Petrolheadism

Low mileage Ford Capri 280 Brooklands – Photo credit: Appreciating Classics You could be the proud owner of this extremely low mileage, original Ford Capri 280 Brooklands. This stunning example has only covered a mere 942 miles. This 1987 Brooklands is being sold by Appreciating Classics in Norwich who specialise in low mileage original classic and retro cars. Take a look at their mouth watering stock on ebay by clicking here . This fine example comes complete with the supplying dealer sticker still in the rear window, 3x keys, original order form and credit agreement paperwork. Despite being a very low mileage example it still comes with a history folder with a couple of old MOT certificates, and an invoice for a service at Ford in 2001 as well as the original booklets in the original Ford binder. Now the question is would you use it or not to keep the mileage to a minimum? Its still probably the most original and immaculate Brooklands Capri that your ever find, but the ver...

New Stratos, new legend

The original Stratos was a beautiful car at home flat out on a forest stage or road course, yet the pretty design would not look out of place in Monaco. Now the legendary name returns not by Lancia but Turin-based manufacturer, Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT). Although the first prototype Stratos was debuted in 2010, it wasn’t until 2018 that it officially went on sale following the granting of rights to produce the car by German company, New Stratos GbR, owned by German Billionaire Michael Stoschek. The New Stratos to be shown at Salon Privé will be the latest interpretation of this legendary 70s rally car. Each car is based on a donor F430 which is then heavily modified to save weight and increase agility and performance. Combined, the carbon body and lightened steel frame save 80 kgs and the wheelbase is then shortened by 20cm to recreate the iconic proportions of the original car. With further MAT modifications under the bonnet, the Ferrari 4.3-litre V8 is good for 540 bhp. Sal...

Car Christmas Jumpers

It’s time to spread some holiday cheer with these car-themed Christmas jumpers! Just like our favourite vehicles, there’s a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love and believe in. Thank you for supporting us! Classic BMW Christmas Jumper Get ready to turn heads this holiday season with this classic BMW Christmas Jumper designed by the very talented Auto Apparel Studio. Featuring a stylish design that celebrates the iconic brand, this is perfect for car enthusiasts and festive gatherings alike. The Unisex organic sweatshirt is made of organic and recycled materials, and feels soft and cosy to the touch. ...

London Barn Find

A large private collection of classic cars is being opened to the public tomorrow (30th September 2021) so closed bids can be accepted. This amazing collection is hidden somewhere in North London where they have been stored for what looks like a long time. The collect consists of 174 vehicles from the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s and even the 00’s. It even has its own instagram page – londonbarnfinds, which is a great way to gain a lot of interest before the sale and they also have a couple of eBay listings about the collection. This London barn find has quite a varied selection of cars from classic BMW’s to a G-Wiz. Classic Nissan 300zx which the birds have been using as target practice. The London barn find open day address will be released tonight (29th September 2021) at 6pm on their eBay listings and their Instagram page. The open day is only on Monday and if you can’t make it then you can still make an offer to buy directly from the seller without seeing the car. Dusty barn find Mercedes ...

Come along, Parker - What Happened to FAB 1

Petrolheads of a certain age would have watched similar programs while growing up, some programs may have even influence their passion for cars. One TV car that sticks in my mine was not even a real car. The famous Rolls Royce ‘FAB1’ was a model, until 1966, when a full-sized replica of FAB 1, based on a “chinese six” (four front, two back – similar to the one in the original Italian Job film) Bedford Duple Vega coach chassis was built to transport writers-producers Gerry and Sylvia Anderson to the premiere of Thunderbirds Are Go in London. It was constructed by the company Toby Baxter Contracts under Sylvia’s supervision and not by Brains or Rolls Royce. The full size replica was wide, wider than the coach it was based on. The axles were widened to fit the width of the body, the fact a coach was the donor and not a car gives some idea of its size. The body was a steel-covered framework moulded with filler to simulate the angles of the vehicle as seen in the TV series and films. No...

Broadstripe RS2000 Coming To Auction

This RS2000 is a sought-after pre-Custom ‘Broadstripe’ model, easily recognizable by its distinctive wide tape line along the body. Recently restored under the care of its third UK owner, it’s been given a new lease on life. On the 12th May 2024 its going to be auctioned at The Bolesworth Castle May 2024 Classic & Performance Car Auction According to the V5C, ‘MLG 617Y’ rolled off the line in 1976, making it an early model, before finding its way to the UK in 1982 after some time abroad, likely in South Africa given its right-hand-drive setup. In 1983, around the time it returned to the UK, it was treated to a fresh coat of white paint, deviating from its original yellow. It still sports that white finish and boasts a sleek black cloth interior. Given the restoration work, it’s no surprise the current owner rates the 2-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, two-door bodywork, paint, and interior as all in ‘good’ condition. However, the odometer might tease with a readin...

Unearthing Treasure: The Most Expensive Barn Finds of All Time

Imagine walking into a dusty old barn, expecting to find little more than cobwebs, and instead stumbling upon a multi-million-dollar relic of automotive history. That’s the magic of a barn find—a rare car, forgotten for decades, rediscovered like buried treasure. These aren’t just vehicles; they’re time capsules of craftsmanship, engineering, and sheer beauty. Of course when referring to a barn find its not usually a barn, but somewhere a car has been stored a long time, sometimes a simple lock up garage, out building or large shed. Let’s take a drive through some of the most expensive barn finds ever unearthed, and why their stories captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. 1. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – $18 Million In 2014, a French barn revealed a jaw-dropping collection of vintage cars hidden under layers of dust, including this Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. One of only 37 ever made, it was originally owned by French actor Alain Delon. Rediscovered after d...

Koenig Cars: A Legacy of Elegance and Performance or 80s Excess

“It’s not the car you buy, but the stories you create with it.” This quote resonates deeply with every Koenig car owner, and it's easy to see why. While the name "Koenig" might not command the immediate recognition of Ferrari or Porsche, its vehicles are a revelation in automotive customization and performance. These are not just cars; they are rolling works of art, reimagined and engineered to deliver a visceral experience. The Backstory: How Koenig Found Its Niche In the 1970s, Willy Koenig, a German racing enthusiast, saw potential where others didn’t. He founded Koenig Specials, a company dedicated to transforming high-end cars into performance monsters. By the 1980s, Koenig had become a household name among car enthusiasts, redefining luxury by marrying jaw-dropping aesthetics with functionality that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering. Why Koenig Cars Are Special Here’s where it gets interesting. Unlike factory cars, which cater to a broad audience, Koen...

Unleashing the Rally Icon: The Renault 5 Turbo - A Mid-Engined Marvel

In the world of rallying, few cars have left a mark as indelible as the Renault 5 Turbo. Built as a mid-engined homologation special for Group 4 and Group B rallying from 1980 to 1986, this limited-production gem stands apart from its front-wheel-drive counterparts like the Renault 5 Gordini Turbo or GT Turbo. With Renault’s expertise in Formula 1-derived turbocharging, the unassuming 1.4-liter overhead-valve engine was transformed into a powerhouse, delivering 160bhp (in road trim) and propelling the car to a top speed of 125mph, with a 0-60mph sprint under seven seconds. What truly sets the Renault 5 Turbo apart is its mid-engine configuration, displacing the rear passenger seats in favor of the powerplant. The engine’s might is harnessed through a five-speed transaxle, channeling power to the rear wheels. This design transformed the Renault 5 into a stripped-down two-seater supercar, purpose-built for dominating both the road and the rally stage. The Renault 5 Turbo made its debut a...

Barn Find Lamborghini Countach

In the realm of automotive legends, few names carry as much weight and evoke as much passion as Lamborghini Countach. This iconic supercar took the world by storm when it was first unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. Its striking design, futuristic features, and mind-blowing performance made it an instant sensation. Fast forward to 1982, and Lamborghini presented the world with the first LP500S/LP5000S Countach, featuring remarkable updates and enhancements. Today, we delve into the fascinating story of the “Lost” first 5L Countach and its journey through history. The LP500S Countach made its debut on the Lamborghini stand at the prestigious 1982 Geneva Motor Show. This particular car holds great significance as it was one of the first five LP500S examples produced and featured rare early production features. Exhibited alongside other automotive marvels, it captured the attention of enthusiasts and collectors alike with its cutting-edge design and exhilarating performance. The Lamb...