HWM or Hersham & Walton Motors are often regarding as the greatest contributor to the growth of British motorsport on the post-war International race scene. John Heath and George Abecassis developed and raced from their Walton-on -Thames premises with 1950 marking a turning point, they entered four works cars designed to be campaigned in both the new 2-litre Formula B (Formula 2) class and in sports car events across Europe. With confidence high with a great design, they famously gave breaks to young drivers of potential with Sir Stirling Moss being effectively offered his first works drive debuting at Goodwood at the Easter Meeting on April 10th finishing 2nd.
Silverstone Auctions will offer this superb example which has an incredible race history. In 1950 the car was raced by Moss, John Heath, Lance Macklin, George Abecassis and Rudi Fisher. In all it raced in fifteen events across Europe including Reims, Grand Prix de Geneve and Grand Premio De Bari. On October 15th, 1950 Sir Stirling Moss gave it its swansong win at Castle Combe before being sold to Oscar Moore in 1951 who continued to race it with great success and even registered it for the road with the North London registration of XMC 34. This exceptional and interesting piece of history was then purchased by Silverstone Auctions vendor in 1965.
Sales Controller, Gary Dunne, commented, ‘We are delighted to announce that due to popular demand, we have decided to increase the Race Retro Live Online Auction by an extra day! Therefore, the sale will now take place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March, with our sister company, Classic Car Auctions, opening the weekend with their Spring Live Online Auction, on Friday 26th March. We are thrilled to be offering this fantastic piece of early British motorsport in our Race Retro sale with such provenance – a great opportunity for anyone.”
This excellent piece of British motorsport history can trace its origins to those charismatic ‘Garagiste’ at HWM who took on 1950s Grand Prix legends like Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. The history file accompanying the HMW is beyond doubt one of the most complete motorsport stories that Silverstone Auctions have ever had the pleasure to present. From original HWM letters to copies of Autosport, period photographs and the two books by Simon Taylor which have provided the most complete account of the HMW story punctuated with a plethora of nostalgic images.
Silverstone Auctions are offering dedicated, one-to-one, virtual viewing of cars of interest to you from now through to the 26th March. Viewing the cars in person is permitted to specialists who have been instructed to inspect vehicles of interest on your behalf and members of the trade. Bookings are arranged by appointment and this should be made by calling 01926 691141.
Silverstone Auctions are closing their catalogue in just under a week on Monday 8th March. Entries are still invited to join the rapidly growing lot list for their live online auction. The UK market leader classic car auction house can be contacted on can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.
For high resolution copies of the images please get in touch with the PR contact below
2021 AUCTIONS The Race Retro Live Online Auction: 27th & 28th March The May Sale: 22nd May A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owner’s Club GB: 5th June The Classic Sale at Silverstone: 30th July – 1st August The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12th – 14th November
ABOUT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia.
We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit and host sales as stand-alone events as well as an integrated element of some of Europe’s biggest motorsport events such as the Silverstone Classic Festival.
In addition to our sales at the circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events including the NEC Classic Motor Show and Race Retro.
At Silverstone Auctions we take pride in selecting the very best of breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve a number of record-breaking auction prices on behalf of our vendors.
We are committed to providing the best possible service for both buyers and vendors alike, so if you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic vehicle with Silverstone Auctions, call us today on +44(0)1926 691141.
Aston Martin back at the pinnacle of global motorsport
Famous Wings return to the sport an ‘important moment’ in Aston Martin’s history
F1 team to become a true innovation lab that guides future automotive technology
New Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team AMR21 challenger to run for the first time at Silverstone on 4 March
Aston Martin is back at the pinnacle of global motorsport after the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team proudly revealed its 2021 FIA Formula One™ World Championship contender on Wednesday.
The stunning new AMR21 heralds the beginning of a truly significant chapter in the 108-year history of the brand, and carries the hopes of racing fans around the globe ahead of its debut in the Bahrain Grand Prix later this month.
The new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team car returns the British ultra-luxury marque to the pinnacle of world motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years. It was unveiled today, in a much anticipated immersive virtual launch in front of a global audience. Described by Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll as an ‘important event in automotive history’, the new contender will be the first works Formula 1 car to carry the famous wings since Maurice Trintignant’s DBR5 crossed the finish line at Silverstone in 1960.
The AMR21, to be raced this season by four-time F1™ World Champion Sebastian Vettel (DE) and rising star Lance Stroll (CA), carries a striking Aston Martin Racing Green livery in recognition of Aston Martin’s traditional racing colours and glorious sporting legacy. It is also bedecked by a host of global partners, led by American IT giant Cognizant, while the chassis features a magenta stripe down the side in reference to the team’s longstanding partner BWT.
Today’s event also threw the spotlight on an energizing shift within Aston Martin as the team is set to become the global showcase for the brand’s engineering and performance capabilities. Indeed a new 200,000 square-foot facility will complement the existing Aston Martin F1™factory at Silverstone when completed in the second half of 2022, and the team is well positioned to become an innovation lab to drive forward the brand’s future road car technologies. These will include the suite of mid-engined sportscars, inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which will become central to the product portfolio through the next decade.
It may have been absent from F1™ for 61 years, but Aston Martin’s competitive credentials are firmly intact – the company was formed by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in 1913 with motorsport at the heart of its endeavour. Next year will mark a century since Aston Martin made its grand prix debut (in France 1922), and the brand has enjoyed sustained success in sportscar racing, including overall victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. Most recently Aston Martin became a double class winner with the Vantage GTE in last year’s race at La Sarthe and is the reigning GT FIA World Endurance Manufacturers’ champion.
The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team also boasts a strong bloodline, building on the foundations of Team Silverstone, which in its various guises has won five grands prix, and is coming off the back of a race-winning campaign as the Racing Point Formula One™ Team, having been revitalized under the leadership of Lawrence Stroll and Team Principal and CEO Otmar Szafnauer.
The new AMR21, powered by a turbo-charged Mercedes-AMG F1 M12 E Performance engine with hybrid energy recovery, will run for the first time at Silverstone during a promotional day on 4 March, 2021, before embarking on a full test programme at Bahrain on 12-14 March.
Executive Chairman, Aston Martin Lagonda, Lawrence Stroll said: “I’ve dreamed about this day for a very long time. I’ve always been a car guy and I’ve always loved racing, too. My first dream was to own a Formula One™ team. My second dream was to acquire a significant shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda. Today is about the merging of those two dreams. So, as I say, today is all about dreams, and it shows that dreams really can come true, in the shape of our new AMR21.
“Aston Martin returning to Formula One™ after an absence of 61 years will have a powerful effect on the sport, the media and the fans, commanding global attention.
“The team who designed and built our new Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ car – the 500 men and women who conceive, manufacture, build and prepare our cars so that we can go racing at the pinnacle of global motorsport – has always punched above its weight. Now, as the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, it has the power with which to punch even harder.
“This is just the beginning. The team is pushing forward, and our ambitions are limitless. We now have the pieces in place, the people and the partners, to make real progress.
“The launch of the new AMR21 is also the celebration of a new beginning for Aston Martin. Today’s transformational event has given us the opportunity to communicate the evolution of the iconic Aston Martin Wings logo for only the 12th time in the company’s 108-year history. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ car is our group’s highest expression of performance, innovation, engineering quality, attention to detail, and teamwork. For that reason, it’s natural that our new logo should make its debut on our new Formula One™ car.”
Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda, Tobias Moers said: “Today is a truly historic moment for Aston Martin, as we return to the pinnacle of motorsport for the first time in more than 60 years. The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team will have far-reaching positive effects on the Aston Martin brand, our culture, and the design and technology of Aston Martin road cars. Our return to Formula One™ will positively and profoundly affect every employee and foremost our customer journey all over the world; and will help us bring a focused, agile Formula One™ way of thinking to the whole Aston Martin business.
“Indeed, the Formula One™ team will become a dynamic and exciting innovation lab to drive forward future Aston Martin road car technologies and performance, which will truly differentiate our cars in the coming years. Aston Martin has always made beautiful cars. Now, as we begin a new era of Aston Martin in Formula One™, we’ll bring more innovation and more performance.”
The Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team will make its F1 return at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 28 March, 2021.
About Aston Martin Lagonda: Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
Dynamic and agile Tiguan R is available now, from £45,915 RRP OTR
320 PS performance SUV completes 0-62 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds
7-spd DSG and 4MOTION four-wheel drive follow classic R formula
2021 marks the first time in its 13-year history that the Tiguan, the best-selling SUV across the Volkswagen brand and Volkswagen Group globally, has been given a stand-alone performance model: the Tiguan R.
This athletic SUV, which produces 320 PS and is bestowed with Volkswagen’s latest 4MOTION R-Performance Torque Vectoring system, is now available to order for UK customers, priced from £45,915 RRP OTR.
The Tiguan R is powered by Volkswagen’s highly-regarded EA888 evo4 four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In this guise it produces 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque, enabling 0 to 62 mph acceleration of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed (where permitted) of 155 mph. The Tiguan R matches its T-Roc R stablemate in these figures, and is just two-tenths of a second behind the Golf R on the 0 to 62 mph sprint, proving the versatility and flexibility of the R brand.
The R’s winning formula of a sophisticated 7-speed DSG transmission, muscular petrol engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive are bolstered by the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system, which distributes power to all four wheels. The system not only manages this between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels. Up to 100% of available torque can be directed to the rear wheel on the outside of a bend, which leads to noticeably more agile handling and eliminates understeer.
This new R model features adaptive chassis control (DCC) as standard, and rides 10 mm lower than any other Tiguan. DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics. In addition, the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been adapted individually to the Tiguan R.
Sitting on standard-fit 21-inch ‘Estoril’ wheels, the Tiguan R decelerates with the same convincing force as it accelerates, thanks to an 18-inch performance braking system, identifiable by its blue-painted callipers with R-logo on the front units. Hallmark R quad tailpipes are a hint at the model’s power, while the door mirror caps are finished in matt chrome – another key identifier of the revered R brand. An assertive and unique R body kit incorporates sportier front and rear bumpers, with a black rear diffuser adding to the SUV’s purposeful aesthetic. Among the items optionally available for the Tiguan R is an Akrapovič performance titanium exhaust system, which is lighter in weight than the standard set-up and augments the sound the high-performance engine makes.
As in the Golf R, the Tiguan R’s sports seats are finished in a blue-black ‘Sardegna’ cloth with ArtVelours outer areas, while the driver has new levels of interaction with the bespoke, heated R steering wheel, thanks to a new ‘R’ button. This feature enables swift access to the model’s seven diverse and useful drive modes without the need to take hands off the wheel. The steering column features extended paddle shifters to add to the driver-focus of the Tiguan R’s cabin.
The Tiguan R’s standard equipment list builds upon the already impressive R-Line trim and includes Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC); IQ.Light matrix LED headlights; Digital Cockpit Pro with specific R functions; Keyless entry and start; rear view camera; 30-colour ambient lighting; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; and Travel Assist.
The Tiguan R follows the new Golf R in the Volkswagen R line-up, and is the third model in the current range to be given a stand-alone R variant. The two new models join the T-Roc R as the performance flagships of their respective nameplates, as the R division is set to expand further later this year – this time into the Touareg and Arteon ranges. More information on these upcoming models will be released nearer to their on-sale dates.
Andrew Savvas, Managing Director at Volkswagen UK, said: “The Tiguan has long been regarded as Volkswagen’s ultimate all-rounder, possessing space, power, quality, flexibility and the security of 4MOTION four-wheel drive. Now, the Tiguan has another feather in its cap – a genuine performance SUV model, honed for spirited drivers by Volkswagen’s respected R division, complete with the impressive R-Performance Torque Vectoring system. This makes it an even more thrilling and sporty driving experience.
“The arrival of the R goes one step further to demonstrate the versatility of the Tiguan range, only a week after two new punchy petrol variants were added to the line-up. With a range of talents like this, it’s little wonder that the Tiguan was the best-selling Volkswagen SUV across the globe last year.”
Search, Explore and Reserve vehicles from your living room
Service Centres remain fully open for all servicing needs
Specialist Cars, the Herts, Beds & Bucks based BMW & MINI Retailer is open for business and ready to help anyone looking to buy their next BMW or MINI during lockdown.
From the state-of-the-art websites, buyers can browse available vehicles, explore individual examples in detail, investigate representative finance deals and even reserve cars, all from the comfort and safety of their own home.
To help those who are already behind the wheel, the Specialist Cars Service Centres remain open and are on-hand for any servicing requirements your BMW or MINI may require. The Group Bodyshop also remains open for all body repair work needed during this period of restrictions.
All appointments, including telephone and video, collections and handovers are taking place in strict adherence to the latest Government guidelines, ensuring the ongoing safety and protection of customers and staff alike.
Josh Simmons, the Group Marketing Manager of Specialist Cars, said” Specialist Cars is proud to have introduced a range of new options to help customers choose their next BMW or MINI from the comfort of their own homes. We appreciate that many may be currently shielding, but are looking forward to a return to the road and Specialist Cars is here to help!”
Josh added, “In response to and in-line with HM Governments latest Covid-19 based restrictions, we are also delighted to be continuing to operate our Service Centres in a COVID secure manner, supporting those that need to be on the road at this time with our high-quality servicing and repair services.”
With a range of attractive finance offers available across all new and approved BMWs, as well as model updates across the entire MINI Range, there has never been a better time to indulge in some armchair shopping.
The SEAT Tarraco is now available to order with the new high-performance 2.0 TSI DSG-auto 4Drive 245PS engine.
The new drivetrain option is the most powerful in the seven-seater’s line-up, with a 0-62mph time of just 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 142mph*.
Despite the added performance, the 2.0 TSI DSG delivers CO2 emissions from 195g/km and up to 30.7mpg of fuel efficiency based on the combined WLTP cycle.
The new derivative is available on the FR, FR Sport, XCELLENCE and XCELLENCE Lux trims, and is the most powerful Tarraco on offer.
FR trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, sports bumpers, tiredness recognition software and keyless entry as standard, while FR Sport adds several features such as 20-inch alloy wheels, heated washer nozzles and heated front and rear seats.
With a focus on luxury, XCELLENCE trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, bright roof rails, sport seats in alcantara, park assist and adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter. Adding to this, XCELLENCE Lux introduces 20-inch alloy wheels, exit assist, roll over assist and ‘Top View’ 360-degree camera.
SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), sells vehicles under the SEAT and CUPRA brands, while SEAT MÓ covers urban mobility products and solutions. SEAT exports more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in 75 countries.
SEAT employs over 15,000 professionals and has three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the SEAT Ibiza, the SEAT Arona, the CUPRA Formentor and the Leon family. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca in the Czech Republic, the SEAT Tarraco in Germany, the SEAT Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii electric, SEAT’s first 100% electric car, in Slovakia. These plants are joined by SEAT:CODE, the software development centre located in Barcelona.
SEAT will invest 5 billion euros through to 2025 in R&D projects for vehicle development, specifically to electrify the range, and in equipment and facilities. The company aims to make Martorell a zero-carbon footprint plant by 2050.
There are just 100 days to go before the UK’s first-ever National Ferrari Owners’ Day, to be held at the historic Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on Saturday 5th June 2021.
Careful planning is well underway for this COVID-secure outdoor event, organised by the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, but welcoming all Ferrari owners from across the UK to attend as the British motoring scene restarts.
The inaugural National Ferrari Owners’ Day is set to see the biggest gathering of ‘Tipos’ (Ferrari types) in the UK for many years. At the heart of the event will be a curated Ferrari Timeline, representing every possible model and era of production from Italy’s most illustrious marque. Ferrari visitors to the show can display their pride and joy in the Meguiars’ Pride of Ownership Trophy – not a concours, but an opportunity for owners who keep their car in excellent order to compete for the free-to-enter Meguiars’ Trophy.
Ferrari owners can pre-register for the Superformance Runway Speed Experience. If you have never driven your Ferrari at speed this is the perfect opportunity to try it in a controlled environment on Sywell’s 1,200-metre runway. Across the aerodrome there will be numerous casual food and drink options, as well as exhibits and displays from Official Ferrari Dealerships, Club Partners and other lifestyle brands.
Silverstone Auctions are holding a best of breed Sale of Ferraris in Hanger One, with lots expected from across the UK and Europe. Given Sywell’s distinguished aviation history, there’s even the opportunity to take to the skies – with a limited number of two-seat Spitfire and Mustang warbird flights available. As the event coincides with the anniversary of D-Day, we will be reflecting this with an air display by the ultimate fighters comprising Spitfire, Thunderbolt, Mustang and Messerschmitt amongst others.
“We hope that the first-ever National Ferrari Owners’ Day will prove to be a fitting restart to the British motoring scene, bringing together lovers of Italy’s most revered marque in this new, dynamic event,” said Christian Mineeff, Chairman of the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain. “Having moved the inaugural show from 2020 to 2021 has given us the opportunity to make it even bigger and better than originally planned. Given the current pandemic situation we’re taking additional steps to ensure visitors remain safe, with the expansive nature of the historic Sywell Aerodrome site making this easier.
“All the ingredients are there to make this a permanent fixture in our annual calendar – and a brilliant taster of a busy season we have planned for our members in 2021, including the first Ferrari Club Competitzione event at Croft just a few weeks later.”
Tickets are free for Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain members, and cost just £25 per car for non-members. The event is supported by Pirelli, Ferrari Financial Services, Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, Lockton, Meguiar’s and Superformance. Visit the event website for more information: https://www.nationalferrariownersday.com, follow our social media channels (via the hashtag #nfod2021) or contact:
