Auction: 1935 Bentley 3.5 Litre

We've seen our fair share of auto auctions over the years. At this point, it takes something truly rare and truly unique to catch our eye. The car in question has to be more than four wheels and a beautifully engineered engine, which explains why we're all riled over word that a 1935 Bentley 3 ½ Liter Saloon will be auctioned off by Historics at Brooklands. Yes, the car itself is something special. It wears a unique Flying B hood ornament – one of only three ever created – and has extensive documentation following nearly every mile on the odometer, but that's not what makes this particular lot so interesting.

You see, the car is being sold along with complete ownership of Freestone & Webb – the company that originally built the Bentley's special body way back when. The company is being auctioned off with neither assets nor debt, so the winning buyer will essentially have rights to the name alone. The coachbuilder hasn't built anything since closing its doors for good in 1958.

The Bentley and Freestone & Webb will be sold alongside a total of 65 other classics on June 2.

via:autoblog




Press Release

Classic Bentley to be auctioned, complete with free ownership of the company that built it

75 years after it was coach-built to the highest standards of the day, a 1935 Bentley will be auctioned at Brooklands on June 2 with a unique, free 'accessory' - ownership of the British coach-building company that created it.

Billed as one of the finest examples of its kind, the fine 1935 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon is a jewel amongst 65 other fine classic and collector cars offered by specialist auction company, Historics at Brooklands.

Valued at between £75,000 - £90,000, the Bentley is offered by Historics with a comprehensive array of diaries documenting it's many trips in great detail. It is adorned with a single winged 'B' radiator mascot; believed to be one of only three examples of the experimental design ever produced, whilst the company which originally built the bespoke bodywork and interior of the car - Freestone & Webb - has even greater rarity value.

The renowned British coachbuilder was formed in 1923 by V.E. Freestone and A.J. Webb and, at its height, was producing 15 Rolls-Royces and Bentleys a year with exquisite hand-crafted bodywork and interiors. Freestone & Webb regularly exhibited at the London Motor Show and, for nine consecutive years, its excellence in the industry was recognised with the Gold Medal in the Private Coachbuilders competition.

Following the death of Webb in 1955, the company was taken over by HR Owen and continued to build bodies until 1958, after which the name was shelved.

The car's vendor discovered and acquired the company name and registered the limited company in 1990. It is now offered, together with the Bentley, as asset and debt free, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own not only a fine motor car, but also an iconic piece of British automotive coachbuilding history.

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the evening of June 2, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk. Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the evening.

3-litre Bentley Saloon.

Christened 'The Silent Sports Car', the chassis of the 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon was built from September 1933 in Derby alongside Rolls-Royce – and indeed designed under the influence of Sir Henry Royce - earning its moniker, in part, to excellent handling characteristics and a top speed of 97mph when adorned with the lightweight bodywork.

Despite early examples of the Bentley 3 ½ litre costing around £1,500, the unique blend of style, grace and performance proved popular amongst the inter-war elite, with over 70% of the cars built between 1933 and 1939 said to be still in existence some 80 years on.

A small selection of the 65 fine motorcars consigned to the first Historics of Brooklands auction on Wednesday, June 2, includes the following. Please visit
http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/online-catalogue.aspx for the full consigned list of vehicles.

High res photographs are available of all vehicles

1930 Bentley 4.5 litre Vanden Plas Tourer

A beautifully presented 1931 Bentley 4.5 litre boasts a well-documented and wonderful history, a fabulous finish with the correct engine and period-style supercharger. Examples of these important cars rarely come to the market, and a high level of international interest is expected £625,000 - £775,000

1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe

Very original, four owners from new, long-term owner since mid 80's
£110,000-£145,000

1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

Discovered in a barn after 20 years and recently re-commissioned
£48,000-£50,000

1987 Aston Martin Zagato Volante

Extremely rare, 1 of 37
£45,000-£60,000

1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I

Body by Thrupp & Maberly. Engine, body and interior restored
£130,000-£155,000

1955 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Stunning body on uprated XK140 chassis
£45,000-£55,000

1937 MG TA Special

All aluminium body, built to very high spec, demonstrated at Le Mans Classic 2004
£25,000-£35,000

1937 MG TA

Well-known 'Team Rosbif' racing T-Type. Raced extensively from early sixties onwards in the UK and Europe
£23,000-£28,000

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Imported to the UK in early 1960's
£12,000-£18,000

1969 Chevrolet Camaro 396 SS Convertible

Genuine numbers-matching 396SS in restored condition
£30,000-£40,000
1968 Ford Escort AVO Rally

Absolutely correct period rally car, beautifully restored.
£35,000-£45,000

1939 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith by Mulliner & Co

A stunning Razor-Edge saloon with a 6,000 hour restoration.
£30,000-£40,000

Infiniti Announced FX30ds price for UK Market

Infiniti has announced today the Infiniti FX30ds price for the UK market and that it can already be ordered here. The deliveries of the diesel Infiniti FX30ds will begin in Britain from July. The Infiniti FX30ds is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 piezo-injection engine that develops 235 bhp and 550Nm (406 lb ft) of torque from 1750rpm. The company says the Infiniti FX30ds has a combined fuel consumption of 31.4 mpg (9.0l/100km) and a CO2 emissions level of 238 g/km. The engine of the Infiniti FX30ds is coupled with 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control automatic transmission.

via:zercustoms




Press Release

• More miles and lower CO₂ from Infiniti’s first FX diesel
• Bespoke 235 bhp piezo-injection V6 with class-leading 550Nm (406 lb ft)
  of torque
• Still a sports car at heart – a diesel with available Rear Active
  Steering (RAS)
• Choice of luxury GT or sporting S themes, both topped by new Premium
  grades equipped as standard with every feature in Infiniti’s portfolio
• Infiniti’s Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Prevention
  systems now available in Europe
• FX30d prices from £45,150 – virtually the same as FX37 petrol versions
• Orderable now with deliveries to start from July

ROLLE, Switzerland (May 6, 2010) – The Infiniti FX, one of the sportiest
driving – and certainly the sportiest looking – large crossovers on the market
is now available with a sporting new engine under the bonnet. A diesel. This
isn’t the only first for Infiniti in Europe because with the new engine comes
the availability of new safety technology: Forward Collision Warning and Lane
Departure Prevention.

Playing to the FX’s strengths, the state-of-the-art 3.0-litre V6 enhances the
FX’s already torque-rich performance while significantly lowering CO₂
emissions and fuel consumption for real customer benefit. To be called the
FX30d, the four variant range joins the FX petrol V6 and V8 models in a new look
line-up for 2010 – and at prices that are virtually identical to equivalent V6
petrol models.

Announced today, the FX30d costs from £45,150, just £200 more than the
equivalent FX37 petrol model. Available in both luxury GT and more sporting S
guises, the arrival of the diesel also marks the addition of new Premium
specification grades with every possible feature included as standard –
including the sophisticated new safety technology to help guard against
collisions, available for the first time on any Infiniti in Europe.

The FX’s advanced construction, aerodynamic prowess and highly efficient
intelligent all-wheel drive system provide the perfect accompaniment for the
bespoke new V6 diesel engine. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is trimmed
to 31.4 mpg (9.0l/100km) while CO₂ emissions drop to 238 g/km.

The diesel FX, however, remains a performance car at heart – as the new
engine’s impressive 550 Nm (406 lb ft) of pulling power, available at just
1750rpm, demonstrates. Paired with the standard 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control
automatic transmission, the piezo-injection engine powers the greener FX from
0-62 mph in just 8.3 seconds. But with more torque than even the petrol V8 of
the FX50, it’s the diesel’s effortless overtaking pace that is set to leave the
lasting impression.

The FX’s sports credentials are enhanced in the FX30dS model which puts the
emphasis firmly on driver appeal. The S spec diesel includes 21-inch alloy
wheels, sports seats, sports suspension and Rear Active Steering (RAS) – the
first time this incisive handling technology has been available in the FX range
on anything other than the FX50 flagship.

Sacrificing neither performance nor refinement over the petrol FX, the
FX30d’s engine provides an exceptional breadth of capability. The exhaust has
even been tuned so it sounds sporting. Uniquely, the V6 features a compacted
graphite iron (CGI) block which combines the light weight of an alloy block with
the smoothness of an iron block engine – without recourse to complicated extra
engineering.

With 238 PS (235 bhp) the power output is among the highest of single-turbo
V6 diesel engines. The turbocharger is mounted in the V of the engine which is
set at an unusual 65 degree angle to the benefit of balance, reliability as well
as packaging efficiency.

The new diesel model is available in four guises, all paired by equivalent
FX37 petrol models in a simplified line-up designed to reflect a Europe-wide
customer preference for top-end FXs. In practice the change means more features,
fewer extra-cost options and a new top grade, Premium.

FX buyers can go in two specification directions: luxury GT or sporting S.
The 2010 GT, in either FX30d diesel or FX37 petrol forms, comes fully equipped
as standard with paddle-shift 7-speed automatic transmission, intelligent
all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, bi-Xenon
cornering headlights (AFS), rear view camera and parking sensors, powered front
seat adjustment (with driver’s seat memory), electric reach and rake adjustment
for steering wheel, glass sunroof, 20-inch light alloy wheels, I-Key with smart
access, cruise control, Scratch Shield self-healing paint and a 7-speaker audio
system including 6-CD changer, MP3 decoder, Aux-In and Bluetooth for mobile
connectivity.

The S derivatives ramp up the sporting appeal with powered front sports
seats, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shock absorbers, 21-inch alloy wheels
and, on the diesel S and 5.0-litre V8 petrol only, Rear Active Steering (RAS),
which enhances both stability and agility. To distinguish the S, the model comes
with smoked-glass headlamps and dark chrome exterior air vent and sill strip.

The new Premium grade enhances both GT and S models with features which are
often unavailable in rivals. Safety is a particular focus, reinforcing the FX’s
highest-possible five-star ranking in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Both GT Premium
and S Premium versions of FX30d and FX37 are equipped with key elements of
Infiniti’s innovative Safety Shield technology such as Intelligent Cruise
Control (ICC) with full speed range, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), and Forward
Collision Warning (FCW).

ICC ensures a safe distance to the car in front while the cruise control is
operating. When cruise control is off – the majority of the time for most
drivers – a combination of IBA and FCW remains constantly on alert, not just
warning the driver of insufficient distance to the vehicle in front but
pre-loading the powerful all-disc braking system in readiness for an emergency
stop, should that become necessary.

Another safety bonus, for the diesel only, is the inclusion in Premium models
of Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), available in Europe for the first time.
Unlike rival systems which merely warn the driver when the car strays out of a
designated traffic lane, Infiniti’s LDP gives a warning but crucially will then
take action if that warning is not heeded. Gentle brake pressure on one side of
the car guides the vehicle back into the correct lane. LDP functions only above
70 km/h and is automatically over-ridden by use of the indicators. The system
can also be turned off by the driver if desired.

FX Premium versions are also equipped with innovations like Around View
Monitor and a 30GB hard disk drive satellite navigation system, key ingredient
of Infiniti’s headline Connectiviti+ information and entertainment platform.
Notable for its wide ranging functionality and intuitive controls, the satnav is
not just four times faster than the previous DVD-based system but includes a
wide range of features and facilities, from Michelin Guide recommendations to 3D
graphics, to take the stress out of journeys – and add some extra enjoyment,
too.

On the music front, Premium models are equipped with a 10 GB Music Box which
can store the equivalent of 300 CDs – and, as standard, a Bose^®
Premium Sound System on which to enjoy them.

As before the V8-powered FX50 remains the flagship. There are no changes to
its specification for 2010 – virtually everything was already standard – but the
model is now badged FX50 S Premium to reflect the new order.

Prices for the full range of 2010 FX models are as follows:

FX37 GT	£44,950
FX30d GT	£45,150
FX37 GT Premium	£49,040
FX30d GT Premium	£49,680
FX37 S	£47,000
FX30d S	£47,200
FX37 S Premium	£51,090
FX30d S Premium	£51,730
FX50 S Premium	£56,400

The full range of both petrol and diesel-powered FX models is now available
to order from an Infiniti Centre.

Spyker relocating vehicle assembly to the UK

Spyker Cars N.V., manufacturer of exclusive premium sports cars, announces today that it will relocate vehicle assembly to its supplier, CPP (Manufacturing) Ltd, UK.

By relocating its assembly lines from Zeewolde to Coventry, Spyker will achieve considerable improvements in efficiency and substantial cost-reductions. The relocation is expected to be completed by the end of this year.


Of the 135 Spyker employees in the Netherlands, approximately 45 jobs will be directly affected. A full social plan will be prepared in consultation with the trade unions, and Spyker will work with the trade unions to assist the employees concerned in finding a new job. Engineering, Corporate staff functions, Sales, After-Sales, Marketing and "Spyker Squadron", the company's Works' GT race team, will remain in Zeewolde. Management will continue its efforts to reduce costs and further headcount reduction may not be excluded.

Victor R. Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars stated: "In these challenging times, a small manufacturer like Spyker has to find ways to reduce costs as well as improve its efficiency. By relocating vehicle assembly to CPP (Manufacturing), which was Spyker's very first contracting partner at the inception of our company in 2000 and has been one of our most trusted partners ever since, we secure the future of our business".


"With approximately half of our vehicles' parts and components sourced in the UK, and virtually all key suppliers being located there, moving closer to our suppliers and engineering partners will result in substantial savings and tangible efficiency improvements".

"We realise that jobs will be affected in the Netherlands but we believe this move is necessary under the current economic circumstances and is in the best interest of the company and all of its stakeholders," he added.


Brendan O'Toole, Managing Director of CPP (Manufacturing), stated: "We have worked closely with Spyker since 2000 when we built their very first prototype chassis, and have grown with Spyker to become one of the leading low-volume manufacturers in the industry. We will maintain the highest standards of quality in the assembly of Spyker vehicles, while at the same time achieving significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies for Spyker".
More Photos

2010 Toyota Land Cruiser UK Pricing Announced

The Toyota Land Cruiser has built a formidable reputation around the world for its ability to take even the most extreme conditions in its stride. From arid deserts to polar wastes, Land Cruiser has demonstrated its unrivalled toughness and durability in a heritage that spans six decades.
This background of achievement makes the launch of an all-new Land Cruiser a particularly significant event and Toyota has wasted no effort to ensure its new model builds on the pedigree of its ancestors. It is equipped with a raft of new and advanced handling and driver assistance systems that take its off-road capabilities to new heights. At the same time, it has been engineered for greater poise, comfort and performance when driving on-road.
In the UK new Land Cruiser is offered as a five-door model powered by a revised 171bhp 3.0-litre D-4D engine, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Three equipment grades are offered - LC3, LC4 and LC5 - with seven seats fitted as standard on all but the entry level version (on which third row seats are an option). Customer orders are being taken now with first deliveries from early December. On-the-road prices range from £29,795 to £44,795.


Design and Construction
The new Land Cruiser is only slightly larger than its predecessor, which helps maintain its off-road agility. The styling combines the model's traditionally robust looks with styling cues that were first introduced on the larger Land Cruiser V8.
Intelligent interior packaging provides more space inside the cabin, with Toyota EasyFlat third row seats that can be raised of folded flat at the touch of a button (LC4 and LC5 models). The usable loadspace has been significantly increased and a new rear glass hatch allows items to be loaded without having to open the full side-hinged tailgate - ideal for tight parking places.
Toyota has retained the body-on-frame construction that has always been an integral part of Land Cruiser's exceptional off-road ability. Careful attention to the suspension design and NVH measures ensure high standards of on-road ride, handling and comfort are maintained.


Technology for on and off-road performance
New Land Cruiser introduces a series of advanced but user friendly features that help the driver tackle even the most challenging routes. These include: -
* Electrically modulated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which minimises body roll and gives positive steering on-road, and increases wheel articulation off-road.
* Full-time All-wheel drive with Torsen limited slip differential.
* Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), with four driver-selectable modes to tailor vehicle settings for different off-road conditions.
* Multi-Terrain Monitor, a world-first system of front and side view cameras that give the driver a real-time view of areas immediately around the vehicle that can't be seen from the wheel.
* Crawl Control, which controls the engine and brakes to maintain a slow, safe speed when driving off-road or wading, so the driver only needs to concentrate on steering. This operates in both forward and reverse gears.
* Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Multi-Terrain ABS and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are fitted as standard on all models.


Equipment highlights
There is nothing spartan about life on board the new Land Cruiser. 17-inch alloys, roof rails, fog lamps, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth and Smart Entry and Start system are all part of the LC3 specification.
LC4 models add triple-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, powered folding third row seats, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front seats, dusk-sensing headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, rear parking monitor, 17-speaker JBL premium audio package and a hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with a 10GB sound library.
At the top of the range the LC5 models come with Adaptive Variable Suspension with Active height Control, sunroof, Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Monitor, Steering Angle Display, Multi-terrain Select and a rear seat entertainment system for DVD playback and gaming.
More Photos

2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Testing Set to Begin in the UK

Excitement is building as the first 25 full production all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s arrive at Bristol’s Royal Portbury Docks. Final preparation has already begun before the cars hit the road on December 12th 2009 as part of a West Midlands based government trial.

The i-MiEV’s left Japan by boat six weeks ago and their arrival has been eagerly awaited, especially by the end users and everyone following their progress via Mitsubishi Motors UK’s i-MiEV Facebook fan page.


i-MiEV – Leading The Market
The multi award winning Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a fully electric city car and the first real-life EV with zero tailpipe emissions made available by a mainstream manufacturer. It's a genuine car, ensuring no compromise in cabin space, seating 4 adults and room for luggage. It has a top speed of 81 mph, a range of 100 miles and can be trickle charged from flat to full in 6 hours at any UK three-pin socket – and it only costs 96p for a full charge.


An Early Sales Triumph
The i-MiEV, on sale in Japan since July this year, has been a sell-out success. The 1,400 units allocated by Mitsubishi for the 2009 Japanese market have flown out the door and an impressive 900 orders have already been placed in Japan from the 2010 build allocation.

European production will begin in October 2010 with left hand drive i-MiEV’s available in markets across Continental Europe towards the end of the year.


Real-World Trials
The cars are taking part in one of the Government’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator projects, run by the Technology Strategy Board. Through an extensive selection process, members of the public have been selected by consortium partner, Coventry University, to trial the cars for 12 months allowing analysis of driving and charging behaviour.


The West Midlands CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) consortium combines the expertise of Arup – design and engineering consultant and project leader, power provider E.ON, the city councils of Birmingham and Coventry, three academic institutions, and five other car manufacturers, and is supported by Advantage West Midlands.
More Photos

Toyota Aygo Platinum: New Top-Of-The-Line Model for UK Market

A new range topping model that goes by the name Platinum has been added to the Aygo's UK line-up. Building on the specification of the Aygo+ model, the Platinum trim adds 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, Crystal Silver metallic paint, six-speaker audio system, Alcantara and leather seats and gear knob trim.

Buyers may also opt for the Xtra Protected pack which is priced at £380 adding rear parking sensors and additional side and rear protection mouldings while Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control can also be specified as an option, at £340.
more detail. ...