Seen here in Winchester Cathedral’s Outer Close on the 15th of June 2019 during the Tour of Legends lunch stop, the Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I was a small open sports car which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1958 to 1971. The Sprite was announced to the press in Monte Carlo by the British Motor Corporation on 20 May 1958, two days after that year's Monaco Grand Prix. It was intended to be a low-cost model that would be the successor to the sporting versions of the pre-war Austin Seven.

 

The car was designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company, with production being undertaken at the MG factory at Abingdon. It first went on sale at a price of £669, using a tuned version of the Austin A-Series engine and as many other components from existing cars as possible to keep costs down.

 

The Sprite quickly became affectionately known as the "frogeye" because its headlights were prominently mounted on top of the bonnet, inboard of the front wings. The car's designers had intended that the headlights could be retracted, with the lenses facing skyward when not in use but cost cutting by BMC led to the flip-up mechanism being deleted; therefore the headlights were simply fixed in a permanently upright position, giving the car its most distinctive feature.

 

The body was styled by Gerry Coker, with subsequent alterations by Les Ireland following Coker's emigration to the US in 1957. The car's distinctive frontal styling bore a strong resemblance to the defunct American 1951 Crosley Super Sport. 48,987 "frogeye" Sprites were made.

 

The problem of providing a rigid structure to an open-topped sports car was resolved by Barry Bilbie, Healey's chassis designer, who adapted the idea provided by the Jaguar D-type, with rear suspension forces routed through the bodyshell's floor pan. The Sprite's chassis design was the world's first volume-production sports car to use unitary construction, where the sheet metal body panels (apart from the bonnet) take many of the structural stresses.

 

The original metal gauge of the rear structure specified by Bilbie was reduced by the Austin Design Office during prototype build, however during testing at MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) distortion and deformation of the rear structure occurred and the original specification was reinstated. The two front chassis legs projecting forward from the passenger compartment mean the shell is not a full monocoque. The front sheet-metal assembly, including the bonnet and wings, was a one-piece unit, hinged from the back, which swung up to allow access to the engine compartment.

 

The 43 bhp, 948 cc OHV engine was derived from the Austin A35 and Morris Minor 1000 models, also BMC products, but upgraded with twin 11⁄8 inch SU carburettors. The rack and pinion steering was derived from the Morris Minor 1000 and the front suspension from the Austin A35. The front suspension was a coil spring and wishbone arrangement, with the arm of the Armstrong lever shock absorber serving as the top suspension link. The rear axle was both located and sprung by quarter-elliptic leaf springs, again with lever-arm shock absorbers and top links.

 

The wheels were 13" fitted with 520 X 13 crossply tyres or upgraded with 145 HR 13 Pirelli Cinturato radial tyres. There were no exterior door handles; the driver and passenger were required to reach inside to open the door. There was also no boot lid, owing to the need to retain as much structural integrity as possible, and access to the spare wheel and luggage compartment was achieved by tilting the seat-backs forward and reaching under the rear deck which resulted in a large space available to store soft baggage.

   

Proud owner, designer and engineer Dave Eaton fields questions about his wonderful creation, the Icon 917. Starting with a bodyshell mould of David Piper's 917K-010, Dave and John Hartland have spent 8 years recreating this marvellous car that has always been intended to run on road and track. Fully IVA-compliant, it has a 3.6 flat-six engine with 280bhp and is only distinguishable from the original by small details necessary for it to run on the road. There is another car in the pipeline for collaborator John Hartland, and for more details see the comprehensive article in the July 2019 issue of Octane magazine.

Triumph GT6 Mk2 (1968-70) Engine 1998c S6 OHV

Production 12,066

Registration Number RUT 513 G (Leicestershire)

TRIUMPH ALBUM

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623847263736...

 

Introduced in 1966 the first series of GT6 was introduced in 1966 as a six cylinder sports coupe based on the Spitfire. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and based on the recently introduced Spitfire Mk. IV. The new body was a sleek fastback design with an opening rear hatch, In essence a two seater but with a small extra rear seat could be ordered, large enough for small children. The family resemblance to the Spitfire Mk II was strong, the longer 6-cylinder engine necessitated a new bonnet top with a power bulge and the doors were provided with opening quarter light windows and squared-off glass in the top rear corner. The 6-cylinder engine was, like the Vitesse 2 litre, tuned to develop 95 hp (71 kW) with a top speed pf 106mph

 

The Mk.II GT6 was launched in 1978 using a 104bhp version of the six cylinder engine, with optional overdrive as available on the Mk.1. Now fitted with lower wishbone independant rear suspension. The Mk.2 also got a new facia, better ventilation for both engine bay and cockpit and Rostyle wheels, though wires were a popular option. There were other changes for the Mk II; the front bumper was raised (in common with the Spitfire Mk 3) to conform with new regulations ecessitating a revised front end, and side vents were added to the front wings and rear pillars. Under the bonnet, the engine was the uprated Vitesse MkII unit developing 104 hp (78 kW) with a new cylinder head, camshaft, and manifolds Performance improved slightly to 107 mph

 

The third generation of 1970 was the GT6s last major facelift the entire bodyshell was revised to match the changes made to the Spitfire Mk IV: modifications included a cut-off rear end, recessed door handles and a smoother front end,and the deletion of the chrome stripes on top of the wings . Only detail changes were made to the mechanics, but in 1973 – close to the end of the car's production life – the rear suspension was changed again, this time for the cheaper "swing-spring" layout fitted to the Spitfire Mk IV. Engine output was simular to that of the Mark 2 but better aerodynamics led to a new top speed of 112 mph

 

Diolch yn fawr am 65,531,840 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mwynhewch ac arhoswch yn ddiogel

 

Thank you 65,531,840 amazing views, enjoy and stay safe

 

Shot 06.05.2018 at Catton Hall Car Show, Catton Hall, Walton on Trent, Derbyshire Ref 133-599

  

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Class 180 Test Train No DB999601 stabled at York Station. It was built in 1987 using the Class 150/1 bodyshell and was originally classified as a Class 180 test unit, it has been reclassified into the departmental series and now carries the set No 950001 with the individual carriages numbered 999600 and 999601.

 

Photo details

Colour Slide scan

Fuji 100ASA Film

Camera Canon EOS300

Lens Canon 28-90mm

Ref No 09907.

Copyright © Keith Long - All rights reserved

 

I was only at Lichfield Trent Valley for a brief few minutes, but in that time we see a Virgin Trains Class 390 Pendolino taking the long sweeping curve through the station with a northbound express.

 

Since their introduction in 2002, the Class 390 tilting Pendolino sets have revolutionised services on the West Coast Mainline, bringing about an entirely new level of speed onto a route notorious for its laboriously winding route. But with such a technological leap, the Class 390 has sadly paid the price for its image due to what it was replacing.

 

The idea of a tilting train on the West Coast Mainline was however not a new one to Alstom when they developed the Pendolino sets in the late 1990's, with the concept being toyed way back in the early 1970's. British Rail first pioneered the concept of the tilting train with the ill-fated Advanced Passenger Train or APT of the mid-1970's. The idea was to create a train that could shift its centre of gravity whilst moving around sharp bends at high speeds, similar to how a motorcyclist leans into corners. This was to not only allow the train to travel at higher speeds on winding track without fear of it falling over, but also to improve passenger comfort levels and stop people being pressed against the windows when taking corners!

 

The original APT was a Gas-Turbine unit that operated on the Midland Region out of London St Pancras, and was later followed by the Class 370 electric multiple unit that began trials on the West Coast Mainline from 1980. A truly brilliant concept, the APT showed the world that the idea of a tilting train could be possible, that is, when it worked. The Class 370 was marred by teething problems and reliability issues, mostly consisting of the fact that the tilting mechanism wouldn't work properly or there would be just general train faults. Coupled with the winter of 1981, the worst winter for many years, and the train's image was damaged beyond repair. Even while developments were looking promising, and with only a few million Pounds required to complete the project, the British Government pulled the plug and the APT was axed in 1986, with only one complete set remaining as a rather sorry museum piece. The train of the future had become a thing of the past.

 

But the developments of the APT were picked up by none-other than Fiat Ferroviaria, who, following the failure of their British rival, developed their own and much more successful tilting train, the ETR-401 Pendolino, which began operations in 1988. This was later translated into a fleet of 15 ETR 450 production units which became the first revenue earning tilting trains.

 

In 2000, Fiat Ferroviaria was acquired by Alstom, who has been building their legendary tilting trains ever since. This coincided with the formation of Virgin Trains following privatisation of British Rail in 1994. As part of Virgin Trains' franchise requirements in 1997, the company intended the replacement of the ageing BR stock of the 1960's with a new fleet of high speed trains that would reduce journey times and up travel quality. As such, Virgin turned to Fiat Ferroviaria and later successor Alstom to provide them with a derivative version of the company's latest tilting Pendolino, the ETR 460.

 

Fiat Ferroviaria supplied much of the content of the Class 390 units, including the bodyshell and the bogies, while final assembly was carried out at Washwood Heath. The tilting technology was developed by SIG Switzerland (later Fiat-SIG, today Alstom). Two electromechanical actuators are used per car to achieve the desired tilting angle on curved stretches of track. The train can tilt to a maximum of eight degrees, at which point one side of the cabin train is 380 mm higher above the track than the other. In contrast to other Fiat Ferroviaria tilting trains which use hydraulic tilting actuators, the electromechanical systems offers lower maintenance cost and higher efficiency.

 

The new trains were intended to run at 140mph, but the West Coast Main Line modernisation programme, which was an upgrade to the infrastructure to allow faster line speeds, ran over budget. Consequently, plans were scaled back, and in a manner reminiscent of the introduction of the InterCity 225, the lack of signalling upgrades resulted in the maximum line speed being restricted to 125mph. Although this (and 140mph) are well below BR's hopes for APT of 155mph, it does match the maximum speed of 125mph for the APT in passenger service (although one APT set reached 162mph in testing).

 

The fleet was introduced into passenger services from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on 23rd July, 2002, to coincide with the opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Over the next few months they took over the Manchester services, and were soon introduced on routes from London to Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Preston.

 

With the start of Class 390 operations, the writing was very much on the wall for the ageing sets of trains it was replacing, and thus the Class 390's image began to be somewhat tarnished amongst the railway purists. First to go were the Class 86's of the 1960's, proud high-speed locomotives that were once the mainstay of the WCML, withdrawn from service in 2003 following both the introduction of the Class 390's, and the Class 220/221 Voyager units on Cross-Country services. Next were the newer Class 90's of 1989, replaced in 2004 once Class 390's had been allocated to routes north of Preston. The final locomotive hauled trains were provided by the Class 87's of the 1970's, which held strong until final replacement in 2005, bringing an end to locomotive hauled services on the West Coast Mainline. From then on, the Class 86's have mostly been scrapped, whilst Class 90's were transferred to Anglia to replace their Class 86 fleet. Class 87's on the other hand have since been exported largely to Bulgaria, the few remaining here in the UK either being scrapped, placed in storage, or made into museum pieces. This left a great deal of animosity towards the Class 390's by the railway enthusiast community, who, even after 10 years, still have a strong hatred towards these trains.

 

The service improvements however are something that can't be taken away from the Class 390's as these trains have taken the original and comparatively sluggish 110mph top speed and translated it into the extremely fast 125mph running speed that BR had dreamt of for years. In September 2006, the Pendolino set a new speed record, completing the 401 mile length of the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central to London Euston in 3 hours, 55 minutes, beating the 4-hour-14-minute record for the southbound run previously set in 1981 by the Class 370 APT. The APT however retains the ultimate speed record for this route, having completed the northbound journey between London Euston and Glasgow Central in 3 hours 52 minutes in 1984 which included a 5-minute delay due to a signal fault.

 

Since then the Pendolino has become very much a staple of high speed train travel in the UK, and still looks good even 15 years after the first ones hit the test tracks back in 2001.

 

The Class 390 was put to the test however with 390033 'City of Glasgow', which was written off after the Grayrigg derailment of February 23rd, 2007. The accident had been caused by a points malfunction, which, after a failure to inspect by Network Rail, changed the direction of travel from normal and thus resulted in the entire set derailing and plummeting down an embankment at 95mph. The sturdy design and robust nature of the Class 390 has been attributed to the fact that only one person, an elderly lady, was killed in the disaster, whereas if the previous MkII carriages had been involved, the death-toll could have been much higher. As said, the unit was written off, and the less damaged rear carriages of the set now reside at the Crewe Training Centre and are used for the instruction of drivers and train crew. The subsequent destruction of one of the units led to Virgin Trains reinstating a loco-hauled service to cover its diagrams, this being in the form of a hired Class 90 (usually from Freightliner), a set of 9 MkIII coaches, and a Driving Van Trailer. This train operated covering diagrams until November 2014, when it was retired and transferred to Greater Anglia.

 

Since 2007 the Class 390's have had their fleet enhanced from the original 53 sets to 57 with the addition of 4 new units between 2011 and 2012. The introduction of these new sets coincided with the extension of 31 sets to 11-cars, with new carriages built and imported from Alstom's factory in Italy, the first routine 11-car InterCity train to operate in the UK since the 1970's.

 

Today the Class 390's continue to ply their merry trade, and remain vital parts of the UK's high speed network, bringing Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London closer together than they've ever been before.

Ford Escort 100E (1955-61) Engine 1172cc S4 SV Production 33,131

Registration Number WEL 225 (Bournemouth)

Ford (UK) Set

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623665118181...

 

The 100E Escort and its sister car the Squire 100E were two door four seat small Estate cars. There had previously been Utelicon conversions of the Ford 5cwt van, but these were Fords first factory built small wagons.

related to the Ford Prefect 100E four-door saloon, sharing the same 1,172 cc (71.5 cu in) Ford sidevalve 36 bhp (27 kW) engine and other parts, they used the short doors of the four door Saloon because the bodyshell was optimized for use as a panel van (which was marketed as the Thames 300E). The rear door was in two pieces split horizontally. The rear seat could be folded flat to convert from a four-seater to a load carrier.

The Squire was the more expensive of the pair, better trimmed and competing in the same market sector as the Hillman Husky and Austin A30 / A35 based estate, both significantly more popular in the UK than longer estates at the time. Until 1957 the Squire featured wood trim pieces screwed to the sides of the vehicle

The Escort was a cheaper option, which proved more popular with 33,131 sales against 17,812 of the Squire. a mechanically identical estate car but based on the cheaper Ford Anglia, rather than the Prefect.

 

Many thanks for a fantabulous

44,196,010 views (adjusted and readjusted during FLICKR re-engineering, reduced by around 650,000)

 

Shot 23.08.2015 at Lupin Farm, Classic Vehicle Gathering, Orgreave, Alrewas, Staffordshire - Ref 109-897

 

Chevrolet Impala Convertible (2nd Gen) (1959-60) Engine 348 cu in (5700cc) V8 W series Turbo Thrust Production 490000

Registration Number GAS 487

CHEVROLET SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623638181561...

 

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala was redesigned. Sharing bodyshells with lower-end Buick, Oldsmobile and Potiac though the Chevrolets wheelbase was 1.5 inches longer. Using a new X-frame chassis, the roof line was three inches lower, bodies were two inches wider, and curb weight increased. Its tailfins protruded outward, rather than upward. The taillights were a large "teardrop" design at each side.. The Impala became a separate series, adding a four-door hardtop and four-door sedan, to the two-door Sport Coupe and convertible. Sport Coupes featured a shortened roof line and wrap-over back window. The standard engine was a S6, while the base V8 was the carryover 283 cu in (4,640 cc), at 185 hp Optional were a 283 cu in with 290 hp and 348 cu in (5,700 cc) V8 up to 315 hp

 

A big thanks for a fantasti 22 million views

 

Shot 08.09.2013 at Brooklands Ref 100a-053

 

Haldane 3000HD (1988-94) Engine 1993cc S4 OHC Ford Pinto

Registration Number Q 25 TDS (Undefined age registration, issued from Glasgow)

HALDANE ALBUM

www.flickr.com/photos/organize

 

John Haldane launched Haldane Developements Ltd. in Glasgow in 1988 to produce automobiles and kits. In 1993 Brian Harrison and Alisdair Scott took over production until 1994. From 1994 Pilgrim cars took over production, retaining the Haldane name but moved the facilities from Glasgow to Henfield in West Sussex. Production finally ended in 2008 after around 136 vehicles had been produced.

 

The first model was the HD100 a model based on the Austin Healey 100, with a fibreglass body mounted on a chassis developed in house. The four cylinder engine came from the Vauxhall Chevette. From 1993 a revised chassis was released to accommodate Ford engines. Around 100 examples were built between 1988-1994.

 

In 1991 a second model, the HD3000 complemented the range, modeled on the Austin Healey 3000 it otherwise corresponded with the HD100 around 36 were built by 2008

 

This Austin Healey replica was built by Haldane before the Scottish company ceased trading. The rights are now with Pilgrim who are planning to return the car to production.

Styled on similar lines as the classic Austin Healey the car has a composite (GRP) monocoque bodyshell, powered by a modern engine with Ford Sierra suspension and a robust backbone chassis and Geoscan designed suspension. It will be supplied either as a kit priced between £13,900 to £16,900 dependant upon specification or factory built for £18,000 for one with used components to £ 27,000 for a top specification factory built car with new components.

 

Diolch am 77,976,492 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr.

 

Thanks for 77,976,492 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated.

 

Shot 06.10.2019 at Bicester Scramble, Bicester, Oxon. 143-1263

   

Porsche 993 (911) Carrera Cabriolet (1993-98) Engine 3600cc Flat 6 282bhp

Registration Number N 82 HLB (London NW)

Production 68,029

PORSCHE SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690528015...

 

The 993 designation is the companies internal name for this generation 911. The external design of the Porsche 993, penned by Englishman Tony Hatter, used the basic bodyshell architecture of the 964, but with changed external panels, with much more flared wheelarches and a smoother front and rear bumper design, an enlarged retractable rear wing, teardrop mirrors, but keeping the doors and roof panels.

 

The Carrera represented the base model of the 993, and was available in rear and all-wheel drive versions. It was equipped with the naturally aspirated 3.6 liter M64 engine, further developed from the 964 and combined with a new dual-flow exhaust system now incorporating two catalytic converters. In contrast to the 964 were the numbers Carrera 2 or 4 were used to differentiate between two and four wheel the numbers have been dropped and the models are simply referred to as C2 and C4.the cars can be distinguished by the Carrera 4 having clear front turn signals and rear red lenses instead of orange on the 2W

 

Diolch yn fawr am 70,271,794 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mwynhewch ac arhoswch yn ddiogel

 

Thank you 70,271,294 amazing views, enjoy and stay safe

 

Shot 13.04.2019 at the GT Cup and MSVR Championships at Donington Park Ref 138-439

     

September 2013 "Mont Blanc Rally".

 

The Ford Escort:

 

The squarer-styled Mark II version appeared in January 1975. The first production models had rolled off the production lines on 2nd December 1974.

 

Unlike the first Escort (which was developed by Ford of Britain), the second generation was developed jointly between the UK and Ford of Germany. Codenamed "Brenda" during its development, it used the same mechanical components as the Mark I. The 950 cc engine was still offered in Italy where the smaller engine attracted tax advantages, but in the other larger European markets in Europe it was unavailable. The estate and van versions used the same panelwork as the Mark I, but with the Mark II front end and interior. The car used a revised underbody, which had been introduced as a running change during the last six months production of the Mark I. Rear suspension still sat on leaf springs though some contemporaries such as the Hillman Avenger had moved on to coil springs.

 

The "L" and "GL" models (2-door, 4-door, estate) were in the mainstream private sector, the "Sport", "RSMexico", and "RS2000" in the performance market, the "Ghia" (2-door, 4-door) for an untapped small car luxury market, and "base / Popular" models for the bottom end. Panel-van versions catered to the commercial sector.

 

A cosmetic update was given in 1978, with L models gaining the square headlights (previously exclusive to the GL and Ghia variants) and there was an upgrade in interior and exterior specification for some models. Underneath a wider front track was given.

 

In 1979 and 1980 three special edition Escorts were launched the Linnet, Harrier and Goldcrest.

 

Production ended in Britain in August 1980, other countries following soon after.

  

As with its predecessor, the Mark II had a successful rallying career. All models of the Mark I were carried over to the Mark II, though the Mexico gained the RS badge and had its engine changed to a 1.6 L OHC Pinto instead of the OHV. A "Sport" model was also produced using the 1.6 L Kent. A new model was released, the RS1800, which had a fuel injected 1790 cc Cosworth BDE engine. It was essentially a special created for rallying.

 

The works rally cars were highly specialised machines. Bodyshells were heavily strengthened. They were characterised by the wide wheelarch extensions, and often by the fitment of four large spotlights for night stages. The Cosworth BDE engine was replaced with 2.0 L BDG and gave up to 250 bhp (186 kW; 253 PS) by 1979. It was complemented by a strengthened transmission, five-speed straight-cut ZF gearbox, five-linked suspension and more minor modifications.

 

The Mark II Escort continued its predecessor's run on the RAC Rally, winning every year from 1975 to 1979 and racing in a variety of other events around the world. In the 1979 season of the World Rally Championship, Björn Waldegård took the drivers' title, Hannu Mikkola was runner-up and Ari Vatanen finished the year in fifth place, all driving Escort RS1800s.

 

These drivers' successes throughout the year gave Ford the manufacturers' title, the only time the company had achieved this until the 2006 season, when Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen won the title for Ford in Ford Focus RS WRC 06. Vatanen won the drivers' title in 1981, again at the wheel of an RS1800. This victory came despite the arrival on the WRC scene of the venerable four-wheel drive Audi Quattro. Ford placed in the top three in the manufacturers' championship for the sixth year in a row.

 

The 1.6 L (1598 cc/97 CID) engine in the 1975 1.6 Ghia produced 84 hp (63 kW) with 125 N·m (92 ft·lbf) torque and weighed 955kg (2105 lb). For rally use, this can be compared to the 1974 Toyota Corolla which output 75 hp (56 kW) and weighed 948kg (2090 lb).

 

The 2.0L RS2000 version, with its distinctively slanted polyurethane nose, and featuring the Pinto engine from the Cortina, was announced in the UK in March 1975 and introduced in Germany in August 1975, being reportedly produced in both countries. It provided a claimed 110 bhp and a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h). For acceleration to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) a time of just 8.9 seconds was claimed by the manufacturers. The 2.0L engine was also easily retro-fitted into the Mark I, along with the Ford Sierra's five-speed gearbox, for rallying and other sports.

  

A continuation of that revolutionary design that put Peugeot on the map in terms of reliable automotive construction. Often considered the last great Peugeot, the 505 took many of the design traits from the legendary 504 and updated them to create a truly sublime car, a humble design with performance that couldn't be beat even by the best Land Rovers Solihull could make.

 

To trace the 505, you need to go back to the 504, which, by the time the 505 was launched in 1979, had established itself as the true conqueror of the Sahara Desert. The 504, which entered sales in 1968 as the company's flagship motor, combined a simple and somewhat mundane bodyshell with robust structural components, amazing suspension, simple mechanical design and, it's main party piece, and torque tube drive shaft, enclosed in a rigid tube attached at each end to the gearbox housing and differential casing, relieving drive train torque reactions. Within a couple of years the 504 had toppled the Camel's 3,000 year reign as king of the Sahara, and very soon was the primary mode of transport for weary travelers across the seemingly endless sand dunes. So fantastic was this car that it outsold Land Rovers in this region in spades, due largely to its barn-door design and incredibly robust reliability.

 

By 1979 however, Peugeot felt an update of this winning formula was necessary, and thus began work on the 505. Officially launched on May 16th, 1979, the 505 shared many mechanics from the 504, and was available in the same number of options ranging from the saloon to the estate, and eventually the 8-passenger Familiale version, which was introduced in 1982 at the Geneva Motor Show, essentially a People-Carrier but half the size and twice as likable!

 

There were also a multitude of other options considered by Peugeot throughout the years, none of which sadly made it beyond the prototype stage. These included a sporty coupe, a drophead cabriolet, a pickup truck and a large van. Though none of these ideas ever went into production (despite looking quite handsome, the coupe's especially), there were many conversions of the original cars, including use as ambulances, hearses, delivery trucks and even minibuses.

 

Cosmetically, the car was designed as a joint venture between Pininfarina and Peugeot's internal styling department, and is very similar to that of its smaller brother the 305. The original interior was designed by Paul Bracq, generally more well known for his work for Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

 

Motoring journalists were quick to praise the car for its great ride and brilliant handling, particularly on rough or unmade roads. Such reviews made it immediately popular in less developed countries, especially former French colonies such as Algeria, Cote D'Ivoire, Senegal and Mozambique. Seeing this popularity in their new machine, Peugeot quickly obliged this particular market with the Dangel, a four-wheel drive version with the ride height increased by large all-terrain tyres and wider wheel-arches to accommodate them. To cope with steep inclines or climbing over uneven surfaces, the Dangel was offered with either an intercooled 110hp Turbodiesel, or a 130hp 2.2L petrol engine. The gear ratios were also made shorter due to the larger wheels.

 

The interior styling was viewed positively in contemporary reviews, but the ergonomics were criticized, specific criticism coming from the inconvenient position of the ashtray behind the gear stick, which made changing gears on a manual version somewhat troublesome.

 

In 1986, the 505 was given a facelift and an all new interior (thankfully fixing the whole ashtray problem), and the company began the process of winding down the car's production in light of the launch of its replacement, the 405, in 1987. The Saloon version was ended in 1989 following the release of the company's new flagship, the 605, but the Estate version was still selling very well, and remained in production for another three years before the entire 505 range was axed in 1992. Another reason for the extended life of the 505 Estate was due to the possible development of a 605 Estate, thus the 505 attempted to provide a stop-gap until such a car was launched. However, the 605 Estate never came to fruition, the 405 Estate instead being the 505's spiritual replacement.

 

Nevertheless, the 505 did make a prominent impact on Peugeot's sales during the mid to late 1980's, being the last Peugeot model to be sold in the United States.Unique to the US were turbocharged station wagons, both with petrol and diesel engines. Popular and reliable cars, the 505's also became New York taxicabs throughout the 80's and into the 90's, though due to legislation regarding emissions and model turnover in 1996, most had been removed from revenue work by 2000.

 

The cars were also very popular in Australia, and were assembled under license originally by Renault Australia between 1980 and 1981, then by Leyland Australia between 1981 and 1983, the last products of the Enfield Plant. They also sold well in Argentina, where they're still popular as taxicabs in Buenos Aires, Chile, China, and New Zealand. Thailand also praised the 505, and into the late 1990's they were assembled as CKD (Complete Knock-Down) versions in Bangkok, due to the restrictions on importing completely built-up cars.

 

Overall, the 505 was a fantastically good car, and truly maintained the standard set by its predecessor. The car however sadly became a victim of the demon rust, especially in the colder, moister climates of Northern Europe, and thus here in the UK you'd be hard pressed to find them. In France you'd probably see a good number lingering on, but most of all you'd probably find a majority of 505's in Africa, especially ex-French colonies, where these things are probably being run on original parts!

Following a tip off by local enthusiast and ex rail worker 'Tommy' prior to the passage of the lunchtime freightliner and 73969 plus 2x47 I nipped down to CF Booth to capture a previously un photographed 66048 'James the Engine' which has been stripped ready for scrapping. With modern exchangeable parts, I guessing there not much left to scrap after all salvaging for spare parts has been done. The bogies don't look like originals.

 

An update on this shot is it seems the loco lives on, or at least the bodyshell which has been moved to Axiom in Stoke. Perhaps the metal is so tinny it has no scrap value.

 

Coachwork by Zagato

Chassis n° 000590

 

Zoute Sale - Bonhams

Estimated : € 60.000 - 90.000

Sold for € 93.150

 

Zoute Grand Prix 2021

Knokke - Zoute

België - Belgium

October 2021

 

"With little in the range of much performance intent, out of nowhere Alfa Romeo showed something called the ES30 design study at the 1987 Geneva motor show. The Alfa Romeo SZ was born. Those of a younger disposition might know Alfa Romeo products to be attractive, but underwhelming to drive. Well, the SZ was the other way around. Affectionately nicknamed 'Il Mostro', Alfa Romeo's Frankenstein shocked for many reasons, not least its brutalist styling." – evo magazine.

 

Reviving its tradition of building special-bodied Alfa Romeos, including the original SZ (Sprint Zagato) competition coupé of the late 1950s and early 1960s, Carrozzeria Zagato unveiled the outrageous new SZ at the Geneva Salon in March 1989. Under development for the preceding 19 months, the SZ was a joint project that also involved the styling departments of both Alfa Romeo and its parent company, FIAT, whose Robert Opron, formerly with Citroën, was responsible for the initial sketches. There are examples of other Opron-inspired masterpieces – the Citroën SM and Citroën CX – in this very sale. Opron's colleague Antonio Castellana was largely responsible for the final styling details and interior. The SZ lacked Zagato's characteristic 'double bubble' roof, while it has been suggested that its controversial styling resulted from early experiments with CAD/CAM (computer-aided) design. The SZ was built at Zagato's factory at Terrazano di Rho.

 

Originally typed 'ES 30' (Experimental Sports 3.0-litre) but known popularly as 'Il Mostro' (The Monster) the aggressive-looking two-seater coupé eschewed the rounded styling and aluminium-alloy coachwork hitherto associated with Zagato's high-performance Alfas in favour of an angular bodyshell crafted in lightweight moulded plastic - alloy roof excepted - which was bonded to the floor pan of the existing Alfa 75. Nowadays, smaller multiple light sources are relatively commonplace, which makes the controversial SZ, with its two clusters of three small headlights, recessed into the wide front grille, a design was ahead of its time.

Lessons learned from the latter's IMSA racing programme influenced the SZ's suspension, which endowed the car with superlative handling and roadholding, some drivers recording lateral cornering forces of up to 1.4G during testing. Suspension development was overseen by engineer Giorgio Pianta, formerly team manager of the FIAT and Lancia works rallying teams. There were Koni adjustable hydraulic dampers all round and power assisted steering, but no ABS.

 

Powering the SZ to its highly respectable 245km/h top speed was a 210bhp version of Alfa's superb 3.0-litre four-cam V6. Designed by Giuseppe Busso, Alfa's V6 is widely recognised as one of the finest power plants of recent times, and it is certainly one of the most glorious sounding sixes ever.

The SZ's excellent performance was achieved thanks partly to the body's exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd, the product of many hours spent in FIAT's wind tunnel. The engine was mounted longitudinally and drove the rear wheels via five-speed manual transaxle transmission.

Demand for the 1,000-or-so SZs scheduled for series production greatly exceeded supply. There was also an even rarer open spyder version: the RZ. By the time production ceased, Zagato had built only 1,036 SZ coupés, and today this rare and highly individual supercar is much sought after

  

The limited edition Alfa Romeo SZ was only manufactured in left-hand drive form, and this pristine example was delivered new in its native Italy and first registered in 1994. It has covered fewer than 1,300 kilometres from new. As such, it is presented in wonderful condition both inside and out. Importantly, it is accompanied by a set of original owner's manuals, car cover and Italian registration papers. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these ultra-rare Zagato-built Alfa Romeos that can only become increasingly collectible.

The Jaguar XK is a luxury grand tourer introduced in 2006, where it replaced the Jaguar XK8. The XK introduced an aluminium monocoque bodyshell, and is available both as a two-door coupé and two-door cabriolet/convertible.

 

Making its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar XKR-S is the most extreme expression yet of Jaguar's passion for building beautiful, fast cars. For the first time with a series production car, Jaguar gains entry to the exclusive '300kph club' thanks to the effortless performance of the supercharged 5.0-litre AJ-V8 engine. A revised fuelling map means the direct-injection powerplant now produces 550bhp and 680Nm of torque.

 

Source: Wikipedia and Netcarshow

 

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Camera: Nikon D300S

Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)

Aperture: f/2.8

Focal Length: 17 mm

ISO Speed: 250

 

If you like my pictures, why wouldn't you like my Facebook page!? Robin Kiewiet Photography

Coachwork by Henri Chapron

 

Bonhams : the Zoute Sale

Estimated : € 240.000 - 320.000

Sold for € 425.500

 

Zoute Grand Prix 2018

Knokke - Zoute

België - Belgium

October 2018

 

Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering.

 

The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers Andre Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in present-day top-of-the-range models.

 

In September 1965 the DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing. Citroën's own Décapotables were built on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate) but the model was never produced in England, where Citroën's right-hand drive cars were assembled at its Slough factory up to 1966. In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in 1973.

 

The beautiful Citroën convertible offered here is the first of three DS23 IE cars built by the Chapron factory for 1973, and one of only four such examples with the 2.3-litre IE (fuel injected) engine. It was originally ordered by eminent Parisian Raoul d'Iray in October 1972 through the Citroën dealership in Paris 18th, 6 rue d'Oran. Carrying the Chapron build number '9414', this exceedingly rare car was finished in December 1972 and first registered in March 1973 under the Parisian number '3304 ZB 75' to Mr Raoul d'Iray, 148 Avenue Louis Roche, Gennevilliers/Seine, France.

 

At that time, Henri Chapron's cars were no longer sold through the Citroën dealer network, and every car that Chapron transformed had to be approved by the French licensing authority (the 'Service des Mines') before it could be registered. These papers accompany the car. The DS remained in Raoul d'Iray's ownership for a decade. It then passed to a Mr Van Houten, remaining with him for a further decade before passing to Mr Jaap Knap, a Citroën dealer.

 

Last publicly offered for sale in 2006 at Rétromobile, this rare Citroën DS23 IE Décapotable was purchased by the car collector and hugely successful fashion entrepreneur, Mr Kevin Stanford, who registered it in the UK with his personal registration plate, '56 KS'.

 

For the next 12 years the car was enjoyed by Mr Stanford and his family before being purchased by a UK car collector. Since then it has received a detailed mechanical overhaul at the hands of the widely respected UK-based Citroën specialist, Olivier Houiller of French Classics Ltd. Recent receipts totalling over £15,000 accompany the car, as does the extensive Chapron build documentation that was provided by Noëlle-Eleonore Chapron, Henri Chapron's daughter.

This magnificent and very rare piece of French motoring history is 'on the button' and ready to be enjoyed. An eye-catcher at any gathering, it comes with the aforementioned documentation and is currently registered in the UK.

The Lancia Fulvia (Tipo 818) is an Italian car introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 by Lancia and produced until 1976. Fulvias are notable for their role in motorsport history, including winning the International Rally Championship in 1972. On testing it in 1967, Road & Track summed up the Fulvia as "a precision motorcar, an engineering tour de force". Named after Via Fulvia, Roman road leading from Tortona to Torino.

 

The Fulvia was available in three variants: Berlina 4-door saloon, 2-door Coupé, and Sport, an alternative fastback coupé designed and built by Zagato on the Coupé floorpan.

 

Specifications:

 

Chassis

 

The Fulvia Berlina was designed by Antonio Fessia, to replace the Lancia Appia with which it shared almost no components. The Appia was a rear wheel drive car, however, while the Fulvia moved to front wheel drive like the Flavia. The general engineering design of the Fulvia was identical to that of the Flavia with the major exception of the engine, the Flavia having a four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine and the Fulvia a 'Narrow Angle' vee configuration as featured on most production Lancias from the Lambda. The Fulvia used a longitudinal engine mounted in front of its transaxle. An independent suspension in front used wishbones and a single leaf spring, while a beam axle with a panhard rod and leaf springs was used in back. Four wheel Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to first series Fulvias. With the introduction of the second series in 1970 the brakes were uprated with larger Girling calipers all round and a brake servo. The handbrake design was also changed - using separate drums and brake-shoes operating on the rear wheels.

 

Engine

 

The V4 engine of a 1972 Fulvia Berlina

One element that was new was the narrow-angle V4 engine. Designed by Zaccone Mina, it used a narrow angle (12°53'28") and was mounted well forward at a 45° angle. The engine is a DOHC design with a one camshaft operating all intake valves and another operating all exhaust valves. The very narrow angle of the cylinders allowed for use of a single cylinder head.

 

Displacement began at just 1091 cc with 58 bhp (44 kW) with a 72 mm bore and 67 mm stroke. A higher (9.0:1) compression ratio and the fitment of twin Solex carburettors raised power to 71 bhp (53 kW) soon after.

 

The engine was bored to 6 mm to enlarge displacement to 1216 cc for the HF model. This, and some tuning, raised output to 80 to 88 bhp (60 to 66 kW).

 

The engine was re-engineered with a slightly narrower bank angle (12°45'28") and longer (69.7 mm) stroke for 1967. Three displacements were produced: 1199 cc (74 mm bore), 1231 cc (75 mm bore), and 1298 cc (77 mm bore). The new 1298 cc engine was produced in two versions; the type 818.302 produced 87 bhp (65 kW) at 6000 rpm and was fitted to 1st series Coupés, Sports and Berlina GTE and later to the 2nd Series Berlina. The Type 818.303 was first produced with 92 hp (69 kW) and was fitted to the 1st series Coupé Rallye S and Sport S. For the 2nd Series Coupé and Sport power was slightly reduced to 90 hp (67 kW) at 6000 rpm.

 

The engine was completely reworked for the new 1.6 HF with an even-narrower angle (11°20' now) and longer 75 mm stroke combined with a bore of 82 mm gave it a displacement of 1584 cc, and power ranged from 115 to 132 bhp (85 to 98 kW) depending on tune.

 

Coupé 1.3 S Montecarlo: 1972–73.

 

Special edition based on the 1.3 S, commemorating Lancia's victory at the 1972 Monte Carlo Rally. The livery resembled the works car, with matte black bonnet and boot lid bearing Monte Carlo rally plate-style stickers. This version used his own bodyshell with flared wheel arches, similar to but different from the 1.6 HF bodyshell. Other accouterments included 1.6 HF Lusso interior fittings such as bucket seats with headrests, rectangular front fog lamps, no bumpers and black single wing mirror; 4.5J steel wheels of the standard Coupé were fitted.

 

[Text from Wikipedia]

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Fulvia

 

This Lego miniland-scale Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3 S Monte Carlo - has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 106th Build Challenge, titled - 'Exclusive Edition!' - a challenge for vehicles made in a 'special edition' - for whatever reason.

The Opel Kadett C was launched in 1973. Available in hatchback, saloon (limousine), estate (caravan) and coupe body styles, it was replaced by the Kadett D in 1979.

Marking the beginning of Vauxhall and Opel models becoming increasingly similar, the Chevette was introduced in 1975. The bodyshells were shared, the main difference being the front end treatment which mirrored the Opel Ascona B and Vauxhall Cavalier Mk1 series. The Chevette was also available in commercial format (Chevanne) but not in coupe form.

The Kadett D replaced the C in 1979, the same time as the now identical Astra Mk1, although Chevette production continued until 1984.

Other versions of the Opel Kadett C include Buick Opel (USA),

Chevrolet Chevette (BRA - used above to represent the Opel), Daewoo Maepsy (ROK), Holden Gemini (AUS), Isuzu Gemini (J), Opel K-180 (ARG) and GMC Chevette (ARG).

A selection of ex-London Transport 1938 Tube Stock vehicles languishing at BR's Strawberry Hill depot. Following the sale of the remaining cars of 1938 stock to BR for use on the Isle of Wight, most were initially transferred to Strawberry Hill. The DMs were then taken to Eastliegh for refurbishment while the Trailers and NDMs (together with various other spare vehicles) remained at Strawberry Hill where they were stripped for spares before being scrapped. By June 1990 the remaining cars were in a very sad state.

 

The vehicles seen here are (L to R) 11172, 012211, 012259, 10139 and the grounded bodies of L148, 12027 and 12112. L148 had been converted to a ballast motor car in 1977 from DM 10022. 12027 was previously in the "Starlight Express" 7-car train that was returned to near-original cosmetic condition towards the end of the stock's life on the Bakerloo line. 11172 and 10139 eventually made their way to the Isle of Wight as spare bodyshells but never ran in service again.

Chassis n° 904-061

 

RM Sotheby's

Place Vauban

Parijs - Paris

Frankrijk - France

February 2020

 

Estimated : € 1.600.000 - 1.800.000

Sold for € 1.917.500

 

While Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche is best known for his landmark 901/911 design, he also penned the beautiful 904 GTS coupe. This stunning two-seat, dual-purpose sports car was the first Porsche to wear an aerodynamic and lightweight glass-fibre bodyshell. Its powerplant was the sophisticated quad-cam, air-cooled, opposed four-cylinder engine carried over from the 356 Carrera, mounted amidships. A small number of late-production cars were fitted with six-cylinder engines from the 906. A total of 108 chassis were constructed by the factory, plus a few more later from spare parts.

 

The Kardex of chassis no 904-061 states that it was completed 4 March 1964 and delivered to its first owner through Glöckler of Frankfurt on 8 April. Finished in Signal Red with a blue cloth interior, this chassis was fitted with engine number P99045 (Type 587/3) and gearbox number 904061 (Type 904/0). Its Kardex indicates the car was retained by Glöckler until at least September, by then having accrued 6,500 km. Historical records show the car being sold to a Portuguese enthusiast, believed to be a Mr Dos Santos, who drove the car on a tour of Portugal. Around 1969 the car was acquired by noted French driver Raymond Touroul.

 

According to Rolf Sprenger and Steve Heinrichs’s Porsche Carrera: The 4-Cam Motor and the Early Years of Porsche Motorsport, Touroul raced with this 904 at a handful of events in period, including with co-driver Pierre Pagani at the 1969 Tour de France, where the car retired. Touroul appeared at the Coupes de Vitesse at Montlhéry in May of 1971, finishing 4th overall. He raced twice at Albi, finishing 3rd overall in 1971 and 3rd in class in 1972, which was his final listed event in the car.

 

Circa 1980 the car was restored and repainted in its original Signal Red and trimmed in cream leather. By 1988 the car reportedly had accrued barely 13,000 km. By the late 1990s, the car had been purchased by enthusiast and collector Alain Salat. In 2000 it was entrusted to a marque specialist, who repainted the car Silver Metallic and installed a new black interior. The original four-cam engine was found to have been damaged and was replaced by a period-correct, magnesium-cased, twin plug, Type 906 two-liter, six-cylinder engine. In 2007 it was purchased by the current owner. He decided to restore the original engine to its former glory, yet did not fit it to the car in an effort to preserve it for future use. This engine is now out of the car, has been dyno tested, and is offered complete with flywheel, cooling turbine, carburettors, and ignition system. Following the restoration, the car appeared at the 2010 Le Mans Classic.

 

The car is supplied with its FIA Historic Technical Passport issued in 2008, a significant history file, and a second set of wheels. Presently showing 24,000 km, believed to be original, and benefitting from a clear ownership history, this 904 is one of the most original examples RM Sotheby’s has had the pleasure of offering. It is ready for vintage touring and rallying, with its amazing Type 906 six-cylinder engine, or, should its fortunate next owner desire, it could be restored to factory original specification with its original four-cylinder engine, offering truly the best of both worlds.

Class 416/2 2-EPB 5761 was stabled in number 3 road in the sidings at Orpington on October 17th 1982.

The 416/2 units were based on the BR Mk.1 suburban bodyshell and were originally numbered 5700 - 5779. There were also fifteen similar EPB units built in 1954/55 for the South Tyneside Electric system. When the system was de-electrified in 1963 the units became part of the Southern Region fleet numbered 5781 - 5795.

The last 416/2 EPB's were withdrawn in 1995.

Ford Escort Mk.II 1.3L Mod. (1975-80) Original Engine 1298 S4 Crossflow

Current Engine 1998cc S4

Production 631,828 (in the UK - over 2 million worldwide)

 

Registration Number VLW 879 S (London)

 

FORD of BRITAIN SET

 

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623665118181...

 

The Escort Mk.II was launched in 1975, redesigned with a more square shaped body on the existing Escort underside and running gear. Built in Britain at Halewood and a number of other countries. Unlike the first Escort (which was developed by Ford of Britain), the second generation was developed jointly between the UK and Ford of Germany. Codenamed "Brenda" during its development, The car used a revised underbody, which had been introduced as a running change during the last six months production of the Mark I. Rear suspension still sat on leaf springs

 

The "L" and "GL" models (2-door, 4-door, estate) were in the mainstream private sector, the "Sport", "RS Mexico", and "RS2000" in the performance market, the "Ghia" (2-door, 4-door) for a hitherto untapped small car luxury market, and "base / Popular" models for the bottom end.

 

A cosmetic update was given in 1978 with L models gaining the square headlights (previously exclusive to the GL and Ghia variants) and there was an upgrade in interior and exterior specification for some models. Underneath a wider front track was given.

 

In 1979 and 1980 three special edition Escorts were launched: the Linnet, Harrier and Goldcrest.

 

As with its predecessor, the Mark II had a successful rallying career. All models of the Mark I were carried over to the Mark II, though the Mexico gained the RS badge and had its engine changed to a 1.6 L (1,593 cc) OHC Pinto instead of the OHV. A "Sport" model was also produced using the 1.6 L Crossflow. A new model was released, the RS1800, which had a naturally aspirated 1,833 cc. The works rally cars were highly specialised machines. Bodyshells were heavily strengthened and characterised by the wide wheelarch extensions, and fitment of four large spotlights for night stages. The Mark II Escort continued its predecessor's run on the RAC Rally, winning every year from 1975 to 1979 and racing in a variety of other events around the world.

 

Diolch yn fawr am 67,361,022 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mwynhewch ac arhoswch yn ddiogel

 

Thank you 67,361,022 amazing views, enjoy and stay safe

 

Shot 02.09.2018 at Himley Hall, Wolverhampton Ref 136-072

      

Coachwork by Heuliez

Renault 25 Phase 1 converted into Phase 2

 

Estimated : € 8.000 - 12.000

Sold for € 20.468

 

The Renault Icons

Auction - Artcurial

Renault Manufacture

Flins-sur-Seine

Aubergenville - France

December 2025

 

- Rare armoured version

- Particularly luxurious finish and equipment

- Used by Raymond Lévy, CEO of Renault

 

Keen to add a luxurious, extended-wheelbase version of the 25 to its range, Renault turned to the coachbuilder Heuliez, based in Cerizay, which had experience of working on models for other manufacturers. The version produced by Heuliez, which was lengthened by 23cm from the B-pillar back, was presented at the 1984 Paris Motor Show as the Renault 25 Limousine. Entirely built by Heuliez, some 830 Limousines were produced, making it a rare model.

 

The Limousine presented here is even more exceptional, as it is an armoured version with a reinforced bodyshell and special glazing, used in period by Raymond Lévy, Renault’s CEO. It should be noted that the vehicle registration document does not mention the armouring and that there has been no change to the gross vehicle weight rating.As well as having additional space and a small folding seat fitted as an extension to the centre console and facing the rear passengers, it features all the refinements specific to this very up-market model: separate rear seats in quilted leather, footrests, special lighting, wide armrests and special storage compartments ...

 

Externally, it is a phase 1 model which has been converted into a phase 2 version by replacing the front of the car; the Heuliez logo appears on the wide central pillar and the front bumper is fitted with two small flag holders, but the wheels (apparently from a Safrane) aren’t consistent with the original model. Its history file includes a note from the communications department, allocating the car in October 1995 to the Heritage department, although at the time it was still in the management car pool. We know that in June 1993 it had covered 45,151km. The odometer was reset to zero when the car was partially restored, and it still has its original registration document from 26 September 1985 in the name of ‘RNUR’ (the state-owned holding company for Renault) as well as its original registration number 7704 NK 92.

In decent condition and needing a service before being driven again, this very special Renault 25 will certainly appeal to lovers of rare and original models.

The bodyshell taking shape. Due to the lack of resources, I am not including any interior as I have no idea which coach serves what purpose and what the layout might have been. I think I can get away with this given the lack of windows.

Max Planckstraat 10/09/2018 15h57

This 1986 Mercury Colony Park stationwagon is often parked in this area. A beautiful woodgrain 8 passenger station wagon, perhaps a bit too big for the narrow streets of the Watergraafsmeer but a great classic! This car is part of the 6th generation of the Colony Park series.

 

Mercury Colony Park

The Mercury Colony Park is a full-size station wagon that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company between 1957 and 1991. Distinguished by its simulated wood-grain paneling, the Colony Park was marketed as either the premium-trim or the sole full-size station wagon offering of the division. Following the demise of Edsel, full-size Mercury and Ford vehicles adopted similar bodyshells, with the Colony Park becoming the counterpart of the Ford Country Squire until their discontinuation.

As the minivan and four-door SUV segment expanded in the late 1980s, sales of full-size station wagons declined, including the Colony Park. As the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis sedans underwent a major redesign for the 1992 model year, the station wagon body style was dropped from the model lineup, leaving the Colony Park with no direct replacement (through the closure of the Mercury brand).

In a revision of the Mercury product range, the Colony Park was moved to the Grand Marquis model line, the flagship of the Mercury brand. Effectively, it placed the Colony Park above its Country Squire counterpart in terms of trim; also, the decision also cleared room for a Marquis station wagon without woodgrain trim.

 

FACTS & FIGURES

Manufacturer: Mercury (Ford)

Production: 1957–1991 (6th generation: 1979 - 1991)

Assembly: St. Louis, Missouri / Pico Rivera, California / Atlanta, Georgia / Mahwah, New Jersey

Production: 124,027 produced

Related:Ford LTD / Ford Country Squire / Ford LTD Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis / Mercury Marquis

Length: 5,563 mm

Width: 2,014 mm

[ Wikipedia ]

Chassis n° 904-061

 

RM Sotheby's

Place Vauban

Parijs - Paris

Frankrijk - France

February 2020

 

Estimated : € 1.600.000 - 1.800.000

Sold for € 1.917.500

 

While Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche is best known for his landmark 901/911 design, he also penned the beautiful 904 GTS coupe. This stunning two-seat, dual-purpose sports car was the first Porsche to wear an aerodynamic and lightweight glass-fibre bodyshell. Its powerplant was the sophisticated quad-cam, air-cooled, opposed four-cylinder engine carried over from the 356 Carrera, mounted amidships. A small number of late-production cars were fitted with six-cylinder engines from the 906. A total of 108 chassis were constructed by the factory, plus a few more later from spare parts.

 

The Kardex of chassis no 904-061 states that it was completed 4 March 1964 and delivered to its first owner through Glöckler of Frankfurt on 8 April. Finished in Signal Red with a blue cloth interior, this chassis was fitted with engine number P99045 (Type 587/3) and gearbox number 904061 (Type 904/0). Its Kardex indicates the car was retained by Glöckler until at least September, by then having accrued 6,500 km. Historical records show the car being sold to a Portuguese enthusiast, believed to be a Mr Dos Santos, who drove the car on a tour of Portugal. Around 1969 the car was acquired by noted French driver Raymond Touroul.

 

According to Rolf Sprenger and Steve Heinrichs’s Porsche Carrera: The 4-Cam Motor and the Early Years of Porsche Motorsport, Touroul raced with this 904 at a handful of events in period, including with co-driver Pierre Pagani at the 1969 Tour de France, where the car retired. Touroul appeared at the Coupes de Vitesse at Montlhéry in May of 1971, finishing 4th overall. He raced twice at Albi, finishing 3rd overall in 1971 and 3rd in class in 1972, which was his final listed event in the car.

 

Circa 1980 the car was restored and repainted in its original Signal Red and trimmed in cream leather. By 1988 the car reportedly had accrued barely 13,000 km. By the late 1990s, the car had been purchased by enthusiast and collector Alain Salat. In 2000 it was entrusted to a marque specialist, who repainted the car Silver Metallic and installed a new black interior. The original four-cam engine was found to have been damaged and was replaced by a period-correct, magnesium-cased, twin plug, Type 906 two-liter, six-cylinder engine. In 2007 it was purchased by the current owner. He decided to restore the original engine to its former glory, yet did not fit it to the car in an effort to preserve it for future use. This engine is now out of the car, has been dyno tested, and is offered complete with flywheel, cooling turbine, carburettors, and ignition system. Following the restoration, the car appeared at the 2010 Le Mans Classic.

 

The car is supplied with its FIA Historic Technical Passport issued in 2008, a significant history file, and a second set of wheels. Presently showing 24,000 km, believed to be original, and benefitting from a clear ownership history, this 904 is one of the most original examples RM Sotheby’s has had the pleasure of offering. It is ready for vintage touring and rallying, with its amazing Type 906 six-cylinder engine, or, should its fortunate next owner desire, it could be restored to factory original specification with its original four-cylinder engine, offering truly the best of both worlds.

This is the only half-decent shot I managed of 57601 in its original livery. She is seen here having arrived at the WR terminus with the 1A43 09:20 Plymouth-Paddington.

Note the clock behind displaying two different times (the left hand one is correct).

 

As I recall, 57601 was a sort of demonstrator loco to show her abilities to any would-be suitor. She used the bodyshell of the former 47825 (which also carried the numbers 47590/47165/D1759) but was a completely different beast within.

She was successful enough to warrant both GWR and Freightliner to spend their money. Today she still sees active service with WCRC albeit in a rather uninspiring maroon livery.

Class 47/0 No.47295 comes out of Ipswich yard on 9th January 1999 with 4L89 Coatbridge - Felixstowe.47295 was new as D1997 on 3rd June 1966 at 50A York and withdrawn in March 2002 and moved to Brush Traction,Loughborough for partial stripping on 27th January 2003.Whilst at Brush she was sold to the Brush Type 4 Fund in February 2003 and the bodyshell moved to MOD Ashchurch for secure storage,then on to Long Marston.Preservation did not happen and she was cut up at EMR Kingsbury in July 2011.

On hire to the Rail Operations Group, and complete with headboard, Direct Rail Services class 57/3 no. 57310 'Pride of Cumbria' prepares to haul Southeastern class 375 no. 375503 north before propelling it through the station to Litchurch Lane. The class 375s are visiting Derby one by one as part of their refreshment programme. After delivering the 375, the 57/3 went light locomotive to Crewe Gresty Bridge DRS.

 

The first Class 57s were built in 1997 for Freightliner, a Class 47 bodyshell was taken, stripped, rewired and then fitted with an EMD engine. In 2002, 12 further Class 47s were converted to 57s for Virgin Trains, these were numbered 57/3 and fitted with ETH. In 2003, four additional locos were ordered for dragging Pendolinos, these were fitted with Dellner couplings from new and the remainder of the fleet was retrofitted with Dellners in the same year. DRS now operate the majority of the class 57/0 and 57/3. First Great Western operate the Class 57/6 fleet and West Coast Railways operate a fleet of 57/0, 57/3 and 57/6.

Event: NEC Classic Motor Show

Location: National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK

Camera: Canon EOS 5

Lens(s): Canon EF 50mm f/1.4

Film: Ilford HP5+

Shot ISO: 400

Exposure: f/2.8 or f/2 - 1/60 mostly

Light Meter: Camera

Lighting: Overhead LED

Mounting: Hand-held

Firing: Shutter button

Developer: Ilford DD-X(1+4) for 10 mins

Scanner: Epson V800

Post: Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop (dust removal)

Chrysler Australia built just 224 Plainsmans between 1958 and 1960. Based on the Australian Chrysler Royal, which was their first "local " product. The Royals utilised Chrysler USA's 1953 Plymouth bodyshell, with altered front and rear styling. Most had Chrysler's long lived side valve six or the 318ci V8. 192 six cylinder Plainsmans were made with the balance fitted with the 318ci V8. The owner of this car believes it to be the only surviving restored example.

'Networker Classic' prototype, what would of been the BR class 424 seen here stored at Litchurch Ln Works in Derby.

 

This vehicle was originally a 4-CIG driving trailer 76112. The "Networker Classic" concept involved rebuilding Mark 1 design Southern Region EMUs of Classes 411, 421 and 423 to meet current crash-worthiness standards. This involved building a new bodyshell on the existing chassis, but keeping the original electrical and motor equipment. Therefore, the aim was to produce a 'new' unit at one quarter the cost of manufacturing a train from scratch. The rebuilt units would have had a life of at least fifteen years, thus saving considerable amounts of money when replacing old stock. However, for some reason the project was not successful, and train companies turned to new-build trains of Classes 375, 376, 377, 444, 450, 458, and 460 from various manufacturers.

One of the earliest editions of the mighty Ford Escort, a car of humble roots that soon became an icon for so many reasons!

 

The Ford Escort was a small family car that was manufactured by Ford from 1968 to 2004. The Ford Escort name was also applied to several different small cars produced in North America by Ford between 1981 and 2003.The first use of the Escort name was for a reduced specification version of the Ford Squire, a 1950s estate car version of the Ford Anglia 100E, though this did not sell well by comparison to the other members of the 100E family.

 

The Mark I Ford Escort was introduced in the United Kingdom at the end of 1967, making its show début at Brussels Motor Show in January 1968, replacing the successful long running Anglia. The car was presented in continental Europe as a product of Ford's European operation. Escort production commenced at Halewood in England during the closing months of 1967, and for left hand drive markets during September 1968 at the Ford plant in Genk.

 

Initially the continental Escorts differed slightly from the UK built ones under the skin. The front suspension and steering gear were differently configured and the brakes were fitted with dual hydraulic circuits; also the wheels fitted on the Genk-built Escorts had wider rims. At the beginning of 1970, continental European production transferred to a new plant on the edge of Saarlouis, West Germany.

 

The Escort was a commercial success in several parts of western Europe, but nowhere more than in the UK, where the national best seller of the 1960s, BMC's Austin/Morris 1100 was beginning to show its age while Ford's own Cortina had grown, both in dimensions and in price, beyond the market niche at which it had originally been pitched. In June 1974, six years into the car's UK introduction, Ford announced the completion of the two millionth Ford Escort, a milestone hitherto unmatched by any Ford model outside the USA. It was also stated that 60% of the two million Escorts had been built in Britain. In West Germany cars were built at a slower rate of around 150,000 cars per year, slumping to 78,604 in 1974 which was the last year for the Escort Mark I.

 

Many of the German built Escorts were exported, notably to Benelux and Italy; from the West German domestic market perspective the car was cramped and uncomfortable when compared with the well-established and comparably priced Opel Kadett, and it was technically primitive when set against the successful imported Fiat 128 and Renault 12. Subsequent generations of the Escort made up some of the ground foregone by the original model, but in Europe's largest auto-market the Escort sales volumes always came in well behind those of the General Motors Kadett and its Astra successor.

 

The Escort had conventional rear-wheel drive and a four-speed manual gearbox, or 3-speed automatic transmission. The suspension consisted of MacPherson strut front suspension and a simple live axle mounted on leaf springs. The Escort was the first small Ford to use rack-and-pinion steering. The Mark I featured contemporary styling cues in tune with its time: a subtle Detroit-inspired "Coke bottle" waistline and the "dogbone" shaped front grille – arguably the car's main stylistic feature. Similar Coke bottle styling featured in the larger Cortina Mark III (also built in West Germany as the Taunus) launched in 1970.

  

Initially, the Escort was sold as a 2-door saloon (with circular front headlights and rubber flooring on the "De Luxe" model). The "Super" model featured rectangular headlamps, carpets, a cigar lighter and a water temperature gauge. A 2 door estate was introduced at the end of March 1968 which, with the back seat folded down, provided an impressive 40% increase in maximum load space over the old Anglia 105E estate, according to the manufacturer. The estate featured the same engine options as the saloon, but it also included a larger, 7 1⁄2-inch-diameter clutch, stiffer rear springs and in most configurations slightly larger brake drums or discs than the saloon. A panel van appeared in April 1968 and the 4-door saloon (a bodystyle the Anglia was never available in for UK market) in 1969.

 

Underneath the bonnet was the Kent Crossflow engine also used in the smallest capacity North American Ford Pinto. Diesel engines on small family cars were rare, and the Escort was no exception, initially featuring only petrol engines – in 1.1L, and 1.3L versions. A 940cc engine was also available in some export markets, but few were ever sold.

 

There was a 1300GT performance version, with a tuned 1.3L Crossflow engine with a Weber carburetor and uprated suspension. This version featured additional instrumentation with a tachometer, battery charge indicator, and oil pressure gauge. The same tuned 1.3L engine was also used in a variation sold as the Escort Sport, that used the flared front wings from the AVO range of cars, but featured trim from the more basic models. Later, an executive version of the Escort was produced known as the 1300E. This featured the same 13 inch road wheels and flared wings of the Sport, but was trimmed in an upmarket, for that time, fashion with wood trim on the dashboard and door cappings.

 

A higher performance version for rallies and racing was available, the Escort Twin Cam, built for Group 2 international rallying. It had an engine with a Lotus-made eight-valve twin camshaft head fitted to the 1.5L non-crossflow block, which had a bigger bore than usual to give a capacity of 1,557cc. This engine had originally been developed for the Lotus Elan. Production of the Twin Cam, which was originally produced at Halewood, was phased out as the Cosworth-engined RS1600 production began. The most famous edition of the Twin Cam was raced on behalf of Ford by Alan Mann Racing in the British Saloon Car Championship in 1968 & 1969, sporting a full Formula 2 Ford FVC 16-valve engine producing over 200hp. The Escort, driven by Australian driver Frank Gardner went on to comfortably win the 1968 Championship.

 

The Mark I Escorts became successful as a rally car, and they eventually went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s /early 70s, and arguably the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally being driven by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola. This gave rise to the Escort Mexico (1.6L Crossflow-engined) special edition road versions in honour of the rally car.

 

In addition to the Mexico, the RS1600 was developed with 1,601cc Cosworth BDA which used a Crossflow block with a 16-valve Cosworth cylinder head, named for Belt Drive A Series. Both the Mexico and RS1600 were built at Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations facility located at the Aveley Plant in South Essex. As well as higher performance engines and sports suspension, these models featured strengthened bodyshells utilising seam welding in places of spot welding, making them more suitable for competition.

 

After updating the factory team cars with a larger 1701 cc Cosworth BDB engine in 1972 and then with fuel injected BDC, Ford also produced an RS2000 model as an alternative to the somewhat temperamental RS1600, featuring a 2.0L Pinto engine. This also clocked up some rally and racing victories; and pre-empted the hot hatch market as a desirable but affordable performance road car. Like the Mexico and RS1600, this car was produced at the Aveley plant.

 

This generation of the car eventually ended production in 1975, taking on a much more angular design for the next model year. The car would however continue to gain further fame in the hatchback war years of the 1980's, with the Ford Escort XR3i going head-to-head with the Volkswagen Golf GTi in the battle for the most powerful and greatest hot hatch. This would eventually evolve into what many consider the greatest European sporty Ford ever made, the RS Cosworth, a favourite amongst rally champions and yobbos everywhere!

156418 awaits departure from Norwich with the 12:36 service to Yarmouth, 21st February 2009.

 

Unit History

Built by Metro-Cammell at Washwood Heath in 1988 the class 156 is based on the Mark III bodyshell, and is powered by 6-cylinder Cummins NT855-R5 diesel engine through Voith automatic transmissions. I first saw this unit on the 19th May 1988 at Washwood Heath. It still carries its Central Trains livery with National Express white band branding.

 

The orange 2-door shell on the left looked quite tidy but the blue 4-door shell on the right had sustained some hefty roof damage.

 

Seen at East Anglian Motor Auctions, Wymondham.

(BL) Mini Cooper (Mk.III) (1969-76) Engine 1275cc S4 Tr BMC A Series

Registration Number YJT 456 M (Bournemouth)

Mini (BL) Set

 

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623797597842...

 

The Mark III Mini had a modified bodyshell with enough alterations to see the factory code change from ADO15 to ADO20 (which it shared with the Clubman). The most obvious changes were larger doors with concealed hinges. Customer demand led to the sliding windows being replaced with winding windows. Suspension reverted from hydrolastic to rubber cones on cost grounds.

 

In 1969, the simple name Mini completely replaced the separate Austin and Morris brands

 

Diolch am olygfa anhygoel, 62,235,966 oblogaeth y Lloegr honno dros y Mynyddoedd

 

Thanks for a stonking 62,235,966 views

 

Shot 30-07-2017 exiting the 2017 Silverstone Classic REF 129-498

      

Chassis no. 439 12134

 

One of the most gifted automobile engineers of all time, Vincenzo Lancia did not live long enough to see his final creation enter production, although the exacting parameters he set out would shape what many consider to be the true ancestor of the modern motor car. Launched in 1937, two months after his death, the Aprilia set new standards in production car design. Vincenzo Lancia had specified that this new small saloon should weigh less than 900 kilograms, be less than 4 metres in length, seat five adults in comfort, possess independent suspension, be capable of attaining 130km/h, and consume fuel at a rate of 10 litres per 100 kilometres. Faced with these challenging demands, the design team had little option but to abandon conventional thinking.

Presaging post-war developments, the Aprilia saloon broke away from the traditional 'three-box' layout and incorporated Vincenzo's specified all-independent suspension and hydraulic braking, while the unitary construction bodyshell and overhead-camshaft narrow-angle V4 engine were advances Lancia devotees had enjoyed for many years. Allowed little space to work with, Lancia's designers concentrated on packaging the drive-train as effectively as possible; the differential, brakes, suspension and wheels being assembled separately for inclusion as a single unit. Rather than being merely a styling device, the Aprilia's streamlined shape had been determined by wind tunnel experimentation, one of the very first instances of the science of aerodynamics being applied to a production car. This meant that despite having only 1,351cc (later 1,485cc) at its disposal the Aprilia was indeed capable of 130km/h, while the advanced running gear ensured that it stopped and handled better than anything in its class. 'Mirror-image' doors and pillar-less construction ensured that for ease of passenger access the Aprilia was unrivalled.

This Aprilia Farina Cabriolet was presented at the Torino Motor Show 1948 and sold there new to its first and only owner. The car was rewarded ‘Best Post War Car 1946-1969’ at Essen Techno Classica in 2016. Noteworthy feature is the ‘Plexi & Paglia di Vienna’ dashboard.

 

Zoute Concours d'Elegance

The Royal Zoute Golf Club

 

Zoute Grand Prix 2016

Knokke - Belgium

Oktober 2016

Chassis n° NJT164STJ500014916

Toyota Team Europe

Didier Auriol / Bernard Occelli

 

Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

Bonhams

Parijs - Paris

Frankrijk - France

February 2019

 

Estimated : € 190.000 - 230.000

Sold for € 207.000

 

Following the success of the Celica GT4 ST165, the Turbo 4WD ST185 would build on its predecessor's foundations and be the class of the field throughout its three years of service in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It was the car to beat, scoring a hat trick of drivers' titles for Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, and Didier Auriol respectively. Of equal, if not greater, importance to the Japanese manufacturer was the fact that in 1993 the ST185 delivered Toyota its first ever WRC Manufacturer's Championship, a feat it repeated in 1994.

 

The all-conquering ST185 featured a stiffer bodyshell, improved cooling, an up-rated turbo intake system, X-Trac six-speed transmission and, most importantly, a suspension package that permitted a wide range of adjustment. They were sometimes headed by other cars on unfavourable surfaces but the ST 185 Celica was, arguably, the best all-round package.

 

Until its exclusion from the series after 2002, the Safari was the toughest rally on the WRC calendar - a gruelling event on difficult terrain in a variety of conditions, which has always made it a signature event. The ST185 Celica was unbeaten on the Safari as a works entry and scored a trio of overall victories for Sainz (1992), Kankkunen (1993) and Ian Duncan (1994).

 

Its chassis stamped 'TC572-11/93', the Celica offered here is an original ex-works car campaigned by Toyota Motorsport GmbH under the 'Toyota Team Europe' banner and registered 'K-AM6983'. Didier Auriol drove this car to victory in the San Remo Rally in 1994 (photographs on file) and went on to become World Rally Champion that same year, the first Frenchman to do so.

 

At the end of the 1994 season, this car was sold to Grifone in Italy and the following year participated in national events in Esso livery. The current vendor acquired the Celica in 1996 from Grifone, who had by then returned it to the original Castrol livery, the same as it is today, as part of a complete overhaul and restoration to original works specification. Since then the car has been maintained by the vendor's own team of experts, has been run regularly and is 'on the button'. It should be noted that a new ATL fuel cell was installed in 2016.

 

Described by the vendor as original and in very good condition, this rare survivor of one of international rallying's most exciting eras is offered with a copy of the original German registration papers; Grifone Verifica Tecnica (1994); Grifone's 1996 sales invoice; and the aforementioned photographs. It is an ideal entry for a variety of retrospective rally events such as those organised by 'Slowly Sideways' and 'Rally Legend', and is ideally suited to the rally stage at the Goodwood 'Festival of Speed'. A rare opportunity to acquire an ex-works rally car with in-period competition history at the highest level.

 

Coachwork by Henri Chapron

Chassis n° 4609606

 

Bonhams : the Zoute Sale

Estimated : € 190.000 - 220.000

Sold for € 207.000

 

Zoute Grand Prix 2019

Knokke - Zoute

België - Belgium

October 2019

 

Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary Traction Avant, Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering.

 

The project had been initiated in the 1930s by the company's managing director, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, and would be brought to fruition by designers Andre Lefebvre, previously with Voisin and Renault, and Flaminio Bertoni, who had worked on the styling of the pre-war Traction Avant. Part of Boulanger's brief had been that the proposed 'VGD' (Voiture de Grand Diffusion or Mass Market Car) should be capable of affording a comfortable ride over sub-standard rural roads while remaining stable at sustained high speeds on the Autoroutes. The solution to these seemingly incompatible requirements was the famous hydro-pneumatic suspension, suggested by Citroën engineer Paul Mages. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival until recently in top-of-the-range models.

 

In September 1965 the DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine – inherited from the Traction Avant - was replaced by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing. Built by Chapron, Citroën's own Décapotables were erected on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate). In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in 1973.

 

Built in 1967 and first registered in 1968, this matching-numbers DS 21 Décapotable has the most desirable hydraulic semi-automatic gearbox and retains its original registration, '6394 UY 75'. We're advised by the vendor that this DS remained with the first owner until 1988 when it was sold to a Parisian professor of psychology, Mr Ike Benzakein. This car has belonged to only two families since it left the factory.

 

In 1990, Mr Benzakein commenced a restoration to the highest standard; the chassis, body, engine, transmission, hydraulics, interior, and convertible hood all being restored to 'as new' condition, while the car was repainted in Bleu Antartique, a colour that was available in 1967. Today, this DS remains in outstanding condition; fastidiously maintained, it runs and drives superbly. Restoration bills are on file and the car also comes with its original plates and a French Carte Grise. An eye-catcher at any gathering, this magnificent and rare piece of French motoring history is 'on the button' and ready to be enjoyed.

Sliding into Birmingham New Street with a terminating service from London Euston is Virgin Trains Class 390, 390134 'City of Carlisle'.

 

Since their introduction in 2002, the Class 390 tilting Pendolino sets have revolutionised services on the West Coast Mainline, bringing about an entirely new level of speed onto a route notorious for its laboriously winding route. But with such a technological leap, the Class 390 has sadly paid the price for its image due to what it was replacing.

 

The idea of a tilting train on the West Coast Mainline was however not a new one to Alstom when they developed the Pendolino sets in the late 1990's, with the concept being toyed way back in the early 1970's. British Rail first pioneered the concept of the tilting train with the ill-fated Advanced Passenger Train or APT of the mid-1970's. The idea was to create a train that could shift its centre of gravity whilst moving around sharp bends at high speeds, similar to how a motorcyclist leans into corners. This was to not only allow the train to travel at higher speeds on winding track without fear of it falling over, but also to improve passenger comfort levels and stop people being pressed against the windows when taking corners!

 

The original APT was a Gas-Turbine unit that operated on the Midland Region out of London St Pancras, and was later followed by the Class 370 electric multiple unit that began trials on the West Coast Mainline from 1980. A truly brilliant concept, the APT showed the world that the idea of a tilting train could be possible, that is, when it worked. The Class 370 was marred by teething problems and reliability issues, mostly consisting of the fact that the tilting mechanism wouldn't work properly or there would be just general train faults. Coupled with the winter of 1981, the worst winter for many years, and the train's image was damaged beyond repair. Even while developments were looking promising, and with only a few million Pounds required to complete the project, the British Government pulled the plug and the APT was axed in 1986, with only one complete set remaining as a rather sorry museum piece. The train of the future had become a thing of the past.

 

But the developments of the APT were picked up by none-other than Fiat Ferroviaria', who, following the failure of their British rival, developed their own and much more successful tilting train, the ETR-401 Pendolino, which began operations in 1988. This was later translated into a fleet of 15 ETR 450 production units where became the first revenue earning tilting trains.

 

In 2000, Fiat Ferroviaria was acquired by Alstom, who has been building their legendary tilting trains ever since. This coincided with the formation of Virgin Trains following privatisation of British Rail in 1994. As part of Virgin Trains' franchise requirements in 1997, the company intended the replacement of the ageing BR stock of the 1960's with a new fleet of high speed trains that would reduce journey times and up travel quality. As such, Virgin turned to Fiat Ferroviaria and later successor Alstom to provide them with a derivative version of the company's latest tilting Pendolino, the ETR 460.

 

Fiat Ferroviaria supplied much of the content of the Class 390 units, including the bodyshell and the bogies, while final assembly was carried out at Washwood Heath. The tilting technology was developed by SIG Switzerland (later Fiat-SIG, today Alstom). Two electromechanical actuators are used per car to achieve the desired tilting angle on curved stretches of track. The train can tilt to a maximum of eight degrees, at which point one side of the cabin train is 380 mm higher above the track than the other. In contrast to other Fiat Ferroviaria tilting trains which use hydraulic tilting actuators, the electromechanical systems offers lower maintenance cost and higher efficiency.

 

The new trains were intended to run at 140mph, but the West Coast Main Line modernisation programme, which was an upgrade to the infrastructure to allow faster line speeds, ran over budget. Consequently, plans were scaled back, and in a manner reminiscent of the introduction of the InterCity 225, the lack of signalling upgrades resulted in the maximum line speed being restricted to 125mph. Although this (and 140mph) are well below BR's hopes for APT of 155mph, it does match the maximum speed of 125mph for the APT in passenger service (although one APT set reached 162mph in testing).

 

The fleet was introduced into passenger services from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on 23rd July, 2002, to coincide with the opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Over the next few months they took over the Manchester services, and were soon introduced on routes from London to Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton and Preston.

 

With the start of Class 390 operations, the writing was very much on the wall for the ageing sets of trains it was replacing, and thus the Class 390's image began to be somewhat tarnished amongst the railway purists. First to go were the Class 86's of the 1960's, proud high-speed locomotives that were once the mainstay of the WCML, withdrawn from service in 2003 following both the introduction of the Class 390's, and the Class 220/221 Voyager units on Cross-Country services. Next were the newer Class 90's of 1989, replaced in 2004 once Class 390's had been allocated to routes north of Preston. The final locomotive hauled trains were provided by the Class 87's of the 1970's, which held strong until final replacement in 2005, bringing an end to locomotive hauled services on the West Coast Mainline. From then on, the Class 86's have mostly been scrapped, whilst Class 90's were transferred to Anglia to replace their Class 86 fleet. Class 87's on the other hand have since been exported largely to Bulgaria, the few remaining here in the UK either being scrapped, placed in storage, or made into museum pieces. This left a great deal of animosity towards the Class 390's by the railway enthusiast community, who, even after 10 years, still have a strong hatred towards these trains.

 

The service improvements however are something that can't be taken away from the Class 390's as these trains have taken the original and comparatively sluggish 110mph top speed and translated it into the extremely fast 125mph running speed that BR had dreamt of for years. In September 2006, the Pendolino set a new speed record, completing the 401miles length of the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central to London Euston in 3 hours, 55 minutes, beating the 4-hour-14-minute record for the southbound run previously set in 1981 by the Class 370 APT. The APT however retains the ultimate speed record for this route, having completed the northbound journey between London Euston and Glasgow Central in 3 hours 52 minutes in 1984 which included a 5-minute delay due to a signal fault.

 

Since then the Pendolino has become very much a staple of high speed train travel in the UK, and still looks good even 15 years after the first ones hit the test tracks back in 2001.

 

The Class 390 was put to the test however with 390033 'City of Glasgow', which was written off after the Grayrigg derailment of February 23rd, 2007. The accident had been caused by a points malfunction, which, after a failure to inspect by Network Rail, changed the direction of travel from normal and thus resulted in the entire set derailing and plummeting down an embankment at 95mph. The sturdy design and robust nature of the Class 390 has been attributed to the fact that only one person, an elderly lady, was killed in the disaster, whereas if the previous MkII carriages had been involved, the death-toll could have been much higher. As said, the unit was written off, and the less damaged rear carriages of the set now reside at the Crewe Training Centre and are used for the instruction of drivers and train crew. The subsequent destruction of one of the units led to Virgin Trains reinstating a loco-hauled service to cover its diagrams, this being in the form of a hired Class 90 (usually from Freightliner), a set of 9 MkIII coaches, and a Driving Van Trailer. This train operated covering diagrams until November 2014, when it was retired and transferred to Greater Anglia.

 

Since 2007 the Class 390's have had their fleet enhanced from the original 53 sets to 57 with the addition of 4 new units between 2011 and 2012. The introduction of these new sets coincided with the extension of 31 sets to 11-cars, with new carriages built and imported from Alstom's factory in Italy, the first routine 11-car InterCity train to operate in the UK since the 1970's.

 

Today the Class 390's continue to ply their merry trade, and remain vital parts of the UK's high speed network, bringing Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and London closer together than they've ever been before.

Audi IMSA S4 GTO (1992) Engine 2190cc S5 20v

Livery Rothmans

Race Number a1 Hans Joachim Stuck

AUDI SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623635550501...

 

This was this cars first appearance in the UK. The gestation of the car began after Audi had successfully introduced their Quattro brand into International rallying, and were looking to showcase the technology in circuit racing. In 1988 Audi had dominated American SCCA racing with their Aufi 200 Tans Am, and for 1989 the Audi 90 IMSA GTO agin with great success.

 

With Audi wanting to penetrate the South African market Audi Sport South Africa (Voldi) suggested entering a re-worked version of the Audi 90 IMSA GTO into the popular Wesbank Modified Race Series, South Africas premier track series.

 

In 1992 Audi (Germany) agreed to send one of the original Audi 90 IMSA GTO cars (chassis GTO5) to Voldi together with a new Audi Sport, Matter prepared works C4 S4 bodyshell. The original Audi 90 IMSA GTO was stripped of all of its components which were then rebuilt into this new C4 S4 bodyshell, including the full IMSA GTO engine and running gear. The finished car was then renamed Audi IMSA S4 GTO this being chassis number 001.

 

The car debuted at the penultimate Wesbank race at Kilarney, Cape Town finished in the tradition Audi Silver and Red Audi Sport livery driven to victory by Hans Joachim Stuck in both the races at the meeting. Voldi repainted the car to their sponsors blue and white Rothmans livery for the final race of 1992 (Result unknown)

 

The car returned for the 1993 and 1994 seasons driven by Voldi team drivers Terrry Moss and Chris Aberdain winning the Championship in 1993 and were runners up in 1994. Regulations changed for the 1995 season leaving the car inelligable.

 

From 1995-98 the car was raced by Ashley Landman in selected regional races still in its blue and white but with the Rothmans logo replaced by Bloomsbury logos.

 

It was subsequently re-imported to the USA in 2000 by Steve Zlotkin until his death in 2015

 

Here the car was reunited with Hans Joachin Stuck for its demonstration run up the Shelsey Walsh hill

 

Thankyou for a massive 55,408,646 views

 

Shot 17.07.2016 at Shelsey Walsh Classic Nostalgia Meeting, Worcestershire REF 121-402

Direct Rail Services class 57/3 no. 57301 'Goliath' passes Hinckley on 08th March 2015 with class 37s no. 37059 and 37405 in tow working 0Z42 Norwich Crown Point-> Crewe Gresty Bridge light locomotive move.

 

I chose to head to Hinckley for a photograph as I fancied a change from the usual shots at Nuneaton.

 

The first Class 57s were built in 1997 for Freightliner, a Class 47 bodyshell was taken, stripped, rewired and then fitted with an EMD engine. In 2002, 12 further Class 47s were converted to 57s for Virgin Trains, these were numbered 57/3 and fitted with ETH. In 2003, four additional locos were ordered for dragging Pendolinos, these were fitted with Dellner couplings from new and the remainder of the fleet was retrofitted with Dellners in the same year. DRS now operate the majority of the class 57/0 and 57/3. First Great Western operate the Class 57/6 fleet and West Coast Railways operate a fleet of 57/0, 57/3 and 57/6.

Coachwork by Henri Chapron

 

Bonhams : the Zoute Sale

Sold for € 218.500

 

Zoute Grand Prix 2017

Knokke - Zoute

België - Belgium

October 2017

 

Just as it had done 21 years previously with the revolutionary 'Traction Avant', Citroën stunned the world again in 1955 with the launch of the strikingly styled 'DS'. Beneath the shark-like newcomer's aerodynamically efficient, low-drag bodyshell there was all-independent, self-levelling, hydro-pneumatic suspension; plus power-operated brakes, clutch, and steering. No European car would match the DS's ride quality for several years, the fundamental soundness of Citroën's ahead-of-its-time hydro-pneumatic suspension being demonstrated by its survival in top-of-the-range models until earlier this year. The DS's original 1,911cc, overhead-valve, long-stroke engine was replaced in 1966 by a short-stroke 1,985cc unit, also available in 2,175cc and 2,347cc versions, while other DS developments included swivelling headlights, fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox.

 

Other models offered alongside the original DS were the ID (a simplified, cheaper version), the cavernous Safari estate and the two-door Décapotable (convertible), the latter boasting coachwork by Henri Chapron. (Chapron's first convertibles had been produced independently of Citroën, but the factory eventually gave the project its blessing). Henri Chapron started his career in the motor industry as an upholsterer's apprentice, working for various coachbuilders in the Paris area. In 1919 he started his own business in the well-to-do Parisian suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine where his main activity was re-bodying cars that had been requisitioned in wartime by the French Government. Chapron moved to larger premises in Levallois-Perret in 1923 and became the official builder of coach and convertible models for Delage and Delahaye, going on to body many of the most elegant French and European automobiles of the inter-war period.

 

Despite a much-reduced demand for bespoke coachwork after WW2, Chapron survived thanks to his exemplary creations for Delahaye, Talbot and Salmson, switching to offering bespoke versions of unitary construction models when motor manufacturers began to abandon the traditional separate chassis frame. The arrival of the Citroën DS in 1955 presented Chapron with a fresh opportunity that would result in his name being forever linked with this remarkable car.

 

Citroën's own Décapotables were built on the longer, stronger chassis of the ID Break (Estate) but the model was never produced in England, where Citroën's right-hand drive cars were assembled at its Slough factory up to 1966. In total, 1,365 usine (factory) convertibles were made with either the DS19 or DS21 engine between 1960 and 1971, while Chapron built a further 389 of his own, the last in 1973.

 

According to the Henri Chapron Attestation on file, this car was built by Citroën in November 1966 and sent to the Charon Factory in Levallois Perret on the 24th of that month. Production number '9088', this car was built in the Chapron workshops as were all the convertibles marketed by Citroën at this time. It was completed on 28th February 1967 and returned to Citroën to be sold by one of the company's concessionaires. Citroën had introduced the superior green Light Hydraulic Mineral (LHM) fluid on all hydro-pneumatically suspended models in September 1966, making this car one of the first to benefit from this advance. Having the pre-facelift nose and the green LHM system makes this car particularly rare; indeed we are advised that only 42 DS21 Décapotable models were completed to this specification.

 

On 27th March 1967 the DS was sold new via the Citroën dealer in Nice to its first owner, Mr Jean Thore of Eze in the South of France. Mr Thore and Mme Dominique Thore enjoyed the car for 34 years. They always kept it at Eze and covered approximately 90,000 kilometres during their ownership.

 

In 2001, Australian Mr John Plooy was looking for a 'green fluid' DS21 Cabriolet and chanced upon this car. He wanted to keep the Citroën in the Netherlands and use it for annual trips to Italy. When the car arrived in Holland, Mr Plooy immediately sent it to marque specialist Bart Kocken; it turned out to be in excellent original condition, with no rust or evidence of past accident damage. Mr Plooy commissioned a mechanical overhaul of anything that required it, and had the car repainted and a new convertible top fitted.

 

This Décapotable retains its original chassis, body panels, interior, Jaeger dashboard, carpets and FM radio, and is in excellent original condition overall, something seldom encountered with these cars. Mr Plooy drove the DS only some 10,000 kilometres over the years, and in 2017 decided to sell it, having reached the age of 80 years. Offered with its original tools, jack, Chapron paperwork, etc, this rare and ultra-desirable soft-top DS is ready for the next owner to use and enjoy.

On 30 April 1939 Ford Cologne began to manufacture the Taunus, a mid-size car intended to slot into the range between the little Ford Eifel and the company’s big V8 models. The car was presented to the public in June 1939. Although the structure of the car did not follow the revolutionary monocoque structure heralded by the Opel Olympia, the Taunus did have its body welded to the chassis rather than having the two elements simply bolted together. Essentially, the platform was a stretched floorpan and frame inhereted from its predecessor Eifel. The advertised price at launch was 2870 Marks, but customers had the option of paying an extra 22 Marks for a shatterproof windscreen.

The body

 

Stylistically the new car followed the 1930s fashion for streamlining, but with a North American flavour inspired by the Lincoln-Zephyr of the time. Design work was carried out at the Ford headquarters in Detroit mainly between the then recently appointed chief of design E.T. "Bob" Gregorie and Lincoln-Mercury division manager Edsel Ford, the son of Henry Ford. The bodyshell was supplied from the Berlin plant of pressed steel experts, Ambi Budd. Like the Eifel, the Ford Taunus came with rigid axles, but with the innovation of hydraulic brakes.

The engine

 

The Taunus was designed to take a 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) 1.5-litre side-valve engine developed from the 1.2-litre unit used in the Eifel. However, in March 1939 the government, anticipating war, introduced restrictions whereby Ford were permitted to produce only a single standardised engine in the class of cars covered by engine sizes between 1.2 and 2.0 litres, and so the Taunus used the smaller 1,172 cc engine (a k a known as English Sidevalve) carried over from the Eifel model. This was essentially the same unit that Ford would fit in the Ford Taunus P1 (and, at their Dagenham plant the Ford Anglia) until 1959.

 

In the 1939 Ford Taunus the car’s 1,172 cc unit delivered a claimed 34 PS (25 kW; 34 hp), married up to a three-speed transmission controlled with a centrally mounted lever. Drive was transmitted to the rear wheels.

The war

 

The German auto industry did not undergo the same very rapid switch-over to war production as that experienced in Britain, but passenger car production in Germany was nevertheless restricted by government policy, and there was never more than a single prototype to represent the company’s original intention to offer a cabriolet version of the Taunus G93A. The pre-war car was produced only as a two-door saloon/sedan with rear-hinged doors.

 

As the war continued, Ford became increasingly important as a producer of light trucks to support the war effort, and in February 1942 passenger car production came to an end at the Ford plant. Only 42 of the cars were assembled at the Cologne plant in 1942, but production had held up well through much of 1940 and by the time passenger car production ended 7,100 Taunus G93As had been produced.

 

Wikipedia

Chassis n° WPOZZZ93ZKS010076

 

Estimated : CHF 210.000 - 250.000

Sold for CHF 224.250 - € 204.290

 

The Bonmont Sale

Collectors' Motor Cars - Bonhams

Golf & Country Club de Bonmont

Chéserex

Switzerland - Suisse - Schweiz

September 2019

 

'The new engine turned out to have enormous marketing power. It became a real status symbol to have that little word 'turbo' on your rear deck, and this fashion spread right across the motor industry.' - Peter Morgan, 'Original Porsche 911'.

 

A 'modern classic' if ever there was one, Porsche's long-running 911 sports car first appeared at the 1963 Frankfurt Show as the '901' but shortly after production proper commenced in 1964 had become the '911' following Peugeot's complaints about the use of '0' model numbers. The preceding Type 356's rear-engined layout was retained but the 911 switched to unitary construction for the bodyshell and dropped the 356's VW-based suspension in favour of a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement. In its first incarnation, Porsche's single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat six engine displaced 1,991cc and produced 130bhp; progressively enlarged and developed, it would eventually grow to more than 3.0 litres and, in turbo-charged form, put out well over 300 horsepower.

 

Much of the Porsche 911's development had resulted from the factory's racing programme, and it was the then Group 4 homologation rules, which required 400 road cars to be built, which spurred the development of 'Project 930': the legendary 911 Turbo. In production from April 1975, the Type 930 Turbo married a KKK turbocharger to the 3.0-litre RSR engine, in road trim a combination that delivered 260bhp for a top speed of 250km/h. But the Turbo wasn't just about top speed, it was also the best-equipped 911 and amazingly flexible - hence only four speeds in the gearbox - being capable of racing from a standstill to 162km/h in 14 seconds.

 

The Turbo's characteristic flared wheel arches and 'tea tray' rear spoiler had already been seen on the Carrera model while the interior was the most luxurious yet seen in a 911, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning and electric windows. The Turbo's engine was enlarged to 3.3 litres for 1978, gaining an inter-cooler in the process; power increased to 300bhp and the top speed of what was the fastest-accelerating road car of its day went up to 257km/h. Originally sold only as a closed coupé, the Turbo became available for the first time in both Targa and cabriolet forms in 1988.

 

More refined than hitherto yet retaining its high-performance edge, the Turbo sold in the thousands, becoming the definitive sports car of its age. When Porsche revealed that the original 911 would be replaced by the new Type 964 in 1990, dealer stocks of the existing Turbo model sold out overnight. Production of the Type 930 ceased in September 1989, and there would not be another 911 Turbo until the Type 964 version was launched in September 1990.

 

One of only three European-specification examples delivered new to the Gulf States, chassis number '10076' was completed on 8th December 1988 and is an early Turbo Targa example for model year 1989, a very rare model equipped with the desirable five-speed G50 gearbox, newly introduced on the Type 930 for 1989. That this car should be delivered new to the Middle East is not surprising given its exotic specification - a Turbo with the Targa body - and high price (the equivalent of €65,000, so very expensive at the time).

 

The Porsche was delivered in May 1989 to its first owner by Porsche Ali & sons Motor in Abudabi, a little under 6 months after its completion date, and was originally finished in black with a 'weinrot' (wine red) leather interior, a restrained yet stylish choice. Several options were specified, including a heavy-duty battery; Auto Lock differential (an option much sought after by Porsche purists); short shift; and a Blaupunkt Toronto radio.

 

The car has been serviced regularly at Porsche Ali & sons from new until 1997 and at Behbehani Centre until 2008, by which time it had covered some 107,000 kilometres. In 2008 the car moved to France where it has been restored to original specifications and since then has been driven only occasionally. More recently this desirable 930 Turbo Targa has benefited from cosmetic and mechanical works (invoices on file). Since 2017 even more money was spent, including work to ignition, cold start controller, fuel pump, electricity, ... totalling over €25.000 (invoices on file).

 

Accompanying documentation consists of a French Carte Grise; stamped service booklet; a lot of invoices for work carried out; Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirming factory specifications, options and matching colours/numbers; and books/manuals in their original pouch.

 

Displaying a little over 111,000 kilometres on the odometer, this ultra-rare 930 Turbo Targa 5-speed G50 is an exciting opportunity not to be missed by any serious Porsche collector or enthusiast.

One of the MCW Metrobuses sent by MCW to M J Wilcox at Brownhills in 1989 for painting was WMT 3105.

 

3105-InBuild-PaintedAtWilcox,Brownhills(21Y89)1280

25229 stabled at the refuelling and light maintenance diesel depot attached to the yard at Millerhill, 28th March 1976.

 

Locomotive History

25229 was originally D7579 and was built at Darlington works in 1963. After the completion of the ten class 25 locomotives transferred from Derby works (D5223 - D5232) Darlington Works set about its final order for twenty class 25's locomotives. These twenty locomotives (D7578 - D7597) featured internal changes from the previous order and would be later designated class 25/2, they were all fitted with a Stone Vapour L4610 steam heating boiler. Interestingly Darlington works continued to use the obsolete bodyshell design for these locomotives instead of the “cleaned up” version used by Derby works for the class 25/2 and 25/3 sub-classes. D7579 was delivered from Darlington Works during December 1963, allocated to Nottingham MPD, and used to continue to remove steam from the Midland line duties. Being boiler fitted it was of interest to the Scottish Region operating department and at the end of 1967 it transferred to Eastfield and would remain in Scotland for the next fifteen years until September 1982 when it was transferred to Longsight and its boiler finally isolated. Its final transfer was to Crewe from where it was withdrawn in May 1985. 25229 would spend eight months dumped at Crewe before moving on the 24th January 1986 with 25054 and 25256 as 9Z38 Crewe Gresty Lane - Doncaster works, where it would be broken up during September 1986.

 

Taking a day off at Butterley is preserved British Rail Class 141 Pacer unit, 141113.

 

The Class 141 has often gone down in British Railway history as one of the worst trains to ever be used on the UK network, a cheap alternative to replace ageing stock that turned out to be more trouble than it was worth.

 

The concept of Pacer units goes back to a multitude of prototypes created during the late 1970's and early 80's through a partnership between British Rail and nationalised car manufacturer British Leyland. The concept was to create a set of diesel multiple units that would be based on the bodyshell of the highly successful Leyland National bus with the underpinnings of redundant 4-axle goods wagons fitted with Leyland engines.

 

The first mainstream prototype of the Pacers were early railbuses known as LEV1 and RB004. LEV1 was built in 1978, and was, for all intents and purposes, a Leyland National bus on train wheels. This was followed by several other LEV (Leyland Experimental Vehicles) derivatives until 1984, when single railcar RB004 was built, its external design matching that of the Class 141. At the same time, a boxy two-car prototype designated Class 140 was launched and operated between 1980 and 1981, being only a proof of concept and not intended for mass production.

 

The Class 141 was designed between 1983 and 1984, taking the external styling of the RB004 railbus and combining it with the two-car bodyshell and layout of the Class 140. The primary intention of the Class 141 was to replace the many ageing DMU's from the early 1950's, with their main area of operation being in the West Yorkshire region around Leeds, York and Sheffield. Seeing as British Rail were very short on cash, having suffered the lowest year for rail ridership ever in 1982, the Class 141 was deemed the only option for replacing their extensive fleet of increasingly tired trains.

 

The units were formed of semi-permanently coupled two-car sets, each powered by a Leyland TL11 engine producing 205hp, whisking the Class 141 to a top speed of 75mph. As mentioned, the units were built of lightweight bodies placed upon what were essentially repurposed four-axle chassis donated from redundant freight wagons. The trains had a total capacity of 94 passengers.

 

The Class 141 was launched on services out of Leeds to York, Huddersfield, Halifax, Doncaster, Wakefield and Sheffield from mid-1984, with an eventual 20 units being built for the task. Originally, units were outshopped in a tasteful version of the BR Blue and Grey, but, as sectorisation began to take hold, the units were repainted into a variety of colours, including the rather dreary Green and Buttermilk, before eventually being repainted into the West Yorkshire PTE (Passenger Transport Executive) Red and White.

 

However, almost immediately, the quality issues of the Class 141's did nothing to help the already very low opinion of the railways. These trains were noisy, slow, underpowered, uncomfortable and highly unreliable. Their four-axle design, with the axle attached directly to the chassis rather than on separate bogies like on other trains, meant that on jointed track the trains would bump violently up and down, making the train riding experience similar to that of a 8.5 earthquake!

 

The engines on these units made the carriages vibrate and resonate with an irritating humming, and the poorly fitted panels and other parts of the unit's interior meant that the train would squeak and rattle as it went along.

 

There were other issues too, primarily with the gearbox. These were prone to failure after only a few hundred miles of service, which meant that many of the units were out of service being repaired. The continuous unreliability of these mechanisms eventually saw the entire fleet stored in 1988, with units sent north to the Andrew-Barclay Ltd workshops in Kilmarnock for refurbishment. The refurbishment also included the addition of BSI couplers, so as to make the units more compatible with Class 142 and 143 derivative Pacers, as well as the newer Sprinter units such as Class 150's and 156's. The units eventually returned to work in 1989, but their careers weren't exactly long in the grand scheme of things.

 

By the mid-1990's, it was apparent that these units, that weren't even 10 years old, were in no way fit for purpose, and in 1997 all units were retired from operation, being replaced by the aforementioned derivative Pacer variants, the Class 142, 143 or 144, or by Sprinters such as Class 150, 153, 155, 156 or 158. One unit, however, was converted into a weedkilling train for Serco, its seats being removed and replaced with tanks to spray weedkiller onto the line so as not to be overgrown.

 

One would've hoped that the Class 141's were just quietly sent to the scrapheap like they deserved, but the trains did somehow get themselves a new lease of life in Iran of all places!

 

This wasn't the first time Pacer units had been considered for export, the original LEV1 had been offered for sale in the USA, and RB004 was sent to Canada for a while. One Class 141 was trialed in Malaysia in 1984 before being later sent to Thailand, but neither country was impressed by its performance.

 

12 units were eventually exported to Iran to work commuter trains out of the nation's capital Tehran, the first units being sent there between 2001 and 2002. Once these units had left our shores, little was known about what became of them. Two were noted to still be in service as of 2005, while another two somehow wound up in the Netherlands and are now in storage somewhere. It is largely assumed that the Iranian units have all been withdrawn and put into storage following the introduction of newer DMUs.

 

Here in the UK, 3 units are preserved; one at Butterley, one on the Colne Valley Railway, and one at the Weardale Railway, while the remains of another unit are also at the Weardale but has been stripped for spare parts. Two units are known to have been scrapped, one of which due to accident damage. 141104 was involved in a head-on collision with a Class 156 at Huddersfield in November 1989, resulting in 33 injuries. While the 156 was returned to work in 1990 after minor repairs, the lightweight 141 was apparently so badly damaged that it was written off and promptly scrapped.

 

So there we are, the Class 141, the pioneering Pacer that let lose a slew of underpowered, cheaply built little railbuses onto the UK network. There is nothing much redeemable about these trains, they were slow, unreliable and unpleasant to ride one. Perhaps as a novelty you can travel aboard the few preserved units, but for an everyday commute, these trains could induce seasickness the likes of which you'd never seen before!

The Volkswagen Beetle (officially the Volkswagen Type 1, informally in Germany the Volkswagen Käfer, in Poland the Volkswagen Garbus and in the U.S. the Volkswagen Bug) is a two-door, four passenger, rear-engine economy car manufactured and marketed by German automaker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003.

 

The need for this kind of car, and its functional objectives, was formulated by the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, who wanted a cheap, simple car to be mass-produced for his country's new road network. Hitler contracted Ferdinand Porsche in 1934 to design and build it. Porsche and his team took until 1938 to finalise the design. The influence on Porsche's design of other contemporary cars, such as the Tatra V570 and the work of Josef Ganz remains a subject of dispute. The result was one of the first rear-engined cars since the Brass Era. With 21,529,464 produced, the Beetle is the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single platform ever made.

 

Although designed in the 1930s, the Beetle was only produced in significant numbers from 1945 on (mass production had been put on hold during the Second World War) when the model was internally designated the Volkswagen Type 1, and marketed simply as the Volkswagen (or "People's Car"). Later models were designated Volkswagen 1200, 1300, 1500, 1302 or 1303, the former three indicating engine displacement, the latter two derived from the type number. The model became widely known in its home country as the Käfer (German for "beetle") and was later marketed as such in Germany, and as the Volkswagen in other countries. For example, in France it was known as the Coccinelle (French for ladybug).

 

The original 25 hp Beetle was designed for a top speed around 100 km/h, which would be a viable speed on the Reichsautobahn system. As Autobahn speeds increased in the postwar years, its output was boosted to 36, then 40 hp, the configuration that lasted through 1966 and became the "classic" Volkswagen motor. The Beetle ultimately gave rise to variants, including the Karmann Ghia, Type 2 and external coachbuilders. The Beetle marked a significant trend, led by Volkswagen, Fiat, and Renault, whereby the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout increased from 2.6 percent of continental Western Europe's car production in 1946 to 26.6 percent in 1956. The 1948 Citroën 2CV and other European models marked a later trend to front-wheel drive in the European small car market, a trend that would come to dominate that market. In 1974, Volkswagen's own front-wheel drive Golf model succeeded the Beetle. In 1994, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Beetle, and in 1998 introduced the "New Beetle", built on the contemporary Golf platform with styling recalling the original Type 1. It remained in production through 2010, being succeeded in 2011 by the more aggressively styled Beetle (A5).

 

In the 1999 Car of the Century competition, to determine the world's most influential car in the 20th century, the Type 1 came fourth, after the Ford Model T, the Mini, and the Citroën DS.

 

HISTORY

THE PEOPLES CAR

In April 1934, Adolf Hitler gave the order to Ferdinand Porsche to develop a Volkswagen (literally, "people's car" in German, pronounced [ˈfɔlksvaːɡən]). The epithet Volks- literally, "people's-" had been applied to other Nazi-sponsored consumer goods such as the Volksempfänger ("people's radio").

 

In May 1934, at a meeting at Berlin’s Kaiserhof Hotel, Chancellor Hitler insisted on a basic vehicle that could transport two adults and three children at 100 km/h while not using more than 7 litres of fuel per 100 km (32 mpg US/39 mpg UK). The engine had to be powerful for sustained cruising on Germany’s new Autobahnen. Everything had to be designed to ensure parts could be quickly and inexpensively exchanged. The engine had to be air-cooled because, as Hitler explained, not every country doctor had his own garage (ethylene glycol antifreeze was only just beginning to be used in high-performance liquid-cooled aircraft engines. In general, radiators filled with water would freeze unless the vehicle was kept in a heated building overnight or drained and refilled each morning).

 

The "People's Car" would be available to citizens of Nazi Germany through a savings scheme, or Sparkarte (savings booklet), at 990 Reichsmark, about the price of a small motorcycle. (The average weekly income was then around 32RM.)

 

DEVELOPMENT

Ferdinand Porsche developed the Type 12, or "Auto für Jedermann" (car for everybody) for Zündapp in 1931. Porsche already preferred the flat-four engine, and selected a swing axle rear suspension (invented by Edmund Rumpler), while Zündapp insisted on a water-cooled five-cylinder radial engine. In 1932, three prototypes were running. All of those cars were lost during World War II, the last in a bombing raid in Stuttgart in 1945.

 

The Zündapp prototypes were followed by the Porsche Type 32, designed in 1933 for NSU Motorenwerke AG, another motorcycle company. The Type 32 was similar in design to the Type 12, but it had a flat-four engine. NSU's exit from car manufacturing resulted in the Type 32 being abandoned at the prototype stage.

 

Initially designated Type 60 by Porsche, the design team included Erwin Komenda and Karl Rabe. In October 1935, the first two Type 60 prototypes, known as the V1 and V2 (V for Versuchswagen, or "test car"), were ready. In 1936, testing began of three further V3 prototypes, built in Porsche's Stuttgart shop. A batch of thirty W30 development models, produced for Porsche by Daimler-Benz, underwent 2,900,000 km of further testing in 1937. All cars had the distinctive round shape and the air-cooled, rear-mounted engine. Included in this batch was a rollback soft top called the Cabrio Limousine. A further batch of 44 VW38 pre-production cars produced in 1938 introduced split rear windows; both the split window and the dash were retained on production Type 1s until 1953. The VW38 cars were followed by another batch of 50 VW39 cars, completed in July 1939.

 

The car was designed to be as simple as possible mechanically. The air-cooled 25 hp (19 kW) 995 cc motors' built-in oil cooler and flat-four engine configuration's superior performance was also effective for the German Afrika Korps in Africa's desert heat. The suspension design used compact torsion bars instead of coil or leaf springs. The Beetle is nearly airtight and will briefly float.

 

THE FACTORY

On 26 May 1938, Hitler laid the cornerstone for the Volkswagen factory in Fallersleben. He gave a speech, in which he named the car Kraft-durch-Freude-Wagen ("Strength Through Joy Car", usually abbreviated to KdF-Wagen). The name refers to Kraft durch Freude ('Strength Through Joy'), the official leisure organization of Nazi Germany. The model village of Stadt des KdF-Wagens was created near Fallersleben in Lower Saxony in 1938 for the benefit of the workers at the newly built factory.

 

The factory had only produced a handful of cars by the start of the war in 1939; the first volume-produced versions of the car's chassis were military vehicles, the Type 82 Kübelwagen (approximately 52,000 built) and the amphibious Type 166 Schwimmwagen (about 14,000 built).

 

The first Beetles were produced on a small scale in 1941.

 

WARTIME PRODUCTION

A handful of KdF-Wagen (Typ 60) were produced primarily for the Nazi elite from 1941 to 1944, but production figures were small because the factories were concentrating on production of the Kübelwagen (Typ 82), the beetle for the Wehrmacht (Typ 82 E), the Schwimmwagen (Typ 166), and a handful of other variants. The factory produced another wartime vehicle: the Kommandeurswagen (Typ 87); a Beetle body mounted on a 4WD Schwimmwagen chassis. The Kommandeurswagen had widened fenders to accommodate its Kronprinz all-terrain tires. 564 Kommandeurswagen were produced up to 1944, when all production was halted because of heavy damage to the factory by Allied air raids. Much of the essential equipment had already been moved to underground bunkers for protection, which let production resume quickly after hostilities ended. Due to gasoline shortages late in the war, a few "Holzbrenner" Beetles were built powered by pyrolysis gas producers located under the front hood.

 

POST-WAR PRODUCTION AND BOOM

In occupied Germany, the Allies followed the Morgenthau plan to remove all German war potential by complete or partial pastoralization. As part of this, in the Industrial plans for Germany, the rules for which industry Germany was to be allowed to retain were set out. German car production was set at a maximum of 10% of the 1936 car production numbers.

 

Mass production of civilian VW cars did not start until post-war occupation. The Volkswagen factory was handed over by the Americans to British control in 1945; it was to be dismantled and shipped to Britain. Thankfully for Volkswagen, no British car manufacturer was interested in the factory; an official report included the phrases "the vehicle does not meet the fundamental technical requirement of a motor-car ... it is quite unattractive to the average buyer ... To build the car commercially would be a completely uneconomic enterprise." The factory survived by producing cars for the British Army instead. Allied dismantling policy changed in late 1946 to mid-1947, although heavy industry continued to be dismantled until 1951. In March 1947, Herbert Hoover helped change policy by stating

 

There is the illusion that the New Germany left after the annexations can be reduced to a "pastoral state". It cannot be done unless we exterminate or move 25,000,000 people out of it.

 

The re-opening of the factory is largely accredited to British Army officer Major Ivan Hirst. Hirst was ordered to take control of the heavily bombed factory, which the Americans had captured. His first task was to remove an unexploded bomb that had fallen through the roof and lodged itself between some pieces of irreplaceable production equipment; if the bomb had exploded, the Beetle's fate would have been sealed. Knowing Germany needed jobs and the British Army needed vehicles. Hirst persuaded the British military to order 20,000 cars, and by March 1946 the factory was producing 1,000 cars a month (in Army khaki, under the name Volkswagen Type 1), which Hirst said "was the limit set by the availability of materials". During this period, the car reverted to its original name of Volkswagen and the town was renamed Wolfsburg. The first 1,785 Type 1s were made in 1945.

After World War II, it was officially designated the Volkswagen Type 1, but was more commonly known as the Beetle.Following the British Army-led restart of production and Hirst's establishment of sales network and exports to Netherlands, former Opel manager (and formerly a detractor of the Volkswagen) Heinz Nordhoff was appointed director of the Volkswagen factory in 1949. Under Nordhoff, production increased dramatically over the following decade, with the one-millionth car coming off the assembly line by 1955. During this post-war period, the Beetle had superior performance in its category with a top speed of 115 km/h and 0–100 km/h in 27.5 seconds with fuel consumption of 6.7 l/100 km (36 mpg) for the standard 25 kW (34 hp) engine. This was far superior to the Citroën 2CV, which was aimed at a low speed/poor road rural peasant market, and Morris Minor, designed for a market with no motorways / freeways; it was even competitive with more advanced small city cars like the Austin Mini.

 

In Small Wonder, Walter Henry Nelson wrote:

"The engine fires up immediately without a choke. It has tolerable road-handling and is economical to maintain. Although a small car, the engine has great elasticity and gave the feeling of better output than its small nominal size."

 

There were other, less-numerous models, as well. The Hebmüller cabriolet (officially Type 14A), a sporty two-seater, was built between 1949 and 1953; it numbered 696. The Type 18A, a fixed-top cabriolet, was produced by Austro-Tatra as a police and fire unit; 203 were assembled between January 1950 and March 1953.

 

The chassis became a technological and parts donor to Volkswagen Type 2 (also known as Bulli) and external coachbuilders like Rometsch, Dannenhauer & Stauss, Wilhelm Karmann, Enzmann, Beutler, Ghia-Aigle, Hebmüller & Söhne, Drews, Wendler.

 

On 17 February 1972, when Beetle No. 15,007,034 was produced, Beetle production surpassed that of the previous record holder, the Ford Model T. By 1973, total production was over 16 million, and by 23 June 1992, over 21 million had been produced.

 

DECLINE

Though extremely successful in the 1960s, the Beetle was increasingly faced with stiff competition from more modern designs globally. The Japanese had refined rear-wheel-drive, water-cooled, front-engine small cars including the Datsun 510 and Toyota Corona, whose sales in the North American market grew rapidly at the expense of Volkswagen in the late 1960s. Honda introduced the N600, based on the space-efficient transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive layout of the original Austin Mini, to the North American market in late 1969, and upgraded the model to the Honda Civic in 1972. The Japanese "big three" would soon dominate compact auto sales in North America. In 1971 Ford introduced its Pinto, which had some market impact as a low cost alternative. As the 1960s came to a close, Volkswagen faced increasingly stiff competition from European cars as well. The Beetle was faced with competition from new designs like the Fiat 127 and Renault 5, and more robust designs based on the Austin Mini layout such as the Superminis. German competitors, Ford and Opel also enjoyed strong sales of modern smaller cars like the Ford Escort and Opel Kadett. Volkswagen's attempts to boost the power of their air-cooled motor to meet the demands of higher highway speeds in the late 1960s, then comply with new pollution control regulations, caused problems for reliability and fuel efficiency that impaired the reputation of the aging design. Safety issues with the Beetle came under increasing scrutiny, culminating in the 1972 release of a rather scathing report. During the early 1970s, sales of the Beetle in Europe and North America plummeted.

 

There were other models introduced to supplement the Beetle in the VW product line throughout the 1960s; the Type 3, Type 4, and the NSU-based and larger K70. None of these models, aimed at more upscale markets, achieved the level of success as the Beetle. The over-reliance on a single model, now in decline, meant that Volkswagen was in financial crisis by 1974. It needed German government funding to produce the Beetle's replacement.

 

Production lines at Wolfsburg switched to the new water-cooled, front-engined, front-wheel drive Golf designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1974, sold in North America at the time as the "Rabbit". The Golf would eventually become Volkswagen's most successful model since the Beetle. The Golf would be periodically redesigned over its lifetime, entering its seventh generation in 2012, with only a few components carried over between generations, while the Beetle had only minor refinements of its original design.

 

The Golf did not kill Beetle production, nor did the smaller Polo which was launched a year later. Production of the Beetle continued in smaller numbers at other German factories until 19 January 1978, when mainstream production shifted to Brazil and Mexico: markets where low operating cost was an important factor. However, this shift in production did not completely end sales of the Beetle in Europe, although after this date sales of the Beetle in Europe were very low. Beetle sedans were produced for U.S. markets until July 1977 and for European markets until 1985, with private companies continuing to import cars produced in Mexico after 1985. The Beetle convertible/Cabriolet ended production (as 1979 models) as of January 31, 1980.

 

The last Beetle was produced in Puebla, Mexico, in July 2003. The final batch of 3,000 Beetles were sold as 2004 models and badged as the Última Edición, with whitewall tires, a host of previously discontinued chrome trim, and the choice of two special paint colors taken from the New Beetle. Production in Brazil ended in 1986, then started again in 1993 and continued until 1996.

 

The Beetle outlasted most other cars which had adopted the rear air-cooled engine layout such as those by Subaru, Fiat, and General Motors. Porsche's 356 series which originally used some Volkswagen sourced parts, continued to use the classic rear engine layout (which later became water-cooled) in the Porsche 911 996 series, which remains competitive in the second decade of the 21st century.

 

WORLDWIDE END OF PRODUCTION

By 2002, over 21 million Type 1s had been produced, but by 2003, annual production had dropped to 30,000 from a peak of 1.3 million in 1971. VW announced the end of production in June 2003, citing decreasing demand, and the final original Type 1 VW Beetle (No. 21,529,464) rolled off the production line at Puebla, Mexico, on 30 July 2003 65 years after its original launch. This last Beetle, nicknamed El Rey (Spanish for "The King" after a legendary Mexican song by José Alfredo Jiménez) was delivered to the company's museum in Wolfsburg, Germany.

 

To celebrate the occasion, Volkswagen marketed a final special series of 3,000 Beetles marketed as "Última Edición" (Final Edition) in light blue (Aquarius Blue) or beige (Harvest Moon Beige). Each car included the 1.6 engine, whitewall tires, a CD player with four speakers, chrome bumpers, trim, hub caps and exterior mirrors, a Wolfsburg emblem above the front trunk's handle, chrome glove box badge, body coloured wheels, tinted glass, a rear parcel shelf, and VW Última Edición plaque.

 

A mariachi band serenaded production of the last car. In Mexico, there was an advertising campaign as a goodbye for the Beetle. In one of the ads was a very small parking space on the street, and many big cars tried to use it, but could not. After a while, a sign appears in that parking space saying: "Es increíble que un auto tan pequeño deje un vacío tan grande" (It is incredible that a car so small can leave such a large void). Another depicted the rear end of a 1954 Beetle (the year Volkswagen was established in Mexico) in the left side of the ad, reading "Erase una vez..." (Once upon a time...) and the last 2003 Beetle in the right side, reading "Fin" (The end). There were other ads with the same nostalgic tone.

 

- Engine: Fuel-injected (Bosch Digifant) four-cylinder horizontally opposed, 1,584 cc, 50 hp (37 kW), 98.1 N·m (72.4 lb·ft) @ 2,200 rpm, three-way catalytic converter

- Rated fuel mileage: 32.5 mpg-US (7.2 L/100 km; 39.0 mpg-imp)

- Max cruising speed: 130 km/h

- Brakes: front disc, rear drum

- Passengers: Five

- Tank: 40 L (11 US gal; 9 imp gal)

- Colours: Aquarius blue, Harvest Moon beige.

 

PROTOTYPES

DIESEL

In 1951, Volkswagen prototyped a 1.3 L diesel engine. Volkswagen made only two of these air-cooled boxer diesel engines (not turbocharged), and installed one engine in a Type 1 and another in a Type 2. The diesel Beetle was time tested on the Nürburgring and achieved 0–100 km/h in 60 seconds.

 

DESIGN

The Beetle featured a rear-located, rear-wheel drive, air-cooled four-cylinder, boxer engine in a two-door bodywork featuring a flat front windscreen, accommodating four passengers and providing luggage storage under the front bonnet and behind the rear seat – and offering a coefficient of drag of 0.41; to this relatively good CD, the also streamlined rear of car was of help. The bodywork attached with eighteen bolts to its nearly flat chassis which featured a central structural tunnel. Front and rear suspension featured torsion bars along with front stabilizer bar – providing independent suspension at all wheels. Certain initial features were subsequently revised, including mechanical drum brakes, split-window rear windows, mechanical direction-indicators and the non-synchronized gearbox. Other features, including its distinctive overall shape, endured.

 

Its engine, transmission, and cylinder heads were constructed of light alloy. An engine oil cooler (located in the engine fan's shroud) ensured optimal engine operating temperature and long engine life, optimized by a thermostat that bypassed the oil cooler when the engine was cold. Later models of the carburetor featured an automatic choke. Engine intake air passed through a metallic filter, while heavier particles were captured by an oil bath. After 1960, steering featured a hydraulic damper that absorbed steering irregularities.

 

Indicative of the car's utilitarian design, the interior featured painted metal surfaces, a metal dash consolidating instruments in a single, circular binnacle, adjustable front seats, a fold-down rear seat, optional swing-out rear windows, front windows with pivoting vent windows, heating via air-to-air exchange manifolds operating off the engine's heat, and a windshield washer system that eschewed the complexity and cost of an additional electric pump and instead received its pressurization from the car's spare tire (located in the front luggage compartment) which was accordingly overinflated to accommodate the washer function.

 

Throughout its production, VW marketed the Beetle with a four-speed manual transmission. From 1961 (and almost exclusively in Europe), VW offered an optional version of the Saxomat semi-automatic transmission: a regular 4-speed manual transaxle coupled to an electromagnetic clutch with a centrifugal clutch used for idle. Subsequently (beginning in 1967 in Europe and 1968 in the United States), VW offered an optional semi-automatic transmission (marketed as Automatic Stick Shift and also called AutoStick[citation needed]), which was a 3-speed manual coupled to an electro-pneumatic clutch and torque converter.

 

While the overall appearance of the Beetle changed little over its life span, it received over 78,000 incremental changes during its production.

 

EVOLUTION AND DESIGN CHANGES

BEETLE CABRIOLET

It was in 1948 that Wilhelm Karmann first bought a VW Beetle sedan and converted it into a four-seated convertible. The Beetle Cabriolet began production in 1949 by Karmann in Osnabrück. After successfully presenting it at VW in Wolfsburg, production started in 1949.

 

The convertible was more than a Beetle with a folding top. To compensate for the strength lost in removing the roof, the sills were reinforced with welded U-channel rails, a transverse beam was fitted below the front edge of the rear seat cushion, and the side cowl-panels below the instrument panel were double-wall. In addition, the lower corners of the door apertures had welded-in curved gussets, and the doors had secondary alignment wedges at the B-pillar.

 

The top was cabriolet-style with a full inner headliner hiding the folding mechanism and crossbars. In between the two top layers was 25 mm of insulation. The rear window was tempered safety glass, and after 1968, heated. Due to the thickness of the top, it remained quite tall when folded. To enable the driver to see over the lowered top, the inside rearview was mounted on an offset pivot. By twisting the mirror 180 degrees on a longitudinal axis, the mirror glass would raise approximately 5.1 cm.

 

The convertible was generally more lavishly equipped than the sedan with dual rear ashtrays, twin map pockets, a visor vanity mirror on the passenger side, rear stone shields, and through 1969, wheel trim rings. Many of these items did not become available on other Beetles until the advent of the optional "L" (Luxus) Package of 1970.

 

After a number of stylistic and technical alterations made to the Karmann cabriolet, (corresponding to the many changes VW made to the Beetle throughout its history), the last of 331,847 cabriolets came off the production line on 10 January 1980.

 

1950–1959 MODELS

During this period, a myriad of changes were made throughout the vehicle beginning with the availability of hydraulic brakes and a folding fabric sunroof in 1950. The rear window of the VW Beetle evolved from a divided or "split" oval, to a singular oval. The change occurred between October 1952 and March 1953. Beetles built during this time were known as a "Zwitter", or "hybrid", as they used the split-window bodyshell with oval-model chrome trim, vent windows and dashboard.

 

1953 models received a redesigned instrument panel. The one-piece “Pope's Nose” combination license plate/brake light was replaced by a smaller flat-bottomed license plate light. The brake light function was transferred to new heart-shaped lamps located in the top of the taillight housings.

 

In 1954, Volkswagen added 2 mm to the cylinder bore, increasing the displacement from 1,131 (1100) cc to 1,192 (1200) cc. This coincided with upgrades to various key components including a redesign of the crankshaft. This increased power from 30 hp (22 kW; 30 PS) to 36 hp (27 kW; 36 PS) and improved the engine's free revving abilities without compromising torque at lower engine speeds. At the same time, compression ratios were progressively raised as, little by little, the octane ratings of available fuel was raised in major markets during the 1950s and 1960s.

 

In 1955, the separate brake lights were discontinued and were combined into a new larger taillight housing. The traditional VW semaphore turn signals were replaced by conventional flashing directional indicator lamps for North America.

 

For 1956, the Beetle received what would become one of its more distinctive features, a set of twin chrome tailpipes. Models for North America gained taller bumper guards and tubular overrider bars.

 

For 1958, the Beetle received a revised instrument panel, and a larger rectangular rear window replaced the previous oval design.

 

1960–1969 MODELS

1960 models received a front sway bar along with a hydraulic steering damper.

 

For 1961, significant technical advances occurred in the form of a new engine and transmission. The engine remained at 1200cc but the power increased to 40 hp (30 kW; 41 PS) primarily due to an increase in compression ratio to 7.1:1. The carburetor received an electric automatic choke and the transmission was now synchronized on all forward gears. The traditional semaphore turns signals were replaced by conventional flashing directional indicators worldwide.

 

For 1962, the Beetle received a mechanical fuel level gauge in place of the former fuel tap. At the rear, larger tail lights were introduced incorporating a separate amber turn signal section to meet new European standards (these turn signals remained red in the US market until 1973). The former hand-pump style windscreen washer was replaced by a new design using compressed air. A Schrader valve located on the washer fluid tank allowed the system to be charged at a filling station to the recommended 35 psi (2.4 bar).

 

1964 models could be identified by a widened light housing on the engine lid over the rear license plate.

 

The largest change to date for the Beetle was in 1965: the majority of the body stampings were revised, which allowed for significantly larger windows. The windshield increased in area by 11% and was now slightly curved, rather than flat. Door windows increased accordingly by 6% (and door vent window edges were canted slightly back), rear side windows 17.5%, and the rear window 19.5%. The result was a more open, airy, modern look.

 

For 1966, the big news was an optional new 1300cc 50 hp (37 kW; 51 PS) engine in lieu of the previous 1200cc engine that had been the sole engine since 1954. Models so equipped carried a "1300" badge on the engine lid. The 1300cc engine was standard for North America.

 

For 1967, a yet-again larger-displacement engine was made available: 1500cc, 53 hp (40 kW; 54 PS) at 4,200 rpm. 1200 and 1300 engines continued to be available, as many markets based their taxation on engine size. 1500cc Beetles were equipped with front disc brakes and were identified with a "VW 1500" badge on the engine lid. North America received the 1500 engine as standard equipment, but did not receive front disc brakes. These models were identified by a "Volkswagen" badge on the engine lid.

 

The rear suspension was significantly revised including a widened track, softer torsion bars and the addition of a unique Z-configuration equalizing torsion spring. On US, UK and Ireland models, the generator output was increased from 180 to 360 watts, and the entire electrical system was upgraded from 6 volts to 12 volts. The clutch disc also increased in size and changes were made to the flywheel. New equipment included a driver's armrest on the door and locking buttons on both doors. Safety improvements included two-speed windscreen wipers, reversing lights (in some markets), and a driver's side mirror. In accord with the newly enacted US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, North American models received a dual-circuit brake system, the clear glass headlamp covers were deleted; the headlamps were brought forward to the leading edge of the front fenders, and the sealed-beam units were exposed and surrounded by chrome bezels.

 

1968 was a year of major change. The most noticeable of which were the new larger, higher mounted C-section bumpers. At the rear, new larger taillamps were adopted and were able to accommodate backup lamps, which were previously separate bumper-mounted units. Beetles worldwide received the '67 North American style vertical headlamp placement, but with replaceable-bulb headlamps compliant with ECE regulations rather than the US sealed beams. Other improvements were a new outside gas filler with spring-loaded flap, eliminating the need to open the trunk to refuel. The fuel gauge was integrated with the speedometer and was now electrically-actuated rather than cable-operated. The windscreen washer was now pressured by the spare tire, which was to be maintained at a pressure of 42 psi (2.9 bar). A pressure valve in the connecting hose closed airflow to the fluid reservoir if spare tire pressure fell below 30 psi (2.1 bar), which was above the recommended pressures for the road tires. A ventilation system was introduced, which drew fresh air into the cabin from louvres on the front decklid. For improved shifting, the shift lever was shortened, stiffened and moved rearward by

78 mm.

 

A number of safety improvements were made in order to comply with new American safety regulations: these included trigger-operated outside door handles, a secondary front hood latch, collapsing steering column, soft vent window latches, rotary glove compartment latch and instrument panel knobs labeled with pictographs. US models received a padded instrument panel that was optional in other markets. To meet North American head restraint requirements, VW developed the industry's first high-back bucket seat.

 

A new 3-speed semi-automatic gear box with torque converter and vacuum-operated clutch became available mid-production year. The semi-automatic models received a vastly improved semi-trailing-arm rear suspension (also known as "Independent Rear Suspension" although the earlier swing axle Beetles were also independent) and eliminated the need for the equalizing torsion spring. This new rear suspension layout would eventually become an option on later models. Beetles equipped with the automatic were identified with a "VW Automatic" badge on the engine lid and a matching decal in the rear window. In North America, the badging and decal were later revised to read, "Automatic Stick Shift".

 

For 1969, the only exterior change was the fuel filler flap no longer had a finger indentation due to a new interior-mounted fuel door release. For North America, the Beetle received a heated rear window, day/night mirror and the semi-trailing, independent rear-arm suspension as standard equipment.

 

1970–1979 MODELS

In 1970, A new "L" (Luxus) Package was introduced including, among other items, twin map pockets, dual rear ashtrays, full carpeting, a passenger-side visor vanity mirror, and rubber bumper moldings. The optional 1500 cc engine now came with an engine lid having two rows of cooling louvers, while the convertible's engine lid gained two additional sets for a total of four. For North America, the 1500 cc engine was enlarged to 1600 cc engine and produced 57 hp (43 kW; 58 PS)

 

For 1971, for the first time there were two Beetles, the familiar standard Beetle and a new larger version that was different from the windscreen forward. All Beetles received an engine upgrade: the optional 1500 cc engine was replaced by a 1600 cc version with twin-port cylinder heads and a larger, relocated oil cooler. The new engine produced 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS). The ventilation system was improved with the original dash-top vents augmented by a second pair aimed directly at the driver and passenger. For the first time the system was a flow-through design with crescent-shaped air exits fitted behind the rear quarter windows. Airflow could be increased via an optional 2-speed fan. The standard Beetle was now badged as the VW 1300; when equipped with the 1600 engine, it was badged 1300 S, to avoided confusion with the Type 3, which wore VW 1600 badges.

 

The new larger Beetle was sold as the 1302/1302 S, offering nearly 50% increased luggage capacity. A new MacPherson strut front suspension was incorporated, similar to what was used in the Type 4, and the front track was widened. The new suspension layout allowed the spare tire to be positioned flat under the trunk floor, although the car had to be lengthened slightly to accomplish this. This also allowed a reduction in turning radius. To gain additional trunk volume, the under-dash panel was lowered, allowing the fuel tank to be shifted rearward. From the windscreen back the big Beetle was identical to its smaller progenitor, except for having the semi-trailing arm rear suspension as standard equipment. Overall, the big Beetle was 50 mm longer in length and 35 mm wider and rode on a 20 mm longer wheelbase than the standard model. Both Beetles were available with or without the L Package. The convertible was now based on the 1302 body. In North America, the 1302 was marketed as the Super Beetle and came only with the L Package and 1600 cc engine. While it lacked the front disc brakes that normally accompanied the larger motor, it was fitted with brake drums that were slightly larger than the standard Beetle. With the Super Beetle being sold as the premium model in North America, the standard Beetle, while retaining the same 1600 cc engine, was stripped of many of its earlier features in order to reduce the selling price. Bright window and running board moldings disappeared, along with the day/night mirror, horn ring, map pocket, locking glove box and miscellaneous other items.

 

1972 models had an 11% larger rear window 40 mm taller, larger front brakes[citation needed] and the convertible engine lid with four rows of louvres was now used on all Beetles. Inside the vehicle, a four-spoke energy-absorbing steering wheel was introduced, the windshield wiper/washer knob was replaced in favor of a steering column stalk, and intermittent wipers were a new option available in selected markets. An engine compartment socket for the proprietary VW Diagnosis system was also introduced. The rear luggage area was fitted with a folding parcel shelf. A limited-edition Commemorative model was launched in celebration of the Beetle's passing the record of the Ford Model T as the world's most-produced automobile. The Commemorative Beetle was a 1302 LS finished in a special Marathon Blue Metallic paint and unique 4.5 x 15 styled steel wheels. In the U.S., it was marketed as the Super Beetle Baja Champion SE.

 

1973 models featured significantly-enlarged "elephant foot" taillamps mounted in reshaped rear fenders. In the engine bay, the oil-bath air cleaner gave way to a dry element filter, and the generator was replaced with an alternator. The 1302/Super became the 1303 with a new taller wrap-around windscreen. The changes to the cowl and windshield resulted in slight redesign of the front hood. The instrument panel, formerly shared with the standard Beetle, was all-new and incorporated a raised speedometer pod, rocker-style switches and side-window defrosters. The limited-edition GSR (Gelb-Schwarz Rennen) was a 1303 S available only in Saturn Yellow paint equipped with special 140 mm wide sport wheels fitted with 175/70-15 Pirelli Cinturato CN36 high-performance radial tires. Front and rear deck lids were finished in matte black, as was all exterior trim with the exception of the chrome headlamp bezels. Inside were corduroy and leatherette high-bolstered sport seats and a small diameter three-spoke steering wheel with padded leather rim and a small red VW logo on the bottom spoke. In North America, the GSR was sold as the Super Beetle Sports Bug. The North American model had body-color deck lids and was available in Marathon Blue Metallic in addition to Saturn Yellow. In some markets, the sport wheels (in both 4.5-inch and 5.5-inch widths), sport steering wheel and sport seats became available as stand-alone options.

 

For 1974, North American models received newly required 8.0 km/h impact bumpers mounted on self-restoring energy absorbers, which added approximately 25 mm to the car's overall length. On the Super Beetle, the steering knuckle, and consequently the lower attachment point of the strut, was redesigned to improve handling and stability in the event of a tire blowout. A limited-edition Big Beetle was introduced based on the 1303 LS. Available in unique metallic paint colors, the car featured styled-steel 5.5 in (140 mm) wide sport wheels wrapped in 175/70-15 tires, corduroy seat inserts, upgraded loop-pile carpet, wood-look instrument panel trim and a padded steering wheel with bright accents. In the North American market, a limited-edition Sun Bug was introduced as a standard Beetle or Super Beetle. Both were finished in metallic gold and featured styled-steel 4.5 in (110 mm)-wide sport wheels. Inside were brown corduroy and leatherette seats, loop-pile carpet, and padded four-spoke deluxe steering wheel. The Super Beetle Sun Bug included a sliding-steel sunroof.

 

In 1975, front turn indicators were moved from the top of the front fenders down into the bumper. At the rear, the license plate light housing was now molded of plastic with a ribbed top surface. To comply with tightening emission standards, the 1600 cc engine in Japanese and North American markets received Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, a derivative of the Bosch D-Jetronic system formerly used in the VW Type 3 and Type 4. The injected engine received a new muffler and in California a catalytic converter. This necessitated a bulge in the rear apron under the rear bumper and replaced the distinctive twin "pea shooter" tailpipes with a single offset pipe, making injected models identifiable at a glance. 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumper-equipped North American models retained fender-top front indicators. The 1303 received rack and pinion steering. In North America, the 1303/Super Beetle sedan was moved upmarket and was now christened La Grande Bug. Similar to the Big Beetle of 1974, La Grande Bug was available in blue or green metallic paint in the U.S. and blue, green or gold metallic in Canada and was equipped with the same features as the 1974 Sun Bug. Mid-year, the Love Bug was introduced for North America: based on the standard Beetle, it was available only in Phoenix Red or Ravenna Green (both colors shared with the VW-Porsche 914) with all exterior trim finished in matte black. A price leader, the Love Bug retailed for less than a standard Beetle. The "Volkswagen" script on the engine lid of all North American Beetles was replaced with a "Fuel Injection" badge.

 

In 1976, the 1303/La Grande Bug was discontinued, with the larger body continuing only in convertible form. To make up for the loss in North American markets, the standard Beetle was upgraded, regaining some of the features that were removed in 1971. In addition, the 2-speed ventilation fan was included, previously available in North America only on the larger Beetle. The automatic stickshift option was discontinued as well.

 

1977 models received new front seats with separate head restraints. This was the final model year for the Beetle sedan in North America. The convertible was offered in a Champagne Edition in triple white with the padded deluxe steering wheel, burled elm-grain dash trim and (110 mm wide sport wheels. Approximately 1,000 Champagne Editions were produced.

 

WIKIPEDIA

Porsche 911 Carrera RS (1973-74) Engine 2687cc HO6 OC Production 1580

Registration Number 77 SSK (Wick)

PORSCHE SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690528015...

The Carrera name was reintroduced to in 1973, originally applied to the 356 Carrera and in turn came from Porsche class victories in the Carrera Panamerica races accross Central America in the 1950's. The RS was built so that Porsche could enter racing formulae that demanded that a certain minimum number of production cars were made. Compared with a standard 911S, the Carrera 2.7 RS had a larger engine (2687 cc) developing 210bhp. With revised and stiffened suspension, a "ducktail" rear spoiler, larger brakes, wider rear wheels and rear wheel arches. In RS Touring form it weighed 1075 kg, in Sport Lightweight form it was about 100 kg (220 lb) lighter, the saving coming from the thin-gauge steel used for parts of the bodyshell and also the use of thinner glass. In total, 1580 were made, comfortably exceeding the 500 that had to be required to qualify for FIA Group 4 Class.

49 Carrera RS cars were built with 2808 cc engines

In 1974, Porsche created the Carrera RS 3.0 with K-Jetronic Bosch fuel injection producing 230 PS It was almost twice as expensive as the 2.7 RS but offered a fair amount of racing capability for that price.

 

Many thanks for a fantabulous

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Shot 23.04.2016 Shot at VSCC Spring Start Meeting, Silverstone REF 115-642

   

W111

 

Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

Bonhams

Estimated : € 60.000 - 70.000

 

Parijs - Paris

Frankrijk - France

February 2018

 

- Delivered new to France

- Automatic transmission

- Valid technical inspection

- Registered in the Netherlands

 

Introduced in 1965, Mercedes-Benz's new S-Class range was outwardly distinguishable from preceding models by a sleeker bodyshell with lower roof and waistlines, and increased glass area. All models featured similar all-independent suspension, as well as four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted steering. The coupé and cabriolet, though, kept the timelessly elegant coachwork first seen back in 1960; longer than their predecessors, these elegant cars featured a wider radiator shell, wraparound windscreen, enlarged rear window, and vertically positioned twin headlamps, all of which were carried over to their 250 SE equivalents. As befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, the duo came equipped with air conditioning, electric windows, and stereo radio as standard.

 

The 250 SE employed a fuel-injected version of Mercedes-Benz's new, overhead-camshaft, seven-bearing 'six' displacing 2.496 cc and developing 150 bhp at 5.600 rpm. There was a choice of four-speed manual or automatic transmissions, while the rear suspension featured Mercedes-Benz's hydro-pneumatic compensating spring. Thus equipped, the 250 SE was good for 193 km/h, with 96 km/h reachable in 12 seconds, a substantial improvement on the superseded 220 SE's figures. Today all examples of these classic coupés and cabriolets are highly sought after.

 

The 250 SE coupé offered here was delivered new to France and comes with its original books and tools. Finished in brown metallic with Cognac leather interior, the car is described by the vendor as in generally good/excellent condition, and is offered with maintenance records, Netherlands registration papers, and valid technical inspection.