What Makes A Car Iconic?

There are certain cars that make us stare and admire them no matter how much time has passed since they rolled off the production line. Some obvious ones include the Jaguar E-Type and the Lamborghini Countach.

These are the types of cars that are considered iconic but, what is it about them that makes them so deserving of that name, and are there any modern cars that might have the potential to become icons in their own right? 

Simplicity and Perfect Proportions

I think that cars with iconic designs have a few things in common. They are simple and balanced, and everything is in perfect proportion. If you take the 911 as an example, the design hasn’t changed all that much. Looking back through all generations of the 911, you can see the recognisable silhouette all the way through.  

Cars With a Personality

Some cars have a personality that makes them seem almost human. They make us feel something, whether it’s excitement, adventure, or nostalgia. If you look at the VW Beetle or a classic Mini, they could be described as “friendly” cars.

They’re approachable, not intimidating, and they seem to have a bit of charm. This personality creates a connection with drivers that goes beyond function. Without sounding too over the top, there are some cars that become iconic because they became everyone’s friend!

Cultural Icons

Sometimes, a car isn’t just a machine – it becomes a symbol of an era, a cultural shift, or even a lifestyle, and thus, becomes iconic. The Ford Mustang, for example, captured the spirit of 1960s America with a bold design and muscle-car attitude. 

Also, think about the DeLorean. It will forever be linked to Back to the Future and has become an icon as a result.

Designs That Get Better With Time

Some cars just seem to get better with age. Rather than becoming outdated, they become classics. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and the Jaguar E-Type are prime examples – they age beautifully and look just as impressive today as they did decades ago.

The Future Iconic Cars

As the automotive industry is experiencing its biggest shake-up in a very long time, today’s car designers have big shoes to fill if they want to create something iconic.

What cars do you think are or will be iconic?

H & H Classic Motorcycle Auction

On 30th October, the National Motorcycle Museum will be host of the Classic Motorcycle Auction from H&H Classics. With over 265 classic motorcycles and vintage scooters up for sale, the auction will be one of the biggest bike auctions held by H&H. The bikes on offer actually cover more than 100 years of bike history and have an estimated value of more than £1.5 million!

Along with the wide range of bikes, the auction will also feature eight lots that are being sold for charity. These include paintings by children that have been done on unused fuel tanks from Norton Motorcycles. The proceeds from these will go to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Pass the Smile.

One of the highest-valued bikes is a Tony Jefferies 1972 Triumph Trident Ex Works Racer. This rare bike, one of just 8 ‘Lowboy’ framed bikes, is estimated to sell for between £45,000 and £55,000. It has been described by the Rocket 3 Owner’s Club as ‘probably the most complete and original of all the Works bikes’ and was part of Richard Darby’s (regarded as one of the world’s best classic Triumph restorers) collection prior to his passing in 2023.

A limited-edition 2005 Suzuki GSX-R750 K5, commemorating the late racing legend Barry Sheene, will also be up for bidding, with an estimated price of £10,000 to £12,000, alongside a 2021 Rickman Metisse Steve McQueen Tribute, one of only 300 produced, expected to sell for between £17,000 and £19,000.

Another restored bike in the form of a 1942 Indian 741 B, with an estimated value of £17,000 to £19,000 will be on offer, as well as a rare 1970 Indian Interceptor, one of only 25 ‘Floyd Clymer’ models ever made. This one has an estimated value of £21,000 to £23,000.

Other interesting lots include a 1975 Norton John Player Special, expected to sell for between £11,000 and £13,000, and a 1975 Suzuki RE5, offered without reserve, which has just five ‘push kilometres’ on the clock and is likely to be the last ‘brand-new’ Suzuki RE5 left to come to open market.

The auction will be open for public viewing at the National Motorcycle Museum from 1pm on Tuesday, 29th October, with further viewing available on the sale day, 30th October, from 9am.

More information and registration details can be found at www.handh.co.uk.

Restoring One Of The Oldest Surviving Buses

A fantastic local organisation, the Ipswich Transport Museum has just launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £100,000 to help them restore the oldest surviving Eastern Counties bus. The vehicle in question is known affectionately as the “Tinkling Tillings” due to the distinctive noise it used to make when it was moving.

The body restoration work is expected to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. Once completed, the bus will be featured in the museum’s collection and used for demonstration rides at special events.

The volunteers who run the museum have completed ambitious restorations like this before so this is a project they can certainly bring to life. They have previously completed major restorations of an 1880 Starbuck horse tram and 1903 Ipswich Electric Tram, and are currently restoring a 1930 Ransomes trolleybus.

Gibbs Aquada – The Amphibious Car That Almost Was

I recently heard about the Gibbs Aquada and, after a bit of research, thought it sounded like a vehicle that could have been something very special but, for whatever reason, it never reached anywhere close to its full potential!

Amphibious Cars

Amphibious cars have never quite worked out. If you look at the Amphicar, for example, they do indeed work on the road and in the water. However, they aren’t particularly impressive in either mode. That’s where the Aquada could have been the game changer.

Gibbs Technologies, based in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was the brains behind the project that claimed to produce the world’s first high-speed amphibian (HSA), capable of over 100mph on land and over 30mph on water.

From the front, the Aquada had a look that could be compared to a beefed-up Mazda MX-5, largely because it borrowed its headlights from the MX-5. Inside though, it had a much more boat-like appearance. There were no doors, entry was boat-style, climbing over the side and the cockpit had three seats instead of the two you’re probably used to in a car. You could say it’s McLaren P1 style with the driver in a central position but that is probably taking it one step too far!

The Aquada was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 engine from the Land Rover Freelander which was positioned in the middle of the vehicle. It was rear-wheel drive and had a four-speed automatic gearbox, which delivered 175bhp, enough to get the Aquada from 0-60mph in around 8.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 110mph (on the road, obviously).

Even in the water, it wasn’t exactly slow – it could reach speeds of 30mph which, again, is much more appealing than most other amphibious vehicles.

Why The Aquada Didn’t Quite Make It

Despite its impressive design and capabilities, the Gibbs Aquada faced several challenges that, ultimately, would lead to its disappearance. Perhaps the main issues were in the build and production.

Building a vehicle that functions as both a high-performance car and a speedboat is no easy task, and the price tag reflected that. At launch, the Aquada was priced at over £150,000, putting it out of reach for most drivers.

On top of that, regulatory issues posed significant hurdles. As the Aquada had to meet both automotive and maritime regulations, the process of getting it approved for road and water use was complex and time-consuming. These challenges, combined with the high production costs, limited the commercial success of the Aquada, and production eventually had to be stopped.

The Future Of Amphibious Vehicles

While the Gibbs Aquada may not have become a mainstream vehicle, it does go to show that things that are said to be impossible can be done. What I find most exciting is that there are still some examples of the Aquada floating around (excuse the pun!)

To me, that means its journey might not be completely over and, at some point in the future, someone might try to finish the Aquadas story. If that happens, we still might see them out on the road and in the water.

Specifications of the Gibbs Aquada

Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition

To celebrate 60 years of the Aston Martin and James Bond relationship, Aston Martin has released the DB12 Goldfinger Edition. Limited to just 60 units, this car has been created by Aston’s personalisation and bespoke service – Q by Aston Martin.

DB12 Goldfinger

It was back in 1964 when the DB5 first appeared alongside James Bond in Goldfinger. That provided the inspiration for the new DB12 colour scheme of Silver Birch. The colour makes the Goldfinger Edition look great but, this is taken one step further with 21” multi-spoke wheels with a diamond treatment finish, black brake calipers, and bespoke gold side strakes. There’s also a a special Aston Martin logo in silver with black enamel and a chrome ‘Q’ fender badge

Inside the DB12 Goldfinger Edition, you get fluted leather Sports Plus seats that feature a Prince of Wales check perforation, much like a traditional James Bond suit. This pattern extends to the door inserts, headliner, and treadplate. If that wasn’t luxurious enough, you also get 18k gold-plated accents on the drive mode rotary dial, roller controls, and gear selector!

If you’re a James Bond fan, then you’ll appreciate the ‘eight of hearts’ embroidered onto the driver’s sun visor, a reference to the iconic pool scene in Goldfinger where the card plays an important role.

DB12 Specification

The Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine, producing a power output of 680PS (approx 671hp) and 800Nm of torque.

The DB12 also features Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system, developed entirely in-house and, for the Goldfinger Edition, the Bowers & Wilkins halo audio system comes as standard.

VIP Treatment

Each DB12 Goldfinger Edition comes with a collection of bespoke gifts. These include a custom car cover, a luxury key presentation box, and a Silver Birch Speedform model. One of the most unique offerings to new owners is a 35mm film strip from the iconic Furka Pass scene in Goldfinger. To add even more exclusivity, a limited-edition golden copy of Aston Martin magazine is included too.

Additionally, owners will receive a magnum of 2007 vintage Champagne Bollinger. The champagne is individually numbered and presented with four exclusive Bollinger 007 glasses, housed in a bespoke Globe-Trotter Air Cabin Case. The case even mirrors the design of the car, featuring a Silver Birch exterior and Prince of Wales check interior.

“The partnership between Aston Martin and the James Bond franchise is something that is always treasured. It is an incredible occasion to be able to recognise six decades of this partnership with an extraordinary special edition, and pay homage to the very first—and perhaps most famous—Aston Martin Bond car.”

Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer

Aston Martin’s Next Generation

The DB12 Goldfinger Edition is part of Aston Martin’s next generation of vehicles, which began with the introduction of the DB12 in 2023. This generation also includes the new Vantage, the DBX707, and the recently unveiled Vanquish.

Deliveries of the DB12 Goldfinger Edition are set to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

Pass Your Driving Test

It takes 45 lessons for the average learner to pass their driving test. With lessons ranging in price from around £25 per hour up to somewhere around £50 per hour, learning to drive is an expensive thing to do.

Even without the financial element, just the amount of time required for these lessons soon adds up. However, 17-year-old Josh Burford, from Lichfield, managed to come up with a strategy that allowed him to pass his test after just 5 on-the-road lessons and a little over a month after his 17th birthday.

He summed up how he did it in 12 steps:

1. Don’t wait until you’re 17 to start learning to drive
Josh had driving lessons with Young Driver from the age of 10. Because driving lessons take place on private property, they’re completely legal. They take place in dual-controlled cars with qualified instructors, as the aim is to learn in the same way you would at 17. Mock road systems are set up, and there’s other learners practising at the same time, so you get experience of other traffic. Josh had a lesson every couple of months or so, to keep his skills up, meaning that before he even became a teenager he knew how to work the clutch and the gears. As Josh explains: “When I had my first on-the-road lesson at 17, the instructor recommended I put straight in for my test.”

2. Apply for your provisional licence as soon as you can
You don’t need to wait until you’re 17, you can do that from 15 years and nine months. Do it early so there’s no hold-up when you turn 17 as you won’t be allowed to learn on the roads without one.

3. Ask around for recommendations of instructors
Look for an instructor you can build a rapport with and bear in mind some have very long waiting lists. It is worth contacting them a few months before your 17^th birthday to enquire.

4. Practice makes perfect
Josh explains: “In the 50 days between turning 17 and taking my test I practised with my parents when it was possible, just on day-to-day journeys we would have been making anyway. If they were taking a trip to the shops, I drove. It might only have been 10 minutes, but it all helps. And it meant I had to keep practising parking!”

5. Book your theory test as soon as you can – and make sure you prep for it
You can take your theory test at 17 as long as you have a provisional licence. Josh passed his theory test nine days after his 17^th birthday. Josh said: “Get the Highway Code and start reading it at least three months prior to your theory test. Do a little bit when you can, here and there. Also, use an app with theory test practice exams and hazard perception tests too.”

6. Pay attention as a passenger
It’s easy to zone out in the car or look at your phone. But pay attention and ask questions. Look at lane discipline and get a feel for roundabouts and more complicated road systems.

7. Book your test as soon as the instructor says you’re ready
You will need to pass your theory test first though. When Josh first applied for his driving test, he couldn’t get one for five months – which he booked so he knew he had it in the diary if all else failed.

8. Use an app to monitor for driving test cancellations
Josh used a paid-for app called Testi which issues alerts for cancelled tests. His directly booked test wasn’t until November, but after booking one in August via Testi, he then managed to get one in July,  which he took and passed.

9. Do your test somewhere you know
Josh recommends being somewhere you know: “There are reports that people are travelling the length and breadth of the country to find an earlier test. However, I wanted to be somewhere where there was a likelihood I would know the roads. Travelling hours away would have added to my stress levels.”

10. Spend some time getting to know your car
Are you confident about putting on the lights, windscreen wipers and so on? You may be asked to show these in the test and you want it to be as automatic as possible.

11. Use YouTube to help you prep
Josh explains: “I watched YouTube videos on the driving test routes near to me, so I could familiarise myself with them. Sometimes I went and drove them, other times I just watched a video. I think it helped me to stay calm in the test as it seemed a little more familiar, even though mine ended up being one I’d just watched online.”

12. Don’t panic
Josh’s final advice is about keeping your cool. He said: “If it feels like it’s all going wrong, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed – and if you have, use it as experience. You’ll know more about what to expect next time round.”

AC Ace Is Back

In the very near future, we will be seeing the AC Ace back out on the roads of Britain.

AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has recently announced the upcoming return of one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The new version of the Ace will, of course, be inspired by the recognisable classic AC Ace but will have evolved to fit in with modern driving conditions.

A New Chapter For The AC Ace

The return of the Ace comes in two models: the AC Ace Classic and the AC Ace Bristol Classic, with each version paying tribute to different periods in the original AC Ace’s evolution.

The AC Ace Bristol Classic features the “smiling face” front end, which will certainly please the classic Ace fans, while the AC Ace Classic has a more streamlined front – a nod to the final iteration of the original model.

The Specifications

Both models have a carbon-fibre body and are powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, producing more than 300bhp. This is paired with a precision-engineered six-speed manual gearbox and a specially tuned exhaust system (to make sure the car sounds as good as it looks and drives!)

The car weighs just 1,100kg and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in a shade over 4 and a half seconds. This performance is further enhanced by a torque output of around 375Nm.

Past Meets The Future

The team at AC Cars have merged traditional styling with modern construction techniques. The chassis remains true to the original but the addition of carbon-fibre bodywork makes the new models lightweight and strong. The 15″ wire wheels maintain the classic aesthetic while the modern fuel injection and engine management systems add performance and reliability.

The timing of the AC Ace’s return is particularly relevant at the moment as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the original model’s competition debut. The original Ace would go on to a class victory at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, before going on to more success in the SCCA National Championships, and achieving class victories at the Sebring 12-Hour race for three consecutive years.

Availability And Price

Delivery of the AC Ace Classic and AC Ace Bristol Classic is due to begin in summer 2025. Each car will be assigned an official chassis number, authenticating its status as a genuine AC creation.

Pricing for both the AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classic begins at £175,000, inclusive of VAT.

“The new AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classics demonstrate conclusively that a classically styled car can possess outstanding performance and handling characteristics. By returning to the foundational themes of lightweight construction and powerful performance, AC Cars Classics has achieved a delicate balance between grace and modern capability.”

David Conza, CEO of AC Cars

Technical Specifications

• 2.3-litre straight-4 cylinder EcoBoost engine,
• 6-speed manual gearbox
• Built around a robust 3-inch steel tubular frame chassis.
• Period-correct 15-inch wire wheels and tyres

McLaren W1 Revealed

Just a few hours ago, McLaren revealed its brand new supercar, the W1, as the successor to the iconic McLaren F1 and P1.

The W1 combines Formula 1 style aerodynamics, hybrid technology, and lightweight engineering to deliver what McLaren calls the “ultimate supercar experience.”

Powertrain

The W1 has a hybrid powertrain, combining the all-new MHP-8 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor. The result is 1275PS or around 1257 horsepower, which is the highest power output of any McLaren road car ever made. This hybrid system consists of the MHP-8 V8 combustion engine, which, on its own, generates 928PS and revs up to 9,200 rpm. Paired with a 347PS electric motor, the car has a power-to-weight ratio of 911PS per tonne!

The electric motor is part of a compact “E-module” that integrates the motor control unit, contributing to the car’s efficiency and lighter weight. In total, the car weighs just 1,399 kg which makes it exceptionally fast. 0 – 62 mph takes 2.7 seconds and the W1 will continue up to a top speed of 217 mph (electronically capped).

Aerodynamics and Engineering Inspired by Formula 1

A big part of the W1’s impressive performance comes from its Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics. McLaren engineers have spent over 350 hours testing the car in a wind tunnel to make sure it has an optimal balance of low drag and high downforce. This includes the use of McLaren’s Active Long Tail rear wing, which extends by 300mm to generate up to 1,000 kg of downforce in Race mode. The front and rear wings adjust automatically based on driving conditions so the car remains planted at high speeds.

The W1’s ground-effect aerodynamics are also a fantastic feature. When switching to Race mode, the car lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear. This maximises downforce which can lead to even greater track performance. This configuration allows the W1 to lap McLaren’s test track 3 seconds faster than the previous record-holder, the McLaren Senna.

The W1’s handling is enhanced by its new Race Active Chassis Control III suspension. In Race mode, the suspension stiffens, and the active heave system, borrowed from McLaren’s Formula 1 technology, helps the car maintain stability at high speeds.

McLaren’s focus on driver engagement means that the W1 is rear-wheel-drive. This is becoming increasingly rare in modern supercars so it’s clearly been well thought through by the team. This choice, along with McLaren’s hydraulic performance steering, makes sure you have full control over the car’s eye-watering power and torque.

Bespoke Design and Advanced Technology

The W1 features McLaren’s bespoke Aerocell carbon fibre monocoque chassis which has been designed to integrate seating into the structure of the car.

The car’s interior is a mix of luxury and function. It includes materials like McLaren’s new InnoKnit, a lightweight and customisable fabric that changes and enhances both aesthetics and comfort.

Despite the car’s focus on track performance, the cabin includes comforts such as Apple CarPlay and a high-resolution infotainment system. McLaren has also included digital elements into the driver experience, with boost and aero buttons on the steering wheel for real-time control over the car’s power delivery and aerodynamic settings.

Exclusive and Personalised

Only 399 units of the McLaren W1 will be produced, and they’ve already been allocated to customers. Each car will be highly customisable through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), allowing owners to tailor their vehicle’s exterior and interior with pretty much limitless options.

Pricing and Availability

The McLaren W1 is priced at around £2 million in the UK, depending on the level of customisation chosen.

Technical Specification

Performance data

 
Efficiency

Warranty

Kia UK to Unveil Unique ‘Restomod’ for 80th Anniversary at Bicester Heritage

On Sunday (6th October), Kia UK is going to reveal a very special vehicle as part of the celebrations marking the brand’s 80th anniversary. The exclusive ‘restomod’ – a restored and modified car – will debut at the Bicester Heritage ‘Scramble’ event.

This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been created from a donor vehicle taken from Kia’s UK heritage fleet. Though details about the specific car remain an inside secret, it is said to offer a power-to-weight ratio reminiscent of popular hot hatches from the 1970s and 1980s. The focus of the redesign has been on enhancing the driving experience and creating a modern yet nostalgic feel.

This is the third custom vehicle Kia UK has built in recent years. It follows the track-focused Stinger ‘GT420’ in 2019 and the Soul EV beach buggy. The Stinger ‘GT420’ was a heavily tuned-up version of Kia’s grand tourer, with modifications aimed at transforming it into a high-performance track car. The Soul EV beach buggy was aimed at a completely different audience with its rugged setup making it perfect for surfers. It even had a custom surfboard rack, wooden-decked interior, ‘rally raid’ style elevated suspension, and chunky tyres.

The new restomod will continue this trend of creativity, innovation, and unique car design.