Classic cars are being given a new life for the 21st century with a “heart” transplant and an electric powertrain by a Welsh enthusiast and engineer. Richard Morgan set up Electric Classic Cars in Newtown to give much-loved classics and popular cars a new lease of life with a modern twist. “I use to compete in the British Historic Rally Championship while I worked as a software engineer in … [Read more...]
Lessons in history on wheels from India
Britain can learn a great deal from what’s happening in India right now, when it comes to attracting young people into the historic vehicle movement, says FIVA President Patrick Rollet. In March, FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) held its General Council meeting in Bangalore, India’s fast growing tech city. Explaining why … [Read more...]
Rally of the Tests for classics
One hundred classic cars will be embarking on one of the most challenging events on this year’s iconic RAC Rally of the Tests on Friday 9 November. Promising to be a rare spectacle, the rally – which is open to vehicles built before 1 January 1986 – follows a 750-mile route from Harrogate through the East Midlands and South Wales, and finishing near Bristol at the RAC Supercentre, Cribbs … [Read more...]
New for old is gold in this Welsh car business
A Welsh car business is turning out new for old gold. Hemmels of Cardiff is probably one of the least known success stories in the Welsh automotive sector but it is rapidly gaining recognition around the world. It specialises in nut and bold regeneration of classic Mercedes-Benz sports cars and prices for their year-long rebuilt models begin at £225,000. For that an … [Read more...]
Mid-Wales venue for international classics’ rally
Mid-Wales will this August host the international classic car rally organised by FIVA. Open to anyone with a classic car they enjoy using, not just members of FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciensor or international federation of historic vehicles), this year’s World Rally is a 450-mile, four-day, non-competitive event in Mid Wales, from 28 August to 1 September … [Read more...]
How to store your pride and joy over winter
As the cold weather continues, Windrush founder Tim Earnshaw shares his top 10 tips on protecting your vehicle over winter. With over a decade of experience at the pinnacle of car storage, a world-class reputation and years of experience in Formula 1, Tim Earnshaw is uniquely qualified in explaining the art of car storage at the highest level. Wash the vehicle thoroughly to remove all … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 October
Welsh Conservative plans for a ‘Green Card’ entitling all 16-24 year olds to free bus travel could get the go ahead, after the Welsh Government announced a consultation on concessionary bus fares. The announcement follows a Conservative policy launch and Shadow Economy Secretary Russell George wants the Labour administration to demonstrate its commitment to young people by extending … [Read more...]
Classics keep up hopes of fun and investment
With new and used car sales stalling, buyers could turn to some classics to enjoy their motoring and possibly make money. From the highest priced luxury marques to mass market family saloons, most new cars lose part of their value the minute they’re driven off the dealer forecourt and continue to depreciate as they get older. But there are some affordable cars on the road that could become … [Read more...]
Classics being used to borrow money
Classic car owners are increasingly putting their vehicles up as security for loans. HNW Lending, an alternative lender that provides individual loans of between £50,000 and £2 million to clients against their valuable assets, has seen a dramatic increase in enquiries. The company is looking to provide loans against more classic cars because they are easier to validate as genuine when … [Read more...]
Clock the classics from the ’80s and reap rewards
Hot hatches are future classics and highly collectable, says one insurer. Who can forget the incredible 80s, well except Gen Ys and millennials perhaps? The era of vintage Madonna, neon bodysuits, E.T. and of course amazing hatchbacks, thanks to the popularity of KITT, the almost-human like companion of Michael Knight in the iconic hit hit Knight Rider. No doubt, the 1980s was the decade of … [Read more...]