Silverstone Auctions returns to Salon Privé for another luxury line-up of exquisitely rare cars in the world

• Silverstone Auctions returns to Salon Privé for another luxury line-up of exquisite and rare cars in world-class video preview
• Preview of the 2^nd Salon Privé Sale presents a handful of exclusive classic and modern cars ahead of their sale at Blenheim Palace on Friday 4 September
• Line-up includes ex-Paris Motor Show 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE, 1 of 29 1986 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Volante and 1 of 16 UK-supplied right-hand-drive 2010 Porsche 997 GT2 RS
• Last year’s record-breaking sale at Salon Privé saw 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder go under the hammer for  £2,277,000* and 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Series II Coupe sold for £707,215*
• The Salon Privé Sale complements Silverstone Auctions’ calendar of auctions held at some of the most iconic automotive events and locations in the UK

In a world-class video preview, Silverstone Auctions proudly presents its Salon Privé Sale Preview video. In the luxurious grounds of Blenheim Palace it features some of the finest cars available for sale at the moment.

Salon Privé combines supercars, hypercars, concept cars and most notably, iconic classic cars in the extravagant grounds of Blenheim Palace. Appearing in the Salon Privé Sale, Silverstone Auctions is proud to present the Ferrari 250 GTE Series II 2+2, as displayed at the 1962 Paris Motor Show. The car, which is largely based on the 250 SWB, was the marque’s first true production 2+2 and marked a new era for Ferrari.

The 1962 matching-numbers example is due to be auctioned for an estimate of £300,000 - £350,000. Presented with a large history file after a sympathetic bare metal restoration to return it to its original condition, the car looks superb in its original colour scheme. It comes complete with a large history file, including a full photographic documentation of its restoration as well as superb provenance from its Paris Motor Show heyday.

Another noteworthy and rare classic appearing in the auction preview video is a 1 of 29 UK-supplied 1968 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Volante. A mere 140 DB6-based Volantes were manufactured and of these, only 29 were specified with the more powerful Vantage engine. This particular car has undergone extensive recomissioning including a major service and suspension overhaul in 2013.

This remarkable DB6 Vantage Volante will be sold with a full inspection report from Heritage Aston Martin expert, Desmond Smail, who will also carry out any remedial works required. The Aston Martin would make an impressive addition to any international collection and would be welcome at most prestigious classic car events around the world; its estimate is £825,000 - £925,000.

A slightly more modern, and indeed faster car joining the sale is a 2010 Porsche 997 GT2 RS. Known as the ‘most powerful, road-legal 911 ever produced’, only 16 examples were delivered new to the UK, of 500 delivered worldwide.

Powered by a 3.6-litre engine, using twin variable geometry water-cooled turbochargers, the 997 GT2 RS produces 620bhp and over 516 lbs feet of torque through a six-speed manual transmission. Available at auction with a highly desirable ‘Black and Red Club Sport’ package and just over 2,000 recorded miles, it is estimated to be sold between £300,000 - £350,000.

Another outstanding car making its way to the Salon Privé auction is a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback. 1 of 75 R-Type Continental was one of the first four seater sports coupes capable of speeds up to 120 mph, thanks to its upgraded 4,877cc engine – up from 4,566c in previous models.

The highly desirable later D-Series model is offered with superb documentation and history, including original build sheets, handbooks, historical photographs, Autocar road test reviews and even owners’ correspondence, the car will be auctioned with an estimate of £900,000 - £1,100,000. A very similar car was sold by the auction house at last year’s sale for £1,012,000* proving its popularity in the current market.

Last year’s Salon Privé Sale, which incidentally was the first auction of its kind held by Silverstone Auctions, yielded £9,900,000* and included an incredibly rare 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Spyder, sold for £2,277,000* and a glorious 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Series II Coupe, which sold for £707,215* - an impressive £330,000 over its lower estimate.

The upcoming sale offers another Ferrari of similar quality and rarity, a superb low-mileage 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta. The car was designed to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of design house Pininfarina and the company’s 50^th anniversary of working with Ferrari. The end result was the glorious V12-engined 550 Barchetta, produced in very limited numbers, only available to the most discerning customers.

Available for auction with an estimate of £240,000 - £280,000, the 550 Barchetta is finished in rare Tour de France Blue paint with matching dark blue interior. The right-hand drive example has been used sparingly and has only covered 8,143 miles.

Another exceptional classic with rarity and racing kudos is a superb 1958 AC Ace Bristol. Named as a ‘racing car for the road’, the Grandfather to the AC Cobra was first introduced at Earls Court Motor Show in 1953. The car epitomised a new era of British post-war sports car production, it was the first British car to be equipped with independent suspension by transverse springs but also had pioneering tubular ‘ladder-type’ chassis, which had been successfully used by the marque on previous cars.

The Bristol engine was added to the AC Ace in 1956 and the partnership of the more refined straight-six engine with the lightweight bodywork, ensured the cars were competitive on the track in the hands of enthusiastic club racers, private owners and most notably by the Ken Rudd team at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958.

In total, only 466 Ace Bristols were produced and are rarely seen on the open market. The car offered for sale at Salon Privé is resplendent in its original colour scheme in a superb condition. Having successfully been piloted at Spa 6 Hours, Dijon-Prenois and Silverstone Classic in the highly prestigious Sir Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-1961 Sports Cars, the car is offered with a full MSA Historical Technical Passport with a respectable estimate of £180,000 - £220,000.

Suzuki to consolidate sales gains with some great offers to keep the momentum flowing.

• Even stronger value for Q3 2015 with PCP schemes on offer across the Suzuki range of cars.
• Celerio SZ2 available from just £79 per month payable over 42 months with a deposit of £1,816.
• Swift SZ3 three and five door models (2 wheel drive) include free satellite navigation upgrade and 0% APR PCP finance with £0 deposit.
• Vitara SZ4 available from £179 per month over 42 months.
• S-Cross 1.6 SZ3 available from £159 per month over 48 months.

Suzuki have launched their summer offers across the range, including the new Celerio and Vitara models, and the ever-popular Swift and S-Cross. A PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreement is ideal for customers who want to purchase a new Suzuki at a low monthly cost.

The recently introduced Celerio SZ2 is priced at £6,999 and is available for £79 per month over 42 months, with a deposit of £1,816 and optional final payment of £2,685. Celerio SZ2 is well equipped with a DAB digital radio, CD tuner, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and daytime running lights all included as standard specification.

Swift is one of Suzuki’s world strategic models and makes strong statements in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling as well as offering low fuel consumption and low CO₂ emissions. Swift is also Suzuki’s largest selling model in the UK, accounting for 40% of sales, and a target of 15,000 units for 2015.

Swift SZ3 is available on PCP with 0% APR and £0 deposit, at a cost of £172 per month over 42 months with a final payment of £3,375 for a three door model, or £182 per month with a £3,438 final payment for a five door model.

In addition, all Swift customers purchasing an SZ3 specification car will receive a free satellite navigation upgrade until the end of September. This is in addition to air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and Bluetooth connectivity which are all included as standard.

S-Cross SZ3 is also available on PCP with 2.9% APR and 48 monthly payments of £159. A £2,090 deposit is required and the optional final payment is £5,275. SZ3 models are equipped with air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, USB and Bluetooth connectivity as standard.

The all-new Vitara is also included in the summer offers, with a 42 month PCP at £179 per month with a deposit of £2,600 for the Vitara 1.6 SZ4 model, which is priced at £13,999. The optional final payment for those customers who want to keep their car is £5,665.

The all-new Vitara is designed meet contemporary needs and incorporates Suzuki’s cutting-edge ALLGRIP four wheel drive system as an option. Advanced safety and connectivity equipment is available and Vitara also enables owners to express themselves through various personalisation options.

Standard equipment specification for the SZ4 model includes seven airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning, front and rear electric windows and projector headlamps.

€5Bn Investment brings the 2nd car in the Alfa re-birth, with the prep work complete the SUV is nearly complete.

Alfa Romeo has finished preparation work on its first SUV and the model is on track to launch next year.

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Alfa parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said the sporty brand’s second new model after the Giulia midsize sedan will go into production at the end of the first half or beginning of the second half of 2016.

"All the preparation work" in connection with the launch of the second Alfa is done, Marchionne told analysts on a conference call Thursday to discuss Fiat Chrysler’s second-quarter results. "Alfa’s plan is progressing as we told you it will go," he said.

The pictures below are only for illustrative purposes only and are not to be confused with the

actual car that will be released imminently, grateful thanks to all those people who, with

such talent have created some good, some bad and some interesting designs.

Marchionne did not say on the call what type of vehicle the second model is, but supplier sources say it will be a midsize SUV, code-named project 949, that will be a rival to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

The SUV will be based on the Giulia sedan, the sources said. Its European sales launch likely will be in September or October in 2016 with a U.S. launch following about three months later.

Marchionne said Alfa has already spent almost 2 billion euros of the 5 billion euros allocated by Fiat Chrysler for the brand’s revival. The money has been used to develop the Giorgio rear-wheel-drive platform used by the Giulia, as well as its powertrains and on production startup costs.

Fiat Chrysler Chief Financial Officer Richard Palmer confirmed that the Giulia will enter production in the fourth quarter. The sedan was unveiled to selected journalists in June and will have its public debut at the Frankfurt auto show next month.

The BMW 3 series rival is scheduled to arrive at European dealerships in February and March next year and in the U.S. a few months later. The Giulia will offer high-performance engines, including a Ferrari-derived V-6. Alfa is expected to add Giulia coupe and spider variants between 2017 and 2018.

Marchionne said Alfa’s Giorgio architecture could be used for other rear-wheel-drive models within Fiat Chrysler. He did not specify which brands but Chrysler and Dodge are likely candidates.

He did not offer any new details of the timing of Alfa’s product offensive on the analysts’ call but said he hopes to have a definitive view by the end of this year. “We are taking a very hard look at the sequencing of the products that we are launching to make sure that we get the biggest bang for the buck from the utilization of the architecture in terms of volumes,” he said.

Alfa’s future product launches will include a flagship large sedan to compete with the Audi A6 and BMW 5 series. The sedan is due to enter production in late 2017, supplier sources said. A larger SUV and two compact models to replace the Giulietta are due by 2018.

In total, Alfa’s business plan includes eight cars to help the niche brand increase global annual sales to 400,000 by 2018 from fewer than 70,000 last year. Alfa currently sells just two volume models, the Giulietta and MiTo subcompact, mainly in Europe and globally two variants of the low production 4C sports car.

Luca Ciferri

REPORT HERE

After the record fine FCA now recalls nearly 300,000 Dodge Chargers for possible side airbag issues.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is recalling 284,153 Dodge Chargers for an airbag flaw, a week after the company agreed to pay a record penalty for lagging efforts to address safety defects in millions of cars and trucks.

The action affects four-door Chargers built from May 6, 2010, through June 5, 2014, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website Saturday.

The defect could lead side airbag inflatable curtains and seat airbags to deploy unexpectedly, raising the risk of crash and injury. Airbags could inflate if the car door is slammed too hard, or following "heavy road inputs," NHTSA said.

As of July 10, the company was aware of three minor injuries and no accidents potentially related to the issue. Fiat Chrysler hasn't yet set a notification schedule.

Fiat Chrysler on July 27 agreed to pay a $105 million penalty and instigate a corrective action plan following a U.S. Department of Transportation investigation into how the company handled 23 different recalls to fix defects in more than 11 million cars and trucks.

The company agreed to hire an independent monitor to oversee future recalls. As part of the agreement with regulators, Fiat Chrysler agreed to buy back more than a half-million vehicles -- mostly Ram pickup trucks -- whose defective suspension parts could cause a loss of control, according to NHTSA.

Fiat Chrysler estimates more than 60 percent of those vehicles have already been repaired, leaving fewer than 200,000 eligible for a buy-back.

REPORT HERE

Buick's, Vauxhall Insignia badge engineered model, the Regal, gets large price cuts for the 2016 Model Year.

Buick, faced with an aging Regal and U.S. consumers that continue to abandon midsize and large sedans for crossovers and SUVs, is lowering prices as much as nearly 9 percent on the car for 2016.

Duncan Aldred, head of Buick, told dealers on Friday the Regal lineup is being “simplified and attractively priced” to appeal to a broader slice of American buyers.

The Regal will be offered in 4 trim packages for 2016 -- down from five for 2015. The biggest price cut -- $3,320, or 8.7 percent -- will come on the high-performance GS, from $38,310 to $34,990, Buick said.

The price for the Regal with premium II trim will drop by $2,535, or 7.2 percent, to $32,490 for 2016.

Pricing on the Regal Group package is falling by $1,000 to $29,915.

For 2016, the base Regal’s price will remain unchanged at $27,990. All pricing includes destination charges.

Content among the four packages will remain the same for 2016, Buick said.

Aging model

The Regal hasn’t been substantially redesigned since it was reintroduced in 2010 for the 2011 model year and it is now one of the oldest cars in the midsize segment.

With Buick’s U.S. car deliveries down 20 percent this year through June, and its overall sales off 6.3 percent, Aldred hinted more changes are coming to Buick marketing and product plans.

“Repositioning the Regal to more aggressively compete in the midsize sedan segment is the first of many steps we are taking in advance of next year’s product offensive,” Duncan said in a memo to dealers. “We're giving our customers greater value without sacrificing the features they want.”

U.S. sales of the Regal have slumped 24 percent to 9,387 this year through June in a big midsize car segment that has shrunk 3.4 percent and an overall car market that has slipped 1.7 percent.

Driven by crossovers, SUVs and pickups, the U.S. light-truck market has grown 10 percent so far in 2015. Total U.S. light-vehicle sales are up 4.4 percent this year. Automakers will report U.S. sales for July on Monday.

U.S. deliveries of the current generation Regal peaked at 40,144 in 2011.

Production of a redesigned Regal is slated to begin in mid-2017. The sporty sedan is expected to grow a bit in size to create more space between it and the smaller Verano, which has crimped Regal volume since it was launched in late 2011.

David Phillips

REPORT HERE

Oh Dear, TrueCar are being sued again, this cant be good news for the Online car sales business.

A group of 100 auto dealerships that are part of TrueCar’s network are suing the online car-buying service for not disclosing to consumers the nature of the fees that dealers pay the company for each sale.

The suit, filed today in state court in Los Angeles, alleges that TrueCar is engaged in “deceptive business practices” because its advertising touts transparent pricing but doesn’t disclose the transactions fees of $299 for new cars and $399 for used cars that many dealers pay TrueCar for each sale handled through the buying service.

The car pictures below are for illustrative purposes ONLY, and no inference to any brands involved in any Lawsuit with, or without TrueCar are not to be confused with actual brands that may or may not be involved (or in other words - Just enjoy the pics, they are there for your enjoyment and not for ANY other reason) 

According to the suit, because these fees are often passed along to the consumer and reflected in the dealer-set price that TrueCar presents to buyers, failure to disclose them violates California’s deceptive-practice statutes. The plaintiffs allege that consumers who learn of the fees are more inclined to complete their purchases at dealerships outside the TrueCar network.

The suit, filed by Bellavia, Blatt & Crossett in Mineola, N.Y., and another law firm, lists 100 dealerships as plaintiffs and seeks a court order requiring TrueCar to disclose the fees in all of its advertising.

TrueCar spokesman Alan Ohnsman said today that the company hadn’t yet seen the lawsuit and therefore couldn’t comment.

But he added: “We have invested substantial resources in our compliance efforts and have proactively engaged in dialogues about our business model with regulatory authorities and dealer associations across the country. We have high confidence that we’re compliant with all laws applicable to our business.”

The suit follows one filed in May by the California New Car Dealers Association alleging that TrueCar was operating without the proper licenses, and another suit -- also filed by Bellavia -- in March on behalf of 117 non-TrueCar dealers, alleging false advertising. TrueCar has called both suits meritless.

David Undercoffler

REPORT HERE

The ultimate Japanese car show returns on August 16th at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

• The ultimate Japanese car show returns on August 16^th at Rockingham Motor Speedway
• Thousands of the UK’s best Japanese cars on display at new venue
• Chance for visitors to drive their own cars on track
• Live British Drift Championship demos

Britain’s biggest Japanese car show is set to return for the second time this year, at the all new venue of Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby, Northants.

Following the unprecedented success of the original JapFest event at Castle Combe, Wilts, earlier this year, JapFest2 is due to take place on Sunday August 16^th with a host of high octane action planned for the new location.

As well as around 3,000 vehicles on display, the event is one of the most interactive car shows in the UK, making it a big draw for fans of cars from all over the world, as well as a great family day out.

There will be plenty of on-track action, including live demos from the British Drift Championship, passenger rides with drifting pro-drivers and the opportunity for visitors to test their own cars on track. Another attraction will be the event’s drift paddock, in which many of the BDC cars will be demonstrating their inimitable art.

In addition, showgoers will have the opportunity to test the acceleration of their own car in a competitive 0-60 Sprint showdown. For £10, drivers will be given three officially timed runs, with prizes for the fastest cars in front, rear and all-wheel-drive categories.

Off-track, thousands of cars will be exhibited, representing all corners of the UK’s thriving Japanese car scene, from cherished classics through to the most extremely modified examples. Further attractions will include a bustling retail village with trade stands and autojumble and a host of catering outlets.

Away from the cars, celebrity Beatboxers DUKE will be performing a number of cover tracks to entertain the crowds, while there’ll also be a dedicated family area with kids entertainment including a bouncy castle, inflatable mega slide and obstacle course.

Visitors wishing to make a weekend of it will also be able to camp on the Saturday within the Rockingham complex.

The Fourth Generation Caddy models are up and ready to order now, with better tech, and a similar look.

• New generation Caddy Life, Maxi Life, Maxi Kombi and Maxi Window van are now available to order
• Prices for Caddy Life start from £15,600 (excl. VAT and OTR charges)
• All have the latest generation Euro 6 engines

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced that the fourth-generation Caddy Life and the longer wheelbase Maxi versions - including Maxi Life, Maxi Kombi and Maxi Window van – are now available to order ahead of first UK deliveries in September. Prices for the short wheelbase Caddy Life 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine, start from £15,600; Caddy Maxi Life with the same engine starts from £17,985.

As with the new Caddy Panel van which opened for ordering at the start of July, these models come with the same new technology, comfort, convenience and safety systems. These include composition colour infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, heated windscreen, post-collision braking, daytime running lights and BlueMotion Technology modifications, for added efficiency and lower emissions, as standard. As well as additional systems such as Brake assist, City Emergency Braking and cruise control.

Caddy Life and Maxi Life come with a significant amount of standard equipment, but there are also some desirable options available to help with everyday life behind the wheel. These include; Park Assist, which makes light work of manoeuvring into parking spaces, or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which will keep you at a pre-set distance from the car in front by regulating your speed in accordance with the traffic around you.

These new models all come with the 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 engines and are available with a 102 PS or 150 PS power output. They also have BlueMotion Technology modifications as standard, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres as well as regenerative braking and stop/start systems. The most economical 102 PS engine has a combined fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg and a CO² output of just 114g/km.

Volkswagen’s Caddy Life offers flexible seating for up to seven passengers, including the driver. The two rear rows of seats can be folded, double folded or removed to leave a loading space of up to 3,030 litres. The Caddy Maxi Life, with its extra 420mm length, offers an additional 340 litres, bringing the total loading area up to 3,370 litres.

The new Caddy Maxi Kombi will be N1^* type approved and starts from £17,510 for the 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine. The new Caddy Maxi Window Van will start from £17,185 for the same engine and will be M1^*type approved.