Author Archives: Mike Cowlam

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?”

Classic car insurer Hagerty UK has announced its highly anticipated 2026 UK Bull Market List, ten cars that its experts and market data predict to be rewarding buys this year. The list features cars for all budgets, from a few thousand pounds to nearly £100,000, all of which hold a special place in motoring history.Continue reading “Hagerty’s ten cars for excellent value”

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse British car buyers love for shades of grey show no signs of changing, according to the latest data on new car sales from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. But, green is a growing climber in the colour charts! In 2025, nearly 100,000 new cars were registered inContinue reading “New ‘Green’ cars gathering speed!”

During the off season we have been talking about ways to get more out of your classic or prestige car. Some of them are pretty extreme so here a couple of driving tours that are less demanding and more social organised by the excellent Yorkshire based Fast Lane Club. The driving element of Yorkshire EleganceContinue reading “YORKSHIRE ELEGANCE DRIVING TOUR”