Category: All Cars (Page 9 of 14)

ON FILM: “Born of a Blue Sky” Recounts 18th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

May 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Born of a Blue Sky from LetsMakeMedia on Vimeo.

“Born of a Blue Sky has the same sort of visual presence as an impressionist painting,” said Bill Warner, Chairman and Founder of The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “The video captures that special quality of light Amelia Island has on an early spring morning that makes classic and thoroughbred cars look spectacular.”

Filmmaker Justin Lapriore has condensed the 18th Annual Amelia Island Concours into a fluid series of impressions of the entire week from a personal, ground level perspective. The seminars, driving events and the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Porsche 911, Ford’s GT40, Lamborghini and the Corvette Stingray are shown as spectators see them on the Concours’ field.

“The video doesn’t simply focus only on the cars; it also shows the people of ‘The Amelia’ and their relationship with the cars and each other,” said Warner. “That’s what makes Born of a Blue Sky so special and compelling; I hope this is how everyone remembers the 2013 Amelia Concours.”

ON THE BLOCK: Au-Di – Princess Diana’s Audi Convertible at COYS Blenheim Palace Sale

May 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

A 1994 2.5l Audi Quattro convertible once owned by Diana, Princess of Wales and to be auctioned by COYS at their traditional sale at Blenheim Palace on June 29th has gone on display in London at the Grange St. Paul’s Hotel.

This Audi was the family car in which Diana, Princess of Wales was photographed in a number of occasions driving Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Prince Harry in 1994.

Chris Routledge, Managing Director of COYS, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Royal History. We have put a guide price on the car of between £20,000 and £25,000 but we have no idea what it will go for.“

He added: “Although we have not formally released the fact that the car was for sale until this press release we have already had enquiries from around the world and particularly from America.”

Claire Farrington, Partnership Manager of Grange Hotels, said: ”We are delighted that potential purchasers and the public will have a chance to see this iconic car on display at the Grange St. Paul’s which of course is just a few yards from St. Paul’s Cathedral which holds such an important place in the history of the British Royal family.”

The car is in immaculate condition and has only 21,000 miles on the clock. Visitors to the Hotel will also have the opportunity of leaving a sealed bid for the vehicle, which will then be given to the auctioneer at Blenheim. COYS and Grange Hotel are also planning a competition where the lucky winner will be driven in the car at the Blenheim auction, entertained to lunch and will then attend the auction.

IN CLASSICS: Mercedes-Benz Classic Index Shows Steady Progression in Values

March 12, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Classic Mercedes-Benz models perform as strongly in the market as they do on the road, according to an international research organisation that has just released the first ever index to comprehensively measure the brand’s value progression.

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Index (MBCI), created by classic car market research company The Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI), gained 11.65% in 2012. Moreover, a market back-test to 1980 reveals a solid annual average growth rate of nearly 9%.

The MBCI, which is supported by Mercedes-Benz Classic, the manufacturer’s heritage division, is the culmination of the most comprehensive research programme ever conducted into classic Mercedes-Benz value growth.

HAGI has selected 29 different Mercedes-Benz models to provide the yard-stick for market performance. The MBCI uses only authenticated transactions and only vehicles confirmed to be in first-class condition. The value of each model in the database has been charted from the price when new, through the depreciation J-curve and upwards to the present in classic afterlife.

Models incorporated into the index range from immortal pre-war models such as the S, SSK and 540K to sports models of the early 1980s. Among rarer prestige models of the 1950s, the legendary 300SL Gull-wing and Roadster are a considerable force in the market place. For the 1960s and 1970s index models include the exclusive 280 SE 3.5 coupe and cabriolet, along with the hugely successful “Pagoda” SL 230/250/280 sporting convertibles.

“While rarer Mercedes models number among some of the most valuable and desirable cars in the world, our research also shows that the benefits of solid appreciation are also enjoyed by mainstream Mercedes classic models,” said Dietrich Hatlapa, HAGI founder.

HAGI has undertaken in-depth research to ensure the index constituents are truly representative of the overall Mercedes-Benz classic portfolio. This process has been conducted entirely independently of Mercedes-Benz, which has had no influence on or input into index design. The MBCI applies the same rules as traditional stock market indexes.

To keep abreast of market developments HAGI has created a “watch list” of “Emerging Classics” such as the 300 SEL 6.3, 450 SEL 6.9, 190 Evo II or 500 E. This segment, although not in the index, is being kept under special observation and is being monitored for future development and potential inclusion as the market evolves.

The MBCI comprises more than 24,500 vehicles, based on survivor numbers, giving a market index capitalization of more than £4 billion ($6.6 billion).

The MBCI is one of five indices created by The Historic Automobile Group International. The others are: the HAGI TOP index, a representative measure of 50 rare classic cars; the HAGI F historic Ferrari index; the HAGI-P historic Porsche index; and the HAGI EX-P & F index, which provides a measure excluding the Porsche and Ferrari components. Indices have been live for more than four years.

IN THE NEWS: Chevrolet Lifts Lid on Corvette Stingray Convertible at Geneva

March 5, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

GENEVA – Chevrolet revealed the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible today at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the car’s key fob. The top can also be opened or closed on the go, at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h).

“The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”

The Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible arrive in global markets in late 2013, with left-hand-drive models to be offered in Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Japan and Russia. Changes to Corvettes for export vary only in equipment required to accommodate a respective market’s regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers and outside mirrors.

“It’s fitting to introduce the new Stingray convertible on the global stage at Geneva, because Corvette is the face of Chevrolet the world over,” said Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. “It is an icon that has long been recognized and admired even in countries where it’s never officially been offered.”

All of the performance technology and capabilities introduced on the Corvette Stingray coupe carry over to the convertible. The only structural changes are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. Central to the Corvette Stingray’s driving experience is an all-new, more rigid aluminum frame structure, which is 57-percent stiffer and 99 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the current steel frame.

All models are powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, with an estimated 450-hp (335 kW) and 450 lb-ft of torque (610 Nm). As no structural reinforcements are required for the convertible, both models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios.

The LT1 combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to support an advanced combustion system designed to balance power and efficiency. The new Corvette Stingray is expected to improve upon the current model’s fuel economy of 13.6L/100km (EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 26 mpg).

With the top up, the Corvette Stingray convertible is designed for a refined driving experience. A thick, three-ply fabric top, along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, contributes to a quiet cabin and premium appearance.

With the top down, the Corvette Stingray’s signature profile is further accentuated. Behind the seat backs, dual black accent panels enhance the character lines of the tonneau cover. Corvette Stingray’s signature “waterfall” design originates in the valley between the nacelles, bringing the exterior color into the interior.

Additional highlights of the all-new Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible include:

A sculpted exterior with advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
An interior that offers genuine carbon fiber and aluminum trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, and two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support
Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood on all models and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
Track-capable Z51 Performance Package, including an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

“We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the ‘Stingray’ name,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Because it was designed from the beginning as an open-top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience – no matter what configuration you choose.”

INOBTANIUM: All Three Lamborghini Venenos Sold. Showing at Geneva Anyway

March 4, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Geneva/Sant’Agata Bolognese, 04.03.2013 – In the year of its 50th
anniversary Automobili Lamborghini is presenting an extremely exclusive
model at the Geneva Motor Show 2013. Only three unique units of the
Lamborghini Veneno will be built and sold. Its design is consistently focused
on optimum aerodynamics and cornering stability, giving the Veneno the
real dynamic experience of a racing prototype, yet it is fully homologated
for the road. With a maximum output of 552 kW / 750 hp, the Veneno
accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and the top speed for
this street-legal racing car stands at 355 km/h. It is priced at three million
Euros plus tax – and all three units have already been sold to customers.

The Lamborghini Veneno features a twelve-cylinder power unit with a
displacement of 6.5 liters, an extremely fast-shifting 7-speed ISR
transmission with 5 driving modes and permanent all-wheel drive, as well as
a racing chassis with pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper
units. Above all, however, the Veneno benefits from the very special
expertise that Automobili Lamborghini possesses in the development and
execution of carbon-fiber materials – the complete chassis is produced as a
CFRP monocoque, as is the outer skin of this extreme sports car. The inside,
too, features innovative, Lamborghini-patented materials such as Forged
Composite and CarbonSkin.

Fully in keeping with the tradition of the brand, the name of the Veneno
originates from a legendary fighting bull.
Veneno is the name of one of the strongest and most aggressive fighting
bulls ever. He is also famous for being one of the fastest bulls in the history
of bullfighting. His name became popular in 1914, when he fatally wounded
the famous torero José Sánchez Rodríguez during the bullfight in the arena
Sanlúcar de Barrameda’s, Andalusia, Spain.

The Design
The Lamborghini Veneno brings the aerodynamic efficiency of a racing
prototype to the road. Every detail of its form pursues a clear function –
exceptional dynamics, optimum downforce with minimal drag and perfect
cooling of the high-performance engine. Yet the Veneno is unmistakably a
Lamborghini; it sticks firmly to the consistent design philosophy of all the super
sports cars from Sant’Agata Bolognese. That includes the extreme proportions,
as well as the powerfully arrow-shaped front end and the interplay between
razor-sharp lines and precise surfaces.

The entire front end of the Lamborghini Veneno has been laid out for perfect
airflow and downforce. The front end works as a large aerodynamic wing.
Large channels guide the air to the outlets in the front hood and in front of the
windshield, as well as to the front wheels. Characteristic for Lamborghini is the
Y shape of the angular headlamps that reach well into the fenders as well as
the scissor doors.
The division of the fenders from the car body is a reference to the world of
sport prototypes and optimizes at the same time the aerodynamic flow. The
side line of the Veneno is therefore dominated by enormous sills and the
mighty wheel arches front and rear. Here, too, sophisticated aerodynamics
ensure perfect airflow to the large openings for engine cooling and intake air.

Just like the front end, the rear of the Veneno has also been optimized for
underbody aerodynamics and high speed cornering stability. The smooth
underbody transitions into a substantial diffuser framing the four sizable
exhaust pipes divided by a splitter to increase the level of downforce peak.
Large openings serve to ventilate the engine bay and manage the airflow to the
rear wing, with the only sealed area at the rear being reserved for the license
plate. The rear lights, including brake lights, indicator lights and fog lights, pick
up the Y theme as well. The engine cover sports six wedge-shaped openings,
with the focus here, too, on optimum dissipation of heat from the engine. The
engine cover extends into a large central “shark” fin, which improves efficiency
during braking and rear-end stability, by delivering additional downforce at
high yaw angles and thus increasing the high-speed cornering performance.

The adjustable rear wing’s design is the product of Motorsport experience and
extensive aerodynamic simulation to ensure the best performance of rear wing
interaction with rear diffuser air flow.

The exclusive alloy wheels measure 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the
rear and are equipped with center mountings. Their design is also determined
by aerodynamic functionality – a carbon-fiber ring around the wheel rim works
like a turbine to deliver additional cooling air to the carbon-ceramic brake
discs.

The Veneno is painted in an all-new, grey metallic-look color with individual
parts gleaming in the black of the visible carbon-fiber structure. The only car to
display all three colors of the Italian flag as an accent is the car shown at
Geneva, the unit which will remain property of Lamborghini. The three cars
sold to customers each feature a single color of the Italian national flag,
together a triology in green, white and red accents and thus representing each
a unique piece.

The Technology
The Veneno is further proof of Automobili Lamborghini’s unique competence in
CFRP-based lightweight design. A monocoque made from carbon-fiber
reinforced polymer forms the basis of the Veneno. It is largely similar to the
Aventador monocoque – as are the aluminum sub-frames front and rear –
although its form has been adapted to the new design. All exterior parts are
made from CFRP. The Veneno meets all safety and registration requirements
worldwide, and naturally also incorporates a full complement of safety systems
from airbags through to the adapted ESP handling system.

Carbon fiber dominates the interior of the Veneno, too. The carbon fiber
monocoque becomes visible inside the car in the area of the central tunnel and
the sills. The two lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini’s
patented Forged Composite. The woven carbon-fiber CarbonSkin® is used to
clad the entire cockpit, part of the seats and the headliner. This unique material
is soaked in a very special kind of resin that stabilizes the fiber structure, while
allowing the material to remain supple. Like a hi-tech fabric, this extremely
fine-looking carbon-fiber matting fits perfectly to any form, and it reduces
weight.

The racing personality has been transferred also to the instrument panel. It has
been completely redesigned and now, thanks to an aggressive graphics and to
the introduction of some additional features like the G-meter, provides all
necessary information to the driver for control of the car.

The systematic, carbon-fiber, lightweight design of the Veneno is not only
visible, it is also evident on the scales: With a dry weight of just 1,450 kilograms
(3,190 pounds), the Veneno is even 125 kilos (275 pounds) lighter than the
already extremely lean Aventador. The highly beneficial power-to-weight ratio
of 1.93 kg/hp (4,25 lbs/hp) guarantees a performance that is nothing short of
mind-blowing. Even the stunning acceleration figure of 2,8 seconds cannot
adequately describe it. Despite an aerodynamic setup configured for extreme
downforce, the Veneno possesses exceptionally low wind resistance which
allows it to reach a top speed of 355 km/h (221 mph).

The twelve-cylinder with a displacement of 6.5 liters is a thrilling combination
of absolute high-revving frenzy and phenomenal pulling power. Its output has
been raised to 552 kW / 750 hp, facilitated through enlarged intake paths,
optimized thermodynamics, a slightly higher rated rpm and an exhaust system
with even lower back pressure. The ISR manual gearbox, permanent all-wheel
drive and pushrod suspension have all been specifically adjusted to meet the
demands of the Veneno.

The Lamborghini Veneno celebrates its first public appearance at the 2013
Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle on show is the number 0, the Lamborghini
test vehicle. Its future has not been determined yet, but it will allow
Lamborghini to continue its activity of testing and innovation, both on the road
and on the race track. The trilogy made of three unique vehicles will be
produced in the course of the year 2013 and handed over to their future

IN THE NEWS: Bentley Unveils Flying Spur Ahead of Geneva

February 20, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

(Crewe, 20th February 2013) Bentley establishes a new luxury performance sedan benchmark with the launch of the new Flying Spur. With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further. Bentley’s most powerful four-door model ever makes its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5th March.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provides high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, comments: “Bentley’s new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan. Our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flying Spur is the perfect combination of power, comfort, refinement and hand-crafted quality. Fitted with the very latest technology, the new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel.”

A SLEEK AND STRIKING EXTERIOR

The styling of the new Flying Spur establishes a new design character for Bentley’s performance sedan. An elegant direction is reflected by a lower, wider appearance with sharp lines and gently curvaceous surfaces. A lower roof line, deeply sculpted panels, precise feature lines and a muscular rear haunch give the Flying Spur a more aggressive stance and a powerfully dynamic profile.

The front fenders feature a striking new wing vent complete with an elegant Bentley “B” motif. From here, an additional feature line forms a sharply defined edge running from the front wheel all the way to the rear bumper, underlining the shape’s dynamic character.

At the front of the car, a more upright chrome grille sits between the pairs of jewel-like LED headlamps. Emphasising the lower, wider stance, the outer lamps are the larger of the two. Beneath the front grille, the lower intake is now full width with no vertical divisions, but instead with a chromed horizontal accent that completes the dramatic face of the new Flying Spur.

At the rear, a longer and lower boot lid lends a more swept appearance to the side profile. Horizontal single ellipse LED tail lamps combine with a new interpretation of the Bentley “Horse Shoe” feature line, now running the full width of the car and encapsulating a graceful concave section.

Beneath the elegant skin of the new Flying Spur, a wide range of materials is applied in an intelligent and efficient manner. Designed to improve overall body stiffness and refinement whilst meeting stringent crash performance targets and pedestrian protection legislation, the new body structure includes reinforcement to the B-posts, sills and front crossmembers together with deformable components in the floorpan for optimal load transfer. A deployable bonnet that includes both new reinforcement panels and deformation elements helps to improve pedestrian impact performance.

The bonnet and front fenders are constructed in aluminium, with the fenders shaped using the aerospace-industry superforming technique, employing compressed air to shape heated sheets of alloy into the required form at over 500°C. Exceptionally clean lines with sharp radii and lighter-weight components are the result, giving the new Flying Spur an unmistakeably Bentley front end with extremely taut shut lines.

The new door structures are completely redesigned with fewer individual parts for improved quality and refinement. An optimisation of the doors realised through efficient use of materials contributes to much improved door kinematics and feel. Meanwhile, further weight savings are achieved through the crafting of the bootlid in a polymer composite material that also integrates the main antennae for the car’s electronic systems.

The exterior design, manufacturing processes and carefully optimised materials selections combine to provide a bodyshell that is not only muscular and clean, with minimal shutlines, but also one that performs exceptionally well on the road. With a torsional stiffness of 36,500 Nm/degree, a 4% increase over the previous generation Flying Spur, the new bodyshell provides an extremely rigid platform for the chassis components and a stable foundation for NVH reduction. The sleek shape also has outstanding aerodynamic properties for a large sedan, with an overall drag coefficient of just 0.29 and ensuing benefits to emissions performance.

Weight savings in the body structure and throughout the car mean that the new Flying Spur is 50 kg lighter than the first generation car, despite the additional refinement measures, enhanced technology specification and stronger structure.

A CONTEMPORARY CABIN OF HAND-CRAFTED MATERIALS

The sumptuous interior of the new Flying Spur includes 600 new parts, with only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests and some of the front console and controls carried over from the previous generation. Class-leading entertainment and information technologies are married with traditional hand-crafted materials and stunning contemporary design to create the ultimate high-luxury sedan cabin.

Available in both four- and five-seat configurations, the new Flying Spur features redesigned front and rear seats trimmed in natural premium-quality leather. The new seats use a softer yet more durable hide unique to Bentley and available in twelve different colours.

Careful use of different foam specifications and densities creates seats that are both supremely comfortable and supportive, with 14-way adjustment including memory and lumbar functions. Every occupant is offered seat heating as well as seat ventilation, while additional stowage sections are incorporated to the rear of the front seats.

For the four-seat variant, the centre console sweeps from the front to the rear cabin and introduces an additional storage area together with a beautifully crafted stowage case, trimmed in veneer to match the car.

The interior designers, together with the craftsmen and women of Bentley’s renowned woodshop, have applied the finest wood veneers to finish the cabin of the new Flying Spur. Utilising almost ten square metres of sustainably sourced natural wood per car, the Flying Spur features book-matched and mirror-polished veneer to the fascia panels, consoles, waistrails and picnic tables. To enhance the “wrap-around” feel of the forward cabin, the veneer of the dashboard meets that of the doors in a perfectly aligned curve, giving the impression of an unbroken arc of wood around the interior. Crafted entirely by hand, cured for 72 hours and clear-lacquered to enhance the natural beauty of the wood, a range of seven sophisticated veneers is available (two as standard – burr walnut or dark fiddleback eucalyptus).

To complete the luxurious and opulent nature of the cabin, the roof lining and pillars are also trimmed in natural leather. Layers of supple foam are applied to all tactile surfaces beneath the hide, harmonising the touch and feel of all areas of the cabin. Electrically-operated rear side blinds, fitted as standard, permit privacy for rear-seat passengers if desired. Customers may also specify an optional glass sunroof at no additional cost. Behind the central rear armrest, a nine-litre bottle cooler can be specified to keep drinks perfectly chilled. The interior designers also focused on improving interior stowage around the cabin, whilst including new electronic technologies discretely throughout the interior.

CONNECTION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Complementing the hand-crafted interior, the Flying Spur is equipped with carefully selected state-of-the-art technology, for both the driver and passengers. Central infotainment is controlled through a high resolution 8” touch-screen interface, complete with Bentley’s advanced satellite navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity, while infotainment features can be controlled by voice activation.

An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system featuring Balanced Mode Radiator technology for optimum sound clarity and frequency range can play music from an on-board hard drive, CDs, DVDs, SD cards and via an iPod. The Naim® for Bentley Premium Audio System, featuring redesigned separate subwoofers for improved bass extension and 1100 Watts of power, is available as an option for those wishing for the ultimate in-car audio experience.

Rear seat passengers have access to an extensive array of infotainment technology. A new Touch Screen Remote (TSR), deployed from a housing in the rear console at the touch of a button, allows passengers to control a variety of different systems. From climate controls and seat heating and ventilation through to the satellite navigation and multimedia systems, the TSR means passengers can interface with the car from the comfort of their seat.

Customers wishing to work on the move may order the new Flying Spur with the new Multi-Media Specification. Central to this is the Bentley Connectivity Unit (BCU) which allows portable devices, laptops and tablet computers to connect to the internet through the car’s own Wi-Fi hotspot with an active SIM and includes 64 GB of internal storage capacity. Two 10” LCD screens are installed to the backs of the front seats, while top-loading multimedia players sit in pockets fitted beneath, allowing the user to load and enjoy video, photo and music content from DVDs, SD cards, USB devices including iPods and iPads, and HDMI devices.

Each rear passenger can view separate content, or stream media from the BCU. A USB charging port keeps batteries fresh, and wired headphone ports complete the connections, allowing music and internet radio to be played directly through the BCU. Bentley wireless headphones complete the specification for the ultimate in rear-seat infotainment.

DESIGNED FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT

Achieving class-leading comfort and refinement was a priority during the development of the new Flying Spur and the acoustic isolation of the cabin from external noise inputs was a particular focus. Bentley’s development and use of lightweight acoustic underfloor panels to minimise road noise continues, with aerodynamically optimised insulating sections applied to almost the entire underfloor of the car. Side glazing and both front and rear screens are made in acoustic glass, featuring a specially developed interlayer that reduces noise transmission. An improved sealing system around the side glazing now features two individual sealing points to reduce wind noise to a minimum regardless of road speed. The redesigned doors are also fitted with additional insulation to the outer skin, reducing noise diffusion in to the cabin. Enlarged rear mufflers reduce exhaust noise by 12 dB at 3000 rev/min for enhanced passenger comfort.

The heating and ventilation system is improved with the addition of a new Thermostatic Expansion Valve which drastically decreases the time taken to cool the cabin. An optional Climate Boost function features an enhanced blower system for improved cooling of the rear cabin.

With comfort paramount for the new Flying Spur, a new 19” tyre has been specifically developed, utilising a 12% relative increase in sidewall height combined with greater vertical compliance to improve impact isolation. During development, 12 different tyre constructions were tested and refined to find the optimum balance between refinement and handling performance.

EIGHT GEARS, SIX LITRES AND FOUR DRIVEN WHEELS

As Bentley’s most powerful engine, the 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged, 48-valve W12 is the natural choice to power the fastest ever Bentley four-door. Now delivering 625 PS (616 bhp) at 6,000 rev/min and a staggering 800 Nm (580 lb ft) of torque from only 2000 rev/min, the W12 has recently undergone a complete engine management system upgrade to the latest Bosch ME17 interface. Improved torque management, turbocharger control, driveability and emissions performance all result from the adoption and optimisation of the new system, with a resulting improvement in low speed responsiveness.

Coupled to the W12 is the very latest eight-speed, quick-shift automatic transmission from ZF. All Bentley models now feature this state-of-the-art gearbox. Delivering seamless and imperceptible shifts in under 200 milliseconds, the gearbox is not only designed to handle the mighty torque output of the W12 but also to ensure smooth and refined delivery of power to the wheels. An optimised set of gear ratios keeps the engine in its most efficient operating range under light loads and when cruising, contributing in an overall improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of more than 13 per cent over the outgoing model. The new Flying Spur delivers a combined cycle fuel economy of 19.2 mpg (14.7 litres/100 km), and CO2 emissions of 343 g/km – impressive figures for a 12-cylinder ultra-luxury, high performance sedan.

The transmission feeds power to all four wheels via Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. With a standard torque split of 60 per cent to the rear wheels and 40 per cent to the front, but the ability to vary this division up to 85 per cent to the rear axle or 65 per cent to the front depending on available traction, the Flying Spur’s drivetrain ensures optimal grip regardless of prevailing road or weather conditions. The assurance provided by such a sure-footed set-up means that the spirited driver can deploy all of the car’s available power and torque in a controlled and dependable manner, in virtually any circumstances.

A REFINED RIDE WITH DYNAMIC DELIVERY

With outstanding ride comfort of vital importance, the independent computer-controlled air suspension of the new Flying Spur is redesigned to maximise impact absorption and isolation. Compared to the outgoing model, suspension spring rates are softened front and rear by 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, for improved ride comfort in the normal operating region. The rate of stiffness increase during harder cornering has been increased for improved control of heave, pitch and roll. Anti-roll bars are softened by 13 per cent and 15 per cent to improve single wheel impact absorption. Suspension lever bushes all-round are softened by at least 25 per cent for reduced road surface-induced noise and vibration.

Working with the new springs, a damper hydraulic specification has been developed to maximise ride comfort. Working with a revised damper electronic control (CDC) strategy, this enables exceptional low speed ride performance while damping force increases significantly with speed, providing the optimum balance between body control and stability at all speeds. A four-position suspension control, with a widened range of settings, allows drivers to choose the level of damping to suit their preference.

The power steering system provides a comfort-orientated balance whilst maintaining optimum steering feel and precision throughout the speed range. A new specification of steering gear, together with a new calibration of the speed-sensitive system that regulates hydraulic fluid flow, provides variable assistance depending on vehicle speed. The new system delivers both high levels of isolation from surface deformations whilst ensuring driver confidence through the combination of accurate steering precision and a measured increase in steering effort when cornering.

As the new Flying Spur approaches its 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed, the ride height is automatically lowered via the air suspension system in order to compensate for aerodynamic forces. This helps not only to improve vehicle stability by optimising aerodynamic balance along the car, but also reduces drag, with benefits both to top speed and CO2 output. The new car has a two-stage lowering strategy, firstly lowering by 5 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear at 121 mph (195 km/h) and then by a further 8 mm and 13 mm respectively at 149 mph (240 km/h).

The multiple-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is recalibrated to work in combination with the new chassis specification. The system is calibrated to ensure that the enthusiastic driver is not hindered by stability interventions and, where appropriate through the selection of the ESC Dynamic Mode, the driver can further explore the handling limits of the vehicle whilst still maintaining appropriate levels of stability control.

THE PERSONAL CHOICES

As with the entire Bentley range, the new Flying Spur is built to individual customers’ exacting specifications. A range of seventeen standard exterior paint colours includes Dark Cashmere, a sophisticated and contemporary addition to the Bentley palette. The extended paint range of over 100 colours is joined by Damson, a rich hue inspired by the extremely rare purple diamond, and one that is complemented by an optional matching hide colour.

A new 19-inch Classic wheel is fitted exclusively to the new Flying Spur, either bright-painted or with a diamond turned finish. The new design consolidates a wider range of 20-inch five-spoke, 21-inch six-spoke and 21-inch ten-spoke wheels available as cost options.

Customers wishing to extend the range of available options further can choose to include the Mulliner Driving Specification. This includes five additional hides, expanding the number of available shades to 17, and five further wood veneers. Bentley’s traditional diamond quilting is incorporated to the seats and door panels, together with an indented leather headlining and embroidered Bentley wings to the headrests. Drilled alloy foot pedals, a knurled sports gear lever, jewel filler cap and 21” two-piece five-spoke alloy wheels in painted or polished finish complete the Mulliner suite of options.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

New Flying Spur
Engine
Type 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power 616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rev/min
Max Torque 800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rev/min
Transmission
Type ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667
Final Drive 2.85
Brakes
Front 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels New 19″ (2 finishes), opt 9.5J x 20″, opt 9.5J x 21″ (3 designs)
Tyres 275/45 ZR19, 275/40 ZR20, 275/35 ZR21
Steering
Type Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock-to-lock 2.8
Turning circle 11.7 m / 38.4 feet
Suspension
Front Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Rear Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar
Damping Continuous Damping Control
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3065 mm / 120.7 in
Overall length 5295 mm / 208.5 in
Width (across body) 1976 mm / 77.8 in
Width (inc. mirrors) 2208 mm / 86.9 in
Overall height 1488 mm / 58.6 in
Fuel tank 90 litres / 20 UK gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot volume 475 litres / 16.8 cu ft
Kerb weight (EU) 2475 kg / 5451 lb
Gross vehicle weight 2972 kg / 6546 lb
Performance
Top speed 200 mph / 322 km/h
0-60 mph 4.3 secs
0-100 mph 9.5 secs
0-100 km/h 4.6 secs
0-160 km/h 9.5 secs
Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)*
Urban 12.6 mpg (22.4 litres/100 km)
Extra Urban 27.8 mpg (10.2 litres/100 km)
Combined 19.2 mpg (14.7 litres/100 km)
CO2 emissions 343 g /km
Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)**
City (US mpg) 12
Highway (US mpg) 20
Combined (US mpg) 15
Emissions Controls EU 5 and US LEV II

ON THE BLOCK: Notable BMWs at Race Retro and Classic Cars

February 16, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Possibly the most distinctive model to be offered at the Silverstone Auctions hosted Race Retro and Classic Car Sale has been unveiled as a 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ FIA Race Car in bright orange.

Estimated at between £75,000 to £100,000, this stunning example will come to auction on 23rd February at Stoneleigh with zero running hours since a very recent engine refresh by renowned experts Mathwall Engineering.

Starting life as a standard original BMW CSL road car, the car was built for racing in 2010 by noted race team Classic Cars of Kent. The work involved acid dipping, e-coating and seam welding the shell. It was then fitted with new sills and panels where necessary and a full FIA cage welded in to place.

Underneath the bonnet, the engine was modified to full FIA race spec with very rare factory Kugelfischer injection and Schnitzer slides.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “Presented with FIA HTP papers, this race car is a great way to compete in the various 70’s saloon events, including the Masters series.

“It’s a fitting addition to our auction at the Race Retro Show, Europe’s premier international historic motorsport event, and lines up alongside a stunning array of competition cars, classic road-going models and collectable automobilia.”

Other BMW’s being offered include a 1973 E9 CSI Coupe – one of only 207 right-hand drive examples built – estimated at £18,000 to £22,000, and a 1974 E9 CSI Coupe fitted with a 3.8 M5 Engine, also estimated at £18,000 to £22,000.

Moving forward in years and there is a 1991 M5 – the last of the hand-built M cars – estimated at £8,000 to £10,000, and a 2006 Z4M Roadster – owned by motoring legend Colin Blower – estimated at £14,000 to £16,000.

For more information about Silverstone Auctions and the Race Retro and Classic Car Sale visit www.silverstoneauctions.com, while to discover more about Race Retro visit www.raceretro.com.

IN CELEBRATION: Porsche 911 Marks 50 Years as an Automotive Icon

February 7, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

For five decades, the 911 has been the heart of the Porsche brand. Few other automobiles in the world can look back on such a long tradition and such continuity as the Porsche 911. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut as the model 901 at the IAA International Automotive Show in September 1963. Today it is considered the quintessential sports car, the benchmark for all others. The 911 is also the central point of reference for all other Porsche series. From the Cayenne to the Panamera, every Porsche is the most sporting automobile in its category, and each one carries a piece of the 911 philosophy.

Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built, making it the most successful sports car in the world. For each of its seven generations the engineers in Zuffenhausen and Weissach have reinvented it, time and time again demonstrating to the world the innovative power of the Porsche brand. Like no other vehicle, the 911 reconciles apparent contradictions such as sportiness and everyday practicality, tradition and innovation, exclusivity and social acceptance, design and functionality. It is no wonder that each generation has written its own personal success story. Ferry Porsche best described its unique qualities: “The 911 is the only car you could drive on an African safari or at Le Mans, to the theatre or through New York City traffic.”

In addition to its classic yet unique lines, the Porsche 911 has always been distinguished by its advanced technology. Many of the ideas and technologies that made their debut in the Porsche 911 were conceived on the race track. The 911 was committed to the performance principle from the start, and motor racing is its most important test lab. From the very beginning it has been at home on circuits all over the world, earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable winner. Indeed, a good two thirds of the 30,000 race victories achieved by Porsche to date were notched up by the 911.

How Porsche celebrates the anniversary

For Porsche, the 50th anniversary of this iconic sports car is the central theme of 2013. There will be a wide variety of anniversary events, starting with the ‘Retro Classics’ automobile show in Stuttgart. From 7 to 10 March, the Porsche Museum will ring in the anniversary year with four special exhibits, an early-model 911 Turbo Coupé, a 911 Cabriolet study from 1981, a 1997 road-going ‘street’ version 911 GT1 and the pre-series Type 754 T7. This chassis by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche was a milestone on the way to the 911 design.

The company is also sending an authentic 1967 model 911 on a world tour. Over the course of the year, this classic car will travel to five continents where it will be shown in places like Pebble Beach, California, China, Goodwood in the UK, Paris and Australia. As an ambassador for the Porsche brand, this vintage 911 will be in attendance at many international fairs, historical rallies and motor sport events. Fans and interested individuals can follow the car’s progress at porsche.com/follow-911.

The Porsche Museum is celebrating ‘50 years of the Porsche 911’ from 4 June – 29 September 2013, with a special exhibition featuring the history and development of the 911. In the spring, the Museum’s own publishing house, Edition Porsche-Museum, will publish an anniversary book entitled “911×911”.

THE GENRATIONS

The First 911 (1963) — Birth of a Legend

As the successor to the Porsche 356, the 911 won the hearts of sports car enthusiasts from the outset. The prototype was first unveiled at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963 as the 901, and renamed the 911 for its market launch in 1964. Its air-cooled, six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine delivered 128 hp (94 kW), giving an impressive top speed of 131 mph.

If you wanted to take things a little slower, starting in 1965 you could also opt for the four-cylinder Porsche 912. In 1966, Porsche presented the 158 hp (116 kW) 911 S, which was the first to feature forged alloy wheels from Fuchs. The 911 Targa, with its distinctive stainless steel roll bar, made its debut in late 1966 as the world’s first ever safety cabriolet. The semi-automatic Sportomatic four-speed transmission joined the line-up in 1967. With the 911 T of the same year, and the later E and S variants, Porsche became the first German manufacturer to comply with strict US exhaust emission control regulations.

The Porsche 911 became more and more powerful as displacement increased, initially to 2.2-litres (1969) and later to 2.4 (1971). The 911 Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 with a 207 hp (152 kW) engine and a weight of less than 1,000 kg remains the epitome of a dream car to this day. Its characteristic ‘ducktail’ was the world’s first rear spoiler on a production vehicle.

The G-Series (1973) — The Second Generation

Ten years after its premiere, the engineers at Porsche gave the 911 its first thorough makeover. The G-Series model was produced from 1973 to 1989, longer than any other 911 generation. It featured prominent impact-absorbing bellows bumpers, an innovation designed to meet the latest crash test standards in the United States. Occupant protection was further enhanced by three-point safety belts as standard equipment, as well as integrated seat headrests.

One of the most important milestones in the 911 saga was the 1974 unveiling of the first Porsche 911 Turbo with a 3.0-litre 256 hp (188 kW) engine and prominent rear spoiler. With its unique blend of luxury and performance, the Turbo became synonymous with the Porsche mystique. The next performance jump came in 1977 with the intercooler-equipped 911 Turbo 3.3. Its power output of 296 hp (218 kW) was the best in its class. In 1983, the naturally-aspirated 911 Carrera superseded the SC; with a 3.2-litre 228 hp engine, it became a favourite collectors’ item. Starting in 1982, fresh air enthusiasts could also order the 911 as a Cabriolet. The 911 Carrera Speedster, launched in 1989, was evocative of the legendary 356 of the Fifties.

The 964 (1988) — Classic Modern

Just when automotive experts were predicting the imminent end of an era, in 1988 Porsche came out with the 911 Carrera 4 (964). After fifteen years of production the 911 platform was radically renewed with 85 per cent new components, giving Porsche a modern and sustainable vehicle. Its air-cooled 3.6-litre ‘boxer’ engine delivered 247 hp (182 kW). Externally, the 964 differed from its predecessors only slightly, in its aerodynamic polyurethane bumpers and automatically extending rear spoiler, but internally it was almost completely different. The new model was designed to captivate drivers not only with sporty performance but also enhanced comfort. It came with ABS, power steering and airbags, plus the option of Tiptronic automatic transmission, and rode on a completely re-designed chassis with light alloy control arms and coil springs instead of the previous torsion-bar suspension.

A revolutionary member of the new 911 line-up right from the start was the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 model. In addition to Carrera Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa versions, from 1990 customers could also order the 964 Turbo. Initially powered by the proven 3.3-litre flat six engine, in 1992 the Turbo was upgraded to a more powerful 355 hp (261 kW) 3.6-litre power plant. Today, the 964 Carrera RS, 911 Turbo S, and 911 Carrera 2 Speedster are particularly in demand among collectors.

The 993 (1993) — The Last Air-Cooled Models

The 911 with the internal design number 993 remains the one true love of many a Porsche driver. The remarkably pleasing design has much to do with this. The integrated bumpers underscore the smooth elegance of its styling. The front section is lower-slung than on the earlier models, made possible by a switch from round to poly-ellipsoid headlights. The 993 quickly gained a reputation for exceptional dependability and reliability. It was also agile, as the first 911 with a newly-designed aluminium chassis.

The Turbo version was the first to have a twin-turbo engine, giving it the lowest-emission production automotive powertrain in the world in 1995. The hollow-spoke aluminium wheels, never before used on any car, were yet another innovation of the all-wheel drive Turbo version.

The Porsche 911 GT2 was aimed at the sports car purist who cherished the thrill of high speed. An electric glass roof that slid under the rear window was one of the innovations of the 911 Targa. But the real reason dyed-in-the-wool Porsche enthusiasts still revere the 993 is that this model, produced from 1993 to 1998, was the last 911 with an air-cooled engine.

The 996 (1997) — Water-Cooled

The 996, which rolled off the assembly line from 1997 to 2005, represented a major turning point in the history of the 911. It retained all the character of its classic heritage, but was an entirely new car. The comprehensively re-designed generation was the first to be driven by a water-cooled version of the ‘boxer’ engine. Thanks to its four-valve cylinder heads, it achieved 296 hp (218 kW) and broke new ground in terms of reduced emissions, noise, and fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, the exterior design was a reinterpretation of the classic lines of the 911, but with a lower drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.30. The lines of the 996 were also a result of component sharing with the successful Porsche Boxster. Its most obvious exterior feature were the headlights with integrated turn signals, at first controversial but later copied by many other manufacturers. On the inside, drivers experienced an entirely new cockpit. Driving comfort now also played a greater role alongside the typical sports driving characteristics. With the 996, Porsche launched an unprecedented product offensive with a whole series of new variations. The 911 GT3 became one of the highlights of the model range in 1999, keeping the tradition of the Carrera RS alive. The 911 GT2, the first car equipped with ceramic brakes as standard, was marketed as an extreme sports vehicle in the autumn of 2000.

The 997 (2004) — Classicism and Modernity

In July 2004, Porsche unveiled the new generation 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S models, referred to internally as the 997. The clear oval headlights with separate indicators in the front apron were a visual return to older 911 models, but the 997 offered more than just style. It was a high-performance vehicle, with a 3.6-litre ‘boxer’ engine that turned out 321 hp (236 kW) while the new 3.8 litre engine of the Carrera S developed an incredible 350 hp (261 kW).

The chassis was also substantially reworked, and the Carrera S came with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard equipment. In 2006, Porsche introduced the 911 Turbo, the first petrol-engined production car to include a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. A model update in the autumn of 2008 made the 997 even more efficient thanks to DFI direct fuel injection and the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual clutch transmission. Never before had the 911 series made such extensive allowances to suit drivers’ individual preferences, and with Carrera, Targa, Cabriolet, rear or all-wheel drive, Turbo, GTS, special models, and road versions of GT racing cars, the 911 family ultimately comprised 24 model versions.

The 991 (2011) – Refined by Experience

This car, known internally as the 991, represents the greatest technical leap in the evolution of the 911. Already the class benchmark for decades, the new 911 generation raises performance and efficiency to new levels. A totally new chassis with a longer wheelbase, wider track, larger tyres and an ergonomically optimised interior – it all adds up to an even sportier yet more comfortable driving experience. Technically, the 911 is the epitome of Porsche Intelligent Performance — even lower fuel consumption, even higher performance. This is due in part to the smaller 3.4-litre displacement in the Carrera model (yet developing 5 hp more than the second generation 997 3.6-litre), and also to its hybrid steel/aluminium construction, which significantly reduces kerb weight.

Other innovations include Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission. The design of the 991 has likewise received much acclaim. With its distinctive silhouette, exciting contours, and precisely designed details, the seventh generation of the Porsche 911 Carrera remains unmistakably a 911 that has once again succeeded in redefining the standard for automobile design. It is the best 911 of all time……until the next generation.

IN THE NEWS: Rolls Royce Unwraps Wraith in Teaser Image Ahead of Geneva

January 22, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

ON THE BLOCK: Buyers Turn out for Another Strong Sale at Brooklands

May 28, 2012 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Amidst some speculative recent market results, the heat was on Historics, but with Brooklands bathed in sunshine, the classic and sports car auctioneer again delivered another strong sale. In total 60 of 103 vehicles were seen away for a sale ratio of 58% and a final sale figure of £1,159,070.

As pre-sale publicity predicted, Bentley’s blazed a trail, with the star of the show an R-Type Coupé by Abbott of Farnham, which sold for £100,000. A 1937 4¼ litre Sports Special sold for £47,500, while a more modern 1992 Bentley Continental Convertible went for over its pre-sale estimate at £49,000. Including the much talked-about Woolf Barnato 3½ litre Derby Bentley restoration project, which sold for £9,750, all 12 Bentley Lots found new homes.

Porsche also proved a popular marque as a sun-kissed orange 1971 911S sold for £53,000, a 1964 356SC for £34,000 and an eminently driveable 1984 911 3.2 Carrera Sport went for £14,250.

Other notable sales included a sought-after Jaguar XK150S Roadster for £70,000 and a Series I 2+2 Coupe Jaguar E-type for £21,750, while the Sunbeam Tiger continues to prove a popular pick amongst competition enthusiasts, as £34,000 was sufficient for an online bidder to buy a 1965 FIA Appendix K Rally car.

Meanwhile, Historics’ regular Helen Chamberlain – renowned Sky Television presenter and poker player extraordinaire* – added to the 1949 26-seater Albion Victor bus purchased at Historics’ October sale, by driving away with a 1985 Audi Quattro and 1956 Chevrolet Two-Ten Sedan.

Commenting on Historics’ ninth sale to date, Auction Director Edward Bridger-Stille, remarked; “this was our third successive £1million plus sale, and shows that our all-inclusive set-up is the correct approach to a competitive market.

“In what is in increasingly crowded auction calendar, it’s encouraging to see so many people continuing to turn to Historics to satisfy their classic car curiosity, and we’re already looking forward to another balmy day at Brooklands for our next sale on September 1st”, he concluded.

For more information on Historics at Brooklands next auction on the afternoon of Saturday September 1^st, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.