Thursday 26 May 2011

LATEST AND GREATEST SUPERCARS IN ACTION AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2011



From 1-3 July, the Festival of Speed will be the only place in Britain to see the very latest supercars in action, as well as up close in the popular Goodwood Supercar Paddock. The Festival of Speed has firmly established itself as the best place to see the newest, greatest and fastest supercars from around the globe. The Goodwood Supercar Run is unique in providing a dynamic environment in which the public can view new models for the first time.

Unlike a conventional motor show, the Supercar Run affords a fantastic opportunity not only to exhibit a new supercar, but also to show it in action on the Goodwood hillclimb. Last year's Festival saw over 20 UK public debuts out of a 50-car field, and with six weeks still to go, this year’s entry is looking even stronger.

For 2011 the Supercar Run promises the very latest supercars from all around the world, with cars from as many as 11 countries anticipated. Cars already confirmed to be making their World and/or UK dynamic debuts will include the Ferrari FF, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Jaguar XKR-S, Pagani Huayra, GTA Spano, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Hennessy Venom GT, Koenigsegg Agera R, Marussia B1 and B2, Hulme CanAm Spyder, the six-wheeled Covini C6, and the production version of the McLaren MP4-12C, which made its World debut in pre-series form at the 2010 Festival of Speed.

In all, as many as 50 great supercars will be in action on the Hill, which will certainly be a feast for the senses of the expected 175,000+ visitors to the Festival of Speed and Moving Motor Show. A number of other important UK debuts will also take place in the First Glance class, FoS-TECH and in the manufacturers’ vast exhibition area at Goodwood, including the new Morgan 3 Wheeler, Alfa Romeo 4C, Peugeot EX1, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and Infiniti Etheria concept.

Away from the Supercar Run, over a dozen other new vehicles are expected to be making their UK public debut on the Hill as part of the new Goodwood Moving Motor Show, presented by Auto Trader, details of which will be confirmed in the coming days and weeks.

Source: Goodwood

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Monday 23 May 2011

INTREPID DUO SEEK THE WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD IN AN ANCIENT MINI MINOR!

Nicky & Rob (functionphotos.net)

Car sets off, draped with Hatfield House coat of arms, Jean Christophe and Nephew Greg (functionphotos.net)

Click here to view more photos on Veloce's Flickr photostream!

At noon on Sunday May 22nd, Nicky West and Rob Stacey were waved off by celebrity chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, as they departed from Hatfield House to begin their incredible journey.

Driving across Europe and North Africa, the intrepid pair are seeking out all that remains of the Wonders of the Ancient World before reaching the only remaining example, the Pyramid of Cheops.

Nicky and Rob are making the run to support the Willow Foundation charity which helps young people afflicted with terrible illnesses to live their dreams or to take a break from treatment to be with their loved ones. Nicky and Rob hope that their arduous journey, without a support crew, will raise £11,000 for the Willow foundation.

An eBay purchase, mysteriously the Cherry Red 1961 Mini had been off the road since 1967 although the only obvious fault with the engine was a leaking hose and crossed sparkplug wires. Although carefully prepared for the journey, the car is unrestored and original. However, this is an 850cc model, so that Pyramid is quite a goal!

In 2012, Veloce will be publishing the book 'Mini Minor to Asia Minor' covering the journey in detail and packed with photos. 40% of the royalties earned by the book will go to the Willow Foundation.

“It is going to be a really hard slog,” admitted Nicky. “The Mini has no air conditioning and we’ll spend over 10 hours in the car each day with temperatures around 40◦C, so we should certainly come back a bit thinner! The political situation in some of the countries we travel through is a slight concern at present but we have a number of alternative routes already planned should we need to make a diversion”.
“At the end of the day it should be a fantastic drive and it’s for a really great cause” Rob added.

We wish Nicky and Rob bon voyage!

Photos copyright 'functionphotos.net' and permission is given for free publication with an acknowledgement.

PETER CRESPIN ON HAGERTY'S RADIO

Peter Crespin, author of Jaguar E-type books, talks on Hagerty's Inside Classic Cars radio about the iconic car, on this its 50th anniversary year.

Peter Crespin (Jaguar E-Type Expert & Author) Automotive Radio Network (050811) by velocebooks

To coincide with the 50th anniversary, Veloce will be publishing Jaguar E-type – Enthusiast’s restoration Manual by Peter Crespin.
In stock November 2011!
People dream of restoring an E-type, but many fail to complete their project after time or money run out. Do you REALLY need to spend £4000 trimming a two-seater, £6000 on an engine, £2000 on a soft top, or £30,000 for a new body shell? No – you can do it yourself for far less, provided your goal is a solid, presentable, and above all driveable car. If you are time rich but cash poor, this book is for you. More info.


E-type Essential Buyer's Guide's available now!



Click covers for more info.

Wednesday 18 May 2011

TOP TEN SALES FOR APRIL 2011

1: Walking the Dog (Rees)
2: Motor Racing at Nassau TWTD (O’Neil)
3: Land Rover Series I, II & IIA EBG (Thurman)
4: The Efficient Drivers Handbook (Moss)
5: Clever Dog! (O'Meara)
6: Living with an Older Dog (Adlerton/Hall)
7: Harnessing Horsepower (Turner)
8: BMW Custom Motorcycles (Cloesen)
9: Jaguar XK8 & XKR EBG (Thorley)
10: HT Build Motorcycle-engined Racing Cars (Pashley)



Top app! Volkswagen Bus EBG

MINI MINOR 2 ASIA MINOR

11,063kms - 10 Countries, 3 Continents, 35 days … in a 50 year old Mini?


On May 22nd 2011, at noon, Nicky West and Rob Stacey will be waved off by celebrity chef, Jean Christophe Novelli, when they start an incredible journey to Asia Minor in a 50 year old Mini Minor.

With the aim of reaching the Great Pyramid of Giza, the couple's epic journey starts at Hatfield House, Herts, on May 22nd and will end at the same venue just 35 days later on June 26th.

Nicky and Rob are making the run to support the Willow Foundation charity which helps young people afflicted with terrible illnesses to live their dreams or to take a break from treatment to be with their loved ones. Nicky and Rob hope that their arduous journey, without a support crew, will raise £11,000 for the Willow foundation.

An eBay purchase, mysteriously the Cherry Red 1961 Mini had been off the road since 1967 although the only obvious fault with the engine was a leaking hose and crossed sparkplug wires. Although carefully prepared for the journey, the car is unrestored and original. However, this is an 850cc model, so that Pyramid is quite a goal!

In 2012, Veloce will be publishing the book 'Mini Minor to Asia Minor' covering the journey in detail and packed with photos. 40% of the royalties earned by the book will go to the Willow Foundation.


“It is going to be a really hard slog,” admitted Nicky. “The Mini has no air conditioning and we’ll spend over 10 hours in the car each day with temperatures around 40◦C, so we should certainly come back a bit thinner! The political situation in some of the countries we travel through is a slight concern at present but we have a number of alternative routes already planned should we need to make a diversion”.
“At the end of the day it should be a fantastic drive and it’s for a really great cause” Rob added.

We wish Nicky and Rob bon voyage!

---------------
www.miniminor2asiaminor.co.uk

Hatfield House, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5NQ
01707 287 010

The Willow Foundation is a national charity established in 1999 by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson and his wife Megs in memory of their daughter Anna. The charity assists some of the estimated 12,500 people in the UK, aged 16–40, who are diagnosed every year with a life-threatening illness.
www.willowfoundation.org.uk
01707 259777
info@willowfoundation.org.uk
----------------

Some endorsements:
"Nicky & Rob must be mad to do this but that's what makes it all the more challenging. Taking this on for the Willow Foundation means that every mile they travel they will be helping to transform the lives of 16 to 40 year olds living with life threatening conditions. Good luck and a huge thank you for supporting the Willow Foundation."
- Bob & Megs Wilson, co-founders, Willow Foundation

"I wish Nicky and Rob the very best for their adventure. I have more power in my big toe than they have in their Morris (Mini) Minor so I hope their trip will be blessed with patience.
I'm sure it will be fantastic fun! Good luck to you both."
- Vicki Butler-Henderson - Fifth Gear.

“Everyone at Hatfield House is thrilled that we are the best place to start if you want to drive to Asia Minor from England. They are driving in the best of causes and we all wish them the best of luck and a safe return.”
- Lord Salisbury, 7th Marquess – Hatfield House

“When Mini was launched in 1959, a new generation of drivers had their first chance to get mobile independently. Minis left the UK in swarms and travelled all over the world, powered by their already archaic 34bhp motors. Nicky and Rob know their Minis and a 1961 850 Deluxe is a clever choice for travelling to Asia-Minor and back. Something to be proud of ...”
- Monty Watkins, Editor - MiniWorld

Tuesday 17 May 2011

ATTENTION JAGUAR ENTHUSIASTS!

If you are in France for Le Mans you might like to know that Mike Moreton, author of 'Jaguar XJ220 - The Inside Story' published by Veloce, is hosting a gathering of Jaguar enthusiasts to celebrate the recent publication of his fascinating book.

A fine buffet lunch and wines will be served at L'Aubergeade, a beautiful restaurant in the village of Diou (postcode 36260), near Vierzon on June 14th. Mike will be on hand to sign books and to talk about his time directing the XJ220 project.

Also in attendance will be Robert and Tony Loades, Directors of Abbey Panels, Coventry, the company that built the high-tech aluminium bodies for the XJ220. Robert and Tony will be bringing the first XJ220 built at the Bloxham assembly plant which, appropriately, carries the registration number 'XJ220'

Cost per person will be c.90 euros. To make a booking call or fax Jackie or Carolyn at L'Aubergeade 0033 (0)25 4492228 - but hurry, there are only 60 places!

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND JAGUAR'S ULTIMATE ROAD CAR!

In this new book from Veloce, Mike Moreton, ace director of impossible projects, who was headhunted for the project by Tom Walkinshaw, relives the extraordinary inside story of the Jaguar XJ220 supercar, which evolved from Jim Randle's sensational 1988 UK Motor Show concept car.

The planned production of 350 limited edition cars, each with a price tag of £360,000, was over-subscribed by a factor of four in a single day!

Named for its targeted top speed, the XJ220 was developed between 1989 and 1994

This inside story is an historically accurate account of the project from the Project Manager himself. Having recruited a talented team from motor sport and production car industries, a factory was developed in Bloxham, Oxfordshire. Working closely with Jaguar Design, TWR Group companies and specialist suppliers, the XJ220 team re-designed, built, tested, manufactured and marketed Jaguar's ultimate road car.

Featuring over 200 photographs, many previously unpublished, showing the concept and production cars in all stages of development, with glamour shots and historical photos of Jaguar sports/racing cars, this book, which is a must for all Jaguar enthusiasts, is for sale now in all good bookshops or direct from www.velocebooks.com

PEUGEOT 205 GTI - NEW APP IN THE MAKING

Here's a few images of a 15 minute evaluation video we recorded last week in the Veloce inspection pit. Peugeot 205 GTI marque expert, Jon Blackburn was providing the voiceover for the video, which will feature as part of a forthcoming iPhone/iPad app. The app is based on the recently published book Peugeot 205 GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide.






New!
Peugeot 205 GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
By Jon Blackburn

The Essential Buyer’s Guide carefully describes the 205 GTI models that enthusiasts love to drive and own, from the pioneering 1.6 GTI, through various developments to the 1.9 GTI. The GTI cabriolet is also covered. When you consider a potential purchase armed with this book, it’s just like have a Peugeot 205 expert by your side. Buy the right car at the right price.
More info.

Wednesday 11 May 2011

VOLKSWAGEN CELEBRATES GOLF GTI ANNIVERSARY WITH EDITION 35



To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original hot hatch, Volkswagen has announced the first details of the latest special edition Golf GTI model – the Golf GTI Edition 35. With an increase in power of 25 PS over the ‘standard’ car, the Edition 35 develops 235 PS and is the most powerful production Golf GTI to date.

Since the debut of the first Golf GTI in 1976, the iconic model has enjoyed an uninterrupted history of success which now spans 35 years. During this time, the GTI has become a car with cult appeal as well as an independent brand and milestone GTI anniversaries have been celebrated with exclusive special models, and Volkswagen continues this tradition with the Edition 35.

In addition to the increase in power, the Edition 35 combines classic GTI design elements with features specially created for this latest anniversary model.

A revised front bumper is joined by lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels while, in the cabin, the golf ball gearknob makes a return. To mark out this special edition further, the ‘35’ signature appears on the front wings, sill plates, head restraints and on the centre panel of the seats.

This latest anniversary model will make its world debut at the legendary GTI event at Wörthersee in Austria at the beginning of June.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 will open for order in the UK later this year. Prices and full UK specification will be announced in due course.

Source: Volkswagen


Fans of the earlier GTI models (Mk 1 & Mk 2) should check out Veloce's iPhone app!

Tuesday 10 May 2011

COMPETITION TIME! MAY 2011


This month we have a three-book bundle to give away! All three of these books delve into the fascinating histories of great American cars in our Those were the days ... series.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is check out the series on our website and answer the following question:


Email prize@veloce.co.uk with your answer.

Competition closes midnight Sunday 22nd May 2011. A winner will be picked randomly after the closing date, who will receive all three books.

PHOTOS FROM THE LONDON BOOK FAIR 2011

Here are a few pictures of the Veloce stand at the London Book Fair last month. In attendance, book fair debutant Kim, who did a fantastic job of representing the company, and Veloce co-founders Rod & Jude. Thanks to everyone that visited the stand.

Rod & Kim

Jude & Kim

The stand

Rod & Jude

Monday 9 May 2011

JOHNNY TIPLER TO DRIVE IN LA CARRERA PANAMERICANA 2011

Johnny Tipler, author of Veloce book La Carrera Panamericana – “The World’s Greatest Road Race!” will be competing in this year's race as part of the team Pan-Am Motorsports.
Johnny writes for top motoring publications, including Octane, Motor Sport, Classic Cars, and Autosport, with particular emphasis on Porsche magazines including Excellence, Porsche Post, Classic Porsche and 911 & Porsche World. He's passionate and deeply knowledgeable about the many facets of classic cars and races, and a Porsche addict. We wish him all the best in the race later this year!

Visit www.panammotorsports.com to find out more about the team.

Here is a video of Johnny talking about the 60th Anniversary of La Carrera Panamericana at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010.



Special offer!
La Carrera Panamericana – “The World’s Greatest Road Race!”
By Johnny Tipler

The story of the legendary Mexican road race, which lasts for 7 days and covers 2000 miles of central Mexico.

Click here for more info about the book.

Friday 6 May 2011

ADRIAN STREATHER BOOKSHOP COMPLETED

Congratulations to author Adrian Streather as he moves one step forward with his bookstore!



The bookstore is located at Dorf 97 9428 Walzenhausen Switzerland and it will officially open on 1st June 2011.

Click the banner to view all books by Adrian Streather on the Veloce website.

Thursday 5 May 2011

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC SPECTACULAR LAUNCH

Classic motor racing festival

E-type Jaguars

The world’s largest classic motor racing festival has been launched in spectacular style. In front of 250 journalists, photographers and film crews, the 2011 Silverstone Classic burst into life yesterday (4 May) as some of the 800 cars expected at the event took to the famous track in glorious spring sunshine.

Event Director Nick Wigley revealed that this year’s event – marking the 21st anniversary of the first classic racing festival at Silverstone – will be the biggest and best yet.

“The numbers are astonishing. We will have more than 1,000 competitors racing more than 800 cars spanning the full spectrum of motor racing history right up the nineties. We are promised a number of exciting cars that are seldom seen racing in the UK including a newly restored black and gold JPS Lotus 72 grand prix car while an awesome Lancia Martini LC2 Group C sports car is due to star in an atmospheric dusk race on the Saturday.

The Silverstone Classic (22-24 July, 2011) is firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival and is celebrating its 21st anniversary this summer. The spectacular three-day event is staged at the famous Silverstone circuit, birthplace of the FIA Formula One World Championship and home of the 2011 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix. More info.

Endurance Racing at Silverstone in the 1970s & 1980s
By Chas Parker

This book charts the progress of what became classic events, the Silverstone 6-hour and 1000km races, year-by-year from 1976, through the era of the Group C cars, up to the end of the eighties, with previously unpublished accounts and photographs of each event. More info.

Wednesday 4 May 2011

TOP TEN SALES FOR MARCH 2011

1: British Drag Racing TWTD (Pettitt)
2: Living with an Older Dog (Adlerton/Hall)
3: MG TD, TF, & TF1500 EBG (Jones)
4: Fate of the Sleeping Beauties (op de Weegh/Hottendorff/op de Weegh)
5: How to modify Land Rover (Hosier)
6: Russian MV – Soviet Limousines (Kelly)
7: Preston Tucker & Others (Linde)
8: Dog Games (Blenski)
9: Clever Dog! (O'Meara)
10: Honda FireBlade EBG (Henshaw)

Top app! Volkswagen Bus EBG

Tuesday 3 May 2011

MODIFYING LAND ROVER BOOK REVIEW VIDEO

Here is a book review with a difference. Thanks to Chris at The Trailerfitters Toolbox for reviewing How to modify Land Rover Discovery, Defender & Range Rover by Ralph Hosier, and creating this YouTube video. Hope to see some more video book reviews soon!



Buying a Range Rover, Discovery or Defender can be just the start of a wonderful adventure. This book shows the possibilities available to the owner, from big wheels and suspension lifts, under-body protection and tuning ideas, right up to how to convert the car into a high speed racer or an international expedition vehicle. With clear, jargon-free instructions, advice on events like family weekend green-laning, international expeditions and full-on competition, accompanied by colour photographs throughout, this is the definitive guide to getting the most from these exciting vehicles. More info.