Classic Car News: Aston Martin Goes From Rural Countryside To Urban Metropolis
The Aston Martin owes its origin to Mortimer Morris Goodall and the creation of the Aston Martin Club, which was established to “promote the sport and pastime of motoring”, and of course to develop interest in the Aston Martin car, according to Aston Martin: â??A Complete Illustrated History Of The Marque’. In 1948 there was little hint of the further fame that would be earned in the years to come, adding to the historic status of the Aston Martin as one of the world’s greatest Marques.
Like most car manufacturers, Aston Martin experimented with its classic cars, introducing the Atom Saloon G40/900, 2-litre engine, which “technically demonstrated beyond doubt its possibilities” and “provided both the performance and comfort which had previously been associated with cars of twice this nominal power and weight”, as quoted in the book â??Autocar & Motor’ by Haymarket Magazines Ltd.
Aston has come a long way since the days of the pre-war Atom, however the Cygnet city car is the latest model to assume the heritage of the classic Aston Martin, and comprises an unorthodox purpose built design. Aston Martin believes that “customers will buy the car to nip in, out and around the city” and Chief Executive of Aston Martin, Dr Ulrich Bez said “many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban use”. According to the Times Online you don’t have to be James Bond to have the privilege of driving one of these exceptional vehicles. “The opportunity to pop to the supermarket behind the wheel of an Aston Martin will be opened to the more conventional motorist”, as opposed to Bond who ostentatiously “screeches around hairpin bends” in a typically classic Aston Martin.
Evolution and growth is vital for car manufacturers, which is why Dr Bez believes “small is beautiful these days”, which coincidently describes the Cygnet perfectly. He continues saying “we have to move on from the preconceived ideas regarding what Aston Martin is about”. Aston boasts a reputation based around high-performance cars that sell for upwards of £100,000, but the modest Cygnet will be available for around £20,000.
The city car concept is predicted to apply Aston Martin’s design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market, but keeping in touch with the original Aston notion of combining “economy with the type of road results required by the motoring connoisseur”, according to Autocar & Motor.
Classic Car News: The Race Is On To Be Retro
It doesn’t matter if you enjoy historic motoring from the driver’s seat or the comfort of an armchair, race Retro has something for every enthusiast with a classic vehicle. RaceRetro.com have reported that “over 24,000 visitors agree that Race Retro is Europe’s premier historic racing show, covering classic cars and bikes from eight decades of rallying and motorsport history”.
“The first dragster ever built in the UK is undergoing restoration”, according to PistonHeads.com and is reported that the rally car, which is being held in the collection of the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, is apparently in “good cosmetic condition”, and is being restored to running order thanks to the efforts of the “Allard Chrysler Action Group”.
The Allard Chrysler, which was retired from drag racing in 1964, has fortunately been kept under cover ever since as an exhibition piece, until Brian Taylor became aware of the drag car and obtained permission for him and the rest of the Allard Chrysler Action Group to restore it.
This spectacular historic classic car has been seen by many who have attended the Silverstone Classic or Greenwood Revival events; however another chance to catch up with it is at the Race Retro event at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry this coming weekend.
The ACAG (Allard Chrysler Action Group) is still looking for funds to help with the restoration of such a legendary car, so if you want to help out you can support the worthy cause and even donate parts.
RaceRetro.com has reported that the event will help celebrate “Alfa-Romeo’s centenary, the 30th anniversary of Audi Quattro and 60 years since Norton’s Featherbed frame made its debut”. The event will apparently have “the stars and the cars”, with famous motoring legends such as Bruno Giacomelli and Barry ‘Whizzo’ Williams, as well as a unique opportunity to watch some of these legends drive the cars they are synonymous with.
Also to prove how dedicated the event is to classic cars, you get preferential parking if you bring your vintage pride and joy along with you and you can tuck it away into an allocated parking area.
Classic Car News: Bag A Bargain Classic Car On A Budget
Although we would all like to be able to afford the $24 million Mercedes W 196 model car of 1954, which was “used for racing by some of the world’s best car drivers” and holds the title of “world’s most expensive classic car in the world” according to VintageDriving.com, but we may have to settle for something a little less expensive â?? unless of course you hold the title for the world’s richest person.
All classic cars have their own history and have a variety of stories to tell, and in the case of the 1954, Mercedes, the story is focused around it being “the holy grail of racing cars”, reports Ask.Men.com â?? which is no surprise really with the sport of racing having a typically male focus.
In the end, you can weigh the distinctiveness of the parts, history and lore, but the value still resides in the eye of the beholder. A blend of sentiment and passion for classic automobiles is how most people decide on that perfect vintage motor, and with some of the price tags out there you can see why a lot of people take their time over the decision to buy a piece of historic memorabilia.
It’s a fact that everybody likes a bargain, and nobody likes a high price tag, which is why if you dig around you can find many classic models for under £5,000. A vintage Triumph GT6 is one of the cars highlighted as a bargain buy on the Telegraph.co.uk, and boasts “a lovely sleek fastback body, with a six-cylinder engine â?? providing an obvious power bulge”, according to UniqueCarsandParts.com.
“Rather like Doctor Who’s tardis, the Morris Minor travels through time pretty well”, according to the Independent.co.uk website, and also comes in under the £5,000 price range. With affordable and plentiful parts, the Morris Minor is an obvious ubiquitous choice for many enthusiasts who “thrive on the battle” to keep their classic cars alive, according to the Independent.co.uk website.
With a 5.3 litre V12 engine, ClassicCarsForSale.co.uk reports that the Jaguar XJS had enough power in its day to be able to “hold its own against such out-and-out sports cars as Lamborghinis and Ferraris”. This may no longer be the case, but classic car enthusiasts don’t invest in a vintage motor to race it round winding roads; instead they treat it as their pride and joy, and in most cases will only venture out in them on a sunny summers day.
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