VELOCE DIGITAL: NEW AUDI TT EBG APP!

Your complete guide to buying an Audi TT

Looking to buy one of these iconic cars? Then this app is for you! It will help ensure that you avoid the main pitfalls and end up with your very own dream coupe on the driveway.
The app includes expert advice, with images and videos, on all aspects of buying an Audi TT. Included is a unique Evaluation Calculator so you can assess the true quality of a potential purchase, and make sure you don’t forget to check any of the important areas. You can store key information and notes for easy reference later.

Available from: Google Play Store, from the App Store, for iPhone, for Android phones and tablets / Microsoft Store for Windows phone. / Amazon Apps for Kindle Fire, and Android devices.

VELOCE DIGITAL: NEW VESPA SCOOTERS APP!

Looking to buy one of these iconic scooters? Then this app is for you! It will help ensure that you avoid the main pitfalls and end up with your very own slice of La Dolce Vita on the driveway.

The app includes expert advice, with images and videos, on all aspects of buying a Vespa. Included is a unique Evaluation Calculator so you can assess the true quality of a potential purchase, and make sure you don’t forget to check any of the important areas. You can store key information and notes, plus images of the Scooters you view for easy reference later. The app also includes a handy tool to search for Vespas which are for sale on various popular websites.

)

Available from: Apple App Store, for iPhone / Google Play Store, for Android phones and tablets / Microsoft Store for Windows phone. / Amazon Apps for Kindle Fire, and Android devices.

KAWASAKI Z1 - NUMBER 27

Thanks to Dave Orritt (author of Kawasaki Z1 - Essential Buyer's Guide) for sending us these pics of his latest acquisition from Los Angeles Jan 2013.

This Kawasaki Z1, was no.27 off the production line (from the first hour of production), August 1972.

Dave thinks this is the earliest Z1 currently in the UK and possibly Europe, having had one US owner and covered 134000 miles, with original engine.







Packed with good advice on choosing the right Kawasaki, with a comprehensive inspection guide and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses, this book covers desirable upgrades, modifications to avoid, valuation and predicting which models will become collectable (if they aren’t already). Illustrated throughout with photos of key areas to check and foibles to be aware of, and featuring details ranging from the Kawasaki community, to whether a Kawasaki Z1 or Z900 will suit you and your lifestyle, this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing, and buying the Kawasaki of your dreams.
More info.

KAWASAKI Z1 FROM EBG MAGAZINE FEATURE

The same candytone brown (also known as Root Beer) Kawasaki Z1 that appears in Kawasaki Z1 & Z900 (1972 to 1976) - Essential Buyer's Guide by Dave Orritt appeared in a big feature in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics magazine!



Packed with good advice on choosing the right Kawasaki, with a comprehensive inspection guide and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses, this book covers desirable upgrades, modifications to avoid, valuation and predicting which models will become collectable (if they aren’t already). Illustrated throughout with photos of key areas to check and foibles to be aware of, and featuring details ranging from the Kawasaki community, to whether a Kawasaki Z1 or Z900 will suit you and your lifestyle, this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing, and buying the Kawasaki of your dreams.
More info.

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.

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.

ME AND MY CAR/MOTORCYCLE #9

This month's entry comes courtesy of MG Enthusiast magazine, who very kindly sent us this entry from Bob Featherstone, with his impeccable-looking MGB roadster. Bob wins a copy of MG MGB & MGB GT - The Essential Buyer's Guide for his efforts. Please keep your entries coming in, and you never know, it could be YOU in this space next month!

Bob Featherstone, three years the Chairman of the Exeter Area MGOC, likes his MGB to be original, but that does not mean 'as it left the factory'...

"I am a bit of a romantic about my MGB Roadster. I am not a purist by any means, but I do enjoy my car being ‘original’ – not in the sense of ‘as-built’ but in the ‘unique’ meaning of the word. If you just look at a row of MGBs, you can tell that over the years each car has slightly changed. Each one will sit slightly differently and just look back at you in its own distinctive way. After all, they vary in age from just over 30 years old to 50 and their ownership histories vary enormously so, they have every right to appear different.
When I saw that Vic Birch was advertising a brand new replacement wing design, it reminded me of Jacques Coune’s design of the Berlinette. The Belgian designer offered MG the chance of a new look coupe version of the MGB roadster in 1964, but the designs were turned down for being too Italian – then MG went instead to the Italian design company, Pininfarina! Coune's car included beautiful, faired-in headlamps and that is exactly what the VeeBee wings have. It was that look which attracted me, although the VeeBeeWing design is certified separately by the Patent Office. I knew right away that I had to have them fitted; the car would still be a classic, yet definitely more individual.

So my first task was to gain approval from my wife Lorraine, followed by confirmation from my usual car mechanic/engineer, Jeremy Board of London Road Garage in Ottery St Mary, Devon, that he would do the job for me. (I'm nott very mechanical!) Those agreements having both been achieved, I then ordered the wings from Vic Birch of VeeBeeWing in Tiptree, Essex.
In almost no time at all the wings were with Jeremy, and I was thinking it would be great to take along my new-look car to Blenheim Palace and the 50th Anniversary of the MGB. Like anything to do with MGs, nothing is straightforward and the job is only for those with bags of experience. Fortunately Jeremy specialises in MGs and looks after many of the Exeter MGOC members’ cars.
My B is a ’77 roadster in shiny black with over 80k on the clock. It had a rebuild in 2007 just before Lorraine and I bought it, and we have tried to improve it slowly year by year. In other words it is a pretty average and normal situation, typical of many MGBs and their owners. But now look at their car. Is it a Sebring? No, the wings have been remodelled and the headlamps have been moved back for a more streamlined look and the cowls are made from PETG, which can withstand high impact, as used in car and motorbike racing. But this is not a competition car, just a handsome head turner.
If you fancy this look on your B or C, roadster or GT, rubber or chrome, you can have the car that MG almostmade – just call Vic Birch. I must say that I have no connection with Vic other than as a satisfied customer, but I do like the result. MGB50 at Blenheim Palace was a rather soggy September Sunday, but at least my ‘new’ MGB was there – and attracting admiring glances." (You can see more on these wings here).

Bob selected MG MGB & MGB GT – The Essential Buyer's Guide by Roger Williams as his prize!

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.





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.

ME AND MY CAR/MOTORCYCLE #8

This month's winner of the Essential Buyer's Guide of his choice is Gabe Gibbany from Harrison, Arkansas USA. Gabe wins a copy of Harley-Davidson Big Twins - The Essential Buyer's Guide for sending us these pictures of his 1949 Harley Pan-Shovel Boneyard Chopper. Please keep your entries coming in, and you never know, it could be YOU in this space next month!

Here's proof that you can build a classy vintage chopper with virtually all used parts hustled up from locals and swap meet finds ...

After selling my 1937 80" ULH Flathead, I was on the search for my next project. I started gathering up some miscellaneous parts for the vision in my head. I knew I was looking for a Pan-Shovel for this build. The only problem was finding one in my price range. The Chopper Gods do exist because I was offered a 49 Pan-Shovel project while pumping gas. Now I was set.

I brought her home and started the total dis-assembly. I completely rebuilt the engine with new bearings, Jim's crank pins and lifters, 9:1 Weisco pistons, Andrews J grind cam and S&S carb. The girder front-end was a local swap meet find and the dual discs on front really help it stop! The engine is linked to a 1936 HD tranny via BDL belt drive in a custom primary cover. The frame is a 1951 HD Wishbone.

I used a Baas Metalcraft seat pan and covered it with a butchered set of saddlebags. All work was done by myself in a backyard shack except the paint, which was courtesy of a good friend, Jim Crabb.

I am currently building a 1918 Harley T, and we are finishing up the wife's 56 Panhead and her "secret" chopper project.
Gabe Gibbany

Gabe selected Harley-Davidson Big Twins – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Peter Henshaw as his prize!

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



Do you have an unusual 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.

28 MINI FANS CRAM INTO THE RECORD BOOKS

A team of gym members from East Sussex have today smashed two Guinness World RecordsTM for the number of people inside both a classic Mini and a 2012 MINI.

28 flexible ladies crammed their way into the MINI Hatch at Potters Fields Park, London as part of the eighth annual Guinness World Records day. The team broke their own previous record of 27 people, which they set in Eastbourne last year.

The ladies made full use of every inch of space available in the MINI, including the dashboard, the footwells and they even managed to squeeze four people in the boot.

As soon as they celebrated their first record the ladies dashed off to the ITV studios to attempt the second record live on This Morning, where by squeezing a staggering 23 ladies into a classic Mini, they managed to beat the previous record by two people.

Today more than 400,000 people around the world are taking part in record-breaking events for the eighth annual Guinness World Records Day, which commemorates the day in 2004 when Guinness World Records became the world's best-selling copyright book.
Source: MINI

New from Veloce! New Mini – The Essential Buyer's Guide
By Martyn Collins

With so many different models and specifications to navigate, this book will help you get the Mini you want at the right price. Featuring over a hundred colour images, plus details of problems to keep an eye out for, it is an essential aid for the discerning buyer, providing insight into market and value data and predicting future collectable models. Owning a Mini can be a very sociable experience, and this book gives details of back-up and support organisations for BMW’s British–built baby.
More info.

ME AND MY CAR/MOTORCYCLE #4

This month's winner of the Essential Buyer's Guide of her choice is Fiona Easterby from Southampton, UK. Fiona won a copy of VW Bus - The Essential Buyer's Guide for sending us these pictures of 'Pedro' the 1969 Baja Beetle. Please keep your entries coming in to prize@veloce.co.uk, and you never know, it could be YOU in this space next month!

Pedro is a 1969 Baja Beetle. I bought him in San Francisco at the beginning of 2009, shipped him home to the UK and, after months of preparation, and modifications, set out to drive overland to Australia.

My journey took me across Europe to an explosive minefield visit in Kosovo. Into Turkey where the biggest hazzard was avoiding amorous men, through Iran during the volitile period following the disputed elections. I wound up in hospital in Quetta, Pakistan – a stone's throw from the Afghan border and infamous Helmand province. We outwitted corrupt police in India, struggled over the Himalayas to Everest base camp in Tibet, suffered altitude sickness, happened upon a brothel in Lhasa, and wound up drinking beer with the prostitutes, helped amputees in Laos, visited floating markets in Thailand, drove through a major earthquake in Malayasia, and limped into Singapore, topping up the oil every 20 minutes.

I kept a diary of my travels and am currently writing a book of my journey. Next year I plan to drive the same car from Alaska to Argentina on the Pan-American highway. In the meantime Pedro continues as my daily driver ferrying me to work and shopping, as well as regularly being invited to supercar events and shows where he is a common sight amongst the Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Fiona Easterby
www.worldrallies.com

Fiona selected VW Bus – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Ken Cservenka & Richard Copping as her prize!

A unique volume dedicated to three generations of VW’s legendary Transporter. Meticulously researched with many model specific photographs reproduced to illustrate a genuinely informative text.

More info.


Do you have an unusual 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.
.

ME AND MY CAR/MOTORCYCLE #3

This month's winner of the Essential Buyer's Guide of her choice is Michel Verheyen from Wesepe, Holland. Michel sent us this picture of her 1977 Jaguar XJ 12 Coupe Broadspeed replica. Please keep your entries coming in to prize@veloce.co.uk, and you never know, it could be YOU in this space next month!

My name is Michel Verheyen and this is my 1977 Jaguar XJ 12 Coupé Broadspeed replica. I started the restoration and modification about seven years ago, and as you can see it's almost finished. Of the original there are only four cars made that raced in the 1976 and 1977 European Touring Car Championship. They were actually a lot faster than the BMW CSL at the time, but a lot less reliable, so after the 1977 season British Leyland pulled the plug on the racing career of these magnificent cars. Seven years ago I was reading a magazine that had an article in it about one of the original cars and that's what started it off for me. My car started off as a 6-cylinder 1977 XJ Coupé, but now has a V12 with manual gearbox, full welded rollcage, and racing fuel tank with working double fuel fillers through the boot lid. Even the seats have the same fabric on them as the original cars. A lot of the special parts I had to make myself, because the four original cars were made by a private race team (Broadspeed Engineering) so the parts I needed are nowhere to be found. The biggest problem with these cars is that not a lot of people know about them, or have information, so even after seven years I still am finding out things that were previously unknown to me.
The build of the car has been a long one, but trying to get all the details as original as possible was, and is, very rewarding. In the process I have met a lot of people I wouldn't have met if I wasn't doing this project. If anyone would like to know more about the car, have a look on http://broadspeedcoupe.tripod.com.

Michel selected Mini – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Mark Paxton as her prize!

STOP! Don’t buy a classic Mini without buying this book first!
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from the author’s years of experience, learn how to spot a bad Mini quickly and how to assess a promising one like a true professional. Get the right car at the right price!
More info.



Do you have an unusual 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.

VELOCE BOOKS FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS!