VOLKSWAGEN AT THE TECHNO CLASSICA 2019: RECORDS, CABRIOLETS AND A TRAINEE PROJECT

VOLKSWAGEN AT THE TECHNO CLASSICA 2019: RECORDS, CABRIOLETS AND A TRAINEE PROJECT

Volkswagen Hebmüller Cabriolet and Karmann Cabriolet

Wolfsburg/Essen – Volkswagen Classic is presenting three themed areas at the world’s largest fair for vintage automobiles. Six unique record breakers and a 68-page booklet recount superlative achievements from the world of Volkswagen. “Summer Forever” honours 70 years of the Beetle Cabriolet with two rare exhibits. “Youth at Work” displays a special apprentice project: trainees from Volkswagen Osnabrück will complete the restoration of a classic in Hall 4.0.

Record breakers – legendary Volkswagen vehicles

They have set the benchmark with their speed, endurance or economy: Volkswagen Classic presents six exhibits from three decades of Volkswagen record breaking.

The most recent record-breaking car is a thoroughbred racer: the Volkswagen W12 set ten international records at the high-speed circuit in Nardò (Italy) in 2001. The following year, the 400-kW (600-PS) experimental vehicle bettered all of its own records and set a new 24-hour world record with an average speed of 322.89 km/h. The W12 Nardo’s records still stand to this day.

Back in 2000, the Lupo 3L TDI “80 Days” set out to set an economy record: under the motto “Around the World in 80 Days”, two Lupo 3L TDI covered exactly 33,333 kilometres on their journey through 22 countries. The average consumption of just 2.38 litres per 100 kilometres earned the car its place in the Guinness Book of Records – as the most economical production car in the world.

In 1988, two pilot-series Corrado G60 set six class records at the Volkswagen test facility in Ehra-Lessien. Visitors to Essen can see one of the 162-kW (220-PS) sports coupés from 1987.

A three-wheel prototype generating 0.2 kW (0.272 PS) set a consumption world record in 1982: the SMVW (Volkswagen Ecomobile) completed a 1,491-kilometre route on just one litre of diesel.

Built in 1974, the Golf I “Alaska-Tierra del Fuego” is one of the oldest production Golf. In October 1974, together with another bright-yellow Golf I, this car undertook what is probably the longest test drive by a new model: 30,517 kilometres, from Fairbanks (Alaska) to Ushuaia (Argentina).

On 17 February 1972, the Beetle became the most-built car in the world. To mark this production record, Volkswagen released its first special edition: the Beetle 1302 S “World Champion”.

Mission Maximum – page after page of records

The new booklet “Mission Maximum” is packed with intriguing stories from the world of Volkswagen. You can pick up the 68-page booklet free of charge from the Volkswagen Classic exhibition stand.

Summer Forever – 70 years of the Beetle Cabriolet

In 1949, Volkswagen launched its first topless production version of Type 1 (“Beetle”). To mark the 70th anniversary, Volkswagen Classic is proud to present to extremely rare models: a Karmann Cabriolet (Type 151) from 1949, the first year of production, and a 1950 Hebmüller Cabriolet (Type 14A), one of only 696 cars built.

Youth at Work – the Volkswagen Osnabrück trainee project

An extraordinary internship: since December 2018, Fábio Lopes and Marvin Wiethölter have been restoring a Type 3 TL, including an engine upgrade to Type 4. The trainee auto mechanics in the field of system and high-voltage technology at Volkswagen Osnabrück will complete their assembly of the 1968 classic at the Techno Classica.

The world of Volkswagen Classic

Volkswagen Classic is showing nine models from its own collection, Volkswagen AutoMuseum foundation and Autostadt Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer will also be present in Hall 4.0, marking the 40th anniversary of the T3 and 60 years of civil speed control. You can find information regarding original spare parts at the Volkswagen Classic Parts stand.

Over 1,250 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and over 200 clubs and international communities are expected at the 120,000-m² site of the 31st Techno Classica in Essen. 2,700 collector’s items will also be up for sale. In 2018 the world’s leading fair for the vintage car sector was visited by 188,000 people from 41 countries.

2001 Volkswagen W12 Nardo

HISTORIC BENTLEYS TO GATHER AT GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING TO CELEBRATE CENTENARY

Bentley Le Mans 2003

HISTORIC BENTLEYS TO GATHER AT GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING TO CELEBRATE CENTENARY

Bentley will continue its centenary celebrations at the 77thGoodwood Members’ Meeting this weekend with a number of iconic cars on the starting grid set to bring the sights and sounds of the company’s illustrious motor racing past to life.

Headlining the sell-out weekend of motorsport is the Speed 8 – Bentley’s Le Mans car that won the most gruelling endurance race on the planet. The Speed 8 will run alongside other Le Mans prototypes for the first time since 2003, with two of the original Bentley drivers, Guy Smith and Tom Kristensen, set to make an emotional return to the driver’s seat.

Bentley’s 100 extraordinary years will also be remembered in the John Duff Trophy race. Duff was the original Bentley Boy, and the man that initiated the marque’s now synonamous relationship with Le Mans. He was the first driver to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Bentley, claiming the title in 1924. The new event is for pre-1930 vintage racing cars and promises to be a major spectacle, as Bentley enjoys its biggest ever presence at the popular Members’ Meeting.

Speed 8 – A Famous Victory

Bentley returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001 for a three-year campaign following a lengthy absence, and intentions were signalled with a podium finish on an all-new Bentley prototype’s competitive debut. Just two years later, against the toughest of competition, the #7 Bentley Speed 8 led a 1-2 finish after dominating the race, sparking great celebrations amongst the thousands of British fans at the event and countless more around the world.

That hard-fought victory in 2003 rekindled the spirit of the original Bentley Boys and their Le Mans successes of the 1920s. It was Bentley’s sixth outright victory at the 24-hour race and came through great attention to detail and innovation, qualities still at the heart of the company today.

Among the six men who drove the winning Speed 8 were Tom Kristensen and Guy Smith, and the pair will be reunited with the car once again at the 77th Goodwood Members’ Meeting – Kristensen for the first time since that landmark 2003 race.

The drivers will take part in two 15-minute Le Mans Prototype demonstration runs, one on Saturday evening at dusk with Smith behind the wheel, the other on Sunday afternoon with Kristensen driving.

The Bentley Speed 8 will start on ‘pole’ as part of a 16-car field of Le Mans cars. Each will be flagged off one at a time for non-competitive fast laps in for what promises to be one of the most memorable moments at the event.

John Duff – An Original Bentley Boy

The John Duff Trophy is a new addition to the Members’ Meeting at Goodwood, inspired by one of the all-time great racing drivers and Bentley’s centenary year. Duff was a founder member of the Bentley Boys and Girls, a group of wealthy young men and women who loved to race W.O. Bentley’s fast and dependable cars.

Duff was the first to drive a Bentley at Le Mans and win, taking on the challenge with factory driver Frank Clement. After a fourth place in 1923, they returned a year later and won outright, ten minutes ahead of the competition.

The John Duff Trophy race is for pre-1930 vintage racing cars and has attracted an impressive collection of 30 historic cars from the era, with a third of the grid being Bentleys, including the 3-Litre ‘Number Nine’ built for Tommy Thistlethwayte in 1926, and a Speed Six driven by legendary Bentley Boy Woolf Barnato.

Bentley’s 100 Years Of Extraordinary

From Le Mans victories, through to the incredibly powerful road cars of the modern era, all of Bentley’s extraordinary vehicles have innovation hand-built into them.

July 10, 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th birthday - an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a handful of automotive companies. The Goodwood Members’ Meeting is just one of a year-long series of special activities that have been planned, with celebrations at events around the world to highlight Bentley’s motoring evolution over the last 100 years, its global success today and the exciting future ahead.

SALON PRIVÉ ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF THE EXCLUSIVE 2019 SALON PRIVÉ GT TOUR

SALON PRIVÉ ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF THE EXCLUSIVE 2019 SALON PRIVÉ GT TOUR

The 14th edition of Salon Privé (5th to 8th September) will this year include the Salon Privé GT Tour as a key element of the newly launched Salon Privé Classic & Supercar on Sunday 8th September 2019.

Saturday 7th September is the start date for The Salon Privé GT Tour; a thrilling two-day, 200-mile driving event for 80 privately-owned sports, GT and supercars. For 2019 the Salon Privé GT Tour will explore 200 miles of the finest roads in Southern England, starting with a Driver’s Breakfast at the historic Brooklands motor racing site near Weybridge in Surrey, followed by lunch at the Goodwood Hotel and a Parade up the celebrated Goodwood Hillclimb. A return to Brooklands for the evening entertainment commences with a Tour Drinks Reception followed by the Gala Dinner.

On Sunday 8th September, the cars head for Blenheim Palace and the newly launched Salon Privé Classic & Supercar which sees the event expand to include the South & North Lawns as well as the Great Court, home to the Salon Privé GT Tour cars for the day. On the South Lawn, the latest and greatest super & hypercars from all over the world will be on display alongside the largest and most varied collection of luxury brands ever gathered at the event. On the North Lawn, there is much to see with Bentley Drivers Club hosting their Annual Concours and 1,000+ Bentleys gathering in the largest-ever display to celebrate the luxury car maker’s Centenary year.

Another major attraction of the day will be the newly-launched Supercar Club Paddock, featuring 800 cars from Aston Martin Owners Club of Great Britain, Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, Lamborghini Club UK, McLaren Owners Club UK & Porsche Club Great Britain all of whom will be invited to compete for the coveted Salon Privé Supercar Club Trophy. 

To apply for entry to the 2019 Salon Privé GT Tour, please complete the application https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/gt-tour-application/ or call Sian Keen on 01753 827 633

NEW SEASON PARTNERS ANNOUNCED FOR MOTOR RACING LEGENDS

NEW SEASON PARTNERS ANNOUNCED FOR MOTOR RACING LEGENDS

Lister-Silverstone Classic

As the new season approaches new partnerships have been confirmed between Motor Racing Legends’ and the Lister Motor Company who will become the title sponsor for the Stirling Moss Trophy.

Silverstone Auctions and Ric Wood Motorsport have also been confirmed as joint partners for the Historic Touring Car Challenge.

CEO Lawrence Whitaker has been a long-time supporter of Motor Racing Legends through the annual Brian Lister Trophy, but from now on the Lister Motor Company will be taking on a much more active role as title sponsor for the series. Promoting not only the continuation models of the Lister Knobbly but also their new range of stylish sports supercars.

Silverstone Auctions are a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia and will be using the partnership to cement relationships with competitors and promote sale consignments to their forthcoming sales.

Renowned Capri and engine specialists Ric Wood Motorsport who are experts in the field of race development for Ford Capri, and Group 1 Touring Cars including full engine or complete race car build will be promoting their performance enhancing engineering skills to competitors.

Chairman Duncan Wiltshire commented “It is great to have such loyal competitors, the Historic Touring Car grid does have a very special social vibe about it, with both the new partners of the Historic Touring Car Challenge being active competitors often trading places at the sharp end of the grid. It is fabulous to see them join forces as partners for the series and the support of all the new partners is greatly appreciated.”

The start of the season is just around the corner all six grids for Motor Racing Legends due to kick off to a roaring start at the forthcoming Donington Historic Festival on 3-5 May.  For more details of how to enter visit: http://www.motorracinglegends.com

PORSCHE AT PRESCOTT - SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2019

PORSCHE AT PRESCOTT - SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2019

Porsche 911 2.8 RSR

Porsche at Prescott is a brand-new event taking place at Prescott Hill Climb (Home of the Bugatti Owners’ Club) on Saturday 22 June 2019. The event which was proposed by competitors in the Porsche Hillclimb championship will pay homage to the iconic German marque and is actively supported by the Bugatti Owners Club, Porsche Centre Tewkesbury and Porsche Club GB.

As part of the Porsche Club National Hillclimb Championship, a full field of 35 Porsches including two previous Porsche Hillclimb champions will be competing at the UK’s most famous hill climb course, from air-cooled classics to the latest mid-engined models with transaxles thrown into the mix for good measure.

The paddock will also be graced with a mouth-watering display of iconic Porsches such as the iconic 956/007 Group C sports-prototype racing car designed by Norbert Singer and built by Porsche in 1982 for the FIA World Sportscar Championship as raced by Derek Bell and Stefan Bellof. In 1983, Bellof set the fastest record at Nürburgring (12.93 mi) in 6:11 during the qualifying of the 1000 km Sports Car race, a record which stood for a staggering 35 years.

Other fantastic examples of Stuttgart power include 1973, Porsche 911 2.8 RSR previously owned by ex-world rally champion and racer Bjorn Waldegard. This car is one of only 55 factory race cars and has an extensive race history. Another rare example of the marque is 2009, Porsche 997 4.0 RSR. This car is one of only 20 cars built. The car has competed 5 times at Le Mans, and in 29 FIA World Endurance (WEC) races and was semi-works supported with factory drivers.

As well as Championship and invitational Classes for Porsches, the event will see the welcome return of the MAC Sunrise, SBD/HSA Speed, Midland Speed Championships along with a round of Prescott’s New Barn 'B' Licence Roadgoing Championship.

Off the track, the Orchard zone will showcase a large gathering of high-performance Porsche sports cars, SUVs and sedans representing all eras of the brand. Plus guaranteed to bring a lot of hand clapping, thigh-slapping fun to Porsche at Prescott will be The Bierkeller Boys Oompah Band, the lederhosen-clad trio have performed for the likes of Ant & Dec, Stephen Mulhern, Dermot O’Leary, Keith Lemon and Vernon Kay. You can grab a beer or Prescott ale from the clubhouse and soak up the marvellous atmosphere, stunning views and top class racing at one of the oldest hill climbs in the world - Herrlich!      

* * *

‘Supported by Porsche Centre Tewkesbury – bringing the Dealership to you’

Event date:     22 June 2019

Venue:            Prescott Hillclimb, Nr Gotherington, Cheltenham, GL52 9RD

Tickets:           £10 in advance or £15 on the gate, children under 14 years old go free.

Special discounted tickets available for members of the Porsche Club GB, please refer to PCGB website.

For further event details, competition entry or to book tickets, please visit: https://www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/porsche-prescott-june-2019

. MG LIVE! TAKES A REST FOR 201

MG LIVE! TAKES A REST FOR 2019

The MG Car Club is devastated to announce that the decision has been made to rest MGLive! for 2019, and refocus efforts into a new format International MG meeting for 2020.

Last month, Silverstone Circuits Limited made a decision to carry out essential track maintenance during June 2019, meaning that MGLive! wasn’t able to take place at the venue on the selected dates, leaving the Club without a venue or date for MGLive! 2019.

MGLive! is a meeting steeped in history with an event being held every summer for the past 68 years. Given this history, the Club has been exploring options to move the event to a new location, and/or date for 2019.

After extensive research into new locations and dates; it has sadly become clear that there are no feasible options to host an event this summer and the decision has been made to rest MGLive! for 2019 as a final resort.

All ticket holders for 2019 will be contacted directly by the Club and issued full refunds automatically before the 15th April 2019.

The Club are requesting that ticket holders do not contact the Club to discuss refunds, and wait to be contacted directly by the Club. This is to ensure the refunds process is carried out as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Adam Sloman, General Manager of MG Car Club commented “We are very sorry to be updating everyone with such disappointing news.

The Club has been incredibly determined to try and find an alternative solution for MGLive! this year and sadly, the deeper we have delved into all of the options - different venues, dates, hosting an entertainment only event - the less feasible putting on MGLive! in 2019 has looked.

It has been incredibly challenging to find a venue that has capacity to hold a race and/or entertainment event in the peak of the season, with the capability to put on a large scale event in such a challengingly tight timeframe. We’ve spoken to a number of venues; and it has become very clear that moving the entire event at short notice just isn’t possible.

It is such a shame, with so many members and classic car enthusiasts purchasing tickets in advance in record numbers. We are deeply sorry to all of those ticket holders who had supported the Club and event, and they will all be refunded very soon.

It would be incredibly helpful if ticket holders were able to bear with us a little longer and allow us to get in touch with them directly regarding refunds rather than contacting the Club office to discuss. This would really help us with processing refunds in an orderly fashion.

We’d also like to thank the members of the Club for their overwhelming support and all their many suggestions of venues and introductions to venues up and down the country.

The support from venues, classic car events and the classic car community has been truly awe-inspiring and all we can say is we are incredibly grateful and thanks to everyone involved for all their support and help.”

The Club are planning to regroup and refocus efforts for 2020 into a new format International MG meeting, keeping the best elements of MGLive! but bringing in some fresh, new ideas to widen the event’s appeal. 

HISTORIC COSTIN-NATHAN RACE CAR UNVEILING AT BEAULIEU’S SILVER SPRING AUTOJUMBLE

HISTORIC COSTIN-NATHAN RACE CAR UNVEILING AT BEAULIEU’S SILVER SPRING AUTOJUMBLE

Costin-Nathan at 1965 preview, Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane

The unique Costin-Nathan racing car prototype will roar into life at Beaulieu’s silver Spring Autojumble on May 18th and 19th to celebrate the arrival of the new National Motor Museum exhibit.

The hand-built racer, which became a David which slayed Goliath on the competition track half a century ago, will make its public debut after a complete restoration.

At 3pm on Saturday May 18th, Spring Autojumble show-goers can see this incredible machine up-close with a start-up by its original creator and racing driver Roger Nathan, who also masterminded its painstaking restoration back to original condition.

With its unusual wooden construction and highly tuned Hillman Imp engine, the 1965 Costin-Nathan was the brainchild of Nathan and automotive engineer Frank Costin. With Nathan at the wheel, the prototype made its mark by winning the Coupes de Paris race at the Montlhéry circuit in 1966 – beating the big race teams.

After being sold, the car was later rediscovered in 2016 and sold at auction to its new American owner who commissioned Nathan to restore it. The show unveiling marks the end of this mammoth project in part of the celebrations for Spring Autojumble’s 25th anniversary, where exhibitors are invited to decorate their stands in silver and send their memories and pictures to SAJ25@beaulieu.co.uk.

Marking another anniversary at this year’s show is the Mini 60 display, which will put one of Britain’s greatest classics in the spotlight with a timeline of every major milestone in the classic Mini’s lifespan from 1959 to 2000. The Mini Cooper Register display will bring together a wide range of Minis, with more than 40 rare and remarkable examples already confirmed to join the display including an ex-BMC Works rally Mini, Mini Cooper police car, Mini vans and pick-ups, an Italian-built Innocenti Mini Cooper and the luxurious Radford Mini used in the 1966 BBC TV series Adam Adamant Lives!

Event sponsor Practical Classics will join the Mini celebration by bringing its own project car, a 1968 Austin Mini estate that has been off the road for more than 40 years. See this tiny time-warp and chat with the team about their latest project.

Another automotive star of the Practical Classics stand will be the 1959 Standard Ten Gold Star that was saved from certain destruction in Ford’s scrappage scheme. This low-mileage family saloon, known as Bluebell, captured the hearts of thousands of classic enthusiasts who joined a campaign to overturn its destruction order. Newly returned to the road and making its Beaulieu debut at the show, the Standard will stay on display in the National Motor Museum throughout the summer.

Bargain hunters can scour Spring Autojumble’s 1,000+ stands packed with classic car parts, motoring literature and automobilia bargains – and even perhaps find a dream Mini amongst the range of classics for sale in Automart and Dealermart.

Other features include a return of the Dorset branch of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club popular display MoggyFest, while the Morgan Sports Car Club will showcase an impressive selection of its members’ classic British sports cars. Show regulars the Wessex Car Club will also show a variety of vehicles.

Enthusiasts for another British legend can enjoy Beaulieu’s Land Rover Rummage on Sunday 19th, as everything Land Rover-related is bought, bartered, swapped and sold in a section of the show dedicated to Britain’s favourite 4x4. Also on Sunday is popular Trunk Traders, a treasure trove for surplus spares, tools, books and automobilia.

One-day and two-day Spring Autojumble tickets can be bought online with an advance discount until 5pm on Thursday 9th May. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/spring-autojumble or call 01590 612888. Event tickets include entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum with its new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 Years display, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu family home of Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens.

Exhibitors and Trunk Traders can book their stand online at www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/spring-autojumble/exhibitors or contact the Beaulieu Events team at events@beaulieu.co.uk or on 01590 614614.

25th Beaulieu Spring Autojumble Fact File

The first Spring Autojumble in May 1994 featured 600 stands, which has almost doubled today.

Extreme weather conditions meant the show was once cancelled in 2001, making 2019 not only the 25th anniversary but also the 25th

Since the first year, club car displays and the Automart – offering classic cars for sale – have been a key part of Spring Autojumble.

In 1994, special features included a display by motoring artists and a classic concours competition.

The show has changed names several times over the years from the initial Beaulieu Spring Classic Autojumble, to Beaulieu Spring Autojumble, Beaulieu Spring Motormart & Autojumble, Beaulieu Motormart Autojumble, then back to Beaulieu Spring Autojumble!

Trunk Traders and Dealermart were popular new features added to the event in 2006.

In 1997 the National Motor Museum had its own garage sale at the show, selling off surplus automobilia, vintage tools and period garage items left over from the creation of Jack Tucker’s Garage display in the museum.

Costin-Nathan racing at Montlhery