AUTHOR PROFILE No.12: GRAHAM ROBSON

Graham Robson is a prolific motoring historian. He began his working life as a design engineer, got involved in rallying as a hobby, began writing about motorsport soon after that, and is now one of Veloce's most published authors, with no fewer than 16 titles to his name.

Born in Yorkshire to a father who was a great motorcycle enthusiast, Graham was a grammar school boy before entering Oxford, where he studied engineering. He joined Jaguar Cars in 1957, as the first of that company's Graduate Trainees. After the obligatory time in overalls, which involved everything from making prototype body parts for new models like the XK150, and wishing he could get his hands on an early E-yype, Graham moved up to the design offices, and worked on the Mk II, E-type and Mark X.

1959 RAC Rally.

1961 RAC Rally, works Rapier, plus Peter Procter and Paddy Hopkirk.

1964 Spitfire Le Mans testing, with David Hobbs and Peter Bolton.

1967 RAC Rally, with World F1 Champion Denis Hulme + Triumph 2.5PI.
This was the time when he joined the Godiva Car Club in Coventry, where he had some success as a co-driver, and was lucky enough to meet up with Norman and Lewis Garrad of the Sunbeam works rally team, which he joined in 1961. Early successes included Team Prizes on the RAC and Monte Carlo rallies

It was during this time that Graham joined Standard-Triumph,

in Coventry, as a Development Engineer, first on Vitesse, then on TR4 projects. He was soon asked to run the re-opened works motorsport department, which he did from 1962 to 1965, during which time he conceived and helped develop the careers of the Spitfire Le Mans cars, TR4s, Vitesses, Spitfires, and 2000 rally cars.

AUTOGLYM commentaries - which went on for ten years.
Own Jaguar X-Type.

I ran two Escort RS Cosworths in the mid-1990s.

In the study - a posed picture!

Home, with RS200 and wife's Escort XR3i outside, 1987.
In the meantime, Graham kept on rallying in the UK as a successful co-driver, often writing reports (for Autosport and Motoring News), which eventually led to him being invited to join Autocar magazine in its Coventry office, where he not only wrote new model analyses, but also carried out many road tests (MIRA was just up the road, near Nuneaton). It was at this time that he became fascinated by the history and heritage of the UK's famous car-makers.

Between 1965 and 1969, Graham reported on races and rallies all

around the world, including the East African Safari and the Indianapolis 500. Back then his only personal claim to fame was that he co-drove Britain's Roger Clark to victory in the Welsh International rally, but he had to stop competing in the late 1960s when he no longer seemed to have enough spare time.

Following this period, Graham was attracted back to industry,

joining the Rootes Group in Coventry (which became Chrysler UK) to run the Product Proving department. After a brief period in 1972 as Technical Director of a Carlisle-based safety belt company, he became an independent motoring writer. Since then, he has written for publications and publishers in most English-speaking countries.

In the last 40 years, Robson has lived by the pen and by the voice,

not only by writing literally thousands of features for magazines, and books for publishers in several continents, but increasingly by commentating, presenting, and organising events of all types. During this period, he rapidly became engrossed in the classic car scene, writing his first book (on the 1970 Daily Mirror World Cup Rally) as that event unfolded, as he was also acting as a travelling controller on the same event!

Over the years Graham (and some clients, it seems) discovered

that he was a fluent speaker and event organiser. He has not only completed many video commentaries, scripts, and video treatments, but has also advised radio and TV companies on their own productions, helped rescue projects abandoned by other authors, and has also carried out promotional tours for several British motor companies and their sponsors.

His first Veloce book was on the famous Ford Cortina, but many

more titles (including the renowned Rally Giants series) have followed. Although he has had to turn down many projects in the past (including the possibility of 'ghosting' more than one motorsport personality), he has published almost 160 books, with more pending. In recent years, Graham has participated as a keynote speaker and commentator for events as far flung as in North America and Australia, along with engagements at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the International Classic Motorsport Show (Race Retro), the Rally Show, the MSA Aviva Run, the Culzean Autoclassica in Scotland, the Wales Rally GB, and other major events in Britain and Northern Ireland.

Asked about his hobbies, Graham admits to a family passion for

owning British bulldogs. He loves fine wining and dining, but protests that he is still far too busy to take long holidays (they would turn into working trips, in any case). However, he also admits that he loves to travel to North America whenever possible.

Commentary at Beaulieu, in Sinclair C5. Hating it ...

Talking - Rosemary Smith and Peter Procter.

AUTHOR PROFILE No. 11: DES HAMMILL

New Zealander Des Hammill spent his childhood in Auckland surrounded by car enthusiasts, and took a keen interest in the subject from a very early age.

His first real thrill in a car was being taken for a spin around the block, aged 9, in a friend’s uncle’s 1.5-litre Brooklands Riley Nine-derived home-built sports car. The second was being taken for a ride in the same person’s 1956 D-Type Jaguar, aged 12.

Educated in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, Des went on to study engineering at Otahuhu College and the Auckland and Manukau Technical Institutes, while serving a four-year toolmaking apprenticeship at top Auckland contract Toolroom.

In his early twenties Des went travelling, staying for varying lengths of time in Australia, Asia, England, Southern Rhodesia, and South Africa, finally returning to New Zealand after seven years, where he settled into volume production factory work specialising in injection moulding phenolic products – plastic mould design, manufacture and maintenance. However, after about seven years he was no longer happy doing this type of factory work, and took the decision to turn his hobby of building racing engines into a business, concentrating on 'the difficult things to do,’ such as the precision machining of parts for different competitors over a wide range of racing machinery. This was soon expanded to include suspension work, which led to innovations for several regular customers’ off-road and speedway cars, all in the name of better vehicle handling.

In 1980, Des began building his own 221ci small block Ford V8-powered sports car, with which he eventually enjoyed some racing success and, above all, learned a lot about car design – specifically, what not to do! Over five years, this car went through several redesigns due to errors and discoveries. He intends to rebuild it a final time, and make it go better than ever!

In 1995, Des began writing automotive books for Veloce Publishing quite by chance, and now has a total of 25 titles to his name. His first publication, one of the 'How To' series on Weber and Dellorto side-draught carburettors, is now in its third edition, and remains a best seller. In the late 1990s he turned his attention to writing car history books, starting with Coventry Climax Formula One engines of the 1950s and 1960s, and within four years had compiled a very detailed account of Cyril Kieft, called The Definitive History Of Cyril Kieft And His Racing Cars 1949-1955 – an obscure study, perhaps, but interesting nonetheless. His BRM equivalent of the Coventry Climax book has recently been completed – a long, complicated, drawn-out research process if ever there was one.
Although he built many types of engine over his working life, two dominated his career and remain of great interest: the English Kent four-cylinder Fords, and the small block Ford V8. Over the last few years, as it has remained his favourite since his teens, Des has concentrated mainly on writing the history of the latter.

When not writing, Des enjoys nothing more than tinkering with his cars – which include a red 1995 SN95 Mustang GT convertible, a 1967 Ford Anglia, a 1976 Escort, and a 1983 Thunderbird V8/John McKenna Thunderbird lookalike – and assisting friends with their similar projects in New Zealand and the UK.

Des Hammill's Ford Falcon.Click here to view all Veloce books by Des Hammill.

NEW SERIES OF WHEELER DEALERS!

Wheeler Dealers is back! Check out series 11 schedule ...

Ford Fiesta XR2

17th March

Mike decides to go back to the 80’s and bags a bargain example of one of his dream cars - but there’s only £1000 to spend on repairs or the profit’s at risk. Edd isn’t convinced the XR2 deserves all the praise, but comes up with cheap and innovative solutions to add value. Mike finds a clever way to get Edd all the rare parts he needs and pulls out all the stops to prove the Fiesta is the hot hatch that started a fast Ford revolution.

Porsche 993 Targa

24th March

The last of the air-cooled legends. Mike goes in search of what many fans consider to be the last truly great Porsche. What he finds is the cheapest, tattiest 993 in the country. Mike however, can see a mechanically sound motor and potential profit lurking beneath seventeen years of muck and grime. Edd sets to work on a rescue mission to restore the car’s racing pedigree. It’s unloved and underpowered but after Edd lavishes some care and attention on the car, will the smart engine fixes and custom handling package spell profit on a Porsche that is still major money?

Mazda RX7

31st March

With its legendary mix of unique technology and awesome performance, Mazda’s coupe is unlike any other. Mike finds one that appears to have nothing wrong with it and challenges Edd to make a good car even better. But these cars are complex and unforgiving. So while Edd handles with care, Mike sorts out some stylish mods to make the RX7’s looks match its performance.

Citroen 2CV

7th April

Mike finds a fifty-six year old Citroen 2CV, retired in the sunny south of France. It’s a real people’s car with bags of charm. With cheeky bug-eyed headlights and rare suicide doors, the 2CV is one of the most recognisable cars ever designed and renowned, over its forty-two year production cycle, for its stark simplicity. Almost every aspect of this quirky car requires attention; Edd strips it back to bare bones to breathe new life back into the smoky old engine. A fresh paint job and interior will help to secure the car’s future for another fifty years but can Mike get top dollar for a car with no frills?

Chevrolet Camaro

14th April

It’s time for the boys to tackle one of the meanest muscle cars around. But finding the right one won’t be easy as the Camaro is already a cult classic. Mike tracks down a part-finished restoration in California with its fair share of problems. Edd has his work cut out with loads of missing parts to find and fit. With all this time and effort, is there still a profit on the cards?

Maserati 3200gt

21st April

Mike buys a supercar from the super saver menu. An Italian thoroughbred for under £10k. But supercars mean super bills. Mike’s reports of wayward handling and a hair-trigger throttle could lead to either bankruptcy or a very nasty accident. Some of Edd’s smart solutions could help to keep the budget under control but will it be enough to tame this technology packed, turbocharged V8? Techy tyres help get the luxury GT powerhouse back on track and an overhauled air-conditioning system restores some Italian flair.

Amphicar

28th April

Mike takes the ultimate plunge and invests in a car - and a boat, all in one. It’s the Amphicar, an amphibious vehicle that Edd has been dreaming of for years. But when he peels back the layers and discovers the car’s problems are serious, will he find himself in deep water and rinse away all the profit? This challenge truly puts Mike and Edd’s skills to the test and could see them literally sink or swim!



Available from Veloce!

Mike Brewer’s The Wheeler Dealer Know How!
Written by Mike Brewer, cheeky chappie and TV's best-known car dealing expert. In a career spanning almost 30 years, Mike has seen and done everything when it comes to buying and selling cars, and having established a successful career as a television presenter, is eager to share his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for cars.
Telling you all you need to know about buying, preparing and selling modern classic cars, this book guides you through the minefield that is the world of car dealing, and helps you avoid the pitfalls that await the unwary. Plus, with stories and anecdotes from Mike’s time in the trade, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the world of wheeler-dealing.
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.

Porsche 993 – The Essential Companion: King of Porsche
By Adrian Streather

The 993 version of the evergreen 911 is sometimes described as the “King of Porsche”. This book chronicles the development, racing history and all ownership issues of the 993 in tremendous detail. Containing a buyers/owners guide and well over one thousand photographs, this book features incredibly in-depth information about all aspects of the Porsche 993. More info.

How to restore Citroen 2CV - Enthusiast's Restoration Manual
By Lindsay Porter

All the information needed to rebuild your 2CV in step-by-step detail, supported by over 1500, mainly colour illustrations. Covers body, trim and mechanical restoration, and gives advice on what to look for when buying a car or van, and originality guidance (colour schemes and production changes). More info.

GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2013 TO MARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORD GT40’s DEVELOPMENT WITH UNIQUE ONE-MODEL RACE

The world’s finest collection of significant and authentic racing Ford GT40s will be gathered at the 2013 Goodwood Revival (13-15 September) for an exceptional one-model race; the first time in history that a dedicated competition has ever been held for these iconic Ford racers.

The 2013 Revival’s Whitsun Trophy race will mark 50 years since the genesis of the Ford GT40 programme. Although the first GT40 wasn’t completed until early 1964, the Ford project actually began a year earlier in 1963, when Henry Ford II - snubbed by Enzo Ferrari over the sale of his company to the Michigan-based automotive giant - set out to beat ‘il Commendatore’ at his own game, with sights set firmly on victory in the Le Mans 24Hours race.

The GT40 was a development of the Lola Mk6 GT that first raced in 1963, engineered by Eric Broadley’s specialist team in England. The resulting GT40 was created to meet with new manufacturer prototype regulations at Le Mans, and the Ford went on to become an endurance racing icon, winning the 24 Hours race at la Sarthe four years in a row, from 1966 to 1969.

The Whitsun Trophy race promises to make for an intriguing spectacle and a fitting tribute to one of the world’s most revered sports car with a long association with Goodwood, both at the Motor Circuit in period, plus the Goodwood Revival, with examples racing here since the first event in 1998.

Source: Goodwood

FORD CORTINA CELEBRATES 50TH ON BBC’S ONE SHOW

Fifty years ago, on September 21, 1962, Ford’s new Cortina was launched. Costing £573 for the standard 1200 saloon, it became an instant best-seller and enjoyed a 20-year career in which 4.3 million were produced. The last Cortina was assembled in July 1982, to be succeeded by the Sierra, by which time the entry-level model was priced at £4,515.

The Cortina was so successful and so different from other cars in the industry that in Britain it inspired what became known as ‘the Cortina class’. Along with the parallel success of the Escort from 1968, this helped Ford gain market leadership in Britain, which it has maintained for 35 consecutive years.

In 20 years, four generations of Cortina were launched – each selling more than a million around the world. When originally planned, Ford thought it could sell at least 100,000 Cortina models every year – yet more than 260,000 were sold in the first full sales year, 1963.

Veloce's Rod Grainger was invited to speak on The Jeremey Vine BBC Radio 2 show today to talk about Ford Cortina and DIY car maintenance.

Rod Grainger BBC Radio2 21.9.12 DIY CAR MAINTENANCE/FORD CORTINA by VeloceBooks

KEN BLOCK'S GYMKHANA FIVE: ULTIMATE URBAN PLAYGROUND; SAN FRANCISCO

FORD’S JUBILEE CAR JOINS CELEBRATIONS

The Ford Consul was built at Dagenham in 1952, and featured a fuel economy of around 24-28 mpg and had a maximum speed of 75mph.

1952

PRODUCTION
Dagenham Vehicle Production in 1952 - 93,499 (266 per day)

FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel Economy for the Dagenham-built 1951 Ford Consul - 24-28mpg

PRICING
Price for the Dagenham-built 1951 Ford Consul - £809 (including purchasing tax)

MAXIMUM SPEED
Maximum Speed for the Dagenham-built 1951 Ford Consul - 75mph

EQUIPMENT
Equipment for the Dagenham-built 1951 Ford Consul included a front bench seat, radio (optional) and heater (optional for additional £10)

2012

PRODUCTION
Dagenham Engine Production in 2011 -987,078 (2,812 per day)

FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel Economy for the 2012 Dagenham-powered 1.6 Litre TDCi Ford Focus - 67.3mpg

PRICING
Price for the 2012 Dagenham-powered 1.6 Litre TDCi Ford Focus - £17,795 (on the road)

MAXIMUM SPEED
Maximum Speed for the 2012 Dagenham-powered 1.6 Litre TDCi Ford Focus - 120mph

EQUIPMENT
Equipment available for the 2012 Ford Focus includes Ford's Easy Fuel capless refuelling system and Electronic Stability Programme as standard, Ford's Active Park Assist, Active City Stop, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition (optional).

Source: Ford

FORD UK IS 100 – AND COUNTING!

8th March, 2011 signified Ford of Britain's 100th birthday and this year also sees Ford marking 100 years of vehicle manufacturing in the UK.

Ford plans a year-long centenary celebration with themed marketing campaigns to flag up this special year. A Ford of Britain centenary logo has been created, which delivers its message as text on a keyless Ford Power starter button.

Historical displays will take place at various motoring events and a gala event will take place in the first half of 2011.

Ford-related events are being held around the country including the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire and the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire. This year's Goodwood Revival, the country's premier historic motoring event, will see a significant number of classic Ford cars take to the circuit, in September.

3 Generations of Ford

Five Decades of Transit

Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta WRC
Source: Ford

FORD OF BRITAIN 100: IMAGE OF THE WEEK – 1/52

To celebrate the centenary of Ford of Britain in 2011, the company is exploring its photo archive to reveal rarely seen images.

Ford's British roots will be illustrated each week by a specially selected picture.

This week's image features the epic 1911 trek up Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, in a Ford Model T.



Source: Ford

FORD'S WORLD CUP WINNER NEC APPEARANCE

Ford's 1970 London-Mexico winning Escort is making a rare public appearance at the Classic Car Show in November.


Celebrating the 40th anniversary of its famous victory, the Ford Escort, which was driven by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm, will be on display from 12 – 14 November at the NEC, Birmingham, as the showpiece of a stand celebrating the gruelling 16,000-mile rally.

In 1970 Ford Escorts secured one of the most spectacular results in rallying by taking 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th places in the six-week event. Ford celebrated this success by launching the iconic Ford Escort Mexico. The original winning Ford Escort, registration FEV 1H, is retained by the company as part of the Ford Heritage Collection.

Forty years after the Ford Escort proved so unbeatable, the Ford Focus is continuing the legacy. Earlier this year the Focus WRC of Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila won Rally New Zealand, providing the company with its 75th win and making Ford the most successful manufacturer in the history of the FIA World Rally Championship.

John Nevill, heritage fleet administrator, said: "There are few endurance events that compare with the 1970 London-Mexico, which was held to mark England's 1966 football World Cup victory and the start of the following World Cup in Mexico. During this anniversary year our most famous Escort has been in great demand and we are pleased to end the year with an opportunity to display this great car to so many fans."

Source: Ford

The Daily Mirror World Cup Rally 40 – The World’s Toughest Rally in Retrospect
By Graham Robson

Continuing for 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.
Despite the tremendous amounts of money spent choosing and developing new cars, completing months-long route surveys, and analysing every detail of diets, oxygen provision, and the number of crew members, out of an entry of more than 100 cars, only 23 cars made it to the finish.
It was then, and remains now, the toughest rally of all time. More info.

Robson on YouTube!

FORD'S WORLD CUP WINNER V FOCUS RS500

Forty years of Ford motorsport success will be represented when old meets new at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.


Leading the charge will be the victorious Ford Escort driven by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm in the 1970 London– Mexico rally. Starting from Wembley Stadium, where England won the 1966 World Cup, the race finished 16,000 gruelling miles later in Mexico City, host to the 1970 World Cup.

Now, as the England soccer team seeks to repeat 1966, Ford will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Escort's triumph by taking on the Festival's challenging 1.16 mile hill climb. The Escorts' success in 1970, taking 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th places, led directly to Ford launching the highly successful and iconic Ford Escort Mexico.

Demonstrating the continued link between production vehicles and motorsport cars will be the new, limited-edition Ford Focus RS500. With a production run of just 500 examples across Europe, the high performance Focus RS500 features a 350PS upgraded engine and hand-applied matt black foil finish, and is a timely reminder of Ford's motorsport record.

In May, the Focus WRC of Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila won Rally New Zealand providing the company with its 75th win and making Ford the most successful manufacturer in the history of FIA World Rally Championship.

Gerard Quinn, Ford's motorsport manager, said: "There is a direct customer benefit that results from motorsport development helping to advance production car engineering. This was evident from the early days of the Ford Escort and with the Focus WRC now in its final season it is appropriate that the lessons learnt have helped to create a new icon for the road in the shape of the Focus RS500."

Both the Escort and Focus RS500 will be driven by guest drivers throughout the Goodwood Festival of Speed taking place on 2 - 4 July 2010.

Source: Ford

New! The Daily Mirror World Cup Rally 40 – The World’s Toughest Rally in Retrospect
By Graham Robson.

• 40th anniversary of the World Cup Rally April/May 2010
• This was the world's toughest rally, contested by famous rally teams
• From London to Mexico competitors fought their way across three continents
• Graham Robson was deeply involved with the rally and writes with authority
• Illustrations, maps, and charts show the scope of the rally

"Robson's finest hour, worthy of the Jules Rimet Trophy." – Classic & Sports Car

"All the vital information is here, in one reference work, relayed with undeniable passion for the subject." – Classic Cars

Click here for more info about the book.

GRAHAM ROBSON AND GUESTS

Part 1: Graham Robson talks to Rod Grainger, Paddy Hopkirk, Gavin Thompson, Patrick Walker, Brian Culcheth, and Bill Meade at the 40th anniversary of The Daily Mirror 1970 World Cup Rally held at Dagenham Motors showroom, Alperton, Wembley, London 20/4/2010.



Part 2: With Tony Mason, Paul Easter, Bill Barnett, Alan Grainge, Mike Scarlett and Alan Zafer.

The Daily Mirror World Cup Rally 40 – The World’s Toughest Rally in Retrospect by Graham Robson.
Continuing for 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.
Despite the tremendous amounts of money spent choosing and developing new cars, completing months-long route surveys, and analysing every detail of diets, oxygen provision, and the number of crew members, out of an entry of more than 100 cars, only 23 cars made it to the finish.
It was then, and remains now, the toughest rally of all time. More info.

FORD RALLY CHAMPION!

A new month, and a new blog header, this time featuring the great photo of the rally-winning Ford Escort, (driven by Hannu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm), as featured on the cover of our forthcoming book The Daily Mirror 1970 World Cup Rally 40.

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.

This 40th anniversary book is due this month (March 2010). Follow our RSS feed

SIMPLY FORD AT BEAULIEU

Simply Ford - Sunday, 2nd May 2010
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

The first Beaulieu ‘Simply Ford’ event takes place on Sunday 2nd May and promises to be a great day out for all Ford enthusiasts. All Ford owners are invited to come to Beaulieu in their vehicle and become part of the event. Any model is welcome, from the new Focus RS to the old MK 1 or 2 Escort RS or even a Model T!

All Ford owners taking part have an opportunity to enter the Pride of Ownership competition with the winner receiving a £100 cash prize and a Beaulieu trophy. The winner will be one of twenty vehicles chosen by the judging panel to go on display in the Main Arena and take part in a cavalcade.

For entrants arriving on the day in their Ford and joining the event on the Beaulieu Parkland, individual prices are adult £10 and child £5. To book in advance or for more information about group or club entry and concession prices telephone 01590 612888. All other entries will be via Beaulieu main reception at normal admission prices.

Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu/simplyford for more information.

VICTORY FOR DODD ON RALLYE SUNSEEKER

Picture courtesy of www.cmwi.net: Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery heading to victory in the wet conditions on today's Rallye Sunseeker.
Defending champions Marcus Dodd and Andrew Bargery got the defence of their title underway in the best possible fashion with a sensational seventh victory on Rallye Sunseeker held in Bournemouth at the weekend.

Driving the Hyundai Accent WRC the pair emerged 33.7 seconds ahead of the Peugeot Cosworth of Andrew Burton and co driver Robin Kellard, with former ANCRO champion Steve Perez and co driver Paul Spooner claiming third place a further 13 seconds back on the opening round of the 2010 MSA Gravel Rally Championship.

Dodd, from nearby Poole, overcame the disappointment of retiring on last year's event, and also the drenched Dorset forests this year, to run out a clear winner and apart from a couple of moments during the day his only problem was an errant warning light on the last stage.

Burton, who decided not to register for ANCRO points, brought his crowd-pleasing Peugeot Cosworth home in runner-up spot after Perez, the 2004 national champion, suffered a last stage spin which meant the Chesterfield driver had to settle for third place in his Ford Focus WRC07.
Towcester's Roger Duckworth and co driver Mark Broomfield had a trouble-free run to fourth place in their Subaru WRC, with Paul Bird, from Penrith, and co driver Kirsty Riddick in their Ford Focus WRC08 putting in a brave drive to finish fifth following the death of his mother last week.

Yorkshiremen Jonny Milner and Ian Windress brought their Toyota Corolla WRC home in sixth after a misfire slowed the former double British champion earlier on. Next up was Anthony Willmington, Dave Weston Jnr and Jonny Greer, but none of them were registered for points leaving Co Durham driver Stephen Petch and co driver John Richardson to claim sixth place ANCRO points following their tenth place finish in the Hyundai Accent WRC.

In the Viking Motorsport Ford Escort Challenge, Richard Lane and co driver Frank Richer took the spoils and the Nissan Micra pairing of Ian Barrett and co driver Gavin Wright claimed victory in the 1400cc Cup.
Marcus Dodd: "It's been a very difficult rally and the stages have been as wet as I've ever known them but to win this event for the seventh time is fantastic. One mile from the end of the last stage the water temperature shot through the roof but it was not a problem in the end and to claim victory on my local event is a great start to the year."
The next event takes place on 23rd/24th April with the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria which is based in Carlisle.

Source: www.msagravelrallychampionship.co.uk.

STARS SET TO SHINE ON RALLYE SUNSEEKER

Six-times Rallye Sunseeker winner Marcus Dodd and co driver Andrew Bargery in their Hyundai Accent WRC.
The eagerly anticipated battle for the 2010 MSA Gravel Rally Championship gets underway next weekend when crews from all over the UK as well as further afield converge on the South coast resorts of Bournemouth and Poole for the annual ANCRO season opener as the 25th annual Rallye Sunseeker roars into life.

And with the best entry assembled in recent years, fans on the South Coast's premier motorsport event will be revelling in the atmosphere amidst the Dorset forests.

Six-times event winner and very much the local hero Marcus Dodd from nearby Poole along with co driver Andrew Bargery from just down the coast at Hove, will be looking to win back the crown they relinquished to Isle of Wight Subaru driver Will Nicholls and co driver Nick Broom last year, and given that Nicholls and Broom are not returning to defend their title, the Hyundai Accent WRC pairing will start the event as one of the favourites.

Whereas Dodd is the reigning Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Champion having landed the crown five times in total and the last three times in succession, he faces stiff opposition as heading the challenge will be four former champions who are making a welcome return to the fold.

Twice Rallye Sunseeker winner Roger Duckworth and co driver Mark Broomfield took the Championship honours in 1998 and the driver who lives near Silverstone is back for another crack at the title in his venerable Subaru whereas 2004 ANCRO winner and VK boss Steve Perez from Chesterfield along with co driver Paul Spooner has the ex Marcus Gronholm Ford Focus WRC07 at his disposal and is fresh from winning last weekend's Wyedean Rally. 2005 Champion Paul Bird is back with a vengeance in his works-specification Ford Focus WRC08 and the flamboyant chicken farmer from Penrith has won his last three events in a row along with co driver Kirsty Riddick but like Perez, has never sampled Sunseeker glory. The other winner of the national title to take to the start line is Ulsterman Kenny McKinstry who won the series in 1999 and the Subaru WRC driver will be looking to repeat his win on Rallye Sunseeker of 2002, this time with co driver Harvey Bell on the notes.

The rivalry between Perez and Bird is legendary in Rallye Sunseeker history, but they, as well as Dodd, Duckworth and McKinstry, will be having to look to their rear view mirrors as there are a host of top names expected to be in the mix come Saturday afternoon.

Double British Champion Jonny Milner is reunited with his trusty Toyota Corolla WRC and co driver Ian Windress so could be the dark horse whilst Irish marauders Richard Cathcart/Martin Brady (Subaru WRC) and Jonny Greer (Mitsubishi Evo 9) could spring a surprise. County Durham driver Stephen Petch teams up with John Richardson in their Hyundai Accent WRC and don't rule out local aces Anthony Willmington/Andrew White (Mitsubishi Evo 6) and Scotsman Dave Weston Jnr and Ieuan Thomas in their latest version Subaru. Scandinavian drivers Daniel Sigurdarson and Johannes Gunnarson add to the international ambience in their respective Mitsubishis as part of the shakedown for the upcoming Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge.

With the traditional Friday evening Winter Gardens and Seafront stage not included this year, the event gets underway with a pompous ceremonial start at Poole Quayside at 18.15 on Friday, before the event proper starts on Saturday morning with the traditional loops around the forests and stately homes of Ringwood and Wareham before the winners' champagne is uncorked in Bournemouth town centre around 17.30.

More details, including entry lists, spectator information and maps etc on the event can be found at www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk and information on the 2010 MSA National Gravel Rally Championship is listed at www.msagravelrallychampionship.co.uk.

STOP! DON’T BUY A CAPRI WITHOUT BUYING THIS BOOK FIRST!

Ford Capri (All models (except RS) 1969 to 1987 – The Essential Buyer's Guide
(Your Marque expert: Mark Paxton)

When launched, the Ford Capri was revolutionary. It was a car that set the European market alight, allowing even a buyer on a modest budget an intoxicating whiff of the exotic whilst keeping running costs at affordable levels. That status eroded over time, and the Capri sat in the classic car doldrums for many years, its true worth unrecognised. That situation has thankfully changed, and Capri values are rising rapidly, so care has to be taken to make sure you end up with the best one possible for your money.

Ford Capri – The essential Buyer's Guide takes the potential purchaser through a short initial examination to weed out the obviously defective followed by a more comprehensive step by step look at the body and mechanical parts, where the clear, jargon-free text accompanied by over 100 photographs sheds light on even the darkest corners of the Capri’s construction.

A unique points marking system ensures that nothing is overlooked, and an accurate final picture of the car’s condition can be viewed in relation to the asking price.

The 64-page paperback book is available now from bookshops or from www.velocebooks.com.

FORD DAY

On this day in history (1903) The Ford Motor Company was founded. Here's a selection of some Ford related books from Veloce.



Visit www.veloce.co.uk to see our full range of Ford publications.

AUTO HEADLINES

VW in driving seat over Porsche merger

Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piech has signalled that the volume carmaker is in the driving seat of its proposed merger with Porsche.

The move came as Germany’s financial watchdog launched another market manipulation probe against Porsche.

Mr Piech said it had been decided that the headquarters of the combined company – which he proposed to be named Auto Union after the carmaker created through the merger of several brands during the Great Depression – would be in Wolfsburg, where Volkswagen is based.

He has also indicated that he favoured Martin Winterkorn, chief executive of Volkswagen, as head of the new group, spurring fresh doubts about the future of Porsche’s management team.

Mr Piech said it was unlikely that Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche’s chief executive, would be happy to stay on in a more ‘lowly’ role.

Porsche declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Bafin, the regulator, launched its second investigation in seven months after a German press report alleged that Porsche had informed Lower Saxony, Volkswagen’s second largest stakeholder, in February 2008 about its intentions to lift its stake in the volume manufacturer to 75 per cent. (Financial Times: May 13).

GM shares sink to new low

Shares in struggling vehicle manufacturer General Motors sunk to their lowest level in more than 70 years amid increasingly loud signals that the company is heading for bankruptcy protection within the next three weeks.

Shares fell by 20 per cent after senior GM executives sold stock worth $315,000 to leave shares trading at $1.15.

The White House has given GM until June 1 to restructure and win more financial aid. If the company fails to cut its debts and costs by the deadline, it will be forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

GM’s shareholders are in a lose-lose situation, according to analysts, because their investments would be all but wiped out regardless of whether the company goes bust. (The Times/Financial Times: May 13).

Ford shares tumble on new issue move

Shares in Ford have fallen almost 18 per cent after the carmaker announced plans to issue 300 million common shares to fund healthcare for retired workers.

The new shares will be sold at a price of $4.75 each. The existing shares closed down $1.07 at $5.01.

The share issue is set to raise $1.4 billion (£914m). Ford must make a $1.2bn cash payment to its Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association by December 31.

It will be the first public share offering at Ford since the carmaker became a publicly traded company in 1956.

Chief executive Alan Mulally said selling the stock was ‘another key step in our plan to transform Ford into an exciting, viable enterprise poised to return to profitability’. (BBC.co.uk: May 13).

Three bidders line-up for Saab

Fiat, Chinese manufacturer Geely and an unnamed German bank are reportedly the three bidders most likely to buy Saab, according to a General Motors’ source.

A Swedish newspaper also suggested that GM boss Fritz Henderson had already dismissed Geely’s bid for Saab for fear of Chinese-market competition for the luxury Buick brand, which is owned by GM.

Neither Saab nor GM would officially confirm the list of bidders.

Geely has officially denied any plans to bid for Saab, although representatives of Geely have reportedly visited Saab’s Trollhattan headquarters. (AM-Online: May 13).

A TRUE PROFESSIONAL - THE FORD CAPRI AT FORTY

The Ford car designed for the young at heart is refusing to grow old gracefully as the Ford Capri celebrates it 40th anniversary.



Although production ended in 1986, Capri lives on within many owners' clubs who will be celebrating the anniversary with events planned from Scotland to the South West. Fans are getting together at Castle Combe, Wiltshire (6 June), Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, Aberdeenshire (30 August), Ace Café in London (5 September) and Brooklands Museum, Surrey (26 September).

Launched in January 1969 and marketed as "the car you always promised yourself", the Ford Capri was unashamedly aimed at a style-conscious generation. In just 18 years the European answer to the Ford Mustang sold nearly two million units and achieved iconic status with its target audience.

From the outset the Capri was about choice, with a range boasting 26 derivatives. A mixture of engines - 1.3-, 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder units and a 3-litre V6 - catered for all tastes, while optional custom packs allowed a degree of personal customising that broke new ground in the industry. For the serious drivers there was the Cologne-built RS2600 and the short-lived Halewood-built 124mph RS3100.

A global oil crisis failed to slow the Capri's progress and in 1974 the Mk II was launched. Smoother design lines and simplified option packs ensured the Capri appealed to a wider market.

Star status was assured with regular Capri appearances in TV shows such as Minder and The Professionals.

From 1978, the Mk III saw a tidying up of the Capri body and several special editions such as the Calypso and Laser. In 1981 Dunton's newly-formed Special Vehicle Engineering department unveiled their first project, the 160bhp Capri 2.8 injection. The limited edition Capri 280, also known as the Brooklands Capri, signalled the end of the Capri era and the last car left the line in December 1986.

While the Capri is not the biggest seller in Ford history it is evident from the devoted fan base that it is certainly one of the most fondly remembered.
Source:Ford Motor Company

Coming soon! Ford Capri – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
By Mark Paxton.
When launched, the Ford Capri was revolutionary. It was a car that set the European market alight, allowing even a buyer on a modest budget an intoxicating whiff of the exotic whilst keeping running costs at affordable levels. That status eroded over time, and the Capri sat in the classic car doldrums for many years, its true worth unrecognised. That situation has thankfully changed, and Capri values are rising rapidly, so care has to be taken to make sure you end up with the best one possible for your money. This guide takes the potential purchaser through a short initial examination to weed out the obviously defective followed by a more comprehensive step by step look at the body and mechanical parts, where the clear, jargon-free text accompanied by over 100 photographs sheds light on even the darkest corners of the Capri’s construction. A unique points marking system ensures that nothing is overlooked, and an accurate final picture of the car’s condition can be viewed in relation to the asking price.
Click here for more info about the book.