Gibbs Aquada – The Amphibious Car That Almost Was

I recently heard about the Gibbs Aquada and, after a bit of research, thought it sounded like a vehicle that could have been something very special but, for whatever reason, it never reached anywhere close to its full potential!

Amphibious Cars

Amphibious cars have never quite worked out. If you look at the Amphicar, for example, they do indeed work on the road and in the water. However, they aren’t particularly impressive in either mode. That’s where the Aquada could have been the game changer.

Gibbs Technologies, based in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was the brains behind the project that claimed to produce the world’s first high-speed amphibian (HSA), capable of over 100mph on land and over 30mph on water.

From the front, the Aquada had a look that could be compared to a beefed-up Mazda MX-5, largely because it borrowed its headlights from the MX-5. Inside though, it had a much more boat-like appearance. There were no doors, entry was boat-style, climbing over the side and the cockpit had three seats instead of the two you’re probably used to in a car. You could say it’s McLaren P1 style with the driver in a central position but that is probably taking it one step too far!

The Aquada was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 engine from the Land Rover Freelander which was positioned in the middle of the vehicle. It was rear-wheel drive and had a four-speed automatic gearbox, which delivered 175bhp, enough to get the Aquada from 0-60mph in around 8.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 110mph (on the road, obviously).

Even in the water, it wasn’t exactly slow – it could reach speeds of 30mph which, again, is much more appealing than most other amphibious vehicles.

Why The Aquada Didn’t Quite Make It

Despite its impressive design and capabilities, the Gibbs Aquada faced several challenges that, ultimately, would lead to its disappearance. Perhaps the main issues were in the build and production.

Building a vehicle that functions as both a high-performance car and a speedboat is no easy task, and the price tag reflected that. At launch, the Aquada was priced at over £150,000, putting it out of reach for most drivers.

On top of that, regulatory issues posed significant hurdles. As the Aquada had to meet both automotive and maritime regulations, the process of getting it approved for road and water use was complex and time-consuming. These challenges, combined with the high production costs, limited the commercial success of the Aquada, and production eventually had to be stopped.

The Future Of Amphibious Vehicles

While the Gibbs Aquada may not have become a mainstream vehicle, it does go to show that things that are said to be impossible can be done. What I find most exciting is that there are still some examples of the Aquada floating around (excuse the pun!)

To me, that means its journey might not be completely over and, at some point in the future, someone might try to finish the Aquadas story. If that happens, we still might see them out on the road and in the water.

Specifications of the Gibbs Aquada

Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition

To celebrate 60 years of the Aston Martin and James Bond relationship, Aston Martin has released the DB12 Goldfinger Edition. Limited to just 60 units, this car has been created by Aston’s personalisation and bespoke service – Q by Aston Martin.

DB12 Goldfinger

It was back in 1964 when the DB5 first appeared alongside James Bond in Goldfinger. That provided the inspiration for the new DB12 colour scheme of Silver Birch. The colour makes the Goldfinger Edition look great but, this is taken one step further with 21” multi-spoke wheels with a diamond treatment finish, black brake calipers, and bespoke gold side strakes. There’s also a a special Aston Martin logo in silver with black enamel and a chrome ‘Q’ fender badge

Inside the DB12 Goldfinger Edition, you get fluted leather Sports Plus seats that feature a Prince of Wales check perforation, much like a traditional James Bond suit. This pattern extends to the door inserts, headliner, and treadplate. If that wasn’t luxurious enough, you also get 18k gold-plated accents on the drive mode rotary dial, roller controls, and gear selector!

If you’re a James Bond fan, then you’ll appreciate the ‘eight of hearts’ embroidered onto the driver’s sun visor, a reference to the iconic pool scene in Goldfinger where the card plays an important role.

DB12 Specification

The Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine, producing a power output of 680PS (approx 671hp) and 800Nm of torque.

The DB12 also features Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system, developed entirely in-house and, for the Goldfinger Edition, the Bowers & Wilkins halo audio system comes as standard.

VIP Treatment

Each DB12 Goldfinger Edition comes with a collection of bespoke gifts. These include a custom car cover, a luxury key presentation box, and a Silver Birch Speedform model. One of the most unique offerings to new owners is a 35mm film strip from the iconic Furka Pass scene in Goldfinger. To add even more exclusivity, a limited-edition golden copy of Aston Martin magazine is included too.

Additionally, owners will receive a magnum of 2007 vintage Champagne Bollinger. The champagne is individually numbered and presented with four exclusive Bollinger 007 glasses, housed in a bespoke Globe-Trotter Air Cabin Case. The case even mirrors the design of the car, featuring a Silver Birch exterior and Prince of Wales check interior.

“The partnership between Aston Martin and the James Bond franchise is something that is always treasured. It is an incredible occasion to be able to recognise six decades of this partnership with an extraordinary special edition, and pay homage to the very first—and perhaps most famous—Aston Martin Bond car.”

Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer

Aston Martin’s Next Generation

The DB12 Goldfinger Edition is part of Aston Martin’s next generation of vehicles, which began with the introduction of the DB12 in 2023. This generation also includes the new Vantage, the DBX707, and the recently unveiled Vanquish.

Deliveries of the DB12 Goldfinger Edition are set to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

Pass Your Driving Test

It takes 45 lessons for the average learner to pass their driving test. With lessons ranging in price from around £25 per hour up to somewhere around £50 per hour, learning to drive is an expensive thing to do.

Even without the financial element, just the amount of time required for these lessons soon adds up. However, 17-year-old Josh Burford, from Lichfield, managed to come up with a strategy that allowed him to pass his test after just 5 on-the-road lessons and a little over a month after his 17th birthday.

He summed up how he did it in 12 steps:

1. Don’t wait until you’re 17 to start learning to drive
Josh had driving lessons with Young Driver from the age of 10. Because driving lessons take place on private property, they’re completely legal. They take place in dual-controlled cars with qualified instructors, as the aim is to learn in the same way you would at 17. Mock road systems are set up, and there’s other learners practising at the same time, so you get experience of other traffic. Josh had a lesson every couple of months or so, to keep his skills up, meaning that before he even became a teenager he knew how to work the clutch and the gears. As Josh explains: “When I had my first on-the-road lesson at 17, the instructor recommended I put straight in for my test.”

2. Apply for your provisional licence as soon as you can
You don’t need to wait until you’re 17, you can do that from 15 years and nine months. Do it early so there’s no hold-up when you turn 17 as you won’t be allowed to learn on the roads without one.

3. Ask around for recommendations of instructors
Look for an instructor you can build a rapport with and bear in mind some have very long waiting lists. It is worth contacting them a few months before your 17^th birthday to enquire.

4. Practice makes perfect
Josh explains: “In the 50 days between turning 17 and taking my test I practised with my parents when it was possible, just on day-to-day journeys we would have been making anyway. If they were taking a trip to the shops, I drove. It might only have been 10 minutes, but it all helps. And it meant I had to keep practising parking!”

5. Book your theory test as soon as you can – and make sure you prep for it
You can take your theory test at 17 as long as you have a provisional licence. Josh passed his theory test nine days after his 17^th birthday. Josh said: “Get the Highway Code and start reading it at least three months prior to your theory test. Do a little bit when you can, here and there. Also, use an app with theory test practice exams and hazard perception tests too.”

6. Pay attention as a passenger
It’s easy to zone out in the car or look at your phone. But pay attention and ask questions. Look at lane discipline and get a feel for roundabouts and more complicated road systems.

7. Book your test as soon as the instructor says you’re ready
You will need to pass your theory test first though. When Josh first applied for his driving test, he couldn’t get one for five months – which he booked so he knew he had it in the diary if all else failed.

8. Use an app to monitor for driving test cancellations
Josh used a paid-for app called Testi which issues alerts for cancelled tests. His directly booked test wasn’t until November, but after booking one in August via Testi, he then managed to get one in July,  which he took and passed.

9. Do your test somewhere you know
Josh recommends being somewhere you know: “There are reports that people are travelling the length and breadth of the country to find an earlier test. However, I wanted to be somewhere where there was a likelihood I would know the roads. Travelling hours away would have added to my stress levels.”

10. Spend some time getting to know your car
Are you confident about putting on the lights, windscreen wipers and so on? You may be asked to show these in the test and you want it to be as automatic as possible.

11. Use YouTube to help you prep
Josh explains: “I watched YouTube videos on the driving test routes near to me, so I could familiarise myself with them. Sometimes I went and drove them, other times I just watched a video. I think it helped me to stay calm in the test as it seemed a little more familiar, even though mine ended up being one I’d just watched online.”

12. Don’t panic
Josh’s final advice is about keeping your cool. He said: “If it feels like it’s all going wrong, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed – and if you have, use it as experience. You’ll know more about what to expect next time round.”

AC Ace Is Back

In the very near future, we will be seeing the AC Ace back out on the roads of Britain.

AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has recently announced the upcoming return of one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The new version of the Ace will, of course, be inspired by the recognisable classic AC Ace but will have evolved to fit in with modern driving conditions.

A New Chapter For The AC Ace

The return of the Ace comes in two models: the AC Ace Classic and the AC Ace Bristol Classic, with each version paying tribute to different periods in the original AC Ace’s evolution.

The AC Ace Bristol Classic features the “smiling face” front end, which will certainly please the classic Ace fans, while the AC Ace Classic has a more streamlined front – a nod to the final iteration of the original model.

The Specifications

Both models have a carbon-fibre body and are powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, producing more than 300bhp. This is paired with a precision-engineered six-speed manual gearbox and a specially tuned exhaust system (to make sure the car sounds as good as it looks and drives!)

The car weighs just 1,100kg and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in a shade over 4 and a half seconds. This performance is further enhanced by a torque output of around 375Nm.

Past Meets The Future

The team at AC Cars have merged traditional styling with modern construction techniques. The chassis remains true to the original but the addition of carbon-fibre bodywork makes the new models lightweight and strong. The 15″ wire wheels maintain the classic aesthetic while the modern fuel injection and engine management systems add performance and reliability.

The timing of the AC Ace’s return is particularly relevant at the moment as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the original model’s competition debut. The original Ace would go on to a class victory at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, before going on to more success in the SCCA National Championships, and achieving class victories at the Sebring 12-Hour race for three consecutive years.

Availability And Price

Delivery of the AC Ace Classic and AC Ace Bristol Classic is due to begin in summer 2025. Each car will be assigned an official chassis number, authenticating its status as a genuine AC creation.

Pricing for both the AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classic begins at £175,000, inclusive of VAT.

“The new AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classics demonstrate conclusively that a classically styled car can possess outstanding performance and handling characteristics. By returning to the foundational themes of lightweight construction and powerful performance, AC Cars Classics has achieved a delicate balance between grace and modern capability.”

David Conza, CEO of AC Cars

Technical Specifications

• 2.3-litre straight-4 cylinder EcoBoost engine,
• 6-speed manual gearbox
• Built around a robust 3-inch steel tubular frame chassis.
• Period-correct 15-inch wire wheels and tyres

McLaren W1 Revealed

Just a few hours ago, McLaren revealed its brand new supercar, the W1, as the successor to the iconic McLaren F1 and P1.

The W1 combines Formula 1 style aerodynamics, hybrid technology, and lightweight engineering to deliver what McLaren calls the “ultimate supercar experience.”

Powertrain

The W1 has a hybrid powertrain, combining the all-new MHP-8 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor. The result is 1275PS or around 1257 horsepower, which is the highest power output of any McLaren road car ever made. This hybrid system consists of the MHP-8 V8 combustion engine, which, on its own, generates 928PS and revs up to 9,200 rpm. Paired with a 347PS electric motor, the car has a power-to-weight ratio of 911PS per tonne!

The electric motor is part of a compact “E-module” that integrates the motor control unit, contributing to the car’s efficiency and lighter weight. In total, the car weighs just 1,399 kg which makes it exceptionally fast. 0 – 62 mph takes 2.7 seconds and the W1 will continue up to a top speed of 217 mph (electronically capped).

Aerodynamics and Engineering Inspired by Formula 1

A big part of the W1’s impressive performance comes from its Formula 1-inspired aerodynamics. McLaren engineers have spent over 350 hours testing the car in a wind tunnel to make sure it has an optimal balance of low drag and high downforce. This includes the use of McLaren’s Active Long Tail rear wing, which extends by 300mm to generate up to 1,000 kg of downforce in Race mode. The front and rear wings adjust automatically based on driving conditions so the car remains planted at high speeds.

The W1’s ground-effect aerodynamics are also a fantastic feature. When switching to Race mode, the car lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear. This maximises downforce which can lead to even greater track performance. This configuration allows the W1 to lap McLaren’s test track 3 seconds faster than the previous record-holder, the McLaren Senna.

The W1’s handling is enhanced by its new Race Active Chassis Control III suspension. In Race mode, the suspension stiffens, and the active heave system, borrowed from McLaren’s Formula 1 technology, helps the car maintain stability at high speeds.

McLaren’s focus on driver engagement means that the W1 is rear-wheel-drive. This is becoming increasingly rare in modern supercars so it’s clearly been well thought through by the team. This choice, along with McLaren’s hydraulic performance steering, makes sure you have full control over the car’s eye-watering power and torque.

Bespoke Design and Advanced Technology

The W1 features McLaren’s bespoke Aerocell carbon fibre monocoque chassis which has been designed to integrate seating into the structure of the car.

The car’s interior is a mix of luxury and function. It includes materials like McLaren’s new InnoKnit, a lightweight and customisable fabric that changes and enhances both aesthetics and comfort.

Despite the car’s focus on track performance, the cabin includes comforts such as Apple CarPlay and a high-resolution infotainment system. McLaren has also included digital elements into the driver experience, with boost and aero buttons on the steering wheel for real-time control over the car’s power delivery and aerodynamic settings.

Exclusive and Personalised

Only 399 units of the McLaren W1 will be produced, and they’ve already been allocated to customers. Each car will be highly customisable through McLaren Special Operations (MSO), allowing owners to tailor their vehicle’s exterior and interior with pretty much limitless options.

Pricing and Availability

The McLaren W1 is priced at around £2 million in the UK, depending on the level of customisation chosen.

Technical Specification

Performance data

 
Efficiency

Warranty

Kia UK to Unveil Unique ‘Restomod’ for 80th Anniversary at Bicester Heritage

On Sunday (6th October), Kia UK is going to reveal a very special vehicle as part of the celebrations marking the brand’s 80th anniversary. The exclusive ‘restomod’ – a restored and modified car – will debut at the Bicester Heritage ‘Scramble’ event.

This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been created from a donor vehicle taken from Kia’s UK heritage fleet. Though details about the specific car remain an inside secret, it is said to offer a power-to-weight ratio reminiscent of popular hot hatches from the 1970s and 1980s. The focus of the redesign has been on enhancing the driving experience and creating a modern yet nostalgic feel.

This is the third custom vehicle Kia UK has built in recent years. It follows the track-focused Stinger ‘GT420’ in 2019 and the Soul EV beach buggy. The Stinger ‘GT420’ was a heavily tuned-up version of Kia’s grand tourer, with modifications aimed at transforming it into a high-performance track car. The Soul EV beach buggy was aimed at a completely different audience with its rugged setup making it perfect for surfers. It even had a custom surfboard rack, wooden-decked interior, ‘rally raid’ style elevated suspension, and chunky tyres.

The new restomod will continue this trend of creativity, innovation, and unique car design.

Vauxhall Begins UK Trials of Hydrogen-Powered Vivaro Van

Vauxhall has started UK customer trials for its hydrogen-powered van, the Vivaro HYDROGEN. Over the next few months, a range of companies, including those with some of the largest fleets in the country, will be involved in these trials. This is all in preparation for the launch of the Movano HYDROGEN, which will be Vauxhall’s largest light commercial vehicle, in 2025.

The Vivaro HYDROGEN is new to the UK but it’s already available in left-hand drive markets under Vauxhall’s sister brand – Opel. This means that it is the first commercially produced hydrogen-powered van available for sale.

Hydrogen Power

The Vivaro HYDROGEN is based on Vauxhall’s all-electric Vivaro Electric, but with a hydrogen fuel cell system. It has a 45kW fuel cell and a 10.5kWh lithium-ion battery giving it a driving range of 249 miles (WLTP standard). Its hydrogen fuel tanks, which are located under the floor, can be refilled in just five minutes, which isn’t too dissimilar to the time needed to refuel traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

The 10.5kWh battery has some added benefits too, such as providing extra power during acceleration and when starting the vehicle. It also allows the fuel cell to run at optimal conditions and enables regenerative braking, which means that the braking energy is converted back into electricity to recharge the battery.

Just in case hydrogen refuelling stations are hard to come by, the van also has a plug-in feature, which gives a range of up to 31 miles of pure electric driving.

Space and Functionality

As the Vivaro HYDROGEN has an advanced hydrogen system, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking this has an impact on space. However, it actually offers up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo volume and a maximum payload of 1,000 kg. This matches its combustion engine counterparts pretty much exactly.

“As the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer for the past three years, we are already leading the way in electrifying Britain’s businesses. With a 311-mile range, zero-emissions-in-use and quick refuelling, the Movano HYDROGEN will provide fleets with another sustainable option alongside our full line-up of battery electric vans. I look forward to hearing feedback from fleet operators taking part in the trial ahead of the commercial launch of Movano HYDROGEN later this year.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall

Movano HYDROGEN

Following the Vivaro trials, Vauxhall will be launching the Movano HYDROGEN in 2025. This will be its largest hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicle with the order books opening later this year. This will have an even greater range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and the same quick refuelling time of under five minutes.

The Movano HYDROGEN will also feature a 110kW (150hp) electric motor and 410 Newton metres of torque. Like the Vivaro, it will also come with a lithium-ion battery for additional power during starts and acceleration, as well as the ability to recapture braking energy.

The Future of Hydrogen Power

The UK trial of a hydrogen-powered van is a good indication that Vauxhall is doing its bit to help grow the hydrogen vehicle market.

The Vivaro HYDROGEN and the Movano HYDROGEN could significantly reduce carbon emissions and, as their performance is comparable to traditional vehicles, there is a real chance that these two vans could help shape the future of commercial transport.

Vauxhall-Opel and its parent company Stellantis have over 20 years of expertise in hydrogen fuel cell technology. To further support hydrogen adoption, Vauxhall teamed up with UK-based company Ryze Hydrogen earlier this year with the aim of creating hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for fleet operators, enabling businesses to power their hydrogen vehicles either at on-site refuelling stations or dedicated facilities.

No More Coal

The UK is officially turning its back on coal-powered electricity after 142 years, as the final active coal plant in Ratcliffe-on-Soar shut down for the final time this week.

It’s hard to put into words how big of a deal this is; as coal was the foundation of the Industrial Revolution that changed the country and so many industries forever thanks to the electrical power it generated. Now though, as the UK (and the rest of the world) look to a greener and more sustainable future, renewable energy is taking over. In fact, more than 50% of the UK’s electricity is currently provided by renewable sources. 

It’s something of a full circle moment in some ways as not only did the UK lead the way into fossil fuel powered industry, but it now leads the way out of fossil fuel usage and makes a big shift towards more environmentally friendly processes. 

I’m surrounded by classic cars every day so I have a deep respect for the historical importance of things. That’s why I feel like this is something of a moment in the history of the UK that people will look back on as the time when the fossil fuel era ended and the sustainability era began. 

Right now, there’s a lot of focus on wind and solar power. However, there are still concerns about grid stability, especially on days with very little wind when solar energy can’t fill the gap in energy supply. This is where battery technology will play a key role. Innovations are underway, but the UK needs to invest in its own battery production and expertise to stay competitive and avoid gaps in power generation. 

When it comes to classic cars, and the automotive industry as a whole, sustainability is becoming more and more apparent. While I’m sure we all know hardcore petrolheads who hate EVs and they want to hear the roar of a V8 as they drive but, with synthetic fuel, this could all still happen without the negative environmental impacts.

Other fuels such as hydrogen, water, and anything else that comes along will all play a part but, for now, the last coal plant shutting down in the UK is a clear sign of the country’s commitment to a greener future..

What do you think?

First Norton F1R Ever Produced

The first Norton F1R motorcycle to be produced and raced will be available to buy at an auction hosted by H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum on Wednesday 30th October 2024. The bike is estimated to sell for between £52,000 and £56,000.

This 1990 Norton F1R is frame number one and was the first P55 (F1) model to leave Norton’s Shenstone factory on April 1st, 1990. Having been owned by a single individual since new, the bike holds significant historical and racing value and it was famously raced in Germany’s “Battle of the Twins” series.

Throughout its racing career, the bike underwent various modifications. Starting with minor tweaks like an upgraded exhaust and inlet tract, it later received a custom swinging arm, front forks, high-compression rotors, aero engine twin-plug trochoids, and Mikuni flat-slide carburettors.

A very cool point to note about this bike is that it was nicknamed “Nepomuk” by the Seifert family after a little dragon from a popular German children’s puppet show. This was due to its habit of shooting flames when decelerating into corners!

“Our auction at the end of October is an incredible opportunity to own an extremely rare slice of motorcycle history. We expect a lot of interest in this special Norton F1 which has seen competitive action and won a number of races. It also looks amazing and is instantly recognisable in its black livery. Style, power and performance…the Norton F1R is the total package and this particular model, which has been running recently, is a must have for any Norton aficionado.”

Mike Davis, motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics

Cars On The Move

Recently, a customer (and good friend) of ours moved house.

While this might not mean much to you, he very kindly sent us some photos of his growing car collection being moved from his old house to his new one.

You can’t deny that there are some very special cars in this collection and we’re sure it will continue to grow.