Category: News

A classic Audi Quattro is predicted to fetch a high price when it heads to auction next month.

The Quattro, just one of only 295 right-hand-drive, 20-valve RR models built, was given a full restoration in July 2016. It cost the then-owner £29,000 to complete, too.

The car has covered 8,000 miles since its full restoration and now has 105,000 miles on the clock. It has been kept entirely in its original condition, with the exception of a performance Milltek exhaust which replaced the factory-fitted version. Air-conditioning was also fitted in 2019, ensuring that it be used comfortably all year round.

It comes with both sets of keys, all handbook and service records since new and a ‘complete’ set of MOT certificates. It’s set to go under the hammer at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show on March 24-26 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Gary Dunne, CCA sales manager, said: “Audi’s claim of 6.3 seconds 0-60mph is perfectly credible. When you put your foot down the 1.3-tonne Quattro hurls forwards with vigour.

“Everything about this car reminds us of the 1980’s era, although this car is one of the last of this model made in the early 90s. The car is for me a paragon of eighties indulgence, Filofaxes, rain macs, braces, yuppies. Remarkably, this model still handles exceptionally well given its 31 years.”

The Quattro is accompanied by a guide price of between £55,000 and £65,000, though recent examples have fetched more than £100,000 at auction.

Sadiq Khan has urged the leaders of four London councils to drop their opposition to his expansion of the ultra low emission zone (Ulez).

The capital’s mayor wrote to the leaders of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon councils describing their grounds for a potential legal challenge to the measure as “wholly without merit and misconceived”.

He insisted it is “simply not true” that the scheme – which will be extended to cover the whole of the capital from August 29 – is a “money-making venture”.

Transport for London (TfL) expects net income from the Ulez to fall to “nominal levels within the next few years”, Mr Khan wrote.

Until then, all net revenue will be reinvested back into transport in London, he stated.

The Ulez is currently limited to the area within the North and South Circular roads.

Drivers of vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a £12.50 daily fee for entering the zone.

Mr Khan wrote that he is “determined to reduce the toxic air in our city, which leads to around 4,000 Londoners dying prematurely every year”.

He added: “Instead of pursuing an expensive legal challenge funded by local residents, I would hope you would work with me to help clean up the dirty air that’s blighting our city and the lives of those we represent.”

The UK’s new car market has grown for six consecutive months, new figures show.

Some 131,994 new cars were registered last month, up 14.7% on January 2022, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

Electrified vehicles are driving the increase.

Registrations of hybrid electric vehicles were 40.6% higher in January than during the same month in 2022.

The market share for pure electrics was 13.1%, down from an average of 16.6% last year.

A new SMMT forecast anticipates total registrations across the whole of 2023 will reach 1.79 million, up 11.1% on last year.

The industry body warned that the rollout of new electric vehicle charge points is failing to keep pace with demand.

It stated that the ratio of new charge point installations to new plug-in cars fell from 1:42 in the final three months of 2021 to 1:62 between October and December last year.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The automotive industry is already delivering growth that bucks the national trend and is poised, with the right framework, to accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK economy.

“The industry and market are in transition, but are fragile due to a challenging economic outlook, rising living costs and consumer anxiety over new technology.

“We look to a Budget that will reaffirm the commitment to net zero and provide measures that drive green growth for the sector and the nation.”

Ian Plummer, commercial director at online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader, said: “Against a backdrop of economic turbulence, six months in a row of year-on-year growth for the new car market is something to cheer, but sales of electric vehicles have come back down to earth.

“On our marketplace, demand for new electric vehicles is at a three-year low thanks to higher energy bills.

“They now account for fewer than one in 10 of all new car inquiries being sent to retailers – down from almost 30% last summer.”

Jim Holder, editorial director of magazine What Car?, said: “Electric vehicles were the success story last year.

“For uptake to continue growing this year it’s crucial the cost-of-living crisis is contained, as the technology continues to command a premium over petrol and diesel models.”

One in six drivers (16%) turn off their car’s heating in an attempt to save on fuel costs, a new survey suggests.

The poll of 2,000 British drivers commissioned by Vitality Car Insurance indicated that not driving too fast is the most common method of trying to reduce fuel usage, with 55% doing so.

Other ways of cutting petrol and diesel bills include keeping tyres inflated to the correct level (51%), removing unnecessary items (29%) and keeping windows closed (22%).

There are conflicting opinions about whether switching off a car’s heating saves fuel.

The RAC says it does, so advises drivers to “dress for the weather even inside your car” if fuel efficiency is a big concern.

Vitality Car Insurance managing director Andrew Webb said: “Our research shows that Brits are prepared to do a wide range of things in order to save money, with some even going as far as turning off the heating in their car despite the cold snap.

“For those looking to save, reducing speed – where safe – is generally the most effective way to cut down on fuel consumption.

“By modifying your driving habits in order to save on fuel, in many cases you are actually being a safer driver.

“This could be used to reduce your car insurance premium.”

The survey was conducted by Opinium in October 2022.

Red Bull has announced an engine partnership with Ford which sees the American giant return to Formula One after two decades away.

The new deal, which comes into force with the sport’s 2026 change in engine regulations, was confirmed at Red Bull’s season launch in New York on Friday.

Ford terminated its involvement in F1 when it sold Jaguar to Red Bull 19 years ago, but the American car maker has been keen to jump on the surge in popularity in the sport in the United States following the success of Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’ series.

However, Ford’s comeback will primarily be an advertising exercise, with Red Bull to remain in control of its own power units, built at its Milton Keynes headquarters.

Ford chief executive Jim Farley appeared alongside Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and double world champion Max Verstappen as the tie-up was confirmed in Manhattan.

“At Red Bull Racing we always strive to do things first and do things differently,” said Horner.

“This is the first time we have launched our season outside of the UK and the first time any F1 team has launched in the USA.

“The growth of our sport in America cannot be ignored. There are over 50 million F1 fans in the USA, of which 72 per cent follow us, and the way the fans have embraced our team here has been very special to see.

“We also wanted to celebrate with, and welcome, Ford in their home country, as they become Red Bull Powertrains new partner from 2026. This will be a true strategic technical partnership.

“Ford will assist with battery and hybrid technology and much more to keep the team ahead of the competition. I am already very excited about the possibilities that this partnership will offer both of us globally.”

Farley said: “We looked at a lot of options and we wanted to go in the direction that was authentic to us so we decided to have a strategic and technical partnership with Red Bull powertrains.

“We want to help Christian and the whole Red Bull Racing team to deliver the goods on the track. it is a huge moment for the Ford family and we cannot wait to go racing.”

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, who was also in New York for Friday’s announcement, said: “The news today that Ford is coming to Formula One from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula One.

“They are a global brand with an incredible heritage in the racing and automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world.

“We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”

Red Bull’s Verstappen secured his second title with four races remaining last year, while his team comfortably took the constructors’ crown.

The Dutch driver, 25, opens his championship defence in Bahrain on March 5.

A Ferrari 360 Spider once owned by former professional footballer David Beckham has gone on sale online.

The Spider was owned by Beckham in the early 2000s, around the same time that the footballer’s then-club Manchester United won the 2002-03 Premier League title. It was also around the same time that Beckham was awarded an OBE.

Current prices for 360 Spiders stand at around £60,000, however, this particular example – which is currently on sale via automotive marketplace PistonHeads – is listed at £110,000 courtesy of its excellent condition and famous previous owner.

Though Beckham had kitted the 360 Spider out with a ‘D7 DVB’ private registration, the Ferrari is now back on its time-correct Y plate. It has also covered just 7,900 miles since 2001 while its owner says that it is accompanied by an ‘extensive’ service history, with major cambelt work completed routinely.

Matt Bird, deputy editor of PistonHeads, said: “The condition, the mileage, and an A-list history makes this one of the more special 360s out there.

“Even those not so interested in the football link, and simply after one of the best Modenas out there, would struggle to do much better. And for those that are, what a story you’ll have to tell when someone asks about your Ferrari.”

The 360 Spider also incorporates Challenge Stradale-style wheels – similar to some of Ferrari’s racing production cars – alongside a Tubi exhaust and lightweight carbon seats.

The Bugatti Chiron Profilée has become the most expensive new car ever sold at auction, with a price of €9.8m (£8.7m) including fees.

Sold yesterday evening (February 1) by RM Sotheby’s at an auction in Paris, the Profilée is also one of the most valuable Bugattis ever sold.

While Bugatti’s Chiron hypercar is rare in its own right, with only 500 models being produced, the Profilée is particularly special as it’s a bespoke one-off version. Originally intended to be sold in higher numbers, during the model’s development the Chiron completely sold out, deeming the Profilée to be a one-off example, classed as a ‘pre-series’ by Bugatti.

Unique details on this Chiron include its fixed tail spoiler, which is unique to modern Bugattis and striking alloy wheels that were created purely for the Profilée. A bespoke colour, called Argent Atlantique, was also created just for the car, with blue carbon fibre detailing complementing the look.

Powered by the Chiron’s renowned 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine, the Profilée sits between the Chiron Sport and Pur Sport models in the line-up, and is able to manage 0-60mph in just 2.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 236mph – 18mph higher than the Pur Sport model.

The €9.8m (£8.7m) sale price was more than double the pre-sale estimate of €4.2-5.5m (£3.74-4.89m).

This auction was the final chance to buy a ‘new’ Chiron, with production of the model ending shortly at the brand’s factory in Molsheim in northern France, with all versions already accounted for. The Chiron is the last Bugatti developed under Volkswagen Group ownership, with Croatian electric hypercar firm Rimac buying the legendary brand in 2021.

The 1978 Formula 1 World Championship-winning Lotus Type 79 famously driven by Mario Andretti is coming up for auction later this year.

Announced by auction house Bonhams yesterday at the Retromobile show in Paris, it’s one of the most important and iconic F1 cars from the period.

Full name John Player Special Lotus-Cosworth Type 79, it has the nickname ‘black beauty’ owing to its streamlined shape and black and gold John Player Special sponsor livery.

The Type 79 was introduced to Formula 1 in the 1978 season, with the cars winning six of the 11 Grand Prix races, and having five podium places.

This historic machine, chassis 79/4, was driven by Mario Andretti in the famous Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and would go on to claim the 1978 Formula 1 Driver’s world title. Andretti is only the second American to have ever won a championship title, after Phil Hill who won with Ferrari in 1961. However, with Hill’s victory, the car was scrapped, meaning this Lotus is the only remaining F1 championship-winning car to be driven by an American.

Not set to go under the hammer until November at Bonhams’ new sale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the model has an estimate of $6,5-9.5m (£5.27-7.71m).

Mark Osborne, global director of motorsport at Bonhams Collector Cars, said: “This car, 79/4 or JPS22 as the sponsors preferred ticks every conceivable box. From its ‘Superstar’ driver and crown-clinching Grand Prix success to its livery and pivotal trend-setting innovation, Mario’s Championship winner from 1978 stands not only as one of the most significant cars of the 3-litre F1 era, but of Formula 1 itself.”

The average price paid for motor insurance jumped by 8% in the last three months of 2022, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The typical premium paid for private motor insurance was £470, up by 8% on the previous quarter.

The average premium was also 7% higher compared with the final quarter of 2021.

Rising costs have added to upward pressures on insurance policies.

The ABI said delays in finding parts, the increased cost of paint and the jump in energy prices are among the factors adding to vehicle repair costs.

Courtesy car costs have increased, as have second hand car prices, the trade body said.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) introduced new rules on the pricing of motor and home insurance from January 2022.

The rules ensure that the price paid by renewing customers for motor and home insurance is no greater than the price charged to an equivalent new customer for the equivalent policy bought through the same distribution channel, such as via an insurer, broker or price comparison website.

The price of cover continues to reflect a range of factors, including the cost of settling claims.

The ABI said the average price paid for a new policy during the fourth quarter of 2022 rose by 7% (£37) compared with the previous quarter to £531 – a record high.

The average price paid on renewal of an existing motor policy increased by 8% (£31) to £428.

Taking 2022 as a whole, the average price paid to renew an existing policy fell by 7% on the previous year to £392, while the average price paid for new cover rose by 11% to £500.

The changes during the year in part reflected the introduction of the pricing rule changes, the ABI said.

Jonathan Fong, senior policy adviser, general insurance, at the ABI, said: “Every motorist wants the best insurance deal, especially when coping with cost-of-living pressures, and insurers continue to do all they can to keep motor insurance as competitively priced as possible.

“Yet, like many other sectors, insurers continue to face higher costs, such as more expensive raw materials, which are becoming increasingly challenging to absorb.

“Anyone concerned about being able to continue paying their motor insurance premium should speak to their insurer about any alternative payment options that may be available.”

Up to one in 10 drivers risk being fined for ignoring lane closed signs on motorways, new figures suggest.

National Highways said the proportion of drivers who comply with the red X signs is “more than 90%”, indicating nearly 10% do not.

Since September 2022, all police forces have been able to use enforcement cameras to prosecute motorists who illegally pass under a red X or enter a lane beyond one.

This can result in a fine of up to £100 and three penalty points, or more severe penalties and a court appearance in some cases.

Surrey Police was one of the first forces to prosecute offenders caught by cameras in November 2019.

New figures show it has issued 9,427 Notices of Intended Prosecution since then.

Some 4,926 recipients completed a safety awareness course, with others selecting alternative options such as paying a fixed penalty or having the matter heard at court.

The roads policing unit covering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire said nearly 300 vehicles were seen contravening a red X displayed on the M25 near Junction 20 on a single day in December 2018 while emergency roadworks were carried out following a crash.

One of the offending drivers contested the matter at court, where he was ordered to pay a fine and costs amounting to almost £1,000.

He also received three penalty points.

Adherence to red X signs is critical to smart motorway safety.

National Highways’ staff switch on the closed lane signs when stopped vehicles are detected in live lanes to prevent them being hit from behind and to help and protect the emergency services.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, said: “Red X signals are in place on the motorway for your safety and the safety of others.

“Sadly, there are too many instances where motorists fail to comply with a red X signal and put others in incredible danger by driving in a closed lane.

“This is unacceptable and drivers who do so need to understand they face prosecution.”

National Highways traffic officer Dave Harford said: “We don’t take the decision to close lanes lightly, but when we do, drivers must obey the closure.

“A red X signal is there for the safety of everyone on the road – including people in difficulty, traffic officers, recovery and emergency services helping them, and all other road users besides.”

AA president Edmund King said: “As more than a third (38%) of breakdowns on smart motorways happen in live lanes, it is vital that all drivers avoid lanes with a red X as soon as possible, as you never know what danger may lie ahead.”

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams described the proportion of drivers using closed lanes as “very worrying”.

He said: “For some time we’ve been concerned that red Xs displayed on signs at the side of the road aren’t nearly as clear as those positioned on gantries directly above each lane.

“We fear this may be a factor in some of the non-compliance.”