We’re here to celebrate an absolute mainstay of British motoring for over 40 years. Yes, the Vauxhall Astra has maintained its position, across its eight generations to date, as one of the UK's most popular family hatchbacks.
For all UK car owners, there is one very significant deadline coming fairly quickly down the track. That is the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, which is due to come into effect from 2030.
So, you're thinking of buying your first classic car. Exciting times! But what motor from yesteryear will suit you best?
Think of the word ‘autobahn’ and what mental image springs to mind? Chances are that it's either a certain hypnotic groove by German synth pioneers Kraftwerk… or a luxurious German saloon cruising down a well-maintained motorway, with no care for the speed limit. Yes, as many motorists know, the autobahn system – Germany's motorway network – has certain sections where no speed limit is in place. That, according to your driving personality (and the car you drive), probably either sounds quite exciting or somewhat frightening.
If you've spent time in your campervan, you’ll know the UK is blessed with legions of wonderful, campervan-friendly campsites. These range from basic – a toilet and a shower block – to pampering, with onsite restaurants, kids' playrooms and more. Here are just a few of our favourites from around the UK
As we've discussed elsewhere on this blog, once a car becomes 40 years old it becomes eligible for what's known as 'Vehicle of Historical Interest' status. In most, although (as we are about to see) not all cases, this means that the owner of the vehicle no longer has to pay vehicle tax on the car, or submit it for an annual MOT.
Virtually all die-cast model enthusiasts know that 1965 was the year of the Corgi ‘James Bond Aston Martin DB5’ - but it was not their first film/TV spin-off.
Fifty years ago, Fiat introduced three important new models – the 126, the 132, and a small mid-engine sports car greeted with some apprehension by many a Triumph and MG dealer.
It is the late 1960s, and you are hip, groovy, and generally “with-it”. You also crave beach transport with greater comfort than the Mini Moke can hope to offer, and Renault is now offering an open-top version of the 4 – the Plein Air.
During the 1980s, it seemed an unofficial rule of BBC television that Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. had to be scheduled during school holidays.
“Just 197 were produced, making it the lowest number production model. Its rarity is added to as Vauxhall never produced brochures or price lists. Dealers were offered them as company cars not for sale direct to the public although many found their way onto the forecourt”.