Award-winning Ringbrothers Mustang up for auction

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March 23, 2021

Mike and Jim Ring have become world-renowned for their show-stopping custom car builds.

Auction website Bring a Trailer is currently hosting the sale of a special Ringbrothers creation, which appeared at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Built in collaboration with Ford, the 2013 Mustang GT known as ‘Switchback’ was given Special Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Design.

Designed and built in Wisconsin

Based in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Ringbrothers has developed a reputation for building some of the most exciting modified cars.

Creating cars to appear at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas has been central to the company’s increased recognition. Switchback is one of these important builds, with numerous bespoke touches that gained attention amongst hundreds of other exhibits.

It now makes for a rare opportunity to own a true award-winning modified Mustang. The professional photography featured here demonstrates Switchback’s visual impact.

More than just another Mustang show car

The exterior changes to Switchback are extensive, including a custom Ringbrothers-designed aero kit. Made from lightweight carbon fiber, it includes a unique hood that has interchangeable inserts.

Billet aluminum was used to create new side vents, with a deep front splitter adding to the overall aggression. The bodywork is painted in a distinctive Nissan Cefiro Gray.

A bespoke set of 20-inch HRE wheels were made for Switchback, with upgraded Baer brakes fitted behind them. The seller has added adjustable Pedders eXtreme xA coilover suspension.

Extra ponies under the hood

Beneath the custom hood is where the most extreme changes have been made to Switchback. A previous owner replaced the regular Coyote V-8 engine, swapping it for a Ford Performance Aluminator 5.0-liter V-8.

The modifications made previously by Ringbrothes have also been reinstalled. These include a ProCharger P-1SC-1 supercharger, and a Flowmaster exhaust system with new headers.

A dynamometer session in October 2020 recorded a substantial peak output of 506 horsepower, along with 440 lb-ft of torque.

Interior upgrades included, too

Although not quite as dramatic as the exterior transformation, Switchback also benefited from a custom interior makeover. The front seats were finished by Upholstery Unlimited, with black leather and yellow accents.

Ringbrothers removed the rear seats from the Mustang, and replaced them with a full-size spare wheel. Air conditioning, and a Passport radar detector, are also present.

Total mileage for Switchback is recorded as 9,200 miles, with 600 of them added by the selling dealer.

The dealer notes that the handbrake is inoperable due to the custom exhaust, and tuning may be required for the car to pass future smog tests in California.

Prepare for big bids

Switchback is clearly not a regular 2013 Ford Mustang GT, with the unique Ringbrothers additions set to push the price much higher.

Bring a Trailer has featured several sales for vehicles made by the brothers from Wisconsin, with the cheapest selling for $265,000. A modified Ringbrothers Chevrolet K5 Blazer, auctioned for charity in April 2020, achieved $300,000 last year.

Bidding on Switchback is open until Monday, March 29, with Bring a Trailer community interest already rising.

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New Fiat 500 drivers to be rewarded for green driving with cryptocurrency

By

Richard Aucock

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March 23, 2021

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Fiat has partnered up with the Kiri cryptocurrency to reward new electric 500 drivers for eco driving.

Described as a “unique and innovative” initiative, Fiat says it’s part of efforts to treat drivers for more environmentally-friendly driving.

The digital Kiri cryptocurrency is available in Europe, and can be spent in a dedicated marketplace.

New 500 EV drivers will collect ‘KiriCoins’ in a virtual wallet within the Fiat smartphone app.

Driving data such as distance and speed are uploaded to the Kiri cloud and converted into KiriCoins.

Fiat says that when driving in an eco-manner in the city, 1km is equivalent to one KiriCoin, which are worth two euro cents.

This means that 10,000km of city driving could be worth €150, or just under £130.

Drivers with the best eco scores will be given extra rewards, such as vouchers for Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Spotify.

Fiat’s Cristiano Fiorio said the idea was to “reward the behaviours of people who respect the environment”.

Kiri Technologies was founded in the UK in 2020 and Fiat says the concept could be rolled out to other areas such as renewable energy, organic groceries and other products in the future.

The goal is to reward sustainable behaviours with a loyalty program that incentivise a green lifestyle.

Fiat adds that UK plans for KiriCoin in the UK will follow in due course.

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Ginetta is latest Yorkshire firm to target North America

By

John Redfern

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March 23, 2021

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Leeds-based sports car manufacturer Ginetta has announced the opening of a new facility in North America.

The creation of Ginetta North America will allow the company to manufacture and sell cars directly to customers on the other side of the Atlantic.

Ginetta’s American expansion sees it become the second specialist manufacturer from Yorkshire to target the United States.

Twisted Automotive, the Land Rover experts from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, established an American operation in 2019.

The new British invasion

Twisted Automotive and Ginetta are seemingly set to share more than just a fondness for Yorkshire Tea. As part of its American expansion, Ginetta has acquired a controlling interest in TMI Autotech.

Located in South Boston, Virginia, TMI Autotech hosts a 60,000 square-foot facility. This is the same location that has formed the base for Twisted Automotive’s North America operation.

TMI Autotech has also produced versions of the Ariel Atom and Nomad for U.S. customers.

It means that Ginetta will have access to an experienced outfit, familiar with producing low-volume performance cars and bespoke vehicles.

Driving a global strategy

Ginetta aims to significantly expand its presence in North America, targeting customers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Along with the G55, the company’s core offering will be the new G56 GTA racing car, developed from the successful Ginetta Academy motorsport programme.

The G56 GTA features a 270 hp Ford 3.7-l V6 engine, paddle-shift gearbox, and even air conditioning. It makes for an accessible route to develop GT racing skills, and allows drivers to follow a Ginetta pathway up the motorsport ladder.

Lawrence Tomlinson, Ginetta’s chairman, commented that: “With the creation of Ginetta North America, we will be able to provide our North American customers with a whole new level of support and service on the ground here in the US.”

He added that expansion is “a key pillar in our global growth plan”, and that details of new U.S. sales agents will be announced “in the near future”.

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Ford Fiesta is the most popular car for learner drivers

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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March 22, 2021

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The Ford Fiesta has been revealed as the nation’s most popular car for learner drivers. That’s according to a new learner driver report.

This comes as the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) prepares for driving tests to restart in England and Wales. Tests will be allowed to restart on 12 April 2021 at the earliest, although this date is subject to change.

It’s no surprise to find the Fiesta at the top of the list for learner drivers. The supermini is the UK’s best-selling car, so there’s always a ready supply of used cars to choose from. It’s also one of the best all-rounders, offering a great blend of space, efficiency and value for money.

Top 10 most common cars for learner drivers

Ford Fiesta
Vauxhall Corsa
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Golf
Ford Focus
Vauxhall Astra
Mini Hatch
Fiat 500
Renault Clio
Toyota Yaris

Veygo, the company behind the learner driver report, found that it costs, on average, around £1,370 to learn to drive. Lessons account for £1,237.50 of this, based on 45 sessions at £27.50 per hour of tuition.

A provisional driving licence costs £34 online (£43 by post), while the theory and driving tests cost £23 and £62 respectively. The cost is higher for tests taken on evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

‘Lack of professional advice’

Gunnar Peters, Veygo CEO, said: “The pandemic has changed the way we learn to drive massively, with many lessons and tests being cancelled due to lockdown and many driving instructors being unable to work.

“We’ve seen increased demand for learner driver insurance for private practise as a result. This has put pressure on learner drivers, as they’ve had a lack of professional advice and relied on family members to teach them to drive.”

You can only take driving lessons with members of your household or support bubble. It must be travel for work, education or other essential journeys.

Older drivers unlikely to benefit from more education

Todhunter Collection earns more than $5 million at auction

By

John Redfern

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March 22, 2021

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The Mecum Glendale 2021 collector car auction saw some 1,200 vehicles cross the block, with key lots attracting major bids.

As one of the flagship selections for the Arizona sale, the 20-strong Steve Todhunter Collection did not disappoint.

After the hammer had fallen for the final time, the collection had amassed sales totalling more than $5.38 million.

Italian stallions lead the pack

Leading the bids from the Steve Todhunter Collection was a 2016 Ferrari F12tdf. Originally owned by motorsport legend Roger Penske, the Rosso Corsa supercar was predicted to achieve between $900,000 and $1 million on the block.

A price of $880,000 for the 739 horsepower machine came close to the target, and made it the second most-expensive car sold in Glendale.

Other highlights from the Todhunter Collection included a rare Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, which sold for $605,000.

One of five Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series cars made in Fire Opal Red achieved $451,000.

Classic Corvette takes the top sale

While much of the Todhunter Collection was focussed on modern Ferraris, classic muscle cars also made an appearance. One of two 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429s sold for $385,000, with another hitting $225,000.

American metal would account for the overall top-selling vehicle from the Mecum Glendale auction. Not part of a collection, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette fitted with an L88 427-cubic inch V-8 engine, saw a winning bid of $2,695,000.

Being one 20 L88 Corvettes produced in 1967, and the only known Sunfire Yellow L88 Corvette in existence, helped the bids.

A ten-year restoration, retaining original components, have seen this Corvette receive numerous awards. These include the coveted Duntov Mark of Excellence from the NCRS, and Triple Diamond Certification at the 2018 Corvette Nationals.

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Learners face five-month wait for driving tests

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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March 22, 2021

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Learner drivers face a wait of up to five months to take driving tests, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must clear a backlog of 420,000 cancelled tests following a year of restrictions and lockdown measures.

Driving lessons will restart in England on 12 April 2021 at the earliest, although the government points out that this is subject to change. Driving tests are scheduled to restart on 22 April 2021.

Emergency driving tests are available for critical workers in England and Wales. To qualify, you must work for the NHS in health or social care, the emergency services or a local council.

DVSA hires new staff

easiest place to pass driving instructor test

To help clear the backlog of driving tests, the DVSA has hired 300 extra examiners to join the existing 1,675. A spokesperson for the DVSA told the Daily Mirror: “Candidates affected by the suspension are automatically being booked on to the next available test at their chosen centre.

“As soon as it is safe DVSA will increase the number of driving and theory tests available.”

Carly Brookfield of the Driving Instructor Association said: “What these numbers don’t tell you is how many driving tests have been cancelled time and time again. There’s a huge worry among pupils that if they fail a test, how long will it be before they get a retest?

“The DVSA will argue that people will try to cheat. But so many testing bodies are going online using technology that monitors individuals.”

A theory test costs £23 for cars, and the driving test costs £62 on weekdays or £75 on evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.

Driving tests in England, Wales and Scotland

There are regional variations in England, Wales and Scotland.

England: car driving tests will restart on 22 April 2021
Scotland: driving tests will restart in areas as they move back into protection level three or lower
Wales: car driving tests will restart on 22 April 2021

Visit the government website to check the latest information, what to do when you take your driving test and how to book online.

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Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition marks Formula 1 return

By

Richard Aucock

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March 22, 2021

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The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is a new range-topping addition to the core Vantage range to marks the firm’s return to Formula 1.

The Vantage will this year serve as an official Safety Car in Formula 1 and the new Vantage F1 Edition has been created to capitalise on this.

The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has been given an extra 25hp, taking it to 535hp, and there is a full package of chassis and aerodynamic upgrades.

Aston Martin says the project’s aim has been to “significantly improve lap time performance”.

Deliveries of the car, which will be offered both as a coupe and roadster, begin in May 2021 with prices from £142,000.

“Performance is at the heart of every Aston Martin, but when it wears an F1 badge, it has to be a truly exceptional car,” said CEO Tobias Moers.

“I set the engineering team a tough target, as I was insistent that gains in performance came via genuine improvements in the car’s dynamics, and not by fitting track-optimised tyres.

“The results speak for themselves.”

This car, adds Aston Martin, is the first model to benefit directly from new boss Moers’ input.

Vantage F1 Edition

As well as more power, the eight-speed automatic gearbox has been optimised to speed up shift times and make it feel more direct.

This “allows for finer control when the driver is balancing the car at its limit of traction”.

The front structure has been stiffened to improve steering feel, dampers have been reworked and the spring rate has been increased.

Wheels grow by an inch to 21-inch (for the first time on a Vantage), with bespoke Pirelli tyres, promising greater driver feedback in on-limit handling.

There’s also a full aero kit that delivers positive front and rear downforce – and a total of 200kg more downforce at top speed.

And colours? Choose from the Aston Martin Racing Green as featured on the F1 Safety Car – in either satin or gloss – or Jet Black or Lunar White.

Inside, black leather and grey Alcantara can be offset with a contrast stripe and stitching in black, grey red or… of course, Aston Martin Lime Green.

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Brits step up search for Sunday drive ideas

By

Richard Aucock

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March 19, 2021

0

Sunday drive searches are on the increase

Eager British people are reportedly stepping up internet searches for driving trip ideas now the government has announced its roadmap out of lockdown.

Searches for ‘UK drives’ are up 92 percent, ‘Sunday drives’ are up 46 percent and ‘best driving routes’ are up 44 percent since the planned lifting of restrictions was announced.

Experts believe the trend reflects British motorists’ eagerness to escape and explore the country without having to spend a night away from home.

Indeed, BMW says it may herald a full-on revival of the Sunday drive, as people have taken stock during the pandemic and started to appreciate the smaller things.

The company commissioned fashion designer Patrick Grant to create an entertaining series of videos on how to plan the perfect stylish Sunday drive: getting out, how to dress and the simple art of it.

“We’re lucky in this country that most people live 30 minutes from somewhere spectacularly beautiful that makes our soul feel better,” said Mr Grant.

“The Sunday drive is the perfect opportunity, to get dressed up, plan a route, make a beautiful picnic and spend time out on the road in nature.”

It seems ever-growing numbers of motorists are thinking exactly the same and planning Sunday drives of their own to look forward to.

Six Sunday driving route ideas

Helpfully, the company has also come up with six Sunday driving routes of its own, to help motorists start to plan their day trips as lockdown restrictions ease:

The Forest of Bowland: 107 miles, 4 hours 7 minutes

Starting at Marshaw, travel east across Dunsop Bridge towards Slaidburn, taking in the sights of the Forest of Bowland. From Slaidburn, head north towards Bentham before heading east through Settle and Malham, where you can enjoy vistas up to Malham Cove. From Malham, head west through Langcliffe before driving to Reedby’s Lane and then back south, finishing your drive at Whitewell.

Anglesey Race Circuit, Snowdonia and ‘Evo triangle’: 152 miles, 3 hours 40 minutes

From the circuit, head east towards Colwyn Bay then south past Adventure Parc Snowdonia (home to the world’s first inland surfing pool and longest zip wire in Europe) to Betws-y-Coed; then left onto the A453 which is start of the infamous ‘Evo triangle’, then a drive into Snowdonia and back up towards Anglesey.

Gleneagles Hotel and Perthshire: 90 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes

Head north from the hotel towards Comrie then enjoy a big loop around two lochs – Loch Earn and Loch Tay – on beautiful open roads then south across the glens towards Crieff and then the hotel.

Oxford and the south Cotswolds: 75 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes

From St Giles in Oxford, head north to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace, then take a west route towards Charlbury and a fantastic open road towards Bourton on the Water, then head south towards Lechlade and Farringdon before returning to Oxford.

North Wessex Downs AONB: 44 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes

From Wantage, head south on the sweeping B494, before heading west towards Lambourn and Ashbury and some fantastic twisty roads (with views of the Uffington White Horse), then back towards Wantage.

West Cornwall – north coast: 38 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes

From St Ives, along the beautiful B336 coastal road towards Zennor and then Sennen, Land’s End, then looping back along the south coast via The Minnack Theatre at Porthcurno, Lamorna, Mousehole and Penzance (St Michael’s Mount) before heading back up to St Ives.

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Rare Aston Martin Zagato misses out reserve price

By

John Redfern

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March 19, 2021

0

A scarce and desirable Aston Martin V12 Zagato has failed to sell on Bring a Trailer, missing out on its auction reserve price.

With only 61 examples of the sports car made between 2012 and 2013, they are truly hard-to-find vehicles.

Adding to the V12 Zagato’s rarity is the fact it had to be imported into the United States under ‘show or display’ rules. The prospect of being limited to just 2,500 miles a year may have put some bidders off.

British power meets Italian style

Aston Martin has maintained a long-running partnership with the Italian Zagato design house. The relationship began in 1960, with the creation of the DB4 GT Zagato, seeing 20 examples produced.

Further Aston and Zagato collaborations followed, with a distinctive-looking version of the V8 Vantage in 1986. More followed in the early 2000s, with the DB7 and original Vanquish also gaining the Zagato treatment.

Unveiled at the 2011 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the V12 Zagato was intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the partnership between the two companies.

One of just 61 examples made

A brand-new aluminum body was created for the V12 Zagato, with carbon fiber panels used for the front splitter, and rear diffuser. Zagato trademarks included the double-bubble roof, along with a larger front grille wearing a Z-shaped pattern.

Other details included the dramatic tail lights, plus the substantial rear wing made from carbon fiber. Aston Martin had initially only planned to build the V12 Zagato as a race car, but customer pressure led to road-going versions being produced.

Initial plans would see 150 examples made, with European-only sales planned. However, interest was lower than expected, with just 61 road cars eventually produced.

This particular car is said to be the only one painted in special-order three-stage paint Fiamma Red.

Twelve-cylinder symphony

The V12 Zagato retained the 5.9-liter V-12 engine as used in the regular Aston Martin Vantage, which formed the base for the special edition. Output remained the same, with 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque on offer.

A six-speed manual transmission reinforced the idea that the V12 Zagato was aimed at true enthusiasts, with a limited-slip differential also fitted.

Carbon ceramic brakes, and double-wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, are part of this car’s specification. The exclusive 19-inch Zagato-designed wheels are fitted with Pirelli P Zero rubber.

Ready to show or display

Unlike the dramatic exterior transformation, much of the standard V12 Vantage interior can be found inside. Carbon fiber bucket seats, with the Zagato logo embroidered onto them, are the biggest change.

Black leather features throughout the cabin, with red stitching to match the exterior paintwork. Alcantara is used for the steering wheel and gear shifter. Standard equipment includes climate control, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, plus a reversing camera.

The Zagato was imported into the United States in 2014, making use of NHTSA ‘show or display’ legislation. This limits use of the car to 2,500 miles each year.

The V12 Zagato has covered 3,200 miles from new, meaning this example has hardly been used. Servicing was last performed in 2020, with all records and literature to be included with the car.

Digging deep

Having to import a V12 Zagato via the ‘show or display’ route means they are a scarce commodity, even by Aston Martin standards, in the United States. The seller believes that only four are known to have headed across the Atlantic.

When new, Aston Martin charged £330,000 (equivalent to $450,000) for a V12 Zagato. Limited supply has seen examples reach almost double the original price at auction.

However, this time bidding stalled at $518,000, despite plenty of initial interest and bids. It meant the V12 Zagato also achieves the rare status of failing to sell on Bring a Trailer.

As several Bring a Trailer users have noted, ‘show or display’ would mean treating the Zagato as a moving museum piece for many years.

Citroen has advice for passengers taking in-car naps

By

John Redfern

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March 19, 2021

0

To help celebrate World Sleep Day on 19 March, Citroen has undertaken a survey of British motorists and snoozy passengers.

From 2,000 respondents, some 37 percent stated that they struggle to fall asleep whilst being a passenger in a moving car. A further 14 percent said they were never able to nap on the move.

For those driving, 66 percent had no objection to travel companions falling asleep on a journey.

Activate Snooze Control

Motorways and dual carriageways were reported to be the best roads for passengers taking a snooze. More than two-thirds (67 percent) of respondents said they would fall asleep on these roads.

In terms of what helps in-car sleeps, more than half of those surveyed (55 percent) said that comfortable seats are a major factor. A smooth ride from the suspension was noted as a key element for 49 percent of respondents.

Having ample leg room mattered for more than one-quarter (26 percent), with optimum interior temperature highlighted by 24 percent.

The science of sleeping

Citroen has collaborated with sleep expert James Wilson to find a formula for the OIC (Optimum In-Car Sleep) scenario.

OIC = C (SP, T, A, L, S) – R

Although not quite the catchiest of formulae, Citroen has at least provided its working out.

Comfort (C) is a product of:

Seating Position (SP),
Time (T),
Internal Ambience (A),
Legroom (L), and
Suspension (S).

The effect of external distractions (R), such as rough road surfaces, are then subtracted.

Advice for wannabe nappers

To help those struggling to sleep as a passenger, Citroen has provided top napping tips from James Wilson:

The timing of naps is important, and is best done before 2:00pm,
Naps should not last longer than 30 minutes. Exceeding this duration is likely to affect ‘proper’ sleeping at night,
Seat comfort is critical, so ensuring the correct seating position is vital to an effective snooze,
Making use of all available legroom
A drop in heart rate aids sleeping, so listening to a podcast or spoken book can help. Using headphones will also block out external sounds.

Eurig Druce, MD of Citroen UK, said: “With more than a third of passengers struggling to fall asleep in a car, comfort plays a key role in creating an environment where passengers can doze off for a quick power nap.

“Our research shows some of the optimal conditions to achieve a comfortable sleep environment, with our cars designed for maximum comfort and well-being.”

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