NEC CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW 2009

It's the NEC Classic Motor Show today and over the weekend, and although Veloce will not be there, our friends at the Deux Chevaux Club of Great Britain will be, showcasing excerpts from our popular new book André Lefebvre, and the cars he created at Voisin and Citroën.

On top of that, they'll have the amazing Coccinelle prototype on display for all to see (as featured in the book), as well as an original TPV 2CV prototype from the 1930s!

We strongly recommend visiting their stand, check out the book, check out the cars, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. The Deux Chevaux Club of Great Britain can be found at stand number 1C38.

MOTOR SPORT RETURNS TO CRYSTAL PALACE IN 2010

Crystal Palace Park will again roar with the sound of historic racing cars in 2010 - that is the plan of Sevenoaks and District Motor Club. "The plans are all in place and we are ready to go; we now need to raise the funds to pay for repair work to the track surface and the building of safety barriers," said a spokesman for the club.

SDMC last ran a series of successful events at the venue in the late 1990s, but had to stop in 2000 to make way for a London Borough of Bromley millennium project. In 2006, they were approached by the London Development Agency to once again run motor sport in the park. The date for the first event is 30/31 May 2010.

The plans for the event are to make it a very special day out for the family in the heart of South London, taking the park back to it's heritage while supporting two local charities. The two-day event will include a sprint competition for both historic and modern racing cars, including classes for alternative fuel and electric vehicles, an old-style wall of death show, static displays (including the AA Heritage Collection), retail stands, hospitality and something very special for the kids.

In order to allow the event to take place, funding is required to repair one section of the track and to install safety barriers in other areas. The organisers are therefore seeking sponsorship.

A colour brochure - detailing the planned event plus a history of motor sport at the Palace - is available from www.motorsportatthepalace.co.uk.



Check out these books from Veloce for a look at Crystal Palace in it's heyday!

Motor Racing at Crystal Palace - London's own circuit by SS Collins.
Crystal Palace, London's own circuit, has recently been found to be one of the oldest Motor Racing venues in the world - this is its story. Focusing on the devlopment of the venue over the years and its untimely demise. Many rare and even unseen photos are included.


Crystal Palace is also pictured in Autodrome – The lost race circuits of Europe by SS Collins and Gavin D Ireland.
Around Europe lie a number of long forgotten monuments, wind swept and abandoned the derelict buildings and crumbling tarmac are all that remains of once great motor racing circuits. From the great speed bowls of Monza and Brooklands, to the parkland of Crystal Palace. All photographed as they are now but remembered in their prime.

NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3

The new Porsche 911 GT3, which will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3 2009, is the latest evolution of an iconic sports car. Embodying the essence of more than 23,000 Porsche racing victories, the 911 GT3 is the ultimate integration of driver and car and arrives in the UK this autumn.
In developing the second generation of the Type 997 911 GT3 into the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 ever with a naturally-aspirated power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motor sport. Indeed, this is precisely why the new GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.

The 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven six-cylinder naturally aspirated power unit now develops a maximum output of 435 hp (320 kW), up 20 hp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8-litres and from improved cylinder head gas flow: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted by VarioCam.
The second emphasis in developing the 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car’s driving dynamics. For the first time, the 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the facility to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.
Source:newspress

Veloce Special Offer!
THE history of the Porsche 911 - 1963 to 2004 - in five volumes by Brian Long.
First shown as the 901 prototype at the 1963 Frankfurt Show, the 911 quickly built on the Porsche legend established by the 356 models. This and the previously published four volumes looks at the history of the evergreen 911 in definitive detail, covering 40 years of progress from the earliest design studies to the water-cooled cars of today.
Click here for more info about this special offer!

POCKET ROCKET

The Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT AIR Concept will be premiered at the forthcoming 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Not a great deal of thought has been given by mainstream manufacturers to the proposition of a proper sports car as an electric vehicle (EV)… until now.


Taking a step beyond being merely ‘green’, this all-electric zero CO2 emission sports concept builds upon the fundamentals of the EV by marrying: the powerful acceleration and high torque inherent to electric motors and the safe driving dynamics that stem from i MiEV’s lithium-ion battery pack located within its long wheelbase and the low centre of gravity.
The i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR’ is a new-age “pocket rocket” and signals the direction in which the Mitsubishi sports EV may take in the future.
Source:newspress

MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE

The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S Convertible are revealed this month at the Detroit Motor Show.

It includes a powered soft-top roof that allows the driver to open and close it while going up to 30 km-h.
The convertible also features an "Openometre" that records the time drivers spend travelling with the roof down.

The four-cylinder, 1.6-litre standard Mini convertible produces 118 horsepower and retails for $24,550, while the turbocharged Mini Cooper S Convertible, which delivers 172 horsepower, sells for $27,450.

The new Mini Cooper S Convertible goes on sale at the end of March.
Source:newspress

Mini also plays a prominent role in Veloce's forthcoming publications in 2009. All three Mini books coming soon! Click book covers for more info.

NEXT GENERATION PORSCHE BOXSTER UNVEILED AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

Through 60 years of automotive evolution so much has changed. Yet every Porsche Boxster is built on these first principles. Sports performance, lightweight construction, agility and pure driving pleasure. The technology Porsche use may have developed, but the company’s ability to produce a two-seat, mid-engined sports car unlike any other on the road remains.

This week, Porsche is presenting the second generation of the mid-engined Boxster roadster at the Los Angeles Motor Show (November 21 – 30). The highlight of the new generation is the new flat-six ‘boxer’ engines, developed with new technical features from the ground up, providing not only more power, but also significantly greater fuel efficiency.

Porsche Boxster by Brian Long.
The full story of Porsche's affordable roadster from prototype stage to the present day. Complete with factory-sourced photographs and details of all home and export market models.
click here for more info.

MX-5 NEW FACELIFT

The Refreshed Mazda MX-5 – Evolution Focused on Pure Jinba Ittai Enjoyment

Mazda’s roadster takes centre stage at The Paris Motor Show in a refreshed version with updates that will make it even more popular with European sportscar fans. Remaking certain powertrain components allowed engineers to raise the rev limit and to optimise how the engine sounds when accelerating, which makes driving even more fun than before, and a new six-speed transmission is introduced for the first time. The roadster’s front roll centre has been lowered as well, which makes MX-5’s acclaimed one-with-the-car Jinba Ittai handling even stronger than before.

Some great Mazda MX-5 titles from Veloce. Click covers for more info.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS OVER THE UNVEILING OF THE FERRARI CALIFORNIA

The stunning coupé-cabriolet will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show.

The new Ferrari California has created such expectation amongst both those in the industry and the public. This is not the only piece of good news to come from the Prancing Horse at the Paris Show as Ferrari will also be announcing the extension of the One To One Personalisation Programme, debuted last March solely for the 612 Scaglietti, to the 599 GTB Fiorano. The Paris Motor Show starts 4th October and runs untill the 19th of the month. With exciting developments at Ferrari in mind i thought it fitting to give news of this forthcoming Veloce book about the Ferrari Dino!

Dino - The V6 Ferrari by Brian Long. Although not the fastest or the most powerful Ferrari, the beautiful lines of the Dino have inspired generations of enthusiasts. This book covers the full story of the Dino, from Pininfarina concept car through to the final production model, illustrated throughout with contemporary material.
click here for info about the book.

BENTLEY ARNAGE FINAL SERIES

Bentley is preparing a final series of its Arnage model for an exclusive run of 150 cars. This is the culmination of 90 years of Bentley heritage and marks the 50th anniversary of the company’s iconic V8 engine signifying the end of an era as Bentley prepares for the future. This limited edition run will be launched at the Paris Motor Show next week.

The Bentley Arnage Final Series features a unique specification, combining the performance of the 500 bhp Arnage T with the refinement of the Arnage R and design elements from the Brooklands coupe, for the ultimate expression of British luxury and effortless power in a four-door saloon.



As Bentley prepares for the next generation of its flagship model, Veloce prepares work for next years eagerly anticipated publication of the second edition of this classic Bentley book.



Bentley Continental - Corniche & Azure 51-98 By Martin Bennett.

- The fastest and most powerful coachbuilt Bentleys described in vivid detail.

- Includes technical specification, performance data and a listing of individual cars.

- Profusely illustrated.

- Martin Bennett is an internationally acknowledged Rolls-Royce and Bentley expert.

- Covers - 1951 to date - Bentley Continental R Type, S1, S2 & S3; Bentley Corniche; Bentley Continental Convertible; Bentley Continental R, S & T; Bentley Azure.

CLASSIC BIKES AT THE NEC CLASSIC MOTORSHOW

Around 200 classic motorcycles of all ages will be revved and ready to excite visitors at the new Classic Bikes hall, part of the Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC from 14th to 16th November. The Pavilion, which adjoins the Classic Motor Show halls, will be turned into a 5000 square metre space dedicated to those who worship the two wheeled classic motorcycle. These will range from British pre-war to Japanese '80s bikes with some European and American models too.

Classic motorcycle clubs across the UK have eagerly snapped up the offer of free space at the show with around 20 clubs already confirmed, and the number is growing daily. This is a great opportunity for clubs to increase their membership and raise awareness of their chosen marque so clubs are advised to contact the organisers for an application form as soon as possible. Among the clubs already confirmed to be displaying at the event are BSA Owners Club, BSA Bantam Club, Moto Guzzi Club GB and Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club.

Another exciting addition which will bring a bit of rock 'n' roll to the show will be a replica version of Ace Café. The legendary bikers haunt will be celebrating its 70th anniversary with founder Mark Wilsmore giving a talk about its history.

For more information about the event, the latest updates or to book tickets, visit www.classicbikesatclassicmotor.com

BSA Bantam fans and enthusiasts check out this new Veloce book!

New! The BSA Bantam Bible By Peter Henshaw.
Year-by-year evolution of the BSA Bantam, a simple commuter bike that thousands learnt to ride on. It became the standard GPO ‘telegram bike’ in the 1950s and was a huge success, with 100,000 built in the first four years of production. It’s a story with interesting asides, like the Hummer, Harley-Davidson’s version of the DKW that inspired the Bantam, and survived into the 1960s. But it’s a sad story too – BSA failed to follow up the Bantam’s early success by developing it, and by the mid-1960s it was looking outdated, especially next to the new breed of four-stroke Hondas. That the Bantam was allowed to fizzle out in 1971 symbolised the state of the industry that produced it, but today there’s a thriving community of Bantam owner/riders. The book ends with a guide to buying a secondhand Bantam, along with useful appendices on specifications, engine/frame numbers, and contacts among the clubs and Bantam specialists. Every Bantam owner, or would be owner, needs this book - the Bantam Bible!

click here for more info about the book

CONTEMPORARY REINTERPRETATION OF CLASSIC 2CV

Citroën has just released details of its new convertible supermini, the C3 Pluriel - The Charleston. It will be shown for the first time at this years Paris Motor Show next month.

The new look of the C3 Pluriel Charleston certainly seems to lend itself to the design of Citroën’s iconic 2CV. This year, incidently, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Citroën’s famous car.



Citroën 2CV – The Essential Buyers Guide By Mark Paxton.

STOP! Don’t buy a 2CV without buying this book FIRST! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Mark Paxton’s years of 2CV 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!



click here for more info

Mazda at the British International Motorshow

A total of 16 different types of Mazda cars will be on show at BIMS which starts tomorrow and is located on the East Side of London within the Docklands area.

Highlights of Mazda's involvement include unveilings of The Mazda Furai concept (pronounced ‘foo-rye’ – Japanese for ‘sound of the wind’) which is the latest in Mazda's Nagare-based concepts. The Furai combines the striking design aesthetic of the Nagare with a more functional twist in an attempt to merge the the idea of a road car with a race car. The inclusion of 'flow lines' actually enhances the vehicle's aerodynamic performance by channelling air-flow over the body of the car.

The new Mazda RX-8 R3 four-seater sports coupe will also be on show. Enhancements to the classic sports car include a new front bumper, front grille, intake ducts, headlamps, front fender designs, LED rear lamps and a redesigned rear bumper with larger exhaust pipes.

Also, the thrilling 'Mazda Zoom-Zoom Challenge’ will be taking place at BIMS. The event was a big success at the 2006 Show, and will allow over 5,000 people to get behind the wheel of Mazda’s cars and battle against the clock, at no charge, to experience their spirited handling and entertaining drive.

For fans of the Mazda RX series...

Mazda RX-7 - Mazda's Rotary Engine Sportscar - Updated & Enlarged New Edition
By Brian Long



Enlarged new edition of the definitive international history of Mazda’s extraordinarily successful Wankel-engined coupés & roadsters right up to the end of production and the introduction of the RX-8. Advice on buying your own RX-7. The RX-7 in motorsport. Production figures. High quality artpaper production, heavily illustrated with colour throughout. CONTENTS Mazda launched its first rotary-engined car - the Cosmo - in 1966 and was the only car manufacturer to solve the major problems associated with Wankel’s radical engine design so that the unit’s potential could be exploited and enjoyed. Launched in 1978, the RX-7 provided effortless and uncannily smooth performance, attributes that endeared the model to enthusiasts through three generations of production. With each reincarnation the RX-7 became more of a Grand Tourer and less of a sportscar (a mantle handed on to the MX-5/Miata); global sales reduced as the car moved upmarket until, in the new millennium, the model was only sold in its native Japan.

click here for more info

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced a new era of motor sports design and engineering with its all-new crossover “Racing Lancer”. The new car takes its design from the Lancer Sportback and will be previewed at the Paris Motor Show this autumn. Mitsubishi anticipates the Racing Lancer will be ready in time to be a major contender at the 2009 Dakar Rally, due to be held in South America.

With this car, MMC has added a new dimension to its racing vehicles, blending the Pajero with a culmination of company ethos, which includes the recently introduced “Project Global” Lancer Family of Sports Saloon, Sportback, Ralliart and Evolution X.

The end result is a crossover between on-road and off-road rallying as well as both passenger cars and SUVs. The Racing Lancer appears to be more marketable than any of its predecessors and looks set to relaunch Lancer’s racing career.

The definitive international history of one of the world’s most successful rally cars, can be found in this book:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
By Brian Long



The Lancer name conjures up many different images. For some, it evokes memories of the first generation cars, introduced in 1973, which fought with the best on the Safari Rally and came out the victors. Others will remember the second generation models – especially the turbocharged versions, the original Mitsubishi wolf in sheep’s clothing – and who could not be aware of the Evolution (Evo) series, launched in 1992? Forged in the fierce heat of WRC competition and honed by years of continuous development, the Lancer Evolution is not only one of the greatest rally cars of all time, it is also a desirable high-performance road car, too. Written in Japan with the full cooperation of Mitsubishi and key staff members, this is the definitive international story of all the world’s Lancers, whether they carried Mitsubishi, Dodge, Colt, Plymouth, Valiant, Eagle, Proton or Hyundai badges, with special emphasis on the Evolution models.

click here for more info