Archive
23/04/2021
Colin Chapman and Lotus - A disappearance as fast as his cars
Colin Chapman, financially supported by John Player Special brand, continued to innovate and win with the Lotus 79, but faced financial difficulties producing cars for customers.
22/04/2021
Historics. Smart Formula
The article discusses how classic car auctions are not just for the rich and famous, but are accessible to anyone with a reasonable budget. The article focuses on the recent Historics auction in the UK, where over 85% of the classic cars sold were less than £50,000. The auction had an excellent mix of affordable, important, and unusual cars, and was successful in terms of sales percentage, which rose to 88.15% by value. The article also highlights some of the cars that sold at the auction, including a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster, a 1987 BMW M5, and a 1995 Jaguar XJS Celebration Convertible.
19/04/2021
The speed Record Story 3 - Petrol, Steam or electric? The long race to 200
At the beginning of the 1900s, from the curiosity that stemmed from a rapidly-changing world, the automobile began to turn into an interesting business for those entering the new market of mobility.
18/04/2021
The speed Record Story - Petrol, Steam or electric? The long race to 200
In the early 1900s, automobile manufacturers attempted to break speed records to showcase the reliability of internal combustion engines. Mercedes achieved the feat with their Simplex model, which reached 156.522 km/h in 1904.
16/04/2021
Colin Chapman and Lotus 3 - The dangers of ambition
Colin Chapman was a British engineer and founder of Lotus Cars. He revolutionized motorsport by introducing new technologies and designs, including the rigid, light and compact monocoque chassis.
15/04/2021
Supercars at Bonhams... Fascinating but cruel
The article discusses the current state of the modern supercar market, which is akin to stock market speculation, where risky products are being sold, with the potential to earn serious money but also to lose money quickly. The article cites the recent Bonhams Contemporary Cars auction, where only 12 out of 31 cars were sold, indicating the modest result of the auction. The article also compares the situation to the classic car market, which is determined by well-defined trends and supply and demand. Finally, the article suggests that the modern supercar market is driven by an irrational demand, which is fed by manufacturers such as Ferrari, who sell their special cars only to those who guarantee not to use them as a speculative opportunity.
11/04/2021
The Speed Record Story 2 - The race to 150. In a world full of innovations, Henry Ford himself broke the world record
This article explores the history of man's pursuit of speed records, beginning with the technological advancements that led to the development of automobiles in the early 20th century.
09/04/2021
Colin Chapman and Lotus 2 - From Formula 1 to the road
This article explores the history of lightweight car design in Formula 1, focusing on the pioneering work of John Cooper and Colin Chapman.
08/04/2021
Auctions. Good winds finally reach Europe
Silverstone Auctions online auction achieved remarkable success despite changing to an online format from an on-site format in 2020 and a web address change without prior notice. The percentage of cars sold increased from 58.16% in 2020 to 78.46% in 2021, with turnover more than doubling, and the average price per sale rose as well. The auction featured a 1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III used in the sitcom "Only Fools and Horses," two 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO models, an '87 DAM4100 Metro 6R4, and a 1998 Lotus Elise S1.
05/04/2021