort, bi-function Xenon HID headlights for safer nighttime driving and soft interior mood lighting to bring the spacious cabin to life. All enhanced by an extensive collection of exterior and interior accessories to match your life and drive style, plus state-of-the-art technologies to keep you safe, connected and entertained.

From £34,910 DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

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Show-stoppers

The Scandi-speedster…

VOLVO XC60

An SUV with Swedish flair, made for demanding drivers and adventureseekers. Crafted from natural materials like real wood, genuine metal and luxury fabrics, it’s the epitome of modern Scandinavian design, complemented by a T8 Twin Engine powertrain that gives performance and low emissions without compromise. And with features like all-wheel drive, hill-descent control and hill-start assist, plus Volvo’s latest safety technologies to keep you in lane and your steering in control at faster speeds, it promises a reliable ride, wherever your journey takes you.

From £32,935

The sporty stand-out…

INFINITI Q60

A premium sports coupe that combines daring design with exhilarating performance and dynamics. Powered by new V6 powertrain technology and a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, and with INFINITI’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering and new Dynamic Digital Suspension, it delivers an engaging sports coupe experience and high agility - perfect for thrill-seekers. It’s good-looking, too, boasting deep and daring curves, taut, muscular lines and even redesigned door hinges for dramatic sculpting.

Did we mention it can reach 62mph in just five seconds, too?

From £34,300

sheer driving pleasure

BMW M140i 5-DOOR SpORTS HATCH. FroM £0 deposit & £359 per MoNth.

Impressive specification includes Black Dakota Leather, BMW Navigation, 18” M Double-spoke style Alloy Wheels, M Aerodynamic Bodystyling Kit, M Sport suspension and Braking System, Bluetooth Hands-Free with USB Audio Interface and more.

BMW select finance representative example: BMW M140i 5-door sports hatch. term of Agreement

47 monthly payments of

on the road cash price*

Customer deposit

Deposit Contribution

Total Deposit

total amount of credit

option to purchase fee^

optional final payment^

total amount payable

rate of interest

48 months

£359.00

£33,180.00

£0.00

£6,326.57

£6,326.57

£26,853.53

£1.00

£13,054.53

£33,178.53

2.0% fixed

representative 3.9% Apr

We part-exchange any car, any condition and any mileage. For more information and to book a test drive†, please call us on 0191 2617366.

Lloyd Newcastle BMW

Barrack Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE2 4LE 0191 2617366 www.lloydmotorgroup.com/BMW Official fuel economy figures for a BMW M140i 5-door Sports Hatch: Urban 26.6mpg (10.6/100km). Extra Urban 45.6mpg (6.2/100km). Combined 36.2mpg (7.8/100km). CO2 emissions 179g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Lloyd Newcastle is a credit broker and not a lender.

Finance example is for a BMW Select agreement for a new BMW M140i 5-door Sports Hatch, with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 8.39p per mile. Applies for new vehicles ordered between 1 June and 30 June 2017 and registered by 30 September 2017 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year BMW Retailer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. ^Optional final payment and option to purchase fee not payable if you opt to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement (vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable). Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. ‘BMW Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. You will have a 14 day statutory right to withdraw from the agreement. Lloyd Motor Group, trading as Lloyd Newcastle, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. E&OE.

20170180A_Half Page Drive Supp BMW M140i NC_KB.indd 1

13/06/2017 13:40

Essentials edit

Ride in style Two iconic British brands, Barbour and Land Rover, join forces to create a statement jacket for style-conscious drivers. Crafted with light-weight cotton, it’s an easy-to-throw-on must-wear for long summer drives, with large militarystyle pockets for your essentials and a needle cord collar and roll-away hood for a comfortable, adaptable fit.

Men's Barbour x Land Rover Hilbre Jacket, ÂŁ279, www.outdoorandcountry.co.uk

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

12

Speed thrills

Land of the

vanquished Aston Martin’s Vanquish S is a threatened species in terms of supercar design so the time might be now to invest, Chris March weighs it up Fresh off the back of test driving the all new Aston Martin DB11, I found myself back in the sweetshop of speed with the Vanquish S Coupe the pick and mix of the day.

The taste of the DB11 still lingered. That bells-and-whistles model, awash with new technology.

I genuinely expected a similar driving

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

experience with the Vanquish S to the DB11.

How wrong I was!

Nothing could have prepared me for this sugar-rush of a ride.

Take the fastest thing you’ve driven, inject a vial of steroids then mix with nitrous oxide and you’re getting close to the sheer brutality of the vehicle.

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The styling is aggressive and wouldn’t be out of place on any racetrack; it sits dangerously low to the ground – and thoughts turn to navigating the best way home avoiding any kind of speed calming measures.

The car is a thing of beauty: the one I drove, onyx black with contrasting speed yellow graphics, carbon-fibre bonnet vents and brake

Speed thrills

calipers; in fact there’s lots of carbon fibre on show throughout; the diamond cut alloys are stunning and the interior styling a cut above the DB11 in my opinion.

I wince at the price tag of £210,000 but suspect this car will become extremely desirable as one of the last of the naturally-aspirated V12s – sadly cars like this won’t exist within the next few years, it’ll be sets of twin turbos all round. Aston has already announced it will be replacing this car in early 2020.

In the cockpit I’m pleased with what meets my eye - I have a key that fits in a slot, something that’s missing with the DB11. Visually, the Vanquish seems to have more buttons than the Space Shuttle, some a touch too sensitive for my chunky digits.

The Vanquish S stitching is sublime, particularly the seats and roof lining. I’ve heard it being described as a spider’s web or tracer fire going overhead, whatever your vocabulary, it’s simply a stunning piece of craftsmanship.

Push the crystal key in and the engine erupts into life, like a thoroughbred at the starting gate. Tap the accelerator and tune in to the soundtrack of dreams. That’s what this car is all about.

The Vanquish S drives beautifully, it feels tighter, sportier and the new 8-speed automatic touchtronic transmission transfers power flawlessly. They say the 6.0L V12 engine will top 200MPH - you’ll have to head to Europe for a suitable piece of tarmac, unless you have a friend with an airfield on hand.

0-62 takes a mere 3.5 seconds and my word you know it when accelerating, I have my daughter shrieking with delight on several occasions coming back from Wynyard Hall – the perfect destination to test the car’s public appeal amongst the summer fair-goers. It’s not very

often a car elicits chat from perfect strangers.

Yes, it’s a head-turner, yes, it commands respect from my fellow road users and yes, those road bumps on Wynyard estate caused my palms to sweat as I paid very close attention to my driving.

For me, my preference is with the Vanquish S, I’ve tested both cars and in truth, if I’m spending £200k on a car it needs to really hit the sweet spot - and the Vanquish S really did.

Car supplied by Aston Martin, Newcastle.

‘YES, IT’S A HEADTURNER, YES, IT COMMANDS RESPECT FROM MY FELLOW ROAD USERS’ 15

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DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

16

Steering to success

seeker Speed

Young motor sport star Joseph Taylor could be heading for the big time, thanks to his extraordinary talent – and with a little help Lewis Hamilton – one of the greatest Formula One drivers in the sport’s history – cut his teeth in kart racing and one North East youngster looks set to follow him.

Twelve-year-old kart star Joseph Taylor from Ryton has been signed up with motor racing company CEFC Manor TRS Racing’s Driver Programme to develop his driving career towards car racing.

Manor, which competes in sports car racing in the World Endurance Championship, centred on the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, launched its Official Driver Programme to steer young, talented drivers towards success.

Through the programme this year, Joseph, who is also sponsored by Luxe Magazine, will receive guidance and assistance on developing his driving career and gain access to the Manor team and the environment at some endurance races.

Graeme Lowdon, who lives in Corbridge, and

worked in Formula One for six years and with Lewis Hamilton for three years, is president and sporting director of Manor.

He says: “A big part of the Manor programme is spotting talent at an early age and that is something we think is really important. Motor sport is such a difficult business.’’

Joseph, who has been racing karts since he was eight, is one of two UK representatives nominated by the Motor Sports Association to take part in this year’s CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy series, which will see him racing in Finland, Belgium and France.

He says: “To be chosen for the Manor Official Driver Programme is a very big thing. I was in quite a lot of shock. I didn’t realise I’d had someone watching me to see how I was driving.

It’s something very big to me and that could be something that takes me forward.

“It’s a real privilege and a huge step forward for me because it could be the start of a big career.

‘IT’S A REAL PRIVILEGE AND A HUGE STEP FORWARD FOR ME BECAUSE IT COULD BE THE THE START OF A BIG CAREER.’ 17

I’ll grasp this opportunity and make the most of it.

“I am really excited to be working with the same people who have worked with Lewis Hamilton and other F1 drivers in the past.

It gives me the confidence to show I could do as well as them.’’

Joseph describes how his love of karting and motorsport grew.

“I’d always liked cars when I was small and had my little toy models and watched the F1 Grands Prix. Then, one day my dad took me down to the local outdoor track and I watched the karts go round. It was amazing for me and I asked him if I could come back and drive. We came back and I drove on one of their hire karts for a couple of sessions. I did that a few times and then got my own kart.’’

His mother Lianne says Joseph’s success and the link with Manor has taken the family by surprise.

“It’s not something we expected him to get so young. In karting very rarely do they get that kind of backing, but if they do it’s usually as they get towards their teenage years, so we’re thrilled.

It’s exciting for him, it’s what he wants, you couldn’t ask for much better support. But,’’ she laughs, “we’re still getting used to the fact - he’s still my little 12-year-old.’’

And, as for any other 12-year-old, there’s still the matter of school.

“He misses very little school,’’ says Lianne. >>

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Steering to success

“When he was taking part in the British championships last year he had to miss the occasional Friday. He takes any extra work with him and his homework is usually crammed into Monday to Thursday to make sure he can concentrate on his racing at the weekend. It’s very important to us that he stays at school as much as he can.’’

Joseph’s career represents a big commitment on the part of the Taylor family, as Lianne explains.

“He started to race when he was eight, so we’ve been used to packing up on a Friday and heading off and getting back on a Sunday, but this year he’s done a bit of European racing, so he’s had to have a couple of trips to Belgium, so that’s quite a big thing. It’s a big investment in time from us. It’s a big commitment from the whole family. Joseph’s one of three with another one on the way.’’

Joseph’s mentor and adviser for the past year and a half has been Laurance Laybourne, a business acquaintance of Joseph’s father Lee and who himself has had a long involvement in motorsport. He raced himself in the 1960s and has a close professional involvement with the Scots driver Rory Butcher.

Lee persuaded him to go to watch Joseph in a practice trial near Grantham about 18 months ago and Laurance was immediately struck by the youngster’s potential.

He says: “I could see he was exceptionally good.

He’s a very intelligent driver and he’s extraordinarily quick. I was very impressed with his talent and his skill, but also his commitment.

He’s very intelligent; he’s a very polite and presentable young man.’’

Laurance was instrumental in arranging sponsorship for Joseph from businesses such as Luxe magazine and Rainton Bridge based marketing company, Digital Allies, and in

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

bringing him to the attention of Manor, which needed little persuading of his talents.

He says: “It has worked really well, we‘ve got him a lot of sponsors, he’s done some videos and he’s got a website and we do loads of social media.’’

He explains how important the sponsorship is.

“The karting scene is enormous, with races at several circuits every weekend all over the country and on the continent. It’s expensive, it takes up quite a bit of money.’’

But, the Manor support will be a huge help.

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“It’ll be another three years before he can race cars,” says Laurance. “But the plan is that with him being on the Manor Programme, he’s going to get a head start because they are racing big time and have connections. He’s already had a trip to Silverstone to meet the people and he’ll hopefully become part of their team and learn a lot.”

Joseph is clearly an exceptional young driver.

Graeme Lowdon adds: “We have chosen Joseph to join the Manor Official Driver Programme because it’s clear he can drive - you can see that from his karting results.

“Manor has worked with some exceptional drivers over the years and there are certain qualities that all these drivers have in common and Joseph has many of those qualities.’’

And one of those is surely ambition.

“Formula 1 is my dream,’’ says Joseph. “But there are a lot of opportunities in motorsport, so if you didn’t get there, but were still somewhere else that you liked, it’s not a massive issue.’’

There is one ambition he has already fulfilled.

Last year, Joseph met his hero Lewis Hamilton when he was officially recognised for winning the 2015 Formula Kart Stars – Cadet series. Lewis won the same championship in 1995, and at the same age, before going on to become one of the youngest F1 champions at the age of 23.

Joseph says: “That was quite amazing getting to meet my hero. I felt extremely privileged to have met someone like him.’’

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THE MINI RANGE FROM £0 DEPOSIT. At Lloyd Newcastle the MINI range is currently available for £0 deposit. From the limited edition MINI Cooper 3-Door Hatch with John Cooper Works Sport Pack to the new (bigger) MINI Countryman, there is a MINI for everyone.

MINI Select Representative example: MINI Cooper 3-Door Hatch with John Cooper Works Sport Pack.

Term of agreement 47 monthly payments On the road cash price* Customer deposit

48 months Total amount of credit

£15,930.50

£249.00 Option to purchase fee**

£1.00

£17,970.00 Optional final payment**

£6,862.15

£0.00 Total amount payable

£20,605.65

Retailer deposit contribution £1,039.50 Rate of interest

5.9% fixed

MINI FS deposit contribution £1,000.00 Representative

5.9% APR

Total deposit

£2,039.50

Get in touch with the team from Lloyd Newcastle on 0191 2690000 to find out more, or arrange a test drive.†

Lloyd Newcastle

Barrack Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE2 4LE 0191 2690000 Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI range: Urban 27.2-72.4 mpg (10.4-3.9 l/100km). Extra Urban 47.9-91.1 mpg (5.9-3.1 l/100km).

Combined 37.7-83.1 mpg (7.5-3.4 l/100km). CO2 emissions 175-89g/km.

Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions. Lloyd Newcastle is a credit broker and not a lender. Lloyd Motors Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lloyd Motors Ltd FCA Number: 308524.

Finance example is for a MINI Select agreement for a MINI 3-Door Hatch with John Cooper Works Sport Pack with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 4.31p per mile. Retail customers only. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year MINI Retailer Warranty, MINI Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates, VAT. **Optional final payment and option to purchase fee not payable if you opt to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement (vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable).

Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time.

‘MINI Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by MINI Financial Services, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0FB. You will have a 14 day statutory right to withdraw from the agreement. Lloyd Motors Ltd commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including MINI Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Offers valid at the time of upload and liable to change. †Test drive is subject to status and availability. E&OE.

20170179_GC_MINI Half Page Luxe_RS.indd 1

13/06/2017 14:40

Vintage finds

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

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Vintage finds

Retro racer

Nigel Fleck is a member of the Tyneside American Car and Truck Club - a group of life-long lovers of classic American cars 21

There was something about the classic US cars of the 1960s and 1970s – all those Buicks, Cadillacs, Mercurys and Oldsmobiles, names that roll like incantations, conjuring an era.

They had a panache, a swagger and, with their chrome and tail fins, their enormous size and their sheer flamboyance, they were often way over the top. >>

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Vintage finds

‘THEY ATTRACT SOME WONDERFUL ATTENTION. PEOPLE STAND AND STARE AS YOU DRIVE PAST’ But, love them or hate them, you can’t be indifferent, especially not if you were brought up in that age when Bullitt and Kojak and Starsky and Hutch were burning rubber.

This was how Nigel Fleck was bitten by the bug.

Nigel, 51, who lives in Bedlington and is the proud owner of two US classics, says: “It all started back when I was at school and we had programmes on TV such as The Dukes of Hazzard and the idea of flying around in a big orange car like that excited me.’’

The big orange car he refers to was General Lee, a Dodge Charger and the star of The Dukes of Hazzard. It became his life’s ambition to own one.

But he was smitten by these American cars in general.

He says: “They are so noticeable and they are so distinctive, the sound of them, the overall size and the design and the fact that at a time when the States had something the size of a Cadillac we were running around in little Ford Prefects.’’

Messing about with cars became a hobby in his youth and he attended car shows and he began to acquire classic American cars – Ford Rancheros, an El Camino, a 1965 Mustang and a 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass, but his obsession was always to have a Dodge Charger.

“I tried two or three times to buy one,’’ he recalls. “But every time I thought I had enough money saved up the prices would go up a bit more. Every time I went looking for one I thought the prices were so far out of reach it wasn’t going to happen.’’

But he was determined that it would, so determined in fact, that he remortgaged his house to raise the cash.

He then found one in New Orleans which he planned to buy and have shipped over. He paid the deposit and everything was ready.

He says: “I was looking forward to that, but the seller came back from his holidays, got in touch and told me the car was no longer for sale because Hurricane Katrina had destroyed it.’’

Later he wrote a cheque for another Dodge Charger but had to cancel it when fellow enthusiasts flagged up concerns about the reliability of the seller. He bid for another on eBay but was outbid in the dying minutes of the auction and his computer crashed DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 16

before he could raise his own offer.

Then about a year later in 2005, it came up for auction again and Nigel was successful in his bid of £16,001.13.

He took the train down to Luton to pick up the car and he was finally behind the wheel of his longed for 1968 Dodge Charger, with the open road before him – or at least the M1. The car now sits proudly on his drive alongside his 1974 Chevrolet El Camino. In total, he estimates that he has owned about 12 classic US cars.

He says: “They attract some wonderful attention. People stand and stare as you drive past and if you’ve popped to the supermarket for something, or are putting petrol in, people come over and ask questions about it.

Occasionally you get pulled over by the police just so they can ask you about the car.

“We’ve been driving down to car shows in the motorway and all of a sudden you’ll get somebody who flies past you, then they dive in front of you and there’s somebody hanging outside of the car up to their waist taking photographs. They don’t appreciate that I’m not driving a modern car with the brakes that they have, so you’ve got to watch what’s going on in front of their car because I’ll have to react before they react.’’

Cars have moved on a lot since the 1970s, with better braking, steering, suspension and general safety features. He recalls the first time he drove the Dodge Charger.

“It was such a different experience to drive it.

At the time I was running around in a Mondeo and that is very different compared to a 40-year-old American tank. Its 335 horsepower, drum brakes all round, weighs about two-ton, it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced when you’re trying to control it on the road.’’

Driving round Northumberland’s country lanes obviously calls for some care and attention and it will only just squeeze into most parking spaces. However, the insurance is relatively cheap, as insurers recognise that the owners of these cars treat and drive them with considerable TLC. So, now that Nigel finally has his Dodge Charger and his El Camino, which American classic does he want next?

He smiles. “All of them.’’

22

Car collector Nigel is by no means alone in the North East in his enthusiasm for classic American cars. He is a member of Tyneside American Car and Truck Club, a group of fellow devotees of these distinctive vehicles.

The club, which was formed in 1995, has 44 members, who, between them, own 30 US vehicles, from 1960s Cadillacs to 1970s Mercury Montegos – oh, and a fire engine.

They meet on the first Friday of every month between April and November in Horsely and hold social events, including a BBQ around the 4 July and a meal to celebrate Thanksgiving at the end of November.

Members come from as far away as Amble, Darlington and Alston and their ages range from 23 to 82 with a variety of occupations.

“We have members who are retired, members who do manual labour, members who have professional jobs such as bankers and nurses and members who are selfemployed,’’ says club secretary Sue Gray.

“We cross all ages and all social divides.

“Some of the members are very active and do a lot of shows, but some, because of age or health aren’t, but that doesn’t matter, so long as they enjoy the cars.’’

Apart from the companionship, other benefits of membership are discounted car insurance and public liability insurance for car shows.

“One of the other benefits of being in a club is the sharing of information and expertise, as some of our members have been round the American car circuit since the 1970s,’’ says Sue. Members attend shows around the North with their vehicles.

“If you go to a show on any given Sunday you’re more than likely to come across a member of Tyneside American,’’ she adds.

And what does she think the appeal is?

“It’s the character and the big V8s. They look gorgeous and they sound just right.’’

NORTH YORKSHIRE’S SPECIALISTS IN BUYING AND SELLING LUXURY AND SPORTS CARS

16 66 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Miura

17 17 McLaren 675 LT 3.8 Spider SSG

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A small selection from our 100-car showroom 17 17 McLaren 570GT 3.8 V8 SSG [VAT Qualifying] - Soft close doors, carbon interior pack , rear camera, Bower and Wilkins audio £159,995 15 15 Bentley Mulsanne 6.8 V8 Speed Auto - Rear entertainment, Speed premier spec £134,995 15 15 Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 SVR Overfinch Auto - Full Overfinch exterior and interior £119,995 11 61 McLaren MP4 12C 3.8 V8 SSG - Carbon engine bay, 20” Stealth wheels £117,995 14 64 Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography Overfinch Auto - Full Overfinch exterior and interior £109,995 15 15 Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Overfinch Auto - Full Overfinch exterior and interior, rear entertainment, tracker £99,995 14 14 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 S Auto - 21” 7-spoke wheels, reversing camera, massage seats £89,995 15 15 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 Quattro Spyder S Tronic - Black styling pack, extended Nappa leather £89,995 14 14 Bentley Continental GT 4.0 V8 Auto – Mulliner spec, rear camera, 21” black machined wheels, power boot, only 18k miles £84,955 15 15 Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 Overfinch Auto – Full Overfinch exterior bodystyling, HUD, park assist, tracker £79,995 15 65 Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 Vogue SE Auto – Full Tank bodystyling, Stealth pack, Meridian 1700w, 23” satin black wheels, big spec £79,995 15 65 Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 V8 Sportshift II [420] – 19” gloss black wheels, homelink, front sensors, clear tail lights, 2016 MY £73,995 16 16 Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 Vogue Auto – Sliding pan roof, 21” diamond-turned wheels, Atlas side vents, privacy glass £72,995 14 14 Aston Martin Vantage 4.7 V8 Sportshift [420] – 19” wheels, 700w premium audio, rear camera, bluetooth, glass switches £69,995 17 17 Land Rover Discovery 5 3.0 TD6 First Edition Auto – Rear entertainment, 22” wheels £69,995 14 14 Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography LWB Auto – Sliding pan roof, leather/wood headed steering wheel, privacy glass £69,995 Please note: we try our best to make sure every fact is accurate – but please forgive us for any errors

Find us, follow us, visit us facebook.com/alexandersprestige twitter.com/alexanders_cars instagram.com/alexanders_cars Alexander House, Barr Lane Ind Estate, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9LS 01423 325800 | sales@alexandersprestige.co.uk

www.alexandersprestige.co.uk We’re always looking to buy new cars for our showroom, so let us know if you’re looking to sell and we’d be delighted to give you a quote.

Motor makeover

Right-on It was the car that defined an era and it’s going

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

24

restoration

Motor makeover

to be reborn, or at least brought back to life...

25

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Motor makeover

Soon, good as new classic E-types will be back on our roads John F Kennedy was sworn in as US President, Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers dominated the charts and West Side Story was the most successful film.

But a new generation was about make itself heard and, if ever a sports car defined a generation, then it was the E-type Jaguar.

Like the decade it came to symbolise, it was fast, elegant, revolutionary and it is remembered with huge affection.

Some of the key figures who dominated the Swinging Sixties could be found behind the wheel of an E-Type. Star celebrities such as Steve McQueen, George Best, Sir Jackie Stewart, Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra were proud owners. Racing models were successfully driven

by Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Roy Salvadori and Briggs Cunningham, among others.

The car was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 and was an instant hit. Jaguar’s renowned test driver Norman Dewis famously drove the show car from the factory in Browns Lane, Coventry to Geneva.

At the motor show, the new E-type caused a sensation, proving an instant hit thanks to its jet aircraft-inspired lines and 150mph performance.

This set a new benchmark for high-performance motoring in the 1960s and, while the £2,098 price tag was steep for a car in 1961 – when the annual average wage was just under £1,000 nothing else could match its looks and performance for anywhere near that.

The Series 1 E-type was produced from 1961 to 1968, in coupe and convertible (called Roadster) forms. It started out with a 3,781cc straight-six engine, which was enlarged to 4,235cc in 1964.

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

It had a top speed of 150mph and could accelerate from 0-60mph in 7sec.

The 1960s have long since gone, but the E-type not only lives on in hearts and memories, its stylishness and charisma are timeless with an appeal that has seduced subsequent generations.

Now the E-type is back.

The first 10 of a series of Series 1 E-types, meticulously restored by the company that originally produced them, are for sale from Jaguar Classic.

Jaguar Classic’s E-type Reborn programme, which builds on the successful similar schemes for the Series 1 Land Rover and the original Range Rover, is now being applied to the earliest examples of what has been called the most beautiful car ever made.

Every E-type Reborn starts with a base vehicle sourced by Jaguar’s E-type experts, according to condition and desirability. This is restored according to the original 1960s factory specification using build records and original drawings held by the Jaguar Heritage Trust to ensure absolute authenticity.

Jaguar offers a choice of 30 different periodcorrect colours for the body, along with the thirteen original trim options and six hood fabrics.

The first car, a 1965 Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe 4.2, made its debut on Jaguar Land Rover Classic’s stand at the Techno Classica Essen show in Germany in April, alongside Series 1 Land Rover and Range Rover restorations.

This, the first vehicle to go through the complete E-type Reborn process, was an Opalescent Gunmetal Grey Series 1 4.2 FHC.

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Originally exported to California in May 1965, it covered 78,000 miles before being put into storage in 1983. It retains its original matching numbers bodyshell, engine and gearbox, all of which have been completely rebuilt by Jaguar Classic technicians.

As much of the original vehicle as possible is retained or refurbished to correct specifications, while any safety-critical parts are replaced with new items from Jaguar Classic Parts. Body panels from Jaguar Classic’s reverse-engineered panel programme are fitted where necessary using the period-perfect type of spot-welding.

Despite the emphasis on originality and authenticity, Jaguar Classic says it will incorporate sympathetic upgrades from later E-types at extra cost if the buyer requires.

These include an improved cooling system (using parts derived for Jaguar’s recreation of the Lightweight E-type racer), a gearbox with synchromesh on all four forward gears (early cars only had synchromesh on second gear) and front brake calipers from the later Series 2 E-type.

Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: “The launch of E-type Reborn is a hugely exciting development for Jaguar Classic.

The E-type is the most iconic sports car of all time, so we are delighted to be able to give new life to expertly selected examples for discerning customers around the world to own and enjoy.

“The resources and information available to Jaguar Classic’s expert technicians are unrivalled, which results in the most authentic E-type restorations possible.”

Sadly, prices have had to go up since the first >>

Motor makeover

27

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Motor makeover Xxxxxxxx

E-types took to the road in the 1960s. Prices for E-type Reborn restorations from Jaguar Classic are dependent on specification, starting from £285,000. Each finished Reborn vehicle comes with a 12-month factory warranty.

‘THIS CAR IS TOO SPECIAL TO BE KEPT HIDDEN AWAY’

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

John Curry, Head of Business at Stratstone Jaguar, Newcastle, said: “The Jaguar E-type was one of the most charismatic cars ever made.

Jaguar has always been renowned for its stylishness and for its flair but that has never been better exemplified than by this iconic car, the greatest ever British sports car. It wasn’t just a car for its era - it’s a timeless classic.

“Anybody interested in the E-type Reborn programme is invited to make initial enquiries to us here at Stratstone Jaguar Newcastle and we’ll be more than happy to help.’’

The Stratstone Group already has its own association with the E-type.

In 2014, Jaguar announced that it was going to complete the production run of the Lightweight E-type, which had originally conceived as an aluminium-bodied race car in 1963, when Jaguar planned to build a total of 18 examples.

However, only 12 were completed.

When Jaguar found the ‘missing six’ chassis numbers it announced it was going to complete the run - hand-building the cars with original 1960s toolings and production methods, and period-exact dimensions and specifications for every detail. Stratstone acquired one of those cars, Lightweight E-type No. 15.

Stratstone has said that as the Lightweight E-types were not designed to be kept under dust

28

sheets or as museum exhibits but were meant to be raced, we can expect to see No 15 out and about around the UK and Europe in the months to come.

“This car is too special to be kept hidden away.

We shall be taking it round the country to displays and events so that as many people as possible get to see it and appreciate just what a wonderful car it is,’’ says Katie Dawes, Marketing Leader Stratstone Jaguar. “Hopefully there will even be some further racing opportunities so that No 15 can show what she’s capable of. Part of our plan is also for it to go on tour round all our Jaguar retailers so people in the North East will be able to admire it at close quarters.’’

Jaguar E-type Reborn specification Originally produced: 1961-1968 (Series 1) Engine: 265bhp, 3781cc or 4235cc, in-line six-cylinder petrol Transmission: 4-speed manual, rearwheel drive Brakes: Servo-assisted discs front and rear Top speed: 150mph 0-60mph: 7sec

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Terms and conditions- *At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan on Tiguan R Line. Tiguan R Line also available on Personal Contract Hire. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Offer available when ordered by the 2nd July 2017 and delivered by 30th September 2017. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the Tiguan

range: urban 31.0 (9.1) – 49.6 (5.7); extra urban 44.1 (4.2); combined 38.2 (7.4) – 60.1 (4.7). Co2 emissions 170- 123g/km.

Motor man

Designer with drive

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

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Motor man

Marek Reichman is the designer behind some of Aston Martin’s mightiest motors. Josh Sims meets the man

Walk around Aston Martin’s Gaydon campus and you can guess who Marek Reichman is.

While nearly everyone else is in either corporate suit or overalls, he’s the one in the leather jacket, the one with the goatee beard, the one who all stereotyping aside - somehow just looks like a designer. The man even plays the sax - that’s how cool he is. “But I wouldn’t put anyone at Gaydon through the pain of listening to me,” he jokes. “I’m an alright player - and think I get better after a bottle of wine. As for the goatee, well, every designer wants some kind of tag or signature, and this is mine. I’ve tried many variations of facial hair. I use this one to contemplate with.”

It didn’t take much contemplation to get him to join Aston Martin, despite an already impressive work history: born in 1966 in Sheffield - still England’s heavy industry heartland while Reichman was growing up - by the time he got to Aston Martin he had already worked with Rover Cars, BMW Designworks in California, and Ford, having a hand in designing the Lincoln MKX, the Range Rover Mk III and the Rolls Royce Phantom. When he left Ford for Aston Martin, “I knew it was a great opportunity to join a company where design was at the focus

of why customers buy the cars,” he says. “And in the first year I’d designed Aston Martin’s first ever four-door car and seen the DBS put James Bond back in an Aston. It was daunting but a tremendously exciting time - every new year meant doing something entirely new for the company.”

And very new in some instances - Reichman may be the man behind the look and feel of the Rapide S, the Vanquish and the new DB11, for example, not to mention the awesome One-77 - the iconic car for which he might be best remembered in years to come - but he also created the Cygnet, Aston Martin’s unexpected compact city shopper model. “But the challenge of any design is thrilling,” he says. “We’ve done a lot. It’s been a tremendously fast-paced few years. A lot has changed.”

So, perhaps, has Reichman - not least that he has broken his seven year itch to move on to

another employer. But then Reichman has been able to make himself a key figure in making Aston Martin, once a backwoods, often troubled British car manufacturer, a global automotive force, “with its brand much bigger than it’s ever been, even if it’s still a small company in terms of, for example, the number of cars made,” he notes. Key to this has been giving it - and he hesitates to use the word - a new aggressiveness.

Maybe aggressively good-looking is the phrase.

“Now you’d recognise an Aston Martin much more readily,” Reichman adds. “One of the greatest things about Aston Martin is that, in good shape or bad, it’s always beauty at its core, which I think is what has made it one of the greatest marques, in or out of the car industry.

I’ve always felt that something beautiful is more desirable than something shocking, though not all designers would agree with that. The beautiful or classical can often be >>

‘IT WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A COMPANY WHERE DESIGN WAS AT THE FOCUS OF WHY CUSTOMERS BUY CARS’ 31

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

Motor man

misconstrued as conventional. But while, in music for example, punk is not beautiful at the end of the day, there’s still a way of doing punk beautifully. Shock and awe are attractive. They have their moment. But their appeal wanes quickly. How many more Iron Man cars can Lamborghini make? It’s why it’s called the Concours d’Elegance, not the Concours d’Ugly.”

It helps, no doubt, that Reichman thinks of himself first and foremost as a designer, secondarily as a car designer. Yes, he grew up somewhat indoctrinated into a love for cars by his “car nut” brother. “We’d play around all these exotic cars he was working on and he’d teach me what a wishbone suspension was, or whatever.

But my father was just as influential,” says Reichman. “He was a blacksmith, back when Sheffield had the world’s largest steelworks.

You’d see the the sparks come over the walls and feel the vibrations - before the factory became the world’s biggest shopping mall. Watching him develop these incredible pieces of metalwork fascinated me. He made me curious about how things are made. His philosophy was always ‘if it’s broke, try to fix it’. We had the TV spread over three chairs for a while. He’d made it work again but couldn’t put it back together.

We couldn’t go near the TV in case we got electrocuted. He had these huge forearms. He’d do the funfair hammer with one hand, then the other. It was proper working man stuff.”

But then Reichman’s more formal training - in industrial design and then in car design at the deep theory-loving Royal College of Art in London - was “all around the idea of solving problems, about questioning everything, which isn’t true of all car designers, but should be,” says Reichman, whose design interests extend as much to furniture, gadgets, film and theatre design as things with four wheels and big engines. “It’s not just trying to make a car look right for a certain market. In fact, it does frustrate me when people think designing is just about making things look good - but it’s down to people like me to better explain

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

what we do. It frustrates me when so much of what we use day-to-day in our lives is so terribly designed.”

Perhaps this is why Reichman - through his tenure at Aston Martin - has also been given positions at prestigious organisations such his alma mater, where he is a visiting professor, and at UK’s Design Council, where he is a trustee. Certainly it is why the vehicle for which he is perhaps least well known for designing happens to be, of all things, the new generation of London bus - Reichman worked on the original proposal for Transport for London with architect Norman Foster, before the project was passed to designer Thomas Heatherwick. Is this some kind of hint that he’s not sure the sports car has any future in a world of increased congestion, environmental

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concerns and, among younger people, even a decline in interest in car ownership at all?

Unsurprisingly, Reichman thinks not.

“I think super-cars will always be there, but whether we’ll be able to drive them everyday as one might now I don’t know,” he concedes.

“Perhaps rather than driving one to play golf you’ll actually drive it to a race track interestingly, we’re actually seeing more people buy apartments next to race tracks now. My analogy is with horses. At the turn of the 20th century they ploughed, delivered, pulled carriages, and there were just one or two cars.

Now that situation has flipped but we still have horses, for pleasure - to ride, jump, race, train.

And people want some horses - studs for instance - because they’re very rare, like people want cars for the same reason.”

JAGUAR F-PACE ENJOYS DOUBLE SUCCESS AT THE 2017 WORLD CAR AWARDS 75 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries have spoken: the Jaguar F-PACE is officially the best and most beautiful car in the world. At this year’s World Car Awards, the F-PACE scooped both the prestigious World Car of Year and World Car Design of the Year titles – only the second car ever to do so.

Accolades aside, it’s the combination of exceptional dynamics, everyday usability and bold design that makes F-PACE the luxury performance SUV of choice.

Contact us today to book your test drive.

Stratstone Jaguar Stamfordham Road, Westerhope, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE5 2LA 0191 271 9100 Stratstone.com

Motor man

BBC Look North’s Jeff Brown looks back on his motor history and reveals his most memorable in-car moments...

Me & my car Jeff Brown

Presenter, BBC Look North What was your first car?

A Renault 6TL, which, in its first major run-out, I just managed to guide to the University of York for the start of my second year before the engine seized…

Your first car memory?

Sharing the back seat of the family car with my brother, en-route to countless camping holidays. No seat belts, legs across the seats facing each other, trying to wave away dad’s cigarette smoke.

Did your parents have a distinctive car?

I fondly remember a succession of Ford Cortinas, but also a white Saab fastback, which seemed quite flash for its time!

Have you had any car nightmares?

No recollection of this – other than a yellow

DRIVE JULY/AUGUST 17

cutting from the Scarborough News from August, 1962. Returning to Butlin’s at Filey from a day at Flamborough Head, five of us in (I think) our Vauxhall Victor, when a van coming over a humpback bridge in the opposite direction was caught by a gust of wind and blown into our path.

Dad swerved, but was clipped by the van and we ended up in a ditch. “My wife, who had been sitting in the front seat holding the baby (me) in her arms had changed places with my father-in-law who was sitting in the back,” dad was quoted as saying. “If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

Presumably, me neither. Gulp.

they tried to teach me. Mum was patience personified. I passed my test in her little Fiat 126.

What do you currently drive?

Just taken delivery of a Mini Cooper S, which is very nice (and very nippy). Do the stripes really make it go faster?

Is there a car you still hanker after?

Never been a car nut, but wouldn’t rule out another two-seater some time.

Passed first time?

Second time – thanks to my mum. Dad shouted and my big brother laughed when

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Favourite car of all time?

I have a soft spot for dad’s Triumph Dolomite, which was the first car I ever drove. But my favourite was the (recently sold) Mazda MX5 cabriolet – a mid-life crisis which lasted six years. It broke my heart to part with it, but the bodywork was going.

Best movie/cartoon car ever?

James Bond’s E-type jag. I had the Corgi version with the ejector seat!

If you could drive any car, anywhere in the world, what and where?

Round Australia in a campervan with my wife. I hope she’s reading this…