Classic Car Auction

An auction taking place on Wednesday, 9th October, is offering car enthusiasts and collectors the chance to own two very special cars. The auction, hosted by H&H Classics at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, will feature the oldest known surviving Ford AVO Car, a 1970 Ford Escort Mexico and a 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2, once owned by pop legend Madonna.

The Oldest Known Ford AVO Car – Ford Escort Mexico

Believed to be the oldest surviving model from Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO), the 1970 Ford Escort Mexico was one of the few “launch” models built in October 1970, just before official production began.

Expected to sell for between £60,000-£70,000, this car holds a special place in Ford’s history. It carries a unique ‘LVX’ press registration plate, indicating its use for promotional purposes by Ford. The Escort Mexico has been fully restored between 2006 and 2017, with over £60,000 invested to bring it back to its factory-original specification. The restoration was focused on preserving as many original parts as possible while using genuine replacements when needed.

This specific example was also lent to Hendon Police College and tested against trainee pursuit drivers before later being purchased by a police officer from the same driving school. The Escort is accompanied by a detailed history file, which includes a rare sales brochure, a feature in Classic Ford magazine, and the original logbook.

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“It’s a privilege to offer this 1970 Ford Escort Mexico AVO car for auction.

It is an unmissable opportunity for any fast Ford fanatic as opportunities to acquire AVO cars with such provenance are truly unrepeatable.”

This Mexico is one of the first handful of Escort Mexico’s produced, believed to be one of four, before official production began. It is also the joint second Mexico registered, being registered new to Ford Motor Company on December 4^th 1970.

We expect there to be strong interest in this very special model at our auction in October.”

– Paul Cheetham, motor car specialist at H&H Classics

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A Celebrity Connection – Madonna’s 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2

In addition to the Ford Mexico, the auction will also feature a 1967 Jaguar Mark X 4.2 that was once owned by global music superstar Madonna. Purchased by Madonna in 2021 for her son Rocco Ritchie, it is now being offered at no reserve!

The Jaguar Mark X 4.2 is a special model in its own right. Known for its large, luxurious design, the Mark X was primarily targeted at the North American market, appealing to high-profile buyers such as diplomats and film stars. The 4.2-litre version, produced for just two years, had impressive features for its time, including independent rear suspension and a top speed of 120mph, making it a more affordable alternative to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.

The car has recently undergone a full repaint in Opalescent Maroon and comes with its original green logbook.

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“It’s incredible to be offering a Jaguar for sale with such close connections to Madonna and I’m sure fans and classic car collectors will be hung up on this Mark X.

“Putting aside its famous celebrity connection, this Big Cat is a rare 4.2 litre example that was only in production for two years, and I’m sure Rocco would have enjoyed driving it.

There were only 5,137 Jaguar Mark X 4.2 litre models ever built. Our auction offers the chance to own an important piece of British motoring history that has also been bought by one of the most famous people on the planet. It’s a car that will always remain in vogue.”

– Lucas Gomersall, motor car specialist at H&H Classics

H&H Classics

Both of these cars will be available to bid on in person, online, or via telephone at the auction on 9th October. For more information or to register to bid, visit the H&H Classics website at www.handh.co.uk.

Goodwood Revival 2024

The 2024 Goodwood Revival, as always, delivered an incredible weekend of vintage racing, celebrations, and plenty of nostalgia. Running from Friday, September 6th, to Sunday, September 8th, the event welcomed legendary drivers, beautiful classic cars, and some very exciting, albeit wet, races, all while championing sustainability.

In a world-first for historic motorsport, the entire race schedule was run on sustainable fuel. This is a perfect example of the progress being made in making motorsports greener, with every competitor using fuel that was at least 70% advanced sustainable components.

Racing Highlights and Icons

The track was the place for racing in all of its vintage glory, despite some unpredictable weather. Standout moments included Michael Russell and Michael Rutter taking the win on a Norton Velocette MSS in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy. In the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, the pairing of Dario Franchitti and Jimmie Johnson raced their Aston Martin DB4GT to victory.

The Settrington Cup allowed young drivers to show off their skills in Austin J40 pedal cars, with Josh Johnston emerging victorious, with Luca Franchitti and Hugo Upward not too far behind.

Goodwood Revival also welcomed an incredible lineup of motorsport champions, including Formula 1 legends Sir Jackie Stewart and Jacques Villeneuve, NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, and Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness. It was a hugely successful event, with familiar faces from BTCC, Le Mans, and even Formula E taking to the track.

Honouring Legends and Marking Milestones

One special moment was the tribute to John Surtees, celebrating 60 years since his Formula 1 World Championship win. Cars and bikes from his remarkable career paraded the track, honouring his legacy across multiple disciplines. Another powerful tribute commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with over 100 military vehicles, including a beautifully restored Rolls-Royce Wraith Staff Car, parading to honour the veterans.

A Weekend to Remember

Away from the track, the skies were also something to watch with the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation display featuring rare aircraft, including several Supermarine Spitfires. The Revive & Thrive Village once again impressed with workshops, fashion displays, and talks celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.

For the Bridge Classic Cars team, the weekend was a big success. Craig, Managing Director of Bridge Classic Cars, attended the event and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with Ben, Jake, and the rest of the P1 Fuels team, making the experience all the more memorable

The 2025 Revival is already scheduled for September 12th – 14th next year, and tickets go on sale in November.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Goodwood season!

World EV Day 2024

Each year, World EV Day promotes the importance of sustainable transport, and this year, in 2024, it’s probably more relevant than ever. As the world is realising our battle with climate change is going to be a big one, the electric vehicle (EV) initiative offers a cleaner, greener alternative to fossil-fuelled vehicles. On September 9th, we acknowledge that there is and will continue to be a shift towards a more sustainable automotive industry.

The Start of World EV Day

Back in 2020, World EV Day began with a mission to celebrate electric vehicles and encourage more drivers to make the switch. Fast forward to 2024, and EVs are no longer the niche products they once were. The event has grown into a global movement, with governments, car manufacturers, and consumers coming together to push for an electric-powered future.

The transportation sector remains a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and EVs offer one way to reduce this footprint. According to the 2022 World EV Day whitepaper, the number of EVs on global roads doubled between 2021 and 2022 as more drivers understand their impact on the planet.

Why 2024 is important

The UK is pushing towards a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. With advancements in battery technology, more efficient charging stations, and increased affordability, the barriers to going electric are gradually coming down.

That being said, there’s still work to be done. The 2022 whitepaper research highlighted that while 64% of people planning to buy a car would consider an EV, many still find the process confusing. Concerns about the perceived cost and availability of charging infrastructure remain common stumbling blocks​.

What’s New in 2024?

In 2024, several exciting technologies are big talking points. Solid-state batteries, which promise faster charging times, longer ranges, and increased safety, are set to potentially change the game. As manufacturers work to perfect this technology, it could mean the end of range anxiety – one of the biggest concerns for potential EV buyers.

Another development is vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to not just take power from the grid but also give it back. This can help balance supply and demand on the grid, especially during peak times. Imagine using your EV to power your home during a blackout or helping your local grid during an energy crunch – that’s the kind of future people in the EV world want.

Charging Infrastructure: A Key Piece of the Puzzle

One of the biggest concerns for anyone thinking of going electric is where and how to charge their car. . According to data from 2022, the UK saw a 35% increase in public charging stations. This growth is critical as more people switch to EVs.

Ultra-fast chargers, which can top up an EV in around 20 minutes, are becoming more widespread, making long-distance travel in an EV more convenient. Home charging stations are also more affordable and easier to install, allowing drivers to wake up every morning to a fully charged vehicle. Businesses are also stepping up, with companies like Shell Recharge partnering with retailers like Aldi to provide convenient charging points at popular locations​.

Addressing Concerns: Making the Switch Easier

One of the themes for World EV Day 2024 is accessibility. While many people like the idea of switching to electric, there’s still hesitation. Affordability, particularly for younger and rural drivers, remains a challenge. The whitepaper found that 53% of drivers agreed that the process of switching to an EV was confusing, often due to concerns around cost.

But there are reasons to be optimistic. The growing second-hand EV market is providing a more affordable entry point for many drivers. Companies like Auto Trader are reporting a significant rise in searches for used EVs, and this trend is expected to continue as more EVs enter the second-hand market​With more affordable options and better financing and leasing deals, going electric is becoming more attainable for a broader range of people.

The Role of Governments and Corporations

Government policies have played a significant role in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. From the EU’s Green Deal to tax incentives in the US, governments are making it easier and more appealing to go electric. Public sector fleets are also leading by example, with many cities electrifying their bus and taxi services.

Companies like Amazon and UPS are transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles, both to reduce emissions and to save on fuel costs. According to the 2022 whitepaper, companies are increasingly recognising that electrification isn’t just good for the planet. it’s good for business​.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for EVs?

As we mark World EV Day 2024, it’s clear that there is a place for EVs. However, there are still challenges to overcome. One major hurdle is public perception, particularly around the environmental impact of EV production, especially batteries. While EVs are undoubtedly cleaner in terms of day-to-day driving, their production and disposal processes still raise environmental concerns.

Manufacturers are working on solutions. For instance, Volkswagen is investing in cleaner production processes and carbon-neutral factories. Battery recycling programs are also gaining traction, helping to address concerns around the lifecycle of EV batteries​.

Celebrating a sustainable automotive industry

I think it’s important that we don’t take World EV Day as electric being the only solution to a sustainable automotive industry but rather as a day to recognise the broader shift toward sustainable transportation. It’s about understanding that every step we take towards a greener industry is a step towards a cleaner, healthier planet.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that electric vehicles will likely play a role in our transportation systems. However, I think it’s also important to keep in mind synthetic fuel, hydrogen, and other future fuels that will be developed.