MG & Triumph Spares Day Dedicated parking returns!

MG & Triumph dedicated parking returns!   The MG & Triumph Spares Day in association Cherished Vehicle Insurance Services returns to Stoneleigh Park on 10th February 2019. The newly launched MG & Triumph dedicated parking provides owners with potentially their first chance to bring their pride and joys out of winter hibernation and on the road.  We believe this new area will become and real highlight of the event and provide owners and visitors alike with a superb opportunity to admire the vehicles on display. The MG & Triumph parking will be located adjacent to the exhibition halls providing ease of access to the event for their owners. What’s more drivers can enter the show for just £5 as a gesture of goodwill from the organisers (tickets only available on the day – on a first come first served basis). Remember, all those who park up are automatically entered to win a variety of awards and prizes judged by MG Enthusiast and Triumph World editor Simon Goldsworthy including Editors Choice and Best Club stand.

MORE CLUBS THAN EVER ON SHOW AS NEC RESTORATION SHOW CONTINUES TO EXPAND

MORE CLUBS THAN EVER ON SHOW AS NEC RESTORATION SHOW CONTINUES TO EXPAND

Next year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, is set to be a record breaker as it will be the biggest yet! Another hall is being added, increasing the show by 20 per cent, to provide more space for new classic car clubs and those clubs who want to do more live working at the show.

Some 175 clubs will attend the three-day event held at Birmingham’s NEC from 22-24 March 2019. Of those confirmed, 13 clubs appearing are making their spring debut at the show.

Acting Show Director Lee Masters said: “This is the fastest growing motor show in the UK which proves just how much interest there is, not only in the classic car market but in owners wanting to look after their own cars. As well as advice and expertise on restoration, we aim to also provide valuable knowledge on how to maintain and service your own vehicles which can save owners time and money in the future.”

Ford fans will be well catered for with the Ford AVO Owners Club continuing the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Escort Mexico by displaying an ex-press car that is undergoing restoration. The Mk1-5 Cortina Owners Club celebrates its 30^th year with a stand featuring a fully restored Mk 4 Cortina 2.3S believed to be the only one on UK roads.

The Tickford Owners Club celebrates 50 years of the Ford Capri with a superb mix of project and restored cars. The RS500 Owners community pay tribute to the brilliant driver, Rudi Eggenberger, who sadly passed away this year. His exploits in the Cosworth RS500 touring car were legendary and the stand features one of his racers.

For something a little more unusual, the Retro Caravan Club stand is a must-visit.  Displaying caravans at different stages of restoration, including a barn-find example, visitors can watch repairs being made to one during the show.

Staying with the unusual theme, the Buckler Register enthusiastically promotes these fascinating British sports cars, and show-goers can watch members build an example from a bare chassis to a running car and admire a Buckler 90 that has never been on the road. And remember the tiny Peel P50 hailing from the Isle of Man? The Peel Owners Club will attempt to build one during the show.

British cars are also well represented amongst the debutantes, including the MG Car Club’s Young Members Group. Highlights of the Group’s stand include an MGB GT in daily use, a barn finds MGA Coupe and an MG ZT-T in concours condition. And be sure to visit the 1100 Club which will be showcasing maintenance and restoration work alongside fascinating technical displays.

For more Britishness, the Rover Coupe Owners Club is marking 20 years since the end of Coupe production and 30 years since the launch of the R8 platform that underpinned the stylish sports car. A very early, pre-release press car is a highlight of the stand and restoration work will begin at the show. With numerous Vauxhall anniversaries to be celebrated - including 30 years of the Calibra coupe - visitors should head to the Vauxhall Bedford Opel Association stand.

German marques are well represented, too, with the Quattro Owners Club displaying the first ever UK model that requires restoration. Visitors to the Scirocco Register stand can enjoy the 45^th anniversary of the Mk 1 model and admire one of the earliest cars in existence, a 1974 Scirocco TS.

With such a great selection of clubs making their debut, the 2019 show promises to be better than ever. For more information as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.com

AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL TO WELCOME INCREDIBLE LINE-UP OF VEHICLES AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC

AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL TO WELCOME INCREDIBLE LINE-UP OF VEHICLES AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC

This week’s Autosport International Show will play host to a wonderful array of hyper, super and racing cars. From the 10-13th January, a selection of incredible vehicles, some of which have never been seen in public before, will descend upon the halls of Birmingham’s NEC.

2019 Porsche 935 ‘Moby Dick’

On Porsche’s stand, this year will be one very special track-only car, a vehicle which has never been seen in Europe before and was only revealed at the exclusive ‘Rennsport Reunion’ event in California a few months ago. The 2019 Porsche 935 ‘Moby Dick’, reminiscent of the incredibly successful 1970s racecar and of which only 77 will ever be built, will be presented in Europe for the first time at the show. Sporting the same 690bhp, 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six and chassis underpinnings of the latest 911 GT2 RS, the European debut of this limited production track-only supercar is not to be missed.

McLaren 2018 MCL33 F1 Car

McLaren will be presenting the 2018 MCL33 F1 car on the F1 Racing stand at the show, alongside 2019 drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr. This year the keys will be handed over to the two new team drivers, who will be at the show on Saturday to talk about the upcoming season.

2019 Urban Automotive G-Wagon

North London-based SUV customers, Urban Automotive, will be bringing their latest tuning project to the Performance & Tuning Car Show at the Birmingham NEC. The highly-modified 2019 Urban Automotive G-Wagon will make its first official public appearance at the show, so come along and see it for the first time in the flesh.

1973 Porsche 917/30 Sunoco 996

Produced specifically for the open-top CanAm championship, only 6 examples of this iconic Porsche racecar were ever built. The championship had almost no engine restrictions, so the 5.4-litre motor in this 1973 917/30 produced a gargantuan 1,100bhp. Unsurprisingly, it dominated the series and took home the top four places. This historic racing Porsche is certainly not worth missing when it takes its place in the Performance & Tuning Car Show.

1970 March 701 Jackie Stewart

In the words of Sir Jackie Stewart, the March 701 was “the most difficult F1 car [he] drove”. The 701 was March's first Formula One design – following its one-off March 693P Formula Three prototype of 1969 – and was designed and built in just three months. The March 701 made its race debut at the 1970 South African Grand Prix, a month after its public unveiling. In total, only eleven 701s were constructed, with March supplying privateer entrants (including Tyrrell Racing) as well as its own works team. See this historic racecar on the Motorsport Images feature at the show.

2018 McLaren Senna (Shmee150)

Something of a motoring internet icon, Shmee150 has attended the Autosport International for a number of years, bringing along some of his prized collection of automobiles. This year his MSO Cerulean Blue McLaren Senna will take centre stage in the Live Action Arena, where he will be presenting alongside David Croft and Emma Walsh. Producing 789bhp from its 4.0L twin-turbo V8, the Senna is the latest supercar to come out of the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey and it will be great to see being driven live at the show.

2019 Jaguar Project 8 Racecar (Series Elite)

The unveiling of a brand-new one-make race series is set to take place at Autosport International. Series Elite is an exclusive championship for over-50s and will be running with 600hp, 200mph Jaguar XE SV Project 8s as its racecar of choice. The Nürburgring Saloon car record holder will be brought along to the show as one of the competing cars for the all-new series.

2018 Nero Design Aventador S and Urus (Yiannimize)

Much-loved by the internet, supercar wrapper supreme – Yiannimize, will be bringing along his matching Nero Design Lamborghini Aventador S and Urus SUV. Each vehicle will be sporting brand-new, aftermarket body-kits from Nero Design and an outlandish chrome turquoise wrap applied by Yianny’s team. The cars are a must-see for fans of his YouTube series, and anyone who loves a lairy custom Italian sports car.

2018 Liberty Walk BMW i8

World-renowned Japanese-based supercar tuners Liberty Walk will be bringing along its latest custom widebody supercar to the show. The 2018 LB Works BMW i8 will take pride-of-place on the Liberty Walk stand (4510) in the Performance & Tuning Car Show.

Santa Pod ‘Fireforce 3’ Jet Funny Car

With 10,000bhp, the ‘Fireforce 3’ Jet Funny Car from Santa Pod Raceway is without a doubt the most powerful single vehicle to attend this year’s show. After setting the world record quarter-mile top-speed in 2005, clocking in at 336mph and blitzing the drag strip in a mere 5.793 seconds, this rocket-on-wheels is a must-see at the show this year. Find it on the Santa Pod stand (2680) within the NEC.

Autosport International Events Director, Kate Woodley, said: “Autosport International has always been a fantastic show for the public and industry professionals to see some of the greatest cars in the world. This year we are excited to have a wonderful selection of vehicles from global manufacturers, Formula One teams, tuners & customers and private collectors – all of whom enjoy showcasing their newest projects and cars at the Birmingham NEC. Make sure you see them all in the flesh.”

Autosport International is part of Motorsport Network’s flagship title, Autosport – one of the world’s leading print and online motorsport publishers. Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent automotive and motorsport-related digital platform, connecting millions of people who love motorsport and cars. The network also creates key industry events including the annual Autosport Awards and the Motorsport Business Leaders’ Forum.

Tickets are on sale now for the established motorsport season starter, which will pack in more exhibitors, stars and cars than ever before. Make sure you get yours today, head over to www.autosportinternational.com

SPECIAL RACES TO MARK MAGICAL MINI MILESTONE

SPECIAL RACES TO MARK MAGICAL MINI MILESTONE

The 60th anniversary of the extraordinary Mini Minor will be celebrated with two record-breaking races at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

To mark this magical milestone in true Classic style, the packed on-track programme will – for the first time ever – feature a pair of very special showdowns dedicated entirely to huge numbers of much-loved Mini racers competing for The Mini Celebration Trophy presented by Adrian Flux.

The automotive icon’s enduring popularity with historic motor sport competitors is certain to create the world’s biggest-ever grid of racing Minis and, fittingly, another major crowd-pleasing highlight at this year’s running of the biggest retro-racing festival on the planet.

Ensuring everyone shares in the celebrations, the unmissable Mini double-header action will star on all three days at the Classic with qualifying on Friday and spectacular 20-minute showdowns on both Saturday and Sunday.

First launched in 1959, the ground-breaking Mini not only revolutionised small car design forever but also became a classless British style icon in the Swinging Sixties – an image that is still fostered today by BMW’s on-going homages to the innovative original which was designed for the British Motor Corporation (BMC) by the ingenious Sir Alec Issigonis.

As well as becoming one of the most influential cars in automotive history, the trail-blazer also earned its spurs in competition. Maximising its nimble front-wheel-drive layout, higher performance versions quickly added to the Mini’s spiralling kudos.

Three famous Monte Carlo Rally wins plus numerous giant-killing successes on the race track – many at Silverstone – boosted the little car’s incredible credentials and further fuelled the perennial favourite’s legendary status.

“Absolutely everybody who loves cars loves the Mini, so we are really thrilled to be celebrating this major milestone in its illustrious history with two fabulous races at the Classic, where the stars are always the cars!” enthused Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO – a long-term fan of the charismatic BMC baby having learnt to drive and passed his driving test in a little red Mini.  

“With so many evocative examples in existence, we are expecting to create what will be the world’s biggest-ever field of racing Minis… and, in doing so, make yet more history for both the magical Mini and the Classic.”

This summer’s duo of Diamond Jubilee duels are being organised by Masters Historic Racing and will feature competition cars dating back to the pioneering Mini’s original pre-1966 era.

“We are delighted that Masters has been asked to organise these Mini-only celebration races at the Silverstone Classic in July,” said Ron Maydon, Founder and President of Masters Historic Racing. “Minis are very close to my own heart and, in their 60th anniversary year, it only seems right that we should be showcasing a spectacular grid of infamous FIA-spec pre-66 Minis at such a great British historic racing festival.”

Furthering the festivities at the annual Classic, a raft of evergreen Minis will also feature in special track parades and in dedicated in-field displays organised by members of prominent motor clubs representing all generations of the revered marque through the ages.

Visitors keen to join in the festivities at the festival must buy their tickets in advance and can take advantage of the Early Bird offer on tickets when purchasing before the end of March.

As in previous years, all tickets grant access to trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings, both racing paddocks, plus the vast majority of the fun-fuelled family entertainment on offer at the ‘rocking and racing’ Classic.

Full details on general admission tickets, car club display packages, hospitality experiences and camping options – as well as all the latest Classic news – can be found on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

MEET THE STARS OF WRC AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

MEET THE STARS OF WRC AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

WRC LAUNCH At ASI

Sebastien Ogier has told World Rally Championship (WRC) fans he’s looking forward to seeing them at the series launch at Autosport International on Saturday 12th January.

Kicking off the proceedings at 9:30am, the six-time WRC champion will be joined by his co-driver Julien Ingrassia and their fellow competitors for a celebratory parade through the halls from the Autosport Stage to the WRC feature.

Following their arrival on the stand, the teams will officially launch the 2019 season at 10:15 am, unveiling the latest challengers, new liveries and car numbers for the season ahead, except for Ogier, who will retain the number ‘1’ his cars have worn since 2014.

After the launch, the drivers, co-drivers and team principals will be taking to the Autosport Stage throughout the morning to talk about the 2018 championship and share their thoughts on the season to come, ahead of the first round in Monte Carlo.

Fans will also have further opportunity to meet the stars of the series, with autograph sessions taking place at intervals for the rest of the day over on the WRC feature.

Ogier was pivotal in the decision to move the launch from Thursday’s opening day of Autosport International to a weekend when more spectators could get into Birmingham’s NEC to greet their heroes.

Ogier said: “This is good news, great news. Last year it was a good event to launch the season, to have everybody together. And if there’s going to be even more fans there this year then it’s going to be even better.

“Without fans, our sport would not exist. We need them and the launch is always an exciting time when you come to discover the new liveries. It’s going to be great to see lots of fans joining us – see you soon guys!”

Autosport International is part of Motorsport Network’s flagship title, Autosport – one of the world’s leading print and online motorsport publishers. Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent automotive and motorsport-related digital platform, connecting millions of people who love motorsport and cars. The network also creates key industry events including the annual Autosport Awards and the Motorsport Business Leaders’ Forum.

Tickets are on sale now for the established motorsport season starter, which will pack in more exhibitors, stars and cars than ever before. Make sure you get yours today, head over to www.autosportinternational.com.

FOOTMAN JAMES WAS BREWING UP A STORM AT COFFEE & CHROME

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

For Information & Ticket Sales: Click Here

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

FOOTMAN JAMES WAS BREWING UP A STORM AT COFFEE & CHROME

One of the leading classic vehicle insurance specialists, Footman James, hosted their first Coffee & Chrome meet which went down a storm with enthusiasts.

Sunday 6th January 2019, classic vehicle insurance specialists, Footman James, held their inaugural Coffee & Chrome meet, located in the picturesque grounds of Chateau Impney, home of the Chateau Impney Hill Climb.

Coffee & Chrome brought together over 400 enthusiasts and 200 classic vehicles from across the country, with some visitors driving all the way from Devon to be part of all the action.

The event was free to attend, with all pre-registered guests being allocated a free bacon butty and access to the grounds of the Grade Two listed Chateau, where a vast range of eclectic vehicles were on display, including a Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 Roadster, a Bugatti Type 51, a 1971 Ford Escort, a 1988 Porsche Carrera and a convoy of 12 Harley Davidsons!

During and after the event, feedback was electric, with attendees commenting, ‘I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was good to see such a variety of very interesting vehicles… well done’ and others expressing that Coffee & Chrome was a ‘Fantastic morning with proper bacon sandwiches, well done Footman James, I’m looking forward to the next one.’

David Bond, Managing Director at Footman James also commented, ‘Footman James would like to thank all who attended our first Coffee and Chrome meet and we would like to say a special thank you to Chateau Impney, Fender Broad and Classic Motor Cars for going that extra mile. We were so pleased to see all the remarkable feedback that we received on our social media channels and we can’t wait for our next Coffee & Chrome meet.’

Future Coffee & Chrome events will be taking place throughout 2019 (dates to be confirmed). To be first in the know about dates and times, follow Footman James on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or subscribe to the Footman James newsletter over on their website.

For further information about Footman James please contact 0333 207 6000 or visit www.footmanjames.co.uk.

NEW YEAR HONOURS AT THE 2019 CLASSIC

NEW YEAR HONOURS AT THE 2019 CLASSIC

The arrival of every new year heralds a raft of exciting anniversaries and, in the car world, 2019 is crammed full of major motoring milestones – the cream of which will be celebrated at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

As tradition now dictates, the annual Classic is the event that honours automotive history like no other, with a mouth-watering feast of dedicated retro races, massive eye-catching car club displays and glittering on-track parades that have been saluted with multiple Guinness World Records.

In recent years, the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit has staged record-breaking processions featuring evocative E-type Jaguars, fabulous Ferrari F40s, evergreen Porsche 911s, muscular Ford Mustangs, sensational Jaguar XJ220 supercars and never-before-seen numbers of stunning McLarens – as well as a whole host of other glittering parades.

Even by these sky-high standards, though, 2019 is revving up to be a very, very special year at the Classic.

Plans for a number of bedazzling birthday races and other anniversary celebrations will be announced over the next few weeks. In the meantime, though, more than 110 car clubs have already registered to display at the 2019 Classic and many of these will be honouring significant marque and model landmarks in July.

The Bentley Drivers Club will be out in force, celebrating the centenary of the prestigious luxury brand founded in 1919 by the legendary W.O. Bentley in Cricklewood, north London. Abarth is another time-honoured company boasting both distinguished road and racing car pedigrees – its 70th birthday will be marked in style at the Classic by the Abarth Owners Club.

Marcos and Mini clubs will be hosting Diamond Jubilee birthday parties as their cherished icons hit 60 in 2019, while gold is the colour for both the Ford Capri and Triumph TR6 – two endearing sixties sportscars born exactly 50 years before the summer’s Classic, and still with passionate followings today.

Although from a slightly more modern era, the BMW Z1 and Mazda MX-5 are two models not only much-loved by enthusiasts but also with strong regular presences at the Classic – more so this year as both evocative two-seater idols will be turning 30 in 2019.

“Whether it’s on or off the track, the Classic is one of the world’s biggest celebrations of motoring history, with more than 10,000 magical cars from yesteryear on show over three jam-packed days,” enthused Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “But while the unrivalled numbers are impressive, it’s the special automotive anniversaries that always add extra sparkle each year… and in 2019 we have some real jewels to celebrate. The cars are the stars at the Classic!”

Whether or not popping corks, ever-growing numbers of car clubs now choose to stage their main annual gathering at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, with their passionate members taking advantage of an exclusive display package and taking centre stage at the heart of the event. Further details on the clubs registered to date and information on the process for car clubs wishing to apply for registration, are available at: www.silverstoneclassic.com/clubs 

All admission tickets also grant access to a selection of trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings, both racing paddocks plus the vast majority of the fun-fuelled family entertainment on offer at the ‘rocking and racing’ Classic.

Full details of car club packages, general admission tickets, hospitality packages and camping options can be found on the silverstoneclassic.com website with Early Bird tickets (available until the end of March) offering significant savings on standard tickets.