MG's return continues apace with another dealership announced, this one in the West Midlands.

With almost 50 years family history behind it, a passion for working with the community and giving their customers the best service, MG Motor UK is thrilled to welcome Bunning of Wolverhampton as its newest dealer. 

The family run business, which is owned by Aaron Bunning and his grandfather, Dennis, was established in 1967. Since then, Aaron, operating as a sole independent trader, has worked incredibly hard with his team to build it up to the company it now is.

Aaron said: “We are really looking forward to representing a British brand that is so recognised. Once we heard everything about MG and got to know the brand and its customers more, we knew we wanted to work with a manufacturer that is only going to continue to grow more and more.”

Aaron was keen, after joining the business three years ago, to make the dealer stand out amongst all those in the surrounding area by doing something different. He already believes they stand out by delivering a warm, family feel and true teamwork to deliver the best to each customer, yet he was looking for more so Aaron decided to start supporting a local cause; ‘The Way Youth Zone’.

Aaron said: “The Way is a fantastic place for eight to 25-year-olds to spend their time and get off the streets. I raised almost £400 for them last year and they were so pleased, as we were the first business to give them money. From then on I knew I wanted to continue supporting them and I haven’t stopped since. I’m so pleased that they will be coming to our launch event in April.”

Not only does Bunning support the community, it also makes sure all its customers are given the best service with a bit of fun thrown in too.

Aaron added: “We run a monthly track day for our customers to let them play around in their cars, gain driving guidance and expertise from professionals as well as having a fun day out.”

Aaron’s passion for the track stems from his grandfather, who used to race motorbikes. In his spare time Aaron races MGs and is planning to put his race car on display at the showroom launch in April.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing for MG, said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming Aaron and his team to the MG dealer network. It’s always great when we find a dealer that does something a little bit different to engage its customers and attract more. We’re really looking forward to working with Bunning and the passion they bring.”

The first production right hand drive 1967 TR5 Roadster is to be sold by leading classic car restorers Classic Motor Cars

The car will be on display at the Classic & Sports Car show at Alexandra Palace

The first production right hand drive 1967 TR5 Roadster is to be sold by leading classic car restorers Classic Motor Cars (CMC).

This incredibly special car was the first TR5 P1 to be built on the normal assembly line, and is one of only 1,100 to be produced, carrying with it an indisputable history.

Manufactured on the 29th August 1967 by Standard Triumph Motor Company Limited, the car went into the Press Fleet, as well as appearing at the Earls Court motor show of that year.

The production of TR5s lasted a 13 month period, between August 1967 and September 1968.  They were built with a 2.5 litre straight-6-fuel-injected engine, developing around 145 hp.  Fuel injection was incredibly rare in road cars in 1967, causing Triumph to claim that this was the “First British production sports car with petrol injection”.

Managing Director of CMC, Nick Goldthorp said: “This TR5 is in very original condition throughout, having been serviced and maintained to a high standard throughout the last 48 years. A comprehensive and detailed history file confirms the provenance of this distinctive and historic car, which will certainly be a great addition to any car collection.”

The car is unique both inside and out, boasting an interior that has been upheld to an impressive standard over the years.  The car’s mechanics have been rebuilt using only genuine Stanpart parts where needed.  Furthermore, all the parts that have been replaced over time are accompanied by their respective documents, confirming their authenticity.

This iconic car is finished in the exterior colour of Valencia Blue with Black Ambala interior, and is being sold for £79,500.

It will be on display at the Classic & Sports Car show at Alexandra Palace, Stand H100, from Friday 30th October to Sunday 1st November.

SPAIN - Citroen celebrates the world of film and the the use of its cars in movies.

• A look at some of the most outstanding 'cameos' of Citroen vehicles in films of all kinds, from Sor Citroën to 007 or Tintin
Throughout its history, Citroën has been characterized by its distinctive and revolutionary spirit that has led to icons like the 2CV, the Citroën XM or BX or the latest Citroën C4 Cactus. Legendary models that have enjoyed film appearances as we remember below.
Sor Citroen (Pedro Lazaga - 1967)

For several years, Sister Citroën was more than the title of a film, it was a cultural reference in the popular imagination. In this work, Gracita Morales brings to life the sister Tomasa; nun newcomer to a community which runs an orphanage. 

Sister Tomasa is responsible for obtaining a driving license with the aim of providing transportation for the girls centro. Driving a 2CV, the character played by that nickname Gracita Morales wins.

'Sister Citroën' is described as white but over the years has attracted some controversy due to the image conveyed in due course on the role of women comedy. Beyond this, the presence of 2 CV as the linchpin of the film and the presence of the brand in the title demonstrates the importance of this model for the car's history, being one of the leaders for decades.

For Your Eyes Only (John Glen - 1981)

Over 2 CV, in this case as car 'Bond'. The 2CV featured in this film of a 007, embodied here by Roger Moore.Citroen 2 CV in yellow serves the most famous secret agent to carry out a loophole that takes place in fiction at some point near Madrid (in reality, it was filmed in Greece).

For more curiosity for the premiere of 'For Your Eyes Only', Citroën launched a special edition of this model including 007 logo stickers on the body and simulating bullet holes, along with a miniature toy thereof special edition.

Ronin (John Frankenheimer - 1988)

One of American action movies with more French air. With a cast of stars like Robert De Niro and Jean Reno, the highlight of this film focuses on persecution Nice and Paris. 

The importance of the automobile in the films of Frankenheimer is total. The best example is Grand Prix (1966) on the Formula 1 races, and was a prodigy technical resources to record with the time-wheel racing with a high technical level.

The presence of cars in 'Ronin' is intense and the PSA Peugeot Citroen group has strong representation among which the Citroen XM: 'European Car of the Year' in 1990, was a sedan segment E of which sold more 300,000 units and in this film he gets to the orders of a director who recorded the persecution in real time and without post.

L'opération Corned-beef (Jean-Marie Poiré - 1991)

Halfway between a parody and homage to the French action movie of Hollywood, this film tells the mission of 'Jaws', captain of the French intelligence service country, in charge of "Operation schnitzel' (title which premiered in Spain). 

Also starring Jean Reno, the Citroen BX has a constant presence in this film but with a bitter fate, because after suffering all kinds of inclement just burning.

Citroen Tintin

The graphic series "The Adventures of Tintin ', the work of master Hergé is in addition to one of the greatest comics of all time an accurate portrayal of geopolitical tensions of his time and a photograph of the cultural and social reality. As such, the presence of the car in its volume is a constant. 

Hergé was a lover of cars and, as a result of this passion, there have been exhibitions on the theme or classic rallies that have appeared in these cartoons.

The meeting point between Citroen car Tintin and culminates with the presence of the Citroen 2CV in "The Calculus Affair" and its subsequent replication in Tintin animated series based on his comics. 

Curiously, the color which contains the 2 CV on the album was not commercially at the time, but eventually joining the range. Moreover, in the 1980s Hergé drew an advertising campaign for the brand.

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors caused.

H&H Classics to sell two Multi-Million Ferrari's in a generous legacy to the RNLI.

• H&H Classics to offer a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB and 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 from the estate of the late Richard Colton, a pre-eminent British V12 Ferrari collector
• Proceeds from the sale to benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
• 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB was the second steel, right-hand-drive car delivered – one of a pair of SWBs ordered by Col. Ronnie Hoare to launch Maranello Concessionaires
• 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is one of 27 UK cars, originally a Maranello Concessionaires demonstrator and ‘the ultimate Enzo-era’ Ferrari road car
• Both cars come from long-term ownership, are ‘matching numbers’ and in highly original condition
• The auction will take place on 14 October 2015 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridge

H&H Classics, one of Britain’s oldest classic car auction houses, will hold a sale of two multi-million-pound Ferraris from the Richard Colton collection in a generous legacy left to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The sale will take place at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire – Europe’s largest historic aviation centre – on 14 October 2015 and the funds raised will go towards the RNLI’s lifesaving work around the coast of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

The legacy was left to the RNLI by Northamptonshire businessman Richard Colton, who requested that money raised from the sale of his cars be used to build a new lifeboat called Richard and Caroline Colton, named after himself and his late wife.

Guy Rose, Legacy Manager at the RNLI, said: “We are deeply grateful and humbled by Mr Colton’s generous gift and his decision to benefit the RNLI in this way. Six out of every 10 lifeboat launches are only made possible because of gifts left to us in wills, so they are vital to saving lives at sea. Mr Colton’s generosity will be felt most by our volunteer crews and the people whose lives they save.”

Simon Hope, Chairman of H&H Classics, which holds sales across Britain, comments: “We are honoured to have been chosen to handle this sale which is of national significance. These stunning motor cars have been with Richard Colton for 40 years and meant a very great deal to him. So we are absolutely committed to realising the maximum amount for the cars. It promises to be an historic sale.”

Richard Colton was a Northamptonshire-based businessman who had a distinguished career in footwear distribution and who for 40 years collected and actively campaigned sensational classic cars. Described by close friends as “a shy and private man”, he was known to be somewhat nervous of the sea, which may have added to his great respect for the man and women who risk their lives daily around Britain’s coast.

So when deciding on which charity to leave this splendid legacy of two classic Ferraris, there was only one choice, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

He was also keen that his legacy be sold by a British classic car specialist auction house – hence H&H was chosen by his executors, and indeed this was in line with the wishes he expressed in his Will.

The two Ferrari motor cars:

• 1960 Ferrari 250 GT short-wheelbase (SWB) Berlinetta chassis 1995 GT, of which just 167 were made with a mere ten being supplied new to the UK market

Unveiled at the 1959 Paris Salon, today the Ferrari 250 GT SWB is on many experts’ list of the ‘most beautiful cars in the world’. It’s certainly one of the most valuable, joining the 250 Testa Rossa and 250 GTO in the multi-million-dollar club and is a ‘must-have’ for any serious Ferrari collector.

In its day, the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was the fastest, most accomplished 3.0-litre GT racing car that money could buy. Honed by Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti and Mauro Forghieri, the same team that would later develop the equally successful but even more rare 250 GTO, the newcomer’s combination of low weight, high power, well-sorted suspension and four-wheel disc brakes brought it success worldwide. Driven by such greats as Stirling Moss and Phil Hill, from 1960 to 1961 SWBs won the RAC Tourist Trophy, the Tour de France Automobile and the Paris 1000km. Another was third overall at the 1961 Le Mans 24 Hours, behind two Ferrari prototypes.

Once the immediate demand for racing cars was satisfied, further lusso (‘luxury’) versions appeared with bodies in more durable steel and aluminium, chosen by the company’s most discerning clients and often incorporating competition parts. Many were raced in period. ‘1995 GT’ was the second steel, right-hand-drive car delivered, and according to model expert Jess Pourret, was a potent, semi-competizione, with a comp-spec motor, gearbox, fuel tank and limited-slip differential. 

Further notable as one of two SWBs (the other being chassis 1993 GT) that Colonel Ronnie Hoare used to launch the UK Ferrari distributor Maranello Concessionaires, ‘1995 GT’ has never been ‘restored’ in the modern sense, making it that much more attractive to serious collectors.

Damian Jones, Sales Manager of H&H Classics comments: “Perhaps Enzo Ferrari understood Colonel Hoare's eagerness to become the marque's UK concessionaire and made the Englishman tick all the options' boxes on his first two purchases? Whatever the reason, the result was a magnificent car.”

Mr Colton bought this car, Rosso Corsa and registered ‘574 NOT’, in the late-1970s and covered some 60,000 miles in it come rain or shine, enjoying many impromptu trips to the continent, including the Ferrari 50th Anniversary celebrations at Maranello in June 1997.

• 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 chassis 10177 GT – thought by many to be the ultimate front-engined, Enzo-era Ferrari road car

Another powerful Ferrari that made its debut in Paris, just 350 of the 300bhp, 160mph berlinettas were made, of which a mere 27 were supplied new to the UK market.

Widely regarded as the best all-round GT car of the 1960s, the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 comfortably eclipsed rivals from Aston Martin, Maserati, Jaguar and Lamborghini. First-time owners included the Hollywood star Steve McQueen, and the car’s peerless handling and delicate steering makes it a far easier car to drive than its more numerous successor, the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona'.

The example offered – ‘10177 GT’ – began life as the Maranello Concessionaires demonstrator. Swapping a Bentley Speed Six for the Ferrari in 1974, the late Richard Colton proceeded to drive it extensively throughout the UK and Europe. Now showing some 78,000 miles on its odometer, like its stablemate 250 GT SWB, the silver 275GTB/4 was a frequent visitor to Scotland, Sweden, France and Italy. Regularly maintained by marque specialists, one cannot help but feel that Enzo Ferrari would have approved of such spirited usage.

USA - The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is one of AUTOMOBILE’s All-Stars for 2015

The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is one of AUTOMOBILE’s All-Stars for 2015. The official announcement was made at the brand’s website on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Z/28 and the rest of the All-Stars will be featured in the January 2015 issue of AUTOMOBILE Magazine.

“The Z/28 is flat-out amazing to haul butt in on the track, making it an easy choice as a 2015 All-Star,” saidAUTOMOBILE Editor-in-Chief Mike Floyd. “This car is a shining example of what a dedicated team of performance engineers can achieve when they put their minds to it. You won’t drive the Z/28 every day, but every day you do will be a great one.”

AUTOMOBILE’s All-Stars criteria is weighted more on subjective attributes than instrumented testing – although the editors found the Z/28 more than adept on the track, noting in their story: “Chevy didn’t build the Z/28 for the logical buyer. Chevy built the Z/28 for hardcore car geeks. All you have to do is drive this hyper-focused Camaro on a racing circuit to see, or rather feel, why this car exists and why it’s an All-Star.”

“From the outset, the mission of the Z/28 was clear: create the most track-focused, best-handling Camaro in the car’s history,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. “Being named an AUTOMOBILE All-Star is a welcome confirmation that the team of designers and engineers succeed at that goal.”

In addition to the AUTOMOBILE All-Star nod, the Z/28 was recently named Motor Trend’s 2014 Best Driver’s Car – the first American-brand car to win the seven-year-old award.

The Camaro Z/28 builds on the legacy of the original SCCA Trans Am-series contender introduced in 1967. Its unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the car against the track for greater grip and faster lap times. 

Comprehensive chassis and suspension changes, including a lower center of gravity, specific stabilizer bars, higher-rate coil springs and other chassis and suspension features have been optimized for the track – enabling more than 1.08 g in lateral acceleration and 1.5 g in deceleration.

Racing-bred dampers, tires and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes play important roles in not only maximizing performance, but making it more predictable and consistent with every lap. 

Engineers also made sure the Z/28 was as light as possible to maximize its power-to-weight ratio. Everything from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass is used to reduce curb weight and improve the overall weight balance. The carbon ceramic brake rotors, for example, collectively save more than 20 pounds of unsprung weight, compared to the Camaro SS.

In fact, 100 percent of the unsprung mass – suspension, wheels, tires and brake system – has been changed from the Camaro SS, dramatically enhancing the balance and overall driving feel of the Z/28.

A 7.0L LS7 V-8 rated at 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm) complements the lightweight vehicle components to give the car an enviable 7.6:1 power-to-weight ratio. It was bred on the racetrack, with features designed for high-rpm performance and durability, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods and high-flow cylinder heads with lightweight titanium intake valves.

Mega rare Alvis up for sale at Silverstone

A 1967 Alvis Burns Special – the only one of its kind in the world – will be offered for sale by Silverstone Auctions at the Race Retro and Classic Car Sale on 23rd February.

Estimated at between £60,000 to £70,000, this unique model will line-up alongside an extensive collection of stunning road-going classics, race and competition cars. There is also a variety of automobilia for auction over the Race Retro weekend at Stoneleigh Park.

“The history behind this unique Alvis Burns Special is truly fascinating,” comments Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions. “Aside from being one of the rarest cars in the world, it is presented in an absolutely superb condition, as backed up with recent concours wins, adding to its desirability further.”

The 5.4 litre example was created by businessman James Burns with the aim of filling a niche he spotted in the export market. Work began in the autumn of 1966 with a new chassis and bodyshell among the main alterations to the standard 3-litre model.

However, a period of ‘motor mergers’ between car manufacturers in the Midlands around the time ultimately spelt disaster for the project and production never started. The result is a car that really is the only one in the world.

Befitting its stature, it has been well looked after since its creation. Recent works include various mechanical repairs including a cylinder head rebuild, a re-trim to original specification and refurbishment of the internal woodwork. As well as being a concours winner it was also recently displayed on the Alvis Club Owners Stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show last November.

“Classic cars don’t come much rarer than this so it’s a privilege for Silverstone Auctions to offer it for sale at the Race Retro and Classic Car Sale,” added Nick.