If you love performance cars, and/ or motorsport, then you’ve got to get yourself to the Performance and Car Tuning Show, formerly known as the Performance Car Show. If you are not aware the Performance and Car Tuning Show runs alongside Autosport International, that will run from the 10-13 January 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham (open to...

If you love performance cars, and/ or motorsport, then you’ve got to get yourself to the Performance and Car Tuning Show, formerly known as the Performance Car Show.

If you are not aware the Performance and Car Tuning Show runs alongside Autosport International, that will run from the 10-13 January 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham (open to the public on the 12-13th Jan.).

To be in with a chance to win yourself a pair or tickets, let us know what is your favourite performance car and why below for your chance to win a complimentary pair of tickets to this wonderful event.

Featuring a stunning display of exotic supercars, rare and historic models, and displays from the world’s top automotive manufactures, the Performance and Car Tuning Show is the leading UK exhibition dedicated to enthusiasts of sports and performance cars.

It is a great time to meet leading tuning companies, see the latest performance road cars, speak to club members, watch the Live Action Arena precision driving displays and take part in driving experiences.

Good luck.

This is a firmly MUST ATTEND event. Keep following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or our Newsletter for our next competition to win yourself a pair of complementary tickets or other car related item.

From 1948 until its closure in 1966, the former RAF Westhampnett, at the base of the Sussex Downs, was a prominent venue in global motor-sport. Opened by the current Duke of Richmond & Gordon’s grandfather, its war-time contribution and that of its entrants and competitors, is celebrated annually at the Revival. This year’s paddock and...

From 1948 until its closure in 1966, the former RAF Westhampnett, at the base of the Sussex Downs, was a prominent venue in global motor-sport. Opened by the current Duke of Richmond & Gordon’s grandfather, its war-time contribution and that of its entrants and competitors, is celebrated annually at the Revival.

This year’s paddock and circuit displays highlighted –

• Seventy years of the Goodwood motor racing circuit and twenty years of the Revival
• Platinum anniversary of the first British Grand Prix of the modern era.
• Centenary of the Royal Air Force.
• The seventieth anniversary of the British Transport Commission, assuming control of the UK’s road and rail network infrastructure.
• Sixty years since the former Ferrari Owners Club GB President, the late Jack Sears, won the inaugural British Saloon Car Championship in his Austin A105 Westminster.
• The Golden Jubilee of the all-action, Oscar & BAFTA award-winning movie “Bullitt”; co-produced by, and starring, the late Steve McQueen.

Blending cars, motorcycles, planes, fashion and culture with some of the globe’s best historic racing on two & four wheels, alongside a Bonhams auction and with more than 145,000+ attendees over the weekend (many in ‘40’s/’50’s/’60’s dress), it was undoubtedly a superb weekend, set against the enjoyable backdrop of the late summer sun.

In the central paddock ,where gentlemen are required to wear ties, competing cars were arranged by marque, including ERA, Maserati, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Ferrari – attracting much attention, was the children-only, single marque entry (Austin J40 pedal car) for the annual Settrington Cup. The Earls Court Motor Show celebrated the cinematic achievements and automotive collection of the aforementioned Steve McQueen, the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation concours presented one hundred years of the RAF, whilst the competing “Driver’s Club” was set against an authentic back-drop of “Wilks’s Farm” – the Anglesey-haven of former Chairman of the Rover Company and Land Rover designer, Maurice Wilks.

The on-track activity has received widespread coverage elsewhere, here were my highlights:

Kinrara Trophy

Rob Walker Racing tribute

Founded in 1953, by heir to the Johnny Walker whisky company, R.R.C. or “Rob” Walker had previously raced in the 1949 Le Mans; entering as a privateer, in his beloved Delahaye 135 (complete with pinstripe suit!), before subsequently promising his fiancee that once married, he would quit racing and transition to team ownership.

Acknowledging his Scottish ancestry, he adopted the livery of dark blue, accompanied by a white stripe across the nose of a car’s bodywork and is best known for his driver partnership and multiple successes with Sir Stirling Moss – scoring the first Grand Prix victory for a mid-engined car in a Cooper T51, the first Grand Prix win for Lotus with a Type 12 and overall victory in the ’60 & ‘61 Goodwood RAC Tourist Trophy in Ferrari 250 GT SWBs. Appropriately the Dorking, Surrey-based team also scored the very last GP win for a privateer with a Lotus 49, in the hands of Jo Siffert, at the 1968 British Grand Prix.

Over the weekend, a thirty car demonstration was lead by the same Delahaye (still in Walker-family ownership and driven by son, Robbie), the victorious 1958 Argentinian Grand Prix Cooper, the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix-winning Lotus and the two Ferrari 250 GT SWBs used to win the 1960 and 1961 RAC TTs at Goodwood …a fitting tribute, to a team principal, who once declared his occupation on his passport, as a “gentleman”.

Dan Gurney(13/4/31-14/1/18):

Like many, the Duke of Richmond had long-admired the demeanour, capabilities and achievements of “Mr Versatile”….from his Long Island NYC-roots and Californian upbringing, Gurney achieved significant success, across multiple motorsport categories, either side of the Atlantic, over more than four decades. From a family of innovators, he was the first to see the aerodynamic benefits of an upturned trailing-edge on the wing of a racecar, the first racer to wear a “full-face” helmet and to spray the champagne after the chequered flag…..which he first did, having won the 1967 Le Mans 24 Hrs.

This innovative “streak” lead him to co-design and race a F1 car of his own construction – the 1966 Eagle MK1 (TG1), which with 3.0 litre Weslake-power, he became only the third competitor to win a Grand Prix (1967 Belgian GP) in a self-designed/built chassis….not forgetting his CanAm, Ferrari sports-car or earlier “drag-racing” success!!

Alongside Mario Andretti and more recently Juan-Pablo Montoya, Gurney is one of just three drivers to have achieved race victories in four motorsport disciplines – NASCAR, Indycar, F1 and Sports-cars. A father of six, his sons Justin and Alex supported Dan as Team Principal of All-American-Racers (AAR Eagle), achieving multiple Championship successes in CART (the forerunner of Indycar) and IMSA, whilst Toyota-powered AAR’s won the blue-riband Daytona 24Hrs and Sebring 12 Hrs.

Sadly Dan “took his final checker” in January this year and to mark his life and achievements, an inscription of “Viva Gurney” had been painted onto the Goodwood circuit tarmac, ahead of the start-line and fittingly the weekend’s tribute was led by his good friends and contemporaries, Sir Jackie Stewart and Derek Bell.

Goodwood Revival 2018 Results

Last of all Barrie “Whizzo” Williams 1938-2018:

On the Saturday morning of this year’s Revival, came the sad news of the passing earlier that day of Barrie ”Whizzo” Williams after a race-driving, hillclimbing and rallying career, lasting more than six decades.

An RAC TT-winner at the inaugural Revival and never happier than when recounting a tale from his racing and Ecurie Cod Fillet exploits; it was fitting that two vehicles he had raced/driven extensively were in the paddock to share in his memory…

The weekend’s opening Kinrara Trophy, had seen a sublime drive to victory, from multiple Le Mans winner Emmanuele Pirro, aboard the Halusa family’s Ferrari Breadvan and not to be outdone, British GT racer Phil Keen gave my “drive of the weekend” as he raced from the pit-lane through the complete grid, to Whitsun Trophy victory in Jon Minshaw’s 1958 Lister Jaguar…Whizzo and Henry-Hope-Frost would have approved of both!!

Here’s a cool video that we came across which has a Shelby Cobra giving it a lot of beans during a qualifying lap at the 2018 Goodwood Revival.  On-board with Martin Stretton, qualifying for the RAC Tourist Trophy. Here’s some history on the car. Shelby Cobra CSX2112 was billed to Shelby American on January 1963 after...

Here’s a cool video that we came across which has a Shelby Cobra giving it a lot of beans during a qualifying lap at the 2018 Goodwood Revival.  On-board with Martin Stretton, qualifying for the RAC Tourist Trophy.

Here’s some history on the car.

Shelby Cobra CSX2112 was billed to Shelby American on January 1963 after which the car had 3 US owners, where it led a normal life until bought by Jim Gould in 1976. After having owned the car for 20+ years, Jim modified the Cobra in 2000 to compete in Vintage races. After several years as a successful vintage racer and 33 years of ownership, Gould sold CSX2112 – through Curt Vogt of Cobra Automotive – in 2007 to Dutch historic racer Peter Van Hoepen. Peter sent CSX2112 to renowned UK Cobra preparer Classic Racing Cars Ltd (“CRC”) where it has been looked after until today.

Purchased in 2012 by the current owner, CSX2112 has been racing with great success on the European historic racing scene recording many wins and podium finishes, including two wins in the prestigious Peter Auto Sixties Endurance race during the Spa Classic. The car has also catalogued pole positions, wins and podiums in a number of Masters Historic Racing Gentlemen Drivers series between 2012 and 2018.

Repairs

Following a crash during the 2016 Goodwood Members Meeting, the car’s bodywork was meticulously repaired by G&A Fabrications, renowned for their works on AC and Shelby Cobras and their expertise in preservation of original panels. An extensive G&A repair description and picture file accompanies the car. CSX2112 was then mechanically overhauled by Classic Racing Cars Ltd, leading preparers of racing Cobras, with multiple Goodwood and Le Mans Classic winning cars to their name. The gearbox, suspension and brakes where rebuilt, a new fuel cell and fire system was installed, and the engine was rebuilt to latest FIA specification by V8 engine specialist Steve Warrior.

Restoration

During the summer of 2018 the current owner commissioned Brooklands Motor Company, renowned AC expert body shop and owner of the AC works archives and original wooden bucks, to carry out a comprehensive restoration of the car. The owner’s mandate was simple: change the car from a slightly “hot-rod” race car, a look inherited when it was converted from road to FIA race car all those years ago, to the best looking 1963 Shelby Cobra in Europe, correct in every aspect. The car was stripped to bare metal and substantial man hours were dedicated to enhancing the car’s overall aesthetics, which included substantial reshaping of the wheel arches, wings and nose section, using the original jig. In addition, work included enhancing the car’s interior, fitting lightweight quilted leather, period correct Cobra lights and chrome fittings. The car was then resprayed in period correct AC Dark Blue.

An aluminium hardtop is currently being manufactured, rear valance repaired and will also be fitted also be fitted with a new, correct dashboard in October 2018.

Summary

Benefitting from a current FIA HTP and recent refurbishment, CSX2112 is now looking more resplendent than ever and remains one of the most competitive, best-handling, attractive and front-running FIA racing Cobras in Europe.

Recently returned from a highly successful participation in the 2018 Goodwood Revival, CSX2112 starred in the most prestigious and competitive pre-66 GT race in the world, the RAC Tourist Trophy. The car ran close to the front all race, including six laps in the lead.

We saw this beautiful and highly desirable 1938 Lancia Astura Cabriolet Series IV (Chassis No. 41-3125) at the 2018 Salon Privé.  We just wanted to highlight this car to you, as it’s exceptional, and my car heaven.  I hope you love it as much as we do.  Just superb in every way. We love it. This aerodynamic...

We saw this beautiful and highly desirable 1938 Lancia Astura Cabriolet Series IV (Chassis No. 41-3125) at the 2018 Salon Privé.  We just wanted to highlight this car to you, as it’s exceptional, and my car heaven.  I hope you love it as much as we do.  Just superb in every way. We love it.

This aerodynamic Lancia is believed to be the sole survivor of just three 4th-Series Asturas bodied in this Cabriolet style by Carrozzeria Boneschi of Milan. One of Lancia’s most important pre-war models, the Astura Series IV featured an admirable narrow-angle 3-litre V8 engine, mounted on a long wheelbase platform chassis and attracting some of the finest coachwork of the period, the model being used extensively as official transportation by Italian government departments in the 1930s. Originally owned by a Belgian coal-mining magnate, this Lancia was laid up throughout WW@ and kept in safe long-term storage by the owner’s widow during the 1950s. Apart from a repaint in the original dark grey colour, the Astura is still totally original, including its plush black leather upholstery and the grey electric convertible hood, quite an innovation for the 1930s. Delivering sports car performance and roadholding, delivered in a quiet, effortless manner, the luxurious Astura was a true ‘Gran Turismo’ before the term was invented.

For more information on Lancia feel free to go here.

For more information on the Lancia Astura Cabriolet feel free to go here.

If you’re thinking about buying a used car there are a number of considerations to make and things to look out for when inspecting a vehicle. When taking it out for a test drive here are the top things to inspect before making a final decision. Make sure the seller isn’t trying to rip you...

If you’re thinking about buying a used car there are a number of considerations to make and things to look out for when inspecting a vehicle. When taking it out for a test drive here are the top things to inspect before making a final decision.

Make sure the seller isn’t trying to rip you off

Sure the seller may seem like a great, friendly person, but you should always do your due diligence before handing over any money. The first thing you should do before testing a used car is to check that the vehicle isn’t stolen, has an outstanding loan or is an insurance write-off. To do this, all you need is the VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) to check against databases in the state it’s registered in. This is a pretty simple step and something many overlook before buying, but it could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Inspect the outside of the vehicle

Always inspect the car in daylight hours. Inspecting during the night or when it’s heavily raining would make it harder to spot any body marks, dents and rust. Check over the outside of the vehicle, making sure to look at the gaps between the body panels. Any unequal gaps could mean the vehicle has been repaired poorly after a crash. Make sure to check the tyres (including the spare). New tyres are expensive. Ensure the tyres all have plenty of tread and that they’re wearing evenly.

Inspect the inside of the vehicle

When looking over a vehicle for the first time there are many things you’ll need to inspect inside. Check underneath the carpet for signs of rust, welding or paint over spray, which could show poor condition or that the vehicle has been involved in a crash. Take a look at the seat belts to make sure they aren’t frayed or damaged in anyway. Also be sure to check the seats move well and all switches and internal features are in working order.

Inspect under the hood

Under the hood, check for any signs of oil leaks and always check the amount of oil. A low amount of oil shows that the seller has not been looking after the car properly. Always looks around the oil filter cap for a white creamy film as it could show a leaking head gasket which is costly to fix.

Go for a test drive

Now that you have inspected the car inside and out, it’s time to go for a test drive. Make sure to start up the car when the engine is cold. If it’s already been warmed up, then this could indicate that the seller has something to hide and needed to get it working before you arrived. Starting cold will help to show problems like smoke (indicating engine wear). Before you head out, move the steering wheel from one lock to the other to check for any irregularities. Now that you’re on the road, test the handbrake functions correctly on a steep hill, make sure the radio is turned off so you can hear how the car sounds and try to test the car at highway speeds (if possible).

Here’s our follow up from our previous three articles, should you want to read the storyline: Redex: Does it work? A review over 3 months. Redex: The test. The starting point. Redex: The Test. 1 Month of Testing.  Our Update. Now we have 2 months of testing the Redex products. As a reminder, I have...

Here’s our follow up from our previous three articles, should you want to read the storyline:

Redex: Does it work? A review over 3 months.

Redex: The test. The starting point.

Redex: The Test. 1 Month of Testing.  Our Update.

Now we have 2 months of testing the Redex products.

As a reminder, I have been running the trial in my beloved, and very cool (in my opinion) 1970 Lancia Flavia Coupe 2000 (below).  I chose this car, rather than newer cars from the 2000s, as I thought I’d notice more.  The Lancia has done circa 86,000 miles, and I’m not sure if in its past that it has had the use of such products as Redex, so it could only be a benefit in my opinion.

We’ve been trialling Redex ‘Advanced Fuel System Clean Up’ at the start of the trial and then Redex ‘Petrol System Cleaner’ with every fuel top up since.  We’ve now topped up the fuel 4 times, so used Redex ‘Petrol System Cleaner’ 4 times.  What have we seen?

The results

We started the test with an MPG of 19.1 mpg, and 1 month in, having added Redex ‘Advanced Fuel System Clean Up’ to the petrol tank at the beginning of the test, and now having used four Redex ‘Petrol System Cleaner’ bottles, over a seven week period, we have improved the MPG to 20.4 after 4 weeks, and to 20.7 after 7 weeks.  I think that’s a great result.

What I can’t see

I feel that the two Redex products have helped the car.  Of course this is not a scientific test, so it is a feeling, and maybe some of that feeling is just the positive want for the products to improve the car.  We all want our cars in the best of health, don’t we.

In my opinion the car starts a little easier, sounds a little better, and performs a little better, and we know the MPG is better.  All in all we are happy.

In Summary

A big thumbs up from us.  The MPG has improved slightly, and I feel the car is healthier, so all in all that’s a positive result, so I’m very happy to recommend the use of both these Redex products.

Redex ‘Advanced Fuel System Clean Up’ and Redex ‘Petrol System Cleaner’.  For the money it costs to buy these products, it’s a no brainer to use them regularly.

Remember we tested the Petrol versions of these products.  A one-shot Redex treatment is available for diesels and hybrids too, and costs around £3.

If you have any questions about this trial of the use of the products, feel free to drop me a question below in the comments section.  If you’ve used these products, what did you think?  What were your results?

You can join the Redex Club on Facebook here.

#RedexBetterDrive

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Enjoy that driving…