Collecting Cars – Land Rover Collection

In one of the final auctions of 2024, Collecting Cars is offering a special Land Rover Collection. The online sale will run from December 1st to December 8th and will include some of the most sought-after Land Rovers in the world.

Land Rovers In The Auction

Perhaps the main event of the sale is a 2011 Land Rover Defender SVX ‘Spectre’, seen in the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. If that didn’t make this Defender special enough, Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations have turned it into a “Bigfoot” off-roader with 37-inch tyres. It also comes with original documentation, including a signed Spectre plaque.

Continuing the Bond theme, a 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 Bond Edition is also going up for sale. One of only 300 made, it has a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine and is definitely an attention-grabber.

A 2014 Defender 90 Works V8 70th Edition, a modern take on the classic Defender, was built to celebrate the brand’s 70th anniversary. Another nod to Land Rover’s heritage is a 2015 Defender 110 Heritage Edition. It only has 695 miles on the clock so is pretty much brand new! A bespoke 2016 Defender 110 XS, featuring over £60,000 of custom upgrades is also likely to do very well.

If classics are more your thing, a restored 1980 Land Rover Series III 88” will also be available, as will a 1983 Land Rover 101 Forward Control, a military-inspired model with its Buyer’s Premium being donated to Help for Heroes.

Collecting Cars

Collecting Cars has something of a relationship with the Land Rover brand as, back in 2019, when the business first launched, the first car it sold was a Range Rover Classic. This adds some significance to the upcoming Land Rover Collection.

SEAT Leon – 25 Years

The SEAT Leon is 25 years old this year. Since its release in 1999, the Leon has been extremely popular in the compact car sector. Over the years, SEAT has sold more than 2.5 million units of the Leon worldwide making it one of the most successful SEAT cars to be made.

Four Generations of the SEAT Leon

• First Generation (1999): Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the original SEAT Leon reintroduced the brand to the compact segment with features such as four-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox, offering up to 180 horsepower.
• Second Generation (2005): Under the guidance of Walter de Silva, the second iteration adopted a bold, aerodynamic design and featured unique recessed rear door handles for a sporty, two-door appearance. This generation also prioritised efficiency and performance.
• Third Generation: The third generation brought advanced infotainment systems, driver assistance technology, and full LED lighting to the compact car segment. It became the best-selling generation, with over one million units sold.
• Fourth Generation (2020): Introducing advanced connectivity and multiple powertrain options, the latest Leon continues to set benchmarks. Its e-HYBRID variant was SEAT’s first plug-in hybrid.

SEAT Leon Accomplishments

The Leon has earned titles such as the “Car of the Year” in Spain and Portugal and “Import Car of the Year” in Argentina. On the racetrack, it made history with back-to-back World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) titles in 2008 and 2009, becoming the first diesel-powered car to win an FIA world title.

It has also made appearances in films like Men in Black: International and the tv series Dark and Sherlock

Happy 25th birthday to the SEAT Leon!

British Car Production Drops Again

British car production saw a drop of 15.3% in October, with 77,484 vehicles manufactured, marking the eighth consecutive month of decline. This downturn was largely attributed to ongoing factory retooling for next-generation zero-emission vehicles, as reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Both domestic and export markets experienced setbacks, with output falling 4.7% and 17.6%, respectively.

The production of electrified vehicles – including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid models -made up nearly a third of the total output at 24,719 units. However, this figure also represented a decline of 32.6% compared to the previous year. Since January, UK factories have produced 239,773 electrified vehicles, with 71.8% destined for export.

Exports to the EU, the largest market for UK cars, dropped by 34.6%, while shipments to the US almost doubled, rising by 96.2%, driven by the popularity of luxury and premium models. Despite a 5.3% year-to-date increase in production for the UK market, overall manufacturing output remains 10.8% lower than the previous year, with exports down 14.8%.

The decline continues due to weak demand for electric vehicles and rising operational costs, challenging the industry’s transition to greener technologies. Despite over £20 billion in investment announced last year to support EV production, the outlook for UK manufacturing remains less than ideal. Projections for 2024 and 2025 estimate production levels of 911,000 and 839,000 vehicles, respectively, significantly below pre-pandemic figures.

Industry leaders are calling for urgent government intervention to help aid competitiveness. Proposals include energy cost reductions, supportive market regulations, and trade agreements promoting free and fair commerce. Without these measures, UK car production risks falling below 750,000 units by 2030, threatening jobs and economic stability.

Car Of The Year 2024 – 1934 Bugatti Type 59

A preserved Bugatti from the 1930s, once owned by the King of Belgium, has been awarded the title of Car of the Year at the International Historic Motoring Awards (IHMA). Sponsored by Lockton Insurance, the event took place at the Peninsula London on November 22nd, and showcased excellence in the world of classic and collector cars.

The Car of the Year award was one of 16 presented during the ceremony, which was attended by over 400 guests from around the world, including actor Rowan Atkinson, World Land Speed Record holder Andy Green, and car designer Ian Callum. Other famous faces included Richard Hammond, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance chair Sandra Button, and automotive influencer Supercar Blondie (Alex Hirschi). The audience also featured leading car collectors like Miles Collier, Bruce Meyer, and Fritz Burkard, as well as representatives from organisations like the Petersen Automotive Museum, Revs Institute, and Jaguar Land Rover.

The judging process, which involved months of nominations and scrutiny by an international panel of 34 experts, ended in the public voting for the Car of the Year. Thousands of votes were cast, reflecting the widespread interest in the awards. Rowan Atkinson, an advocate for classic cars, delivered a keynote speech celebrating the heritage and cultural significance of automotive history.

Now in its 14th year, the IHMA continues to honour outstanding achievements in the collector car industry. This year’s event marked the return of the awards under the leadership of its original founders, Geoff Love and David Lillywhite, who first launched the initiative in 2011. The 2024 ceremony was supported by several high-profile partners, including the Petersen Automotive Museum, Nyetimber, and Octane and Magneto magazines, reinforcing the global appeal and prestige of the awards.

Winners

Book of the Year, sponsored by Hortons Books:
The Last Eye Witness, by Doug Nye (Porter Press International)

Breakthrough Event of the Year:
The Oberoi Concours d’Elegance

Club of the Year, sponsored by Lockton Performance
Vintage Sports-Car Club

Museum of the Year, sponsored by The Yohan Poonawalla Collection:
Revs Institute

Specialist of the Year:
Jim Stokes Workshops

Young Achiever, sponsored by The Petersen Automotive Museum:
David Kibbey

Motorsport Event of the Year:
Goodwood Revival Meetin

Industry Supporter of the Year:
Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance

Bespoke Car of the Year, sponsored by Octane:
Auto Union Type 52 ‘Schnellsportwagen’, by Audi Tradition / Crosthwaite & Gardiner

Personal Achievement of the Year:
Bruce Meyer

Outstanding Use of Media:
Goodwood Road & Racing

Restoration of the Year, sponsored by Classic & Sports Finance:
Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport by Saoutchik, restored by Chropynska

Rally / Tour of the Year, sponsored by SBX Cars:
The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, by HERO-ERA

Motoring Event of the Year, sponsored by Magneto
The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Car of the Year:
1934 Bugatti Type 59

Lifetime Achievement:
Sylviane and Patrick Pete

Wine Tasting

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted our wine-tasting event in collaboration with Smashing Wines.

It was a very well-attended event with lots of wine being tasted and classic cars being admired.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and we hope to see you all again very soon.

Local Superstar Video Release

Global superstar Ed Sheeran is releasing the video for his new song “Under the Tree” at 2pm today.

Ed is local to us as he grew up just down the road from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop here in Suffolk.

The video was filmed in Southwold and Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie is also seen in it. The new song will feature in a Netflix film directed by Richard Curtis, called “That Christmas”.

We always like to celebrate our local area and success stories. Right now, you can’t get much more successful than Ed Sheeran and we are very much looking forward to seeing the video when it is released later on.

As Seen On TV

Auctions are always a fantastic place to see rare, interesting, and even unique vehicles being offered for sale. Quite a lot of the time, it’s the cars we see on TV that appeal most. That’s why it looks like the H&H Classics auction in Buxton on Wednesday this week is going to be extremely popular. There are several lots that are examples of makes and models featured in the Disney+ show Rivals.

From The TV show Rivals

In Rivals, Freddie Jones, played by Danny Dyer, drives a Jaguar XJS. There are two 1988 convertible XJS for sale at the auction this week. Both have the V12 badge and low mileage. The first is finished in Red and has only had 2 owners from new. With 47,000 miles on the clock, it is believed to be one of the first 1000 V12 convertibles produced. Estimate: £18,000–£22,000

The second XJS has Glacier White paintwork over an Isis Blue leather interior and has covered 34,000 miles from new. Estimate: £16,000–£20,000

Fans of Rivals will know that Lord Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, is often seen on screen with a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit MK1. H&H also have 2 examples of this model in their Buxton auction. One is finished in the eye-catching colour combination of Blue over Silver with Blue Connolly leather upholstery and matching Blue Wilton carpets. It certainly has some power to go with its imposing size too as it has a 6750cc V8 paired with a 3-speed automatic gearbox. Estimate: £7,000–£9,000

The other example is a 1987 Silver Spirit with 86,000 miles on the clock and comes from long-term ownership. Estimate £8,000 – £10,000

Also seen in Rivals is the Triumph Stag used by Basil Baddingham, played by Luke Pasqualino. H&H has you covered with this as well. A 1974 model that has undergone an extensive mechanical overhaul is available in Wednesday’s auction with an estimate of £14,000–£16,000. A second Stag will also be available with no reserve. This one has been with its current owner for 20 years but is in need of restoration.

Additional interesting lots include a Range Rover Classic Vogue 4.2 LSE from 1993, one of only 3,000 manufactured and is being offered with no reserve, and an Austin Mini Clubman Estate from 1970, previously owned by a 109-year-old woman who was once the “oldest woman in Wales”. This one has an estimate of £8,000–£10,000.

All lots will be available to view in person at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton from midday on Tuesday 26^th and from 9am on Wednesday 27^th November, while the sale then commences at 1pm. Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid.   

For more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.    

Toyota Demonstrates Possibilities For Liquid Hydrogen Power

Toyota has recently demonstrated a concept model that explores how hydrogen gas, which is generated while driving, can be used to potentially increase the efficiency of liquid hydrogen as fuel.

By capturing vaporised hydrogen, known as “boil-off gas,” which is typically lost to the atmosphere, this new technology could improve energy efficiency making it a viable solution as a fuel source.

The potential shown has led Toyota to seek collaborators to further develop and refine this concept.

Motorsport

Toyota introduced the concept during the final round of the 2024 ENEOS Super Taikyu race series in Japan. A GR Corolla was equipped with liquid hydrogen technology and took part in the event. As Toyota has a big involvement in motorsport, it makes sense that they use races like this to test various ideas, all of which are aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.

Challenges of Liquid Hydrogen

Liquid hydrogen has a higher density compared to gaseous hydrogen. An advantage of this is that you can store more of it in a tank of the same size. However, a downside is that “boil-off” occurs. This is where the vapourised hydrogen evaporates out into the atmosphere without being used to power the car which then cancels out some of the benefits of being able to store more hydrogen in the tank in the first place. In very basic terms, boil-off gas is released without being used, resulting in a potential loss of energy.

Turning Boil-Off Gas Into Energy

Toyota’s new system involves capturing boil-off gas and converting it into usable hydrogen fuel. The process uses a self-pressuriser that uses the gas’s own pressure to amplify it by two to four times. This eliminates the need for external energy, such as electricity, to pressurise the hydrogen, making the process more sustainable and efficient.

Generating Electricity From Boil-Off Gas

The surplus boil-off gas from this pressurisation process is redirected to a small Toyota fuel cell stack. Through a chemical reaction, the stack generates electricity, which can power components like the liquid hydrogen pump. This approach can potentially supplement or even replace the alternator’s role, further improving overall energy efficiency.

Safety Considerations

Toyota ensures that any remaining boil-off gas not used in energy generation is safely converted to water vapour via a catalytic process and then released from the vehicle, prioritising both efficiency and safety.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for liquid hydrogen.

H&H Classics’ Final Auction of 2024 in Buxton

Our friends at H&H Classics have had a very successful 2024 so far and I’m sure that will continue as they host their final auction of the year – the Winter Classic Car Sale, at Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens on Wednesday, November 27th.

Rare and Desirable Cars

The auction will feature 135 lots including some single-owner and very rare vehicles. One of these is a 1975 Iso Lele Sport which is estimated to sell for between £35,000–£45,000. It is one of just 12 right-hand-drive versions ever made and could be considered a credible competitor to the Aston Martin DBS and Ferrari 365GT 2+2.

Another special car is a 1936 MG SA Tickford Drophead Coupe which has been owned by a single family since new. Estimated to sell for £30,000–£40,000, it comes with an original sales invoice and a history file detailing its past restoration work.

Another interesting car going up for sale is a 1972 BMW 3.0 CS. This one has been in the same family for the last 40 years and has been fully restored. It also comes with its original green logbook and service book. The estimated sale price is £45,000–£55,000.

If you’re a Mercedes fan, then a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is probably of interest. This is one of the most valuable lots, with an estimated price of £70,000–£90,000. Other special cars include a 1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Coupe, one of 1,583 right-hand drive models (£60,000–£70,000), a 2002 BMW Z3 250 California Spyder Evocation (£60,000–£70,000), and a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (£60,000–£80,000).

Auction Information

You can view all lots at Pavilion Gardens from midday on Tuesday, November 26th, and from 9am on Wednesday, November 27th. The auction itself begins at 1pm and bids can be placed in person, online, via telephone, or by submitting a commission bid.

Full details – www.handh.co.uk.

ZEV Manadate – Nissan Propose Changes

The UK automotive industry is highly likely to miss electric vehicle sales targets for 2024. As a result, manufacturers could face penalties due to the rules set out by the UK government in the Zero Emissions Vehicles Mandate.

Nissan has stepped up and is pushing for the government to review the mandate in order to prevent the UK automotive industry from effectively subsidising EV sectors in other countries, at the expense of investment in Britain.

Industry Challenges and Falling Sales

The ZEV Mandate was designed to encourage the transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to EVs. In the mandate, one of the targets set was that 22% of the total market share should belong to EVs. Manufacturers have been aggressively discounting EVs but, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this will actually only be 18.5% by the end of 2024. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the target is due to rise to 28% in 2025.

If these targets are not met, manufacturers face pretty substantial fines. They can avoid these fines by purchasing credits from EV-only brands, many of which are based abroad. This arrangement could lead to UK-based manufacturers having to financially support overseas industries, while negatively impacting UK innovation and production.

Nissan

Nissan has said that the brand remains committed to a fully electric future, having invested heavily in EV models and technology through its Sunderland operations. However, it has proposed immediate adjustments to the ZEV Mandate, including:

• Allowing manufacturers to borrow credits from future years to meet current targets.
• Introducing a two-year monitoring period for 2024 and 2025, instead of imposing penalties.

These measures aim to provide manufacturers the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing market conditions while still achieving the long-term goal of 80% EV sales by 2030.

The UK Economy

Nissan’s Sunderland plant employs over 7,000 people and contributes more than £2 billion annually to the UK economy. The company is also advancing its EV36Zero initiative, integrating EV and battery production with renewable energy. This includes efforts in battery recycling, skills development, and vehicle-to-grid technology.