Tuesday, 26 October 2010

WHAT STAR SIGN IS YOUR CAR?

Just a consideration of all the things that might affect the car you drive and the way it behaves ... if the stars can cause people to behave in strange ways then surely they might just affect your car in similar ways.
You can often find the build month for your car on a sticker inside the driver's door and you can, if you make the effort, find out whole lot more from the VIN. But in this instance the build month is enough to make a start at least, and gives you two possible star signs for your car, and it could be fun to decide whether your car is, for instance, Aries or Taurus by the way it behaves.


Aries - March 21 to April 20

People (and cars) born under the sign of Aries are supposed to be hot headed, quick tempered, impatient, impulsive and impossible. They are reputedly independent and hungry for new adventure, energetic and disorganised.

Does that ring any bells? Is your car occasionally known to pull away faster than you expected? Is there a tendency for rubbish to gather in the back and if there is dirt on the road does you car seem to gather more of it than you next door neighbour's? Could be you are driving an Aries car.

Taurus - April 21 to May 21

The thing about Taurus is that bulls, while strong, are also stubborn, slow and stroppy. They have a fondness for food and can't get enough of the best things in life. They do, however, strive to be the best they can and they can be trusted to always do their best.

So there it is. Slow to accelerate and a bit of a premium gas guzzler but reliable and good to go if treated right.

Gemini - May 22 to June 21

A two in one package, full of contradictions and mood swings and inclined to revel in their own individuality Gemini folk are often guilty of being fickle and superficial. They sometimes tire easily and faced with the long haul occasionally just give up. They are however great company and will liven up any social situation.

If your car has great personality but occasionally seems sluggish for no apparent reason it could be that you have a star twin in your garage.

Cancer - June 22 to July 23

Soft, soppy, good natured, gentle and devoted to their families is just one side of the crab. The other is the hard shell and sharp claws that come into play when when a particular line is crossed. They love to please others and are inclined to martyrdom.

Cancerians find it hard to work with those with whom they do not share a personal bond of mutual understanding ... so perhaps if you suspect you are harbouring a crabby car you should pat the bonnet every morning and always say thank you when you park him/her up at night!

Leo - July 24 to August 23

Brave, bold and undeniably classy Leos are also slightly scary and a tad unpredictable. They, however, always appear attractive, calm and capable and more inclined to be a pussy cat. Beware that growly, prowly, edgy side though.

Does that always beautiful machine parked in your driveway sometimes refuse start for no obvious reason? Is it all elegant magnificence until you put the foot down and vroom off in a stylish cloud of dust? You have a lion and not a tiger in your tank - take care.

Virgo - August 24 to September 23

The contradiction about Virgo is that it is not a symbol of virginity but of fecundidty and this is a sensual sign whose members are pleasure-loving and like to live life to the full. They are also very tidy, law abiding with a slight lean towards pickiness.

What does this mean in terms of four wheels? A joyful, usually trouble free, drive in a car it seems impossible to mess up.

Libra - September 24 to October 23

Indecisive and reputedly slightly dithering Librans are actually famous for their charm. They are affectionate but quarrelsome and argumentative and they love nothing better than playing Devil's Advocate. They will accept imbalance but only if it is imbalance in their favour and they can see both sides of an argument.

Don't get frustrated by this car ... and don't show that you are irritated if all is not going well. Librans will dig in and get stubborn and you might find that you are, literally, getting nowhere.

Scorpio - October 24 to November 22

The sign with a sting in its tail. Scorpios are accused of being secretive with a tendency to nurse grudges and they are also supposedly full of anti-social habits including a tendency to be rude. Plus, traditionally, they are sex mad!

Actually they are not rude, just honest, and they are really quite forgiving and sensitive. They are shocked by other people's prissy attitudes to life and living and sometimes inadvertently shock others by their open responses. This is the zodiacal jackpot. A Scorpio car should be easy to drive regardless of your own skill but with a very useful and sometimes surprising "hidden" sporty side.

Sagittarius - November 23 to December 22

Bright, breezy, bouncy Sagittarians love competition, are full of energy and enthusiasm and see everyone as their friend. These half horse people want everything to be perfect and are so surrounded by serendipity that they often push their luck to the max. They hate half measures.

This is horse power in the raw ... don't give this car to your teenage son!

Capricorn - December 23 to January 20

This star sign is for the down to earth - those who don't believe in star signs They are serious, sensible and practical but they also have passion with a good measure of adventurousness thrown in. They are often highly intelligent and slightly fond of the practical joke.

A great sign this for the family car. Something for everyone here. Just enough vroom for dad, safety and practical vibes for mum and that slightly cheeky chappie edge for the kids.

Aquarius - January 21 to February 19

Aloof, distant, uncaring and sometimes almost insanely eccentric is how Aquarians tend to come across. In fact they are just sensitive and vulnerable people who hide they feelings behind a mask of indifference - they are, however, undoubtedly eccentric and usually pretty proud of it.

These are sociable people who think that making small talk will hide the real passionate self inside from other people. If your car is a seemingly easy going Aquarian don't be deceived ... there is a whole lot of personality under that bonnet.

Pisces - February 20 to March 20

Pisceans wander a liminal world between the possible and impossible and they often make magic happen because they don't accept that it can't. They have open minds, listen to most arguments and explore most suggestions before making decisions. They are intuitive but on the down side are open to seduction by drink or other mind altering substances.

This car will reach out to its driver and take them on many journeys of discovery. A great car to drive if you need thinking time and intuitive answers. Tap into that Piscean power.

Issued on behalf of mycarcheck.com

Monday, 25 October 2010

BARRIE DOWN INTERVIEW VIDEO

Check out this interview video we recorded with Barrie Down, author of
Art Deco and British Car Design - The Airline Cars of the 1930s.



A unique account of a radical era in automotive design. The Art Deco movement influenced design and marketing in many different industries in the 1930s, and the British motor industry was no exception.
The book is divided into two parts: the first explains and illustrates the Art Deco styling elements that link these streamlined car designs, describing their development, their commonality, and how aeronautical names were used, and is liberally illustrated with contemporary images. The second part goes on to portray British streamlined production cars made between 1933 and 1936, illustrated with colour photographs of surviving cars. More info.

Friday, 22 October 2010

NORTHEAST AMERICAN SPORTS CAR RACES

Many thanks to the New England MG 'T' Register for their glowing review of our brand new book, Northeast American Sports Car Races, written by Terry O'Neill. The review appeared in their Bi-monthly journal Sacred Octagon, and we thank Dick Knudson for his words.

Click image to read review.

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

VELOCETTE BOOK COMPETITION WINNER

Congratulations to Lanora from California (pictured below), the lucky winner of the prize copy of Velocette Motorcycles – MSS to Thruxton (New Third Edition) which was signed by the author, Rod Burris.
See Rod on YouTube!


Don't forget to sign-up to the monthly Veloce eNewsletter On the Grid, to find out about competitions, special offers and new book news!

Monday, 18 October 2010

JAGUAR TRIVIA - BRAND NEW APP OUT NOW!

Veloce releases 4th app. Compatible with iPhone and iPad!

The Jaguar Trivia app is designed to be appreciated and enjoyed. It will entertain and amuse you, it may even surprise and enthral you. One thing is for sure, it won't disappoint. Packed full of interesting facts and anecdotes, the Jaguar Trivia app will delight and inform Jaguar enthusiasts and car nuts generally. Although not a comprehensive history of Jaguar cars, and not all models are covered, we will be posting regular updates and models.
Click here to view the app on the app store.

Thursday, 14 October 2010

GOOD LUCK KRIS MEEKE AND PAUL NAGLE IN THEIR FINAL RALLY FOR PEUGEOT UK

Peugeot UK’s Kris Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle have just one aim in this year’s Rally Scotland, to finish their 2010 IRC campaign on the top step of the podium.


The RACMSA Rally Scotland will be the last rally in which the boys will compete for Peugeot UK, as next year they will leave the team to take up a new challenge in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Last year’s inaugural Rally Scotland was dominated by Kris and Paul and this year they will be totally focused on putting on another good show for all their fans and bowing out of the IRC in style.

Kris and Paul’s Peugeot UK 207 S2000 will be in action over a total of twelve gravel stages covering 196.44 kilometres. The rally starts on Friday with two runs through the grounds of Scone Palace near Perth, a mixture of asphalt and gravel road sections, totalling 3.37 kilometres. This year’s stage is much longer than in 2009 so it will be important to set a good time to ensure a good result at the end of the rally.

Saturday sees the cars take on three stages located north-west of Perth including the 17.68 kilometre Errochty stage. The three stages will be run twice before the cars finish back at the Perth Service area, early Saturday evening.

The final day of the rally consists of four stages before the winner will be crowned at Stirling Castle on Sunday afternoon.

New! Kris Meeke – Intercontinental Rally Challenge Champion
By Simon McBride
The story of how Kris Meeke and Peugeot UK won the Intercontinental Rally Championship in their rookie year, from the disastrous opening round in Monte Carlo, to the ecstasy of winning the San Remo rally and the Championship in the same weekend. This is the gripping tale of how Kris and Peugeot defied expectations and made their mark on this highly competitive championship. There are those who felt that Kris was quick but lacked the consistency to succeed at the highest level – but the man from Dungannon proved them wrong in the style of his mentor and rally legend, Colin McRae.
The best of Kris is still to come ... More info.

NOSTALGIA TRIP

A handful of nice reviews from the month's magazines – our Those Were The Days ... series has featured heavily this time. The new titles featured are British Touring Car Racing, Endurance Racing at Silverstone, and American Independant Automakers.





Each of these books takes the reader on a trip to visit or revisit some aspect of daily life that has now disappeared forever. Via evocative period images and entertaining but informed text, take a delightful journey backwards in time. Pure nostalgia! Click here to browse the full series!

(Click images to view larger)



Friday, 8 October 2010

UNTIL THE WITCHING HOUR ...


Don't forget, you can stay up-to-date with all the latest books from Veloce by signing up to our monthly newsletter, On The Grid. We'll also let you know about any special offers or discounts, as well as a monthly competition!

British Summer Time ends in the early hours of October 31st this year. The clocks will be going back at 2am, which means that All Hallows Day will be 25 hours long ... so there really will be a 13 o'clock on Halloween this year! And that only happens once in a blue moon ... scary, isn't it?
So, to help see you through this difficult month ahead, to help lift the usual seasonal adjustment depression and to put smiles on your Halloween lanterns this year, we are offering a massive 40% discount off all Veloce books* for the whole of October, until the Witching Hour (13 o'clock) on October 31st 2010.

Sign up to the Veloce newsletter now to get the discount code!


*offer excludes leather and limited editions, Veloce gift vouchers, Veloce iPhone apps, other coinciding special offers, and non-Veloce products. P+P extra.

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

APP OF THE WEEK IN AUTO EXPRESS!

Veloce Publishing's third iPhone app picks up APP OF THE WEEK in today's Auto Express magazine. More apps coming very soon!



VW Golf GTi – The Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone App

Packed with good advice – from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Golf GTi community, to will a Golf GTi fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? – the VW Golf GTi EBG is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the VW Golf GTi of your dreams.

AVAILABLE NOW through the iTunes App Store. Price: £2.49 UK / $3.99 US

Monday, 4 October 2010

GREAT RESULT FOR BRIT IN INDYCAR SERIES

Dario Franchitti 'donuting' after clinching the championship on Saturday. Courtesy Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The result of the final round of the IndyCar Series at Homestead could not have been better. Just a couple of weeks before the publication of The British at Indianapolis, Dario Franchitti and Alex Lloyd further emphasised the Brits’ exalted position in IndyCar racing.

Dario, who has provided the foreword to the book, followed up his win in this year’s Indy 500 by claiming his third IndyCar Series championship in four years. Fellow Brit, Alex Lloyd, who, like Dario is also featured with a full chapter, took the series Rookie of the Year award. Alex also finished fourth in May’s Indy 500 where British drivers ended the race in first, second, fourth and seventh places, the best result ever for this country.

Coming soon!
The British at Indianapolis
By Ian Wagstaff

A history of the British influence on the Indianapolis 500, including not only the drivers and cars, but the many others – mechanics, designers, and officials – who have been involved. The story is set out in a series of stand-alone chapters, with a wide variety of informative sidebars, and goes back 100 years to the early days of the race, through the British-led, rear-engined revolution of the 1960s to the present day. More info.