NEW WINDOWS PHONE APP - VW BUS EBG

VW Bus - The Essential Buyer's guide, our bestselling iPhone app has now been converted into a Windows Phone app!



NEW Features for Windows Phone!
- Checklist to keep track on what you should look for when viewing a Bus
- Vehicle Notes to add seller and Bus info to the app with an image. Contact the seller direct from the app instead of clogging up your phone's contacts.
- Recorded notes to take down voice memos when viewing a Bus.
- Consistent and familiar design which Windows Phone users love!

Many colour photographs taken especially for this guide
Informative text written by enthusiastic experts with the novice in mind
In-App videos which feature helpful voice-overs by your marque expert, Richard Copping
Three generations of VW Bus covered
Invaluable guide to avoiding pitfalls and getting real value for money
All aspects of buying a VW Bus covered

A unique App dedicated to three generations of VW’s legendary Transporter (almost universally known as the 'VW Bus', whether in Bus, Camper, Van or Pick-up form). Meticulously researched with many model-specific photographs reproduced to illustrate a genuinely informative text.

Covering all the collectable Buses produced by Volkswagen between 1950 and 1990, this App is unique in providing the full story of the high points and pitfalls of buying such models. Written by enthusiasts, the easily readable text is informative to the novice, while still being of considerable value to those who have already owned a Bus. More info

ALL-NEW GOLF GTI READY TO ROCK THE ROAD AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

At Volkswagen, the letters ‘GTI’ have stood for superior dynamic performance for over three decades now. In the tradition of previous models by the same name, Volkswagen is introducing the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the legendary compact sports car is available from the factory with two power levels: the standard 220 PS GTI and the GTI Performance with 230 PS, larger brake discs and a front limited-slip differential (VAQ).

The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) with 162 kW / 220 PS. Also available for the first time is a GTI Performance. In this version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 169 kW / 230 PS. Both GTI models develop a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The standard GTI accelerates to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 152 mph. The GTI Performance has a top speed of 155 mph and needs just 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 62 mph.

Both versions are equipped with a Stop/Start system and fulfil the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014. With a six-speed manual gearbox, they attain the same low fuel consumption value of 6.0 l/100 km, or 47.0 mpg (CO2: 139 g/km). This means that the latest Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 6.4 (44.1 mpg) and 6.5 l/100 km (43.5 mpg) respectively (equivalent to 148 and 149 g/km CO2).


The sporty character of the Golf GTI is reflected in its red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and sports suspension. The exterior features 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ alloy wheels with 225/45 size tyres (18-inch ‘Austin’ alloys will be standard in the UK), special side sills, a rear diffuser and smoked LED rear lights, along with LED numberplate illumination. UK specification will also include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Interior highlights include sports seats with the classic tartan cloth upholstery, a black rooflining and red ambience lighting. GTI drivers will also appreciate the bespoke sports steering wheel, gear lever and instrument cluster, trim strips and stainless steel pedal caps.

An optimal mix of comfort and safety will come as standard in the Golf GTI. In Germany, advance ordering for the new Golf GTI begins on 5 March, and prices start at €28,350. Volkswagen Retailers in the UK start taking orders for the new GTI on 26 March, with the first deliveries due in June. UK pricing and detailed specification are yet to be confirmed.

Source: Volkswagen

WORLD PREMIÈRE: ALFA ROMEO 4C

The final version of the Alfa Romeo 4C makes its début at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva. This mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two bucket seats represents the true essence of a sports car at the heart of Alfa Romeo’s DNA: performance, Italian style and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new compact supercar will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States and inaugurating Alfa Romeo’s global growth plan.

The Alfa Romeo 4C derives directly from the concept which raised many eyebrows in wonder at the Geneva Show in 2011, so much so that it won three prestigious awards: the ‘AutoBild Design Award’ (2011, Germany), the ‘Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes’ (2012, Italy) and the ‘Most Exciting Car of 2013’ - ‘What Car?’ (2013, Great Britain).

Acronym 4C

The acronym ‘4C’ draws its inspiration from the brand’s glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future. Indeed, it refers to Alfa Romeo’s great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished cars – both racing and road – fitted with the powerful ‘eight cylinders’ and the innovative ‘six cylinders’, confirming in its design layout and construction the goal of achieving the power/weight ratio of an authentic supercar, less than 4 kg/HP, yet focusing not merely on the maximum power delivered, but on limiting the weight to guarantee maximum agility and top performance. To this end, the Alfa Romeo 4C uses technologies and materials derived from super sports cars (including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione) – carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive – and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, but updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further. This is demonstrated by the new 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminium engine with direct injection, the sophisticated Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA selector with the unprecedented Race mode.

Exterior style

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C immediately brings to mind some of the traditional iconic models which have left a significant mark in the history of the Brand. Above all others, in terms of dimensional and layout similarities, one stands out in particular: the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style which ‘clothed’ the engine and chassis appropriately with unmistakable Alfa Romeo treatments. The 4C has followed suit, and thus completes a journey which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione, emphasising some particular concepts of the brand, such as compact size, dynamism and agility.

Interior design

The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior, which is all designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction. Specifically, the carbon fibre in the interior immediately stands out, used to make the central cell, which has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight.

Dimensions and aerodynamics

The compact dimensions make this car with 2 bucket seats truly unique amid its competitors: it is just under 4 metres long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. What’s more, owing to the designers’ excellent work, the car achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, recording a negative Cz (downforce coefficient) which, as in racing cars, contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds.

New 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol

An evolution of the engine already in use in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta, the new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine implements an innovative aluminium block and specific intake and exhaust systems which have been optimised to enhance the sports appeal of the car even further. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag.

Alfa TCT automatic transmission

The 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is teamed with the innovative Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which is a genuine benchmark in its segment due to its low weight and extreme speed of activation. The gears can also be changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The new Alfa DNA selector with Race mode

The Alfa Romeo 4C also sees the début of the new Alfa DNA selector which not only features the three standard settings available until now – Dynamic, Natural and All Weather – but also a fourth mode: Race, designed to enhance the driving experience on a race track even further.

Excellence made in Italy

The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the final version of the 4C. Specifically, the teamwork between the two brands was aimed at the integration of the Alfa Romeo design department with the Maserati production plant. In short, this too is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products across the world.

Source: Alfa Romeo

RITA MOVIE APPEAL - CLASSIC CARS WANTED!

Would you like to lend your classic car for a movie?


Rita productions is looking for vehicles between 1960 and 1978 for the purpose of a movie that will be shot in the Vaud region of Switzerland, and particularly around Vevey.

The following vehicles are particularly required:

• Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I or II
• 4-door Volvo 140 (black or white)
• Ford Taunus Cortina or Break (dark colour)
• Volvo 245
• Fiat 128 red
• VW van or another brand (style road vehicle)
• Police van (any model)
• Police vehicles
• Utility vehicles (snowplough, bucket truck, backhoe loader, other construction vehicle...)
• Ships and boats

Also sought for figuration:

- All types of vehicles, cars, mopeds, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, bicycles. These vehicles must also date between about 1960 and 1978 maximum.

More details here.

PORSCHE’S 911 TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE 2013 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Goodwood to mark 50 years of Porsche’s iconic 911 sports car with a memorable ‘central feature’ display

Goodwood is honouring one of the world’s most versatile and popular sports cars – the Porsche 911 - with the main ‘Central Feature’ at the 2013 Festival of Speed (11-14 July). The one-off 911-inspired sculpture promises to be a highly distinctive ‘installation’ displayed prominently outside Goodwood House.

Marking the first half-century of the Porsche 911 at Goodwood is hugely appropriate in the Festival of Speed’s 20th anniversary year. To date, this legendary sports car has featured at every single Goodwood Festival, from the first event in 1993 - when an unexpectedly high 27,500 enthusiasts turned-up - to the 185,000+ visitors that attended the world’s greatest celebration of car culture last year.

Whether appearing in action in road and race form on the testing 1.16-mile Goodwood hillclimb, spitting gravel sideways around the Forest Rally Stage, or sitting serenely static yet inviting on the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours lawn or Porsche exhibition stand, the 911 has played a key role in helping to put the Festival of Speed on the map over the last 20 years.

The 911 has been at the very heart of the Porsche brand for the past five decades. Few other sports cars in the world can look back on such a long tradition and continuity as the Porsche 911. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut as the model 901 at the IAA International Automotive Show at Frankfurt in September 1963. Today the truly versatile 911 is considered by its many devoted fans to be the quintessential sports car, and the central point of reference for all other Porsche series, as each of the marque’s other models carry a piece of the 911’s philosophy.

Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built since 1963, and examples of each of its seven generations will be present at the 2013 Festival of Speed. From the very beginning the car has been at home on circuits all over the world, earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable winner, with two thirds of the 30,000 race victories achieved by Porsche to date being notched up by the 911.

In addition to Goodwood, Porsche will be celebrating the 911’s 50th anniversary around the world, including the USA, China, Continental Europe and Australia. During the summer the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart will also be marking ‘50 years of the Porsche 911’ with a special exhibition featuring the history and development of the car.
Source: Goodwood

MUST HAVE MGs AT RACE RETRO SALE

1954 MG TF

1964 MGB Roadster
Classic and race MGs spanning five decades will go under the hammer at the Silverstone Auctions hosted Race Retro & Classic Car Sale.

The must-attend auction for any serious MG enthusiast or collector takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 23rd February as part of the Race Retro weekend. As well as the collection of MGs, the sale will also have other road models, race and rally cars, as well as a wide variety of automobilia.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “There are few marques that can match MG for pure driving pleasure, complimented with style and collectable appeal. It’s no wonder that they provoke such fierce loyalty.”

The oldest of the MG’s on offer, estimated at £22,000 to £26,000, is a beautifully restored 1954 MG TF. As well as its eye-pleasing appearance, complete with light Burgundy paintwork and cream interior, is a very recently rebuilt engine.

Just slightly younger is a 1957 MG A 1500, estimated at between £20,000 to £25,000. Offered in the best colour combination of Old English White with red leather interior, it boasts many of its original features and has an extensive history file.

From 1959 is a stunning MG A Twin Cam Roadster, estimated at between £30,000 to £35,000, that has recently benefited from a full ground up restoration.

The swinging sixties is represented by a 1964 MG B Roadster and a 1969 MGC GT, estimated at between £12,000 to £15,000 and £8,000 to £12,000, respectively.

Presented in excellent condition, the Roadster is an early pull-handle example and comes complete with a large history file with bills and receipts for various works carried out.

Meanwhile, a 1969 MGC GT is just one of only 335 ever made for the UK market. It has been garage stored for its entire life and also has a large history file containing various original documents.

Those looking for their first affordable classic might be tempted by a 1975 MG Midget, estimated at between £3,000 to £5,000. A completely original car with low mileage makes this model very rare but within reach of most budgets.

Last but by no means least, is a 1998 MGF Cup Car, estimated at between £7,500 to £9,000. It is ideal for a club racer, a racing-driver tutor or simply as en economical track-day weapon!

For more information about any of these MGs, or for any of the other models being offered at the Race Retro & Classic Car Sale, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

Stop! Don’t buy a classic MG without buying a Veloce Essential Buyer's Guide first!

MG TD, TF & TF1500 – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
By Barrie Jones

Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from the author’s years of MG TD & TD ownership, learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!

More info.







MG MGB & MGB GT – The Essential Buyer's Guide
By Roger Williams

A small investment in this book could save you a fortune ... With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. Unique point system will help you to place the cars value in relation to condition. This is an important investment - don't buy a car without this book's help.

More info.

FROM 205 TO 208 IN 30 YEARS

It’s happy birthday 205 as Peugeot celebrates with a worthy successor - the new Peugeot 208


On the 15th February 1983 the 205 was born. Although the 201, 202, 203 and 204 came before it, it would be the 205 that really put Peugeot on the world map.

Some 5.3 million models went on to be made before production ended in 1999. Its replacement, the hugely successful 206, has now reached the 8 million production mark making it the best-selling Peugeot model ever in the history of the Company. In the last 30 years, over 17 million 2 series vehicles have been produced by Peugeot in the B car segment.

Today the number may have changed (the new 208 was launched in the UK in June 2012 and succeeded the 207), but the success of Peugeot’s Supermini continues.

In December 2012, just a few months after its launch, the 208 was on top of the European B segment and ended the year with 220,000 sales across Europe.

Produced in France (Poissy) and in Slovakia (Trnava), the 208 was launched in Europe in spring 2012 and reached the UK at the end of June. In a few months, sales will commence in the Russian and South American markets.

The 208 has already recorded a rich mix since launch, with 38% of customers choosing high level versions, the Allure and Feline.

By the end of 2012, 23,000 orders had been received for the new 208 in the UK. This, combined with over 17,000 cars already on the road, makes it one of the fastest selling Peugeots of all time.

The New Year has continued at a pace with 208 orders rising, up 45% in the first six weeks compared to the same period in 2012 for the 207.

The 205 was a ground-breaking product back in 1983 and with the 208, Peugeot returns to form with a car with a wider choice of new engines (3- and 4-cylinder petrol, very low CO2 diesels from 87g/km and all below 100g/km), and a car that is lighter and smaller on the outside yet bigger on the inside than its predecessor.

In April, one of the most anticipated new cars of 2013 comes to market in the shape of the new 208 GTi. Some 29 years since the launch of that iconic car of the ‘80s; the modern day successor to the 205 GTi will deliver a desirable package of style and image with performance in spades.

An awful lot has changed in the world in 30 years, but Peugeot can still be relied on to deliver a winner.

Source: Peugeot

Available from Veloce!
Peugeot 205 GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
By Jon Blackburn

The Essential Buyer’s Guide carefully describes the 205 GTI models that enthusiasts love to drive and own, from the pioneering 1.6 GTi, through various developments to the 1.9 GTI. The CTI cabriolet is also covered. When you consider a potential purchase armed with this book, it’s just like have a Peugeot 205 expert by your side. Buy the right car at the right price.
More info.

CAPE TOWN TO LONDON NEW WORLD RECORD

Fiat Panda completes non-stop 10,000 mile journey for charity.


The outright world record for driving non-stop from Cape Town to London was smashed last night (11 February) by two very daring British drivers and one very reliable Fiat Panda.

Adventurers Philip Young and Paul Brace set off on the gruelling 10,300-mile trek on 1 February with the intention of raising money for the charity Farm Africa, and drove relentlessly through 13 countries and two continents in the almost standard Panda.

Arriving at Marble Arch, London the pair registered a time of 10 days, 13 hours and 28 minutes, breaking the previous record for the distance, in either direction, by more than a day.

To complete the trip in their target of under 11 days, Philip and Paul had to average 1,000 miles a day at 40mph, a task they felt confident of completing in their 0.9-litre TwinAir-engined city car. The popular hatchback was showroom specification apart from a few vital modifications, such as extra fuel tank, two spare wheels, sump guards, stronger springs, and an air intake moved to the top of the engine bay.

Shunning the use of a large 4x4 car – Philip and Paul decided that would be “too easy” – the Fiat Panda was chosen for its lightness, performance and fuel economy. And despite the car’s compact size, the co-drivers’ bed was a cut down foam mattress across the back seat.

The long and tortuous route to Britain included tough, unmade pot-holed roads and treacherous, dry desert tracks through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia before the pair crossed the Mediterranean for the final run up through Italy and France to London’s Hyde Park.

“It has been a remarkable time on the road – exciting and exhilarating – and the Fiat Panda was amazing,” says Philip Young. “The roads were treacherous, the heat unbearable and the timetable exhausting, but the car never missed a beat. This was an extremely tough journey, and Fiat can be proud of its reliability and ruggedness.”

Source: Fiat

Philip Young's book Available from Veloce! How to Build a Successful Low-Cost Rally Car – For Marathon, Endurance, Historic & Budget-car Adventure events
By Philip Young.

Simple, cost-effective, basic and reliable tips to ensure that any rally car stands a chance of reaching the finishing line. If you are planning a road-based rally, don't even think of leaving home before reading this book and implementing the tried and tested mods it describes so well.
More info.

LOLA T70 TO STAR IN RACE RETRO SALE

1969 Lola T70 MKII B from cult movie up for auction

A 1969 Lola race car which starred in the classic Steve McQueen film “Le Mans” is now taking centre stage at the Silverstone Auctions hosted by Race Retro & Classic Car Sale.

Estimated at between £570,000 to £650,000, the Lola T70 being offered was one of three MKIII B’s used in the action packed film, which now enjoys iconic status.

The actual model going under the hammer on 23rd February at Stoneleigh Park as part of the Race Retro weekend was repainted yellow for the movie and was seen spinning on the downhill approach to the Indianapolis corner.

But that wasn’t the end of its ‘acting’ career as it was then cloned to look like a Gulf-Porsche 917 for a spectacular crash sequence – ultimately ending up in the armco!

However, as well as being a famous car with a distinguished movie past, it has been completely rebuilt for European sports car racing at the highest level and comes ‘on the button’ with current FIA papers, a fresh engine, a rebuilt gearbox and a new differential.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “It’s rare for a car with such a colourful history, including a starring role in one of the most famous films of the 1970’s, to be offered for auction, so we’re absolutely delighted to have secured it for the Race Retro & Classic Car Sale.

“Indeed, whether you’re a fan of the big screen, love cars that are built purely for excitement, or just admire its amazing styling, you have to admit that this is one very special race car.”

Adding to its appeal is that it is ready to compete at the top European circuits having recently won at both Monza and Spa. Meanwhile, accompanying the car, which is resplendent in its period race livery, is an extensive spares package.

Full details of the 1969 Lola T70 MkIII B being offered by Silverstone Auctions and details of its illustrious history can be found at www.silverstoneauctions.com.

Available from Veloce!
Lola T70 - Racing History & Individual Chassis Record (4th edition) by John Starkey.
Over many years, John Starkey – T70 owner and ex-Curator of the famous Donington racing car collection – has compiled a huge amount of information on the cars and interviewed many past and present owners and drivers about their experiences with the T70. Uniquely, this book contains the history and specification – where known – of each individual T70 chassis. More info.

OUR BRAND NEW WEBSITE - VELOCE DIGITAL

THE publisher of fine automotive books … now on your device!

We have been applying the finishing touches to our brand new responsive website digital.veloce.co.uk, which will be the new home of our apps & eBooks. With many new apps & eBooks in production this site will be updated regularly. Watch this space for all new Veloce Android & Windows phone apps coming very soon!

ADVANCE COPY! MERCEDES-BENZ R129 SERIES

Advance copies in! Mercedes-Benz SL R129 series by Brian Long as modelled by Kim. Available to pre-order now!

This detailed and beautifully illustrated book covers the Mercedes-Benz 129-series, which ran from 1989 to 2001. Written by a respected motoring writer, with many years’ ownership of the Mercedes SL models behind him, this will no-doubt prove to be the definitive study of the subject. All major markets are looked at, giving a true picture of what was available, where and when. Extensive appendices cover engine specifications, chassis numbers, build numbers, and much more. More info.

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ME AND MY CAR/MOTORCYCLE #10

We have a very special entry this month from Giovanni Vallini from Pisa, Italy, with his restored 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC. Giovanni selected a copy of BSA 500 & 650 Twins - The Essential Buyer's Guide as his prize. Please keep your entries coming in, and you never know, it could be YOU in this space next month!

Vintage car meeting at Abetone (PT), Tuscan Appennine Mountains, 2010

The Giulia Gran Tourismo Cabriolet is basically a Giulia Sprint GT without the hard top. Approximately 900 GTC were built and only 80 right hand drive versions. This very rare car appeared on page 25 of Veloce's first book Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe GT & GTA (Enlarged & revised 3rd edition coming soon) by John Tipler. It also appeared on the Veloce blog in 2010.

"I came across this Giulia GTC previously belonging to one Mr Spitzel while browsing the website of Car and Classic during the Christmas 2006 holiday. It was love at first sight! I made arrangements with the London-based seller to meet at Ascheberg in Germany, to where the car was transported by the owner. There, I loaded the Giulia GTC onto a truck, driven by myself. The car looked to be in a state far worse than the description suggested, and immediately I realized that its restoration would be very expensive. I brought the car back to Italy, but couldn't start the restoration project until spring 2008. Finally, in September 2009, the Giulia GTC was ready to 'race' again on the road. Meanwhile, all the procedures for its cancellation from the British register and new registration in Italy had been accomplished.

The restoration work was done with the intent of leaving the components in their original condition as much as possible, only intervening heavily – of course – in the reconstruction of the rotten parts. As far as the color is concerned, account was taken of the original paint still present on the floor pans under the mat, unaltered by sunlight or other types of decay.
With the car restored, I undertook my first long trip: attending the meeting for the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo in Milan in June 2010. In front of the Castello Sforzesco, my Giulia GTC was the subject of great attention not only from an audience of connoisseurs, but even from people who never had seen a Giulia GTC before. Nowadays I enjoy the unmistakable roar of the engine of my Giulia GTC at weekends, when the weather is nice. Seeing me at the wheel, people wonder how I can so easily drive a RHD car. Many, I’m sure, even believe that, due to the badges of the British motoring clubs (RAC and AA) on the front grille and a GB plate fixed to the back, an eccentric English gentleman is driving, descending upon the roads of the Italian peninsula to 'breathe the sun' aboard a strange Alfa Romeo convertible … or better, cabriolet (which the 'C' of 'GTC' was actually intended to mean)."
Giovanni Vallini
Pisa

2008-2009 restoration work by Paolo Bianchi (Ponsacco, PI, Italy).

Do you have an interesting car/motorcycle with a story to tell?
We want to see it! Send photos & description to prize@veloce.co.uk
We will pick one a month, and any we feature will win an Essential Buyer's Guide (worth £9.99 / $19.95) of your choice.
Click below to browse the whole series.

MIKE BREWER OPENS SHEFFIELD DEALERSHIP

TV’s Mike Brewer, author of forthcoming Veloce book and one of the UK’s most well known car dealers, has launched his first ever high street dealership today on Bramall Lane.

The Mike Brewer Motors showroom, which will create 20 new local jobs, will offer car buyers the same honest and friendly style seen on Mike’s shows.

Visit www.mikebrewermotors.com for opening times and for more information about Sheffield’s Mike Brewer Motors, or telephone 0114 2506080. Mike can be followed on Twitter on @mikebrewer.

We are very excited about Mike’s forthcoming book which has been in production here at Veloce this week. The book is due to be published Spring 2013.

Coming soon! Mike Brewer’s The Wheeler Dealer Know How!
From THE master - everything you need to know about buying, preparing,and selling modern classic cars!

Packed full of information and tips, The Wheeler Dealer Know How will give you the confidence to buy the car of your dreams and avoid ending up with a lemon. You’ll find out how to prepare a car to expert standards – from cleaning, to repairs and improvements – and when the time comes to sell, Mike tells you how to get the best price and avoid being ripped-off. More info.

NEW! VELOCE PUBLISHING CATALOGUE 2013

PDF Available to download here. Printed copies coming soon!

WORLD CUP RALLY CAR TAKES THE STAGE

Historics offers unique 1970 World Cup Rally Austin Maxi at auction

When introduced in 1969, the Austin Maxi would hardly have been dubbed the last word in adventure, and yet of the 450,000 manufactured, a 1970 model, which comes to auction by Historics at Brooklands in Surrey, on Saturday, March 9, is a real tribute to three lady thrill-seekers who took it on a 16,000 mile epic.

‘MCE 7G’ - one of the first 500 Maxis built - contested the gruelling 1970 Daily Mirror London to Mexico World Cup Rally, which was flagged away from the hallowed turf of Wembley on 19th April by Sir Alf Ramsay, en route to Mexico, the host of the international football competition.

The Maxi was professionally-prepared for the event in 1970 by BLMC dealer, Marshalls of Cambridge, with the assistance and full co-operation of the BLMC works motorsport department.

Wedged amidst jumbles of spares, equipment, tools, food, drink and clothing - and doubtless a phrase book or two - were the British trio of Tish Ozanne, Bronwyn Burrell and Tina Kerridge. Their mission was simple; the task formidable. In fact, of 106 starters, just 26 finished and Tish’s team were sadly to succumb to glutinous mud in Argentina, which forced their retirement through being out of time at a control point, a sad finale after being placed 35th after the European rally stages.

Commenting recently on the end of their rally, Tina Kerridge remarked: “It all comes flooding back to me - ‘flooding’ being the operative word. Something like 4” of rain fell in one hour and we simply got bogged down in the most desolate area, in the middle of the night, surrounded by pampas grass, and nothing else. It was so disappointing as we had been going so well. We just sat there and cried.”

Meticulously-restored by the present owner to the original specification in which it left for its adventure from Wembley Stadium - plus appropriate upgrades such as contemporary tyres - the Maxi is a perfect example of the international rally car genre of its day.

The original 1,500cc 4-cylinder engine was uprated to a factory 1,750cc unit - as installed in later production Maxis - by Tish Ozanne after the World Cup Rally, to contest European events following its return from South America.

The interior of the car is festooned with the original rally equipment that bears testament to its London to Mexico journey and later competition life, and has recently benefitted from extensive work by its original builder, Peter Baldwin.

Presented in its original 1970 Daily Mirror London-Mexico World Cup Rally livery, the car is in excellent condition throughout, fully road legal and drives well on the road - and ready for the historic rally stage - with 38,000 recorded miles on the odometer. Adding to the atmosphere, it comes to sale at Historics with a large historical file of documents, photographs and press cuttings from the period.

With only one other rallying Maxi from the event existing in a Museum, ‘MCE 7G’ represents a rare opportunity to acquire a very unusual and well-presented model. With its unique history, great interest is anticipated at the guide price of £19,000 - £24,000.

Source: Historics at Brooklands

Available from Veloce!
The Daily Mirror World Cup Rally 40By Graham Robson. Lasting six weeks and covering 16,000 miles from London to Mexico City via some of the most varying, tortuous and difficult terrain on three continents, the 1970 World Cup Rally was a unique high-speed event. Attracting many serious works teams such as Ford and British Leyland, it was, and remains, the toughest rally of all time. More info.