Rock ‘n’ Roll History At Auction

Following the sale of Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant’s Ferrari Dino GTS, Car & Classic has announced the auction of another legendary vehicle with a history full of rock’n’roll – Sir Paul and Linda McCartney’s 1972 Wings Over Europe tour bus.

The Bus

The vintage double-decker bus was the vehicle chosen for Sir Paul McCartney and Wings during their 1972 summer tour. It travelled over 7,500 miles across nine countries and 25 cities, grabbing huge amounts of attention wherever it went. The 1972 tour proved to be an important one for Wings, as it put the band in the world media and marked their rise after the glory days of The Beatles. There is also the possibility that songs were written on the bus. For example, “Live and Let Die”, as featured in James Bond, was recorded in 1972, after the tour.

Today, the bus still turns heads with its psychedelic paint job, reminiscent of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine album cover. It’s got all the original features, offering a glimpse back in time to the 1960s. Sir Paul’s idea to have an open-top upper deck for the European tour shows his vision and attitude towards life on the road. He said: “If we’re gonna be in Europe in the summer going to places like the south of France, it’s just silly to be in some little box all day gasping for air so we came up with this idea to have an open deck, upper deck kind of thing. We’ve got some mattresses up there so we can just cruise along, fantastic, it’s great, just lie around and get the sun.”

After the successful sale of ex-Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant’s 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS back in February this year, head of editorial at Car & Classic, Dale Vinten, said: “These rock ‘n’ roll hall-of-fame vehicles just keep coming! It’s incredible to play a small part in their histories, and we believe this bus will be just as popular as the Dino was, not least because of how unique it is.”

“Just as John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce and the notable cars of other Beatles members carry the weight of history, tour buses tell a different story, and bear witness to the behind-the-scenes magic that fuels the onstage brilliance. This essence is perfectly encapsulated in the Wings tour bus, still adorned in its psychedelic colours, and restored to how it would’ve been when the McCartneys and the rest of the band toured Europe over the summer of ’72. Let’s also not forget that out of all the other Beatles cars, this vehicle is one that can actually be owned, driven and enjoyed, too! It’s easy to imagine this eye-catching bus drawing the crowds anywhere it went, whether it be a trip into “London Town” or to the “Heart of the Country”, its arrival with us at auction means it’s now time for the bus to find its next home – with a little luck ending up with a true fan who will appreciate the history and rarity of this incredibly special double-decker. We really do love all vehicles – big or small – here at Car & Classic!”

More Details

Today, the bus looks just like it did back in 1972 after being fully restored. Inside, they’ve paid close attention to every little detail to make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. They’ve even put in wooden bunk beds like the ones the band’s kids used to sleep in. The bottom part of the bus has bright yellow curtains, standing out from the crazy colours outside. And up top, they’ve turned it into a stage for performances, calling it “The McCartney Stage,” inspired by The Beatles’ famous rooftop concert.

This bus still has plenty of miles left in it and is powered by a Gardner 5LW 7-litre diesel engine and manual transmission.

Having played a crucial role in the success of the Wings Over Europe Tour, the bus is now set to be auctioned, giving fans and collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of music and automotive history. Presented for sale with extensive history, including documentation of the time it was used to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the pivotal 1972 Wings Over Europe Tour at The Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham, in November 2022, it will be sold with artefacts and memorabilia including the Wings tour trunk donated by Denny Seiwell, a founding member of the band. The bus is further accompanied by an official license that permits the display of artwork, logos, the names of Paul and Linda McCartney, family photos taken on the bus and more, with the license transferring to the new owner upon successful purchase.

The Auction

Car & Classic’s online auction will begin on 22 April and run until 29 April. The auction team estimates that it will sell for between £150,000 – £200,000 and invites all interested parties to register their pre-bids via the auction link here.

• Famed psychedelic Wings tour bus that housed Sir Paul McCartney, his family and the band over the summer of 1972 will be auctioned next week on Car & Classic’s online platform
• Travelling over 7,500 miles during the 1972 Wings Over Europe Tour, the open-top double-decker has been meticulously restored to reflect the heyday of Wings’ success and is styled to recall The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine album cover
• Following the global success of The Beatles and their subsequent breakup in 1970, Sir Paul and his wife Linda McCartney formed Wings, which became a global chart-topping pop act
• As this piece of pop history goes up for auction, music fans have the opportunity to own a unique piece of rock ‘n’ roll legacy as the bus is now open for pre-bids on Car & Classic’s online auction site

The New Morgan Plus Four

The latest Morgan Plus Four has been revealed, and it looks to be a perfect example of the company’s quality craftsmanship and engineering.

Continuing the legacy of Morgan’s longest-running model, this new Plus Four has been upgraded in its design, performance, and technology. These changes have been made using findings from the 70-year production run of the car.

Massimo Fumarola, Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are proud to continue Plus Four’s incredible legacy – one that stretches back to 1950 – with this latest model, honouring the spirit of the original car yet reimagining it for today. The latest Plus Four is unmistakably a Morgan for today’s discerning customer.

“The importance and responsibility when evolving this longstanding nameplate is not lost on the team at Pickersleigh Road. Whilst other models within our lineup offer greater opportunity for experimentation, Plus Four requires a more delicate approach. We believe that the new features and detail culminate to create a fitting evolution and an immediate impression of a more refined, usable, and quality sports car, yet one that remains playful and fun.

“The introduction of the latest Plus Four also brings a renewed approach to vehicle design, engineering, quality, and production at Morgan. Through greater internal collaboration we have been able to further champion the qualities that make Morgan special, whilst creating even more compelling sports cars for our global community of customers.”

Morgan Plus Four – What’s New?

The goal for the new Morgan Plus Four was to make it look simpler and cleaner, while still highlighting its classic shape. Changes have been made to the front and back by adding new lights, wings, a front splitter, a rear diffuser, and special number plate holders. These changes give the car a fresh look and a tidier appearance.

The headlights and taillights are brand new and were designed specifically for Morgan by its in-house design and engineering teams. The lights are bigger than before, providing better visibility on the road, as well as returning to more traditional proportions. Also, the indicators and the lights have been combined into a single unit, allowing for the removal of separately mounted indicator units.

The car’s wings, both at the front and the back, have been redesigned using a cold-forming technique to give them a smoother surface. This makes the new Plus Four look more sculpted and elegant, catching the light in a better way.

Other features include a new front splitter and a new rear diffuser, both of which have a floating number plate plinth. Both of these are finished in dark matte grey. This design feature is a throwback to older Morgan sports cars, many of which featured no front undertray or bumpers, giving the new Plus Four a classic touch.

A new model badge features Morgan’s own H.F.S. Bold typeface. Inspired by car badges that used italicised typefaces and repeating speed lines, the badge is a modern interpretation of classic automotive branding.

Both the rear-view mirror and wing mirrors are new. Each has been designed in-house and is manufactured exclusively for Morgan and is made from lightweight aluminium.

Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “To think of a Morgan is to picture the unmistakable silhouette of the Plus Four. During this exciting time in the company’s history, whilst we look towards broader visual experimentation across our model range, the continuous evolution of Plus Four – our time-proven brand anchor – is rightly afforded a more delicate approach.

“The changes we have made – as with any longstanding design-led product – consider the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. For the latest Plus Four, we are proud to present an extensive list of component design updates that come together to deliver an undeniably refreshing yet reputably authentic impression.

“The wings have been entirely reformed with a greater level of intelligent surfacing to control highlights and add poise. Our new headlights feature the latest illumination technology yet were born of a desire to address a more traditional and balanced frontal proportion. Our new mirrors are now formed of beautifully machined aluminium. Strategic design simplification has reduced visual distraction and celebrates enhanced quality at a component level throughout.”

The Driving Experience

The Morgan Plus Four is all about the driving experience, focusing on how it feels rather than just its speed or lap times. The engineers at Morgan worked hard to make sure driving this car is enjoyable and gives the driver a strong connection to the road. As a result, you can get the Plus Four with either a manual or automatic gearbox which is powered by a 2-litre BMW engine.

The latest Plus Four also has some changes to its suspension to make the ride even better. There’s also an option called the Dynamic Handling Pack, which Morgan developed with Nitron, experts in suspension. This pack includes new spring rates and re-valved dampers along with a rear anti-roll bar. These changes make the Plus Four even more fun to drive while still keeping that special connection between the driver and the car.

Morgan has also updated the interior of the Plus Four to make it more user-friendly and comfortable. They’ve added a Sennheiser audio system, enhancements to the LCD screen and dashboard, new interior illumination, and a new key fob.

The lightweight Sennheiser audio system, first introduced to Plus Four in 2022, has been enhanced for the latest Plus Four. The enhanced system utilises additional ‘invisible’ speakers in the cockpit, specifically underneath both seats, and higher-specification conventional speakers within the doors. Reflecting the changes to exterior lighting, new interior lighting has also been added.

Matt Hole, Chief Technical Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “The latest Plus Four represents a fitting evolution of our longest established nameplate and delivers an even greater Morgan experience to our customers around the world. It does this thanks to new dynamic improvements which deliver a more engaging level of performance, through myriad technology updates which improve the user’s interaction with the vehicle, and a range of quality enhancements which further increase engineering integrity. Achieving these refinements without detracting from the timeless integrity of Plus Four is down to the skill, dedication and collaboration of our teams and suppliers.”

A Modern Take On A Great Classic

The new Morgan Plus Four is available to order now, with the first models going into production in May 2024.

We are very much looking forward to seeing them out on the road alongside their classic counterparts.

Volkswagen Golf – 50 Years Old

A couple of days ago, on the 29th of March 2024, it marked the 50th anniversary since production began of the Volkswagen Golf. 50 years ago, in 1974, no one quite understood how important this car would go on to be. As the successor to the legendary Beetle, the Golf would end up as the most successful Volkswagen and best-selling European car of all time.

Over the last five decades, more than 37 million Golfs have been produced which means (in mathematical terms at least), more than 2000 people have purchased a Golf every single day!

Volkswagen Golf – The Successor To The Beetle

In July 1974, the first of the new Golf models entered the showrooms. Up until this point, rear-mounted engines (like in the Beetle) had dominated the automotive scene. However, the introduction of the Golf would signal the start of a new era – the front-mounted transverse engine. Although Volkswagen had begun the transition into this new era just before the Golf with the Scirocco and Passat, the Golf meant that the highest volume class now used this new technology.

There were extremely high expectations and even bigger shoes to fill for the Golf following the huge success of the Beetle. The Beetle had sold more than 21.5 million units so was certainly a hard act to follow. Giorgio Giugiaro and Volkswagen Design had done such a good job in the development of the Golf though that, by October 1976, one million units had already been sold.

Practicality All The Way

When production began in 1974, Volkswagen wrote the following about its new vehicle with its large tailgate: “The Golf offers maximum space and safety. It is uncompromisingly geared towards practicality. The low beltline gives drivers a clear overview, and the sloping bonnet ensures that the road right in front of the vehicle is visible. The rear window extends well down, making reversing much easier.”

Wolfsburg Plant

So far, more than 20 million Golfs have been built in Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant. The other 17 million have been built in other German plants as well as in Belgium, Brazil, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Slovakia and South Africa. Although this is a sign of the Golf being a world car, its technology has always been a great example of German engineering.

Golf I

With the first Golf GTI (1976), Volkswagen initiated the dynamic development of the compact class. The Golf D (1976) and the later Golf GTD (1982) ensured the breakthrough of diesel in the compact segment. In 1979, Volkswagen launched the Golf Cabriolet – which, for a time, was the best-selling convertible car in the world.

A total of 6.9 million units of the first-generation Golf had been sold by 1983 – a sign that the Golf was a worthy successor to the Beetle.

Golf II

Volkswagen Chief Designer, Andreas Mindt, sums up the most important moment in the history of the Golf: “It was the switch from Golf I to Golf II. Volkswagen’s then Chief Designer Herbert Schäfer did everything right there.

He modernised the second Golf but kept the DNA of the first generation. This bridge is extremely important for the Golf’s history. The Golf has always remained a further development of this original model. That is the special thing about the Golf, and the credit for this belongs to Herbert Schäfer.”

Technologies such as the controlled catalytic converter, ABS and all-wheel drive made their debut in the Golf II. A total of 6.3 million Golf II cars were built between 1983 and 1991.

Golf III

In August 1991, Volkswagen began a new era of safety with the Golf III. This was the first Golf model available with front airbags from 1992. A number of big moments are associated with the Golf III, which had been built 4.8 million times by 1997: for example, the first six-cylinder engine (VR6), cruise control system and the first side airbags. For the first time, this Golf was also available as an estate model.

Golf IV

1997 saw the debut of the Golf IV. This is still seen as something of a style icon and achieved a new standard of quality within the segment.

In 2002, Volkswagen released the sportiest Golf to date, based on the fourth generation: the R32. This had a top speed of 250 km/h and, in 2003, was the first Volkswagen to receive a direct shift gearbox (DSG).

The Golf IV was replaced after 4.9 million units had been built.

Golf V

With its outstanding comfort, the fifth Golf – which was launched in 2003 – was miles ahead of many competitors in the upper mid-sized class. The stability of the laser-welded body created a 35-per-cent increase in torsional rigidity and, for the first time, up to eight protective airbags were also on board. In addition, the Golf V, which had been built 3.4 million times by 2008, impressed drivers with a new four-link rear suspension, bi-xenon headlights and the first 7-speed DSG.

Golf VI

By the end of July 2012, a further 3.6 million Golfs had been produced. When the sixth generation was introduced in 2008, safety once again took a big leap forward. Like with its predecessor, the laser-welded body was so stable that it scored the maximum of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. New technologies such as Light Assist (advanced main-beam control), Park Assist, Hill Start Assist and adaptive chassis control (DCC) also helped make this version of the Golf ‘World Car of the Year’ 2009.

Golf VII

In September 2012, Volkswagen revealed the seventh Golf. Its weight was reduced by up to 100kg compared with the sixth generation. This meant that fuel consumption was also reduced by up to 23 per cent.

New technologies such as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist including City Emergency Braking System rounded off the range of assist systems. In 2014, Volkswagen looked to enter the world of electric mobility with the new e-Golf. A total of 6.3 million Golf VII cars were produced up to 2019.

Golf VIII

Volkswagen presented the Golf VIII in October 2019. With its new mild and plug-in hybrid drives, it electrified the compact class. As one of the first compact cars, it enabled assisted driving by means of Travel Assist. Even the entry-level version today has features such as Lane Assist, Front Assist, LED headlights, LED tail light clusters and automatic air conditioner on board as standard. In combination with the optional adaptive chassis control DCC and the vehicle dynamics manager, the Golf VIII also achieves an unprecedented spread between comfort and dynamics in this class. More than one million units have been sold so far.

Now – in 2024 – the new evolutionary stage of the eighth generation has arrived. The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems. These include plug-in hybrid drives with an increased all-electric range of significantly more than 100 kilometres. An illuminated Volkswagen logo also features on the front for the first time in a Golf. In addition, the new Golf with voice control and the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT once again make technical innovations available to the masses.