Such is the interest in converting existing retro machines to battery power, Swindon Powertrains has released a ready-made kit for the original Mini.
It builds upon the technology found within the limited-edition Swind E Classic Mini.
However, opting for the DIY kit will be far cheaper than the £79,000 finished item.
This is the self-electrification society
The new Classic Mini Kit from Swindon Powertrain is the same as found in the E Class.
This means an electric motor with continuous output of 80 kW, and a potential peak of 120 kW. Dry weight is just 70 kg, meaning it should not upset the Mini’s famed handling.
Swindon supplies the kit with a subframe ready to fit neatly to the existing engine mounts. This aims to keep required modifications as small as possible, as do CV joints that accept regular Mini driveshafts.
Optional extras include an underbonnet 12 kWh battery pack, onboard charger, cooling system, and a limited slip differential.
Plug in, baby
Ease of use is a key aim of the Classic Mini Kit. Swindon is looking to attract a wide range of potential customers, ranging from solo enthusiasts through to EV conversion businesses.
According to Gérry Hughes, Swindon Powertrain commercial director, the company “registered over 500 requests for more information” after the motor package was first announced.
Such plug-and-play ease does come at a cost. Prices start at £8,850 plus VAT for the basic Classic Mini Kit.
Deliveries are expected to commence in December 2020, and orders can be placed now.
It’s 40 years since Citroen revealed the 2CV6 Charleston. Launched as a special edition in October 1980, it became a regular model in 1981. It went on to become the best-selling 2CV of the 1980s.
By the time the Charleston was unveiled at the 1980 Paris Motor Show, the 2CV had been on sale for 32 years. Sales in France and elsewhere in Europe were in steep decline, prompting rumours of an uncertain future for the ‘Tin Snail’.
So it’s surprising that the Citroen managed to soldier on until July 1990. The success of the 2CV6 Charleston played a part, but we shouldn’t underestimate the role Britain played in its survival.
It look a while for British motorists to embrace the 2CV. It wasn’t until 1979 that it reached the peak of its popularity on these shores, when UK sales hit a high of 8,867 cars.
By the end of production, the UK represented the 2CV’s biggest market, accounting for a third of daily output at the Mangualde plant in Portugal.
New wave of 80s special editions
The Charleston wasn’t the first Citroen 2CV special edition. That honour belongs to the 2CV Spot of 1976. However, the Charleston sparked a new wave of special editions throughout the 1980s. The list includes the 007 James Bond, Dolly, Bamboo and Perrier.
The initial 8,000 examples of the Charleston sold out, prompting Citroen to make it a regular production model. Originally offered in Delage Red and Black, it later came in Helios Yellow and Black. This wasn’t popular, so yellow was replaced with Night Grey and Cormorant Grey.
Highlights included round headlights, hubcaps sourced from the Dyane, wheels painted to match the body colour, separate front seats and cloth upholstery from the Citroen LN.
Regular production models differ from the special editions thanks to their chrome headlight housings, diamond-stitched cloth upholstery and front disc brakes.
From ‘cheerio’ to Pluriel
Officially, a 2CV6 Charleston finished in two-tone grey was the final 2CV to leave the assembly line. In 2008, Citroen marked the 60th anniversary of the 2CV with the launch of the C3 Pluriel Charleston.
In 2012, a 2CV6 Charleston registered in 1991 sold for £14,560 at an RM Sotheby’s auction in London. The car had just 166km on the clock and was ‘essentially as new’.
Today, prices range from £5,000 to £10,000, depending on condition and mileage. Alternatively, you could buy a C3 Pluriel Charleston, of which there are thought to be 36 left in the country.
Click here to read about the history of the Citroen 2CV.
For a year that continues to be chaotic, the classic car market has shown a remarkable level of resilience.
Insurance specialists Hagerty have monitored the values of more than 40,000 retro motors between May and August this year.
The latest September 2020 update to the UK Price Guide has shown no signs of a collapse, with the top 50 cars actually displaying an increase in average values.
We have detailed the cars that have recorded the biggest increases, falls, and those simply holding position.
2020 Winners
Analysis by Hagerty’s market experts showed an overall shift downwards in mean values, dropping by 0.47%.
However, modern classics in particular bucked the trend, recording increases in average values between May and August 2020. These were the top five making a climb.
Volkswagen Mk1 Golf GTI 1.6 – 13.82% increase
Perhaps the launch of a new Mk8 Golf GTI this year by Volkswagen has stirred up sentimental memories. In a chaotic world, there is something reassuring about the ever-present Mk1 GTI.
In particular, it is the earliest 1.6-litre versions of the Mk1 GTI that have seen the marked growth in values. Average prices for these rose from £15,200 to £17,300.
Audi Ur-Quattro – 3.84% increase
The original Audi Quattro hit 40 this year, and has seen plenty of attention on the classic car scene. Nostalgia may well also be playing a part in pushing the values of these four-wheel drive machines ever higher.
Firing up the Quattro has seen average values pushed from £46,225 to £48,000.
Morgan 4/4 Series V – 2.13% increase
The Morgan 4/4 manages to be the only car to show a substantial increase in value not from the 1980s. Distinguishing older 4/4 models from newer versions might be a test of knowledge, but it is only the 1963 to 1968 Series V cars that have gained in price.
Morgan made a total of 639 examples of the Series V, with their average values having increased from £28,225 to £28,825.
Porsche 944 Turbo – 1.45% increase
Hagerty recorded that front-engined Porsche models demonstrated an increase in values across the board between May and August. Yet it was the desirable 944 Turbo that made the biggest gains.
For pop-up headlights with extra boost, bank on needing an average of £20,925 now.
Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 – 0.93% increase
Being consistently rated as one of, if not the, greatest hot hatch keeps demand for the Peugeot 205 GTI at a high level. Auctions in recent years have seen prices regularly exceed £20,000, but the pace of growth appears to have slowed slightly.
This summer saw average prices for the 1.6-litre version increase slightly from £16,150 to £16,300.
2020 Non-movers
Most of the cars listed within the Hagerty Index saw their values remain static between May to August 2020. The cars listed below were notable for seeing their average prices level off after periods of change.
BMW 2002 Tii
Created as a special performance version of the compact BMW 2002, the Tii made a debut in 1971. Fuel injection for the 2.0-litre engine, along with upgraded suspension, created a desirable sports saloon.
Prices for the Tii have previously shown increases, but have now levelled off. Average values are now at £29,575.
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Fast Fords values have shown substantial increases across the past decade. The Sierra RS Cosworth has led the charge, with big money changing hands at auctions.
Such growth may now have levelled off, albeit at the considerable average of £48,550.
Willys MB Jeep
The Willys MB is the general purpose military vehicle that started the Jeep name. Values for this wartime hero have shown an overall downward trend, but would appear to have now stopped falling.
To become G.I. Joe, or Jane, expect to spend in the region of £21,057 for the utilitarian Willys MB.
Ferrari 308 GTB
The range of 308 models often acts as a relatively affordable route in classic Ferrari ownership. With styling by Pininfarina, and a mid-mounted 2.9-litre V8 engine, it ticks many boxes for Prancing Horse expectations.
After previous falls in value, the original 308 GTB has now found a balancing point in the market. Average prices are reported as being £52,250.
Ford Escort Mexico
What makes the Ford Escort Mexico notable is that average values have not moved for more than two years. According to Hagerty, the rally-inspired Escort Mexico has not seen prices budge since February 2018.
Due to inflation, this means that values have actually fallen slightly in real terms, with an average of £29,800.
2020 Losers
With a slight overall 0.47% decrease in the UK Hagerty Price Guide, it means some models had to endure falls in value between May and August 2020.
Many of these are noted to have been cars that have seen substantial increases. A fall may suggest the market making a correction to what it believes is the appropriate value.
DeLorean DMC-12 – 6.82% decrease
Marking the biggest decrease of all in the Hagerty Price Guide is the unmistakable DeLorean DMC-12. Being such a unique proposition may contribute to the fall in values seen between May and September. Owners might wish they had a time machine to see what prices are likely to do in the future.
DMC-12 prices have dropped from £30,262, down to £28,200.
Daimler SP250 Dart – 5.26% decrease
An auction regular on both sides of the Atlantic, the Daimler SP250 sports car has recorded a substantial drop in average values.
Values have now dipped below £40,000, with averages standing at £39,162.
Range Rover Classic – 4.97% decrease
Land Rover is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original Range Rover in 2020. This has included a special Fifty limited-edition of the current version, wearing colours used on the first-generation model.
This does not appear to have helped Classic values, however. In particular, the two-door model has seen a drop from £38,750 to £36,825.
Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 – 2.37% decrease
Much like the DeLorean DMC-12, the Lagonda Series 2 manages to be a divisive car on the auction circuit. Radical styling, and a futuristic interior, meant it can split opinion with bidders.
A fall in value here suggests investors may be looking to buy more dependable auction favourites instead. Average values moved from £53,798 down to £52,525.
Land Rover Series I – 1.35% decrease
The launch of the new Defender could have been expected to stimulate interest in the original Land Rover. Instead, prices for the Series I recorded a slight fall between May and August 2020.
Values have moved downwards from £29,700 to £29,300.
Perhaps the best-known Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 in the UK will be offered for auction next month.
Listed in the H&H Classics Live Auction Online, this particular hot hatchback has been a media darling for two decades.
Indeed, it’s had so many celebrity appearances, this Peugeot is probably deserving of an IMDb entry.
The argument that never ends
Mrs Higgins of Ellesmere Port was the first owner of the 205 GTI, with the car registered on 1 August 1992.
Although this example comes from the latter end of 205 GTI production, the 1.9-litre engine avoided being saddled with a catalytic converter. That means an unrestricted output of 126hp from the four-cylinder XU9JA motor.
Peugeot purists will forever argue as to whether the 1.6- or 1.9-litre version of the 205 GTI is best. Although the smaller engine revs more eagerly, the larger displacement motor counters with extra torque.
Half-leather seats, rear disc brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels were also part of the 1.9 GTI package.
Star of screen and print
Both versions are brilliant, with the 205 GTI consistently ranked as the greatest hot hatch ever made. Indeed, every new hot hatch launched seems to be judged against the classic Peugeot.
The car up for auction has appeared in the pages of multiple motoring magazines, including EVO, Auto Express and Performance French Cars.
The 205 GTi was also driven by ‘Jezza’ on Clarkson’s Car Years in 2000, and later by the Stig on Top Gear in 2003. On the latter occasion, it took part in a drag race against a 206 GTI.
Honey, I shrunk the Peugeot!
Not only has this 205 GTi 1.9 appeared on TV and in print, it was also immortalised by Corgi as a diecast miniature. Rendered in 1:43 scale, even the registration number of K923 JFM was added to the model.
Such fame has helped ensure the GTI has been maintained throughout its life. An accompanying history folder includes MOT certificates back to 1995, along with bills and invoices from 1996 onwards.
Its total mileage currently stands at just under 93,000, with the last service in February this year. A bill for £1,170 included new drop links, front Bilstein shock absorbers and a new gear linkage set.
No plastic surgery here
The service records show that the clutch was replaced at 62,000 miles, with a top-engine rebuild at 79,000 miles. A rolling road tune and replacement cambelt were part of the work performed more recently.
It makes for a car that has been paid plenty of mechanical attention, and should let a new owner enjoy driving it further.
H&H Classics notes that the Miami Blue paintwork shows signs of stone chips, while the black and red interior has wear to the fabric. The distinctive 15-inch alloy wheels have been refurbished, though.
A new casting call awaits
Auction values for clean examples of the 205 GTI have been climbing, with a record-breaking example topping £38,000 in 2017.
It makes the pre-sale estimate for this famed example of £19,000 to £22,000 seem quite reasonable.
The H&H Classics Live Auction Online takes place on Thursday, 18th November, with bidder registration now open.
Remember the Top Gear when Clarkson drove to work? Sounds like the dullest episode ever, right? This particular cross-London commute was different, though. This time, Jeremy was behind the wheel of a Peel P50.
The P50 is 54 inches (1,370mm) long and 41 inches (1,040mm) wide, and holds the Guinness World Record for being the smallest road-legal car. It’s tiny enough to drive along the corridors of BBC Television Centre and share an elevator with Fiona Bruce. Not even a Smart can do that.
The Top Gear review reignited interest in P50, and also sparked something in Jim Buggle: founder of P50 Cars. At the age of 13, Jim had watched a documentary about Peel – narrated, oddly enough, by DJ John Peel. It was his first step in a lifelong obsession with this quirky microcar from the Isle of Man.
Years passed and Jim swapped his toys for tools, got an engineering degree and decided to remanufacture the car Clarkson called “the ultimate in personal mobility”. And that’s how I end up on a nondescript industrial estate in south London, grinning from ear to ear as I blast to 25mph and (slightly) beyond.
Fairweather friend
The car I’m here to drive isn’t just any P50, but the world’s first convertible version – christened the ‘Fairweather’ by Jim’s business partner Craig Wilson.
Craig is P50 Cars’ one-man production line, and a bona fide engineering genius. He’s lovingly assembled the Fairweather from scratch in a room scarcely larger than my kitchen. You’ll search in vain for robots or laser welding rigs here; fibreglass bodies are moulded and painted on-site, with many parts – such as the steering wheel and rear lights – made by hand.
The number of late nights and bruised knuckles that went into the Fairweather explains why a Qatari king paid serious money for it.
The company now plans a run of open-top P50 Spyders, starting from £15,995 plus VAT. A ‘regular’ P50, however, starts at £7,495 plus VAT as a build-it-yourself kit, or £12,495 plus VAT fully assembled. Not quite “cheaper than walking”, then (to quote Clarkson again) – but no matter.
Petrol or electric
The original car used a DKW moped engine, but the modern version (which, incidentally, isn’t badged a Peel – P50 Cars doesn’t own the trademark) uses a replica Honda Cub unit. Estimated fuel economy is a thrifty 145mpg. Take that, Prius.
You can also opt for a 3.1kW electric motor with batteries that charge to 80 percent capacity in an hour, or fully charge in two. “It’ll run directly off the mains if you find a long enough lead,” says Jim, only half in jest.
This P50 doesn’t have a reverse gear, yet backing it out of the workshop is laughably easy. Jim grabs the handle on the bumper, hoiks the rear tyre off the ground and wheels it out: shopping trolley-style.
I try for myself, marvelling how this tiny car can be lifted with one arm then spun on its axis. It feels like you could take it anywhere. Except, perhaps, up or down steps…
Comfier than Clarkson
Clarkson needed two attempts to shoehorn his 6ft 5in frame inside a P50. At a vertically-challenged 5ft 7in, though, my task is considerably more straightforward. The absence of a roof helps, too; simply pop the catch on the rear-hinged door and step inside.
You wouldn’t call it accommodating, however. I’m perched on a glorified garden chair, enclosed by bare fibreglass (“carpets are optional”, says Jim). There’s a speedo – sourced from an East German Simson motorcycle – plus a clever miniature audio system (essentially an amplifier and two speakers for your smartphone). But that’s your lot.
Such concerns are soon forgotten when I fire up the engine. The original Peel had to be cranked into life with a starting handle, but this retro remake has an electric start. Click-whirr-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud. It sounds, unsurprisingly, just like a moped, its single-cylinder motor vibrating through the thinly-padded seat.
I click the column shift into gear and I’m off, a bemused postman watching my every move as I edge gingerly onto the road.
Peel’s on wheels
At this juncture, I should point out that the Fairweather isn’t road-registered. So although it has lights, indicators and a horn, it doesn’t yet wear number plates. As such, I’m restricted to private roads on the industrial estate where P50 Cars is based. But that’s more than enough space to get this unique car up to speed.
Speed? Jim reckons the P50 will top 40mph flat-out, but a restrictor limits it to 30mph. On the plus side, that means it can be driven on a provisional licence. And road tax (VED) is the same as a moped: just £20 a year.
Frankly, 30mph feels swift enough when you’re inches from the tarmac in something akin to a two-tone bath tub. The reborn P50 boasts 4.5hp – twice the output of the 1962 car – so it gathers pace steadily, bouncing over bumps as the 50cc motor blares boisterously from below.
The familiar soundtrack jogs memories of the Pizza Hut moped I rode in my student days. Pizza deliveries by P50? Now there’s a thought.
It may not be quick, but the P50 changes direction like a toddler on tartrazine. Thank tiny six-inch wheels, sharp steering and a wheelbase shorter than my inside leg. There are no gears to worry about, so driving it couldn’t be easier: you simply steer and go.
Stopping is more of an issue, however. I’m somewhere north of 15mph when a monster truck (OK, a Nissan Qashqai) looms ominously into view. I dab the left pedal and… nothing. Only when I squeeze harder does the P50 gently scrub off speed. Jim looks on nervously as I putter past, my eyes barely level with the crossover’s door mirrors.
Sense of scale
On reflection, perhaps it’s a good thing I won’t be unleashed on the streets of Bexley today. Dicing with London buses and homicidal Uber drivers in this beautifully-finished, one-off P50 isn’t a prospect I’d relish.
Sensible consumer advice, then: unless you live on the Isle of Man, the P50 isn’t ideal commuter transport. It won’t have trendy urbanites trading in their Twizys. But as a budget fun car, it takes some beating.
And it’s so much fun. You know how 1980s hot hatches would cock an inside rear wheel when cornering hard? The P50 does the opposite. Take liberties with the steering and it can lift an outside front wheel, ‘waving’ at oncoming traffic like a one-eyed alien.
It’s genuinely, laugh-out-loud hilarious – certainly more so than a moped with a stack of Stuffed Crusts on the back. Even jaded, post-lunchbreak mechanics and warehouse workers can’t help but smile.
Trident for two
Clambering out, I spot a faded fibreglass buck in the corner of the workshop: “That’s the two-seat Trident,” explains Jim, “our latest project.”
The bubble-domed Peel Trident resembles the flying car from The Jetsons cartoon. Built between 1964 and 1965, it actually outsold the P50. According to the John Peel documentary, the Trident was “popular with courting couples” – perhaps because its tiny cabin meant driver and passenger would, inevitably, become intimately acquainted.
I’m excited to see a production Trident – and genuinely wish P50 Cars all the best. It’s great to see an innovative British company thriving in this niche market. However, for me, the P50 will always be the star.
Where the Trident bears similarities to other microcars of the era (Messerschmitts, Heinkels, BMW Isettas, and so on), the P50 is like nothing else. And, 58 years later, it’s still the world’s smallest car.
What does a Formula 1 driver buy after they retire from motorsport? This week’s RM Sotheby’s London auction provides one answer.
Among the impressive array of cars on offer is a 1990 Ferrari F40. What makes this example special is that it comes from the collection of Gerhard Berger.
The Austrian driver had an illustrious Formula 1 career, and his ownership adds to the appeal of an already desirable Ferrari.
Driving for the Scuderia
Berger made his F1 debut in 1984, driving for the ATS team in a handful of races. After the end of the season, he was involved in a serious road accident that left him with a broken neck.
Making an impressive recovery, Berger was able to compete with the Arrows F1 team for 1985. However, a move to Benetton in 1986 would demonstrate what the Austrian could really do with a competitive car.
Along with out-qualifying team mate Teo Fabi during the 1986 season, Berger also took a win at the Mexican Grand Prix. That helped land him a seat with Scuderia Ferrari for 1987.
Team mates with Senna
The young Austrian spent three seasons with Ferrari, before switching to McLaren in 1990. As team mate to Ayrton Senna, he developed an infamous reputation for engaging in practical jokes with the Brazilian driver.
Berger would later return to Ferrari a second time in 1993, before ending his career with two seasons at Benetton from 1996 to 1997.
After amassing 10 Formula 1 victories and 48 podiums, Berger left the sport at the end of 1997. He then moved into management, taking a role with BMW Motorsport.
High performance, dramatic looks
Built to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 pushed the boundaries of supercar technology at the time. Lightweight carbon fibre and Kevlar was used for the body and chassis, with power supplied by a 2.9-litre turbocharged V8 with 471hp.
A utilitarian interior added to the performance focus, with the mid-engined F40 able to hit a top speed of over 200mph. Hardcore performance and dramatic looks defined the reputation of the F40.
Sold to a Ferrari enthusiast in Singapore when new, this car later moved to Japan. It made an appearance at the Retromobile show in Paris in 2015 and 2017, then was acquired by a new owner in Germany.
Ferrari Classiche certified
Berger bought the car in May 2019, and submitted it for Ferrari Classiche Certification in December 2019. This confirmed its originality, including that the thin paintwork with visible carbon fibre weave beneath was from the factory.
The previous owner had spent some €80,000 (£72,500) on maintaining the F40. Part of this work saw the fitment of the preferred non-adjustable suspension setup. A set of new 17-inch Speedline wheels, plus a loud Le Mans Quicksilver titanium sports exhaust system, completed the makeover.
The odometer shows the F40 having covered less than 30,000 kilometres (19,000 miles) since new.
For sale with Sotheby’s
Despite having owned the F40 for less than eighteen months, Berger has opted to part with the car at the RM Sotheby’s London sale.
A pre-sale estimate of £900,000 to £1.1 million reflects the desirability of the Ferrari, and the added bonus of having been owned by a Formula 1 legend.
The online-only auction begins on Monday 26 October, and runs until Saturday 31 October. Other intriguing lots listed for the sale include a 2018 Ford GT, a RUF CTR3 Clubsport, and even a Lamborghini LM002.
Ford’s announcement that the limited-edition Mach 1 version of the Mustang will be sold in Europe is something of a shock. The Blue Oval has avoided bringing the hottest ‘Stangs across the Atlantic making this a rare treat.
The Mach 1 name has been used on North American-spec Mustangs for over 50 years. Given that we all have some catching up to do, let us take a trip into the Ford archives.
A hotter Mustang for the jet age
The Mach 1 name is taken from the term used to denote when something is travelling at the speed of sound. Ford had first used the Mach 1 badge on the futuristic Levacar concept, first shown in 1959.
Created by Gale Helderman, who also designed the Mustang, Levacar Mach 1 was a hover car that floated on a cushion of air. Even if the radical Levacar came to nothing, the Mach 1 name clearly stuck with Ford executives for future use.
1967 Ford Mach 1 Concept
Ford would use the Mach 1 title on a number of Mustang concepts, including this one from 1967. Despite the original pony car having only been launched in 1964, the company was already experimenting with how the Mustang might evolve.
Ford was determined to take the Mustang from a simple sports car into a more muscular machine. The low, sweeping, roofline previewed the shape of the facelifted 1969 Mustang, although the square headlights would be ditched.
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
For Mustang fans, 1969 represented a notable highpoint for performance offerings. Along with Shelby models and the new Boss 429, Ford also released the first-generation of the Mustang Mach 1.
Offered only in the Sportsroof fastback design, it came with upgraded suspension and a host of visual extras. This included the option of a ‘Shaker hood’, intended to feed cool air directly into the engine.
The big story was, literally, beneath the bonnet. Ford offered the 351-cubic inch (5.8-litre) Cleveland V8 as the basic option for the Mach 1. This came with 250 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque, but could be upgraded to 290hp and 385lb-ft with the ‘M-Code’ option.
A bigger 390-cubic inch (6.4-litre) V8 with 320hp was also available, but the big talking point was the infamous Cobra Jet V8. Displacing a huge 428-cubic inches (7.0-litre), this motor produced 335hp and 440lb-ft of torque.
It turned the Mustang into a serious performance car, and helped see the Mach 1 set almost 300 speed and endurance records. The Mach 1 would also be used to win back-to-back SCCA Manufacturer’s Road Rally Championships.
1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
Sold as the upmarket alternative to the Ford, the Mercury Cougar shared most mechanical parts with the Mustang. This included a version of the Mach, badged as the Cougar Eliminator.
Performance suspension, a front splitter, large rear spoiler, and fancier wheels were the main parts of the Eliminator option package. The same engine options as the Mach 1 were included, although the special 290hp Boss 302 V8 was a Cougar exclusive.
1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Having clearly been impressed with the success of the Mach 1 in 1969, Ford left the 1970 model relatively unchanged. A wider front grille saw the inclusion of dual-beam headlights, whilst the rear of the Mach 1 gained new honeycomb detailing.
Even the engine options remained largely unchanged, other than the M-Code version of the 351 Cleveland V8 being pushed to 300hp. With sales of more than 40,000 examples, over 20 percent of all Mustangs sold in 1970 were Mach 1 versions.
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
With Ford locked into a fierce battle to produce the biggest and best muscle car, the 1971 Mustang grew bigger than ever before. Stretched in length, width, and weight, the new ‘Stang was ready-made to accept big-block engines. Despite that change, this would be the final year for the giant 429-cubic inch Cobra Jet V8, which now offered 370hp.
One of the most noticeable exterior changes was the matte black bonnet, featuring two air scoops. An optional ‘Ram Air’ package could be ordered to direct air straight into the carburettor.
1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Increasing insurance prices and new emissions regulations meant that classic muscle cars were on borrowed time by 1973. The Mach 1 did not escape, with Ford having reduced engine options the previous year.
This would also be the final year for the first-generation Mustang, with Ford planning an all-new model for 1974. Keen financial incentives still saw plenty of Mach 1s sold in 1973, with some 35,000 finding homes.
1974 Ford Mustang II Mach 1
Reduced in stature, and fitted with smaller engines, the second-generation Mustang is typically glossed over by Ford fans. The backdrop of the 1973 oil crisis had made a downsized sports car a timely move. It meant the Pinto-based Mustang II sold surprisingly well, with over 330,000 assembled in 1974.
There was still a Mach 1 version for 1974, though it was little more than a styling exercise. Power came from the 2.8-litre Cologne V6, delivering just 105hp.
The following year would see the return of the V8 Mach 1, with a 140hp 302-cubic inch (4.9-litre) unit available.
2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1
After the end of Mustang II production in 1978, Ford waited until 2003 to bring back the Mach 1 badge. Launched as a retro-inspired limited edition, it made use of the established fourth-generation Mustang.
The Mach 1 was chosen to plug a gap between the regular Mustang GT, and the high-performance SVT Cobra. It came with just one engine option, an upgraded version of the 4.6-litre Modular V8. A special exhaust, new rear spoiler, and bespoke alloy wheels were all included.
With an output of 305hp and 320lb-ft of torque, it meant this new Mach 1 was much more like the originals from the 1970s. The hood scoop sitting above it was actually functional, whilst Ford ensured the Mach 1 had plenty of classic decals and badges for good measure.
Time-limited due to the end of fourth-generation Mustang production, Ford sold 9,650 Mach 1s in 2003. The following year would see 7,180 examples produced, making this version one of the rarest Mach 1 creations.
2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E
To the shock of many Blue Oval fans, Ford not only used the Mustang badge for an electric crossover, but the Mach label as well. Being branded as the Mach-E points to the battery propulsion underneath, but also the potential performance on offer.
Ticking the right options for the Mach-E can result in a four-wheel drive SUV with 469hp. This means the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds for the GT version. Whilst it may not have a V8, the Mach-E does at least channel the spirit of the Mach 1.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1
After another lengthy break, the actual Mustang Mach 1 is back in action. That Ford is selling the special performance version around the world also marks a major first. Using parts taken from performance Shelby models, Ford is not messing around with this Mach 1.
Power comes from the 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 engine, which will deliver European buyers with 460hp. Buyers will be able to pick from the Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, with rev-matching on downshifts. On upshifts, the driver is able to select the next gear without even taking their foot off the throttle.
A ten-speed automatic transmission will be on the options list, with a limited-slip differential fitted whichever box is ticked.
Other key changes include a new front grille, featuring faux imitation driving lights to look like the 1969 original. Bright colour choices will be matched with contrasting body stripes, with retro-style Mach 1 decals also included.
Parts such as the special rear diffuser are not just for show. Compared to a regular Mustang GT, the Mach 1 will generate 22 percent more downforce. An array of oil coolers, and bespoke performance suspension, will make it suited to time spent on track.
Despite the performance edge, luxurious Ebony leather seats are fitted to the Mach 1. Manual-equipped cars get a retro cueball-style gear knob, although a 12-inch digital dashboard is suitably modern.
Frank Stephenson is back with a new YouTube series. The designer of the modern Mini, the Ferrari F430 and most modern McLarens now runs his own design consultancy. More importantly for retro car fans, though, he also has his own YouTube channel.
This is where he discusses car design, building up more than 70,000 subscribers with his previous series, ‘How I designed’. Frank also analyses other cars, and more than 600,000 people have already watched his evaluation of the new BMW 4 Series (you know, the one with the huge kidney grille).
Now, he’s set to potentially stir up some controversy, with his latest series: Frank’s Dream Garage. In it, he discusses some of the most acclaimed car designs of all time, analysing their nuances… and critiquing them where necessary.
Imagine Martin Amis analysing Williams Shakespeare and saying, “with respect, I wouldn’t have worded it like that”, for an idea of what to expect.
Better still, Frank then suggests how it could have been done better.
Improving on perfection
Retro Motor has watched the first episode, which is about the Jaguar E-Type. This is a car Enzo Ferrari, whose spirit Frank used to professionally channel, called “the most beautiful car ever made”. Surely there’s no way it could be improved upon?
Frank respectfully begs to differ, and the result is a fascinating analysis of the car’s great and not-so-great aspects. We promise, you’ll discover aspects of the car you’ve never seen before, and love the E-Type even more.
The really intriguing part is when Frank sits down at E-Type UK, where he makes sketches of an immaculate Series I Fixed Head Coupe (brilliantly produced with just a Bic biro on what appears to be A4 paper from the photocopier).
Afterwards (with a snap of the fingers) he relocates to his studio – to render his own interpretation of the classic Jaguar E-Type, rectifying the aspects he noted and subtly giving his own twist on the classic shape.
Don’t worry. This isn’t a retro recreation. The spirit of Malcom Sawyer’s original is fully intact. That’s the fascinating part about this series – Frank instead simply smooths out the niggles, the aspects that, perhaps, period manufacturing technology forced upon the designers, maybe creating the car they always had in their minds all along.
And if this isn’t reason enough to watch, simply seeing how a professional render is created by hand should be. It’s utterly compelling viewing, with Frank a polite, knowledeable and very engaging presenter.
Frank promises some other greats are in store. The E-Type has set the bar high, so we can’t wait to watch more. Those who love beautiful classic motors, trust us, this is well worth a watch. And once you’ve watched that… well, that’s your weekend viewing sorted.
The original Audi Quattro has a cult following on both sides of the Atlantic. Yet this example was somehow left alone and untouched for two decades.
Discovered in Seattle, Washington, this classic coupe was clearly in need of some attention.
Following a successful sale on the Bring a Trailer auction website, this barn-find Quattro is now heading off for a new life on the road.
Whilst the term ‘barn find’ may be used a lot, this Quattro was genuinely located in a farm building. The previous owner had stored the Audi in a barn that also housed his flock of sheep!
The Pacific Northwest region of the United States has become a prime hunting ground for car collectors. A milder climate is said to help preserve classic vehicles, especially for those kept inside a garage. Or barn.
It means that beneath 22-years of dirt and grime, the Quattro was found to be relatively well preserved. With just 664 Ur-Quattros estimated to have been sold in the United States, this was clearly a car worth restoring.
That the Quattro came to rest in Washington state seems almost serendipitous. The 1986 Olympus Rally was held in the region, and would be the last WRC event to allow Group B cars to compete.
North American versions of the Ur-Quattro had a number of notable differences from their European counterparts. Chunkier impact-absorbing bumpers were the biggest change, along with the standard fitment of air conditioning and leather seats.
Beneath the bonnet is the 2.1-litre version of Audi’s five-cylinder turbocharged engine. Lower boost pressure, and emissions tweaks, meant North American models had only 160hp, compared to the 200hp found in European versions.
Yet the showpiece Quattro four-wheel drive system, complete with locking centre and rear differentials, was left untouched.
The extra traction offered would likely have been useful in chilly Washington state winters, although this particular car began life in California. It later moved further north to Idaho, before eventually taking up residence near Seattle.
The seller of the Quattro performed some minor mechanical restoration after recovering it from the barn. This included a full service of the engine and transmission, plus the replacement of the ignition system. A new performance stainless steel exhaust was also fitted.
On the inside, the brown leather seats have some cracks and marks, but were left untouched. The dashboard has an aftermarket ABT gauge pod, and has around 130,000 mile on the odometer.
Beneath the grime, the outside of the Quattro has a number of small dents and rust spots. Given the age of the car this seems reasonable, and would probably be described as ‘patina’ on older vehicles.
A set of silver Fuchs 15-inch alloy wheels were added by the seller, and are complemented by the Eibach suspension springs. A larger Treser three-piece rear spoiler had been fitted before, but an original version was also included.
The auction on Bring a Trailer saw plenty of bids made, along with numerous comments from fans and enthusiasts. A final sale price of $22,500 (£17,400) appears something of a bargain for a usable, and desirable, cult classic.
We just hope the new owner will have the chance to make use of that famed Quattro ability this winter.
An incredibly rare BMW 503, owned by the late John Surtees, will take centre stage at the Bonhams Goodwood SpeedWeek auction.
Surtees is remarkable for being the only person to have won both Formula One and Motorcycle Grand Prix world championships.
His ownership elevates what is already a desirable model to a truly unique collectors item.
Competing in motorcycle racing as a teenager, John Surtees would move to Grand Prix events in 1952. In 1955 he accepted a factory ride for Norton, before switching to MV Augusta for 1956.
Surtees would go on to win the 350cc Grand Prix world championship three times, and the top-class 500cc title an incredible four times. He also took victory at the Isle of Man TT.
He swapped to racing on four wheels in 1960, and was recruited by Ferrari’s Formula One team in 1963. The following season would see him claim the World Drivers’ Championship with the Italian team, cementing his ability on both two and four wheels.
After retiring from racing in 1972, Surtees remained active in the racing world until his death at the age of 83 in 2017. The previous year had seen him awarded a CBE for his services to motorsport.
Introduced in 1956, BMW intended the 503 to attract American buyers to the brand. This followed the success of Mercedes-Benz models like the 300SL on the other side of the Atlantic.
Related to the 502 saloon, the 503 was offered in both coupe and convertible body styles. This meant keeping the same 3.2-litre V8 engine, but with mechanical tweaks taking output to 140hp.
Made only for three years, a grand total of 413 examples of the 503 were built. This included 138 convertibles, with just three created in a right-hand drive layout.
This particular 1957 model was ordered for Mrs Aldington of the family-owned AFN Ltd. At the time, AFN acted as the UK importer for BMW cars, and would later be responsible for Porsche, too.
John Surtees purchased the 503 in 1987, when AFN Ltd was sold to Porsche. Having been left in a workshop for a number of years, the BMW was in relatively good condition.
However, this did not stop Surtees from employing the skills of leading BMW experts to undertake a thorough restoration of the 503. The attention to detail ensured that even features like the hydraulically folding soft-top roof operated as they should.
Surtees continued to use the BMW 503 as his personal car, with the V5C document still showing his name. A comprehensive history folder details the work that was undertaken whilst the car was in Surtees’ ownership.
Given the rarity of right-hand drive 503s to begin with, the famous former keeper only adds to the expected sale price. Bonhams has suggested that this special BMW should achieve between £220,000 and £260,000 when the hammer falls.
For comparison, a 1957 BMW 507 from the Surtees estate was sold by Bonhams in 2018. It set a new auction world record for BMWs, reaching an incredible £3.8 million.
The Goodwood SpeedWeek sale will take place on Saturday, 17th October with a wealth of impressive classics also up for grabs.
