Number Plate News

PEN 15

The government has recently issued a 46-page report outlining the registrations that have been withdrawn from issue for risk of causing offence.

It’s a thankless task, over which the licensing authorities have often been ridiculed. But UK number plates have never been intended to represent names or words; it’s just a happy – and valuable – coincidence arising from a random process.

Almost since inception the guardians of the system have had to be on their guard. But times, fashions and language change. Very early on, the sequence ‘BF’ was blocked because of the now innocuous and laughable interpretation ‘bloody fool’.

Inevitably, some howlers have slipped through and it is rare for them to be recalled after the event.BO11 LUX was released in 2011, then withdrawn, but the owner took on the DVLA and it is now back on the road.

Perhaps the most infamous example is that of the registration PEN 15. The representation cannot be considered offensive on any grounds yet, since it has been in the possession of Regtransfers, it has fallen foul of more than one newspaper publisher reluctant to feature its promotion.

PEN 15 is being offered for sale at online auction until 11.30am Monday 6 July.

One Direction

Unless they’re your initials, the letters DUK probably won’t mean much to you. But, to fans of the pop group One Direction – and, quite possibly, the members of the ensemble themselves – the registration 1 DUK says one thing: ‘1 D’ [One Direction] ‘UK’ [United Kingdom]. Consequently, a high price is anticipated when it goes up for auction in Stourbridge, West Midlands, on 6 July.

Of course, the plate dates back to 1963, when it was first issued by Wolverhampton County Borough Council and would be a desirable and distinctive combination in its own right.

Organisers of the sale are expecting the hammer to fall at between £25k and £30K. This respectable price is nothing compared to what was paid for the simple 1 D plate, which fetched a staggering £352,000 in 2009, the year before One Direction were formed.

1949 Armstrong Siddeley Lancaster arrives at Bridge Classic Cars

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bridge Classic Cars have just taken delivery of a beautiful car collection. All the cars are being recommissioned in our workshops in Ipswich.

1949 – Armstrong Siddeley Lancaster – Older sympathetic restoration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”837,838,839,840,841,842,843,844,845,846,847,848,849,850,851,852,853″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1934 Austin Seven Top Hat arrives at Bridge Classic Cars

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bridge Classic Cars have just taken delivery of a beautiful car collection. All the cars are being recommissioned in our workshops in Ipswich.

1934 – Austin Seven Top Hat. Beautiful condition[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”679,761,760,759,758,757,756,755,762,763,764,765,771,770,769,768,767,766,860,866,865,864,863,862,861,772,773,857,858,859,668,674,673,672,666,667,671,670,868,869,669,867,665,664,678,677,662,663,661,660,676,675″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1933 Austin Seven Special arrives at Bridge Classic Cars

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bridge Classic Cars have just taken delivery of a beautiful car collection. All the cars are being recommissioned in our workshops in Ipswich.

1933 – Austin Seven Special – Fantastic condition, engineer designed and built. Something special![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”753,752,751,750,749,748,747,746,745,744″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1937 Austin Nippy has arrived at Bridge Classic Cars

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bridge Classic Cars have just taken delivery of a beautiful car collection. All the cars are being recommissioned in our workshops in Ipswich.

1937 – Austin Nippy – Truly beautiful and in fantastic condition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”873,872,723,639,633,638,636,635,634,880,879,877,875,733,730,729,728,727,725,719,724,722,721,720″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1967 MGBGT has arrived at Bridge Classic Cars

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bridge Classic Cars have just taken delivery of a beautiful car collection. All the cars are being recommissioned in our workshops in Ipswich.

1967 – MGBGT – Signal Red, black leather piped in red…lovely![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”618,619,620,621,622,623,624,625,626,627,628,629,617″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Great things happening to Ipswich Town Centre

Tower Ramparts: Work to convert the shopping centre into “Sailmakers” is well under way, costing £4 million. This has prompted existing tenants like Top Shop to commit themselves to the centre while new stores like Pandora jewellery are on the way.

Buttermarket: The first phase of the conversion of the shopping centre into a shopping and leisure centre has started – experts estimate the total value of the project could top £10 million.

St Mary at Quay: Work to convert the historic church into a wellbeing centre is nearing completion, largely thanks to a multi-million pound lottery grant.

Electric House: Its conversion into luxury flats is well under way. The estate agency will remain on the ground floor. The investment is costing about £2.5 million.

Tavern Street: New stores are being fitted out for Tiger, next to HMV, and a discount retailer going into the former River Island unit.

The Walk: The roof is being upgraded and new lighting installed to make the town’s original shopping precinct more attractive to shoppers.

Fison House: Work is now well under way to convert the former headquarters of the pharmaceutical company into a high-specification office development.

Work about to start:

Queen Street/Princes Street: Work to turn this into a pedestrianised area and possible home for Ipswich Market is due to start in the late summer. The first phase should be completed by Christmas, with the second and final phase being completed by Easter next year.

Ipswich Railway Station: The booking hall, news stand and station cafe is being redeveloped and the forecourt is due to be significantly improved. Work is due to start later this year.

Regatta Quay: Work to complete the “Wine Rack” should start before the end of the year.

Crown Street Car Park: Ipswich Council is hoping to start work on building a new multi-storey car park on the site early next year, with the aim that it should be completed by Christmas 2016.

Princes Street: New office blocks on the site of Rileys – which will be the headquarters of law firm Birketts – and in the longer term on the opposite side of the road.

Cornhill: Work to rebuild the Cornhill could start in early 2017, being completed in time for the Christmas lights switch on at the end of that year.

Longer term projects:

Waterfront: The borough has bought the derelict buildings next to Dance East and will be working with the owners of other sites to come up with a suitable development for the “entrance” to the area.

Ipswich Museum: Fundraising efforts to gain money to upgrade the museum and turn it into a major cultural hub are continuing.

Wet Dock Crossing: A government decision on whether to press ahead with full funding for the proposed scheme is due next year. If this is successful the project is likely to be completed within the next five years.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2015

If you’ve got a passion for motoring then head to the NEC this November to The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. With over 1,800 classic cars, 300 motorcycles, 600 trade stands, and the biggest indoor Autojumble plus incredible motoring features, it’s the UK’s biggest and best classic motoring celebration of the year!

Over 250 of Britain’s classic car clubs present rare marques whilst Meguiar’s Club Showcase reveals its concours Car of the Year. Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Edd China host the live stage and restore a car over three days whilst leading motoring experts tackle all aspects of restoration in the Restoration Theatre. You can also buy your next classic vehicle or memorabilia in Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale.

As well as stunning car displays, come and enjoy the Classic Motorbike Show featuring special guests, bike club displays, a motorcycle concours and a Vintage Wall of Death.

If you book your ticket before Saturday 31st October at midnight you not only save money but you can also win the Classic Car restored on the Live stage at the show!

Opening Times 

Friday 13th November: 10.00am – 6.30pm
Saturday 14th November: 9.00am – 6.30pm
Sunday 15th November: 9.00am – 5.30pm

Chris Evans to be new Top Gear presenter

TV and radio personality Chris Evans will replace Jeremy Clarkson as the lead presenter of an all-new Top Gear line-up, the BBC has announced.

Evans said he was “thrilled” to get the job, describing the motoring show as his “favourite programme of all time”.

“I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward,” he added.

Clarkson was dropped in March after punching a producer while on location.

Car enthusiast Evans, who has signed a three-year deal with the BBC Two show, had been tipped to replace his good friend Clarkson but had previously insisted he was not interested.

An “all-new” line-up means Clarkson’s co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May will not be involved.

The BBC’s David Sillito said that while Chris Evans was a household name, Clarkson had a long-running association with Top Gear and his were big shoes to fill.

Analysis: David Sillito, BBC media and arts correspondent

When Jeremy Clarkson relaunched Top Gear in 2002 it ceased to be a programme about cars; it became a programme about slightly tragic men who loved cars.

The essence was banter, lists and brilliant film-making. The problem is what happens when you lose the blokes.

Chris Evans is one of Britain’s most successful broadcasters. He loves cars, he understands how to make television and he’s a friend of Jeremy Clarkson. But he ain’t Jeremy Clarkson.

Around the World Top Gear has appeared in different forms. The ones that work best have Jeremy Clarkson – even if he has to be dubbed into Farsi.

“Everything about Top Gear was Clarkson, May and Hammond, primarily Clarkson,” he said.

“We have no idea who Evans will be filming the new series with. It could be one presenter, two, a whole team, or it could be a different set of presenters every week.”

Top Gear is watched by some 350 million viewers worldwide and is one of the BBC’s biggest shows, with overseas sales worth an estimated £50m a year.

‘Cheeky unpredictability’

Once the news broke, Evans tweeted: “First tweet as new Top Gear host. I would like to say Jeremy, Richard & James are the greatest. And NO I’m not leaving the R2 Breakfast Show.”

And in a statement, he said: “I’m thrilled, Top Gear is my favourite programme of all time.

“Created by a host of brilliant minds who love cars and understand how to make the massively complicated come across as fun, devil-may-care and effortless.

“When in fact of course, it’s anything but and that’s the genius of Top Gear’s global success.”

Back in March, Evans had denied that he was taking over the show’s presenting duties, tweeting: “I can categorically say I am not and will NEVER be running for office. Pls discount my candidacy.”

Controller of BBC Two and BBC Four Kim Shillinglaw said she was “delighted” that Evans would be presenting the next series of Top Gear.

“His knowledge of and passion for cars are well known, and combined with his sheer inventiveness and cheeky unpredictability, he is the perfect choice to take our much-loved show into the future,” she said.

“Chris is a huge fan of Top Gear and has great respect for the craft and work ethic of one of the best production teams in the world.

“He knows the phenomenal attention to detail it takes to make a single sequence of Top Gear, let alone a whole series. He is already full of brilliant ideas and I can’t wait for him to get started.”

Analysis: Mark Savage – BBC News entertainment reporter

There’s a very telling line in Chris Evans’ statement: “I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward.”

The 49-year-old is acutely aware of Top Gear’s reputation – and the reaction his appointment will provoke.

On paper, he’s a perfect replacement for his good friend Jeremy Clarkson. A car nut with a motor mouth and a track record in steering a television juggernaut to success.

But he’s also a divisive figure, with many viewers put off by the unruly, egotistical behaviour of his tabloid years.

Evans even admitted there was a “50/50 split” among Top Gear fans over whether his involvement was a good idea.

However, he added: “In TV or radio, if you get a 50/50 love/hate reaction that usually equals massive hit.”

Only time will tell.

Production on the new series of Top Gear will start in the next few weeks and the BBC said more information would be announced in due course.

Jeremy Clarkson was suspended, then dropped, by the BBC in March following a “fracas” with a producer at a hotel.

His final appearance on Top Gear will be shown on 28 June. The episode will be made up of two films shot before Clarkson was suspended, with Hammond and May presenting links from the studio.

Viewers will see Clarkson, Hammond and May behind the wheel of classic cars and beaten-up 4x4s in their final challenges as a trio.

I think someone’s a fan of #OrangeIsTheNewBlack

£43 million private car collection…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For sale: £43 million private car collection.
It’s so extensive they’ve had to open up another day just to flog them all. Ladies and gentlemen, on 13 August 2015 at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, a private collection of 30 cars will be offered up for sale.
What makes this newsworthy however, is that the cars are all part of a single collection – a single private collection, no less – and represent some of the finest machinery men with tools have ever built.
There are such automotive luminaries as the very first Bugatti Veyron, chassis number 001, the Lamborghini Reventon, a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM and a 1998 McLaren F1 LM.
Though RM Sotheby’s has yet to reveal the full list of 30 cars, the value of the whole lot – sold individually, of course, not as a collective – is said to comfortably exceed all previous private car collections sold at auction, which currently stands at over $65.9 million. That’s a cool £43 million, at the very minimum.
“While many of the world’s most impressive collections were established in the public eye of the car collecting world,” says RM’s Shelby Myers, “the ‘Pinnacle Portfolio’ was assembled with a clandestine, surgical precision unlike any other that has come to market.”
As mentioned, RM has had to extend its Monterey auction, with this collection being sold off during an exclusive, standalone auction.
We’ve got some highlights for you here, so have a scan through and choose your favourite. The Pope’s old Enzo, anyone?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”590,591,592,593,594,595,596,597,589″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A classic act by Mr Charlie ‘Pimlico’ Mullins!

It’s not everyday that the plumber turns up wearing top hat and tails in the company van – but then it’s not every day a plumber is summoned to Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

The occasion was last month when Charlie Mullins, founder of London-based Pimlico Plumbers, was awarded an OBE for services to plumbing, recognising at the same time his work to promote and raise social status of apprenticeships.

Mullins set up the business – now the capital’s largest independent plumbing and service supplier – in 1979 after completing and apprenticeship, determined to raise standards and the status of plumbing.

“I hope that I can be an inspiration to others, particularly young people who should see our industry as a great place to work and, by completing an apprenticeship, set themselves up for a long and prosperous career,” he said.

Jaguar XJS Convertible – 63000 miles

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]JAGUAR XJS CONVERTIBLE

Automatic
5.3 V12
63000 miles with FJSH

Solent Blue with Magnolia Leather.

Kept and loved by one fastidious owner for the last 23 years.

Stored in a heated garage and maintained regardless of cost covering a mere 500 plus miles a year between MOT’s.

Apparently as every XJS that has ever been made this one also suffered the dreaded “Bolster Wear”. Most owners live with it, sometimes replace the worn bolster. This owner replaces the complete interior with beautiful brand new Magnolia Leather and colour codes it.

There are a couple of very small age related marks in the paint but I am being very critical.

Lets sum it up:

• Beautiful Solent Blue paintwork
• Brand new Magnolia Leather interior
• Super woodwork
• Unmarked fully functioning soft top with clear glass and covers
• Only 63000 miles with full Jaguar main dealer service history
• Factory oil pressure and water temperature
• All original books and supplements
• Immaculate engine bay
• Immaculate boot area with tools
• Unmarked alloy wheels with excellent tyres
• Lovely chrome
• Multi disc CD player with dash mounted remote
• On board computer

Full 1 years MOT

This really is one of the best you can buy and comes with the Bridge Classic Cars 3 months parts and labour warranty

They will not be for sale at this price for very long. Classics are rising between 10% and 40% a year just look at the Etype.

“BUY THE BEST YOU CAN AFFORD”

If you have any questions please call Gordon on 07796175064

I accept credit and debit cards subject to terms. We won’t take an offer so please don’t ask.

• Come and see us.
• Pay for the car.
• Drive it home.
• We can deliver it to your door. (subject to extra cost)

This beautiful XJS will be fully serviced prior to sale.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”483,484,485,486,487,488,489,490,491,492,493,494,495,496,497,498,499,500,501,502,503,504,505,506,507,508,509,510,511,512,513,514,515,516,481″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_button title=”Click Here For Pricing Information” target=”_blank” color=”wpb_button” icon=”none” size=”wpb_regularsize” href=”http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171792531911?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Discovered tucked away in a garage, it’s time to bring her back to life…

1954 – Morris Minor

More than 2,000 classic cars lined up for world-record attempts through Coventry city centre.

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Parade will start from Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Sunday June 14 and also include around 1,000 Jaguars.

Thousands of classic cars will parade through Coventry in an ambitious bid to set two new world records at the same time.

Coventry Transport Museum has teamed up with classic car insurance brokers Footman James and the Ricoh Arena to bring over 2,000 vehicles to the city for the massive parade this summer.

Organisers are hoping to see about 1,000 Jaguars among the hordes of classic motors as they simultaneously attempt to break the Guinness World Records for the Largest Parade of Classic Cars and the Largest Parade of Jaguar cars.

The current record for the Largest Parade of Classic Cars was set in Mexico City in 2014 and stands at 1,674 vehicles, while the Largest Parade of Jaguar Cars is currently held by organisers of the Silverstone Classic, who organised a parade of 767 Jaguar E-types in 2011.

The record attempts are planned for Sunday, June 14 – the week before the museum’s official relaunch following a £9million refurbishment – and organisers are encouraging classic car owners to get involved by registering to bring their vehicles to the streets of Coventry on the day.

Gary Hall, chief executive of Culture Coventry, the trust that runs Coventry Transport Museum, said: “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Footman James and the Ricoh Arena to bring these two world records home to Coventry, the spiritual home of the British motor industry.

“There couldn’t be a more fitting way to celebrate the re-launch of Coventry Transport Museum than to bring classic cars from all over the country to the city which designed, built and inspired so many gorgeous and pioneering machines.

“We expect demand to take part in this event to be high, so we are asking people to register their interest as soon as possible.”

To qualify for the parade, each car must be at least 30 years old and have its original registration documents on the day of the event.

David Bond, director at Footman James, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for classic enthusiasts to take part in a truly memorable event and we are really excited to be partnering with Coventry Transport Museum as part of their celebrations.

“It’ll be great for people to see so many classics in one place, out on the British roads being used and enjoyed as intended – and in the process if we can beat the world records then it will be an added bonus.”

Classic car owners who would like to take part are asked to register their interest by April 30 at www.footmanjames.co.uk .

* Culture Coventry announced earlier this month that it was pulling the plug on the Coventry Festival of Motoring due to a lack of funding.

The popular car show, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors Stoneleigh Park every summer, had been running for 30 years.

It is, however, not linked to Coventry Motofest which will be held in the city centre from May 29-31.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”3″ images=”403,402,395,396,397,398,399,400,401,394,393,392,391,390,389,388,381,382,383,384,385,386,387,380,379,378,377,376,375,374,369,370,371,372,373″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” img_size=”155×105″][/vc_column][/vc_row]