Author Archives: Mike Cowlam

Just a quick reminder about the Holme Moss hill climb next Sunday.

Drivers of modern cars are being advised to make preparations for driving in the summer heat. But this advice is double for owners of classic cars. Whilst many classic cars are well maintained they can be uncomfortable in the heat. So it is a good idea to pack some simple essentials to keep cool inContinue reading “Keep your cool in heatwave traffic jams”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor, Tony Lofthouse There has always been a mystique about Eastern-bloc cars from the 60s and 70s – think the likes of Trabant, and Skoda and Lada models. In the 70s and 80s many became the butt of comedians jokes. But, some brave drivers would buy one of these State-made motors –Continue reading “Looking back at some Eastern European classics”

Zenvo Automotive unveiled two new VP prototype Aurora’s marking a significant milestone for the Danish hypercar manufacturer as it prepares for the first customer deliveries due in Summer 2027. Aurora is the most significant car in Zenvo’s 19-year history. Created to define a new era for the Danish hypercar manufacturer, it has been developed fromContinue reading “Zenvo Aurora Tur revealed.”

With long hot summers becoming the norm we may have to adapt the cars we drive and the way we look after them. The good news is that convertibles are now more practical than ever, even though manufacturers are turning away from them. Obviously air conditioning will be increasingly essential and maybe improved wipers andContinue reading “Practical tips for cleaning cars in a heatwave”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse A big thank you to Classic Yorkshire subscriber, John, who sent me pictures of a rare 1968-registered Vauxhall Viva spotted in Norfolk, but with West Yorkshire connections. The Viva HB SL90 convertible was based on Vauxhall’s sporty SL90 which delivered 20% more power than the standard HB models. TheContinue reading “Remembering a rare Vauxhall convertible”

Once again the team at The Fast Lane Club have done an amazing job of curating their Yorkshire Elegance event. With a range of special vehicles from the dawn of the motoring era to current day super cars the team have produced an event that easily stands alongside the events at Hampton Court (concourse deContinue reading “Yorkshire Elegance 2026.”

Let me start by saying up front that I am not an expert in AI. I have however been messing about with it and it is becoming an increasingly useful too. It might be usefuf or you too so here’s the story of my AI journey. Lets start with the basics. What is the differenceContinue reading “AI and classic cars”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse As a long-standing Rover owner I couldn’t let the 40th anniversary of the 800 series go unannounced. The Rover 800 was launched on 10th July 1986 with Rover Group shipping out 1000 new cars, mainly the top-spec Sterling model, to its dealer network. The 800 series grew out of a collaborationContinue reading “The Rover 800 – an overlooked classic?”

Every year reports are published that attach a monetary value to the classic car world. If you think about it the industry embraces not just the cars, repairs and servicing, restoration, retail, events, auction houses and much more. It is estimated that the total value of the industry is £18.3 billion and generates £2.9 billionContinue reading “The real value of classic cars”

Boreham Motorworks has unveiled the first production prototype Ford Escort Mk1 RS at the public at London Concours 2026, marking a major milestone in the development of one of the most focused lightweight performance cars of the modern era.  First announced at the end of 2024, the Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS programme now enters a new phase — one defined byContinue reading “The brand-new Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort Mk1 RS.”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse The understated Mercedes-Benz W123 series rightly earns its ‘classic’ tag after clocking up 2.7 million sales since its roll-out in 1976. This mid-range classic – known internally as the W123 – took the Mercedes brand a step further, following in the footsteps of the popular W114 introduced in theContinue reading “Timeless Mercedes celebrates 50 years on the road”