By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse

Classic Ford enthusiasts are in for a treat with a collection of ten retro Fords going under the hammer, this month.

Desirable Capri, RS Cosworth and Escorts are amongst 14 lots at the online sale run by motor specialists, Collecting Cars.

The un-named owner wanted only the best ‘fast Fords’ around and almost all the performance cars for sale come with incredibly low mileage and are presented in tip-top condition.

Amongst the highlights are a 46,000 mile 1988 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands – one of only 1038 made.

There is also a 1983 Ford Escort RS1600i with only 54,000 miles on the clock and a very collectible RS Ford Sierra Cosworth. Joining them is another rare Escort, a 1985 RS Turbo.

Collecting Cars said the proud owner ‘paid particular attention to the lightweight and analogue 80s models’ that were destined to become hot property in years to come.

The ten Fords are joined by a Peugeot 205 CTI 1.6 and VW Corrado G60, both manufactured in 1992 and two limited edition Caterhams.

Online bidding for the Fast Fords and Friends Collection is underway and runs until 6.30pm on Sunday, 21^st May.

For more information visit the sale site at: https://collectingcars.com/collection/fast-fords-and-friends

The London Concours, has confirmed the addition of another new class, Built To Race For The Road. This new category will pay tribute to some of the most sensational machines ever created – homologation specials released in small numbers as road cars to allow their participation in elite motorsport series across the globe.

The class includes the model considered by many to be the finest Porsche 911 ever produced, the 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring, a machine that encapsulates the engineering of the German sportscar maker. Developed from the 911S – which had been the fastest standard 911 of the era – the RS was created to allow the 911 to compete in Group 4 racing, and made an immediate impression courtesy of its 210bhp engine, 152mph top speed and distinctive ducktail rear wing. Fifty years on, it is rightly recognised as one of Porsche’s greatest cars of all-time.

It will be joined by another much lauded model wearing the famous Porsche badge, a 959 Komfort from 1992. Originally conceived to satisfy Group B rallying regulations, the 959 was a game-changer upon its launch in 1986, becoming the world’s fastest road-legal car courtesy of a top speed of 186mph. It blends unrestrained Eighties looks with all-wheel drive and a 444bhp twin-turbocharged flat-six engine to deliver monstrous performance that still startles today. The 959’s rarity – only around 340 models were ever produced – and unmistakable design should ensure it attracts plenty of attention.

Germany will also be represented by another pioneer that helped define the motoring landscape in the Eighties, the revered Audi Quattro. The Quattro’s exploits in Group B rallying are well documented, with Audi confounding sceptics by employing four-wheel drive to achieve instant success and set a blueprint for others to follow. The roadgoing version was no less impressive, with around 11,400 cars produced over an 11-year lifespan, all offering compelling real-world performance and tremendous agility. The fact its sharp, edgy design barely changed during this production run has only cemented its status as one of the quintessential cars of its era.

Austin Rover’s MG Metro 6R4, in contrast, did not enjoy the same longevity in rallying as the Quattro – its career was short-lived as Group B was banned in 1986, a year after the car had made its debut. But it made quite an impact during that short period, and the road-ready homologation special is now highly coveted among collectors – in no small part thanks to its unique looks. Featuring a 3.0-litre mid-mounted V6 that offers 250hp, the 6R4 conjures up magical memories of a unique era in motorsport, and only 200 were made.

Lining up alongside the 6R4 will be another model that eschewed subtlety to attain legendary status. Even today the Ford Sierra Cosworth is lusted after by performance car aficionados, such is its reputation. Produced to satisfy Group A regulations in the mid-Eighties, it transformed Ford’s humble family car into a truly desirable tearaway beloved by boy racers with a 2.0-litre turbocharged Cosworth engine that enabled a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds and an official top speed of 150mph.

 

By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse

It’s seems there is no end to the mind-boggling sums private number plates are making. Sadly, the cost is outstripping the value of the cars they come with.

Specialist sellers, CarReg, have compiled the top-priced registration plates in the UK. Here’s their ‘top ten’ starting with the most expensive.

25 O 

In 2014 a private buyer paid an eye-watering £518,480 (after auction costs) for the plate 25 O. Fittingly, the plate was for his Ferrari 250 GTO!

X I 

Coming a close second is the plate X 1 which made £502,500 in 2012. If it was to be sold today, estimates suggest it would reach a seven-figure sum.

G I 

The owner of this plate is reportedly a lottery winner and paid £500,000 in 2011. It has been seen on Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

RR I

Not surprisingly, the plate RR 1, costing £472,000 in 2018, is registered to the owner of a Rolls Royce Phantom.

F I 

For motoring fans,  F 1 is a dream plate. Interestingly, the owner is Bradford businessman, Afzal. Khan, who splashed out £440,000 in 2008 to display F 1 on his Bugatti Veyron.

S I 

First issued in 1903, the S 1 plate was purchased by an anonymous buyer in 2008 for £404,000.

I D 

A year later, 1 D plate was sold at a DVLA auction for £352,000 and is believed to be displayed on a Bentley Bentayga.

I S

In 2010, 1 S  was bought for £340,000 but is not currently registered to a vehicle.

M I 

If you like your motorways, the M 1 is surely the ‘must have’ plate for you. Costing £331,500 in 2006 it is currently fitted to a Bentley Flying Spur.

GB I 

Coming in tenth in the ‘top ten’ is GB 1. A private buyer paid £325,000 in 2009 and this ‘patriotic’ plate is attached to a Rolls Royce Phantom.

For canny investors the magic number ‘1’ on a plate is a big attraction, but if your budget is a little more modest it pays to browse the DVLA search site: https://dvlaregistrations.dvla.gov.uk/ where personalised registrations can be yours for a couple of hundred pounds. You can also try other specialist sellers, such as CarReg or Regtransfers and others.

Please support Classic Yorkshire by subscribing for free. Send this link to your fellow enthusiasts so that we can promote Yorkshire events and grow the passion right here in Yorkshire.

www.classicyorkshire.co.uk

Twisted Automotive (Twisted), the Yorkshire vehicle modification specialist has confirmed plans to launch a Suzuki Jimny. It’s the first time in the company’s 21-year history that sees it carry out full conversions on a vehicle other than the classic Land Rover Defender.

Charles Fawcett, Founder and Managing Director of Twisted, commented, “The much-loved Suzuki Jimny is a pure, proper little offroader. It’s evocative, engaging, and endearing. It’s almost a miniature Defender with similar architecture, driveline and analogue feel. 

“My first 4×4 was a Land Rover 109, shortly followed by a brown Suzuki SJ (the Jimny’s predecessor). I adored it. A few years later, I had a little LJ80. Land Rover runs through my veins, but I’m lucky enough to have fond memories of other simple 4x4s. The Jimny is one of the very few vehicles still in production with the same driving essence as when its predecessors were launched over 40 years ago. It still makes every journey fun and induces an immediate smile.”

Indicative pricing for the Suzuki Jimny, redefined by Twisted, is sub-£50k + VAT. Alongside full builds, Twisted has confirmed it will tailor customers’ vehicles. Twisted’s initial offering will be the two-seater Jimny Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). However, additional variants haven’t been ruled out. 

“The Suzuki Jimny feels like a natural addition to the Twisted stable and will appeal to anti-ordinary people of all ages that want to inject fun into their day-to-day driving,” explained Charles. “We’re raring to work on what we’ve nicknamed the ‘Little Twisted’.”

The base Jimny LCV has a 1.5-litre K15B engine with 5-speed manual transmission, 863-litre load area compartment with flat floor and safety cargo partition, air conditioning, ALLGRIP PRO selectable 4WD with low transfer gear, Dual Sensor Brake Support, and cruise control with speed limiter. 

Specific technical details of the Twisted modifications will be released as the development vehicles are signed off later in 2023. However, Charles added, “A Jimny from Twisted will have more engaging handling and power delivery, utilising our Twisted wheel and tyre package along with honed progressive suspension. It will benefit from extensive soundproofing, upgraded media interface, audio system and our signature custom interior.”

Twisted has also been working with Front Runner to supply and fit accessories to the Suzuki Jimny (as well as Twisted’s staple offering, the classic Land Rover Defender). With similar brand values to Twisted, Front Runner has a reputation for quality, intelligent design, and durability.

To reserve a build slot for a Suzuki Jimny, redefined by Twisted, contact info@twistedautomotive.com

Packaging historic motorsport into a festival has proved to be a popular way of promoting motorsport to a larger and more family orientated audience. Take half a dozen races, mix in some retail therapy, infield activities and possibly some music and a standard race day becomes an event that all the family can enjoy.

Arguably Goodwood started it with the Festival of Speed and the Revival but Silverstone soon produced a more affordable version with great grids and evening entertainment. They were later joined by Donington and Croft.

I have attended all the above and they each have their niche. Goodwood is brilliant but expensive. Silverstone is more affordable and has a full programme of excellent racing with many clubs attending. There is something for every car enthusiast along with many celebrity and former drivers in attendance and driving.

Donington is not in the same league as Goodwood and Silverstone but that doesn’t that it should be dismissed. Tickets are £30 for a day, £50 for the weekend with discounts available for buying in advance. There are also discounted tickets for clubs displaying at the event so check for a code. Compared to other events this is good value for money.

The races include Historic Touring cars featuring cars from the 70’s and 80’s, Pre 56 cars in the Woodcote trophy and all manner of Ferrari’s are in the Superperformance Ferrari club race. The Pall Mall cup is an epic, three-hour race for GT, Sports Racing and Touring Cars built before 1966. The Jack Sears trophy features the cars that were the fore runners of the BTTC from 1958 to 1966. The Gerry Marshall trophy is for pre 83 touring cars and the HRDC all stars have cars from a number of race series making up the grid.

Whatever cars you like you will find something to please you. There were Lotus Cortina’s a plenty, D Type Jaguars, all manner of vintage machinery as well as touring and sports cars from all era’s. The racing is entertaining with plenty of overtaking and the occasional off.

The other advantage of this being a smaller event is that there is no queuing to get in. Parking is plentiful and well marshalled. The crowds were small and it was easy to get around the circuit and the pits are open for you to view the cars being readied for their races.

I have no hesitation in recommending this event as a good value day out for enthusiasts of historic racing. If you are a club then you should enquire about having a display. And the discount you get is quite substantial.

For more information take a look at:-

https://www.doningtonhistoric.com/

A gallery of pictures will be published tomorrow. If you were racing and can’t see your car, email us and we will see if we can find one.

Please support Classic Yorkshire by subscribing for free at:-

www.classicyorkshire.co.uk

By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse

The brighter and longer days make it a great time to take your treasured classic for a run out in the Yorkshire countryside. I’d like to share with you two short drives in the Dales that I have enjoyed in recent weeks.

Tan Hill Inn to Hawes

First up is a spectacular drive starting from Britain’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn and finishing at Hawes in Wensleydale. 

At 1,732 feet above sea level the route south through Swaledale takes a single-track road on tight bends and over blind brows through a heather-filled landscape.

Drive with caution as you take bends, pass moorland before enjoying views of dry stone-divided fields and the pleasant approach to the village of Keld.

Turn onto the B6270, before taking a right after Thwaite and onto the famous Buttertubs Pass. This is a steep climb with hairpins before the road reaches the welcome break of a ‘viewpoint’ lay-by with wonderful views of the Dales.

After reaching the summit there is another swathe of moorland before you drop into the town of Hawes.

It is a spectacular 13-mile descent with fantastic views and the welcome of a choice of café and pubs at the end.

Skipton to Kettlewell

In the last fortnight I took a more low-lying route from Skipton to Kettlewell, via Grassington and Kilnsey

Starting in Skipton centre, head north across the A59 Grassington Road roundabout and follow the B6265 in a gradual climb. The quiet road passes a section of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway on your left as you head towards the Dales villages of Rylstone and Cracoe. 

After about 9-miles you reach Threshfield – from here short diversions east can take you to Linton Falls and the market town of Grassington.

From Thresfield follow the B6160 heading for Kilnsey in Upper Wharfedale. A picturesque valley road passes the towering Kilnsey limestone cliff on your left as you take the final 2 ½ miles to Kettlewell.

My second drive may not boast hairpin bends and passes, but the 14-mile route offers an attractive drive passing pubs, restaurants, trails and the banks of the River Wharfe.

Do you have a favourite Yorkshire drive? Why not share your own ‘classic drive’ in the comments option or via Facebook and Twitter?

I have spoken to many people who think they have a book in them about their exploits or those of their friends. But it is not easy to get your book into print and on to book store shelves. But thanks to modern technology there are all sorts of options to get your stories out there (Classic Yorkshire being a good example).

The Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust, a charity that aids the publication of motoring history, will hold a Self-Publishing Workshop at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on Saturday 30 September.

Announcing the MSMT’s latest conference, Ray Hutton, chairman of the Trustees, said:

‘We see that many of the authors who apply to the Trust for advice and assistance, are planning to self-publish. That can be because traditional publishing houses increasingly shy away from books on specialized subjects or simply that authors prefer to have control of the printing and distribution of their books.

‘So our 2023 conference is a workshop on self-publishing. In the morning sessions, publishing and printing experts will review the many options now available to the self-publisher. The afternoon sessions will be concerned with the practical aspects of book production – editing, design and presentation – and sales and distribution.

‘The conference will include successful self-publishers and well-known motoring authors and editors, so it should be an ideal primer for anyone planning a first book.’

Self-Publishing Workshop
Organised by the Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust
Saturday 30 September 2023  British Motor Museum, Gaydon
Attendance fee (including lunch and museum entrance): £60 per person 
More details and booking form click here

www.michaelsedgwicktrust.co.uk

Please support Classic Yorkshire by subscribing for free.

Subscribe

Race The Waves is a difficult event to describe to the uninitiated. If you are familiar with events like Goodwood where multi million pound cars are raced on a track in the grounds of a stately home, then this will be no help at all when describing Race the Waves.

Race the Waves takes place on a course set up on Bridlington beach while spectators munch on traditional fish and chips. I have attended a number of times and even though it isn’t my usual type of event, I am a big fan. I generally attend historic racing and rallying events where cars are purpose built to exacting specifications and drivers are licensed. Race the waves is a refreshing alternative.

Race the waves, while still scrutineered, is much more informal and it seems that as long as the car goes and stops it will be able to race. The majority of cars are of American 20’s and 30’s+ vintage and heavily modified in Hot Rod style, though a few British cars made the scene.

This year’s event has been expanded and now extends over four days. It kicks off with classics at Flamborough Lighthouse where Hot Rods, motorcycles, traditional classic cars and their owners mix in an informal gathering. Friday is press day in Bridlington old town (location for the Dads Army Film) and a chance to get up close to the cars and their drivers.

Saturday and Sunday are race days with the track being set up as soon as the tide goes out. A simple sprint course marked out with oil drums and flags. The cars run two at a time with first past post for a win. Spectators (free) gather along the sea front and have an excellent view of the proceedings. A traditional classic car show, again dominated by American cars is held nearby.

The stars of the show are the cars and there is lots of variety with cars built from aircraft fuel tanks, hot rods and even immaculate classic cars. There is rust a plenty, hand painted sign writing and white wall tyres.

Motorcycles also a feature with all kinds of road and race bikes. Most were traditional British bikes of the 50’s and 60’s, some fared racing machines and grass track bikes. Some of the bikes looked as though they were built in a garden shed, and probably were.

Whatever your classic car interest this event provides a spectacular alternative to concours events. Add it to your event plan for next year and when you have had your fill of the racing, enjoy a fish and chip supper, though if you like you flavours hotter try the Aloha for an excellent Mexican.

If you can’t wait for 2024 then check out the website below for other events by Backfire Promotions.

A gallery of pictures will be published tomorrow.

https://www.backfirepromotions.com/

Please support Classic Yorkshire by subscribing for free at:-

Subscribe

On 29 and 30 April, Donington Park will reverberate to the sounds of Formula One engines, as a collection of historic F1 machines takes to the track. The Donington Historic Festival celebrates the 30^th anniversary of the 1993 European GP, when Ayrton Senna drove his legendary ‘lap of the gods’ as part of an iconic masterclass of driving in the wet.

The historic F1 cars will be out on track at lunchtime each day, giving spectators a taste of what it felt like to be in the grandstands on that famous day in April 1993 – though, hopefully, without the torrential rain!

In addition to the on-track demonstrations, there will be static displays in the race Paddock, featuring yet more F1 cars from the period and an exhibition in Donington Park’s Pitlane Suite, showcasing memorabilia from 11 April 1993, together with memories and photographs from members of the public who were lucky enough to be at the track for the race itself.

The Formula One cars scheduled to appear include:

• 1993 Williams FW15C (static display) – driven to race wins by Alain Prost at South Africa, San Marino, Spain, Canada, France, Great Britain and Germany, and to victory in Hungary, Belgium and Italy by Damon Hill.
• 1993 Benetton-Ford B193 (track demo) – driven by Michael Schumacher and Ricardo Patrese during the 1993 season.
• 1992 McLaren MP4/7A (static display) – driven to race wins by Ayrton Senna at Monaco, Hungary and Italy and to victory in Canada and Australia by Gerhard Berger.
• 1990 Benetton-Ford B190 (track demo) – driven to victory at Australia and Japan by Nelson Piquet.
• 1984 Toleman TG-184 (track demo) – driven by Ayrton Senna drove in the 1984 Detroit GP and in qualifying for that year’s Monaco and Brands Hatch Grands Prix.
• 1998 Minardi M198 (track demo) – raced in period by Shinji Nakano.

Advance discounted tickets offer great savings over the on-the-gate prices and start at just £26 for a one-day adult (16+) entry, with discounts for teens aged 13-15. Under 13s are admitted for free. The event features free car parking. For further information and tickets please visit www.doningtonhistoric.com.