Random Picture: Snow Dragster

This definitely needs some future investigation-

Colani L´Aiglon

Can this be anything other than a Colani concept car, an awesome take on the sports cars of the 30’s mixed in with Colani’s usual outlandish styling giving the colossal vehicle, some 23 feet long, an almost organic form.

Modified Plymouth Superbird

As soon as I saw the first picture of this car over on Motorhome Magazine’s Open Road forumpage I was amazed, not just by the choice of car, being 1 of 1,935 Superbirds built, but also the story behind it.

Peugeot Quasar

Peugeot has had a number of attempts at building out and out sports cars with little success of them moving from concept to production. In 1984 this was their attempt to wow the buying public and lift the image of the company hot on the heels of the success of the 205 GTI. To be fair Peugeot let its designers think out of the box when they built this image of the future.

The Petrol Stop Magazine PREVIEW

As you may know we attend a number of events and car shows throughout the year, as such I’ve decided to combine all these features into a single FREE online magazine. This digital magazine will cover events such as Dubfreeze, the Manchester Classic Car, the Manchester Bike Show, Volkswagen Northwest and the recent Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show as well as more club orientated events like the Scirocco Register and Gilbern Owners Club  national meets.

It will be available in the first half of December but here’s a preview of what to expect from its 80 or so pages.

Ferrari F40

Back at the end of the 80’s with the now aging Lamborghini Countach still giving Ferrari a run for its money in the poster department, Ferrari unleashed the F40. Looking back it was the ultimate track car that was road legal with none of the luxuries normally associated with the prancing horse. This was a stripped out tub that was built with one goal in mind 200mph and came perfectly timed for Ferrari’s 40^th birthday.

 

Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham

Thanks to Lancaster Insurance I headed down to what is probably the largest indoor car show in Europe last Friday, the first time I’ve attended since 2008 and how it’s grown. Over those years it’s gone from filling three of the NEC’s massive halls to now spanning five. The quality and abundance of metal now on show has also improved from “just a classic car show that’s in doors” to showcasing the best of the best as well as club projects, rare gems and concept cars. Enough to make walking round this colossal show take six hours, and some of that was at some pace!!!!

General Motors Bison

General Motors really were on the money with the future world that this concept truck would drive in. They saw a world of standardised containers that would be automatically loaded, unloaded and stored by electronically controlled equipment to increase efficiency, way back in 1964.

Welcome to Prestige Keep Moving Car Insurance

Reward for being seen as a better driver!

I am happy to inform you that we have linked up with the Prestige Keep Moving Car Insurance Scheme – www.prestigekeepmoving.com/p/car-clubs.html– which is provided by a very large organisation called The A&A Group Ltd. They have a special car insurance scheme specifically designed for car enthusiasts and the Prestige brand brings 25 years wealth of experience in car insurance.

Historically, statistics show that car enthusiasts are better drivers and so this can be rewarded with cheaper premiums, but without detracting from policy cover.

Please ring them when your insurance renewal is due on 0800 330 8057 (or 0333 4001580 if ringing by mobile as this can be included in any ‘free minutes’) or click on the link at the top of the page. Please tell them that you were recommended by The Petrol Stop.

Also they're currently offering a FREE MOT with Halfords when you renew!

 

Enfield 8000

In the late 1960’s Enfield (yes the company that built the bikes) set up Enfield Automotive with the promise of bringing electric cars to the masses in partnership with the Electricity Council. Leading on from the Enfield 465, which had a limited run but was more of a test bed and forerunner to this final production vehicle.  Released in the public in 1973 it was fitted with a 48 volt motor that produced 8bhp was good for 48mph and had a range of 40miles. Add to that its lightweight and seating for four it was the original city car before the term had even been penned.

Megola

I’ve seen a few radial engines installed into bikes, these are usually custom builds using a large aircraft derived engine, but this was a production bike in 1921. What makes it even more interesting and unusual is the fact the engine is mounted to the front wheel.

Random Picture: Coach Building

Back from a time when cars were built, not assembled, by time served craftsman who fitted and adjusted parts to fit by hand with traditional tools-

Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

One of the last truly beautiful Ferrari’s, possibly until the recent 458, Ferrari’s through the 80’s could be described as aggressive, purposeful, full of attitude but never beautiful with those angular body kits and wings. The 90’s were also a dark time with Ferrari building bland and safe cars. But back I the early 70’s before the time of the simple wedge there was the 365GTB, a car whose flowing lines and sheer presence were perfection from any angle. That interior shouts quality, performance and lets you know you’re not in just some sports car but a Grand Tourer capably of whisking you from London to the Italian Lakes in comfort and at speed. The only addition needed to enhance the experience would be aviator sunglasses, leather driving gloves and a manly moustache; okay the last one might be optional.

Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show, NEC

Well a big thank you to Lancaster Insurance for my complimentary tickets for this years event at the NEC, I'll be attending on the Friday so if you see me walking around in my white logo'd up hoodie give me a shout for some free The Petrol Stop sticker.