Author Archives: Mike Cowlam

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse I didn’t think you could top the story of the Range Rover ‘garage find’ with a meagre 756 miles on the clock (see blog, 20 February) until social media revealed a ‘new’ Renault found in Eastern France. Tucked away in an outbuilding was a 1982 Renault 5 TL withContinue reading “Untouched eighties Renault 5 found in French barn”

The Fast Lane Club are major sponsors of the famous Italian Race, offering guaranteed entry and support packages for the event.  The 1000 Miglia organisation have given them special permission to introduce a taste of the Regulatory Race as part of the Driving Tour this year. This years Tour will include a couple of “Time Trial”Continue reading “1000 MIGLIA COMES TO YORKSHIRE ELEGANCE”

If you are a fan of the Goodwood Festival of Speed then you will have inevitably seen the record breaking McMurty Spéirling Hyper car. McMurtry is a UK-based electric hypercar manufacturer founded in 2016 by engineering pioneer Sir David McMurtry. Their vision is to build vehicles focused purely on driving exhilaration. Not just for professionalContinue reading “Helix delivers EV technology for McMurtry Automotive”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse A pristine 1994 Range Rover LSE has sold for nearly £120,000 at auction – four times its guide price. The Mk1 4.2-litre V8 model had not been driven for 30 years and had just 756 miles on the clock. Finished in Beluga Black and featuring an Ash Grey leatherContinue reading “Top of the Range”

As it enters its third full year of production, INEOS Automotive has significantly enhanced its award-winning 4X4. For the 2026 model year, the company’s engineers have enhanced the everyday usability and enjoyment of the Grenadier station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up, while maintaining their class-leading capabilities, performance and personality. The most significant change is to theContinue reading “2026 INEOS Grenadier Black Edition”

My enthusiasm for Porsches has waxed and waned over the years. But as I have advanced in years I have grown to appreciate them and their motorsport heritage. In recent years I added the Porsche to my list of next cars to buy and I have driven a few. To be frank I found themContinue reading “Singer Presents “Sorcerer””

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse News that Mercedes-Benz’ all new CLA model has been crowned the 2026 European Car of the Year will be cause for great celebrations among its German bosses, but it’s not a title that guarantees a sales bonanza every time. Over 62 years of this top prize there has beenContinue reading “European Car of the Year – hits and misses!”

My first choice of transport at the age of 16 was a Yamaha FS1E (and a Garelli Rekord) . This was followed by a number of Suzuki’s and Yamaha’s of various capacities until I changed to a car a few years later. At this time Japanese motorcycles were establishing dominance over a fading British motorcycleContinue reading “Goodwood to celebrate Barry Sheene’s extraordinary life.”

When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 81 kW (110 PS) Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers soldContinue reading “A success story since 1976: The Golf GTI”

Whether you are a die-hard rally fan or new to the sport, closed road rallying is really exciting, with the chance to get closer to the action than in any other form of motorsport. This year’s rally brings a completely new route to test crews and thrill spectators. The weekend begins on Saturday evening, whenContinue reading “The 2026 East Riding Stages Rally is coming up soon!”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse This year marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of one of the boldest British cars ever made – the Rover SDI. As British Leyland grappled with finding a motoring winner, whilst faced being bailed out by the Government financially, along came a Rover that broke the mould. ItContinue reading “The Rover SDI celebrates 50!”

If you are heading to Race Retro then it might be worth taking your wallet with you. Iconic Auctioneers will present one of the most comprehensive single-vendor collections seen in recent years. More than 350 items of automobilia and 25 collectible motorcycles will cross the block at the Iconic Sale at Race Retro in February.Continue reading “Heading to Race Retro?”