The next model in the JLR Reborn series has been released, the first generation Range Rover - STUNNING !!!!!

• Paris presentation of factory-restored 1978 three-door Range Rover Classic marks evolution of the successful Reborn programme by Land Rover Classic
• Land Rover Classic will comprehensively restore an initial ten examples of the luxury SUV at launch
• Jaguar Classic will also give a European debut to the ‘New Original’ XKSS at Salon Rétro-mobile
• First Series I Jaguar E-type Fixed Head Coupe restoration – a privately-owned ‘barn find’ completely reconditioned to original specification – will be available to view on the Jaguar Land Rover Classic stand

Salon Rétromobile 2017 will see the world debut presentation of the next in the ‘Reborn’ series of expertly sourced and comprehensively restored Classic Land Rovers. 

Range Rover Reborn is a new programme offering prospective customers the unique opportunity to purchase an original and highly collectible vintage Range Rover, direct from Land Rover Classic in the UK.  The launch of Range Rover Reborn builds on the successful introduction of Land Rover Series I Reborn last year.*

Another highlight for show visitors will be the European debut presentation of the ‘New Original’ Jaguar XKSS. Following its successful introduction to media at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles in November 2016, this stunning XKSS finished in Sherwood Green is the engineering blueprint for nine cars destined for delivery to customers worldwide in 2017.**

Also showcased by Jaguar Land Rover Classic at Salon Rétromobile – held in Paris, France from 08-12 February 2017 – will be the first fully factory-restored original E-type Fixed Head Coupe.  This privately-owned, French-registered 1962 E-type, presented in Opalescent Gunmetal Grey, is presented complete with reverse-engineered body panels, manufactured in-house to ensure best fit and finish, and with its original 3.8-litre engine and transmission – also completely reconditioned.

Land Rover Classic’s expert team has drawn on decades of engineering and design expertise to complete the first Range Rover Reborn – a carefully selected 1978 Classic Range Rover. 

Specification overview

• Colour: Bahama Gold
• Engine: 3528cc V8 Petrol Carburettor Zenith-Stromberg 175CD type

- max. power 132bhp at 5000rpm

​- max torque: 186 lb ft (251 Nm) at 2500 rpm

• 4-speed manual transmission, lockable central differential

Every Range Rover Reborn will undergo a complete restoration according to the company’s original 1970s factory specification and using Land Rover Classic Parts to preserve and protect the vehicle’s authenticity.  

Land Rover’s experienced restoration team will advise customers of the best options for base vehicles – in terms of collectability, preferred chassis numbers and unique characteristics.  Prices for completed Range Rover Reborn restorations from Land Rover Classic will start from £135,000 GBP.

"Range Rover Reborn is another showcase of our dedicated in-house engineering expertise. It underscores our commitment to nurturing the rich heritage of Land Rover, and is a rare opportunity for customers to own a valuable and genuinely collectible automotive icon.

It is a wonderful way to preserve the much sought after three-door original Range Rover from the 1970s, from period-correct colour ways to interior trim and accessories."

Tim Hannig

Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic

The Range Rover was launched in 1970, originally in two-door configuration only, up to 1981, when the first factory four-door was introduced, and remained popular right up to the end of the first generation’s production in 1996.  

So popular, in fact, that production of the first generation continued alongside the second generation for almost two years, and the name Classic Range Rover was introduced to distinguish this model from its more modern sibling.

Believed by many to have launched the SUV sector, the Range Rover certainly defined the genre of the luxury 4x4 vehicle, and has been the vehicle of choice for members of the Royal household, politicians and superstars across the world.  

It has maintained its most credible position as the ‘ultimate SUV’ to this day, with a number of world firsts and records in its long and distinguished heritage.  

During the 1970s, the Range Rover also became the first vehicle to be exhibited at the Louvre in Paris as an ‘exemplary work of industrial design’.

USA - Chevy showcases a new engine by fitting it to a stunning classic 1970 Camaro.

Contemporized muscle car highlights new Corvette Z06-based crate engine

Chevrolet Performance is showing off the new LT4 crate engine in the most attractive way possible – under the hood of a classic 1970 Camaro RS. The concept vehicle was introduced today at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas.

As the supercharged 6.2L heart of the Corvette Z06, the LT4 is rated at 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production-vehicle engine ever from General Motors. The new crate engine – offered in dry-sump and wet-sump versions – allows builders to use the high-tech performance engine in their hot rod projects.

This Camaro concept uses the wet-sump kit, along with complementing air conditioning and front-end accessory drive kits.

“Chevrolet Performance pioneered the concept of high-performance crate engines and the LT4 represents a new threshold in technologically advanced, production-based choices for builders,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Whether it’s in a classic Camaro, like this resto-mod concept, or a vintage truck or street rod, the possibilities are almost endless – and that’s exactly how we continue to fuel the dreams of enthusiasts.”

In addition to the LT4 crate engine, the Camaro features a T-56 Super Magnum six-speed manual transmission.

To harness the power of the supercharged powertrain, the concept’s chassis and suspension systems have been upgraded with an independent front suspension with coil-overs and a rack-and-pinion steering system, as well as a four-link rear suspension, also with coil-overs. It rides on a set of 19-inch polished aluminum wheels and stops with the assistance of Corvette Z06-based front and rear disc brake kits developed as upgrades for the Stingray.

A blend of design cues inspired by the all-new 2016 Camaro complements the contemporary powertrain that drives the vintage muscle car, starting with the Hyper Blue Metallic exterior color. It’s one of the available colors on the Gen Six Camaro and it’s accented with white rally stripes – just like the 2016 Camaro Hyper concept on display at the SEMA Show.

The exterior also features LED headlamps and taillamps, as additional nods to 21st century technology.

Inside, the black, stock-appearing cabin features custom-trimmed seats from a third-generation Camaro and a custom instrument cluster with new gauges that work with the powertrain’s electronic systems. The instrument panel itself is wrapped in custom-trimmed leather. There’s also a six-point roll cage for added protection.

About the LT4 crate engine

The LT4 is based on the same Gen V small block architecture as the LT1 engine used in the Corvette Stingray and 2016 Camaro SS, with several unique features designed to support its higher output and the greater cylinder pressures created by forced induction. They include Rotacast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads that are stronger and handle heat better than conventional castings, lightweight titanium intake valves and stronger forged aluminum pistons.

Chevrolet Performance offers the LT4 with wet-sump (part number 19332702) or dry-sump (part number 19332702) oiling packages. Front-end accessory drive systems are offered for both applications, along with an air conditioning kit and a power-steering kit (wet sump only).

An engine controller –part number 19331517 – is available for manual transmission applications. A custom control system must be used for automatic applications.

The 1970 Camaro LT4 concept vehicle is one of more than 20 additional concept and production vehicles at the SEMA Show designed to showcase Chevrolet’s growing range of vehicle accessories, performance parts, crate engines and transmissions.

A series of Ford hot hatches and super saloons goes under the hammer at the Silverstone Auctions next month.

• A collection of Ford hot hatchbacks from the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties will be auctioned at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show next month
• Low-mileage 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 expected to fetch £70,000 - £80,000 and a 1996 Ford Escort Cosworth Lux with 7,700 miles is estimated to sell for £38,000 - £44,000, meanwhile a 1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 is guided at £30,000 – £35,000
• Concours condition 5,568-mile 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series I and pre-production 1978 Ford Capri 3.0 S will be sold without reserve
• Joining the line-up is a suspected development 1970 Ford Capri RS2600 that is expected to sell for £27,000 – £29,000 and a restored 1974 Ford Capri RS3100, guided to sell for £45,000 - £50,000
• Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show held at the NEC, Birmingham on 14-15 November

A selection of high-quality and historically important high-performance Fords will be auctioned at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham on the weekend of 14-15 November.

The auction line-up will see a number of Fords from the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties go under the hammer by Silverstone Auctions; each of which has been carefully selected by the specialist auction team based on their history, provenance, low-mileage status and condition.

One of the most significant cars being auctioned is a 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500. The car is one of just 500 examples sold in Britain and is one of the more powerful ‘Evolution’ models. The car is finished in white, one of just 56 examples finished in this colour, and is presented in ‘time warp’ condition having covered just over 13,000 miles. It will be auctioned with a guide price of £70,000 - £80,000 and comes from a significant classic car collection.

A 1996 Ford Escort Cosworth Lux also forms part of the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale and follows its legendary Eighties Sierra namesake. The highly desirable Lux variant has covered just 7,700 miles from new and has had just five previous owners (three in the same family). The car in question was one of the last examples to leave the production line and will be sold for £38,000 - £44,000 after an extensive service and cam belt change.

Another last of the line example is a well-presented 1993 Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4. This particular understated four door, four-wheel drive was the last of its type to leave the production line, as confirmed by a letter from Ford Genk. The car has covered just 20,006 miles and the Mallard Green paintwork gleams, while the black leather Recaro seats show little wear. The car is estimated to sell for £27,000 - £29,000.

The auction will also see two iconic Fords be sold without reserve. Lucky bidders will get the chance to buy a 1985 Ford Escort Turbo Series I that has covered just 5,568 miles. Described as being in Concours/factory-fresh condition, this particular example is believed to be the lowest mileage Series 1 RS Turbo in existence.

Another important car being sold without reserve is one of the most famous and historically important Ford Capris. The 1978 3.0 S example is a pre-production vehicle and has been on the cover of many automotive magazines throughout its life. The car was used as a test-bed for tuning and was once a long-term test car for Autocar; it was even owned by John Miles – ex-Lotus Formula 1 driver and journalist. Having been professionally restored, the bespoke one-of-one paint colour was preserved, and engine was rebuilt using a 3.2-litre engine and WMD crank.

Finishing off the collection of iconic Fords at the auction is two restored Seventies Capris. The first of which is a 1970 Capri RS2600, which is believed to be one of three factory prototypes. The car has undergone a significant restoration to exacting factory specification and is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come. The car is expected to sell for £26,000 - £30,000.

The second of the Capri line-up is another restored example with a story. This 1974 Capri RS3100 was bought later in in 1981 by Dennis Sellers, ex-Chairman of The Ford RS Owners Club who restored it using original Ford body parts and fittings but later sold it as a complete but unfinished project. Twenty years after the sale, the Capri was finished; including a complete engine rebuild. Having completed only running-in mileage since its restoration, this particular example is believed to be one of the best examples available on the current market today. It will be sold at the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale with an estimate of £45,000 - £50,000.

Silverstone Auctions will also be exhibiting at Classic & Sports Car - The London Show, held at Alexandra Palace from 30 October – 1 November as auctioneers for the silent auction. The auction house will be exhibiting two cars on their stand, as well as offering on-site valuations to show visitors.

For the full list of lots in The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale, please visit:http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/nec-classic-motor-show-sale-2015/view_lots/pn/all

The mega rare Ferrari will no doubt gain a huge amount of interest at the upcoming Hexagon Classics.

• Hexagon presents a stunning collection of classic cars at Salon Privé, headlined by a one-off Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Shooting Brake
• Unique Ferrari stars in the Post-War Coachwork concours class
• Hexagon is also presenting a 1966 Maserati Mistral 4000, a 1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet, a Jaguar E-type 4.2-litre Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe and a 1972 Aston Martin AM Vantage Coupe
• For more information about Hexagon Classics visit http://hexagonclassics.com

From a one-off Ferrari to the finest examples of icons from Maserati, Mercedes, Jaguar and Aston Martin, Hexagon Classics has something for all tastes at this year’s Salon Privé.

The leading London car dealer is showing off several cars from its classics department at the Blenheim Palace event, ranging from a 1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 to a 1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet, a Jaguar E-type 4.2-litre Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe and a 1972 Aston Martin AM Vantage.

Undoubted highlight of Hexagon’s collection at Salon Privé is its 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Shooting Brake, entered in the Post-War Coachwork concours class.

Commissioned by Luigi Chinetti (Coco), Jr it features coachwork by Panther Westwinds. Built at a cost of approximately four new Daytonas, this particular 365 GTB/4 was the 805th off the line. A standard Berlinetta, it was finished in Rosso Dino with a Nero leather interior. When completed, it was shipped to the United States and received by Chinetti Motors in the US.

The idea to turn it into a shooting brake came about in the early ‘70s,  when real estate developer Bob Gittleman strolled into Chinetti Motors asking for something a bit different — and Coco was only too happy to oblige. With the drawings completed, Coco decided on Panther Westwinds in Surrey, England, and two years later the car was shipped to the UK.

Panther Westwinds modified the Daytona into a striking shooting brake. Unlike traditional shooting brakes, this Daytona estate avoided a traditional rear tailgate by using gullwing-style rear side windows for access to cargo.

The interior was also substantially new, with the instruments mounted centrally in the opulent wooden trimmed dashboard. Even the cargo load floor featured wooden decking.

Delivered to Gittleman in Florida in 1975, it remained in his possession until 1980. The car passed through various hands, including those of Texan car collector and race team owner John Mecum, and was then acquired by New Jersey Ferrari collector Bill Kontes in 1988. A decade later it was with a different owner in France.

In 2000 it was displayed at the Concours d’Elegance at Paleis Het Loo in Holland and a year later it appeared at the Cartier Style et Luxe Concours at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Showing fewer than 4,000 miles on its odometer and in concours throughout, this one-of-a-kind custom Ferrari is spectacular and unique in virtually every way.

Hexagon Classics acquired the car in 2014 and set about a comprehensive restoration, employing the very same artisan who built the car while working at Panther in period. It has also benefited from a bare metal repaint and mechanical restoration by an official Ferrari service agent – and is in concours condition. It is for sale through Hexagon Classics.

Another Italian car capable of turning heads is Hexagon’s 1966 Maserati Mistral 4000 Coupe. Offering the highest horsepower of the Mistral series, this model has a 265bhp 4.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine.

Painted in its original colour of Argento Auteuil and supplied new to a Mr Luigi Serra of Genova, Italy on the 22nd April 1966, this particular Mistral is one of only 298 produced and is presented in superb order today.

It has benefitted from sympathetic restoration and remains thoroughly original, coming with the original owner’s manual and maintenance manual among other documents, plus also Maserati Classiche Certification. Without doubt a rare opportunity to acquire one of Maserati’s most highly sought-after models. 

One of the best four-seater convertibles ever made is this 1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet. Presented in near concours condition, it is also extremely rare being one of only 68 right-hand-drive cars produced.

Offering a thoroughly modern and easy to use driving experience, with a snug-fitting six-layer convertible top, excellent sound-deadening and a whisper quiet V8 engine along with power steering, it also benefits from the highly desirable option of a floor-mounted four-speed automatic gearbox, power windows and front head rests. 

Accompanying the car is its original handbook with the detailed pictures of a recent restoration by Australia’s leading Mercedes Benz restoration company Sleeping Beauties of Brisbane.

Many people’s idea of the perfect classic car is the Jaguar E-type – and one of the most desirable examples is on Hexagon’s Salon Privé stand, a 4.2-litre Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe.

Combining the classic lines of the original with a noticeably better driving experience, this particular car was completely restored in 2013. Like all 4.2-litre E-types it received a number of improvements over its predecessor, with an all-synchromesh gearbox, better brakes and more supportive seats. Of course, though, the highlight is the 4.2-litre engine, with its greater torque and refinement.

Another British icon is Hexagon’s Aston Martin AM Vantage Coupe. One of just 70 cars produced, it comes in Cairngorm Brown with Connolly Natural Hide and was supplied new on 18th September 1972. Its last owner, a British Airways Captain, has had the car for 19 years and has maintained it through Oselli Engineering, who recently rebuilt the engine to 4.2-litre unleaded fuel specification.

Hexagon has carried out a bare metal re-paint and a complete re-trim using the correct Connolly Hides throughout. With the car also getting a final mechanical sales preparation by an official factory Aston Martin Heritage Service Centre, it is now ready to be enjoyed to the full by its new owner.

Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics, said: “Salon Privé always represents a fantastic opportunity to share our cars with like-minded enthusiasts. 

This year we’re showing some of the more varied machines that Hexagon offers – from a one-off Ferrari to the finest examples of classics from Maserati, Mercedes, Jaguar and Aston Martin. All are for sale through Hexagon and we look forward to welcoming all car lovers to our stand in the majestic surroundings of Blenheim Palace.”

The "Finest Motorcar In The World" goes to auction next week.

One of the rarest Mercedes’ ever produced, a 1970 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, will be offered in Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on the 15^th of November. This car, estimated at between £200,000 and £250,000, is a right-hand drive floor mounted automatic, the rarest of all the variants and one of just 68 produced.

When the model was lanced in the early 1970s many people believed Mercedes had created the finest automobile in the world. 

For those who preferred the open air, and had the money to pay for it, there was no finer choice than the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet. It featured a powerful 3.5-litre V8 and was the fastest, most sumptuous and most expensive convertible that money could buy at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Purchased by the current vendor in the UK 11 years ago it was then exported to Australia. Since then the car has lived a privileged existence.  It was then entrusted to expert and marque restoration specialists Sleeping Beauties in Brisbane for what would be a five year, $200,000 plus restoration.

Commenting on the beautiful car, classic car specialist and general manager of Silverstone Auctions, Guy Lees-Milne, said: “This is a beautiful example of the car many regard as one of the finest in the world. Rarely do we see a car that has had this level of care and attention lavished on it.”

Following this restoration the car was scored at 95.5 out of 100 by the owner, who himself owns one of the world’s largest restoration companies. It was then sent it to his own facility for more extensive work with the instructions "make it as good if not better than the way it came from the factory". 

The car is now presented in concours condition to match the best in the world.

“Not only is this a rare and expertly restored classic car but could prove a fantastic investment. Prices for the more abundant left-hand drive model have topped $425,000 recently,” Guy added.

For more details on the car or Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1970-mercedes-280se-35-cabriolet-1-of-66-right-hand-drive.