Innholdsfortegnelse for 6/22/2022 i Classic Car Buyer

More than a decade on from its introduction, the Plug-In Car Grant (PICG) has been scrapped by the government with immediate effect. The move means that buyers of fully-electric vehicles costing less than £32,000 no longer qualify for a £1500 financial incentive. The government grant was originally introduced in January 2011, when it provided up to £5000 off the purchase of all plug-in cars – including hybrids. It was subsequently downgraded on several occasions, eventually applying to only the most affordable battery-electric vehicles currently available. During its eleven years, the PICG has supported the purchase of around 500,000 plug-in hybrid and electric cars.…

When it came to Rolls-Royce success stories of the 1970s, the Silver Shadow – already five years old at the start of the decade – was without compare. This was the car that had opened up the marque to a whole new breed of buyer, its hi-tech spec and modern style (albeit with a traditional twist in terms of quality and finish) ensuring it was a hit from day one. And with regular ongoing development, the Silver Shadow remained competitive throughout its 15-year career, eventually ending its days as Rolls-Royce’s biggest-selling model of all time. Naturally, a bestselling Rolls-Royce is still an exclusive machine. But there have always been buyers who crave even more exclusivity, the kind of folk who want a car that’s genuinely hand-built from beginning to end.…

Quotation supplied by Lancaster Insurance Web: lancasterinsurance.co.uk Tel: 01480 809176 Standard quote: £89.97, or £107.97 with Agreed Value. Quote based on a 45-year-old marketing manager, access to another car, no claims or convictions, club member, 3000 miles per year, no modifications, living in SP2 0HL. Disclaimer: Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. An additional premium may be payable.…

If you’re in the market for a classic Jaguar XJ, why not opt for the cream of the crop? This, to give it its ‘proper’ title, is the Jaguar Sovereign V12 – the most well-appointed non-Daimler XJ variant of its time. It is, of course, a late Series 3 model, meaning you get the heralded High Efficiency cylinder heads and a few subtle styling tweaks. The Series 3’s glasshouse is a bit larger for added visibility, while in the back an extra three inches of headroom gives taller passengers a more spacious environment in which to recline. If you favour Pininfarina’s light exterior redesign of this classic British staple, the Series 3 is the XJ we’d most readily recommend. Happily for Jaguar, the car’s well-rounded set of traits translated into…

After a three-year pandemic-forced break, the Bromley Pageant of Motoring – one of the biggest one-day classic events in the UK – made its comeback on Sunday, June 12, when thousands of vehicles descended on Norman Park once again. With dozens of car clubs, special vehicle displays, a live arena and a brilliant mix of trade and autojumble stands, there was plenty for the whole family to enjoy. But as always, it was Bromley’s famous One-Make Parking that really drew the crowds, with huge numbers of individual entries representing most marques and all eras – including a number of real rarities. We were also there in force, handing out copies of CCB and offering the full range of Kelsey’s classic titles, with the Classics World stand also featuring three of…

Images from the patent filing for MG’s new Cyberster two-seater roadster have been leaked, with the newcomer expected on sale by 2024 as a ‘halo’ model in the company’s electric car line-up. Originally previewed last year as concept coupe, the Cyberster’s styling has since been developed into the two-seater convertible shown here – making it an all-electric rival to the conventionally-powered Mazda MX-5. The original Cyberster concept was said to be based on a bespoke EV platform offering a range of up to 497 miles and a 0-62mph time of less than three seconds. MG’s parent company, SAIC, has yet to confirm whether the production version is likely to match those figures. In a previous press interview, MG’s UK commercial director, Guy Pigounakis, stated that MG’s global volume means it…

Almost 40 years after its creation, Westfield Sportscars – the West Midlands-based company best known for its Caterham Seven-inspired models – has gone into administration. A statement on Westfield’s website explains that Mark Bowen of MB Insolvency has been appointed as Administrator with immediate effect. Westfield had sold more than 13,000 cars worldwide since being founded by automotive engineer Chris Smith in 1983. Output peaked at around 400 cars leaving the company’s Kingswinford base each year. The first Westfield offered was a replica of the 1956 Lotus XI Le Mans car, which was usurped by the 7SE – paving the way for further Lotus/Caterham Seven lookalikes. So similar to the original was that early Westfield, Caterham objected and decided to sue. The court case eventually went in Caterham’s favour, forcing…

Rover 200 ‘R8’ Launched at the end of 1989 and built for six years, the 200-series hatchback was the first model from Rover Group to feature the K-series engine. The car had a high-quality feel that set it apart from the bestselling Escort, and it went on to spawn niche versions like the Coupe, Cabriolet and 400 Tourer. MGF The MGF of 1995 reinvented the former Abingdon marque, being a thoroughly modern design with a mid-mounted 1.8-litre K-Series engine offering 118-143bhp. The MGF died in 2002, replaced by the TF – an updated version with new front end styling and coil-sprung suspension instead of Hydragas. Lotus Elise The launch of the Elise in 1996 saw Lotus doing what it does best: producing a compact, lightweight two-seater. The composite-bodied, mid-engined newcomer…

Jack Grover, Production Editor MGB It’s an obvious alternative, but the MGB’s combination of sports car dynamics and saloon car comfort is why Triumph felt it had to update the TR4 with better suspension and steering. And the MG was – and still is – one of the best all-rounders. On paper, its leaf-sprung live axle is inferior to the Triumph’s trailing arms but in reality those long, thin springs give equally good ride and roadholding, and the MG’s longer suspension travel and more capacious cockpit make all the difference on long trips or in daily use. The 1.8-litre engine can feel flat in comparison to the TR’s bigger, torquier unit but some good old-fashioned tuning work can bring things up to par. Andrew Evanson, Lancaster Insurance Morgan Plus Four…

ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES I read your article regarding 49 per cent of classic car owners worrying about public pressure on environmental issues (CCB, June 1) and have had similar discussions with some of my workmates. I’ve always maintained the view that classic cars are environmentally friendly, and recently discussed this with a person I work with who had a dig at me about my hobby – despite him flying to Europe every weekend to ski from his chalet. If you own a classic, you are (or should be) maintaining it to a high standard, and most enthusiasts do. If not, they should be made to. Smoking engines that burn oil should be pulled over and slapped with a mandatory repair order (they do it in Oz). I don’t buy a new…

Tourists visiting UK coastal towns this summer are being advised to do their research on parking charges, as an investigation reveals regional differences in the costs of leaving your car for the day. As the cost-of-living crisis sees more Brits holidaying in the UK, many private seaside car parks appear to be cashing in, according to research by vehicle breakdown provider Start Rescue. The worst offender was found in Newquay, with one private parking location charging £35 for a stay of eight hours, closely followed by Brighton at £31.50. The cheapest seaside town for parking was found to be Southend on Sea, where private parking for eight hours could be found for £9.30, with Scarborough (£9.95), Polzeath (£10), Durdle Door (£10) and Llandudno (£12) also making it into the Top…

There’s plenty for Land Rover fans to enjoy at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu on Sunday, July 10 thanks to the return of Simply Land Rover – which this year also includes Simply Rummage, offering Land Rover owners a change to snap up spare parts and accessories for sale, or perhaps even a project vehicle. The event will feature Land Rovers of all ages, from the earliest Series 1s to today’s modern classics. Anyone arriving in a Land Rover can book their reduced-rate ticket in advance (at £15 per adult, £7.50 per child), which also allows access to the museum. To pre-book, head to beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-land-rover. This year’s Simply Land Rover also offers the Forest Drive, run in partnership with Land Rover Experience West Country, giving participants the opportunity to try…

Secondhand car prices have never been more buoyant than they are right now. The supply issues caused by a global semiconductor shortage mean that more and more people are forced to buy used cars as a stopgap once their financed cars are returned to the leasing companies. And this, combined with the squeeze placed upon consumers by the cost of living crisis, has seen interest in cars of around ten years old spike considerably. The average used car today is worth a third more than it was a year ago, which makes the classic market look even more tempting when it comes to daily drivers. I bought a Triumph Stag in 2014 for £7500; and while that would definitely be a stretch today, it should be easy enough to find…

It was a rebodied Triumph TR that brought Michelotti to the attention of Triumph after an introduction by businessman Raymond Flower. The TR3-based ‘Dream Car’ of 1957 was not exactly what Triumph management was looking for, but it was certainly much more cutting-edge than the TR3 and was built both quickly and for surprisingly little cost – £3000 at the time. Standard-Triumph was so impressed that Michelotti was immediately signed up to tweak the Standard Vanguard’s styling, before penning the Herald’s distinctive lines. Then Michelotti could return to the sports car theme, producing the Zest and Zoom prototypes – all of which hinted at the future TR4. Under the skin, there were tweaks rather than massive changes. Poor Michelotti had to wait in limbo for decisions about what these changes…

Contact: Kelsey Media The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Kent, ME18 6AL  Tel: 07765 766393 Fans of our YouTube channel, Classics World, might recognise this car. Yes, Phil’s BMW 323i Convertible from the Trading Up Challenge is now available for you to get your hands on! Since taking custodianship of the car, effort has been made to un-modify some of its less authentic touches. For the full details of this, keep an eye out for our next Trading Up Challenge video, which will be out shortly. In more general terms though, this BMW is a great package. The genuine M Sport body kit has stayed, as have the 17-inch Style 68 M Sport alloys. As parts alone, these features hold notable value, and will therefore be seen as desirable when…

Contact: The School Garage, Classic Car Shop, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 7DQ  Tel: 01663 733209 classiccarshop.co.uk It’s that time of the year. The clouds are parting, and the temperature is on the rise. As a motorist, there’s arguably no better way to enjoy the British summer than with a new grand tourer; specifically, a grand tourer with a retractable roof. So, if you’re looking to soak up the sun’s rays in style, how about this? The Mercedes-Benz SL is one of those nameplates that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. Admittedly, the ‘L’ in this instance is probably better attributed to ‘luxury’ rather than ‘lightweight’, as the R129 generation certainly placed more of an emphasis on opulent cruising rather than sporting agility. That said,…

If you have a viewpoint on today’s classic car scene, or an opinion on something you’ve read in Classic Car Buyer, we’d love to hear from you – and perhaps even publish your email or letter in a future issue. Oh, and while you’re at it, why not send us a photograph or two of the classic(s) you’re proud to call your own? To get in touch, drop us a line at ccb.ed@kelsey.co.uk or write to: The Editor, Classic Car Buyer, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AL.…

18 SOFT-TOP CLASSICS Check out our recommendations for open-top motoring, as we pay tribute to 18 of today’s best-buy models covering every decade from the 1950s to the early 2000s. Whatever your budget, there’s plenty here to suit all tastes. PLUS… all the latest news and auction results from around the UK. BUYING A JAGUAR X300 The X300-series XJ range is one of Jaguar’s most affordable modern classics – and we explain how to buy a good one. COUPE BATTLE How did Rootes Group’s final Sunbeam Rapier compare with the strong-selling Capri – and is it a viable alternative now? RISE & FALL OF THE FAMILY FORD From the original Cortina of 1962 through to the eventual demise of the Mondeo, we investigate how the bestselling Ford family saloon fell…