Limited100 – Rare Automotive Art

Limited100 is a company that provides exclusive, high-quality automotive wall art. Based in Nottingham, UK, the company specialises in limited-run prints featuring vintage supercars, classic race cars, and modern hypercars.

With a focus on sustainability, all prints are made from eco-friendly materials, including museum-quality paper, canvas, and aluminium composite. Founded by Simon Wright, Limited100 collaborates with award-winning photographers to offer meticulously crafted, hand-framed artworks. Each piece is part of a 100-print series, authenticated with a certificate.

Recently, after around 4 years of trading, Limited100 got an order from their 400th customer.

Simon Wright, Founder of Limited100 said “I started Limited100 because after moving into my first home I was searching online for some artwork of a Lamborghini Miura, which I regard as the most beautiful car of all time. I couldn’t find anything of super high quality that was handmade, so I decided to create a company of my own that celebrates the handbuilt artisanship that Britain is so synonymous with.

“At the business’s conception, I began working with a carefully curated group of award-winning photographers and to ensure exclusivity, each print we produce is limited to 100 units ever (hence our name). The edition number is picked at random for each order unless a customer reaches out for something specific. For example, edition 8/100 is popular with our Japanese customers, and we recently had an order for someone’s 50^th birthday, so as a thank you for their custom we gave them edition 50/100.”

Proudly Made in Britain
“In 2020 I applied for Made in Britain status, and eligibility requirements included manufacturing and assembling a physical product in the UK, and that 80% of our value chain is in the UK. Because our printing and framing are completed in Nottingham from UK-sourced materials, our application was approved and we now display the Made in Britain logo on our website, the backs of our frames, and certificates of authenticity.”

“Our automotive prints are available in a range of sizes, from A3 all the way up to 5 metres wide. Formats include print-only, framed, canvas, aluminium composite and acrylic glass. Fully bespoke, we can print any format our customers request.

Celebrating our 400^th customer
“Limited100’s client base is diverse, ranging from interior designers to homeware gift buyers, supercar dealerships, mancave garage projects, and even James Bond enthusiasts. Our 400^th customer was an employee from Portugal, buying one of our Ferrari F40 prints for their CEO’s 40^th birthday.”

Limited100

As someone who appreciates the artistic nature of all things automotive, I think companies like Limited100 are doing a great job. Maybe we should get some cool artwork for The Classic Lounge!

RM Sotheby’s to Reveal the Legendary Rudi Klein Collection in October 2024

Later this year, the world will finally get to see one of the most secretive and mysterious car collections ever to exist –The Rudi Klein Collection.

The collection, which has only been rumoured to exist and is covered in mystery and myth, will come to auction in October 2024 in Los Angeles with RM Sotheby’s. The auction will mark the first time the public will have access to what has been dubbed “The Junkyard,” an incredible group of rare and iconic vehicles hidden away for decades.

Rudi Klein

Rudi Klein, a German immigrant who initially built his career as a butcher, founded his scrapyard business, Porsche Foreign Auto, in 1967. Over the course of 40 years, Klein quietly amassed an extraordinary collection of European classics, including ultra-rare models from manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini. This collection, which has been the subject of much speculation and rumour within the Southern California car community, remained untouched and hidden from the public eye since Klein’s passing in 2001.

The Auction

The upcoming auction in October 2024 will offer a rare opportunity to own a piece of this legendary collection. Among the highlights is one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz models ever produced: the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe. Also featured are a long-lost 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing and the 1967 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype, both of which have been sought after by collectors for years.

This event not only provides a glimpse into a collection that has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts for generations but also marks the end of an era of speculation and mystery. For the first time, the world will see the extraordinary vehicles that Rudi Klein so carefully curated and preserved.

Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions said “Over the past 40 years, our team has brought to market countless significant historical cars, each special in its own way. However, bringing something out of hiding that’s only been rumoured to exist, like the legendary Klein Collection, is truly special. Discovering a hidden Mercedes 500K or an Alloy Gullwing is the kind of story that resonates with everyone, not just automotive enthusiasts. What Klein amassed here is one-of-a-kind, and we know that many of these cars will live on for generations, powering new projects, or preserved in their original state. It’s a really exciting opportunity for collectors, and the sky’s the limit with this collection.”

The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection

To be offered in a series of auctions, both live and online, in October 2024, early highlights of ‘The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection’ include:

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen: One of the most famous pre-war Mercedes-Benz cars extant, this unique coupe is the only example of its kind, originally delivered to the legendary Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix driver, Rudolf Caracciola.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing: One of just 29 ‘Alloy’ Gullwings produced, this was the only example delivered in Black—and was once owned by legendary racing and Ferrari figure Luigi Chinetti. It is a unique example of the most sought-after of all 300 SLs, virtually unseen for decades.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster: Awaiting a well-deserved restoration, this 300 SL left the factory finished in Fire Engine Red over Cream interior and was equipped with factory Rudge-wheels, the most desirable configuration for an early Roadster.

1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster: Famed for its rakish design and historical significance, this is the only surviving 855, the ultimate Horch automobile. Boasting rich provenance, its fascinating past includes display in early California roadside museums, as well as being used for Hollywood publicity photographs in the 1950s.

1967 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone: The only factory-built Grifo convertible, used for factory publicity photographs, the unique A3/L Spider was acquired by Rudi Klein many years ago from renowned enthusiast and Hollywood producer, Greg Garrison.

1961 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster by d’Ieteren: A classic model known for its distinctive design and performance, in the sought-after ‘Twin-Grille’ configuration—in remarkable original condition, and believed to have fewer than 600 actual miles.

Local News – Ed Sheeran Buys Minority Stake In Ipswich Town Football Club

Yesterday, our local football club, Ipswich Town, announced that Ed Sheeran has become a minority shareholder in the Football Club. This comes as the 2024/2025 season is about to begin – the team’s first Premier League season since 2002, following back-to-back promotions from League One.

A lifelong supporter of the Club and the front-of-shirt sponsor for both the Men’s and Women’s teams since 2021, Ed has acquired a 1.4% stake through Gamechanger 20 Ltd.

As part of this agreement, Ed will have access to a personalised executive box at Portman Road stadium for the long term, starting with the 2024/25 season.

It is worth noting that this is a passive and minority investment, and Ed will not be joining the Football Club’s board.

Ed Sheeran said:

“I am really excited to have bought a small percentage of my hometown football club.

It’s any football fan’s dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity.  

I have lived in Suffolk since I was three years old and, while I travel the world and sometimes feel like an outsider in big cities, Suffolk and Ipswich have always made me feel part of the community and protected. 

It’s such a joy to be a fan of Ipswich Town. There are ups and downs but football is all about taking the highs and the lows. I’m not a voting shareholder or a board member, this is just me putting some money into the club I love and them returning the gesture, so please don’t get onto me with signing suggestions or tactics to play!  

I’m excited for the Premier League to start this weekend. Let’s go!”  

Mark Ashton, Chairman of ITFC said:

“This is an incredibly proud day for the Football Club. 

The support Ed and his team have shown us over the last three years has been nothing short of remarkable and for him to make this investment in the Club feels like the natural progression in our relationship.  

For one of the biggest artists in the world to give us so much of his time and give the Club such incredible exposure around the world, while asking for very little in return, highlights just what makes this relationship such a special one.  

It’s been a pleasure to get to know Ed and his team over the last three years and we look forward to building our relationship further now as the Club enters the Premier League.”

Ford Supervan Celebrated On Transit Day

A rebuild of the legendary Supervan took the spotlight at Ford’s ‘Transit Day’ celebration, held at the Dunton Technical Centre, known as the Home of Transit, as the countdown to its 60th anniversary begins.

Accompanied by the fan-favourite Supervan 3 and the race-winning, all-electric Supervan 4.2, Transit Day marks the first time all three generations of Supervan have appeared together.

The Original

The original Supervan, introduced to the public in 1971, was powered by a V8 engine from a GT40 and built on a mid-engine Cooper Monaco chassis, all housed within a Transit body. Now, over fifty years later, a new Supervan has been rebuilt from the ground up using original components by Andy Browne, a former Ford engineering apprentice. Browne’s dedicated restoration pays tribute to the Supervan’s unique legacy and his late friend, Terry Drury.

Andy said “Terry was one of life’s amazing characters, he built the original van in three to four months, off the back of an orange Transit built by Ford apprentices, who stuck a seven-litre Ford Galaxie engine in it. Terry was well-known to Ford and, with the help of some spare GT40 parts and funding from the Ford Truck sales division, it was the billboard of all billboards.”

After the Supervan campaign ended, the Terry Drury Racing team dismantled the vehicle, including its powertrain. The body, along with other remnants, changed hands several times before eventually reaching Andy. Determined to revive the Supervan, he set out to bring it back to life.

He said “I bought Supervan in late 1973 for £500. But there was nothing; all it had was a shell and four wheels. Nothing else. Luckily, I had access to machine shops so I could produce parts, and bought a transaxle off Terry for another £500. Back then, I was a Ford apprentice on five pounds a week!”

Andy needed to register, tax, and insure Supervan before it could be driven. This required convincing the relevant authorities that his Transit van was equipped with a 4.7-litre V8 engine and that a 19-year-old apprentice was its registered owner and driver. He said, “I spoke to a specialist insurer and you can guess how much my premium was…”

The Disappearance

As life, family, and homeownership took priority, Andy eventually sold Supervan. By the time Ford unveiled Supervan 2 in 1985, the original had passed through multiple owners after Andy, and its whereabouts became a mystery.

Rumors of Supervan’s existence persisted, with fans worldwide trying to track down the original. Even years after selling it, Andy would receive calls from strangers asking if the van they’d found was the authentic Supervan. Due to the modifications he made during his ownership, such as fitting a different exhaust system and altering parts of the body around the sills, Andy knew exactly what to look for.

Years later, with his children grown and more time and resources at his disposal, Andy decided to revisit Supervan in honour of the late friends and colleagues who played a significant role in his journey with the iconic vehicle.

The Return

Andy said “Originally, I wanted to build a replica. Then one day I got a call and somebody said to me they thought they knew where the remains of Supervan were. I’ve lost count, but this must have been at least the twentieth time, easily. I went to see these remains, ran my hand under the sills and knew that it was the van that I’d owned. It wasn’t even a van at all – just a floor pan and a bit of bulkhead, and some parts of a chassis that had been cut.”

The plan quickly changed. Instead of building a replica Supervan, Andy purchased the original remains and began a full restoration using authentic components.

Fast forward to 2024, and Andy is nearing the completion of his tribute to Terry and the legacy that sparked global admiration for the iconic Supervan. The name has returned to the spotlight following Supervan 4.2’s victory in the “Race to the Clouds” at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in November 2023, and its win in the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed Timed Shootout in July.

60 Years In 2025

The Ford Transit celebrates its 60^th birthday on 9^th August 2025 – the day the first example rolled off the production line – and to mark the occasion, surrounded by the latest and greatest Transit vehicles across six decades, the 365-day countdown began at this year’s Transit Day. Transit will also enter its 58^th year as the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle.

Naran’s UK Debut: The Hyper-Coupe Unveiled at Salon Privé 2024

The debut prototype of the Naran four-seater hyper-coupe will be revealed at Salon Privé, held at Blenheim Palace from August 28th – 31st 2024.

A New Chapter in Luxury Automotive Design

Naran’s first model will take centre stage on the lawns of Blenheim Palace. The hyper-coupe looks to be a truly beautiful machine that UK-based car enthusiasts will get to see for the very first time in just a couple of weeks.

Performance Meets Personalisation

The car is powered by a bespoke 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering up to 1,000bhp and a competitive 0-60mph time. For those seeking an even more dynamic experience, an optional motorsport-inspired aero package is available to enhance downforce for a GT3-style driving experience on both road and track.

Exclusivity and Bespoke Luxury

Only 39 examples will be produced, each offering an extremely high level level of customisation. Owners will have the opportunity to personalise nearly every aspect of their car, including the unique privilege of naming their own model. The hyper- coupe’s design, penned by renowned stylist Jowyn Wong, features composite panels, dramatic hinged clamshells, and a sleek, aggressive profile that echoes its motorsport heritage.

Naran founder and CEO Ameerh Naran said: “Our cars are about indulging our owners in unparalleled tailoring and visceral performance, offering them all the things they have always dreamed about in a vehicle, in an aesthetic, luxury and driving experience sense.

“Our unprecedented customisation options mean our customers can even give their vehicle its own name. And, because the car has four seats, our owners can share their vision with others, too.”

Interior Craftsmanship

Inside, the Naran hyper-coupe is a showcase of luxury. The prototype model features a ruby-themed exterior and a cockpit decorated with almond gold accents. The interior features CNC-milled billet aluminium, tri-hue soft-touch textiles, and premium leather. The carbon-shelled seats, upholstered in ruby leather with almond gold stitching look equally as impressive as the rest of the car.

The interior’s high-end feel extends to the footwells, where woven fabric and removable carpets in smoke and charcoal black hues complement the sophisticated environment. Stone grey and black chrome accents, along with satin ruby and almond gold finishes, cover the centre console and dashboard, ensuring every surface reflects the car’s high-end personality.

A Truly Unique Opportunity

The Naran hyper-coupe offers nearly limitless options for customisation, with early buyers already requesting unique touches like horse-hair upholstery, marble and granite finishes, and even gold leaf trim. With the order book now open, prospective owners can secure their place among the elite few by placing a deposit of £300,000, towards the £2 million price tag.

Following its world debut in Andermatt, Switzerland, this exclusive vehicle will make its first UK appearance at Salon Privé, offering British enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience Naran’s visionary design in person.

Surge in Bug Population Due to Wet, Warm Weather Increases Risk of Vehicle Damage

Experts predict that the rise in wet and warm weather conditions is fueling a significant increase in the UK’s bug population. This, in turn, is leading to a notable rise in ‘bug splats’ on vehicles, posing potential damage to car paintwork.

While the wet start to summer in 2024 has left many of us feeling underwhelmed, the UK’s bug population is thriving. The moist conditions have led to a population surge that is expected to last well into the autumn, bringing an inevitable increase in ‘bug splats’ on cars during peak holiday travel.

Autoglym, the UK’s leading car care brand, is warning drivers to the potential harm these insect remains can cause if not promptly addressed. As temperatures fluctuate, the clearcoat lacquer that protects a vehicle’s paintwork can soften around bug residues during the heat and harden when cooled, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘etching.’ This process can create an uneven surface, distorting light and diminishing the vehicle’s glossy finish. Once etching occurs, it is challenging to restore the surface to its original smoothness without using a machine polisher.

Autoglym’s UK-based laboratory team explains that bug decomposition releases fatty acids and enzymes that can severely damage sensitive exterior surfaces, including gloss-black plastic trim. This makes the prompt removal of insect remains crucial in preserving the vehicle’s appearance and preventing lasting damage.

Drivers are advised to exercise caution when choosing insect removal products. Many such products contain solvents that can harm plastic trim, which is often found on the front of vehicles where insect residues accumulate. To address this, Autoglym’s products are formulated to be safe for use on all vehicle surfaces, ensuring effective protection without the risk of damage.

Autoglym recommends that motorists protect their paintwork with appropriate products and act quickly to remove bug residues, helping to maintain their vehicle’s appearance and value during this particularly challenging season for car maintenance.

John Anderson, Senior Technologist at Autoglym, explains: “With a surge in the UK’s insect population, we strongly recommend drivers prepare their vehicles with a layer of protection and remove any insect splatter as quickly as possible – ideally when the residues are cool and damp. Cleaning early in the day or the evening when bug splats are softer will help to make the job of cleaning and removing them easier, while also being safer on paintwork.”

UK’s Most Ideal Holiday Driving Companions

Recent research has identified the celebrities British people would most like to accompany them on a UK holiday road trip. Topping the list of preferred drivers is Jeremy Clarkson, with TV personalities, sports stars, and even a royal figure making the cut as well.

The survey, commissioned by Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, also delved into who Brits would most like to have as passengers for an enjoyable journey. Comedian Peter Kay, star of the TV sitcom Car Share, emerged as the top choice, followed by other TV favourites known for their storytelling abilities – Stephen Fry and Bob Mortimer.

While Jeremy Clarkson is the unanimous choice for both men and women as the ideal driver, the rest of the top five show some variation. Both genders included David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton in their selections, but their remaining choices differ. Men favoured comic actor and car enthusiast Rowan Atkinson and Clarkson’s long-time co-presenter James May, while women leaned towards style and sophistication, choosing James Bond star Daniel Craig and Princess Anne.

The Nation’s Top 5 Holiday Drivers

Similarly, when it comes to picking a favourite passenger, Peter Kay remains the top choice across the board. His comedic insights and experience with Car Share likely contribute to his popularity. For men, storytelling is key, with Stephen Fry, Bob Mortimer, and Frank Skinner joining Kay in the top five, rounded off by actress Emma Watson. Women, however, seem to prefer musical entertainment, with Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Stacey Solomon making their top five alongside Kay and Fry.

The Nation’s Top 5 Holiday Companions

Notably, the research highlighted regional differences in preferences. In Scotland, for example, the excitement of the journey is important, with actor Jason Statham, known for his action-packed driving roles, being the top pick as a driver. Meanwhile, Peter Kay, although popular nationwide, was outshone by Ed Sheeran in Eastern England and Northern Ireland, and didn’t even make the top five in London, where local icon Adele took the lead.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “It’s been fun to see who the nation would choose as their driver and fellow passengers to ensure happy journeys this summer holiday.  The choices give an indication of how we like to spend our time in the car – sharing stories and songs – but we don’t need celebrities with us to do that.”

“While it might be nice to imagine handing over driving duties to a celebrity, the reality for most of us holiday motorists is that we are ultimately responsible for the happiness of our passengers.  As well as making sure they’ve got the right audiobooks and music downloaded, drivers mustn’t forget to make all the pre-travel checks on their car. The one sure fire way to remove any happiness from a holiday journey is to end up stranded on the hard shoulder.”