Do you know your choke from your dashboard cassette player?
Well, according to a recent online survey many young drivers don’t and are left baffled by those classic car features so characteristic of the sixties and seventies.
Research by car retailer Cazoo of 2000 ‘Gen Z’ young people – that’s those born between 1997 and 2012 – found 92% couldn’t recognise a manual choke, whilst 90% of those surveyed were non-plussed by a T-bar.
Other missed accessories included:
– manual aerials. Seventy-two percent were unfamiliar with raising or lowering a car aerial
– ashtrays (65%) and cigarette lighters (59%)
– pop-up lights (50%)
– cassette players (43%).
Amazingly, 38% of those young people surveyed were confused by ignition keys and 27% didn’t recognise a lever handbrake.
It seems ‘Gen Zers’ are more comfortable with modern gadgets like touchscreen controls and preferred modified 90s cars which feel classic enough to be cool.
Interestingly, in separate research from AutoTrader Gen Z youngsters prioritise car tech features over exterior looks.
Give me a cassette, CD player or push buttons to press anytime. I could, may be, consign the choke to ‘Room 101’ though!
A fantastic collection of more than 650 handcrafted Formula 1 cars is going on public display to raise funds for a North Yorkshire cancer charity.
The models were created and painted by Nick Parton, who sadly died in October 2025.
Now, his widow Sue is kindly opening up his collection, called ‘Partons Pit Stop’, on Saturday mornings to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice where Nick was cared for in the last days of his life.
Sue said: “It’s a wonderful legacy for my husband and I want people to see how great (the cars) are. Nick’s been creating these cars since childhood.
“I wanted to make it a fundraiser for St Leonard’s because when I needed help to care for Nick the Hospice@Home Team were absolutely fantastic.”
The collection covers every Formula 1 Grand Prix winner since the 1950s right up to Nick’s death. The models are based on kit cars that have been stripped, rebuilt and hand painted.
Formula 1 fans and model enthusiasts need to pre-book an appointment to see the collection in return for a donation to St Leonard’s. To book a viewing click www.partonspitstop.co.uk
For those who don’t know ,The Piece Hall in Halifax is a masterpiece of West Yorkshires industrial heritage. The Grade I listed Piece Hall, is the only remaining Georgian cloth hall in the world, the sole survivor of the great eighteenth century northern cloth halls, a class of buildings which embodied the vital and importance of the trade in hand woven textiles to the pre-industrial economy.
Today, following an extensive and imaginative restoration The Piece Hall is proving to be a popular venue for music concerts and seasonal markets, it also makes an excellent place to hold a car show.
The Replicar show (organised by the excellent Replicar model shop in the Piece Hall) is in its second year and the number of cars booked has doubled. The cars were supported by a live band (Vince Vega and the Roadogs). The venue is well served with food and drink outlets whether you want a coffee and a cake or pizza and a pint.
I would describe the cars on show as eclectic. A Lancia Stratos rally car sat alongside a Morris Minor traveller but also included relatively modern Ford RS’s, Custom Hotrods and Bentleys. All the owners were happy to talk to visitors and the lively atmosphere was enjoyed by about 25 000 people over the weekend.
This was a really enjoyable show in an excellent town centre venue. But naturally the number of cars is limited to the size of the courtyard. So if you want to show your car next year then get in early.
We don’t need much encouragement to feature prestige cars like Ferraris. Even if there is little prospect of me purchasing one, window shopping is fun. There are no better places to window shop than a top auction site (not ebay) where you will find plenty of variety along with price guidance and a set of pictures.
The Broad Arrow sale features over 75 curated collector cars and a selection of memorabilia available to view via the newly launched (well worth viewing, just click the link) digital catalogue, with a highly sought-after Ferrari Daytona SP3 leading an unrivalled selection of 20 collectable Ferrari models.
One of just 600 Daytona SP3s produced, this single-owner example displays only 743 kilometres. Finished in Rosso Magma Tri-Coat over a Blu Elettrico Alcantara interior, the car features numerous carbon fibre elements, airbrushed fender shields, a suspension lifter and it is supplied with a carbon fibre hardtop.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3, the second model in Ferrari’s ‘Icona Series,’ is a tribute to the 6th of February 1967 when Ferrari swept to first, second and third at the 24 Hours of Daytona, completing a very personal act of defiance against Henry Ford II.
Years later, SP3 designer Jason Furtado spent three years under Ferrari chief designer Flavio Manzoni translating those prototype racers into something road-legal. It adopts styling cues from the 1967 winning 330 P3/4s and many other iconic Ferraris, including Pininfarina’s 1968 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale concept.
Behind the driver sits a 6.5 litre naturally aspirated V12, producing 829 horsepower—Ferrari’s most powerful road-going engine ever. Derived from the 812 Competizione’s F140 unit, it was thoroughly reworked with titanium pistons, cams, connecting rods and valves.
Only 600 SP3s were built, selling out before production began. This example, finished in Rosso Magma Tri-Coat has its lower bodywork, hardtop, outer mirrors and bonnet lip all rendered in carbon fibre, in keeping with the model’s weight-conscious ethos. Gloss black callipers feature, along with coveted airbrushed Scuderia Ferrari shields and the diamond-polished forged wheels complete the exterior specification. This is certainly one of the most collectable and sought-after modern Ferraris in today’s market.
This stunning Ferrari 430 Scuderia was ordered new through Ferrari dealer, Lumani Krüger in Germany in Porsche Grün over Tessuto Nero, thought to be the only example of its type finished in this shade. The vibrant paint was paired with equally striking gold racing stripes and gold-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, making it one of the most striking Scuderia specifications ever created. This car is also highly specified with four-point harnesses, a rollover bar, carbon fibre front and rear elements, carbon entry sills, a carbon LED steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara and Verde deviated stitching throughout.
At the time of cataloguing, this 430 Scuderia shows fewer than 10,000 kilometres and is offered at a time when special series, naturally aspirated Ferraris continue to command intense attention from discerning collectors.
Additional Ferraris featured in Broad Arrow’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction include:
In the year remembered for its scorching Summer, Ford brought us the Fiesta – a car that would ‘hot up’ car sales for decades to come.
This three-door hatchback was initially launched in France and Germany in 1976, before right-hand drive Fiestas arrived here at the start of 1977.
It was a bold decision on Ford’s part to move into the ‘supermini’ market where cars like the Renault 5, Fiat 127 and the Vauxhall Chevette were clocking up big sales, but Ford felt their focus on affordability and reliability could win the day.
The first Fiestas cost an impressive £1,856 and measured just 3.5 metres in length. They came in two engine sizes – 953cc and 1,117cc.
It was an instant hit with its all round efficiency, low-cost motoring, decent boot space (for a small car) and natty, if functional, interior.
In the UK alone Ford would sell over 4.8 million Fiestas over 47 years.
Six interesting facts about the Fiesta
The car was developed under the code name ‘Project Bobcat’
The first Fiestas were made in Valencia with production starting in 1975
It would be assembled in at least 11 more countries from China to Brazil
The Fiesta was made in Dagenham between 1976 and 2002
The last Fiesta rolled off the production line in Germany three years ago
It was named What Car? Car of the Year in 1989 and 2009.
Fast forward to 2023 and the Mk7 Fiesta still came with a 1.0 litre engine, but turbocharged to produce twice the output of the early Fiesta.
It’s fair to say this is a car that will not go away! According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 917,314 used Fiestas changed hands between 2023 and 2025 – nearly 180,000 more than the second best used seller, the Vauxhall Corsa.
I confess, I’ve never owned a Fiesta. Instead, in my early driving days I chose a Chrysler Sunbeam (in error) followed by a VW Polo (I enjoyed my early CL). That’s come at a cost with the Fiesta consistently winning out on affordability, reliability and just cheap repair costs.
Fifty years on, this ground-breaking Ford looks likely to stay a top seller for a few years to come.
The God’s Own Country Classic Car Rally 17 October 2026
Proud Yorkshiremen and women have often called our county ‘God’s Own Country’
Inspired by this description a small group of local business leaders including the Chair of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust Ed Anderson, the former Chair Tom Ramsden and two prominent Yorkshire businessmen Jonathan Turner and Jonathan Sands OBE have come together to showcase our County with a Classic Car Rally with a difference.
Starting at one of four magnificent landmarks in our county on the morning of 17 October 2026, one at each point of the county’s compass to allow drivers to start at their own preference point, entrants will then travel to Bowcliffe hall as the finish point. But here is the twist!… each entrant will be asked to capture on camera as many places of worship and other historic points of interest as they can along their journey. And there will be prizes for the best photograph, the funniest photograph and the most photographs taken on route. And to stop any cheating (not that any proud Yorkshireman or women would ever cheat!) each car will be given a maximum of three hours and one hundred miles to complete their own route from their start point to the finish line at Bowcliffe Hall. And to ensure all photographs are taken on the day each image must have a copy of the days Yorkshire Post in shot! Copies of which will be distributed within a goodie bag at each start point.
So we should be able to capture on camera hundreds of proof points of why our county is just that… God’s Own Country! The rally will conclude with a prize giving and BBQ at Bowcliffe Hall and all proceeds of the event will go to The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and four other local charities, one from each start point.
Entries are limited on a first come first serve basis and so if you are interested in entering please email vanbarassociates@gmail.com for details and an entry form. The event has been kindly sponsored by Leeds based Brand Consultancy Born Ugly and the Yorkshire Post.
The four start points of the Rally are Dean Clough (West Yorkshire), Wentworth Woodhouse (South Yorkshire), Everingham Hall (East Riding) and Mount St John (North Yorkshire). For media enquiries, please contact Ed Anderson 07711 837717
The Restomod market has boomed in recent years. Bringing together classic looks with modern safety and reliability is a winning combination. But the choice of restomod has been quite limited concentrating on iconic cars such as the Mini or ultra expensive cars like the E Type Jag. But as the market grows so does the choice of cars.
Tolman reveals its latest restomod, a Honda Integra Type R (DC2). Painted in Sorrento Green and created to sit alongside its owner’s Tolman Edition Peugeot 205 GTi, the project is defined by a meticulous approach and engineering decisions that respect what made the Integra exceptional in the first place.
The Integra initially appeared solid but a full assessment revealed MOT repairs masking corrosion. Tolman opted to subject the Integra’s shell to the same extensive treatment as its other build projects. With good quality replacement panels scarce or simply unavailable, Tolman’s answer was to make what could not be bought.
Rear quarter and wheel arch sections were recreated by hand where trapped mud had eaten away the original steel. The repairs extended into associated floor areas, reinstating structural integrity rather than merely covering damage. Using original components and the car itself as a reference, Tolman dedicated 180 hours to careful fabrication and fit.
With metalwork complete, a full refresh of the legendary Japanese coupe could begin. Sorrento Green replaced the original Championship White. Using nitrogen rather than air, resulted in improved paint application efficiency and a cleaner finish – owing to the absence of water. In line with all Tolman projects, the underside and box sections were protected using factory seam sealer and cavity spray. New replacement exterior trim was sourced where possible, while OE lights and rubbers were refurbished rather than resorting to low quality substitutes.
Mechanically, Tolman concentrated on returning the Integra to the original car’s baseline before adding subtle modern benefits. The 1.8-litre DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine (B18C) was fully rebuilt to standard specification, then validated on the dyno where it delivered factory performance levels of 190bhp. Brakes and fluid lines were renewed as part of a wider programme to ensure the car can be enjoyed regularly. A modern immobiliser was integrated discreetly and additional sound proofing was added, improving day to day usability without masking the VTEC’s iconic roar.
Chassis work followed the same logic with the aim to restore the balance of sharp handling and composure. The double wishbone suspension was completely refurbished with new bushings, springs and Nitron dampers replacing tired, original components. The 15″ Enkei wheels were refinished and paired with modern Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 tyres for enhanced all-round performance. The seldom used rear seats remained in excellent condition, while the fronts had faded to pink. Tolman’s solution was to source new old stock rear seat material from Australia to retrim the fronts.
A 100-mile validation and set up road test marked the end of the 740-hour process that began in September 2025. In line with the Tolman ethos, the car is defined by a decision to celebrate, rather than transform, the look and feel of the original.
The Tolman Honda Integra Type R is the first restomod one-off from the Warwickshire specialist in 2026. More projects from traditional and non-traditional Tolman marques are due to be revealed this year, alongside continued production of the acclaimed Tolman Edition Peugeot 205 GTi restomod, which now has orders stretching into 2027.
If you are going to the Donington Historic next week and haven’t bought your tickets then you may be interested in half price tickets with infield parking. We still have a few places left on our Classic Yorkshire’s classics zone.
Donington Historic 1-3 May:
Classic Yorkshire is delighted to confirm that we have been accepted as an approved club for discounts and circuit parking. The link to obtain your tickets is at the end of this article. Tickets are available for Friday (1st May), Saturday (2nd May) or Sunday (3rd May), or for the best value you can get a weekend pass.
Your admission will be half price and 50% off for one passenger. The number of tickets is limited so book now. You will not find better value racing than this.
Included
1 x Vehicle Display Pass
1 x Driver Admission Ticket
1 x 50% off Passenger Ticket
How to book:
Classic Yorkshire subscribers will require this 4 digit code to apply to be part of our display. The code is 1770.
Mercedes-AMG caused a stir last year with the CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT and the concept car serves as a technology platform for two exceptional performance models. It forms the basis for the new Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the future Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series – the current GT family is being expanded by two models.
The road-legal variant of the concept car serves as a homologation model for the GT3 successor. The name “TRACK SPORT” was chosen deliberately – as a bridge between the uncompromising track performance of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the extreme yet road-legal performance that has always characterised the Black Series models.
Since October 2025, the prototype – camouflaged with yellow-green and red accents – has been undergoing extensive dynamic testing on test tracks and racetracks. In addition to the in-house development track in Immendingen.
Also the colours are now clearly defined: red will in future represent the Mercedes-AMG GT3 as a central element of the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport colour scheme, whilst yellow-green will represent the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
New Mercedes-AMG GT3: The next generation in Customer Racing The Mercedes-AMG GT3 marks the logical evolution of Mercedes-AMG’s successful Customer Racing Programme.
The foundations for the brand’s Customer Racing commitment were laid in 2010. The first full racing season followed in 2011 with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. This success story has been consistently continued with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 from 2016 and the Evo version from 2020.
The decision to develop a successor to the GT3 led to the establishment of Affalterbach Racing GmbH – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-AMG – which, together with Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, is responsible for the development and construction of the new vehicle.
The new GT3 is currently in an intensive development phase. The aim is to continue the successful Customer Racing legacy whilst setting new standards in performance, safety and competitiveness.
AMG Black Series: Racing DNA for the road Power, endurance and boundless performance – that describes the pinnacle of the Mercedes-AMG range. Since 2006, selected models have borne the coveted ‘Black Series’ designation.
As is well known, AMG’s roots lie in motor racing. In 1967, it was the visionary idea of founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher to develop cars based on Mercedes vehicles that could meet the performance demands of professional motor racing. The focus was on transferring racing DNA to the road.
This unique fusion of racing and road-legal vehicles brings the CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT into the present day. The history of the Black Series stands for innovation, uncompromising performance and the constant pursuit of the limit. The CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT was another milestone on this journey, which now culminates in the standalone presentation of the new AMG GT3 and the future AMG GT Black Series – two vehicles that continue the legend and define the future of Mercedes-AMG performance.
A new kind of automotive gathering launches this summer at one of England’s finest country houses – bringing together the drivers, engineers, designers and test drivers who shaped the cars, not just the cars themselves.
Wilton House, near Salisbury, will host the inaugural Concours des Légendes on June 19–21, 2026 – an event that puts the people and stories behind the world’s most significant cars front and centre. Rather than lining vehicles up on a lawn for static admiration, Concours des Légendes is built around live talks, panels and narrated displays that give context to the machinery on show. The first speaker line-up brings together figures who didn’t just witness automotive history – they made it.
The Legends Stage: First names announced Richard Attwood and Derek Bell will appear together on the Legends Stage to revisit the challenge of mastering the Porsche 917 during one of endurance racing’s most demanding eras. Attwood was central to Porsche’s first overall Le Mans victory in 1970; Bell went on to win the race five times, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most celebrated drivers.
Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini’s legendary development driver for four decades, will be on hand to discuss a career spent shaping cars from the Miura and Countach through to the Gallardo.
Stefan Johansson, former Ferrari and McLaren F1 driver and Le Mans winner, will appear both on stage and as an exhibiting artist, showcasing his bold, abstract motoring artwork across the event.
Leading automotive designers will also take part, including Peter Stevens, Frank Stephenson, Wayne Burgess and Ken Okuyama. Further names will be announced in the coming weeks.
Not a traditional concours “This isn’t about lining cars up on a lawn. It’s about the people behind them, the decisions, the risks and the stories that shaped them. That’s what brings these cars properly to life.”
David Lillywhite, content curator
Alongside the Legends Stage, the event will feature narrated car displays explaining provenance, engineering and significance; curated owner stories presented in partnership with Hagerty; an art exhibition including a display of Formula 1 helmets; working crafts and skills demonstrations; and an auction hosted by event partner Dore & Rees.
The setting Concours des Légendes takes place within the grounds of Wilton House – home of William Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke, and one of England’s most significant country houses. Ticket holders will have access to the house and its renowned art collection. Access to Wilton House is exclusive to the event and not open to the general public at any other time during 2026. Concours des Légendes creates a relaxed, curated environment designed for meaningful engagement.
Goodwood has announced that Goodwood Revival (18 – 20 September) will celebrate the life and career of Sir Jack Brabham, legendary driver, engineer and innovator.
The celebration will mark a number of anniversaries, including the centenary of his birth and the 60th anniversary of his third Formula 1 World Championship title.
Brabham competed in Formula 1 from 1955 to 1970, and, in 1966, secured his third World Championship behind the wheel of a car of his own make, a feat that remains unmatched.
With the team he co-founded in 1960, Brabham distinguished himself as both a pioneering engineer and an extraordinary driver. His technical ingenuity helped reshape Formula 1, influencing engineering, team management and driver development. His achievements and commitment to the sport were later recognised in 1979, when he became the first Formula 1 driver to receive a knighthood.
Revival will bring together up to 50 cars from Brabham’s career for a track parade taking place across the weekend. The collection will include some of his championship-winning cars, alongside some of the Formula 1, touring and sports cars that carried the Brabham name up to 1970 – including cars raced by Bruce McLaren, Dan Gurney, Denny Hulme, Graham Hill and Jochen Rindt.
Jack’s connection to Goodwood goes back to the early stages of his career, when he tested and raced the Cooper-Alta in the early 1950s at the Motor Circuit. He went on to win the Formula 2 race at Goodwood in 1966, and later returned – both to the Festival of Speed in 1996 and the Circuit after it reopened in 1998, making several appearances at the Goodwood Revival.
The tribute will recognise not only Jack’s extraordinary career but the early achievements of the Brabham team, and Goodwood is working closely with David Brabham to ensure the celebration reflects both the family’s perspective and the enduring legacy of the Brabham name.
David Brabham, Jack Brabham’s son and racing driver, said: “My father, Sir Jack, achieved so much throughout his career, from winning his third Formula 1 Championship at the age of 40, to co-founding one of the most influential racing car manufacturers of its time. It means a great deal to our family to see his legacy honoured in this way at Goodwood Revival, especially with so many of his cars coming together. It’s been a joy working with The Duke and his team at Goodwood to bring the 60th anniversary celebration to life.”
Goodwood Revival will take place Friday 18 – Sunday 20 September.
Tickets Tickets can be purchased at goodwood.com or by calling the Ticket Office on +44 (0)1243 755055.
I have worked with the Sporting Bears a couple of times and even booked a ride in an Aston Martin for a friend. I have to say that they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Chatting to the owner of the Aston Martin it is clear that many of the drivers really enjoy talking to those buying a seat and sharing their supercar experience. They are always looking for volunteers to run the events and provide interesting cars (not always super cars) so get in touch if it appeals.
Sporting Bears offers enthusiasts the chance to experience unforgettable passenger rides known as Dream Rides, in a remarkable mix of supercars, classics, quirky film cars and sports cars. It’s a winning formula, with thousands of Dream Rides undertaken every year. Every penny raised is given directly to more than 70 local children’s charities across the UK, where it makes a massive difference. To see which charities Sporting Bears Motor Club supports, plus a lot more about how the group operates and the difference that it makes, check out their website at sportingbears.co.uk.
The Sporting Bears Motor Club is set to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local children’s charities once again this year, by offering Dream Rides at dozens of shows across the UK. The Club’s 2026 season kicked off at the Practical Classics Restoration Show at Birmingham’s NEC in March, and from now until the end of the year it’ll be taking part in more than 60 events.
Attending events and giving Dream Rides is at the heart of what the Sporting Bears do, and you’ll find them all listed at sportingbears.co.uk. Having been out in force at the Oulton Park Family Fun Day over the Easter weekend, our next stop is the South of England Showground in West Sussex on 18-19 April. In May alone they will be in Dorset, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Berkshire and Hampshire, with June, July and August even busier.
Some of the many highlights this summer include Supercarfest at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on 16-17 May, the Silverstone Classic on 24-26 July, the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on 1-2 August, and the British Motor Show at Farnborough on 21-23 August. We’re also really looking forward to being at the relaunched CarFest at Silverstone on 28-30 August. Alongside these huge events are lots of others big and small, with every one of them offering unforgettable rides, incredible cars, and the chance for enthusiasts to make a difference by donating to charity in return for a ride in the car of their dreams.
Andrew Lake is the new chairman of the Sporting Bears Motor Club. He says: “Our eight regional groups are back on the road, and 2026 is shaping up to be our most exciting Dream Rides season yet. From supercars to smiles, this year’s programme delivers unforgettable experiences, all while raising vital funds for amazing causes across the UK. There really is something for everyone – wherever you are.
“We were proud to announce in March, that since the group was formed in 1989 we have raised more than £4 million for children’s charities, mainly from donations made by our incredible Dream Ride supporters, with an incredible £312,000 of that in 2025. We support more than 70 children’s charities every year and have supported more than 400 since the group started.
“The announcement that we’d broken the £4 million barrier was made by Mike Brewer at the Practical Classics Restoration Show, ably assisted by our mascot Whizzo. That weekend marked the start of our 2026 season which is now officially underway.”
The Sporting Bears Motor Club is always looking for new members, whether you have a special car you would like to do Dream Rides in, you are a great event organiser or you fancy marshalling cars around one of our busy event garages. Join us, ride with us, or cheer us on, because when it comes to making dreams come true, everyone is invited.
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