The first RML Short Wheelbase model is about to embark on an intensive durability programme at the UTAC (formerly Millbrook) test facility.
RML undertake whole-vehicle design, build and development projects for motorsport and road car applications. In Motorsport RML’s experience extends to Touring Car, GT, Sports Prototype and off-road programmes. RML applies this nimble, innovative and winning mind set to developing high performance road car derivatives and advanced automotive engineering solutions for OEMs.
Bell Sport & Classic has revealed its latest in-house Ferrari restoration: a complete, ground-up, concours-level restoration of the original 246 GT Dino L Series that debuted on Ferrari’s stand at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Leaving the Maranello factory in 1969 and exhibited at that year’s Frankfurt Motor Show before being delivered to a customer in West Germany, it was the first Dino to be sold in the country and the seventh L Series ever made by Ferrari
Fitting tribute and lasting legacy
Enzo Ferrari first used the ‘Dino’ name to denote a range of V6 Formula 1 and Formula 2 racing engines as a tribute to his first son Alfredo ‘Dino’ Ferrari, helped develop the engines, but tragically succumbed to illness at the age of 24 in 1956. When Ferrari launched its first V6-powered, mid-engined road car in 1968, it did so under the ‘Dino’ brand. And instead of the traditional Cavallino Rampante or Prancing Horse Ferrari badge, the Pininfarina-designed cars carried the signature of Alfredo ‘Dino’ Ferrari.
The first Dino launched was the 206 GT variant, powered by a 2.0-litre V6 engine. A year later, this model was followed by the 246 GT L, which featured a 60mm longer wheelbase and boasted a more powerful 2.4-litre engine – as did the 246 GTS targa model. Maranello built just 357 examples of the L-series Dino, before following it up with the M and E-series variants, which were produced in greater numbers.
Critics and customers alike loved the way the Dino looked, sounded and drove. The car soon became acknowledged as a ‘lifestyle’ icon, even achieving fame in the cult classic detective television series ‘The Persuaders’, in which Tony Curtis drove a 246 GT.
It’s remarkable to think that at the time the car made its debut, Enzo Ferrari was adamant that his road-going creations should only be fitted with V12 engines and launched the new V6-powered Dino as a sub-brand. Yet today, Ferrari has closed the circle and returned to the V6 engine format, albeit in turbocharged guise, with its new 296 GTB.
The car had been restored twice before in its life already, but lacked real care and precision. It was painted Rosso Corsa red instead of the original Rosso Dino, which has a more ‘orangey’ hue, the leather trim was incorrect too – it was black and red as opposed to the black with orange seat towelling interior fitted at the factory.
Rust plagued the inner wings and the misshapen front and rear valances. The ‘scoops’ on the door panels did not align with those on the body, neither in terms of height nor angle, the wheel arch heights didn’t match from one side of the car to the other and the rear roofline was off-kilter.
They also found that at some stage replacement front wing panels had been welded on top of the original items. The same ‘technique’ had been used on the sills and rocker panels, which meant the seam lines had been lost and rust had been locked in underneath.
Each component was painstakingly restored to original specification, with all worn parts refabricated or replaced as required. Once rebuilt the V6 was tested on a dynamometer and bench-run for a day. After being reinstalled in the car, the engine was re-tested on a rolling road and fine-tuned to ensure it produced the precise 191bhp it left the factory with.
The Dino 246 GT 00436 has been gloriously returned to its Rosso Dino paint finish, which involved first applying the period-correct grey primer followed by a Rosso Corsa undercoat with Rosso Dino final coat. This painstaking, multi-tone process ensures the rare and desirable Rosso Dino is shown most effectively. The seats have been reupholstered in period-correct black leather complete with orange towelling inserts, and beautifully installed along with a newly built dashboard. Even the engine cam covers have been restored to their original bronze colour, ensuring the car is precisely as it left the factory in August 1969 – only better. Even the thin aluminium shell of the interior mirror had two days of polishing lavished upon it to attain perfection.
To mark the 120th anniversary of ŠKODA Motorsport, employees from the ŠKODA Museum and ŠKODA AUTO’s Prototype Centre collaborated on a project to reconstruct the ŠKODA 1100 OHC Coupé racing car. The teams began by reconditioning the original frame, chassis and engine and rebuilt the body. In the process, they used state-of-the-art technology as well as traditional techniques in body construction.
Planning for the ŠKODA 1100 OHC (internal type designation 968), which was intended for endurance circuit races, began as early as spring 1956. By the end of 1957, the first of two cars with open GRP bodywork had been completed. This vehicle is still on display at the ŠKODA Museum and regularly competes in national and international classic car events. The second 1100 OHC is part of ŠKODA UK’s heritage fleet.
In 1959/1960, the designers continued working on the project and created two ŠKODA 1100 OHC coupés with closed bodywork. Tried and tested components from ŠKODA’s production models were used. The ŠKODA 1100 OHC Coupé took advantage of a lightweight rigid truss frame welded from thin-walled tubes. Trapezoidal suspension, consisting of two triangular wishbones arranged one above the other, was used for the front wheels, while a coupling axle with trailing arms was installed at the rear.
The engine was located behind the front axle and, along with the assembly unit, comprising rear axle differential and five-speed gearbox, achieving ideal weight distribution. The ŠKODA 1100 OHC Coupé was powered by a naturally aspirated in-line four-cylinder engine. The cylinder and crankcase were made of aluminium and were derived from the ŠKODA 440 ‘Spartak’, as was the crankshaft. However, the racing car significantly exceeded the Spartak’s output of 40 hp (29.4 kW) at 4,200 rpm thanks to its optimised combustion chambers and OHC valve drive, a compression ratio of 9.3:1, two carburettors, double dynamo battery ignition from Bosch, Scintilla Vertex magnetos and many other modifications.
Its output was 92 hp (67.7 kW) at 7,700 rpm, with an impressive 85 hp per litre of displacement. For short bursts, it could reach up to 8,500 rpm. Depending on the overall gear ratio, which could be adjusted according to the specific racetrack, the two-seater with aluminium bodywork and an unladen weight of only 555 kg reached a top speed of around 200 km/h. Dual-circuit brakes always ensured effective deceleration, and to reduce the unsprung mass, rear drum brakes were mounted on the differential gear.
The racing career of the two ŠKODA 1100 OHC coupés lasted from 1960 to 1962. In 1966, they were sold to private buyers when they were no longer allowed to compete due to changes in technical regulations. Subsequently, both coupés were destroyed in road accidents. The surviving components were used in the reconstruction and the original engine was on display for a long time in the vocational school in Mladá Boleslav before it was finally installed in the reconstructed 1100 OHC Coupé.
The second coupé caught fire in an accident and the aluminium bodywork was irreparably damaged. The dismantled, one-of-a-kind rear axle with integrated gearbox had been part of the collection at the National Technical Museum in Prague before it was donated to the ŠKODA Museum 25 years ago. The ŠKODA Museum acquired the truss frame, which had been cut into three parts, along with the complete front axle and other surviving parts from a private collector in 2014.
The most challenging task was to reconstruct the aluminium body. The original designer was the former factory designer Jaroslav Kindl. The carpenters of the time built a wooden model according to his documents. A group of metalworkers hammered out the aluminium panels by hand, and the individual parts were then welded or riveted together.
Throughout the reconstruction, the Museum’s restoration workshop team worked closely with colleagues from the Prototype Centre at ŠKODA AUTO. Based on scans of the 2D drawings on a scale of 1:1, a three-dimensional grid was created. The shapes of individual elements were painstakingly examined and corrected, for example at the front of the vehicle and around the rear lights. Historical photographs were compared with the sketches and the 3D model. The experts were then able to view the car from all sides in the virtual studio and make adjustments. Miniature models were created followed by models of the front and rear body corners on a 1:1 scale.
The bodywork was created from 0.8 mm and 1 mm thick aluminium sheets that were manually welded and beaten to shape during the reconstruction. Originally, both coupés were unique, featuring an anodised finish. On the track, however, this surface treatment failed to demonstrate any benefit, and so both cars were painted red in the middle of the 1962 season.
With a name like Dino and Italian family heritage on his mothers side you might expect classic car collector and businessman Dino Kania would favour the prancing horse as his automotive passion. If not Ferrari then Alfa Romeo, or Lamborghini but no his head was turned by a British secret agent driving an Aston Martin DB5.
Dino (left) with workshop wizard, James.
That first impression of the suave secret agent and his beautiful car planted a seed in Dino’s mind that would eventually lead to multiple Aston Martin ownership and the creation of his classic car business the Classic Car Lab.
Dino is a successful businessman starting a number of different enterprises over the years with his friend of more than 30 years, Alison Larkin. Alison now acts as Chief Executive as Dino is taking a back seat as he recovers from long Co-Vid. Though in truth she is more like a big sister than a business colleague. Adding a classic car business to the portfolio was never the intention and this new venture happened pretty much by accident. But this is no hobby, It is a serious business backed up by a highly skilled workforce and an established high value clientele.
It was Dino’s partner, Amanda that persuaded him to fulfil a childhood ambition and take the plunge into Aston Martin ownership. A DB5 became his first Aston but like so many other classic car enthusiasts, it didn’t stop there. More Astons and a couple of Jaguars were added over the years until an industrial unit was needed for storage.
The costs of running a classic Aston are high, as you can imagine. The cost of running a fleet of classic cars is really quite frightening, even for a successful businessman. One day whilst working at the storage unit someone walked in and asked if they could work on his car and that was the start of the Classic Car Lab.
By his own admission Dino is not a mechanical genius but does know how to build a business and so using the existing premises he recruited skilled staff across the range of skills needed to offer a full service restoration business. Mechanical, trim, bodywork and paint. He even installed a paint booth to ensure quality from start to finish.
The business quickly became established through customer recommendation and eventually they had to move to larger premises at Otley Mills in Otley, West Yorkshire. After a decade in business it continues to grow and currently employs 8 full time staff and a number of part timers. Again Dino pays tribute to the skills of his team. Lee the welder can weld anything, including Aluminium and has even mastered the English Wheel to help make new panels and repair sections. James the painter has over 40 years experience in the paint booth while at the other end of the spectrum Jack joined the company straight from college and has an amazing knowledge of classic cars, despite his youth.
The pandemic hit the business briefly, especially during the lockdown period but it didn’t last long. Long term restorations provided a stable work programme and now enquiries are growing on a daily basis. Growth continues to come from personal recommendation and call ins rather than advertising.
Workshop wizard (and manager), James took me for a tour of the garage running through the history of each of the cars and giving me an insight into the Classic Car Lab ethos.
First stop is a Golf GTI. It was brought in by a customer for paint but then (as is often the case) they wanted the rest of the car to match the quality of the paintwork so a mechanical restoration was added to the job list. You can see from the pictures that this is a good looking car and a potential prize winner. But you may be surprised that this is no pampered car having travelled 97 000 miles in its lifetime.
Walking into the garage you can’t help but see the freshly painted bright orange Porsche 911. A well used example it had multiple body work issues requiring new sills, wings and the drivers side window pillar was held together with body filler. Following the bodywork an engine and gearbox rebuild will be undertaken to create a reliable daily driver for the owner.
James has been at the Car Lab for 3 years now and passion and commitment shine through the conversation.
It’s like a work family, everyone gets on and we all enjoy the cars and meeting the customers. We are always happy to make the extra effort to get a car completed even if it means working late into the night or at weekends. To be honest, its not like coming to work at all.
I would love to tell you about every car in the workshop but I have limited space. I will be following up with some projects in more detail but just to pick out some of the highlights. The Jaguar E Type has been lightly breathed on for extra performance. The Morris Minor was in an accident and knocked out of shape requiring extensive body repairs. In the paint booth is a Jenson Interceptor receiving a new coat of paint following a mechanical restoration. The Mini, well that is going to be a very special restoration and electric conversion, hopefully we will be able to follow that build through to completion.
Tour completed I return to the office to say goodbye to Dino. It has been an enjoyable visit and one I hope to do again soon. Dino made a real effort to meet with me and I am very grateful as he has been suffering from Long Co-Vid. Infected before the availability of the vaccine it has developed into a debilitating illness and it has taken him a great deal of effort to make the meeting.
One of the worst parts of his illness is that he hasn’t been able to come into work for over a year now. It is clear from our conversation that he misses the team, his customers and the cars. Day to day running of the business is handled Alison who knows the business inside out. In fact, one of the reasons he did the interview was to pay tribute to Alison and the workshop team who have kept the business running like a Swiss watch.
I am sure that Dino will be back at the helm soon as this is more than a business, it is a passion awakened by secret agent with an incredible car. As for what comes next, well Dino tells me he has just acquired an Aston Martin Lagonda wedge. Now that is going to be an epic project.
If you need a simple service, repair, tune up or a bottom up restoration then Classic Car Lab should be on your list of companies to consider. Take a drive out to Otley, have a chat to the team and then enjoy a drive in the beautiful Wharfe Valley, perhaps enjoy afternoon tea at Betty’s in nearby Ilkley. You won’t regret it.
Declaration: At Classic Yorkshire we believe that you should know if we get paid to make recommendations. I can confirm that Classic Yorkshire received no payment or benefit for this article.
If you organise classic car (or any other) events then you will be aware of the number of skills that you need. Marketing, database management, health and safety, web management and purchasing are just a short list of the knowledge you need.
Posters help sell events and make excellent souveniers
So to help we talk to David Smith from ADG Print and Design about the basics of producing print for classic car events.
Participants in events, especially classic car events like to collect souvenirs. Not just trophies but stickers, posters and rally plates. Go to any enthusiasts garage and you will find walls covered in the ephemera of events some of which become valuable collectors items. Imagine the value of an original poster from the Mille Miglia or a rally plate from the Monte Carlo rally.
Window sticker
It is unlikely that your print will scale the dizzy heights of the collector market, but well designed print can build your reputation and make your event stand out from the crowd.
If you are new to print then David suggests you look at other peoples work to get some ideas for photography, style, colour and illustrations. The first place to look would be an image search on the internet or sign up to the online ideas app, Pintrest. Once you have found some examples, print them out to show your designer, photographer and illustrator.
ADG Design and Print supply many clubs with their printing needs.
Club events are rarely awash with cash and so we understand the need to keep costs down. For this reason print which is photography based is probably best. You don’t need to hire a professional photographer as many club members will have high quality images you can use. But, always make sure you have permission in writing.
Draft out the words, but keep it simple. Title, date, location, admission charge, contact information including web, email and phone number.
Select your illustration, one impactful image is better than lots of smaller ones.
High quality postcards
Where we would recommend that you use a professional is graphic design A good designer will produce an effective, high impact image that will not cost a fortune to produce. They will also be able to advise on papers and boards and specialist finishes such as spot varnishes. Many print companies like ADG Print and Design will have an in house design team and this makes the whole process simpler.
Before printing you will be sent a proof. It is important that you check everything, words, pictures and colours. Make sure you get someone else to proof read it double checking dates, web addresses and telephone numbers. If its is wrong after this stage then it is your fault and you will need to pay for the rerun.
ADG Print and Design were founded nearly 40 years ago with the aim of providing quality products and reliable services for businesses both large and small. With their in-house design team they are able to advise customers on any artwork they need. They are happy to give free guidance to the inexperienced and can produce the full range of print from flyers & leaflets, business cards, stickers and labels, even vehicle livery.
Whilst ADG Print and Design produce print for a wide range of businesses, David particularly enjoys working with the classic car sector. Not only has David worked on the full range of Rally Plaques, stickers and club merchandise but also on supporting major events.
David says
You would be surprised what we can do. One example is a customer who recently approached us to screen print onto a set of Aston Martin brake callipers as part of his car’s rebuild. Also for the past few years, we’ve been working with the Saint-Saturnin Classic British Welcome in France. It is a fun, colourful car show to welcome visitors to Le Mans on the Friday before the 24-hour race. Over a thousand classic cars of all shapes and sizes, from all around the world, gather in Saint- Saturnin, on the northern outskirts of Le Mans.
We’ve also recently worked with Range Rover Special, a Classic Car Club in Norway, to produce a series of commemorative Rally Plaques for their celebration of the Zaire River Expedition, which took place in 1974-75.
So if you find yourself in need of help to produce a quality print job then give West Yorkshire based ADG Print and Design a call. It helps to work with fellow enthusiasts who understand what you need.
Declaration: We think it is important that you know on what basis our articles have been written. Classic Yorkshire has received no payment or benefit from this article.
Saturday April 9th will see the historic rally cars taking part in Mintex Rally Yorkshire tackle a short demonstration stage at Odsal Stadium, using entry roads and the oval stock car track. After a short stop, they will tackle the same route again. Look out for Yorkshire legend rally drivers Bob Bean and John Midgley, driving Ford Escort and Porsche 911 respectively. They will be joined by other amazing cars recalling the ‘Golden Years of Rallying’, such as Austin Healey 3000, Minis, Saab 96, Hillman Imp, Lancia, Talbot Sunbeam, many Ford Escorts and others. The first car should arrive soon after noon.
Mintex Rally Yorkshire is one of a series of historic rally car demonstration events run around the UK, since 2018, by the Lombard Rally organisation. They cater for rally cars, many of which are too valuable to be driven on competitive rallies, or whose drivers no longer want to drive at full competitive speeds. Mintex Rally Yorkshire is based at Harrogate Rugby Club, the route taking them first to Church Fenton where some six runs around Leeds East Airport will be tackled, before coming to Odsal and then moving north, all within Yorkshire.
Odsal Stadium. Audio Quatro 1984 on the circuit Photo by Roger Moody
Mintex Rally Yorkshire recalls the legendary Mintex Seven Days Rally of the the 1970s, organised locally by De Lacy Motor Club, which was one of the toughest UK rallies, attracting drivers from all over the World, but as a more social weekend.
Contact Odsal Stadium to see the rally cars in action in the heart of Bradford.
Despite the very strong tradition of classic cars in Yorkshire, including our own manufacturers (Jowett, Ginetta etc) we have yet to see a really high quality prestigious event in the county. There have been a number of new events such as the Mintex Rally for former rally cars and the Yorkshire Motorsport Festival, but as yet there is nothing like a Salon Prive or a Concours D’Elegance in the North of England.
To meet this need the Fast Lane Club have have created Yorkshire Elegance, which will be a right good, fancy car event… here in Yorkshire!
It combines driving experiences with great cars, excellent food and good company, using some of the best facilities in Yorkshire.
Day 1: Harewood Hillclimb: England’s longest hill climb where up to 70 classic cars will be able to take to the hill with everyone getting 4-5 runs. There will be an overnight stay at Woodhall Hotel & Spa just 5 minutes away.
Day 2: Bowcliffe Hall Celebration Day – the main feature will be a magnificent display of classic Jaguars to celebrate 100 Years off SS/Jaguar. There will be around 1000 enthusiasts at Bowcliffe for the day and will also feature Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley & Austin Healey.
The most special cars will take part in a run through the grounds around Bowcliffe during the afternoon so all guests get to see and hear the cars. The parade will start from a Marquee with red carpet and short presentation of each vehicle by Tony Jardine.
Food and champagne will available, and to ensure the VIP’s can enjoy the wine/champagne, they will be bussed back to the hotel. Cars can be left at Bowcliffe overnight which is very secure.
Day 3: Yorkshire Dales Driving Tour (for VIP Guests only) – guests will be brought back to Bowcliffe after breakfast to pick up their cars before heading off into the Dales. The route will include the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, Ribblehead viaduct, Buttertubs Pass with lunch at Swinton Park. The tour ends at Grantley Hall where participants enjoy an evening Dinner and overnight stay at Grantley Hall (VIP Deluxe guests only).
Dates for the event: 19th-21st July
Day Guest tickets available for the Harewood Hillclimb day and the Bowcliffe Hall Celebration Day.
(and please don’t forget the discount code: SPECIAL10 to get 10% off)
Declaration: We think it only fair that you know on what basis our articles are written. Classic Yorkshire has not received any incentive or payment to write this article.
We are excited to announce The Carding Shed will be appearing in the new Jane McDonald TV series “My Yorkshire” where Jane travels through our great county, highlighting the very best Yorkshire has to offer.
We were thrilled to be chosen to feature in the show and hope you all enjoy watching. The series starts on Sunday 20th February at 9pm on Channel 5.
Ok, so you can’t go to Dearborn to take a look at this car, I don’t know anyone in Yorkshire who owns one and the chances of you seeing one are practically nil. So why are we covering it? Well to be frank, its because there are some terrific pictures that I thought you might enjoy.
As a tribute to Alan Mann Racing’s 1966 Ford GT lightweight experimental prototypes, Ford is introducing the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition. The limited-edition vehicle celebrates the role the prototypes played in the history of the development of the Ford GT.
“Whether it’s going like hell at the racetrack or out-innovating the competition, the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition honours the vehicles that helped lead Ford to its wins,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “With its red and gold livery, this Ford GT is inspired by Alan Mann Racing’s contribution to our Le Mans-winning story.”
In 1965-66, Alan Mann Racing used lighter materials to create AM GT-1, along with a second car, based on the GT Mk I. While neither prototype won a major race, the use of lightweight materials was similar to what helped Ford win Le Mans with the GT Mk II in 1966.
This spirit continues in today’s Ford GT supercar, with its lightweight carbon fibre body cloaked as a GT Heritage Edition for 2022 in colors and stripes inspired by the AM GT-1.
Exposed gloss carbon fibre components are prominent, including on the 20-inch wheels, front splitter, side sills, mirrors, engine louvers and rear diffuser. Brembo® brake calipers lacquered in black with red graphics, plus black lug nuts further modernise the aesthetic.
Carbon fibre carries into the cabin, appearing on door sills, console and registers. Ebony Alcantara®-wrapped carbon fibre seats feature gold and red accent stitching, while embossed seating surfaces and head restraints carry the GT logo. The instrument panel is wrapped in Ebony leather and Alcantara, while pillars and headliner are wrapped in Ebony Alcantara.
Gold appliqués on the instrument panel, door register bezels and seat X-brace are paired with the matte carbon fibre registers, door sills, lower A-pillars and console. The steering wheel is finished in Ebony Alcantara with black stitching, while dual-clutch paddle shifters are finished in exterior-matching Alan Mann red.
Honouring early Ford GT racing efforts
Wrapping up its final year of production, the 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition pays tribute to Alan Mann Racing and the support the team provided in 1965. Lessons learned from Alan Mann Racing improved the capabilities of the Ford GT40 and led to its third- and fourth-fastest times in the 1966 Le Mans trials.
Ultimately, the Le Mans committee chose to run the heavier and more powerful 7.0-litre V8 race cars for the rest of the 1966 season, which culminated in a 1-2-3 podium sweep for Ford at Le Mans, ending the run of the English team’s lightweight version.
“It’s a great honour for Alan Mann Racing and the Mann family to celebrate the epic motorsports heritage of Ford GT with this fantastic limited-edition car,” said Henry Mann, director, Alan Mann Racing Ltd. “To see the red and gold colours of our team’s livery come back to life, and to debut this new GT alongside one of our original GT40s in Chicago, will be a magical occasion.”
The 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition is available for approved Ford GT customers, with first deliveries taking place this quarter. Click here for more information.
The body buck for the original Mark 1 P15 V16, handcrafted in 1949 to help build Britain’s first Formula One car, has been found, and will be used to build Chassis V, the second of three ‘new’ 16-cylinder P15 V16 BRM racing cars.
The body forming jig was created to build the first six BRM cars that were unveiled to the world at RAF Folkingham on December 15th 1949, and ran at Goodwood’s international race meeting in September 1950. While the cars evolved throughout the early 1950’s to improve cooling, handling, and performance, the very first P15 V16 is the purest form of this iconic car.
When the body shape was altered, George Gray, the man tasked with turning Peter Berthon’s design into reality, stored the jig in the roof of his boat house, where it remained for the next 70 years and was lost to the annals of time.
The whereabouts of the body buck had long been a question of debate, but through a combination of research, luck, diligence, and discussions with historians, journalists, collectors and those with long memories, the BRM Team were able to track down the whereabouts of the body buck with the help of Geoffrey Marsh.
“With the discovery of the original body buck, we now have the opportunity to produce a car to the original shape and specification of Britain’s very first Formula One car”, said Paul Owen, grandson of Sir Alfred Owen. “This car has not been seen in this form for over 70 years, and it is a privilege for the Owen family to be in a position to bring it to life once again.”
Rick Hall, the former BRM F1 team engineer who will oversee the construction of this ‘new’ BRM V16, said “it is extremely satisfying to have finally tracked down the original Type 15 jig, which will enable us to craft the car in the form that it was presented to the world in 1949.”
“I believe that the simplicity and beautiful lines of this car will only really be appreciated in the flesh. Very few people alive today will have had the opportunity to see this car before. Looking back at the original drawings, we were surprised at the amount of technical changes that were made to the car in period. We are relishing the challenge to bring it back to life once again.”
After the confirmation of the discovery, Hall & Hall and BRM approached Richard Mille, founder of the exclusive global luxury watch business, to ask if he would be interested in building his already commissioned Chassis V to the original specifications. An avid fan of BRM, Richard commented “it would be a privilege to see this car built in its original form, and a fantastic addition to my existing BRM collection.”
Work has already commenced on building the Chassis V, which represents the second of three ‘new’ V16 Mark 1s, and is expected to be completed early in 2023. With one car commissioned by the Owen family, and with this latest commission from Richard Mille, there remains one final Mark 1 V16 chassis yet to be allocated.
Classic Car Auctions (CCA) will be organising their sale of the season at the much-anticipated Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC, Birmingham from Friday 18th March to Sunday 20th March 2022.
The specialist auction house promises a stellar line-up of highly desirable vehicles, comprising an eclectic mix of appealing ‘lots’ to suit a wide range of motoring passions.
This hugely popular event is back after a two-year gap having been forced to cancel in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic restrictions. The auction is poised to be a stunner, with a great selection of iconic classics waiting in the wings, each having its own fascinating back story in the automotive history books.
Highlights include an incredibly rare 1972 Holden L J Torana GTR XU-1 of Australian origin. It is believed to be one of the first 200 XU-1s built in early 1972 in recognition of the model used for motorsport, with a particular focus on the forthcoming Bathurst 500 of that time. ‘Torana’ comes from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘to fly’. This ‘homologation special’ still sports the original ‘Strike-Me-Pink’ paintwork and needs restoration – a fantastic project for any enthusiast.
Rewind the clock to the elegance of the 1930’s, to a fully restored post-vintage 1934 Daimler LQ3-20 four-door Tourer finished in Primrose and Hazelnut. It has the added bonus of a comprehensive history file that charts tens of thousands of restoration photos and magazine articles. The Daimler theme continues. It is joined by a beautiful ‘must-see’ 1961 B-Spec Daimler Dart SP250 V8 with a mere 38,444 miles and only two owners.
Enthusiasts of rally classics will be drawn to the attention-grabbing 1983 Audi Quattro (WR-10V) which has recently been rebuilt for fast road/Club motorsport and fitted with all the expected racing accoutrements; roll cage, bucket seats and race harness to name but a few.
Meanwhile, devotees of the Porsche marque, have a treat in store with several iconic models on the sale menu, including a superb example of a 1984 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo in Grand Prix White with black leather interior offering an exciting 300bhp, 930/66 engine and 4-speed box. There is also a 1991 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4, 3.6-Litre Targa, UK-supplied and finished in eye-catching Schwarz Black as well as a very smart 1998 Porsche 911(996) Carrera 2 Coupé with manual transmission, and a 1992 Porsche 944 3.0 S2 Cabriolet all currently listed in the auction.
Staycations have been very much a theme for the last couple of years and demand for campervans has gone through the roof. CCA has a real classic to offer, a 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Campervan ‘Splittie’ with a 1600cc engine, fully restored by UK Sports Cars Ltd five years ago. It is not the only one, there at least two more campervans consigned to CCA’s auction.
These preview just a selection of the vehicles assigned to the auction at The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, which promises ‘something for everyone’. To view the full list, and for further details about all the lots under the hammer, refer to the Classic Car Auctions website, or to find out more about attending the show, visit www.necrestorationshow.com.
Bidding for the sale can be done in person, online, by phone or via commission (pre-bid). For absentee bidding, please register online at least 48 hours before the auction day.
Declaration:It is important for our readers to understand the basis of our articles and whether incentives have been offered. For the Practical Classic Car and Restoration show, Classic Yorkshire receives a press pass which enables free admission. All other expenses are met by the publication.
The York Spring Fair and Food Festival are looking for classic cars to create a display celebrating the Queens reign. Given that she has been our monarch for 70 years that will include many of the most popular classics. So if you own a post 1952 classic car and fancy visiting this popular fair and food festival, this could be the event for you.
It is free to show and you will also get free admission to the event. However you must book in advance by contacting Lauren on the email address below who will also be able to answer any questions you may have.
York Spring Fair and Food Festival will be at York Racecourse, from Friday 27th May to Sunday 5th June! This year they’re planning to go bigger and better with more traders, more rides, more entertainment, and a Jubilee celebration. As part of their Jubilee celebrations they will showcase a selection of Classic Cars from the Queens reigning period, as part of the grand entrance into the festival itself across the 10 days. Last year the event achieved a footfall of approximately 20,000 customers, and this year they’re hoping to be even busier – garnering local and national press along the way.
Entry into the event itself will be free for exhibitors. If you would like to be involved, or would like any further information, please email Lauren@cmje.co.uk with your interest.
