My automotive journey started with motorcycles, thrashing around waste ground on bikes built from random bits and pieces. Then at 16 a couple of mopeds and bigger and bigger bikes ending up with a BMW twin. But I gave them up and bought my Lotus Elan when I was 21. I occasionally think back to those days and whether I should add a bike to my current fleet. If I did, then this new AMB 002 would definitely scratch that itch.

Aston Martin and Brough Superior have announced the AMB 002 Roadster: Their first road bike it follows the track-only AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro superbikes introduced in 2019 and 2022.

The AMB 002 Roadster is an all-new machine. One which continues Aston Martin and Brough Superior’s radical exploration of motorcycle design and engineering in the form of a lightweight, razor-sharp machine born for maximum enjoyment on the road.

An expression of the pure, pared back essence of a rider-focussed sports bike, the AMB 002 uses fluid lines, compact proportion and precisely sculpted carbon fibre body elements to create a form packed with drama and dynamic tension. Emphasising its unique forward-biased kinetic style while giving glimpses of the motorcycle’s mechanical beauty, the AMB 002 is an unmistakable product of the Aston Martin and Brough Superior collaboration.

The work of the Aston Martin Design Studio is evident in every curve and detail of the AMB 002. The relationship between form and function are perfectly expressed in the pebble smooth shape of the carbon fibre fuel tank and side fairings, which rise to meet the rider when tucked out of the slipstream. Crescent-shaped gills slice into the flanks to aid engine cooling and streamline the airflow, while wire-design stalks for the low-slung mirrors embody the AMB 002’s lightweight construction.

Details with a more direct four-wheeled influence are also found in abundance. The iconic side-strake has been reimagined, piercing through the side fairing and extending forwards to encapsulate the headlamp. Twin oval exhausts feature ribbed heat sinks which echo the exhaust finisher design of Vanquish, DB12 S and DBX S. A dramatic array of rear light blades are the same type as those seen on the tails of the Aston Martin Vulcan, Valkyrie and Valhalla hypercars, while keyless function, a backlit ignition button and hand-crafted saddle leather seat pads bring touches of luxury and craftsmanship found in Aston Martin’s series production road cars.

Exceptional design, materials, manufacturing and craftsmanship are what defines all Aston Martin and Brough Superior motorcycles. Achieving such high standards is incompatible with mass production, which is why like its track-only predecessors, the AMB 002 production will be limited to just 300 individually built motorcycles.

At its heart sits an all-new 1083cc four-stroke water-cooled V-Twin developing 130bhp and 110 Nm of torque. Tuned for strong low and mid-range torque with a smooth and thrilling top-end, it gives the AMB 002 a responsive, engaging character with accessible, exhilarating performance. Precisely tailored for maximum enjoyment in a road environment, its mission is to make every ride – and every rider – feel special.

Designed, machined and assembled in-house at Brough Superior’s headquarters in Toulouse, France, the AMB 002’s engine features exquisite CNC-machined from billet engine cases optimized for weight reduction and structural efficiency. This is just one of many areas in which Brough Superior demonstrates a mastery of meticulous aerospace-grade process and materials.

The new V-Twin sits within an extraordinary titanium frame. Milled from a solid billet it forms a structural spine; a striking feature of Brough Superior’s unique backbone architecture. Weighing just 5kg – a fraction of the weight of a conventional design – the AMB 002’s frame is key to achieving a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

With an exceptionally low centre of gravity – achieved with the help of carbon fibre body panels and fuel tank – the AMB 002’s centralized mass creates an immediate sense of balance and agility. Combined with its lightweight build – just 190kg – and abundance of low and mid-range torque, the AMB 002 combines muscle performance with nimble athleticism.

Another unique Brough Superior solution refined and applied to the AMB 002 is the distinctive double-wishbone ‘Fior fork’ front suspension. Avoiding the compromises of conventional telescopic forks, the Fior design separates steering and braking forces while maintaining precise control of the front-end geometry.

An evolution of the system developed for the AMB 001 Pro, the AMB 002 delivers outstanding steering precision and agility while also giving the rider confidence-inspiring stability through high-speed corners. And, thanks to the Fior system’s anti-dive characteristics also give it exceptional stability under braking, especially when braking while leaned over into a corner.

Initial orders are now being taken for the hand-built strictly limited AMB 002, with deliveries commencing in Q3 2027.

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Renault continues to turn to its past to inspire its future, this time, courtesy of a new look R8 Gordini.

Hot on the heels of retro-inspired models reviving the Renault 4 and 5 and 17 electric restomod, the French car makers are getting ready to unveil its latest classic 60s reboot.

The original Renault 8 was a rear-engined, real-wheel-drive family saloon launched in 1962. It came with a modest 956cc engine.

Two years later along came the more powerful R8 Gordini providing Renault with a lively rally car option and 95 bhp!

In 1967, the Gordini was given a facelift including additional headlights and an engine upgrade to a 1255cc unit.

Production of the Renault 8 lasted until 1973 in France and for a further three years in Spain. Over 1.3 million cars were sold including 12,200 of the Gordini version.

Now the stunning new electric Concept 8 has been designed entirely in-house as a rally-style reboot of the Gordini.

The concept model keeps loosely to the original boxy shape, but in coupe form. The front end features a bold set of four round headlights, paired with two large fog lights.

Inside, six circular digital displays sit on a brushed aluminium dashboard along with a range of aluminium buttons on a centre console.

It’s not known whether the Renault 8 Gordini Concept will make full production, but the motoring world will get a chance to see this exciting prototype at the Paris Motor Show, starting 12 October.

One of the big developments in the classic car world has been the growth in recreations, low run and resto mods. Thanks to technology building a one off car falls within the reach of more and more enthusiasts.

I am still unsure about where I stand on these cars. Building a Resto Mod makes sense to me. All the style of times gone by but with modern reliability, safety and performance.

Building a copy of a historic car that is not readily available also makes sense and I would happily own a replica Lancia Stratos but I wouldn’t pay the asking price for a newly built Mini.

The cars that make the most sense are the historic race and rally cars built from the ground up. Building rally car using a new shell allows the builder to build in strength from the get go. With the rising values of historic cars, the newly built versions seems to represent (relatively) good value.

With that in mind today we are looking at a road-legal GT capable of crossing continents with speed, comfort and style. Eagle E-Types from Sussex are recognised as a leaders in the restoration and further development of the Jaguar E-Type.

The Eagle Lightweight GT is the road-going evolution of one of the world’s rarest race cars. The Lightweight E-Type was Jaguar’s racing follow-up to the D-Type, with eighteen to be built, just a dozen were built in period.

Every body-line of the original has been carefully re-sculpted for a more purposeful, hunkered stance and bespoke raked glass, a lowered roofline and exquisite craftsmanship throughout – from precise panel gaps to hidden weather seals and a flush-bonded rear screen. Distinctive details include painted badges beneath the lacquer, a flush-mounted aluminium fuel cap and auxiliary switches integrated into the bulkhead.

The Lightweight GTR’s all-aluminium 4.7-litre straight-six with wide-angle head, titanium con-rods, and triple Weber carburettors develops a power-to-weight ratio in excess of 430 bhp/ton. All transmission casings are magnesium and the exhaust system is constructed from Inconel and titanium.

The independent suspension geometry is revised, hardware including hubs has been remanufactured from titanium and the dampers are adjustable Öhlins fitted with bespoke-rated springs. Brake discs and pads are carbon-ceramic in conjunction with servo-assisted AP Racing calipers.

The titanium con-rods raise the rev ceiling by 500rpm, making it easier to enjoy and exploit the distinctive power band through gear changes.
Inside, the GTR is trimmed in black Alcantara and the lightweight aluminium seats echo period racing designs. Four-point harnesses and an integrated fire suppression system contribute further to the race-car minimalist aesthetic. A floating binnacle houses auxiliary switches hewn from platinum with mother of pearl inlays, along with a magnetic phone dock. Heated glass, air conditioning, and carefully-considered sound and heat insulation ensure long-distance comfort remains uncompromised.

The kerb weight of just 975kg with fluids is more than 30% lighter than a standard E-Type Roadster and this combination of power delivery and extreme lightness delivers thrilling performance and extraordinary agility.

For further information: Eagle E-Types – The Jaguar E-Type Experts

By prestige car correspondent Dave Elland.

News that McLaren are investing £500million in Sheffield and creating 1 000 jobs is a real boost to the Yorkshire automotive industry. Yorkshire is a major supplier of automotive parts to car manufacturers and has a few manufacturers and resto modders of its own. For low volume car companies innovation and heritage are two key components that sell.

With this in mind we take a look at the McL 6GT which connects McLaren’s heritage to the present, using the McLaren M6GT – Bruce McLaren’s original, but unfulfilled supercar dream, as its inspiration.  

Placing a tangible emphasis on authentically reimagined heritage, modern tactility and pure driver connection throughout its finer details, McL 6GT blends its purity of character with lightweight carbon-fibre construction, V8 internal combustion power, and for the first time in a McLaren since the legendary McLaren F1, an authentic manual transmission sending drive to the rear wheels.  

“The McLaren McL 6GT imagines what our inspirational founder had wished to complete but with six additional decades of innovation and passion woven through every element, creating a modern icon of driver connection. It is symbolic of the bold, provocative and hugely exciting future that we are preparing to realise”
Nick Collins, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

McL 6GT celebrates a form of driving connection that is increasingly rare: tactile, analogue, and deeply mechanical.

Every shift, throttle movement and steering input is intended to feel deliberate, physical, and rewarding, connecting the driver to the machine. This mechanical character extends beyond the drivetrain. Hydraulic steering, tactile switchgear, and visible engineering details all contribute to a sense of purity of involvement for the driver.

Knurled machined aluminium controls and meticulous ergonomics reinforce the same human-machine connection, including detailing inspired by the M6GT. The design of the gearstick has been carefully considered for maximum feel and throw, but also incorporates design inspired by McLaren’s heritage, with a three-dimensional Speedy Kiwi set within its upright.

The McL 6GT name is inspired by McLaren’s presence on track, as well as the foundations of McLaren’s automotive journey. McL 6GT creates a direct link between these two realms, honouring the vision that Bruce McLaren had for the team that he founded.

Interpreting the racing-inspired styling and surfacing of 1960s sports prototype racing cars with 21^st century execution and packaging, the DNA of M6GT is found throughout the design of McL-6GT.

It begins with the proportions. McL 6GT sits exceptionally low and wide with a low nose, echoing the stance of the M6A Can-Am racer upon which the M6GT was based. The body surfacing is clean, with uninterrupted volumes flowing from the low nose to the distinctive Kammback tail.

The car reads as a single continuous form, with the roof flowing naturally into the rear deck and engine cover. The cabin appears embedded within the body rather than sitting atop it. These organic qualities, wrapped tightly around the mechanical packaging, mimic the low-drag aerodynamic conventions of the era.

The distinctive ‘Racing Loop’ motif inspired by the M6GT’s original taillights are integrated into the exterior airflow architecture, while Bruce McLaren’s original M6GT number plate is reimagined as a tone-on-tone graphic treatment. His signature adorns the engine bay, and the Speedy Kiwi – the first iconography developed from McLaren’s original logo – is discreetly etched into the fuel filler cap.

Inside, that philosophy continues through carefully considered details. Boxed quilting is reinterpreted for a modern audience, while the new digital instrumentation retains the clarity and emotional appeal of the original. Together, these elements create a cockpit that feels both forward-looking and unmistakably connected to McLaren’s heritage.

Lightweight carbon fibre construction has become a central tenet of McLaren both on the track and the on road. McL 6GT bridges the gap between the eras, by its reimagining of McLaren’s road car origins being underpinned by the latest super-lightweight carbon fibre monocoque technology, combined with carbon fibre bodywork.

The material defines the character of the McL 6GT, delivering both performance benefits through its exceptional power to weight ratio and a clear expression of the car’s philosophy. Exposed gloss carbon fibre in the cabin references the original M6GT and McLaren’s racing heritage, while reinforcing the McL 6GT ethos that every element exists to enhance performance, purity and driver connection.

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Grey cars might still be the top choice for many new car buyers but another colour is proving a big hit.

Green is the fastest growing colour for today’s buyers and has reached a 21-year high in the UK, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

They report a 46% year-on-year increase in new green cars in 2025.

Often seen as an ‘unlucky’ colour among some people I’ve definitely noticed more green shades on our roads and was happy to enjoy a ‘Cedar Green’ metallic Dacia Sandero hire car over the summer. 

It’s also true that as EV sales continue to increase, green has become a popular choice for drivers keen to show their low emissions credentials.

One in every 20 new electric cars sold in 2025 were green – a jump from one in 300 in 2024.

Amongst the biggest green-coloured car sales are the new retro-style Renault 4 and 5 E-Tech models.

It’s also the case that buyers are become more expressive and confident in choosing a colourful alternative to grey or black.

When you next take a drive see how many shades of green you spot. I’m guessing quite a few!

We can’t get you tickets for the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court but we can give you flavour of the event by sharing their catalogue. In it you will find histories of some of the finest classic and prestige cars in the world.

We don’t often cover motorcycle stories but many of us started our motoring obsession with motorcycles (or possibly Mopeds). Some still have a classic bike alongside their classic car.

Padgets motorcycles is a well known motorcycle retailer based in Batley. They are also one of the most respected and successful names in British motorcycle racing, and have been awarded the historic Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club in recognition of more than six decades of outstanding contribution to the sport.

Presented only in exceptional circumstances, the Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the cause or technical excellence of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom.

This rare accolade reflects Padgett’s extraordinary legacy in the sport, spanning more than six decades of success at the highest levels of international racing and road racing. Padgett’s has supported and developed generations of world-class riders, achieving sustained success at the very highest level. Over this period, no other organisation has supported as many British riders across such a wide range of events and championships, from the Isle of Man TT and British Superbikes to Irish road racing and Grand Prix World Championships.

As one of the most successful privateer teams in motorcycle racing, Padgett’s has achieved multiple Isle of Man TT victories with riders including Bruce Anstey, and has secured historic success with both John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson, most notably Hutchinson’s unprecedented clean sweep of all five solo TT races in 2010. The team has also established an enduring and influential presence at major road racing events, including the North West 200

From its early association with Grand Prix legends such as Mike Hailwood and Phil Read, through to its modern-day achievements, Padgett’s Motorcycles holds a unique place at the very heart of British motorcycle racing, making the them truly worthy recipients of this prestigious award.

Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “Over the years, Padgett’s has played a pivotal role in shaping British motorcycle racing, supporting and developing generations of world-class riders while maintaining an unwavering commitment to performance and safety, and establishing standards and relationships that have endured across generations.

“Their enduring competitive success, contribution to the advancement of British motorcycling and role in nurturing talent firmly cement their place at the very heart of the sport. This award recognises both their remarkable heritage and their continued influence at the highest level.”

”Clive Padgett, who continues to lead the family-run team, said: “To receive the Torrens Trophy is an incredible honour for everyone involved with Padgett’s. It’s recognition not just of results, but of decades of hard work, passion and commitment to doing things the right way.

On a personal level, this means a huge amount to me and my family. My father, Peter, dedicated his life to building Padgett’s into what it is today, and it’s something I know he would have been immensely proud of. To receive this in the same year that we lost him makes it especially poignant.”

Multiple Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness MBE added: “Padgett’s is more than just a team, it’s a family. To see them recognised with something as prestigious as the Torrens Trophy is absolutely deserved. They’ve been at the heart of British racing for decades, and I feel privileged to have been part of that story.”

Ian Hutchinson said “Clive and the Padgett’s team have always been very special to me. We had an unbelievable year together in 2010, winning all five solo TT races, but it’s always been about much more than the racing.

“They’ve been there for me through the good times and the tough ones. There’s so much knowledge, passion and hard work behind Padgett’s, but also real loyalty and friendship. They’ve given so much to riders like me and to motorcycle racing. I’m absolutely chuffed to see them win the Torrens Trophy – they really deserve it.”

The Torrens Trophy is awarded only when the Royal Automobile Club considers an achievement or contribution truly worthy of the honour, underlining the significance of Padgett’s Motorcycles joining its distinguished roll of recipients.

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Do you remember the time when Opels were sold alongside Vauxhalls in the UK?

Opel can trace its roots back to making sewing machines in Germany in the 1860s before turning to producing cars in 1899. By 1929, the company had become part of the General Motors group.

Over the last 50-odd years much of its line-up was available under the Vauxhall brand here. But, growing up for me it just seemed that the Opel name had a bit more cachet compared to Vauxhall. Cars like the Manta and Monza came with some style!

As a bit of fun, here is my five favourite classic Opels. You may have your own favs!

Opel GT

Launched in 1968, the original two-seater GT was based on the early Opel Kadett and had a body built by a French company. It was often cited as a European version of the Chevrolet Corvette and came with a base 1.1 litre engine or a 1.9 litre with an automatic transmission option. The manually operated pop-up headlights added to the fun.

Monza

In the 70s the Opel Monza coupe arrived, an altogether more exciting buy than the Vauxhall Royale, it’s Vauxhall-badged equivalent.

It was based on the Senator saloon and came with 3.0S, 2.8S and 2.5E engines A facelift in 1982 brought a 2.0E engine as well as upgrades to the 3-litre engine. In 1983, a GSE version was launched as the Royale was dropped.

Manta B GTE

Following the launch of the Manta A in 1970 and conscious of capitalising on the success of the coupe design, Opel introduced the Manta GTE to compete with the Ford Capri. It continued in production until 1988. A rally version  – the B 400 – was introduced in the early 80s.

Ascona

It might have been a bit of an overlooked model in the UK but the Ascona sold well in Europe with nearly 700,000 saloons and estates produced between 1970 and 1975. Arguably, the pick of the range was the 1.9 litre Ascona SR and the rally-designed Ascona 400.

Kadett

I couldn’t cover my top 5 without mentioning the Kadett B Coupe Rallye. It was Opel’s first works rally car and came with the option of a lively 1.9 litre twin-carb engine.

Picking five cars was tough so a shout out to a clutch of other desirable Opels, such as the Lotus Omega from the early 90s, the 2.5 litre Calibra V6 and the Commodore B GS/E coupe launched in 1972.

Bristol Cars, one of Britain’s most exclusive and enigmatic automotive marques, has returned to the spotlight, marking the beginning of a new era in the company’s history. Its revival begins not with a blank sheet, but by completing one of the most significant unfinished stories in the marque’s past: the Bristol Fighter.

Bristol Cars was founded in 1945 as a spin-off from the Bristol Aeroplane Company and completed its first car, the Bristol 400, in 1946. The marque became known for combining aviation-inspired engineering with British luxury, performance and individuality, producing distinctive cars and its own highly regarded engines in small numbers. Its engineering credentials were proven in competition by the Bristol 450, which secured a remarkable first, second and third in the two-litre class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 1954 and 1955.

Rare, unconventional and unmistakably Bristol, the immaculately preserved and meticulously completed Salon Privé show car has been brought back to life using an original chassis and drawings. The first manifestation of Bristol Cars’ journey takes a look to the past, to complete the final Bristol Fighter programme. The first new-era Fighter was shown in a bold black over tan configuration, while four chassis’ remain and are waiting in the wings to be built by owners in their desired specification.

Originally conceived in the early 2000s, the Fighter was Bristol’s final production model before manufacturing ceased in 2011. An uncompromising two-seat supercar, its aerodynamic bodywork houses an 8.0-litre V10 producing a blistering standard 525 bhp or uprated 600 bhp, with a claimed top speed of up to 210 mph. Long, low and defined by dramatic gull-wing doors, its design was shaped as much by Bristol’s aviation roots as by its performance ambitions, with every element engineered with obsessive attention to detail and for purpose rather than show.

The newly completed Fighter is the ultimate hand-built British supercar that defied convention while remaining true to the marque’s character. It combines supercar performance with the refinement, individuality and long-distance capability of a grand tourer, resulting in a car that is as distinctive in concept as it is in execution.

Confirming these last five Fighter chassis’ and build slots exist, with one already completed, represents more than the revival of an individual model. It completes a programme left unfinished when manufacturing ended, reconnects Bristol Cars with a tangible part of its history and establishes the first chapter in the marque’s return.

The four remaining Fighters will be offered for purchase in the coming months, each artisan-built around an original, unused chassis. Unmistakably English and true to Bristol’s tradition of luxury, individuality and exclusivity, they will rank among the rarest modern British performance cars available. Pricing will be available on application. They can be configured in either right- or left-hand drive and exported to major markets, including the USA, where their eligibility under the Show or Display exemption reflects their rarity, collectability and historical significance.

Bristol’s previous manufacturing came to an end in 2011, when the company first entered administration. Kamkorp Autokraft Ltd acquired the entire intellectual property and goodwill in 2011 and subsequently licenced it to Bristol Cars. The firm unveiled the Bristol Bullet in 2016, although the project did not progress to series production. Kamkorp Autokraft Ltd carried on until 2022 and it is against this backdrop that the marque’s return begins: not by overlooking the gaps in its history, but by returning to an authentic and unfinished chapter and completing what was left behind. Bringing these Fighters to completion reconnects the marque with its past, providing a natural bridge between what Bristol was and what it intends to become.

The year 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of Bristol’s first car. Founded in 1945 as a spin-off from the Bristol Aeroplane Company, Bristol completed the Bristol 400 in 1946. From the outset, the company followed its own path, drawing on its aviation heritage to create cars that combined advanced engineering with British luxury, performance and individuality. Over the decades, Bristol became known for producing highly desirable cars in small numbers.

Richard Hackett, Chairman of Bristol Cars, said: “Bristol has always been about doing things differently. It was never a mass-market manufacturer. It built exceptional cars in small numbers for people who appreciated their individuality, engineering and character. To return as Chairman, particularly in Bristol’s 80th anniversary year, is a tremendous privilege. This is an opportunity to respect everything that made Bristol special while giving the marque a future.”

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Following on from last weeks article about Simca cars we heard about this very special Simca which appeared at last weeks Concours de Elegance at Hampton Court.

A unique prototype from the origins of one of Simca’s most elegant models, the 1949 Simca 8 Sport Cabriolet was displayed at the Concours of Elegance.

The story of this remarkable car begins in Italy. Simca, originally established to assemble Fiat models for the French market, was looking to add a stylish sporting car to its range in the post-war years. The foundation was the Fiat 1100 S, which shared its chassis with the later Simca 8, while the elegant body was designed by Battista Pinin Farina, then working within the family firm, Stabilimenti Farina.

This particular car was originally built as a Fiat 1100 S before being brought to France by Simca to serve as a reference and development model for the production Simca 8 Sport Cabriolet. Production was entrusted to Facel, later renowned for its exclusive Facel Vega automobiles.

The result is a fascinating meeting of Italian design and French coachbuilding. Its flowing bodywork, sweeping fenders, low nose and elegantly tapered rear give the car a timeless presence, while distinctive yellow control knobs on the dashboard provide a characterful detail.

The car also has an intriguing history. It spent nearly sixty years in the ownership of an American Army officer who had been stationed in Friedberg, Germany, before being brought to the United States in 1961. Following his passing in 2020, the car was sold and imported to the Netherlands. In 2021, it underwent an extensive restoration, with every detail carefully returned to its original specification.

Today, this unique Simca 8 Sport Prototype stands as a tangible link between Italian design artistry and French coachbuilding expertise.

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

More and more car makers are using the internet and social media channels to sell their latest models.

But, let’s look back at bygone times when print was the main medium to get people into local showrooms.

Here are my six of the best print ads from yesteryear.

The Mini 

There has been plenty of Mini adverts but in the 70s BL rolled out a series of ads that focused on the car’s small size and big punch.

They used numerous strap lines like ‘Nips in and out like Ronnie Biggs’ and memorably ‘You don’t need a big one to be happy’. The ads helped transform the Mini from being an economy car to a symbol of cool.

VW Beetle

Volkswagen often took a tongue-in-cheek approach to their advertising and none more so than in describing the Beetle in 1959 as a ‘lemon’. The ‘lemon’ in the US advert for the car referred to the chrome strip by the glove compartment that had a slight blemish in it…. apparently.

The ad copy went on to proudly say the lemon had been fixed by one of VW’s 3,389 quality control inspectors before ending with the famous line ‘We pluck the lemons, you get the plumbs’.

Skodia Fabia

It’s fair to say Skoda have been masters at tackling the challenge of the brand and the butt of many a joke in the 70s and 80s. A decade on and the self-deprecation approach to the new Fabia model was brilliantly embraced by the Czech car maker

Take a look at the Fabia and Octavia adverts and here was a company prepared to take the ‘mick out of itself’ when they knew they had a damn good product. Indeed, taking this a tasty step further, who remembers the cake ad modelled on the second generation Fabia in 2007? 

It seems Skoda had the recipe right with sales in the 2000s one of the biggest success stories in motoring history.

Citroen 2CV 

The French car maker would also turn to humour to push the basic appeal of the 2CV. Facing competition in the 80s here from the likes of Austin Metro, Renault 5 and the Ford Fiesta, Citroen’s ad approach focused on the 2CVs affordability and simplicity, whilst making fun of some luxury cars they shared the road with.

Peugeot 205 GTI

In a 1987 ad, Peugeot took on the notion that their cars were driven by steady, mature people with ads pushing the GTI’s performance. Cleverly, it carried the headline ‘The perfect car for anyone between 50 and 70’ with the image of a GTI overtaking at between 50 and 70 mph. This focus on performance was pure Peugeot and soon after the company would run the success slogan ‘The drive of your life’.

BMW – shaken not stirred!

In the 1980s, BMW used two glasses of water (or was it Vodka Martini!) to show the smoothness of the German motor. In the adverts one filled glass was placed on a rival 2-litre four cylinder engine and the other on a 2-litre six cylinder BMW engine to show the prowess of the latter as the content stayed still.

Don’t you miss when motoring times were so much simpler and fun too?