Author: Jack Evans

A car once used by the Queen Mother and another by Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson are set to be sold at auction this week.

Classic car devotee Alan Marshall from Hull is parting ways with a collection of 16 vintage Humber vehicles gathered over the past 60 years by both himself and his father. The decision to put them to sale comes as a result of rising maintenance and storage costs.

The variety of cars is expected to fetch between £200,000 and £250,000 when they go under the hammer via Hansons Auctioneers this week.

A 1952 Super-Snipe MKIII is one of the stars of the auction, having been owned by the Queen Mother. Used to take her to church during the reign of her husband King George VI, the car is said to bear marks she made on the grab handles.

Another draw is a 1930s 80bhp Sniper formerly used by Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson. It was discovered in a Northamptonshire scrapyard and was even requested to be used in the film W.E. by Madonna – though the offer was turned down by Marshall, who stated that the car couldn’t be used as its engine wasn’t in the vehicle at the time.

A Humber Imperial built for King George VI is another classic heading to the auction, though the king sadly died before it could be delivered. It goes alongside several other Humber models, as well as two bicycles made by the Midland-based car manufacturer.

One car which will only be sold if a single owner buys the entire collection is the first Humber Marshall’s father bought in 1960. He said: “I always remember the day I took the back seats out to deliver spuds to fish and chip shops in Hull.

“I don’t want to part with her but if we find someone willing to buy the whole collection for posterity it will be included. I hope my cars stay in the country. They’re like my family. I call them my girls and that first Humber bought by my dad is the boss. I always park her so she can see the others.”

He added: “But the time has come to let go. The costs of keeping them are too much for me now. My wife, Barbara, and I haven’t had a holiday for more than 40 years and if it’s a choice between my cars and my wife there’s no contest.”

Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer is one of the best-known names in the world of buying and selling cars. Having crossed the globe in the search for the perfect used car, Mike has come into contact with vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

Here, Mike gives us an insight into his favourite cars, what he listens to when he’s behind the wheel and what his dream road trip would look like.

What was your first car?

My first car was a classic Mini – and it was hearing-aid beige!

What do you currently drive?

I’ve actually come full circle and I’m the owner of a classic Mini again.

What would your dream car be?

I think my dream car would probably be a Blower Bentley.

What do you listen to when you’re in the car?

I listen to all sorts of things when I’m in the car, but mainly Paul Weller and a lot of The Who.

Do you sing along in the car?

Of course! I’m a rock star when I sing along in the car.

What annoys you most about other drivers?

In general, it’s bad manners which annoy me about other drivers. Oh, and if I’m allowed to say it – certain drivers not indicating!

Do you consider yourself a good driver?

Yes!

Did you pass your test first time?

Yes. However, when I started I kind of bunny-hopped off one of the kerbs. I looked at my driving instructor who was being shaken out of his seat and I thought ‘well, I’ve blown it’. But he passed me!

Do you wash your own car?

If I can, yes. Generally, if I turn up at one of my dealerships my staff tend to do it. But when I’m at home in America, and my car is on the drive I’ll clean it myself.

What would be a dream road trip?

I think my dream road trip would take in some of the roads in South Africa. The roads down there look beautiful.

Wheeler Dealers is currently airing at 8pm on Monday on the Discovery Channel.

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The BMW 3 Series is a household name across the globe. As one of the firm’s most popular vehicles, it’s a common sight on any given road, at any given time. Having been around since the mid-70s, it’s become a motoring staple, going from strength to strength with each generation.

The latest G20-generation 3 Series only arrived last year, which means there are several generations and plenty of revisions to look at. Let’s dive in and check out the history of the BMW 3 Series.

E21 – 1975-1983

The E21 kicked things off for BMW. Replacing the 02 Series, the E21 started with carburetted engines but soon transformed to use more modern, fuel-injected systems. Initially only available as a coupe, it soon spawned a convertible version – called the Bauer – and incorporated many BMW hallmarks that we know today, such as the kidney grilles up front.

Not all that popular in the UK, the E21 is a rare sight on British roads today. It’s also dwarfed in size by the current 3 Series.

E30 – 1982-1994

The E30 is where things really started to heat up for the 3 Series. It’s an iconic design, which pushed forward from the E21 yet managed to retain some of its predecessor’s key styling points. Compact yet impressively well made, over two million E30s rolled off the production line, and there are still plenty of those around today.

Not only did the coupe version arrive, but the E30 spawned a saloon, convertible and even estate variants as BMW reacted to a more demanding audience. Fortunately, the E30 more than delivered.

E36 – 1990-2000

The E36 isn’t often seen as the most ‘classic’ of 3 Series models; it falls right in between being a collector’s item and being a genuine daily driver – though it’s still a car which would happily manage the morning commute.

Again, coupe, saloon, convertible and estate models all appeared, while luxury features like a powered sunroof and – in later modes – anti-lock brakes were all available on the E36, treating BMW owners to more cutting-edge tech than before.

E46 – 1997-2006

After the brief downturn that was the E36, along came the all-conquering E46. Taking the key aspects of the 3 Series – involving driver and premium finish, to name but two – the E46 brought the range into the modern age with more features than before.

Though the cabin didn’t move things on all that much from the previous generation car, the E46 proved immensely popular and remains a common sight on our roads today.

E90/E91/E92/E93 – 2004 – 2013

The E90 is at the point where it still looks modern enough, despite being three generations back from the current model. It gained a mid-life refresh in 2012, though its curvy, rounded looks remained relatively unchanged throughout its life.

With a variety of different engines – including a V8-powered M3 version – this was a 3 Series with an even broader appeal than before. It also represents an excellent used buy.

F30/F31/F34 – 2011-2019

The F30 arrived on the scene with a big change – no naturally aspirated engines, just turbocharged units. Even the powerhouse M3 featured a turbo, showcasing the firm’s attitude towards downsizing.

A new hybrid version – badged 330e – also arrived, and the whole model received a refresh in 2015 which helped to elongate the car’s appeal even further.

G20 – 2019-Present

So here we are, the present day. The current G20-generation 3 Series arrived with even more aggressive looks than before – though it was still recognisable as a 3 straight away. Just saloon and touring layouts are available at the moment, but it’s likely that other variants will be available soon.

Given the success of the previous model, this latest version does have quite the task on its hands, but thanks to excellent dynamics and another rock-solid interior, it’s likely that this latest 3 will be just as popular.

If you’re wanting a slice of the electric car action, then it can often be an expensive prospect. Though the price of new electric cars is starting to fall, you’ll still be looking at spending tens of thousands of pounds upfront – or a fair amount per month – if you want to get behind the wheel of one.

But what if you’ve got a more regimented budget of, say, £10,000? Is it even possible to find a plug-in electric car on the used market for under that price? We’ve taken a look at the classified to find some electrified options which fit the bill.

Nissan Leaf

It’ll come as little surprise that the Nissan Leaf features on this list. It’s been in production – in one form or another – for some time now which means there are plenty of used examples available. Part ways with £10,000 and you’ll get a pretty decent example, too.

This budget is enough to net a 2016-year model, which means a 155-mile range. This was claimed when the car was new, but it’s still likely to get quite close to that figure even now.

Renault Zoe

Renault’s Zoe is a car which is ideally suited to those who live in urban environments and don’t want to use their vehicles to travel too far afield. Why? Well, for one, the Zoe is quite compact, so it better alludes itself to getting in and out of traffic or nipping into small spaces rather than long, cross-country jaunts.

Official figures on early Zoe models claim an all-electric range of up to 135 miles between trips to the plug, though this is more likely to be closer to the 100-mile figure. More than enough for shorter journeys, but it could be limiting for those who need to travel further.

Mitsubishi i-Miev

Much like Renault’s Zoe, the Mitsubishi i-Miev is an electric car which has been designed with the city in mind. It’s got a claimed range of between 80 and 100 miles, which is more than enough for zipping around town. Again though, cross-country drivers may be steered more towards the longer-range Leaf.

It wasn’t immensely popular – it was one of the very first all-electric cars available – but there are a surprising number of them available on the used market, and many for well under our £10,000 budget.

Citroen C-Zero

If the Citroen C-Zero looks familiar, there’s a reason for that; it’s based on the same platform as the Mitsubishi i-Miev. It just means that there’s another electric option for our budget, and secures another car with a 100-mile range.

It’s compact and easy to park, and though it may be one of the older electric models currently available on the used market, it’s still a great option for many.

Renault Fluence

Renault’s Fluence is a standout option for those who need a little more space and comfort. It’s a medium-sized saloon and, as a result, has a little more in the way of boot space and cabin room.

Renault claims up to 115 miles on a single charge. Though this isn’t exceptional for the size of the car – and certainly far behind what ‘current’ electric cars can offer – it’s plenty enough charge for most journeys. Plus, there are a handful available for under our £10,000 budget.

Renault has revealed a full list of pricing and specifications for its latest Captur.

Priced from £17,595 and available to order now, first deliveries of the all-new Captur are expected to commence in March 2020.

Officially unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Captur follows on from its predecessor which took the title as the best-selling B-SUV in Europe.

Built on a new CMF-B platform, the new Captur boasts more interior space than before as well as better levels of equipment. It’s longer than before – up 110mm – with an exterior beefed-up by front and rear skid plates and protective mouldings for the lower part of the body.

That increased length means there’s now 17mm more legroom in the rear than before, while boot space has been bumped up by 81 litres to a peak capacity of 536 litres.

LED headlamps are now standard-fit across the range, with Renault’s C-shape daytime running light incorporated into the unit’s design. Three new colours – Alabaster White, Highland Grey and Celadon Blue – are now available to choose from on the Captur.

Inside, Play and Iconic-specification models receive a seven-inch touchscreen system as standard, with those on S Edition are increased in size to a 9.3-inch portrait unit. Both get full navigation and connectivity systems too. In addition, each unit features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration technology.

Mid-range Iconic cars start from £19,095 and get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lamps and rear parking sensors as standard – among other features. At the top of the range sits the Captur S Edition, which starts from £20,595. Diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver are a few notable extras among a whole host of additions.

Three petrol and two diesel engines will be available from launch. Entry-level cars use a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit with 99bhp and 160Nm of torque, driven through a five-speed manual gearbox. Up next sits a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit with the choice of either 129bhp and 240Nm of torque or 153bhp and 270Nm of torque. Both come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

There is also a diesel offering which uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine in one of two outputs – 95bhp or 115bhp – with both coming with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Registrations for the upcoming Ford Mustang Mach-e are ‘slightly ahead’ of expectations, a Ford spokesperson has said today.

Around 200 UK registrations have been made since pre-orders opened three weeks ago, with each requiring a £1,000 deposit.

It equates to around 65 registrations per week since registrations opened ahead of first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2020.

This all-electric pony is lighting up the night. Reserve yours today.

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) December 3, 2019

It does, however, lag some way behind Norway – a country heavily invested in electric vehicles – which is said to already be on a ‘four figure total’.

A spokesperson from Ford told the PA news agency that TrustFord – the largest Ford-dedicated dealer group for new and used cars – has taken ‘double the second-placed dealer group’s deposits’, with a majority of those registering in metropolitan areas.

However, the spokesperson stated that the ‘overall spread of deposits is national’, stretching across the country and even as far-reaching as the Channel Islands.

An all-new, purpose-built vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E is one of 14 electrified Ford vehicles due to come to Europe by the end of 2020.

It’ll be launched initially with two battery pack sizes and three power outputs. At the entry point of the range sits a single motor-driven version with either a 75kWh battery and a 245bhp motor or a 99kWh battery and a 285bhp motor. Both should hit 60mph in under eight seconds, while ranges of 280 miles and 370 miles should be possible from the respective powertrains.

The future is electric, or so it would seem. Manufacturers across the globe are pushing towards plug-in power, with almost every brand bringing their own electric car to market. It means that over the next few months the electric segment will surge forward in size considerably.

But with so many cars set to be released, which are the ones you should be focusing on? We’ve done the hard work there – and these are some of the electric cars you should be getting excited about next year.

Ford Mustang Mach E

V8 muscle goes green. Ford has swapped the shouty V8 heart of the classic Mustang for a more refined eco alternative but promises the same untamed driving thrill that you expect from the Mustang name. Boasting a 370-mile range, 15.5” display for their next-generation Ford Sync System and striking looks, it’s a great addition to the electric SUV market.

Audi E-Tron Sportback

Building on the success of their first production electric vehicle, Audi is going to be adding to the line up with their E-Tron Sportback. With similar features and styling to the original and an expected range of around 248 miles, the Sportback will be a lower, more style focussed version to challenge the likes of the Jaguar I-Pace.

Fiat 500 Electric

The city is the perfect location for a small electric vehicle, so Fiat’s choice to combine its classic city car with a new electric powertrain seems like a match made in heaven. With a rumoured range of 250 miles, this fun city run around will retain its classic Italian looks but underneath become a whole new vehicle. The new electric power will play to the 500’s city strengths of nipping in and out of traffic and parking just about anywhere.

Peugeot e-2008

With the new e-2008, Peugeot is adding another car following its new philosophy of ‘Pick your Peugeot, pick your powertrain’. The new e-2008 has had a technology infusion in what Peugeot calls its new 3Di cockpit, and even comes with green stitching to remind you how eco-friendly you are being. The e-2008 has a projected range of 198 miles, but Peugeot states that it can be charge from 0 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes on a 100kw fast charger.

Volkswagen ID.3

Volkswagen has broken tradition a little by producing a purpose-built electric hatchback rather than adapting an already popular model. The ID.3 is set for release in 2020, with all the first edition cars they offered already reserved. With a longer wheelbase, but a body not much bigger than the traditional Golf, the ID.3 is set to have more interior room and great technology to match. At 340 miles of range, the larger battery version will take you further between charges than many of its competitors.

Vauxhall Corsa-e

A familiar look, but a brand new drive. The new Corsa-e comes with a 205-mile range and if you order before the end of 2019, Vauxhall will include a free home charger that will get you from flat to full charge in 7.5 hours. To keep its fun driving style, the Corsa-e comes with a Sport mode to give you that extra performance burst or switch to eco to increase the range.

Classic hot hatches are still in hot demand and despite their increased popularity, there are still bargains to be had.

So get looking through the classified adverts, because these classics are worth grabbing while they’re still around.

Renaultsport Clio 182

Renaultsport has form when it comes to creating fast, nimble and effortless agile hot hatches. The Clio 182 was a key example. Light and relatively inexpensive, it showed others how a hot hatch really should be done.

Used numbers are still strong but they’re shrinking as more and more cars are snapped up. Keep an eye on service history when looking at an example, and look out for unwanted modifications too.

Volkswagen Lupo GTI

The little Lupo GTI made waves when it arrived back in 2000. Small, stocky but powerful, it harked back to the original MK1 Golf GTI. In fact, its 123bhp out-punches the modern Up! GTI, showing just how much performance Volkswagen packed into this car back then.

Plenty of visual changes separated it from the regular Lupo, and today they’re highly sought after with clean examples commanding reasonable price tags.

Renaultsport Twingo

The Renaultsport Twingo danced a similar tune to the Lupo GTI. It was ultralight, highly powered and designed to maximise fun on the public road. Yes, the interior quality may not have been quite as good as the sturdy German’s, but it came with plenty of standard equipment which helped things along.

Decent examples don’t cost the earth today, either, and you get plenty of go-faster looks for your money.

Fiat Panda 100HP

Fiat’s little Panda is a well-known name in the compact car segment, and there have, throughout the years, been various sporting versions. The 100HP is a standout, as it finally put the Panda among more premium rivals.

That’s because it’s so good to drive. Lowered suspension, grippy tyres and fine handling came together to make a genuinely exciting package. They’re great value at the moment too – so get one while you can.

Volkswagen Golf GTI MK5

Classic Golf GTI models are racking up big prices on the used market, with nostalgia for the hot hatches of old driving up the price tags on cars like the MK1 and MK2 GTIs. However, this increase hasn’t affected the later, more modern MK5 edition quite so much.

But that’s no reason to avoid it. A complete revival of fortunes over the flabby and disappointing MK4, the MK5 marked a new age for the GTI. Comfortable, packed with equipment and well-styled, it’s a great option to go for on the used market today.

Skoda Fabia vRS

Skoda’s vRS models have always come pleasingly under the radar. Powerful and great to drive they may be, but conservative styling has meant that the vRS models haven’t always flagged up on people’s lists when looking at a hot hatch.

The Fabia vRS is one you should consider, however. It’s smartly styled, well put together and a hoot for whoever is behind the wheel. Plus. they don’t come with huge price tags, so they’re a great one to go for today.

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

When Alfa Romeo revealed that it was shoehorning a 3.2-litre V6 engine inside its dinky 147 hatchback, few people could believe it. Close to 250bhp and a 0-60mph time of just over six seconds meant that it could more than hold its own against other performance hatches of the time.

It commanded a serious price tag when new – just over £23,000 back in 2003 – and it has continued to maintain a strong price, maintained by enthusiast demand and interest. Still, search hard and you’ll find a bargain, and it’s likely to be a car you won’t regret buying.

More than a third of drivers who use their cars for work or commuting call in sick for at least one day a year because of car-related back pain, new research has found.

The research, which was conducted by carmaker Volvo, discovered that out of a sample of 2,000 adults who drive to work or for work purposes, 35 per cent admitted to having taken at least one day off work in the past 12 months because of back pain caused by uncomfortable car seats.

Applied to the 22,032,000 motorists in the UK who drive for work or commuting, the scale of the problem sees the economy hit by losses of £8.8 billion each year in lost productivity.

In addition, one in 10 said that they had taken a full working week off because of back pain.

Not only that, but the research discovered that nearly one in five of those surveyed had swapped out their cars for a more comfortable model to combat back pain, therefore putting additional stress on fleet operators. One in three also had to visit their local GP or physiotherapist for back pain – costing the NHS £191.94 million in appointments and hospital visits.

Kristian Elvefors, managing director for Volvo Car UK, said: “Back pain from poor quality car seats costs the UK economy billions in lost productivity, but also adds pressure on fleet providers to ensure their cars are comfortable for all drivers.

“Finding a replacement vehicle at short notice isn’t easy and costs money. Volvo is committed to ensuring that all of its customers, regardless of shape or size, find the seats in their car incredibly comfortable and pain-free.”

According to the Swedish manufacturer’s research, 63 per cent of drivers prioritise seat comfort above everything else when it comes to cars. Also, one in 10 of those drivers surveyed said that they have had passengers refuse to ride in their car because of its uncomfortable seats.

More than half of British drivers wait more than two months before getting faults with their car fixed, a new survey has revealed.

A survey of 2,020 drivers revealed that not only do motorists put off repairs for two months, but also showed that over half couldn’t change a tyre if they needed to.

In fact, 14 per cent of those questioned only fix faults when it’s urgent, while more than a quarter don’t know how to check the oil. Of the MOT tests taken this year, one third were fails while one in 10 was because of dangerous faults.

And yet, despite motorists agreeing that repair costs could be cheaper if addressed earlier, UK drivers spend £574.50 a year on repairs.

Lucy Davies at Green Flag, who commissioned the survey, commented: “Green Flag would like to help educate drivers on the importance of consistent and timely vehicle maintenance.

“Regular car inspection, maintenance and repair will ensure that future repair costs are minimised, hence we encourage all UK drivers not to underestimate the importance of proper car care”.

Green Flag says that each week, drivers should be alert to signs that a car isn’t running as smoothly as normal and listen out for if the engine turns over more slowly than usual when started – this could be a sign of a battery nearing the end of its life.

In addition, tyres should be checked each week for any cuts, damage or reduction in pressure.