Here's to 2018!

First of all, a very Happy New Year to all of our readers! It's hard to believe that it is already 2018, but there is plenty to look forward to in the motoring world this year – not to mention a fair few milestone anniversaries to celebrate. 

First, let's take a look at some iconic events that will be celebrating big birthdays this year. Goodwood's annual Festival of Speed will be marking its 25th anniversary this July. Over the weekend of the 12th to the 15th, along with the usual incredible displays, the Duke of Richmond (formerly Lord March) will choose his top 25 moments from the event's history.

Next month sees 70 years since the meetings that led to the official formation of the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). To celebrate this, Darlington Raceway, in South Carolina, will be celebrating 'Seven Decades of NASCAR' for its 2018 season, with a specific nod to the landmark birthday with the Official Throwback weekend of NASCAR, which will be held from the 31st of August to the 2nd of September. 

This summer's Silverstone Classics show will see a number of birthdays in its midst. The Jaguar XJ and the Jaguar XK120 will be celebrating their 50th and 70th anniversaries respectively, whilst the Austin Healey Sprite will be turning 60. Also, marking their diamond jubilee, will be the MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), with many events taking place over the weekend of the 20th to the 22nd of July. The celebrations for BTCC's 60th birthday kicks off this weekend at Autosport International, with a stand enabling fans to get up close to the drivers and a selection of the latest machinery, as well as a number of historic cars from the championship's distinguished past.  

Car Celebrations

Hot Wheels and Chevrolet – 50 years

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the brands' collaboration, and to commemorate the occasion, Chevrolet is releasing a special edition Hot Wheels Edition Camaro. Since the debut of the custom Camaro back in 1968, every generation, and nigh-on every variation, of this model has been replicated in 1:64 scale by Hot Wheels – one variation is even included in our book Diecast Toy Cars of the 1950s and 1960s. This car looks to be ideal for automobile fans, and avid toy collectors!

Photo from http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-life/hot-wheels-edition#

The first Lamborghini – 55 years

Marking its first appearance at the Turin Motor Show in October 1963, this year sees the 55th anniversary of the original Lamborghini, the 350GTV. Since then, countless models of the Lamborghini have rolled off the production line, such as the fabulous Urraco and the Murciélago.

Lotus Joins F1 – 60 years

In the Monaco Grand Prix of 1958, Team Lotus made its Formula 1 debut, entering two Type 12s, driven by Cliff Allison and Graham Hill. After placing 6th and 26th respectively, the team took their notes from the race and redesigned the cars based on the success of rival competitors. Two years later, the team entered a Type 18 Lotus, driven by Stirling Moss. Not only is it 60 years since Team Lotus first entered, but it is 55 years since they won their first World Drivers' Championship. Fancy widening your scope of F1 knowledge? Brian Harvey's book Formula One – The Real Score? is just the tome to help you see the sport in a new light. 

Corvette – 65 years

Designed by Harley Earl, this American car was the first all-fibreglass-bodied sports car built in the United States. There have been many changes to the Corvette over the past 65 years, and they are still as popular today as ever. If you're considering purchasing a classic Corvette for yourself, make sure you have to hand a copy of Tom Falconer's Corvette C2 Sting Ray 1963-1967 Essential Buyer's Guide – a model which is, coincidentally, turning 55 this year!

Morris Minor – 70 years

As mentioned back in November, Veloce will be marking the 70th anniversary of the iconic Morris Minor with a new book by Ray Newell, Morris Minor – 70 years on the road, which looks in detail at
the development of the wide range of models during a production run that spanned 22 years in the UK. If you're looking to join those who have a Minor in time to celebrate its platinum anniversary, grab a copy of Morris Minor & 1000 Essential Buyer's Guide, also by Ray Newell, to help you find the perfect example!

Porsche 356 – 70 years

Porsche's first production vehicle will also be turning 70 this year, and Brian Long's The Book of the Porsche 356 will tell you all you need to know about the coupé that helped launch the marque. 

24 Hours Le Mans – 95 years

May marks 95 years since the first 24 hours of Le Mans. Known as the ultimate endurance race, this event is a true test of man and machine, and has been held every year since 1932, except for the war years. 

Ford Model T – 110 years

110 years ago saw a revolutionary event in the motoring world, with the release of the Ford Model T. Generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, and one that helped to get a large number of people on the road, it's not really surprising that it was name the Car of the Century back in 1999. Veloce publishes Ford Model T – The Essential Buyers Guide for those who want to take the plunge today. 

Ford Motor Company – 115 years

Not only will Ford be celebrating the anniversary of the Model T, the company as a whole will also celebrate it's 115th birthday.
On June 16th, 1903, Henry Ford and 12 stockholders met in Detroit, Michigan to sign and notarise the legal documents, which would help to create the Ford Motor Company. We have many great books relating to all things Ford, but a stand out one is Ford Design in the UK, which details the design work undertaken in the UK, with a focus on the Dunton studio in particular. 

For more great facts from motoring days past, make sure you check out This Day in Automotive History. Author Brian Corey has found a fact or two for each day of the year, which will be fascinating for trivia buffs and general motoring fans alike. 

What a difference 100 years makes …

Ford marks centenary of Model TT commercial vehicle that paved way for the transit

As you may know, we're big fans of the Ford Model T, the model that made the car 'mainstream.' Well, this press release, just received from Ford, marks the centenary of another Ford model, one that's not so well know, but just as historic … over to Ford …
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BRENTWOOD, Essex, August 17, 2017

You’ve heard of the Ford Model T, but how about the Model TT? Though less well-known, it also had a big impact – as the forerunner to the modern day van and pickup, including today’s Transit.

First launched 100 years ago, in 1917, the Model TT was Ford’s first purpose-built one-tonne van. Owners could customise the chassis with a cargo bed to transport everything from letters to fuel – just as they can today in the 2017 Ford Transit Custom. The Model TT was first launched in the U.S, and later built at Ford’s Trafford Park factory in Manchester.

1917 Model TT van. Try doing that with a horse and cart.

The Model TT van was longer and stronger than the Model T car, with a cab that could seat one driver and one passenger. The engine was started using a cranking handle on the front. For a smoother ride, customers could choose modern air-filled rear tyres instead of solid rubber.

“It is amazing that while in some ways today’s vans are a million miles from the Model TT in how they have come on, they fundamentally do the same job as they were designed to do 100 years ago – providing a flexible means of keeping businesses on the move,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.

One hundred years later, Ford now offers the best-selling commercial vehicle range in Britain and across Europe, with four commercial vehicles now carrying the iconic Transit nameplate – Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier – as well as the Ford Ranger pickup.

In the UK alone, Ford has maintained market leadership in the commercial vehicle sector for 51 years – ever since the Ford Transit was introduced in 1965. In 2016, Ford recorded its highest-ever year of commercial vehicle sales with 118,000 units.

Transit sales passed its first million milestone in 1976, rapidly passing the next in 1985, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2013, which lined up end-to-end would circumnavigate the globe. On average, customers have bought a new Transit every 180 seconds during its lifetime.

A new study, which explores the use of brand words in the British dialect, reveals that the British public now commonly uses the word “Transit” as a generic term for van. The study of 2,000 consumers, conducted by Census Wide, reveals that almost a quarter used the word “Transit” to describe a typical van, and that 46 per cent of Brits believe that a “Transit” refers to a specific size.

Later this year Ford is launching 20 new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Transit Custom vans - that reduce local emissions by running solely on electric power for the majority of inner-city trips – on a 12-month trial in and around London.

Among those taking part in the trial are the Metropolitan Police and British Gas, which will allow both Ford and the city of London to explore how electrified vans can contribute to cleaner air targets while boosting productivity for operators in urban conditions. The Transit Custom PHEV van is planned for commercial introduction in 2019, part of Ford’s $4.5 billion investment into electrified vehicles by 2020.

* Sales data for full-year 2016. Ford of Europe reports its sales for the European traditional markets where it is represented through National Sales Companies. They are Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland

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Time for a T at Veloce House

Personally, I always think of Veloce as a 'multi fuel' company: petrol and diesel are always present, of course, but tea and coffee are just as vital in keeping the cogs and wheels turning. I'm more of a coffee person, but there's one type of 'T' I'm particularly fond of … the Ford Model T!

The business end of an automotive icon.

Last month, and just a few days before National Tea day (see our previous blog post), we had a visit from author Chris Barker, who came to meet the team at Veloce House, and collect a few copies of his Model T and Sunbeam Alpine Essential Buyer's Guides … so he came in his Model T, of course!

Chris is no stranger to classic and vintage cars. He began his career with Rootes Motors, has owned a Sunbeam Alpine since 1973, and is the owner of this rather splendid 1926 Model T Coupe. Chris worked for Westland Helicopters until his retirement, and was the Chief Designer for the Lynx and AW101 Merlin helicopters, so he's ideally placed to care for a car with such history and pedigree.

Becky, Chris, and Lizzie … it's behind you!

First on agenda was to meet Lizzie Bennett and Becky Martin, the Velocisti who edited and laid-out the Model T and Alpine guides. Chris had also brought clear blue skies with him, so a camera was quickly brandished …

The Coupe still cuts a fine figure.

Us Velocisti do like to appreciate every aspect of a vehicle, so passenger rides all round were called for! If you've never been in a Model T, you may be surprised to hear that it's a surprisingly refined ride. It may not be the speediest of Fords, and the two-seater cabin could be described as 'cosy,' but it has excellent visibility, and on a fine spring day, it's a wonderful way to get from A to B (and back again, of course). 

Two Fords: Model T, and a Focus, behind – separated by 77 years. The newer Ford might be an estate car, but the Model T's boot has almost as much room!

The Model T's 'difficult driving controls' myth was also thoroughly debunked: the controls may not be the same as a modern car, but they're certainly not harder (hey – there's only two forward gears … how hard can it be?). Admittedly, stopping probably takes more skill than moving a Model T, hence the saying "if you can stop a Model T, you can drive a Model T."

Inside the T. A very pleasant place to be.

Coming from an engineering background, Chris undertakes all the work on the Model T himself, and with around 15 million models built between 1908 and 1927, parts old and new are surprisingly easy to come buy. Chris is ideally qualified to talk about the more technical aspects of the T's construction, and was more than happy to provide a guided tour …

Top: the engine features a Giant Power Head cylinder head, for a few more horses.
Bottom left: a very steampunk-looking trembler coil … or 'inductorium,' as they were once known.
Bottom right: wooden wheels … still going strong after 91 years!

We'd all like to thank Chris for giving us an opportunity to get up close to a genuine automotive icon … and we encourage him to visit as often as possible with his cars! Ford Model T and Sunbeam Alpine Essential Buyer's Guides are available now: if you fancy owning a T, or an Alpine, why not pick up a copy? Who knows: you too could become a proud owner … and, yes, you're more than welcome to pop in and say hello (although we might pester you for photos) …

The Essential Buyer's Guide

Ford Model T

All models 1909 to 1927

The Model T Ford is unique. In 1920, more than half the cars in the world were Model Ts, and when production ended in 1927, 15 million had been built. Thousands survive to this day, and there’s a worldwide community of enthusiasts who enjoy the Ford's simple practicality, robustness, and affordability. What’s more, availability parts for cars and trucks is excellent.

This book has been written by two expert enthusiasts with more than 50 years' and tens-of-thousands of miles combined experience of the Model T. It describes all the many variants and changes, and even explains how to drive a Model T – different, but not difficult. It helps you decide exactly what sort of Model T you want, and what to look for when you go to examine one.

More than 70 contemporary and modern photographs accompany and support the text and tables.

V4991 • Paperback • 19.5x13.9cm • £12.99 • 64 pages • 90 picture
• ISBN: 978-1-845849-91-7 • UPC: 6-36847-04991-1

Click here to buy

The Essential Buyer's Guide

Sunbeam Alpine

All models 1909 to 1927

Rootes’ Sunbeam Alpine sportscar was the flagship of its car range. Here, all the various models and production changes are described and illustrated in detail, along with what it’s like to own, drive and live with an Alpine – one of the best engineered, stylish and practical cars of its time, and still satisfying to drive today.

If you’re thinking of buying an Alpine, this book will help you decide which model you really want, and learn exactly what to look for when you go to view a car. By using a thorough points-based assessment, you can decide with your head – not your heart – so you can make the right decision, and pay the right price.

Benefit from Chris’ forty years’ of Alpine ownership experience and engineering expertise, all in one book!

V4925 • Paperback • 19.5x13.9cm • £12.99 • 64 pages • 100 pictures
• ISBN: 978-1-845849-25-2 • UPC: 6-36847-04925-6

Click here to buy

A story from Ford … T for Two! Ford employees enjoy a cuppa on national (model) tea day

This month, we have had rather a lot of Ts. Not tea, as in cuppa, but T as in Ford Model T. To kick things off, our first T related post comes from Ford, and is all about National Tea day. Okay, yes, that is tea as in cuppa – read on …

Ford employees marked National T Day with a tea … in a T!

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 21 April, 2017
The TEAm at Ford of Britain’s head office has been embracing Britain’s tea culture this morning – on National Tea Day.

Ford employees at Warley, Essex made the most of their morning by enjoying a cuppa, with the stirring sight of Ford’s very own national t-reasure - the Ford Model T. 

National Tea Day takes place every year in the UK in the month of April, and this year more than 150 employees marked the occasion with their Tea, in a T, in return for a small donation to Ford’s chosen chari-tea, Guide Dogs.

Tea pre-dates the Model T by an “Oolong” time – dating back to the 1600s, compared with the first Model T, which rolled off the Detroit production line in 1908.

The Model T was introduced with a price tag of $850 – more than enough to buy a cup of tea for the entire team at Warley today. 

Model T facts

The Ford Model T was introduced on Oct. 1, 1908. The first Model T had a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and reached a top speed of 45mph.

More than 15,000,000 Model T's were built and sold.  The Model T was the first low-priced, mass-produced car with standard interchangeable parts. The engine design, a single block with a removable cylinder head, became the industry standard. Henry Ford's initiation of mass production of vehicles on the moving assembly line led to lower car prices.

Henry Ford called the Model T "the universal car," a low-cost, reliable vehicle that could be maintained easily. It successfully travelled the poor roads of the era, thanks to its three-point suspension. The Model T came in nine body styles, all on the same chassis. The Model T's agile transmission enabled novices to operate the gears, and was a forerunner of modern automatic transmission designs. Vanadium steel, an alloy manufactured for the company at the direction of Henry Ford, gave the car great strength and durability without extra weight.

For its 100th anniversary, Ford built six Model T's, called T 100, based on the original model. There are no original Model T parts on these cars, but each is interchangeable with the original, including the hand crank located under the radiator. Top end speed of the T 100 is 55 mph, averaging 18mpg.