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9 February 2012, Gaydon: With the final design signed-off and engineering development work progressing apace, Aston Martin today reveals the first images of the new V12 Zagato (road car) scheduled for production later this year.

The V12 Zagato is the pinnacle of the Vantage range. It is also the latest expression of a successful creative collaboration that has given rise to a series of striking GT cars over the last half-century, the original and most iconic of which being the DB4GT Zagato. Not only does this masterpiece rank amongst the most desirable, collectable and valuable cars in history, its 50^th anniversary provided the inspiration for the V12 Zagato.

Though commemorating a great Aston Martin of the past the V12 Zagato could be no mere pastiche of the original. Instead the project was seen as the perfect opportunity to take Aston Martin’s ethos of technology and tradition to a new and exciting level. To this end the V12 Zagato combines the modern ideas, materials, processes and technology pioneered on One-77, while remaining true to the purity and craftsmanship of its illustrious forebear.

For Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V12 Zagato is “a celebration of both Aston Martin’s heritage and its future”. He continues: “Our relationship with Zagato stretches back more than 50 years. Together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The first – the DB4GT Zagato – is a true icon: fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have captured the spirit of that car and combined it with a confident twist of modernity to give it a character all of its own.”

Initial design concepts for the V12 Zagato were explored in early 2010. Inspired by Zagato’s bold and individual styling signatures Aston Martin’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman, and his Gaydon-based design team relished the challenge of shaping the V12 Zagato, creating a car that pushes the boundaries of Aston Martin’s design language, yet pays tribute to the DB4GT Zagato. Demonstrating Aston Martin’s ability to rapidly bring ideas to fruition the Zagato programme quickly gained momentum, the design team working hand-in-hand with engineers and artisans to complete the build of a pair of concept cars in the spring of 2011.

May 2011 saw the V12 Zagato make its world debut at the prestigious Villa d’Este concours. Entered in the Concept Cars and Prototypes class, the V12 Zagato wowed the judges and the crowd, taking first place against impressive opposition. In June the Villa d’Este winner - along with the second prototype car – made the V12 Zagato’s world racing debut at the gruelling 24 hour endurance race held at the Nürburgring. Both cars completed the ultimate durability test, continuing Aston Martin’s 100 per cent finishing record in this notoriously tough race.

After an overwhelmingly positive response from customers, the decision was made in July 2011 to build a strictly limited run of V12 Zagatos. Since then, Aston Martin’s design team has worked to refine the sports car’s detailing and aerodynamic performance while staying faithful to the original design concept. At the same time engineers based at Gaydon have been putting prototypes through the company’s rigorous development programme to ensure the V12 Zagato performs as well as it looks.

Every Aston Martin is a unique combination of advanced materials, technology and time-honoured craftsmanship. The V12 Zagato takes this philosophy to a level previously seen in the company’s exquisite One-77 supercar, which completes its build run this year. Built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, production of the V12 Zagato will be strictly limited to no more than 150 cars.

Creating each V12 Zagato is a painstaking process that takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Just like the One-77, the V12 Zagato is constructed from a combination of hand crafted aluminium and carbon fibre. The bonnet, signature ‘double-bubble’ roof and doors are hand-crafted aluminium, while the front and rear fenders, door sills and boot lid surround are made from carbon fibre.

The finished body is then painted in the same dedicated area as the One-77. Four unique colours have been created for the V12 Zagato: Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue and Diavolo Red. The painting process alone takes some 100 hours to complete and is followed by the marriage of the body and the drivetrain within the sports car production area. From there the V12 Zagato is transferred to the standalone facility originally built to house One-77 production, where the build is completed.

This serene, laboratory-like space is perfectly suited to the task of creating special cars such as the V12 Zagato. It is here that time is lavished upon the fitment and installation of an array of bespoke components, including the side glass and the distinctive rear window, which features a curved surface that continues the sculptural lines of the ‘double-bubble’ roof. All the exterior brightwork around the windows has a contemporary black finish to compliment the exposed carbon fibre components. Fitment of the hand-crafted interior and upholstery is also completed in this dedicated build area.

Like all Aston Martins when viewed as a whole the V12 Zagato is an artful composition of powerful lines and compelling proportions, but when viewed up close it reveals sophisticated, sculptural surfaces and jewel-like details. The exposed elements of carbon fibre on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases and rear wing all display the same perfectly symmetrical weave and smooth resin finish. Likewise the bold new grille is formed in a unique three-dimensional composite material mesh that echoes Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.

More delights are found inside. Seven Bridge of Weir hides – in semi-aniline finish to offer durability while preserving the natural texture of the leather - are used to trim the V12 Zagato’s interior. Hand-stitched quilting of a unique design creates a flowing pattern that evokes a dynamic sense of movement across the seats and headlining, while ‘Z’ embroidery in the headrests and rear parcel shelf add a further flourish. Satin-finish carbon fibre on the dashboard and centre stack is perfectly complimented by piano black accents and satin black rotary switchgear. Carbon fibre sill plaques with ’V12 Zagato’ inlaid metal script provide a distinctive finishing touch.

A work of art built by skilled craftsmen to be driven and enjoyed by the world’s most discerning car collectors, the V12 Zagato is a fitting tribute to its illustrious ancestor. On-sale now priced at £330,000 (plus local taxes) the production specification V12 Zagato will be showcased at the Geneva Salon International in March 2012. First deliveries are scheduled for Autumn 2012.

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1. Keep a good distance in front of you so that you can slow down gently when you need to.
2. Except in an emergency, always look in the mirror before braking. Knowing what the car behind is doing is the best way to avoid getting hit from behind.
3. Make sure you have a properly adjusted head restraint. The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of your head for maximum safety.
4. Anticipate the traffic ahead and drive to avoid stopping as often – slowing down earlier gives the driver behind more time to react.
5. Try and signal early for junctions to give time for the traffic behind you to react.
6. Keep your foot lightly on the footbrake as traffic approaches from behind to show brake lights as a warning, until you are sure it is stopping.

Head of training, Simon Elstow said “The rise in whiplash compensation claims is driving up car insurance. Avoid injury and a hit to your insurance premium by following the above advice.”

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**UPDATE**

Sales results are

1. BP Motor Spirit sign SOLD £282.00
2. Pratts sign SOLD £211.00
3. Gargoyle Mobiloil sign SOLD £175.00
4. Rapson tyre sign SOLD £1551.99

Click on the picture of the signs to view the auctions.

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It may be beyond saving but can yield some very useful parts.

British magazine The Motor tested a 2.4-litre saloon with overdrive in 1956. It was found to have a top speed of 101.5 mph (163.3 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 14.4 seconds.  The test car cost £1532 including taxes.

Click here to view the auction

**UPDATE The car sold for £410**

Ebay auction info is reproduced below

Mark 1 Jaguar. This has sat up at my late grandfathers house since the 60's. He bought it off the well-to-do Manager of a local textiles factory in Tiverton in the 1950's. he used it sparingly then stored it in a garage on his property, bought a VW Beetle...and this sat unused then until the present day!! We have recently removed the garage, the car was covered in old carpets, and this is what we found. The engine,gearbox,running gear all look to be good. The radiator looks fine. So this is for sale to the highest bidder for spares (possible restoration) This is the rarer more sought after MK1 (MK2's are very common now). Has 2.4litre manual engine,covered low miles only 2 owners.

Buyer must collect from Tiverton Devon. I recommend with a trailer and a couple of strong fellas! It is accessable on a sloping drive so once you got it moving it should roll straight down onto a decent trailer.

Some ancilliary parts as you can see in pics have been removed already, (headlamps, dials, windscreen/rear screen) so you are bidding to buy what you can see in photos..so engine, gearbox, all running gear, grill, bumper etc.
Any questions please get in touch. Buyer to pay £50 paypal deposit on auction completion and pay remainder in cash on collection.

Paperwork/log book etc long ago eaten by  mice.

 Click here to view the auction

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The Goodwood Revival remains the only motor sport event in the world to hold a dedicated Ladies Day (Saturday 17 September), with spot prizes of champagne and flowers being awarded to the best dressed women by an expert panel of fashion judges.  New for 2011 however, ‘best dressed’ men may now also be spotted and potentially rewarded during all three days of the Revival, along with the ladies.

With the support of the authentic vintage fashion experts at Men’s File, Goodwood will be looking out for stylish men and elegant ladies, and giving them the opportunity to win daily prizes of Johnnie Walker whiskey (for the men) and flowers and Veuve Clicquot champagne (for the ladies), as well as the chance to appear on the cat walk around 4pm daily (located on the Richmond Lawn) to show off their stylish outfits to fellow Revival visitors.

To meet the growing interest and demand for vintage fashions and paraphernalia, the popular Revival Market and High Street area has been expanded and extended out across the road from the main Goodwood circuit entrance, near the enormous Revival Car Show, to cater for more specialist exhibitors.

Many leading retail names in vintage fashion will be attending Goodwood this year, including Biba and Vivien of Holloway, with shops on the main Revival High Street, plus lingerie specialist What Katie Did, and Goodwood itself, with a large range of 1948-1966 Revival-era products, including tweed, overalls, caps, leather and gloves.  A new ‘vintage’ line of sub 13-year old children’s clothing will also be launched by Goodwood at the Revival; available in the ‘Shed Shop’ located next to Glam Cabs.

To help female Revival visitors ‘get the look,’ for hair and make-up in a 1940s, 50s and 60s style, Goodwood has produced a trio of short tutorial videos, using specialists and models to show how to achieve that authentic look.  These can be viewed at http://www.goodwood.co.uk/revival/vintage-at-revival/vintage-hair-and-make-up.aspx.

To order advance tickets for 2011 Goodwood Revival, please contact the Ticket Hotline:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
Email: ticket.office@goodwood.com
Book on-line: www.goodwood.com/motorsport

Tickets can also be brought from ebay click here to view the listings

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Maranello, 23rd August 2011 – The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferrari’s mid-rear engined V8s and offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration. It is equipped with a Ferrari patented, fully retractable hard top, a world first for a sports car with this lay-out.

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 which was nominated as the 2011 International Engine of the Year for its engineering excellence in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement. The power is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with the F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS for maximum handling dynamics.

Certain features, such as its accelerator pedal mapping and the damping of the multilink suspension, have been calibrated to guarantee maximum sportiness and absolute driving pleasure with the top down, in line with Maranello’s exclusive spider tradition. Even the engine soundtrack has been honed to ensure that the car’s occupants are completely captivated by the drop-top driving experience.

Entirely in aluminium, the hard-top solution adopted for the 458 Spider offers a number of advantages over the traditional folding soft-top, including a reduction of 25 kg in weight and a deployment time of just 14 seconds. Fully integrated into the styling of the car, the hard-top was engineered to fit neatly ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or the performance of the car. The small space needed to house the roof enables the designers to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the seats.

The rear of the car is characterised by innovative forms with the buttresses designed to optimise the flow of air to the engine intakes and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators. For maximum comfort whilst driving top down the 458 Spider features a generously-sized adjustable electric wind stop. The design was perfected to slow and diffuse the air in the cockpit, enabling normal conversation to be held even at speeds over 200 km/h.

New technical solutions adopted for the chassis guarantee identical levels of structural rigidity with the roof up or down. The result is a car that is truly exciting to drive, blending extreme performance with the responsiveness that has always characterised Ferrari’s open-top berlinettas.

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It costs as much as a very nice house and has yet to find a buyer. It might be unsold as people who can afford a Bugatti would rather buy a new one.

  £795,000.00 5d 06h 14m 1969 Ford Lotus Escort RARE! 

Classic Fords hold a certain nostalgia for most people and this reflects in their value. £65,000.00 7d 21h 17m 1930s alloy bodied kitcar,wire wheels leather trim. 

Ignore the bad photos, this looks like a VW Beetle based Madison roadster.

  £895.00 3d 11h 13m VW CAMPER 1966 AND ERIBA PUCK (PUC) 1967 (CLASSIC) 

Classic camping at its best.

  £15,000.00 2d 09h 27m 2005 VOLKSWAGEN T5 MOTORHOME CAMPERVAN CAMPER 

New VW campers seem to hold their value as much as the Classic versions.

  £9,000.00 16d 00h 04m VW T4 Transporter Day Surf camper Van only 61k Miles £2,700.00 22 1d 09h 13m Volkswagen type2 Vw t2 Splitscreen Camper van £15,100.00 41 3d 00h 47m Ford 4x4 RS200 

Very rare rally rocket

  £124,994.00 4d 16h 29m Escort Mk2 Mexico 1978 genuine car GCAT chassis no. 

An original Mexico restoration project

  £2,850.00 21 1d 07h 38m FIFTH WHEEL CARAVAN & MITSUBISHI L200 DOUBLE CAB PICKUP 

  £8,999.00 9d 11h 01m

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The bids have reached over £25000, which is about 10 times the normal value for a car like this. Even with such high bids the reserve has not yet been met.

 **UPDATE - The bids reached £48,100, but did not reach reserve**

Click here to view auction

Ebay auction details reproduced below.

As seen in Google/Media (Kate middleton car for sale on Ebay)

I have owned this car since April 2009. The car comes with all invoices and bills including log book/v5, where I have document proof of the previous registered keeper, as stated Miss Catherine Middleton, the car was then passed onto her brother James Middleton.

The car was sold/part exchanged to my father Al Brazil of Motor Carriage Co.

I do believe this will be the best piece of Royal History anyone could have.

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The exquisite Salon Prive event returns to London, albeit the new venue of Syon Park. Visitors enjoyed the Champagne and lobster lunch served with some of the finest cars ever built...

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After decades as a defunct brand, Alvis Cars is to complete a car in its catalogue, now known as the 4.3-litre Continuation Series. 77 will be built at the company facility in the Midlands, which is also a shrine to all things Alvis....

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