A study from the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that 60 per cent of motorists consider the growing ability of vehicles to drive themselves as a serious threat to road safety.
While female drivers (66 per cent) and drivers over the age of 70 (64 per cent) had even higher concerns.
This is despite well-documented evidence that most road incidents are actually caused by human error, suggesting that giving greater control to the vehicles themselves in the future might actually reduce the number of collisions.
However, while automated vehicle technology could have the power to improve road safety, this will only happen if the new systems are used correctly, including through driver training to understand their capabilities and limitations, believes the road safety charity.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “Autonomous and automated vehicle technology is becoming an integral part of everyday motoring and while it does have the capacity to improve road safety, its capabilities must be fully understood to ensure we don’t over rely on them.
“Over reliance on these systems, and a lack of training on how to use them, could have a negative effect, with potentially worrying results for motorists and pedestrians alike.
“As an ever-increasing number of vehicle systems take on the tasks that drivers used to perform, IAM RoadSmart is calling for an understanding of automated features to be included in the UK driving test.”
According to government projections, 40 per cent of UK new car sales could have self-driving capabilities in less than 15 years.
Meanwhile, advocates for a push towards autonomous vehicle technology also highlight the financial benefits to the UK economy, possibly almost worth £42 billion by 2035 together with the creation of nearly 40,000 British jobs.
Concerns still remain however around the high cost of research and development, making autonomous vehicles too expensive for some, together with possible malfunctions, data security issues and moral dilemmas as to what the vehicle should be programmed to protect.
Neil added: “Our research clearly shows that many motorists remain to be convinced about the safety of self-driving vehicles. While we wait for completely autonomous cars to take over from human drivers driver training will be paramount in ensuring that increasingly automated vehicles are an asset rather than a drawback.”
There are just two days to go until Classic Car Auctions first sale of 2021.
Their catalogue is closed with some significant examples of Land Rovers and Range Rovers from over the decades. There are just one more day left to book your virtual viewing appointment; to reserve your slot please contact the Classic Car Auction team on 01926 640888.
One Land Rover in their catalogue is this 1949 Land Rover Series I. It is presented in this beautiful Bronze Green with a new interior and khaki canvas tilt and ready for its next adventure! This is amongst the earliest Land Rovers built and is bought from leading marque specialists John Brown 4×4 of Yorkshire in 2015. Classic Car Auctions are offering this superb Land Rover in their sale this Friday and it is estimated at £25,000 – £30,000.
Another car included within their sale is this fantastic looking 2012 Land Rover Defender 110 TD XS Crew Cab. This highly sought-after XS model is freshly MOT’d, 39,245 miles indicated and is increasingly in demand. The 5-seater is finished in Aintree Green with upgraded Bowler wheels and tyres – with the launch of the new Defender, late examples of its predecessor, particularly in this condition – it is estimated at (£): £30,000 – £35,000.
Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “We are so excited for Friday and the amount of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in this sale is exceptional once again. We can’t wait for a weekend of online celebrations of classic cars with our sister company, Silverstone Auctions, to host our forthcoming sales on consecutive days”.
Classic Car Auctions are also offering this 1991 Range Rover ‘CSK’. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Range Rover, this is number 39 of 1 of only 200 made in 1991. The CSK was the first sports Range Rover and is finished in Beluga Black and luxuriously equipped with bespoke leather and American Walnut Trim. The car has been with Classic Car Auctions vendor for the past three years and has a fresh MOT and will be going under the hammer Friday 26th March with an estimate of £30,000 – £35,000.
The last of four cars to be previewed from the catalogue is this originally Bronze Green soft top, 1958 Land Rover Series 2 Station Wagon. This example has been retained by Land Rover, and is understood by Classic Car Auctions that the Chassis 002 is the oldest production Series 2 in existence. With unique features, a full restoration in 2011 and accompanied by a large history file, this lovely Station Wagon has been rebuilt on new galvanised chassis with a total work of £12,500. Estimated at £18,000 – £22,000.
To register to bid before Friday 26th March 2021, you will be able to do this online with either Proxibid or The Saleroom, on the phone or via commission. Classic Car Auctions recommend that you complete the process as early as possible.
Forthcoming Auctions Friday 26th March – The Spring Live Online Auction Friday 11th – Sunday 13th June – The Practical Classics Classic Car And Restoration Show Saturday 25th September – The Autumn Sale Saturday 11th December – The December Sale
About Classic Car Auctions (CCA) Classic Car Auctions (CCA) is a specialist auction house for the sale of ‘Everyman’ classic cars; offering enthusiasts the opportunity to buy an impressive selection of iconic classic cars from across the eras.
Created in 2015 by the highly respected team from Silverstone Auctions and now an established business itself; we have a consistent sales rate of over 75% for the last three years and have proudly sold over £15,000,000 worth of cars during the same period.
The majority of our sales are held at our home from home, The Warwickshire Event Centre, Leamington Spa. Here our sales average a total of £1.5 million, with hundreds of dedicated buyers attending the one-day sale of approximately 150 cars each time. We are also established at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show which is held annually at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, where we have been the official auction partner for the last three years.
At CCA our aim is to make buying and selling a classic car as easy and as straight-forward as possible. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable classic car specialists will provide sellers with honest and realistic estimates, combined with worldwide marketing and well-presented sale days which will help your car achieve a great price. We offer buyers a fantastic selection of affordable classic cars presented with extensive information and detailed condition reports along with low buyer’s fees.
If you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic car with Classic Car Auctions, call us today on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk.
Nissan continues to bring its electrification strategy to life by extending its commitment to Formula E into the Gen3 era
Nissan today announced its long-term commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship racing through to the end of season twelve 2025-2026 of the all-electric racing series.
Nissan joined the series in season five as the only Japanese manufacturer.
The Gen3 era of the championship begins in season nine — the 2022-23 season — and will feature even more powerful and faster cars.
Nissan races in this world championship to bring the excitement and fun of zero- emission electric vehicles to a global audience. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify all-new Nissan vehicle offerings by the early 2030s. Nissan aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the race track and road for better electric vehicles for customers.
“Nissan’s vision for cars goes far beyond simply modes of transport,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer. “We aim to design and build electric vehicles that transform the way communities connect and move, and inspire us all to work towards a sustainable society. For Nissan, Formula E helps us bring excitement, energy and the environment to the forefront as we deliver this vision of the future to an ever-growing, new, young and diverse audience.”
As the team races in the current 2020-2021 season seven and looks toward the Gen3 era from season nine, it embarks on “Phase Two – track-to-road” of its technology transfer goals, where the technically fast-moving championship will help Nissan showcase features that aim to encourage consumer adoption of its EVs.
“We’ve achieved great results during our first two seasons and renewing our long-term commitment to Formula E is a key step,” said Tommaso Volpe, Nissan’s global motorsport director. “We entered the sport with a “road-to-track” technical transfer approach, and by extending our racing program through the Gen3 era, we have the opportunity to close the circle with “track-to-road” technical transfer. We believe that, as one of the most global manufacturers involved in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, this sport is the perfect platform to promote our expertise in electrification and demonstrate our commitment to more sustainable mobility solutions.”
The first races of the 2021 season took place in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, as a double- header event at the end of February, where Formula E raced for the first time as an FIA World Championship. It was also Formula E’s first night race, with the cars racing under floodlights. Nissan e.dams took 14 team championship points away from the event.
Olivier and Gregory Driot, team principals of Nissan e.dams, added this joint statement: “Nissan’s commitment to the Gen3 era of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship shows the strength of the all-electric racing series and its pursuit of success in the next phase. The new Gen3 cars will be faster and more powerful, and this constant evolution of racing performance that we continue to see in Formula E is great for the fans and the sport.”
Round three of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place on Apr. 10 in Rome.
The trend-setting Mini Cooper will be celebrating its 60th anniversary at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb in June alongside the Jaguar E-type as part of a spectacular weekend paying tribute to both game-changing British icons.
The Mini, in all its forms, will feature throughout the fun-packed weekend, from exciting racing action, star cars, demonstrations and movie-scene reinactments to music, op art, films, fashion and more!
First launched in 1959, the ground-breaking Mini not only revolutionised small car design forever, but became a British style icon of the Swinging Sixties. No other car has become such a huge part of the fabric of our society, fashion, popular culture and film in the way that the Mini has. From scene-stealing lead roles in The Italian Job to boasting the likes of the Beatles and Peter Sellers as ardent owners, the Mini has enjoyed unrivalled success.
In motorsport, the Mini Cooper shot to fame winning countless trophies in the hands of legends such as John Fitzpatrick, Sir John Whitmore, Paddy Hopkirk, Rauno Aaltonen and Timo Mäkinen. Six decades later, it continues to be a popular competition car thanks to its diminutive size and its ability to be tuned to make the most of its handling qualities.
Philip Porter said: ‘We are delighted that rallying legend Paddy Hopkirk will be joining us along with former racer John Fitzpatrick. The E-type 60 weekend will celebrate both the Mini and the Jaguar E-type anniversaries with a super display of historic and special cars. Add to that some great 60s music from tribute band The High Tones, hillclimb action on both days, Mods and Rockers scooter fun, top-notch specialist exhibitors, fashion, dancing and much more… we are gearing up to having one hell of a celebration.’
Paddy Hopkirk said: ‘I know that I’m not the only one who holds the Mini in great affection, and I hope you will join me in raising a glass to a true motoring icon’.
Mini mayhem on the hill – want to take part? Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motorsport venue in the world still using its original course, and is considered the jewel in the crown of hillclimbing.
On Saturday 12 June, there will be an action-packed day of Mini mayhem on the hill, with practice sessions in the morning and timed runs in the afternoon, plus Mini demos throughout the weekend.
Notable entries already include a 1964 Austin Cooper S that was taken to victory at the Snetterton 500 in 1965 by British saloon-car legend Gerry Marshall. The car has recently been beautifully restored to its original 1964 Aurora Gear Racing colours. There will also be a delightful Mini van affectionately known as ‘Miss March’ – the first commercial vehicle to race competitively since the 1960s.
Visiting Mini car clubs welcome Mini car clubs are actively encouraged to take part in the 60th anniversary celebrations.
All registered car clubs can reserve their own designated club display area right in the heart of the event and brand as their own.
“Hang on, lads – I’ve got a great idea” The cult movie The Italian Job will be fondly remembered with a recreation of the robbery scene. The ‘getaway run’ will feature red, white and blue Mini Coopers, a coach, a police car and the original Jaguar E-type Roadster ‘848 CRY’, which played a starring role in THAT scene with a digger and a mountainside!
The High Tones to play at ‘Swinging 60s Shelsley’ As seen in Liverpool’s Cavern Club – the birthplace of the Beatles! The four-piece band The High Tones will pay homage to the fab groove of the greatest musical decade, performing countless hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Monkees, Van Morrison, The Hollies and The Small Faces to name but a few. The show is guaranteed to take you on a magical, melodic journey through the Swinging Sixties.
In addition, there will be a fashion competition for the best and most authentic vintage outfit. Why not don that Mary Quant-inspired outfit or flower-power clothes, and visit the on-site hair salon and beautician for a period makeover.
Charity partner The event is actively supporting charity partner ‘Hope for Tomorrow’, dedicated to bringing cancer care closer to patients’ homes via Mobile Cancer Care Units that they provide to NHS Trusts across the country.
New Kia e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range available for £34,945 OTR (before applying any government grants)
New variant features the same 64kWh battery pack and 150kW motor as higher-specification models
282 miles from a single charge (WLTP combined) – more than any other sub-£35,000 BEV
e-Niro the UK’s best-selling EV in the first two months of 2021
Kia Motors (UK) Limited has opened the order books today for its new Kia e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range, offering more range than any other sub-£35,000 electric vehicle.
The new model is now available to order across the UK, with customer deliveries due to start in July.
The new variant features the same long-range 64kWh battery pack and high-power 150kW motor as higher-specification e-Niro models, while offering a £34,945 on-the-road price (before applying any government grants).
The e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range is capable of travelling up to 282 miles on a single charge (WLTP combined), and up to 382 miles in city driving.
While its long-range battery pack and powerful electric motor delivers comparable driving range and performance to far more expensive EVs, it also provides a wide range of standard equipment. Highlights include its 8.0-inch touchscreen display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, reversing camera system and rear parking sensors, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Smart Key & Button Start. A battery heating system is also fitted, designed to insulate and warm up the battery while the vehicle is plugged in, minimising the adverse effects of cold temperatures.
The ‘2’ Long Range also offers the same large cabin and spacious boot as other e-Niro models, with generous space for five occupants and 451 litres of cargo capacity.
The e-Niro was the UK’s best-selling battery EV during the first two months of 2021, accounting for almost one in five of all nationwide EV sales up to the end of February.
All e-Niro models, including the new ‘2’ Long Range variant, allow owners to sign up to KiaCharge, a new UK-wide integrated public charging service. KiaCharge provides easier, comprehensive access to the UK public charging network for owners of the brand’s EV and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) models. More than 15,000 charge points across the UK are accessible from a single account, including those from several major charging networks, including bp pulse, Pod Point, IONITY, Source London, Chargepoint, NewMotion, Char-gy, and ESB. Certain national and regional charging networks are also accessible via KiaCharge.
Hackett London has renewed its long-term partnership with Aston Martin, celebrating a unique 20-year relationship
Hackett London is announced as the exclusive Travelwear and Officewear Supplier for the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team
The British menswear brand will continue its Aston Martin Racing by Hackett collection, unveiling a new look for Spring Summer 2021
Aston Martin and Hackett London are globally renowned British heritage brands with a shared appreciation for style, craftsmanship and luxury
Hackett London, the home of British menswear, is proud to announce the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Aston Martin.
This new era between the two iconic British brands sees an extension of the licensing contract with Aston Martin Lagonda until 2024, which will mark 20 years of a unique and prestigious collaboration.
In a further exciting development for 2021, Hackett London is delighted to be part of Aston Martin’s much anticipated return to Grand Prix racing after more than sixty years. Hackett London is proud to announce that it is the official Travelwear and Officewear Supplier for the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, outfitting drivers Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, as well as the rest of the team, with travel and office attire.
Hackett London is the longest continual partner of Aston Martin, a collaboration that started 17 years ago in 2004, and which has been inspired by the rich history of racing garments in the Hackett archive. Indeed, it was one of Aston Martin’s very first partnerships, and the natural synergy between Hackett London and Aston Martin has enabled this unique collaboration to stand the test of time. Rooted in values shared by their visionary founders that ring through to the present day, the partnership exudes an appreciation for British craftsmanship, luxury and an inherent commitment to quality and tradition.
To mark a new chapter in this impressive partnership, Hackett London will continue its sought-after Aston Martin Racing by Hackett collection for Spring Summer 2021, offering a range of premium clothing designed and crafted for modern men with a passion for automotive and racing. This stylish and sophisticated clothing collaboration encompasses the coolest casual outwear, elevated technical polos and the ultimate backpack, bringing an easy sophistication to a weekend wardrobe. Sleek, dynamic polo shirts feature contrast tipping on collars and sleeves and bold logo embroidery.
Versatility is key to the collection, with a wide range of lightweight layering options from gilets to windbreakers, and a black tapered sweat pant offering a chic travel option for the man on the go. For those wishing to make a statement, a quilted lightweight gilet is offered in red and yellow; while, elsewhere, pops of primary colour are featured on exterior zip and pocket details of black and blue lightweight outerwear. Reflecting the quintessentially British brand values of both Hackett London and Aston Martin, the collection is a blend of sumptuous luxury, serene refinement and elegant convenience.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer says: “Hackett and Aston Martin share a great tradition of beautiful design and incredible British craftsmanship, blended together with the best materials to produce luxurious products. This partnership has stood the test of time because it is based on shared values and vision. We’re delighted that the Aston Martin Racing by Hackett collection will continue and those of us who have enjoyed wearing Hackett clothing know that the office and travel wear for the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team will be the best in the business.”
Jefferson Slack, Managing Director – Commercial & Marketing, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™️ Team says: “It’s hugely exciting to welcome Hackett London as the official Travelwear and Officewear Supplier of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™️ Team. As a long-term partner of Aston Martin, it’s fitting that our partnership extends into our new Formula One venture. Luxury and style are at the forefront of our principles, and – whether our team is travelling to the racetrack or conducting meetings in our factory – it’s imperative that these values extend through into our attire.”
Marcella Wartenbergh, Chief Executive Office of AWWG, parent company for Hackett London says: “We are delighted to take our cherished partnership with Aston Martin to the next level by supporting their long-awaited return to Formula One. An F1 team represents the best of the best, not only the drivers, but also the engineers, the pit crew – men and women at the top of their field who share the values and vision of excellence of Hackett London. While luxury does exist in the paddock, Aston Martin will bring a renewed sense of elegance to this thrilling sport, and we are proud to be a part of that endeavour.”
As one of motorsport’s most progressive partnerships, Hackett London and Aston Martin is a collaboration embodying style. The Spring Summer 2021 Aston Martin Racing by Hackett collection is available from March 2021 in diverse channels including www.hackettlondon.com.
About Hackett London The home of British menswear, Hackett’s collections are built around impeccable tailoring, complemented by luxurious casualwear. From their origins in London’s fashionable Chelsea, Hackett has a history of always providing the best for the most discerning of men and Hackett stores offer a wide range of products and services to cater for all of a man’s sartorial needs.
Hackett boasts a British heritage spanning 35 years and began when Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd-Jennings met on London’s Portobello Road, a location famous for its vintage clothing and accessories. It was at this first auspicious meeting that the pair’s business developed, gaining cult status amongst London’s sartorially inclined. The demand soon became apparent, and it would soon exceed the supply of vintage men’s clothing and accessories. The answer? For Hackett and Lloyd-Jennings to reproduce new clothes made from natural fibres in traditional English styles in a store of their own.
Today, Hackett boasts over 1,000 points of sale across the globe, which includes stores, concessions and franchise activities, as well as collaborations with like-minded partners such as the esteemed Aston Martin, Henley Royal Regatta and British Army Polo. Hackett London is a thriving global brand, offering a rich brand architecture including: Hackett London and the newly launched Bespoke J.P Hackett label.
About AWWG Founded in 2006, AWWG is the global fashion group which integrates the iconic brands Pepe Jeans London, Hackett and Façonnable. AWWG currently has 238 owned stores, with a presence in 54 countries globally and a workforce of 2,800 employees.
About Aston Martin 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 54 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.
About Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team After more than 60 years away from Formula One, Aston Martin returns to Grand Prix racing in 2021. With one of the most iconic emblems in the world above the garages and a team of almost 500 passionate men and women at its heart, this is a team with both a rich heritage and a fresh perspective – bringing new energy to the sport with a determination to shake up the order and compete at the sharp end.
Our mission is to use the global platform of motorsport to engage a new wave of fans – showcasing the technology and innovation which live at our core while representing the values that resonate with the changing world in which we live.
The new age of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team begins here. www.astonmartinf1.com
Nissan’s drive towards carbon neutrality is continuing at pace after the 100% electric LEAF overtook Bluebird production at the company’s plant in Sunderland.
The production of Bluebird totaled 187,178 units from 1986 to 1990. When production ramped up it took over 22 hours for each Bluebird to be build. Now, 35 years later, the outstanding improvement in manufacturing technology has reduced the production time to 10 hours for the Nissan LEAF and 195,380 units have been manufactured.
Alan Johnson, Vice President Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: “Bluebird was an iconic model for the plant and evokes fond memories among all Nissan enthusiasts.
“LEAF volumes overtaking Bluebird shows how dramatically our manufacturing innovation, skills and processes have evolved as we drive towards electrification.
“LEAF overtaking Bluebird is a landmark – but there are many more to come for our team at the plant as our electrified line up grows.”
Switching from wheel nuts and carburetors to electrical architecture and cyber security, Nissan’s unrelenting commitment to quality has not changed. The number of staff employed at the Sunderland plant has grown from 430 in 1986 to 6,000, with 19 staff who started in ‘86 still working today on Nissan LEAF.
The first car off the line, Bluebird Job 1, is the centerpiece of a local museum display commemorating the significance of that first vehicle. Nissan LEAF has already written its name into the history books with the 500,000th LEAF recently produced in Sunderland.
Over the past decade the car has won accolades around the world including Car of the Year 2011 in Europe, World Car of the Year 2011 and Car of the Year Japan in 2011 and 2012. There are now over half a million LEAF on the road around the world.
Nissan has set itself the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company’s operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050. As part of this effort, by the early 2030s every all-new Nissan vehicle offering in key markets will be electrified, as well as introducing innovations in electrification and manufacturing technology.
The company recently announced plans for a major expansion to renewable energy generation at its record-breaking plant in Sunderland, UK with a proposed 20MW solar farm extension.
If approved, the 37,000-panel extension would result in 20% of the plant’s energy coming from all onsite renewables, enough to build every single zero-emission Nissan LEAF sold in Europe.
Discover more about the 100% electric Nissan LEAF and Nissan products on Nissan Europe consumer sites, visit www.nissan-europe.com.
For more information about Nissan’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
BLUEBIRD
LEAF (e+)
Acceleration 0 – 100km/h
12.5 seconds
6.9 seconds (e+)
Tech
Electric windows, central locking, electric mirrors, heated rear windscreen, radio cassette player
ProPILOT, e-Pedal Nissan Safety Shield including Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High-Beam Assist NissanConnect Services 8″ Touchscreen Navigation and Entertainment System, Rear View Camera, Active Charging, Eco-Routing, Driving Range, Preset Air Conditioning, Nearby Charging Stations Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® Smartphone App Integration
Priaulx is the first race winner of the inaugural Porsche Carrera Cup North America and the first ever driver to win in the all new Porsche 992 based GT3 Cup race car
The 20 year-old British racer leaves Sebring leading the championship after taking pole position for Rounds 1 & 2, winning Round 1 and finishing second in Round 2
Sebastian Priaulx kicked-off his Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship challenge, at the iconic Sebring International Raceway, with an impressive performance.
Competing in the #15 Kelly-Moss Porsche, Priaulx took pole position for both 45-minute races, won an extremely hard fought first round and finished runner-up in the second. The results place him at the top of the championship tables leaving Florida, with a 10-point lead over his closest rival.
The pressure on the drivers in a one-make series, like the Porsche Carrera Cup, cannot be under estimated but Priaulx handled it like a veteran and never faltered. In a repeat of his pre-season testing pace the 20 year-old, third-generation racer grabbed pole position for both opening rounds during Thursday’s qualifying session.
Round 1 began at a furious pace as Priaulx executed a text book start, closely followed by his Kelly-Moss team mate, Kay van Berlo. The experienced Dutchman stuck to the #15’s rear bumper as the two fought a race of their own, gapping the rest of the field by an impressive margin. The battle continued unabated for 30 minutes until a Full Course Yellow intervened, allowing both drivers to take a breath.
The race restarted with just four minutes to go and this time the young Guernseyman displayed some techniques undoubtedly acquired from his father Andy, and got away before anyone could react and brought the #15 Porsche home in first place, a clear 1.2 seconds ahead of his team mate.
The roles were reversed in Round 2 when van Berlo made an aggressive move on Priaulx at the green flag into Corner 1, the latter choosing discretion over valour which forced him into playing the chaser. The young Briton tucked in behind Kay’s #3 Porsche and returned the favour of breathing down his neck for the opening half of the race, the two team mates again in a race of their own. In the latter stages the #15 started to suffer with degrading rear grip, the tyres having been pushed so hard chasing in the opening laps. Priaulx crossed the line in second place but not before setting a new lap record!
Priaulx was understandably delighted to win the first ever round of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, which also made him the first winner in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car as it was its first event. He was also characteristically disappointed to finish second in Round 2.
“I’ve had a great opening weekend in the Porsche Carrera Cup,” said Priaulx. “The first race was a lot of fun. Kay (van Berlo) pushed so hard but there was no way I was letting him get past me. It was good, fair racing and that’s what we are all here for. Race 2 was tough as he got past me at the start. He raised his game today but that’s okay as I will do the same in time for the next race. I’m annoyed not to get both wins but I’m really happy to get one of them and of course both pole positions. To leave Sebring leading the championship is more than I could have wished for so I’m happy.”
Priaulx will be back in the #15 Kelly Moss Racing Porsche for Rounds 3 and 4 of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America at Mosport in May
Image credits and captions: Paul Nash (1889–1946), Kimmeridge Folly, Dorset, 1937. Lithograph, 30 x 45 in. (76 x 114 cm.). Estimate: £1500-2000 + fees John Stewart Anderson, Motorists Prefer Shell, 1935. Lithograph, 30 x 45 in. (76 x 114 cm.). Estimate: £1,800-2,200 + fees Hans Schleger (Zero) (1898-1976). Journalists use Shell, 1938. Lithograph, 30 x 45 in. (76 x 114 cm.). Estimate: £1500-2000 + fees
International auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull, in partnership with poster specialist Tomkinson Churcher, will present Design on the Move: Selected Posters from the Shell Heritage Art Collection at the Mall Galleries in London, as part of their Modern Made sale. The specialist auction will consist of 40 lots with around 50 original posters from the 1930s and 1950s.
The Shell Heritage Art Collection Manager, Nicky Balfour Penney said: ‘We are pleased to be offering these iconic Shell posters for auction to raise vital funds for the National Motor Museum Trust to support its world class collections and displays in the National Motor Museum. Featuring some of our most popular works in excellent condition, this is a rare opportunity not to be missed.’
Director of Collections & Engagement at the Museum, Andrea Bishop, said: ‘The National Motor Museum has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Shell and an association with the wonderful Shell Heritage Art Collection. We are hugely appreciative of this generous contribution to our fund-raising, especially during these difficult times. Releasing a limited number of these beautiful posters for auction is an exciting opportunity for buyers to acquire them and a real boost for the work of the National Motor Museum Trust.’
The posters offered for sale are all Lorry Bills which were attached to the sides and backs of Shell lorries, delivering oil and petrol to customers all over the country. From the 1920s to the 1950s, Shell commissioned some of the most powerful advertising campaigns ever produced. The company realised early on that its advertisements promoted not only petrol and oil but also motoring, and motoring meant special pleasures – exhilaration, freedom and the joys of the countryside.
Commissioned by Jack Beddington, who had a keen eye for young talent, the list of artists reads like a Who’s Who of the British art establishment of the period – Ben Nicholson, Graham Sutherland, Edward McKnight Kauffer and Paul Nash. Beddington’s ability to give young contemporary artists a platform to produce original advertisements made the campaigns of his era a great success.
This wonderful collection tells the history of British art from the period and gives us many examples of different styles and influences, from Vorticism to Surrealism. It also illustrates the story of how motoring transformed the lives of Britons, opening up the countryside to middle class urban dwellers.
Design on the Move: Selected Posters from the Shell Heritage Art Collection is part of Lyon & Turnbull’s DESIGN series, celebrating 150 years of design across four UK auctions. The works from the Shell Heritage Art Collection will be on view at www.lyonandturnbull.com throughout April, and in The Mall Galleries in London from 27 April before the live online auction on 30 April.
About Shell Heritage Art Collection One of the most important collections of 20th century British commercial art, the Shell Heritage Art Collection includes Shell’s historical advertising posters, original paintings, cartoons and press advertisements plus the ever-popular Shell County Guide books. Posters and paintings from the collection are loaned regularly to museums and galleries around Britain and Europe, allowing access to the collection to around a million people a year. Its popularity is due in part to the high calibre of artists previously commissioned for Shell’s campaigns. The Collection is stored at Shell’s Historical Heritage & Archive, The Hague, and a reserve collection is stored at the National Motor Museum Trust, Beaulieu.
About National Motor Museum Trust The National Motor Museum Trust Limited is a charitable organisation founded in 1972, which runs the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The Trust has a world famous collection of vehicles and associated motoring items, which have been designated by the Arts Council England as being of national and international importance. The Trust is committed to promoting education, research and conservation in motoring history for the benefit of everyone.
About Lyon & Turnbull Operating since 1826, Lyon & Turnbull are one of the UK’s premiere fine art and antiques auctioneers. The company’s galleries in London and Glasgow complement the historic Georgian headquarters and main saleroom in Edinburgh. Hosting nearly 35 specialist auctions per year across the UK there is always something to see at Lyon & Turnbull: from jewellery and watches to fine furniture; traditional British and European art to Modern & Contemporary stars; European decorative arts and design to fine Asian art from China and Japan.
Continuing its recently initiated programme of new product launches, British Motor Heritage (BMH) has now reintroduced OEM specification replacement sills to fit Triumph TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR250 and TR6 sports cars.
Newly tooled, pressed, trimmed and painted in this country, they are perfect copies of the originals, but formed in heavier gauge steel for increased longevity.
The brand new tooling was created by scanning original items and then optimising the results by computer. However, whereas the original products were made from 20SWG (0.914mm thick) steel, BMH has opted for c.18SWG (1.2mm thick) stock that will not only outlast the original panels, but prove considerably more durable than competitor items that can be as much as 0.4mm thinner. The paint finish of the BMH products is also of the highest calibre, being the same e-coat primer employed by the vast majority of today’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) – another level of quality missing from competitor products.
Commenting on the sills, British Motor Heritage’s Managing Director Graham Payne said: “We are working hard to improve the quality of the panelwork available in the marketplace by always meeting or exceeding OEM specifications, and employing the best treatments and finishes commercially available at any one time.”
With a recommended price of £90.00 (plus VAT) each, the sills are available with immediate effect from BMH’s international network of stockists – visit www.bmh-ltd.com/directory.htm for further detail. The relevant part numbers are:
Left-hand – 850281
Right-hand – 850282
Further details of all BMH products for iconic British classic cars can be found at www.bmh-ltd.com.
