Hot Wheels and Gucci make a special Cadillac Seville

By

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October 11, 2021

A Hot Wheels recreation of a classic Cadillac will help mark fashion house Gucci’s 100th anniversary.

The Gucci x Hot Wheels collaboration will see 500 diecast replicas of the 1982 Cadillac Seville Gucci Edition made.

Each $120 (£88) model car features the same fashion-led details as the haute couture original. These even extend to a tiny gold Gucci grille badge.

Gold-tinted memories

Cadillac released a ‘designed by Gucci’ edition version of the first-generation Seville in 1979. The designer treatment continued for the second-generation car, sold between 1980 and 1985.

It is this second Seville iteration, complete with divisive bustle-back rear styling, that Hot Wheels has chosen to immortalise.

Like the full-size original, the Hot Wheels Gucci model will feature a half-vinyl roof complete with the interlocking ‘G’ logo. A gold Gucci crest resides on the C-pillar, plus you’ll find whitewall tyres and pinstripes along the sides.

The 1:64 scale interior has gold piping on the miniature seats.

‘It’s all Gucci, baby!‘

Mattel Creations has worked with Gucci to design and build the retro Cadillac. It marks the first time Gucci has made a collectible model, and is intended to demonstrate the concept of ‘toys as art’.

The limited-edition model will be offered directly through the Mattel Creations and Gucci websites. Selected Gucci stores across the world, including New York, London, Paris and Milan will also stock the high-end Hot Wheels.

Sales of the Cadillac start on 18 October 2021. It is likely to be keenly sought by Hot Wheels collectors.

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This Chevy Suburban has a low stance and high standards

By

John Redfern

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October 10, 2021

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Goodguys Chevrolet Suburban © Tyler Clemmensen

Amongst a crowd of hot rods and custom cruisers, a modified Chevrolet Suburban is always going to stand out.

This modified 1967 example did just that at the recent Goodguys Del Mar Nationals event in Southern California.

Along with garnering attention from spectators, it impressed the judges to claim a Chevrolet GM Iron ‘Builder of the Year Finalist’ award.

Pacific Northwest’s finest

The modified Suburban was created by the J-Rod & Custom shop, based in Auburn, WA. Founded by Jared Hancock, the shop has produced multiple award-winning custom cars, and even restored a Lamborghini Espada.

However, the 1967 Chevrolet Suburban sits even lower to the floor than a Lamborghini… and certainly has more interior space.

An exterior painted in Lapis Poly blue, with a contrasting Bianco Italia white roof, helps pull in the crowds.

The work beneath the body is even more impressive, though.

Supercharged sixth-generation SUV

Powering the big SUV is a General Motors supercharged LT4 V-8 engine, featuring performance parts from Lingenfelter. Finished in Hugger Orange, the powerful motor stands out in the clean engine bay.

A GM eight-speed 8L90 automatic transmission sends power to the back wheels. Pirelli P Zero Nero tires are wrapped around Schott Drift wheels, with 22-inch items at the front and 24-inch rims out back.

The exterior color theme continues inside, with blue trim and patterned upholstery used throughout. A Pioneer multimedia display has been integrated into the dashboard, along with Vintage Air cooling.

On a winning streak

Earlier this year, the Suburban had made its debut at the Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals. It later appeared at the West Coast Nationals event in Pleasanton, CA, where it was recognized as one of the top five contenders for the America’s Most Beautiful prize.

The big Chevrolet’s run of form at Goodguys events continued to the recent Del Mar Nationals.

Being one of the ten Builder’s Choice Awards, picked by Charley Hutton, was an achievement in itself. But now, the Chevrolet GM Iron – Builder of the Year Finalist award opens the door to even bigger opportunities.

Ending the year on a high

As a ‘Builder of the Year’ finalist, the Suburban will appear again at the Goodguys Southwest Nationals. Should it claim the top prize, it will earn J-Rod & Custom a new Chevrolet crate motor.

The Goodguys Southwest Nationals will take place from November 19 to 21, at the WestWorld facility in Scottsdale, AZ.

Acting as the grand finale for the Goodguys show season, the Southwest Nationals will see winners in multiple categories crowned, along with the top autocross driver honored.

Should the Suburban win, it will at least have room in the trunk for more trophies.

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How a cashless payment app could make car washes safer

By

John Redfern

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October 9, 2021

0

Smartphone payment app GoWash is encouraging car wash sites to gain extra legitimacy by joining its nationwide network.

The GoWash app allows drivers to make contactless payments to hundreds of privately owned car washing and valeting businesses.

By signing up for free to the GoWash app, businesses agree to comply with a number of rules.

Doing so can help them achieve accreditation from the Responsible Car Wash Scheme (RCWS).

What is the Responsible Car Wash Scheme?

Launched in 2018, the RCWS is backed by local authorities and government departments to help improve working conditions and standards in the car wash industry.

To gain RCWS accreditation, businesses must show they meet a range of criteria. This includes operating ethically, respecting environmental rules and paying employees in line with the national minimum wage.

Only accepting cash payments is seen as one of the signs that a car wash could be non-compliant.

A lack of protective clothing for staff, or an exterior car wash costing less than £9, are also seen as potential risk factors.

A conscience as clean as your car

Available for iOS and Android devices, the GoWash app can search for local car washes and valeting firms. Apple or Google Pay can be used, along with a credit or debit card, removing the need for cash.

The app includes sites operated by Car Park Valeting. It provides services to 120 Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons supermarkets across the country.

Jonny Billing, founder of GoWash said: “Concerns over irregularity in this industry have increased public interest and, in tandem with the RCWS pilot project, our team at GoWash is supporting the push for better regulation”.

Teresa Sayers, managing director at RCWS, added: “Payment methods offered by car washes are one of the main indicators of whether they are operating as legitimate businesses. Cash-only payment could be a sign of non-compliance with business or employment regulations. The GoWash app provides transparency over business transactions and convenience to the public looking to find and pay for a car wash nearby.”

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Ford Dagenham factory celebrates 90 years

By

Tim Pitt

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October 8, 2021

1

On October 1 1931 at 1:16pm, the first Ford vehicle made in Dagenham rolled off the production line. Ninety years later, nearly 11 million cars, trucks and tractors have been built at the site in East London.

Today, Dagenham produces and exports around a million diesel engines a year. Its future was secured by a deal to supply engines for the new Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter vans, which will be assembled in Turkey from 2023.

To celebrate the factory’s 90th anniversary, we take a brief look at its story so far.

Prefect makes a million

Dagenham was a huge operation from the start; the site had its own steel foundry, power station and on-site railway. Construction took two years and vast quantities of concrete – essential to support the foundations on soggy marshland.

That first vehicle off the production line was a Ford AA truck, based on the successor to the legendary Model T. However within less than a decade, Dagenham would become part of the war effort, building engines and armoured vehicles.

Normal service was swiftly resumed once World War Two ended, and the factory built its millionth car – a 10hp Prefect – in 1946. Famously, it was priced at exactly £100.

Industrial action

The factory expanded hugely in the 1950s, producing popular cars such as the Anglia and Zephyr. The all-conquering Ford Cortina was also built in Dagenham from 1962, with the millionth diesel engine following in 1965.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing. In 1968, Ford’s female sewing machinists went on strike, demanding the same hourly wage as their male colleagues. With no car seat covers being made, car production at Dagenham ground to a halt.

After three weeks, the strike was resolved, the workers’ action leading to the Equal Pay Act of 1970. It also inspired Made in Dagenham, the West-End musical and film starring Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins.

The engine of change

By the 1970s, the plant looked dated and more industrial strife (not unique to Ford) was taking its toll. The company decided to build its new Escort in Saarlouis, Germany, while production of the Ford Fiesta was shared with a new site in Valencia, Spain.

Likewise, the 1982 Sierra was jointly produced with the Genk facility in Belgium, and by the 1990s only the Fiesta (and its Mazda 121 cousin) we being made in Dagenham.

The final Fiesta rolled off the line in 2002, leaving Dagenham as purely an engine plant, a role in which – despite large areas of the original site falling into disuse – it has thrived.

Ninety not out

In recent times, Dagenham joined the effort to make ventilators for the NHS for Covid patients. Ford transformed an empty warehouse into a manufacturing facility in just three weeks, then staffed it with up to five hundred people a day.

The Ford plant also played an important role in industrialising the production process of ventilators, so they could be made in large numbers. This echoed Henry Ford’s pioneering of mass production techniques in 1908 with the original Model T.

Another new facility at Dagenham will convert and customise Ford’s sporty MS-RT vans on-site. The factory may no longer build cars, but it has a place in British history – and a promising future.

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Huge Ram 3500 pickup truck to be built Down Under

By

John Redfern

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October 7, 2021

0

Ram Trucks Australia has announced details of the enormous 3500 Heavy Duty Laramie pickup.

It is the latest right-hand-drive truck to be offered in the country, and is fully designed and homologated for Australian customers.

More than 50,000 hours were spent developing the Australian version of the Ram 3500. This was followed by 150,000 km (93,000 miles) of rolling road and real-world testing.

Some 400 locally-sourced parts are used in the right-hand-drive conversion.

Ready to get to work

Making the 3500 HD Laramie stand out from the rest of the Ram range is the use of a two-stage longitudinal leaf solid axle.

This boosts the 3500 HD’s payload capacity to a gargantuan 1,724 kg, letting it carry the largest of loads.

When using a conventional tow bar, the 3500 HD can pull up to 4,500 kg. Adding an appropriate gooseneck fitment, along with air brakes, pushes the towing capacity to 8,000 kg.

All of this is made possible by the standard 6.7-l Cummins inline-six turbodiesel engine. It produces 370hp, combined with a Herculean 850lb ft of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels.

Blue collar ability, white collar price

Despite its propensity for hard work, the 3500 HD Laramie is packed with luxury features. Part-leather trim for the Crew Cab is standard, along with a 12-inch multimedia touchscreen and 10-speaker Alpine sound system.

Such performance and comfort does not come cheap, however. Pricing for the Australian Ram 3500 HD Laramie Crew Cab starts at $162,950 (£87,250) before on-the-road costs.

“The 3500 is a remarkable vehicle that cements our product offering in 2021”, said Ram Trucks Australia national manager, Jeff Barber.

He added: “Only Ram Trucks Australia can deliver such a vehicle, thanks to our robust and detailed planning, development, remanufacturing and testing programme, in conjunction with our local and global partners including Stellantis.”

Australian customers will also be offered the performance-orientated Ram 1500 TRX in the near future.

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Opinion: You’re spending too long at the petrol station

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 6, 2021

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parking fines petrol station

The queues for fuel across the UK have finally started to shrink. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be in-and-out of a petrol station within five minutes.

A while ago, we reported on the chap fined for spending too long at a BP garage. No, not Alan Partridge. There’s no whiff of Lynx Java about this story.

Since then, ANPR cameras and time limits have proliferated at petrol stations. But here’s the thing: if you’re spending half an hour on the forecourt, you’re part of the problem.

Anything longer than 15 minutes, frankly, is inexcusable. I’ve never got a stopwatch out, but assuming there’s no queue, the splash and dash should be completed in less than 10 minutes.

Sure, grab a Dairy Milk or a packet of Wine Gums on your way to the till, but taking anything other than the shortest route between the door and the cashier should be avoided. Pay, get into your car, then go.

The man in our original news story spent 47 minutes at a site in Croydon. Yep, forty-seven minutes. Most of that time was spent queuing behind six vehicles to use the car wash. Seriously, wouldn’t you come back another day?

Another man who received a fine wondered whether an “allowance of 45 minutes would be far more reasonable”, to which I say “NO”. Think about that for a moment: can you genuinely see a scenario in which you’d want to spend three-quarters of an hour at a petrol station?

Why? There must be better things you could be doing with your time.

Won’t get fuelled again

petrol station at night

Almost everything is more expensive at a petrol station, so anything other than a distress purchase should wait for another day. You’re paying for convenience and the fact that the retailer makes virtually nothing out of the highway robbery you experienced at the pump.

It means that today’s petrol station is less about petrol and more about shopping. Even the petrol element is in doubt, with forecourts adding banks of chargers to prepare for our electric future.

Quite how charging fits into the maximum stay limits is a subject for another day…

I have sympathy for drivers caught unaware by the parking restrictions – I’m not siding with any retailers who have misled motorists. But I think spending the equivalent half a football match at a petrol station is time wasted, even if you’re a Man Utd fan.

Casually wandering around a Little Waitrose or M&S Simply Food looking at chilled ready meals, cat food and household cleaning products while your fellow motorists slip into a coma in the queue behind your family SUV just isn’t cricket.

When you’re back in your car, don’t spend an age checking your smartphone, arranging your shopping or having an in-depth conversation with your passenger. Make like a celebrity and get outta there.

A visit to a petrol station should be like an Olympic event. Time yourself from when you open the filler cap to the moment you’ve fastened your seat belt and are ready to go. If you beat your personal best, treat yourself to a mint Aero the next time you fill up.

No queues, no parking fines, no bother. Better for you, better for all of us.

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Call for new driving instructors to clear Covid learner backlog

By

Richard Aucock

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October 6, 2021

0

UK adults with full driving licences are being encouraged to train as approved driving instructors to help clear an enormous pandemic-related backlog of driving tests.

The industry is currently suffering an accumulation of 420,000 driving test bookings – one that is growing as more young adults turn 17.

The number of people taking their driving test over the past year fell nearly 73 percent, mostly due to cancelled tests caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many remain eager to get on the road, along with thousands more who are looking to take up driving and avoid public transport.

Despite this, the number of official qualified Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) in the UK is actually falling, from more than 39,000 in March 2020 to just over 38,000 in March 2021.

‘Playing catch-up’

Driving school Bill Plant, which is leading the call for adults to train as driving instructors, says the overall ratio of drivers to instructors “has changed dramatically”. This imbalance is predicted to stretch well into 2022.

“After the past 18 months the driving school industry has faced, we’re going to effectively be playing catch-up for a long time,” said head of training at Bill Plant, Peter Brabin.

“We’re calling on adults all over the UK who might be out of work or considering a career change to really think hard about becoming a driving instructor.”

A rise in the pass rate for driving theory tests is further proof of the demand for practical driving tests, added Mr Brabin.

The pass rate has grown 8.6 percent in a year, the highest since March 2014.

As for those lucky enough to get a slot for a practical driving test, records show 51 percent of learners passed first time – meaning the overall pass rate is the highest since records began in 2008.

It seems those who do finally take a practical driving test are making the most of it…

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F1-inspired electric Renault Twizy sells for £27,500

By

John Redfern

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October 6, 2021

0

The new owner of an ultra-rare Renault Twizy has guaranteed themselves traffic-stopping status on the road.

Sold by the Collecting Cars online platform, this is one of only five examples of the Formula 1-influenced Twizy.

With custom carbon fibre bodywork, wide wheels and bright green paint, the 2012 electric car commanded enough attention to sell for £27,500.

Paddock pleaser

Oakley Design was inspired by the one-off Renault Twizy F1, built as a promotional tool by the Renaultsport racing team.

Fitted with slick tyres and a KERS power boost system, it was often spotted being driven around F1 paddocks by Sebastian Vettel.

The five Twizys built by Oakley Design lack the slick rubber and KERS system, but still make use of motorsport-influenced parts.

A tarmac-scraping front spoiler is made from carbon fibre. The lightweight material is also used for the side skirts and huge rear spoiler.

Green, but not mean

The wing mirrors are said to be the same as those found on a 2015 Formula 1 racer, while the wheels are magnesium centre-lock items from a Formula 2 car.

However, the Twizy is unlikely to reach speeds that see its aerodynamic appendages producing real downforce.

A standard Twizy electric motor produces only 17hp, but an aftermarket tuning box has increased top speed to 60mph. This also allows the driver to switch between Eco, Normal and Sport modes.

Plug-in baby

For such an unusual creation, bidding was intense in the Collecting Cars auction. Some 49 bids were placed, before the new owner snagged the bright green Twizy for £27,500.

Although they will be able to charge from a regular domestic power socket, they will need to pay £55 to Renault each month for the lease of the battery. This does at least include a lifetime battery warranty.

We imagine the new owner is now enjoying avoiding the queues at petrol stations in their outlandish EV.

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Mitsubishi ends new car sales in the UK

By

Richard Aucock

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October 4, 2021

0

British motorists can no longer buy a brand new Mitsubishi in the UK. The Japanese firm’s gradual retreat saw the UK importer close its doors last week.

The Mitsubishi Motors UK website remains operational, and includes listings for models such as the popular Outlander PHEV and L200 pickup. However, a disclaimer from former importer The Colt Car Company (CCC) explains that new models are no longer available in the UK.

Instead, potential Mitsubishi customers are advised to check out secondhand vehicles at dealers.

Aftersales support will stay

Existing owners will remain supported during their ownership, though. International Motors, which represents Isuzu and Subaru in the UK, has purchased the Mitsubishi aftersales business from CCC.

This new subsidiary will continue to trade in the UK under the Mitsubishi Motors banner, and utilise the existing website.

The aim is for Mitsubishi owners to not notice any difference in the standards of service they receive, both from the importer and their former Mitsubishi franchise dealer – which will become an official Mitsubishi Service Centre.

Ex-Mitsubishi director Toby Marshall will lead the new business. “We are excited to be joining the IM Group, which will allow us to continue offering aftersales services for all Mitsubishi customers in the UK,” he said.

“We’re looking to maintain the excellent standards of aftersales care, parts supply and vehicle warranty that our customers have experienced for many years to come.”

HQ on sale for £12 million

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK was established back in 1974, based in the Cirencester region.

Its giant HQ, which oversaw vehicles, parts and accessories, as well as the hub for all UK technician training, customer care and aftersales support, has now been put on the market following CCC’s closure – for £12 million.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi sold its UK heritage fleet, raising more than £627,000 – with one eager buyer setting a new world record by paying £100,000 for the firm’s Lancer Evolution Vi Tommi Makinen Edition.

In 2020, Mitsubishi announced it was withdrawing from the European market for financial reasons.

It subsequently struck a deal with partner brand Renault to continue sales of rebranded Renault cars in Europe.

However, this deal does not extend to right-hand-drive vehicles, resulting in the demise of Mitsubishi as a new car brand in the UK.

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New Dacia Duster Commercial van is high on space, low on price

By

John Redfern

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October 4, 2021

0

Dacia has announced details of the new Duster Commercial, a van version of its no-frills SUV.

The professional conversion to a LCV (light commercial vehicle) removes the rear seats, and offers up to 1,603 litres of cargo space.

Dacia’s commitment to low prices means the Duster Commercial will be the cheapest LCV with four-wheel drive in the UK.

Time to live the van life

Along with removing the back seats, the Duster Commercial’s conversion sees the addition of a flat wooden load floor and a metal bulkhead. The fixed rear windows are tinted for security, with a full-length load cover also fitted as standard.

From the outside, this means the Duster van looks just like the regular SUV.

Seven colour options are available, including Dacia’s distinctive Arizona Orange. A new front grille, flanked by Y-shaped daytime running lights, gives the Duster a strong look.

The cargo area can carry a maximum payload of 503kg, depending on the model chosen, and can accommodate items up to 1,723mm in length.

Petrol engine options range from 90hp through to 150hp, with a 115hp diesel also offered. The latter is available with four-wheel drive. All other engines make use of front-wheel drive.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard for all apart from the petrol TCe 150, which has a six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission.

Fully loaded, light on costs

Entry-level Essential models feature air conditioning, cruise control, electric front windows and a DAB radio with Bluetooth. Comfort versions gain a rear-view camera, parking sensors and an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Pricing for the Duster Commercial starts at £12,795 excluding VAT for the Essential TCe 90 petrol model with front-wheel drive.

Topping the range will be the diesel Comfort Blue dCi 115 with four-wheel drive. Excluding VAT, the fanciest Duster Commercial costs £17,595.

Orders are open now, with the first deliveries to customers expected in December.

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