The impact of Covid-19 on classic car sales: Car & Classic records post-lockdown market shift

The impact of Covid-19 on classic car sales: Car & Classic records post-lockdown market shift

  • Data from Europe’s leading classified site for classic cars reveals pandemic has led to substantial changes in the marques and models buyers are looking for
  • Overall searches are up 39 per cent across top 200 cars
  • Interest in ‘dream’ sports cars surges with Porsche 911 number one search (was fifth in Q1 2020). Jaguar E-Type (second), Ford Mustang and Nissan Skyline also rising
  • Everyday classics such as the Ford Cortina have dropped in the rankings
  • Capri loses top spot but three Fords still in the top 10
  • Big jumps in interest for Japanese modern classics such as Nissan Skyline, Toyota AE86 Corolla and Supra
  • www.carandclassic.co.uk 

Data from Europe’s leading website for classic car sales, Car & Classic, highlights a significant shift in the volume and type of cars enthusiasts are searching for after a year of restrictions and lockdowns.

Popular classics such as MGB GT, Volkswagen Beetle and Ford Cortina, (the latter falling from second to ninth when comparing Q1 2020 and Q1 2021), have slipped down the rankings, with ‘dream’ sports cars moving up. The Porsche 911 is now the most searched for vehicle on Car & Classic, followed by the Jaguar E-Type. The 911 replaces the Ford Capri on the site that has seen a 39 percent rise in vehicle searches of its top 200 cars, with buyers feeling now is the time to search for the dream car they always wanted.

The data comparing Q1 2020 and Q1 2021 highlights other substantial movements that reflect trends in the wider European classic car market. Young timers or modern classics have risen in popularity with the 1980s E30 BMW 3 Series now the third most searched for car on the site. Japanese classics have also experienced a surge in interest. Enthusiasts have also warmed to 80s hot hatches with a 25 percent rise in the number of searches for an XR2 and 44 percent for the Ford Escort XR3i. Japanese marques are also increasing in favour, with the Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7 and Toyota MR2 now featuring in the top 16 with the Nissan Skyline moving up 131 places to 27th place.

“So many of us spend time ‘car and classicing’- searching through the 40-odd thousand cars we list for sale either in our classifieds or auction,” says Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Car & Classic. “The searches highlight how the pandemic is driving and accelerating change in the classic car field. For some, it has meant more time to start a new project, for others, money saved not going on holiday could mean now buying the dream car they always wanted to own. The data also underlines that the classic car world is always changing. Whether that’s a new wave of cars such as 80s and 90s modern classics that are increasingly in vogue or a new generation of enthusiasts coming through with more time looking for some nostalgia. Or even pre-war or early post war cars becoming more affordable as fashions change. It’s truly fascinating to see what people are looking for. I still can’t quite believe there were 10,000 searches for Reliant Robin!”   

Alongside its classified offering, Car & Classic launched its stand-alone auction site in July 2020, as a reaction from the market demanding online-only car sales. Car & Classic offers the sellers protection with free escrow as well as 0 per cent buyers’ fees. The specialised auction site is currently having its busiest period with over 100 auctions on the site in the month of April, the same time that the UK lockdown rules eased therefore proving that auctions are here to stay and it is not just a Covid-related project.

All-electric Nissan Ariya takes to the famous Monaco street circuit for its public driving debut

All-electric Nissan Ariya takes to the famous Monaco street circuit for its public driving debut

  • Seen for the first time ever on the roads, the 100% electric Ariya coupé crossover chose the glamour of Monaco for its debut drive
  • Set against a fitting backdrop of the spectacular Formula E street circuit, Ariya’s first public drive marked an exciting milestone in Nissan’s electric vehicle journey

Nissan Ariya has made its first public appearance, fittingly undertaking its debut drive around the iconic Circuit de Monaco in the glamourous French Riviera.

The all-electric coupé crossover’s sleek and seamless design was perfectly complemented by the stylish Monaco backdrop, as Ariya completed laps of the famous street circuit which has hosted Nissan’s latest electrifying journey in Formula E.

“Ariya’s public driving in the streets of Monaco is a great way to witness the capabilities of our e-4ORCE technology. Ariya is the epitome of Nissan’s innovation in electric mobility and this event marks a defining moment in the next chapter of Nissan’s EV journey.” said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO.

Combining powerful performance, connected technologies and a revolutionary new EV design, the Ariya all-electric coupé crossover is the icon of Nissan’s innovative and electric future. Featuring advanced connectivity, technology, a competitive range of battery capacities and the unique e-4ORCE drivetrain, Ariya is designed to enrich people’s lives through a seamless, intuitive and adaptive experience.

Nissan’s electrification strategy draws on over a decade of EV expertise and transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road, providing the best possible electric vehicle offering for customers.

Formula E has captured the imagination of people around the world and spotlighted the thrilling possibilities for electric vehicles. Ariya’s first outing on the iconic Circuit de Monaco demonstrates to a global audience the excitement of zero-emissions electric vehicles is something everyone can experience.

This season, the Nissan Formula E team is strongly connecting its competitiveness to its production EVs. New for the 2020/2021 season, the team has named car No. 22 after Nissan’s all-electric LEAF road car and car No. 23 after the Nissan Ariya all-electric crossover SUV.

Consumers can register here and join the 34,000 people who have already shared their interest in Ariya.

Jaguar UK and Everyman present ‘Rare Beasts’, by Billie Piper

Jaguar UK and Everyman present ‘Rare Beasts’, by Billie Piper

  • Jaguar UK and Everyman join forces to support women filmmakers as cinemas reopen to audiences this week
  • Rare Beasts, starring and directed by Billie Piper is the first of BFI’s ‘Woman With A Movie Camera’ projects to be spotlighted by Jaguar through Everyman cinemas as part of a new multi-partner collaboration
  • Jaguar, Everyman and BFI partnership officially launches with gala screening of Rare Beasts at Everyman’s London Broadgate cinema, introduced by Billie Piper herself
  • Special guests Emilia Clarke, Jenna Coleman, Immy Waterhouse, Thomas Turgoose Kerry Fox, Leo Bill, Aimee Lou Wood and Bradley Simpson take to the red carpet and Everyman’s luxury sofas to support Rare Beasts release

Tonight, the stars aligned for Jaguar UK’s latest partnership launch. In its mission to nurture creativity and celebrate women in the arts, Jaguar UK’s partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) and with Everyman officially commenced with an all-star screening of Billie Piper’s much anticipated directorial debut, Rare Beasts at Everyman Broadgate.

Through an integrated partnership approach, Jaguar will present a selection of ‘Woman With A Movie Camera’ screenings at Everyman venues nationwide throughout 2021. The first of those is Rare Beasts, a pitch-black comedy about a woman named Mandy (Billie Piper). Mandy is a modern woman in a crisis. Raising a son, Larch (Toby Woolf) in the midst of a female revolution, mining the pain of her parents’ (Kerry Fox, David Thewlis) separation and professionally writing about a love that no longer exists, she falls upon a troubled man, Pete (Leo Bill), who is searching for a sense of worth, belonging and ‘restored’ male identity.

Billie Piper says, “It’s a huge honour to be part of the BFI’s ‘Woman with a Movie Camera’ family, aligned with such an incredible group of inspirational female filmmakers. I am beyond thrilled that Rare Beasts has its official Premiere at Everyman and thank Jaguar, Everyman and the BFI from the bottom of my heart for their amazing support.”

The strong female characters and feminist narrative of Rare Beasts made the film the perfect match for Jaguar’s most recent collaboration, Jessica Douce, Senior Marketing Manager, Jaguar UK reflects, “Since we announced our ‘Woman With A Movie Camera’ partnership in March, we’ve been waiting for cinemas to re-open so that we can engage with audiences on the topics that really matter.

“We are passionate about bringing a touch of the extraordinary to people’s lives and by telling the story behind the story, by shining a light on the creative process and by amplifying the reach of the works of these enormously talented women, we hope we can do just that.”

A special-guest audience of cast, crew, friends and family took to their luxury, socially distanced, Everyman sofas for the premier, personally introduced by Billie in a short interview by Anna Smith, film critic and host of the popular Girls on Film podcast. Billie’s insights and inspiration will be captured live and simulcast to 14 Everyman screens across the UK for audiences to enjoy nationwide.

Anna enthused, “Rare Beasts is a joy to watch, and it announces Billie Piper as a hugely talented writer-director. It’s so important to spotlight British female filmmakers like her, and bring them to a wide audience. It’s what we do on Girls On Film, and I’m thrilled that Everyman and Jaguar share our passion for bringing brilliant women to the forefront of the film conversation.”

Amelia Miranda, Head of Brand Partnerships at Everyman said, “The UK is ready once more to be entertained. We’re excited to head that call and partner with Jaguar to bring audiences extraordinary experiences throughout 2021, all with our unique offering of film, food, drink and exceptional service. Together, we’ll be keeping you on the edge of your seat…or sofa!”

New ŠKODA Octavia Scout now available exclusively to Emergency Services customers

New ŠKODA Octavia Scout now available exclusively to Emergency Services customers

  • A Blue Light favourite, the Octavia Scout returns for 2021
  • Only available to UK Emergency Service customers
  • Choice of 150PS or 200PS 2.0-litre TDI engines
  • Chassis raised by 15mm and Rough Road Package as standard
  • Supplied directly by ŠKODA, with ‘One-stop Shop’ service offering the peace of mind of a ready-converted all-inclusive purchase package

ŠKODA’s Octavia Scout has long been a favourite choice of emergency services customers thanks to its combination of classic ŠKODA dependability and enhanced off-road potential.

The new Scout is set to be no exception; more reliable and capable than ever, it is also available fully converted to the user’s requirements through ŠKODA’s ‘one-stop shop’ service.

Powered by a choice of 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines outputting 150PS and 200PS respectively, the new Octavia Scout is offered exclusively with an all-wheel drive DSG transmission. The Scout provides excellent value to blue light fleet managers looking for one vehicle capable of performing a range of crucial duties.

The Scout’s versatility is thanks in no small part to its standard off-road modifications. With a platform raised by 15mm over the standard Octavia, for a total ground clearance of 161mm, the Scout boasts a 15.8° approach angle, 13.9° departure angle, and ramp angle of up to 19.7°. Its Rough Road Package – including a rear axle skid plate, revised suspension springs, and Scout-specific chassis tuning – leaves it even better equipped to handle unpaved terrain.

The Scout is also the only car in the Octavia model series to offer the optional Off-Road function. This feature adapts the settings of the stability systems (ABS, ASR, ESC and others) to off-road driving, ensures smooth power delivery and holds the DSG gearbox at higher rpm before shifting. Tightening of safety belt tensioners is deactivated (if Crew Protect Assist is available) and ambient lighting is adjusted, while Hill Descent Assist further aids driver focus.

In addition to its improved performance, the Scout offers all of the practicality and Simply Clever features found in the standard Octavia. The 640 litres of boot space can hold all the equipment that any police force, fire and rescue service or ambulance paramedic team needs. Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning ensures occupants remain comfortable, while disc brakes at all four corners and up to 10 airbags keep them safe. Crucially, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist and light and rain sensors allow them to concentrate on the task at hand.

Interior features unique to the Scout include black thermoflux upholstery with Tabor brown stitching and Scout logos found on the front seats and door sills. Alongside the 10.25” display of the Virtual Cockpit, ŠKODA’s Bolero infotainment system with 10″ touchscreen takes pride of place in the Octavia Scout’s spacious cabin. Compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto and Mirrorlink, and with five USB Type-C ports available for charging, the Scout offers all of the technical amenities required by modern emergency services users.

Externally, the Scout is differentiated by its unique off-road front and rear bumpers, Scout-specific black plastic trims and Scout badges on the front wings. For further modifications specific to individual use cases, buyers can make use of ŠKODA’s industry-leading ‘one-stop shop’ package.

ŠKODA’s ‘One-stop shop’, exclusively available to emergency services fleets, allows vehicles to be purchased directly or financed through Volkswagen Financial Services. ŠKODA can then provide vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, giving fleet managers the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one complete package.

A number of exceptional British cars are going under the hammer this weekend at Silverstone Auctions May Sale

A number of exceptional British cars are going under the hammer this weekend at Silverstone Auctions May Sale

  • 1969 Aston Martin DB6 – an extensive engine re-build
  • 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC Flat Floor LHD – with matching numbers
  • 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish – with just over 10,000 miles
  • 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Coupe – fitted with a desirable gearbox

Silverstone Auctions are having their May Sale this weekend and it is their first auction in over a year where bidders can attend auction in person at Stoneleigh Park.

In The May Sale this Saturday will be this 1969 Aston Martin DB6. This DB6 is rakishly elegant and was the ultimate evolution of David Brown’s blood-line of 1960s thoroughbred Grand Tourers. Finished in original Pacific Blue with Natural Connolly hides. With five former keepers, a comprehensive history file and an extensive £18,000 engine re-build – do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity, guided: £185,000 – £220,000.

Superbly re-finished in its original Old English White over black leather and going under the hammer this Saturday is this 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC Flat Floor LHD. This lovely Jaguar E-Type is an early 1961 Series 1 3.8-litre Fixed Head Coupe, “Flat Floor”. This left-hand drive car has been subject to a ground up restoration at a cost of around £100,000. With matching numbers status and supported by corresponding paperwork and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, Silverstone Auctions are delighted to be offering it.

Gary Dunne, Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions, added “We have a superb line-up of classic cars and motorcycles going under the hammer this weekend, don’t forget to register to bid prior to Saturday!”

With just two previous owners, a comprehensive history file and amazing maintenance is this 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. It is beautifully presented and the first-generation example of Aston’s V12 flagship with only 10,501 miles. Silverstone Auctions are delighted to be auctioning this stylishly finished example which has been guided at: £55,000 – £65,000.

The last of the cars previewed before The May Sale this Saturday is 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Coupe. With matching numbers, this is a superbly restored and exquisitely presented example of Jaguar’s elegant XK140 Special Equipment. This beautiful and recognisable Jaguar is fitted with the desirable overdrive gearbox for more relaxed touring. Estimated at: £42,000 – £48,000.

Silverstone Auctions will start The May Sale off with Automobilia at 10am, then Motorcycles at 11am and then Classic cars at 2pm. This will be the first Silverstone Auctions sale where bidders can attend in person for over a year, alternatively, bidding will still be available online, via The Saleroom or Proxibid by phone or via commission too.

The UK market leader classic car auction house can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.

Ford challenges Britain’s smallest town to switch to electric with launch of new Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford challenges Britain’s smallest town to switch to electric with launch of new Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford of Britain is challenging the population of Fordwich, Britain’s smallest town, to switch to electric in the all new, all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E as new research* shows a large majority of those in the countryside (82%), small towns (79%) and villages (76%) would not feel confident purchasing an EV as their next vehicle, if the ban on petrol and diesel cars came in next week.

From today until Sunday, all 380** residents of the aptly named Fordwich will be some of the first to try out the new Mustang Mach-E as they take part in a unique three day mass test drive around the Kent countryside.

Other findings from the research, taken from Ford’s Go Electric consumer sentiment report, reveals a considerable lack of confidence and information on EVs, particularly in rural areas and small towns such as Fordwich. Just 55% of those living in small towns, villages and the countryside felt they had enough information to make an informed decision about buying an EV compared with 85% of those living in cities, urban areas and large towns.

With the move to electrification gathering pace, Ford recognises the need to take consumers on an electric journey and hopes to inspire confidence by putting the Mustang Mach-E into the hands of Fordwich for them to try it out themselves.

To encourage Fordwich residents to make the switch to electric in the long term, Ford has also partnered with British Gas to install a public charging point in the town. Charging is frequently cited as a critical concern and barrier to EVs, with those in small towns (63%) and the countryside (74%) saying that there aren’t enough charging points.

The charging point will be situated at The Fordwich Arms, a local gastropub, and will be available for residents to use from today.

Lisa Brankin, Managing Director, Ford of Britain and Ireland said: “We are incredibly excited to introduce our all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. Ford is committed to helping our current and future customers to go all-in on the road to a fully electric future by supporting them on that journey. Over the next few days, we want to show how even the smallest town can make the electric switch!”

Philip Lewis, Local Councillor and Mayor of Fordwich added: “What a fantastic way to get people to try out an electric vehicle. We are so proud of our town and preservation is something that is incredibly important to us so we were keen to see how simple it would be to switch over to a more environmentally friendly vehicle. It’s great to see so many people signed up over the next few days and we are thrilled to have a local charging point installed for long term public use.”

Lauren Vazquez, EV installation engineer at British Gas added: “British Gas is committed to delivering the infrastructure needed for the electrification of all modes of transport. We know that it’s vital that we enable the switch to electric vehicles as quickly as possible and we will continue to work with our partners such as Ford to make this happen all over the UK.”

The new Ford Mustang Mach-E is available now across UK dealerships. For more information on the new Ford Mustang Mach-E please visit our website here.

Get £500 of free accessories when buying a new V-Strom 650

Get £500 of free accessories when buying a new V-Strom 650

Suzuki is giving buyers of its V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT machines £500 worth of free genuine accessories, until the end of June.

This is in addition to Suzuki’s current 3, 3, 3 offer, which allows customers, with just a £300 deposit, to choose from a three-year HP or PCP deal at just 3% APR representative.

Customers can opt to put their £500 towards a variety of accessories, from luggage – including top boxes, panniers, and tank bags – to protective components such bash plates and engine bars or styling items such as graphics kits and touring screens.

The V-Strom 650 uses Suzuki’s proven 645cc V-twin engine, packed with character and a broad spread of usable torque, and features traction control, low RPM assist, and Suzuki’s easy start system.

Browse the range of accessories, here.

A110 x Felipe Pantone

A110 x Felipe Pantone

  • Argentinian artist Felipe Pantone designs unique works of art in collaboration with the Alpine A110
  • An exceptional paint job on the body, finished in the Felipe Pantone spirit 
  • Only three out of four copies manufactured will be available for sale

From the sidelines of the Monaco Grand Prix, Alpine unveils an exceptional A110 designed by Felipe Pantone, the second collaboration piece to debut since the partnership with the artist began in April.

The first collaboration “Alpine F1 x Felipe Pantone” was presented a few weeks ago, where Felipe Pantone delivered his artistic interpretation of Formula 1 with Alpine on a 1/2 scale model that was exhibited on the first floor of the Atelier Renault dedicated to Alpine.

Now, the second collaboration between Alpine and Felipe Pantone showcases a piece of Felipe Pantone’s work on the Alpine A110, the brand’s iconic model. Before tackling this project, Felipe Pantone spent long hours studying the brand and its history, as well as driving an Alpine A110 to feel the unique personality of the French sports coupe. The result is a modern, dynamic and elegant interpretation of the A110. The graphic lines follow the shape of the A110 which give an impression of speed even when the car stands still. It also features the signature colours of Felipe Pantone, black and white.

“My idea regarding the work on the A110 is to evoke a sense of “ultradynamism”. Visual speed is something that I have been investigating for years now and I feel it really comes together on this car, emphasising its brilliant design with a fast, technological look”, says Felipe Pantone.

The paint job on the body, carried out entirely by hand by the artist, represents several weeks of work. For even greater exclusivity, each of the three models offered for sale will feature subtle graphic variations to make each of these A110s a unique piece.

Through this second collaboration with Alpine, Felipe Pantone once again demonstrates the extent of his talent. The creative work and its execution are exceptional. The colour schemes, geometric shapes and optical effects reveal the A110 in a new light, with a heightened sense of movement. This work results in a modern, dynamic and captivating work of art” said Cédric Journel, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Alpine.

A 292hp work of art
This Alpine A110 designed by Felipe Pantone is based on an A110S, the most powerful version in the A110 range with 292hp. Each of the three A110s will be on sale at a price of 125,000 euros including tax.

Approved for road use, these unique works of art are targeted at collectors and lovers of beautiful objects as opposed to track fans. The conditions of access to acquire one of the three works will be communicated at a later date.

Alpine F1 Team in the colours of Felipe Pantone, plus hot laps with Fernando Alonso
To reveal the result of this collaboration, Fernando Alonso got behind the wheel of the A110 x Felipe Pantone and took the artist for a hot lap session on the Monaco Grand Prix track. This was an opportunity for Fernando Alonso and Felipe Pantone to discuss their common passion for beautiful automotive objects and Formula One.

In addition, to celebrate the second collaboration, the Alpine F1 Team is pictured wearing the colours of Felipe Pantone with typical graphic elements. This graphic signature is particularly evident on the motorhome and the nose of the A521s which will be present at the beginning of the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.

About Alpine 
Founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé, Alpine has established itself over the years with its French-style sports cars. In 2017, the brand presents the new A110, a sports car faithful to Alpine’s timeless principles of compactness, lightness, agility and driving pleasure. In 2021, the Alpine Business Unit is created. It becomes the brand dedicated to innovative, authentic and exclusive sports cars of the Renault Group, benefiting from the heritage and know-how of its historic Dieppe plant as well as the engineering expertise of the Alpine Racing teams and from Alpine Cars.

Bentley celebrates 75 years of manufacturing cars in Crewe

Bentley celebrates 75 years of manufacturing cars in Crewe

  • Bentley marks 75 year anniversary since the Bentley Mk VI was the first model to roll off the Crewe production line in 1946
  • 206 unique models and 197,086 cars handcrafted since – 97 per cent of Bentley’s entire production
  • To mark the occasion the Mk VI’s predecessor, the Mk V, the last pre-Crewe model, stands proudly on display at Bentley’s famous Pyms Lane factory
  • Current daily production at record levels, 85 cars per day, equalling monthly run rate of two decades ago – all from the world’s only carbon neutral luxury car factory
  • Ambitious plan, targeting sustainable luxury mobility leadership, extends to end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030 with entire model range switched to battery electric vehicles

Bentley Motors today marks 75 years of car production from the luxury marque’s iconic factory in Crewe, England.

The revered Mk V, the very last car to be built in Derby before the dawn of the Crewe era in May 1946, today stood proudly on display along Pyms Lane as the current generation Bentley models rolled off the production line at record levels.    

During this 75 year period, 197,086 luxury cars – 97 per cent of Bentley’s entire production – have been handcrafted, an extraordinary milestone when considered that just 38,933 were built before modern day models such as the Continental GT and Bentayga were introduced from the turn of the century.             

Remarkably, records show that 84 per cent of all cars built in Crewe for the UK market are still on the road today, with that number growing at unmatched levels. Bentley is currently building 85 cars per day; one month’s output, two decades ago.           

Commenting on the significant achievement, Peter Bosch, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said:

“For 75 years Crewe has been synonymous with luxury car manufacturing – a global showcase of craftsmanship and quality.  In that time, our colleagues have produced some of the world’s most iconic and desirable products, including cars for global royalty and unique personal commissions.

“Beyond bricks and mortar, this milestone pays homage to the colleagues who have built our brand in Crewe, and I’d like to express my thanks and admiration for their dedication over three quarters of a century.

“With our most recent investment we have transformed our historic factory into a collaborative modern campus; a carbon-neutral, innovative, low environmental impact site that retains the best of our heritage while looking strongly to the future.  In many factory areas, modern, digitised production systems complement traditional craftsmanship skills employed on our cars since 1946.

“As we cautiously emerge from the pandemic, we look forward to welcoming our customers back to Crewe to experience our unique factory and meet our colleagues in person.”

Although Bentley’s history dates back to 1919, Crewe became part of the luxury marque’s story in 1938; the Pyms Lane site transforming from potato fields to a significant manufacturing base for the Merlin aeroplane engines, a key pillar of the war efforts. Selected due to its strong transport links and ready supply of skilled labour, at peak in 1943, the Crewe factory employed over 10,000 colleagues.

With car production having ceased in the war years, the former home of the company in Derby was committed to building new-era jet engines in 1946, meaning a new location was required. Colleagues had to be retrained in techniques necessary for car manufacture, such as painting, anti-corrosion preparation, body mounting and woodwork.     

The Bentley Mark VI became the first car to be built entirely at Bentley’s Crewe works and the first to be offered with a pressed-steel body shell as standard. The 4.3-litre straight six engine used at launch was upgraded to a more powerful 4.6-litre unit in 1951. Coachbuilt cars were still available, but the Mark VI signalled the dawn of a new era in Bentley car production and became one of the marque’s biggest selling cars in history.         

What followed prior to the modern era were many iconic models of their time produced in Crewe, including the R-Type Continental, Turbo R, Arnage and Azure.  

Arguably the biggest change to Pyms Lane, Crewe, took place in 1998, following the acquisition of Bentley by the Volkswagen Group. The Group immediately invested significantly to modernise the factory and transformed the company into the one that exists today, creating a platform for an illustrious period in the history of Bentley Motors.          

Pyms Lane has remained the focal point for Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe since the company arrived in 1938. What stands today are industry-leading facilities that are fully carbon neutral, the first luxury car brand to achieve such a feat.       

Over the coming weeks, Bentley’s subsequent investment in Pyms Lane will be realised with the opening of an Engineering Test Centre and R&D building – both of which will further support Bentley’s journey towards electrification.

The ambitious plans Bentley has for car production were outlined as part of its ground-breaking Beyond100 strategy. The company aims to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, with the Crewe factory climate positive thereafter.

Bentley will move to full electrification – PHEV or BEV only – by 2026, then switch the entire model range to battery electric vehicles by 2030. The industry-leading Beyond100 strategy will transform every aspect of the business as Bentley accelerates into its second century of luxury car production.

Goodwood Festival of Speed Central Feature to celebrate Lotus

Goodwood Festival of Speed Central Feature to celebrate Lotus

  • Lotus to be celebrated as Central Feature marque at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
  • The Central Feature will head in a new direction to provide an immersive customer experience on-event and from home.
  • The Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will take place 8-11 July 2021.

Goodwood is proud to announce that the Central Feature at the 2021 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will celebrate Lotus.

The iconic Norfolk brand is best known for its pioneering road and race cars, including the spectacular all-electric Evija hypercar.

From the first sculpture in 1997 to the present day, the Goodwood Festival of Speed has become known for its creative and daring Central Features, which celebrate the greatest achievements of a different manufacturer or milestone each year through art.

Lotus was last selected as the Central Feature marque in 2012, with a 3D infinity loop sculpture that celebrated the singularity of purpose of a Lotus race car. However, this year’s sculpture will take an exciting new and immersive direction. It is being created using an entirely new design philosophy; while the sculpture itself is guaranteed to be just as visually stunning as previous years, it is also set to be more interactive and accessible for those joining from home.

This new approach aligns perfectly with Lotus’ development of innovative technology and its engineering-led approach to design and manufacturing, as well as complementing the long and often intertwined histories of Goodwood and Lotus.

Among the many records broken by Lotus, the Type 25 still holds Goodwood Motor Circuit’s period lap record. In the course of winning the last ever Formula 1 race at Goodwood, on Easter Monday 1965, Jim Clark in a Lotus 25 tied for fastest lap with Jackie Stewart, in a time of 1m 20.4. The record stands as a tribute to the skill and bravery of the drivers and to the passion for lightweight engineering and innovation that thrives at Lotus to this day.

At this year’s event, Lotus will give a public dynamic debut to the Emira, its all-new and eagerly anticipated sports car. Developed as part of the ongoing transformation of Lotus which has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, the Emira will set new standards of technology, comfort, functionality and everyday useability for Lotus. It goes into production later this year at an all-new manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk – the home of Lotus since 1966.

Commenting on the announcement, the Duke of Richmond said, “We are delighted that Lotus will star as the Central Feature at this year’s Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard. Lotus cars raced with great success at Goodwood throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, including setting the ultimate lap record in 1965, and this year’s Central Feature will serve as a fitting landmark to their past, present and future achievements. The sculpture looks set to be one of the most dramatic and futuristic yet, bringing in elements of interactivity for modern audiences that align with Lotus’ future-facing attitude and outlook.”

Simon Clare, Executive Director, Marketing, Lotus Cars, added, “Everyone at Lotus is very excited by the opportunity to be the Central Feature at the Festival of Speed. This year is a hugely significant one for the transformation of Lotus, and to be giving a public dynamic debut to the Emira at a location so closely associated with Lotus’ success and spirit of innovation will be great for those who can attend, physically or virtually.”

More details will be released ahead of the event, including how visitors and fans across the world can interact with the Central Feature in a new and unique way.

Taking place between 8th – 11th July, tickets for the Festival of Speed are available from goodwood.com and the Ticket Office can be contacted on 01243 755 055.

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