Potholes are back. Did they ever go away? According to a survey of 2,000 road users, the pothole is the most annoying thing on the road. That’s according to 55 percent of respondents.
Potholes top a list of 20 motoring annoyances, including people who don’t indicate, tailgaters, roadworks, cyclists, speed cameras and breakdowns.
A massive 43 percent of drivers have had their car damaged as a result of a pothole. Forty-four percent of those said the damage was a burst tyre, while 36 percent have suffered from broken alloy wheels. A fifth of pothole incidents have resulted in a collision of vehicles.
Revealed: the number of speed bumps in the UK
Of course, many send damage claims to local authorities – and so they should. Because if not, the average cost is around £130. One in 20 have copped a bill for £400 or more. Injuries and damage related to potholes have caused 30 percent of people to have time off work.
Eight in ten road users say that potholes are so prolific, they’re a guaranteed part of a journey. Nine in ten Glaswegian drivers claim they are forced to find an alternative route in order to avoid potholes. Glasgow is the worst affected city in the UK, followed by Manchester, Plymouth, Sheffield and Cardiff.
Overall, Brits reckon they’re no more than 20 metres from a pothole when they’re at home. The average journey to the shops in the UK will feature around 18 potholes.
It takes 60 weeks to become a ‘good driver’
“Potholes may seem like a minor problem – but they cause millions of people financial and physical damage each year,” said Paul Fleetham, managing director of contracting at Tarmac, which commissioned the study ahead of National Pothole Day (15 January).
“Our research shows that the vast majority of city-dwellers are fed up with the inconvenience they cause. It is therefore essential that road maintenance in England and Wales receives adequate government funding, something we believe is essential for local authorities to ensure they can deliver lasting road maintenance solutions.
“We need to move to a longer-term proactive approach to funding that focuses on the social value of our roads, managing the network as a vital asset with proper preventative structural maintenance.“
For many Ferrari fans, a trip to Italy is not complete without visiting one of the famed brand’s two museums.
Last year, a record-breaking number of them made the pilgrimage, with total visits swelling to over 600,000.
Visitor numbers were actually up 12 percent over the previous year, with more than 400,000 people visiting the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, and 200,000 visiting the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena.
Ferrari says a new ‘single ticket’ that gives access to both museums has helped grow visitor numbers. Sales of the dual-access ticket grew 50 percent in 2019.
The history of Ferrari is so rich, it needs two museums. The Modena destination celebrates Enzo Ferrari himself, along with exclusive Ferrari GT engines and cars.
Meanwhile, the museum in Maranello focuses on the broader Ferrari group, plus Scuderia Ferrari F1 and other famous racing cars.
Fittingly, the first exhibition at Maranello this year is “Ferrari at 24 Heures du Mans’, which opens on 15 January to mark 70 years of Ferrari victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Many factors come into play when it comes to car insurance, including where you live. Indeed, your postcode could have the biggest impact on your quote.
An insurer will have data on your area, including accident, damage and car theft figures. If you’re in a hotspot, you can expect a steep premium.
Here are the best places in the UK for car insurance, as compiled by CompareTheMarket.
By and large, it’s England’s south west that wins the battle for cheap insurance. The average yearly premium for five of the local authorities in this area is £490.
Bar Scotland and Norfolk, the top 10 cheapest places to insure your car are exclusively south-western.
As for where is the most expensive? It’s probably not surprising that London dominates here. The London’ borough of Newham has the highest typical premium, at a massive £1,464.
However, not counting the capital, Manchester (£1,260) and Birmingham (£1,173) are up there, along with Luton (£1,165). The former two are the next biggest cities after London. Generally speaking, proximity to these areas doesn’t help your chances of cheap insurance, as you can see on the above map.
“It’s common knowledge that the age and value are key variables in determining car insurance quotes, but location also plays a major role,” said Dan Hutson, head of motor at CompareTheMarket.
“The right policy for one person may be different for a friend or family member down the road, even if they live on the same street. Our research reveals that shopping around three weeks ahead of time is usually the cheapest way to buy or renew your car insurance.”
After a short break, the collector car auction circuit returns with six major events in Arizona. If you’re looking to add a new car to your garage, or just curious as to what will be on sale, this is the place to be.
With so many cars on offer, we have picked out five noteworthy lots from each auction. We have also collected all the details you need to know if you decide to make a trip to Arizona this month.
Barrett-Jackson brands itself as being responsible for the ‘world’s greatest collector car auctions’, and the 2020 Scottsdale event is certainly on an epic scale. Lots being sold for charity rub shoulders with exquisite supercars, whilst there is a catalogue packed with 2,000 cars to also pick from.
When: The festivities begin on Saturday, January 11th, with the first collector car auction taking place on Monday, January 13th. Sales continue all the way through until Sunday, January 19th.
Where: Barrett-Jackson returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale again for 2020, making use of its sprawling 300,000 sq ft event capacity.
Entry cost: Advance tickets begin from $20 for the preview days, increasing to $70 on prime auction days. Passes for all days begin at $190.
Lot 3007 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray VIN 001
Barrett-Jackson features a number of special cars, but this is the chance to own the very first production mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette. Wearing VIN 001, all proceeds from the sale of the Corvette will go to benefit the Detroit Children’s Charity.
The winning bidder will receive a black C8 Corvette in 3LT trim, with a black interior and every option specified. This includes the Z51 performance package, and the data recorder. A tour of the Corvette Museum, a letter of authenticity, and unique artwork will also be included.
Lot 1371 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight
A total of 21 vehicles previously owned by the late Paul Walker, star of the Fast & Furious movie franchise, will cross the auction block in Scottsdale. Of particular note in the Paul Walker Collection are the five BMW E36 M3 Lightweight models, of which this is the lowest-mileage example.
Only 126 M3 Lightweights were made, using aluminum body panels, and even thinner carpets, to reduce mass. Power comes from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, producing 240 horsepower and connected to a five-speed manual transmission.
Lot 791.1 1960 Cadillac Coupe De Ville Custom
Travis Barker, best known as the drummer in pop-punk band Blink-182, has a deep love for custom Cadillacs. This modified 1960 Coupe De Ville is one of two Cadillacs being sold by Barker, along with a Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
The roof has been chopped by 3 inches, the door handles shaved, keyless entry added, and air-ride suspension installed. Under the hood is a 454-cubic inch V-8 engine, connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. Inside is trimmed in light cream leather, matching the exterior paintwork.
Lot 1599 1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche
This is not just any classic Rolls-Royce, but one actually owned by the ‘King of Cool’, Dean Martin. Whilst the Rat Pack legend had toned down his career by the 1980s, his love for cars was still strong.
Bought by Martin in 1981, the Corniche still wears its original Georgian Silver paintwork and black leather interior. Documents show the provenance of ownership by Martin, and also later by actor Dennis Farina.
Lot 1380 1930 Ford Model A Custom
Car collector and TV star Wayne Carini has owned many impressive machines, and now you could buy this one in Arizona. The customized 1930 Ford was built by Andy Leach, and features a V-8 engine mated to an automatic transmission.
The eye-catching exterior paintwork was done by Charley Hutton, and the interior has been retrimmed in vintage brown leather. Winning the Motor Shine Award at the 2017 SEMA Show, and also named ‘Best Rod’ at the 2018 Concours on the Avenue Carmel.
Russo and Steele Scottsdale 2020
As one of the three marquee events held annually by Russo and Steele, much attention will be paid to the 800 collector cars heading across the block. From vintage classics, through to modern supercars, the auction docket is a busy one for 2020. Russo and Steele is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a special gala event.
When: Preview days begin on Wednesday, January 15th, with the first sales taking place on Thursday, January 16th. Auction action continues through Sunday, January 19th.
Where: Russo and Steele pitches its tent city not far from WestWorld, near Freeway101 in Scottsdale.
Entry cost: Preview day tickets cost $25, with auction day tickets ranging from $20 to $30. Parking is $25 per day.
Lot 5204 2007 Shelby GT500 Prototype
Whilst the 2007 Shelby GT500 may already be a collectible car, this one turns the interest levels all the way up. This car was the prototype for the 40th Anniversary model, and also the personal vehicle of Carroll Shelby himself. As one-of-one, this is the only 40th Anniversary GT500 made with white exterior stripes and unique badging.
The car has covered less than 2,200 miles from new, and has been stored in a climate-controlled garage. This GT500 remains exactly as it was when owned by Shelby, and comes with documentation including proof of his ownership.
Lot 5255 1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG
Amongst the rare cars up for auction in Arizona, few can claim to be the only example of their kind in the United States. This 1994 model is the sole E60 AMG Mercedes-Benz known to exist in North America, and comes from a limited production run of 125 examples.
Driving the E60 AMG is a 375 horsepower 6.0-liter V-8, capable of accelerating the Mercedes from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. When new, this AMG cost the equivalent of $315,000 in Germany, and was first imported to California in 1996.
Lot 5157 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Pilot Car
Chevrolet’s Pilot Cars were pre-production versions of forthcoming vehicles, often featuring bespoke prototype parts. This is the only SS 396 Pilot Car known to have been made for the 1970 Chevelle, and comes with extensive history demonstrating its provenance.
The Pilot Car Registry has called this car as the most “historically significant surviving example” of the Chevelle, making this a real draw for Chevy fans. Restoration work has been undertaken, with replaced prototype parts remaining with the car.
Lot 5519 1990 Ferrari Testarossa
Due to featuring in the hit TV show Miami Vice, the Ferrari Testarossa has an iconic association with the 1980s. With interest in all things from that decade at a high, what better chance than to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari supercar with a flat-12 engine.
This car has been kept in a private collection, with only two owners. Having covered 8,200 miles from new, maintenance work has been kept up to date, including a major service in 2013. Buy now, and get ready for a summer of beachside cruising.
Lot 5254 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee
Sold new by Mr Norm’s Dodge in Grand Spaulding, MI, this was one of only 69 Charger Super Bees built in 1971 with a V-Code engine and automatic transmission. The 440-cubic inch V-8 engine breathes in through a six-pack carburettor, and exhales by twin chrome exhausts.
The white paintwork also makes this Super Bee a rare muscle car, with only 13 reported to have been sold in this color combination for 1971. Low mileage, and lots of history, should make this a winner across the auction block.
Worldwide Auctioneers Scottsdale 2020
Although the Worldwide Auctioneers sale in Scottsdale may not have the sheer volume of cars compared to others, it makes up for it in quality. Vintage classics from the 1930s, muscle cars from the ‘70s, and bespoke supercars are all on the docket.
When: Previews begin on Monday, January 13th, and continue through to 1pm on Wednesday, January 15th. The sale itself begins at 5pm on Wednesday, January 15th.
Where: The 2020 sale is hosted at the Singh Meadows market, located in Tempe, Arizona.
Entry cost: Preview day tickets cost $30. Access to the auction is $100, but includes a catalogue and entry for two preview days.
Lot 31 2009 Bertone Mantide
Based on the Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1, the Mantide was a concept intended to showcase an exclusive supercar from Bertone. The ZR1 supplied a 638 horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, whilst carbon fiber body panels reduced the comparable weight by 220 lb. When tested, the Mantide was capable of 218 mph, and 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.
Production plans never came to fruition, leaving this as the sole Mantide built. Following a debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, the car has also appeared at Pebble Beach. In 2010, following a respray to Bianco Fuji, the Mantide won the Best in Supercar Class prize at the prestigious Quail event.
Lot 51 1956 Chrysler Ghia Plainsman Concept
Chrysler and Italian design house Ghia worked closely throughout the 1950s, with a number of special creations. In 1956 the Plainsman wagon, and Norseman coupe brother, were built to promote Chrysler on the auto show circuit. Inspired by the Wild West, the Plainsman has a cowhide interior, with seating for eight.
Other features include a hidden fuel filler hidden in the rear tailight, a spare wheel integrated into the rear fender, and rear-facing seats in the trunk. Restoration work returned the Plainsman to full glory, with power coming from a 440-cubic inch V-8 engine.
Lot 49 1995 Ferrari F50 Prototipo
The Ferrari F50 is already highly desirable, but this one has even greater appeal being described as the ‘most significant’ example in existence. This is a pre-production prototype F50, used for track testing and driven by Formula One legends such as Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Niki Lauda. It was also used as the basis for scale models, and later made appearances at motor shows across the globe.
Notable as being the last Ferrari made with a five-digit VIN, the F50 passed into private ownership in 1997. The 4.7-liter V-12 has been responsible for covering just 1,400 miles, with the car subject to recent servicing. Documents demonstrating the history, and a Ferrari Classiche certificate, are also included.
Lot 42 2006 Ford GT owned by Ferrari
Ferrari also had a hand in the history of this 2006 Ford GT. The car was purchased new by Ferrari of North America, with documents later showing a stamp for export to Italy. The presumed story is that Ferrari bought a late-model GT, and then shipped it to Maranello for engineering evaluation. Some 800 miles were added to the odometer whilst in the ownership for Ferrari, before it returned to the United States in 2008.
Powered by Ford’s 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, Ferrari was perhaps interested in learning about the GT’s 550 horsepower output. The ownership story has added an extra level of intrigue to a car that has already become highly collectible. At present, the GT is still titled to Ferrari North America, and comes with accompanying documentation.
Lot 36 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda 440-6 Convertible
As one of only five Plymouth ‘Cuda Convertibles built with a 440-cubic inch V-8 in 1971, this muscle car started out rare. Being owned by former NHL ice hockey superstar Ed Belfour since 1986 has only added to the status of this ‘Cuda. A four-speed manual transmission, leather bucket seats, and Hemi suspension were among the extensive options specified.
Belfour submitted the ‘Cuda to an extensive restoration process in 2006, with the goal of winning awards at car shows. O.E. Gold Certification at the 2007 Mopar Nationals demonstrates the plan was achieved, with the paintwork particularly noted for its quality. The ‘Cuda has covered 10 miles following the restoration work, making this primed for addition to a new collection.
RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2020
From the finest cars eligible to be displayed at Pebble Beach, to regular supercars, RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale packs diversity into the 150 choices contained within the auction catalogue.
When: Wednesday, January 15th is the full preview day. Sales start on Thursday, January 16th, and continue through Friday, January 17th.
Where: Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, located in Phoenix. RM Sotheby’s notes that the venue includes ‘a very popular’ outdoor bar.
Entry cost: Free to the general public during preview hours. Auction events are for registered bidders only, with registration priced at $200.
Lot 253 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet
With an estimated sale price of $6 million to $7 million, this could be the biggest seller at the RM Sotheby’s auction. Last year a similar car achieved $6.8 million at Pebble Beach, so the predicted price is realistic. A total of 40 Series I Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolets were made, with this being the 25th example. Helping the value is the fact this car retains its original bodywork, engine, and transmission.
The car has had an impressive history, including serving as the pace car for the 1958 Shell Grand Prix at Monza, Italy. Since 1999 it has been in the ownership of a Ferrari expert, with money lavished on maintenance. It has also competed in 10 touring events, making the most of the 3.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine.
Lot 147 2018 Pagani Huayra Roadster
Another open-top Italian, but made several decades later, the Pagani Huayra Roadster also features a V-12 engine. The Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter unit produces 754 horsepower, leaving this Roadster capable of serious performance. Active aerodynamics contribute to motorsport levels of downforce, helping keep the Huayra on the ground.
With only 100 Huayra Roadsters to be made, examples are already hard to find. Painted in Blue TriColore, the Huayra also features exposed carbon fiber detailing on the exterior. Inside is leather trim finished in a luxurious brown and cream leather combination. RM Sotheby’s predicts an estimated sale price of more than $2.5 million for this special Italian machine.
Lot 220 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV
Consistently rated as one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, the Lamborghini Miura is also recognized as the first mid-engined supercar. A total of 763 examples were made between 1966 and 1973, with this being one of the later SV models that benefited from various upgrades. This included increasing the output of the 3.9-liter V-12 to 380 horsepower, and tweaking the bodywork to reduce high-speed lift.
Originally finished in Miura Green, this car was first sold in Italy. It made its way to the United States in 1977. By then the car had been repainted red, whilst a tan leather interior has been installed more recently. The current owner has retained the car for some four decades, only adding to its provenance.
Lot 213 1991 Vector W8 Twin Turbo
Forget buying a new mid-engined Corvette, when RM Sotheby’s has this Vector W8 for sale in Arizona. Gerald Wiegert persevered for decades to develop his own American supercar, with the W8 being the production version of a concept first shown in 1978. Wiegert only sold 17 examples of the W8, which features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine producing a claimed 625 horsepower.
The distinctive bodywork is made from carbon fiber and kevlar, bonded to an aluminum chassis, helping reduce weight. Inside are Recaro sports seats, and even a 10-disc CD autochanger. Originally bought for $178,000, RM Sotheby’s estimates that this retro-classic will sell for between $300,000 to $400,000.
Lot 164 2005 Porsche Carrera GT
It seems hard to believe that the Porsche Carrera GT is now more than 15 years old. Using a V-10 engine originally intended for motorsport use, the uncompromising Carrera GT left the Stuttgart factory with 603 horsepower and the ability to reach more than 205 mph.
One of the 644 examples made for the U.S. market, this car was delivered new to racing driver Tony Kanaan who won the IndyCar Series in 2004. The car was later exported to Canada, where it has been fitted with a Tubi exhaust system. Expect this Porsche to sell for around $800,000 when crossing the block.
Bonhams – The Scottsdale Auction
Hosting numerous auctions at prestigious events across the globe, Bonhams kicks off 2020 with the Scottsdale sale. A priceless 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C is the big attraction at the event, but the other 109 cars on offer do include more affordable options.
When: Previews begin on Tuesday, January 14th, and continue through to the sale itself on Thursday, January 16th.
Where: The Bonhams sale takes place at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, in Phoenix.
Entry cost: Entry starts at $30, increasing to $100 for the auction catalogue. Bidder registration costs $150, but includes access to all days.
Lot 72 2008 Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4
Numerous volumes have been written about the Bugatti Veyron, but the one time fastest street-legal production car in the world still manages to amaze with facts and figures. The mid-mounted 8.0-liter W-16 engine features four turbochargers, generating 987 horsepower and 922 lb-ft of torque. Capable of 253 mph, the all-wheel drive Veyron has a total of ten radiators to keep everything cool at speed.
A total of 178 Veyron coupes were made, with 76 built for the United States. Initially owned in California and the Midwest, this car was purchased by comedian Tracy Morgan in 2017. Morgan has added around 1,000 miles to the car in his ownership, with fewer than 3,000 miles still recorded on the odometer.
Lot 46 2008 Koenigsegg CCX
Close to rivalling the Veyron for power and performance, Koenigsegg has become an option for those who want a Swedish alternative to regular hypercars. The CCX gained notoriety for setting the fastest lap around the Top Gear test track, aided by the 806 horsepower from its twin-supercharged 4.7-liter V-8 engine.
Carbon fiber was used for the lightweight monocoque chassis, with Koenigsegg’s trademark dihedral synchro-helix actuation doors a notable attraction. A targa panel can be removed from the roof, showing off the blue leather and Alcantara interior. This example uses a six-speed manual transmission, and has been regularly serviced whilst in the United States.
Lot 36 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The first-generation Camaro was launched in late 1966 to stop Ford dominating the pony car market. In order to transform the Camaro into a vehicle capable of competing in the SCCA Trans-Am series, Chevrolet offered the Z/28 option package. Key to this was the 302-cubic inch V-8 engine, combined with a four-speed ‘Rock Crusher’ transmission and power disc brakes.
One of the first 25 pre-production Z/28 models, this Camaro became a factory racer in the SCCA series. Driven by Gary Morgan, the car won 11 races during three years of competition. The car also appeared in a Gulf Oil commercial, noted for airing on TV during the moon landing broadcasts. Restoration work has recreated the original livery, with the Z/28 recently competing in the Spa Classic motorsport event.
Lot 21 1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon
Sold as the most expensive model in the Buick Super model range, the Estate Wagon was a refined and practical family car. Chrome trim abounds on the exterior bodywork inspired by the jet age, whilst the woodwork is real timber – not imitation vinyl. An expensive price tag when new meant Buick sold on 1,830 examples, with power coming from a 322-cubic inch Nailhead V-8 engine.
Subject to a comprehensive restoration process, this example is described as being in exquisite condition. A red and cream interior contrasts against the black paintwork, with the engine bay also presented immaculately. For woodie wagon fans, the $120,000 estimated sale price may seem more than reasonable.
Lot 110 1993 GMC Typhoon
It may be one of the cheaper options at the RM Sotheby’s sale, but the GMC Typhoon is on-trend with love for the 1990s at present. The Typhoon has also developed a cult following among enthusiasts, won over by the impressive performance from the turbocharged 4.3-liter V-6. Being capable of running the quarter-mile in 14 seconds puts it on par with serious sports cars.
One of 77 Apple Red examples made for the 1993 model year, this car has belonged to the same Californian family from new. In those 27 years, the owner has covered 25,000 miles, whilst the desert climate has helped keep the Typhoon free from corrosion. The paintwork needs some attention, as does the interior, but this could be a intriguing project.
Gooding & Company Scottsdale Auctions
Last year’s Gooding & Company event in Scottsdale was responsible for some of the most expensive cars sold at auction during 2019. The lot list promises more of the same in 2020, with 170 collector cars up for grabs.
When: Preview days run from Wednesday, January 15th, continuing through Thursday, January 16th. Sales take place on Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 18th.
Where: Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Gooding & Company will be based near the Fashion Square Mall for 2020.
Entry cost: Single entry costs $40, with $100 buying access for two plus a catalogue. Bidder registration costs $200.
Lot 121 1948 Tucker 48
The story of Preston Tucker and his famous 48 sedan has been told many times. A total of 51 cars were made, with this being the 34th example made. It is also one of 12 finished in Waltz Blue. Believed to have originally belonged to the Tucker marketing department, the car has had five owners since, adding 6,000 miles to the odometer.
This car was featured in the Francis Ford Coppola movie ‘Tucker: The Man and His Dream’, along with appearances in other media. What makes this car notable is that it is one of the few examples not to have undergone a complete restoration, with some attention paid to the paintwork. An estimated sale price of $1.75 million to $2.25 million recognizes how collectible these cars have become.
Lot 015 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
The Gullwing version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL may garner lots of attention, but the later Roadster came with more power from the 3.0-liter engine. Aimed at attracting sales in California, the Roadster proved popular with 1,800 examples sold across seven years of production.
Sold to a New Yorker in 1958, this car has had three other owners since 1976. The car was completely restored in the 1990s, whilst the current owner has also spent money on maintenance work. Expected to sell for between $900,000 and $1.2 million, the seller has committed to donating proceeds from the sale to the Serimus Foundation of Fort Collins, Colorado.
Lot 068 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Carrier
A variant of Chevrolet’s Task Force pickup truck, the Cameo Carrier was aimed at bringing car-like comfort to the utility market. Distinctive styling from fiberglass panels marked it out, as did the two-tone color scheme. This Cameo left the factory fitted with the optional 265-cubic inch V-8 engine, producing 145 horsepower and matched to a three-speed manual transmission.
Being derived from the first year of production makes this truck more collectible, with the estimated sale price of $50,000 to $70,000 reflecting that. A comprehensive frame-off restoration was undertaken recently, with the Cameo having covered only 200 miles since.
Lot 033 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
Factory-built Porsche racing cars are always attractive to collectors. This 1970 914/6 GT was developed to promote the six-cylinder version of Porsche’s 914 at motorsport events across the globe. Making a competition debut at the 1971 24 Hours of Daytona, the car up for sale in Arizona took class honors in that event. Along with other wins, the 914/6 GT took two more victories in 1971, and also appeared at the Montreal Auto Show.
Marked out by large fender flares, the 914/6 GT was driven by a mid-mounted 210 horsepower 2.0-liter engine. The car has been returned to the Sunoco livery used in 1971, and is supplied with plenty of documentation to demonstrate its racing heritage.
Lot 118 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 NAS
With the new Land Rover Defender coming to the United States, interest in the limited number of the previous version sold here is high. Federal safety regulations made Land Rover withdraw the Defender 90 from the U.S. market in 1997, but not before celebrating it with 300 examples of a Limited Edition special.
All 300 Limited Editions were painted in Willow Green with a white roof, and equipped with a 4.0-liter V-8 engine and automatic transmission. What makes this Defender 90 more collectible is that it represents number 300 of 300 – the final Limited Edition model made. Gooding & Company estimates this classic 4×4 could achieve up to $250,000 on the block.
New research has revealed the regions of the UK that are best-placed to deal with the current and near-future population of electric cars in their area.
There are now 10,500 electric charging points in the UK, which is far more than the 8,394 petrol stations. If you look at the road length of Britain, there is now a charging location every 23.35 miles. By comparison, there is a petrol station every 29.39 miles.
However, one criticism of the infrastructure, aside from its density, is the number of rapid chargers. Just 23 percent of connectors offer higher charging speeds that are a more appealing proposition to EV drivers.
“More investment in rapid charging devices and connectors also needs to be made, so motorists feel comfortable driving long distances without worrying they may encounter travel delays,” emphasises Tim Schwarz, Head of marketing at Moneybarn.
While you might imagine London to be well in the lead, a strong number of chargers feeds a strong demand. It’s Scotland that’s in the lead for EVs per charging connector, with 3.32. The North East and London aren’t far behind, with a respective 3.39, and 3.79. London is still high up the list, in spite of a higher volume of EVs and the introduction of the ULEZ. Wales and the North West round out the top five, with 4.65 and 5.21 respectively.
Below the top five, things take a bit of a dive. The East Midlands in sixth, has 6.95, while Yorkshire & Humber in seventh and the South West in eighth have close to ten. The bottom three regions are the South East, East and West Midlands, with 11.53, 14.89 and 17.4.
#
Region
No. of EVs per charging connector
1
Scotland
3.32
2
North East
3.39
3
London
3.79
4
Wales
4.65
5
North West
5.21
6
East Midlands
6.95
7
Yorkshire &
Humber
9.66
8
South West
9.95
9
South East
11.53
10
East
14.89
11
West Midlands
17.4
“It’s great to see the UK continuing to develop its EV infrastructure ahead of its Road to Zero deadline,” Schwarz continues.
“However, with the Government keen to accelerate its ban on petrol and diesel cars, it’s clear areas like the West and East Midlands and the South East, need to improve their current EV facilities.”
The AA says the electric car market needs a “shock to the system”. It’s proposing this should come in the form of VAT being scrapped on EVs.
New research by the AA, based on a survey of 17,500 drivers, has revealed that 61 percent of motorists said they’d be more inclined to buy an electric car if the VAT was scrapped. At present, VAT is 20 percent of the car’s value, added as value-added tax. Current electric cars carry a significant premium over equivalent internal combustion vehicles.
Experts say that’s not going to change for years to come. The AA’s proposed VAT cut would make electric cars far more competitive on price, especially in combination with the current EV grant.
Take a Tesla Model 3. If you pay £48,000 for the car, £8,000 of that is VAT. The AA is proposing that the VAT be taken off, in addition to the EV grant.
On a mid to high-range Model 3 costing £48,000 before a VAT cut, or the addition of the grant, the post-grant, post-VAT discount price would be £36,500. The Model 3’s current pre-grant entry price of £39,500, could be reduced to £31,600, which could drop below £30,000 with the grant. That’s a saving that could incentivise many buyers to hang up their internal combustion allegiance.
“A combination of the climate change emergency and local councils setting up vastly different clean air zones, means that many drivers feel under pressure to change but can’t, no matter how much they try,” said AA president Edmund King.
“With electric vehicles making up just 0.2 per cent of the nation’s cars, there is a long way to go to meet the official target of at least half of new car sales to be ultra-low emission by 2030. Our proposal would help to achieve that goal more quickly.”
There is a precedent for dropping VAT on electric cars. Norway, with the highest proportion of electric cars of any European country, has zero VAT on EVs. EV drivers also drive road tax-free, and can use bus lanes for free. Last year, electric car sales jumped by 144 percent.
According to the Norwegian government, an electric car was sold once every 20 minutes in 2019, with 37,850 drivers plugging in. All that said, EVs still made up just 1.2 percent of sales in 2019, and overall make up just 0.2 percent of cars on the road.
Lexus’s ongoing battle over its self-charging hybrid advertisements has taken a new northern-European turn. Norway’s Consumer Authority has deemed the advertisements misleading.
Complaints about adverts in magazines referenced the claim that the car could charge itself, without a cost to the driver.
One of the ads translates in English to: “In hybrid form Lexus, the power (always costs) absolutely nothing”. Another phrase used in ad copy that has been contested read: “Lexus offers the power”.
A Lexus owner said that: “Lexus and Toyota market their hybrids heavily as self-recharging, without notifying the customer that all energy used for recharging comes from the combustion of gasoline.
“In its latest ads, Lexus even uses the phrase, ‘Lexus offers the power’. This is purely [a] spiked lie.”
So the issue is not necessarily that self-charging is misleading. The cars do indeed charge themselves using regenerative braking, the recuperation of energy lost in braking.
The problem is when that recuperated energy is implied to be “free”. In reality, that energy came from the burning of fuel, which cost the driver money.
Norway’s Consumer Authority has therefore taken issue with the claim that the energy recuperated didn’t cost anything.
This idea is reiterated in a variety of ad copy, including lines like “produce power itself; charges when you release the gas, when you slow down, yes, even while driving.” (Again, for clarity, we’ve run a literal translation here.)
The country’s marketing act prohibits false, misleading or unreasonable claims in advertisements, which aspects of the ‘self-charging’ claim fall under.
Authorities concluded that Lexus’s ads could lead customers to believe that their car generates free electricity. It claims this marketing content could have influenced customers to buy the car under this false claim.
Diesel car particulate filters (DPFs) catch and collect harmful particulate emissions – but when they are periodically auto-cleaned, tailpipe emissions spike, something ignored in official EU emissions tests.
Researchers discovered particulate emissions from a Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Astra were between 32 percent and 115 percent over the legal limit during DPF cleaning.
Emissions of more harmful ‘ultrafine’ particulates spiked even higher, up to 184 percent.
However, NOx emissions did remain within legal limits during the tests.
Diesel particulate filters trap and store particulates produced by an engine, so they are not constantly released into the atmosphere. However, they have a finite capacity and are emptied during a cleansing or ‘burning off’ process.
The cleaning process happens periodically, automatically, and can last for over nine miles at a time, claims lobby group Transport & Environment.
A loophole, says the group, means official tests are ignored and restated if DPF cleaning occurs during the process.
There are 45 million cars equipped with DPFs in Europe, carrying out 1.3 billion filter cleanings a year, it claims.
“These tests show that new diesels are still not clean,” said T&E emissions engineer Anna Krakinska. “In fact they are spewing out highly-dangerous levels of particles in our towns and highways everyday.”
She said the next Euro emissions standard should close the loophole and set firm limits for all pollutants.
The European Commissions should also require authorities to check cars already on the road – like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does.
“The endgame is a standard that demands zero emissions from cars on our roads.”
A Nissan spokesman said: “All Nissan vehicles and DPF device fitted in our vehicles fully comply with today’s emissions legislation.
“We support the evolution of emissions standards as well as the WLTP and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) homologation tests and have introduced a range of drivetrains to meet them.”
Growth in worldwide sales for the BMW Group during 2019 helped secure it the position as the best-selling premium car brand.
With total sales from the various BMW Group brands topping more than 2.5 million vehicles for the year, this represented an overall increase of 1.2 percent compared to 2018.
A strategy of offering increasing choice to customers, a move called the “power of choice” by BMW, saw a particular focus being paid to SUV models.
More BMW SUVs, more performance models
Cars and SUVs wearing the BMW badge were the biggest sellers overall, with a grand total of 2,168,516 new vehicles sold during 2019. This represented a 2.0 percent increase when compared to sales the previous year.
BMW’s X-range of SUVs saw substantial growth, with 21 percent more of them sold during 2019. Across the world, 958,732 high-riding BMW models found themselves in the hands of new owners.
Performance models were also in demand, with 135,826 M-badged models being sold. This is the best-ever sales results in the nearly five decades of M products being sold, and demonstrated a hefty 33.2 percent increase compared to the year before.
Growing demand for luxury
BMW also noted that the range-topping 7 Series, 8 Series, and brand-new X7 contributed to a gigantic 66 percent increase in sales of luxury models. A total of 105,331 new vehicles were sold in this category, and works towards BMW’s plan to double luxury sales between 2018 and 2020.
Rolls-Royce also saw unprecedented sales and growth, with particular success attributed to the brand-new and controversial Cullinan off-roader. The company sold more cars than ever before in its 116-year history, delivering 5,152 of them during 2019 for a 25.4 percent increase.
Buyers of Rolls-Royce models also showed an increased interest in bespoke custom cars, taking advantage of the numerous options to add a personal touch to their new vehicle.
Mini sales shrink, electric charging up
The only brand in the BMW Group not to show a sales growth, instead reporting a 4.1 percent decrease in 2019, was Mini. Whilst hot John Cooper Works models were still in demand, a total of 346,639 Mini models were delivered last year.
Mini is pitching hopes on electric and plug-in hybrid models for the future. More than 90,000 potential customers registered their interest in the battery-powered Mini Electric, which went on sale late in 2019.
Overall, the BMW Group delivered 145,818 electrified models during 2019, representing a 2.1 percent increase against 2018. BMW’s electric i brand saw improved sales, with the i3 and outgoing i8 selling 12.1 percent more units than the year before.
BMW tops the table for premium German brands
The BMW Group’s total sales of 2.52 million cars and SUVs in 2019 does place it comfortably clear of its two biggest German rivals.
Audi did show an increased growth of 1.8 percent in 2019, delivering 1.85 million cars and setting a new sales record for the company in North America.
Mercedes-Benz, when including cars sold under the Smart brand, ran BMW closer by delivering 2.46 million vehicles last year. Growth was lower, demonstrating only a 0.7 percent increase against 2018, and hurt by a 9.3 percent fall in Smart sales.
Ford Bronco fever continues amongst enthusiasts, as the reveal of the all-new model gets ever closer.
Whilst buyers have been busy snapping up classic examples, now there is a chance to purchase a unique custom Bronco and help a charity.
Auction website Bring a Trailer is currently featuring the sale of a special 1966 Bronco, which appeared at the world-famous SEMA Show in 2019.
The story of this Bronco began when the WD-40 Company, of eponymous lubricating spray fame, found the classic SUV in Florida.
In need of restoration, WD-40 sponsored the Bronco build process, with the work itself being undertaken at SEMA’s very own in-house garage.
With 15,000 sq ft of space, and filled with close to $2 million of equipment, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, CA was the perfect place to turn the Bronco into a reborn hero. The build took three years, with meticulous attention to detail paid.
Marking the biggest change to the Bronco was the introduction of a brand-new Ford 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. The same unit as used in the F-150 pickup truck, here the turbocharged gasoline engine produces 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.
Helping fit the EcoBoost engine into the Bronco is custom pipework from GReddy, connected to an Mishimoto intercooler. The engine cover itself is also a custom item, whilst the dual-exit exhaust system was supplied by MagnaFlow.
A six-speed automatic transmission is connected to Tom Wood’s custom driveshafts and Currie Enterprises axle, sending power to all four wheels. A Dana 44 differential is fitted to the front axle, with a Ford 9-inch item at the rear.
A 5-inch suspension lift comes courtesy of a Skyjacker kit, along with other components supplied by Hellwig and Solo Motorsports. American Racing wheels have 35-inch Toyo tires mounted on them, with Wilwood brakes hiding behind them.
Bodywork repairs were undertaken, with the Bronco being repainted in the distinctive blue color. A six-point roll cage, new exterior trim, and a powered side steps have been fitted in the transformation.
Inside, the Bronco now has seats covered tan leather with contrasting inserts. Piping inspired by WD-40 colors is also present, along with instruments wearing the WD-40 branding. An NRG Innovations wood-rimmed steering wheel has been fitted, too.
The modifications have created a classic SUV good enough to star at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and produced a deeply desirable machine.
This will hopefully result in an impressive sale price, with all proceeds being donated to the Childhelp non-profit organization. Bring a Trailer will also donate the buyer’s fee to the charity as well.
Bring a Trailer bidders have already shown their interest in the Bronco, with many more bids expected before the auction ends on Monday, January 13th.
