Coffee & Chrome Collective events initiative launched

June 1, 2022

A new classic vehicle initiative has been launched to help build a strong community amongst a diverse range of enthusiasts.

The Coffee & Chrome Collective is backed by insurance specialists Footman James, with plans for digital content and physical meets.

It hopes to support and engage with a wide variety of motoring enthusiasts, ranging from vintage motorcycle fans, through to classic off-roaders.

Bringing the community together

Plans for the Coffee & Chrome Collective have developed from previous Coffee & Chrome meets held by Footman James. These have proven to be popular family-friendly events, which Footman James now wants to bring to a wider audience over the next year.

The new Coffee & Chrome Collective will ‘recognise and salute the people who form the backbone of the automotive culture in the UK’. Along with actual in-person meets around the country, enthusiasts will also receive exclusive digital media content.

Harry Metcalfe, Footman James ambassador, said: “Classics and community go hand in hand. Without a thriving community, the joy of collecting classics wouldn’t be nearly as much fun as it is.

“Footman James’ commitment to bringing our community together with their popular Coffee and Chrome Collective, will help bring new (and old) friends together to celebrate our love for all things automotive and I cannot wait to get more involved.”

A positive effect on enthusiasts

Charlotte Moseley, head of marketing at Footman James said: “It’s always a joy to see enthusiasts from all corners of the classic world come together at the Coffee & Chrome meets.

“From vintage military vehicles to classic motorcycles and everything in between, our aim is to provide the classic community with others who share the same passions.

“With the introduction of the Coffee & Chrome Collective, we’re really excited to see it grow into something that will have a really positive effect on classic culture in the UK.”

The first Coffee & Chrome Collective meeting is planned for the Impney Estate in Worcestershire, on 3 July from 9am-1pm.

Attendance is free, with guests also receiving a free breakfast butty and complimentary parking.

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Classic British cars on display for Platinum Jubilee Party

May 30, 2022

An impressive collection of 70 classic British cars will decorate the ‘Long Walk’ at this weekend’s Platinum Jubilee Party at The Park.

Set to be held on Saturday, 4 June, the special celebratory event will take place at Windsor Castle.

The Car & Classic online selling platform has been responsible for gathering the vehicles, which span the 70-year reign of Her Majesty The Queen.

Seven decades of British ingenuity

Those attending the ticketless picnic event will see the British car industry’s technical development across the past seven decades.

A 1952 Land Rover Series I will be the oldest vehicle on display, whilst an ultra-modern McLaren GT will bring the collection completely up to date.

Other highlights will include a Reliant Scimitar, a subtle nod to Princess Anne’s ownership of a GTE SE5 version of the fibreglass-bodied sports car.

Period-correct recovery vehicles from the AA and RAC will also form part of the display.

From Aston Martin to Rover, and more

Gates for the event open at 11am, with a variety of music performances throughout the day. Guests will also be able to watch a live broadcast of the national Platinum Party at the Palace, due to start at 8pm.

Car & Classic Head of Editorial, Chris Pollitt, said: “We were honoured to be asked to support the event by supplying vehicles from 1952 to 2022, hailing seventy years of motoring history”.

“Of course, one of the marques traditionally favoured by the Royal family features high on our list: the 1952 car is a Land Rover Series One 80 inch and the most modern is a Land Rover Defender,” added Pollitt. “Aston Martin’s presence is secured by a DB2/4 followed by DB4, DB6 Vantage Volante, V8, DB7 GT and a V12 Vantage.”

You could buy the Lotus Exige owned by Top Gear’s Chris Harris

May 24, 2022

A 2001 Lotus Exige once owned by Top Gear presenter Chris Harris is currently listed for auction.

One of 604 examples of the Series 1 Exige built, it represents a hardcore, hard-top version of the contemporary Lotus Elise.

Already a rarity, the previous ownership by Chris Harris is likely to attract extra bids on the Collecting Cars auction platform.

Mulsanne in miniature

Launched in 2000, the Lotus Exige turned the mid-engined Elise roadster into something resembling a scaled-down Le Mans racer.

Along with a hard-top roof, the Exige boasts a roof-mounted air intake and a large rear spoiler. A new front splitter was installed, along with a widened track to accommodate bigger tyres.

Beneath a transparent cover, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder K Series engine from the Elise is retained. With 180hp, it offers considerable performance when combined with the Exige’s 780kg kerb weight.

Using a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, the Exige can accelerate from 0-60mph in less than five seconds, and reach a top speed of 136mph.

Low weight, lower mileage

This particular Exige was delivered to Chris Harris as a long-term test car during his role as deputy road test editor at Autocar magazine. Used by Harris for six months, various updates were featured in the magazine during his time with the car.

Once the Exige’s official test period came to an end, Harris bought it. He subsequently sold the car to the present vendor in September 2002. It has now covered a total of just 21,112 miles, with only 5,000 of them added in the past 20 years.

A new engine was fitted early in the life of the Exige, with the block believed to be producing 210hp. An ultra-close-ratio gearbox was also installed, along with a factory sports exhaust.

The interior features bucket seats with Schroth four-point racing harnesses. An Alpine stereo brings a small degree of comfort to the Exige.

Star in a reasonably priced car

A major service for the Exige was performed in November 2021, and the car comes with plenty of maintenance paperwork and correspondence.

Stone chips are noted on the front of the vehicle, with the 16-inch alloy wheels said to be wearing the same scuffs as they did back in 2002.

Ready to offer lightweight thrills, the celebrity ownership story behind this Exige only adds to its desirability.

The listing for the Lotus has already generated bids on Collecting Cars, with the auction set to run until Wednesday 25 May 2022.

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New data shows less than 1 in 10 classic car owners are women

May 19, 2022

Insurance specialist Footman James has published its Indicator Report into current trends within the classic car scene.

With the classic and collector car industry worth more than £18.3 billion, the sector represents a significant contribution to the UK economy.

However, the report has uncovered the need to attract a younger audience to classic cars, along with an improved level of diversity, to secure the industry’s long-term survival.

Need to improve classic diversity

Information taken from Footman James’s client profile found 91 percent are male, meaning only nine percent of classic car owners are women. The majority are aged in their 50s and 60s, with just eight percent under 40.

Age is clearly not a barrier to classic car ownership, however, with Footman James insuring hundreds of drivers in their 90s. The company’s oldest customer is 99 years old.

However, a survey of almost 3,000 classic car enthusiasts by the company found that change may be on the way.

More than a fifth (22 percent) of females questioned said they would consider owning a classic car in future. In comparison, nearly 40 percent of male respondents said the same.

Could Gen-Z save the industry?

Younger generations also showed an interest in owning a classic vehicle. A considerable 49 percent of respondents from the Gen-Z demographic, born between 1997 and 2012, said they would eventually like to own a retro car.

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, were less sure, with only 35 percent saying ‘yes’ to future classic ownership.

Footman James managing director David Bond said: “Change is good for our community. In many ways, as this report highlights, we have changed and evolved as a classic car sector, using technology and communities in times of need. But if we look around, it’s clear to see that our industry isn’t doing enough to change quickly enough, especially around the gender and age of enthusiasts.”

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Restored Eggenberger Merkur XR4Ti touring car up for sale

May 18, 2022

One of the most significant Group A touring cars from the 1980s has come up for sale.

Fully restored by touring car experts CNC Motorsport AWS, it’s one of only two Merkur XR4Ti racers built by Eggenberger Motorsport.

Along with being a race winner in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), the XR4Ti also paved the way for the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.

Crossing the Atlantic to win

Before the Sierra RS Cosworth was developed to dominate Group A touring car racing, teams had noticed the potential of the North American Merkur XR4Ti.

A rebranded version of the Sierra XR4i, the Merkur replaced the Sierra’s 2.8-litre V6 with a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

In the UK, Andy Rouse used an XR4Ti to dominate the 1985 British Saloon Car Championship, then take a class title the following year.

The Merkur’s success would assist Ford in developing the Sierra, with various parts shared between the two cars.

A race-winning ETCC career

In 1986, the Swiss Eggenberger Motorsport team became the official Ford works entry into the European Touring Car Championship. Eggenberger used a pair of XR4Ti cars, albeit wearing Ford badges instead of the American Merkur name.

The car listed for sale was driven by touring car legends Steve Soper and Klaus Niedzwiedz during the 1986 ETCC season. A third place at Hockenheim, followed by a seventh position in the Spa 24 Hours, was topped by a win at Estoril.

After the end of the ETCC season, the XR4Ti went to New Zealand to compete in the famed Wellington 500 street race. A later move saw it race in the Australian Touring Car Championship, and converted to Sierra RS500 specification.

Returned to Eggenberger spec

Since returning to the UK, the XR4Ti has undergone a thorough restoration by CNC Motorsport AWS. The Gloucestershire-based company is responsible for building the reborn Andy Rouse-specification RS500s, ensuring the car has received expert attention.

This included a new roll cage made to 1986 specifications, plus a fresh 2.3-litre Merkur engine producing 340hp.

CNC Motorsport AWS has also installed correct Eggenberger Group A suspension, a rare Getrag ‘long’ bell housing, 17-inch BBS wheels and AP Racing brakes.

The car will be sold with an FIA Historic Technical Passport, making it eligible for high-profile classic motorsport competitions.

What price a Group A legend?

CNC Motorsport AWS has not listed a value for the XR4Ti, but notes that interested parties should take the prices of period Ford Sierra RS500s as a guide.

Before you start checking your bank account, a 1988 Ford Sierra RS500 driven by Andy Rouse in the BTCC sold for £170,000 in 2019. A similar BTCC-winning RS500 made £182,250 at auction in 2018.

Whoever does buy the XR4Ti will become the owner of an important piece of touring car history, and one that can hit the track again in historic motorsport.

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DVLA should reclassify electrified classic cars, say drivers

May 14, 2022

New research finds the majority of car enthusiasts want to see classic EV conversions reclassified by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Specialist insurance broker Footman James surveyed more than 1,300 people about their views on converting classic cars to electric power.

Nearly 70 percent of those questioned agreed with the idea of creating a new classification for converted classic EVs.

The rise of electric classics

At present, only brand new EVs are classified as an electric car on a DVLA V5C registration document.

This means that, after converting a classic car to electric power, the details of the original internal combustion engine remain upon the V5C.

However, the increasing popularity of electrified classics suggests that a new approach could be needed. Footman James highlights that an average of between £20,000 and £40,000 is now spent on classic EV conversions.

Companies such as Lunaz and Everrati have seen substantial demand for electric classic cars, with the wider marketplace covering everything from Land Rovers to Porsches.

David Beckham recently presented his son with an EV-converted Jaguar XK140 as a wedding gift.

The need for official recognition

Managing director of Footman James, David Bond, said: “Electric power is a small but growing sector. This is spilling out to classic owners who are also choosing to swap from petrol to battery power.

“Classic cars by their nature are increasingly restored, modified and upgraded, but interestingly, from the majority of our responders, converting from the internal combustion engine to electric requires more official recognition.

“From the results of this poll, it looks like our audience want there to be a change and move to recognise EV-converted classic cars by the DVLA on the V5 – and look at the green marking on the registration plates to show they are powered by electricity.”

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Praise the Ford: stunning Mk1 Escort RS1600 up for auction

May 11, 2022

An extremely rare 1971 Mk1 Ford Escort RS1600 is currently listed for auction on the Car & Classic website.

Along with being a highly desirable classic fast Ford, this particular Escort has enviable provenance.

Following a complete glass-out restoration process, the RS1600 Custom is likely to attract serious bidders. The expected sale price is around £65,000.

Maize in Essex

Launched in 1970, the Mk1 Escort RS1600 was designed to keep Ford competitive in motorsport. It featured the first example of the Cosworth BDA engine, a relative of the company’s FVA Formula 2 unit.

Producing 115hp and 112lb ft of torque, it allowed the rear-wheel drive RS1600 to accelerate from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds.

A strengthened ‘Type 49’ bodyshell was one of the main changes for the RS1600, along with upgraded suspension.

It would take a keen enthusiast to spot the performance on offer, however, as this rapid Escort still wore 13-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps.

An original Beta interior

The example up for auction was prepared by Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) division in Aveley, Essex. Finished in bold Maize Yellow paint, which has been replicated as part of the restoration, it also boasts rare Beta-trimmed sports seats.

Although the seats have been re-upholstered, the interior retains the original six-dial dashboard and has never even had a radio fitted.

Once completed, the RS1600 was passed to Ford’s press fleet to act as a demonstrator. It means Ford Motor Company is recorded as the first owner, with the ‘LVX’ number plate the same prefix as seen on the Blue Oval’s works rally cars.

A ‘Show Unit’ stamp on the build plate confirms this car was built for press use.

A truly special Ford RS

After its time with Ford, the RS1600 went to Northern Ireland, where it has remained for 50 years. An extensive history will be provided with the car, including the original green logbook showing Ford as the first owner.

Combined with the extensive restoration process, which saw the BDA engine fully refurbished, it makes for an incredibly desirable classic car.

Fast Fords are always in demand, but this particular example is more special than most. Expect plenty of bids before the auction ends on Car & Classic.

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Amazing collection of Nigel Mansell F1 cars up for auction

May 9, 2022

This month’s RM Sotheby’s auction in Monaco offers the chance to buy two of Formula 1’s most iconic cars.

Even more significantly, the F1 machines for sale were driven and owned by Nigel Mansell.

They’re part of a collection of five vehicles being auctioned by the 1992 Formula 1 World Champion, and could be the ultimate collector’s items for motorsport fans.

1991 Williams FW14

As the first car created by Adrian Newey when he joined the Williams F1 team, the FW14 was one of the most advanced racers on the grid in 1991.

A completely new design, the FW14 combined a 3.5-litre Renault V10 engine with a six-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox. Newey’s expertise learned at March ensured the FW14 was cutting-edge when it came to aerodynamics.

The car had to deliver on-track, with Frank Williams having tempted Mansell to forget thoughts of retiring after the 1990 season.

The ultimate F1 taxi

Problems with the all-new gearbox hampered Mansell at the start of the season, but eventually the British driver was able to secure second place on the streets of Monaco.

FW14-5, the car up for auction, was chosen by Mansell ahead of the French Grand Prix. The British driver would go on to win in France, and follow this up by a meteoric victory at the 1991 British Grand Prix.

It would be here that Mansell, on his victory lap, gave Ayrton Senna a lift back to the paddock. This alone makes FW14-5 one of the most famous modern Formula 1 cars.

In total, FW14-5 took Mansell to five victories during 1991, and he has owned it since the end of that season. RM Sotheby’s expects it to sell for €1.5 million to €3 million (£1.28 million to £2.5 million) in Monaco.

1989 Ferrari 640

Nigel Mansell became the last Formula 1 driver to be personally recruited to the Scuderia by Enzo Ferrari for 1989.

The Ferrari 640, designed by John Barnard, was one of the first F1 racers to use a semi-automatic sequential gearbox. New rules for 1989 saw turbocharged engines banned, with the 640 powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V12.

Mansell’s early promise with the 640 was shown by him setting a new lap record at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit during pre-season testing.

The Lion’s Italian chariot

The opening race of the 1989 season gave Mansell a dream start to his Ferrari career, with the British driver fighting his way to claim victory.

A string of retirements and disqualifications would follow but, when the 640 worked, Mansell would finish on the podium. At the end of the season in 1990, chassis 109 was shipped to Nigel’s personal collection.

Responsible for Mansell’s first Ferrari victory, an auction estimate of €2.5 million to €5 million (£2.13 million to £4.2 million) seems reasonable.

More Mansell Collection lots

The other three cars up for sale as part of the Mansell Collection include the 2005 Reynard 2KI driven by Nigel in the first Grand Prix Masters race. Mansell qualified on pole position at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa, and drove to a dominant victory at the age of 52.

A 1991 Birkin 7 Sprint and an unusual 1990 iC Modulo M89 three-wheeler complete the collection.

Taking place alongside the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the RM Sotheby’s sale will be on 14 May 2022.

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Your retro car could star at the Commonwealth Games

May 6, 2022

The organisers of the 2022 Commonwealth Games are on the hunt for classic cars made in Birmingham.

Famous products from the West Midlands city will feature in the opening and closing ceremonies, with spectators promised ‘the largest and most spectacular show the city has ever seen’.

It means a unique opportunity for those who own a Birmingham-built car to drive inside the newly renovated Alexander Stadium.

Birmingham’s time to shine

A total of 72 vehicles are needed for the ceremonies, with confident drivers required to perform in front of 30,000 people inside the stadium. A million others will be watching on TV from around the world.

Cars, and their owners, will need to meet various qualifying criteria in order to take part. In particular, the organisers are searching for cars painted red, white or blue.

The organisers also require the cars to be roadworthy, taxed and insured, and that both vehicle and driver are able to take part in rehearsals and the ceremony itself.

The cars are the stars

Some 12 rehearsals will be held throughout June and July, ahead of the opening of the Commonweath Games on 28 July 2022.

The organisers will pay drivers a mileage rate, along with providing food and drink for the rehearsal events.

If you have a classic Austin, Jaguar, Rover, or one of the many other marques made in Birmingham, you need to move fast.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 6 May 2022, with more information available from the Birmingham Ceremonies website.

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Mazda to showcase classic cars in renovated Hiroshima museum

April 25, 2022

The Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, Japan, will reopen to the public following a major renovation.

Dedicated to more than 100 years of Mazda history, the museum has been updated to reflect the company’s new brand image.

This includes a new monotone colour scheme inside the venue, combined with warm lighting and wood surfaces.

A new online version of the museum has also been launched, aimed at virtual visitors from around the globe.

Rotary legends and more

Mazda has divided the museum, which is attached to its Hiroshima headquarters, into 10 distinct zones. Each has bespoke decor and lighting, designed to match the overall theme of the vehicles on display.

Exhibits will tell the company’s story, starting with its 1920 founding as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. From a cork-manufacturing outfit, Mazda evolved into producing automatic rickshaws. The R360 of 1960 was its first compact kei car.

Motorsport success plays a key part in the Mazda story. Vehicles on display include the rotary-powered 787B, known for winning the 1991 Le Mans 24-Hour race.

Other rotary stars include the RX-7 that claimed third place on the 1985 Acropolis Rally.

Real and virtual visitors welcome

A tour of the Mazda production line is included as part of a museum visit, along with highlights of the current model range.

Mazda plans to reopen the museum to the public on 23 May 2022, with advance ticket sales available from 16 May.

An online version of the museum will allow more enthusiasts to experience Mazda’s history. Guided virtual tours, including immersive drone footage, will be included, along with content aimed at children.

Currently only available in Japanese, Mazda plans to add an English-language version of the virtual museum soon.

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Godsmen

Bringing the community together

A positive effect on enthusiasts

Seven decades of British ingenuity

From Aston Martin to Rover, and more

Mulsanne in miniature

Low weight, lower mileage

Star in a reasonably priced car

Need to improve classic diversity

Could Gen-Z save the industry?

Crossing the Atlantic to win

A race-winning ETCC career

Returned to Eggenberger spec

What price a Group A legend?

The rise of electric classics

The need for official recognition

Maize in Essex

An original Beta interior

A truly special Ford RS

1991 Williams FW14

The ultimate F1 taxi

1989 Ferrari 640

The Lion’s Italian chariot

More Mansell Collection lots

Birmingham’s time to shine

The cars are the stars

Rotary legends and more

Real and virtual visitors welcome

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Features

Reviews

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