Author Archives: Mike Cowlam

If you are a fan of Goodwood Festival of Speed, whether in person or on TV, then you will have witnessed the phenominal performance of the McMurty fan car. A car that accelerates with incredible speed and appears to be glued to the road. McMurtry Automotive is a UK-based manufacturer, co-founded in 2016 by theContinue reading “McMurtry Spéirling PURE fan car makes global debut.”

One of the joys of attending classic car shows is that every now and again you will see something you haven’t come across before. It might be customised, a kit, upgraded or maybe race prepared. I attended a small local show in Huddersfield and came across a striking green kit car with a very peculiarContinue reading “Spotted”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse Visit any classic car show today and it’s rare you’ll see a Simca in any line-up. It’s sad really as from the 1940s onwards Simca became serious French manufacturers as well as a pretty successful exporter to European and UK markets.  So how did Simca get started and whyContinue reading “Remembering a forgotten French car maker”

Classic car insurance specialist Footman James is calling on classic vehicle owners to make their voices heard over new Government vehicle emissions proposals that could have serious unintended consequences for Britain’s enthusiast community. The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on in-use vehicle emissions, proposing tougher rules to ensure vehicles continue to meet theContinue reading “Government emissions plans could force modern classics off the road.”

Special Jaguar stars in racing father’s classic car auctionBy Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse Lewis Hamilton’s dad has auctioned off 27 prestige cars for some record prices in a classic sale at Silverstone. Anthony Hamilton was moving on a selection of motors from his private collection and made almost £2.9 million. Amongst the sale wasContinue reading “Special Jaguar stars in racing father’s classic car auction”

In keeping with the ongoing discussion about car shows, how about one with all the organisation and pizzazz of a top flight concours but specialising in what Haggerty call unexceptional. That is perhaps an unfair description as these cars are exceptional, at least amongst the unexceptional. The 12th Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional took placeContinue reading “Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional 2026”

Founded in 2008, Thornley Kelham Ltd is a specialist in concours restoration, maintenance, servicing, rally preparation and support of iconic vintage and classic cars. From its Cotswold headquarters, the team of 30 manage, restore and prepare examples of collector cars for global concours and motorsport events from a state-of-the-art 32,000 sq/ft facility. With in-house bodywork,Continue reading “Thornley Kelham Ltd – 356 SL (Super Leicht)”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse If ever a car of yesteryear felt ideal for today’s hot summer days it’s the British-made Mini Moke. Launched in 1964, this little Mini was the vision of auto designer Alec Issigonis – the man behind the original Mini launched five years earlier. The Moke was originally pitched forContinue reading “The Mini Moke – from Cowley to the Caribbean”

One of the more unusual events I attend is the Holme Moss 100. Originally held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first hillclimb up Holme Moss. It has now become an annual event and it has grown steadily every year. What is great about the event is the variety of the cars. From anContinue reading “Holme Moss 100”

DRIVING TOUR…In all 23 cars took part in the two-day driving tour, taking in the North Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines. It proved to be a lot of fun with a bunch of great people, spectacular roads and stunning scenery.  A wonderful mix of cars from a 1923 Bentley 3.0 litre, a 1934 LagondaContinue reading “Yorkshire Elegance results.”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse Gear stick design is one of those often overlooked accessories in cars today (manual ones anyway!) but there’s been some amazing examples over the years. Going back 120 years, the first gear levers were fitted on the driver’s right along with the handbrake stick. Often positioned outside, by theContinue reading “Classic gear knobs – five of the best”

The other day I was browsing the adverts in Autotrader and came across a convertible Aston Vanquish. I am due to change my everyday classic this year and an Aston Martin is on the fantasy end of that list. I went through all the details and just for fun I asked for an insurance quote.Continue reading “Exclusive new Vanquish 25 celebrates 25 years.”