Valve Bounce

A Cornish Mercedes-Benz 220

Daily drivers Cornwall edition. A very nice looking 220 from 1972 (?) spotted in the streets of Fowey, Cornwall. The streets going down into the town are very steep...I hope the MOT testers give handbrakes a good test in those parts.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Goodwood Revival 2009

It does seem to get better and better, and slightly stranger, as the years roll on. The Revival this year was blessed with fine weather again and everyone came out in there finery. It's an extraordinary and unique even, the period dress seems a bit strange but really adds something a little special.  Does anyone anywhere do anything quite as obsessive? I very much doubt it.

I can't say we saw much racing or many competition cars, there was far too much to do and see. It's just good to be there soaking up the atmosphere. We did see Mr Bean, the Vulcan bomber, Glamour Cabs, and lots of minis...

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Frank Dale Open Day 2009

If you’re ever in the market for a post 1931 Bentley this has to be the place to visit.
Frank Dale & Stepsons had an open day last week and it was a privilege to see such a beautiful collection of immaculate cars. They showed just how special British cars could be. I lost count of the Bentley Continental S1, S2 and S3 models two door coupes and the imposing fastbacks.

The car that really stood out was a beautiful recreation of Woolfe Banarto’s Bentley Speed Six “Blue Train” that he supposedly used to race, and beat, a train from Cannes to Calais in 1930. He averaged 43.43 mph over the length of France and had crossed the channel, and got to London, before the train drew up in Calais. Could this possibly be the first Top Gear challenge?

All areas of the workshop were open to browse around including the trim shop and engine build room. Everything was spotless as you would expect and the care and attention paid to the cars looked second to none. I think my favourite was the 1935 3 ½ litre Faux Cabriolet by Barker, a very rakish flowing shape. But the thought of taking a Continental Fastback home would be the practical choice. If you could call such a thing practical!

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Autobianchi Bianchina in wildest Camden Town

This cute Autobianchi was spotted out and about at the weekend. The ideal way of getting around town...based on the Fiat 500 this saloon version, the Berlina, had the smallest Fiat 479cc engine producing all of 17hp.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Mille Miglia

We were at the Knebworth Annual Classic Motor Show this weekend and amongst the usual fair was a very unexpected treat. Something that you would usually find in the rarified air of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance rather than that provincial Hertfordshire.

The 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Mille Miglia is a very rare car with only 106 being produced by Touring in Milan. It was based on the 'Superleggera' principle, which was developed from Tourings' work in the aircraft field. The body is created from an outer skin of aluminium panels resting on, but not rigidly fixed to, a cage of fine steel tubes. This would be one of the first Superleggera bodies crafted following on from the earlier 8C versions in 1937.

The body work is fantastically light with what seems like paper thin panels and perspex windows. It featured dramatic cut away rear spats and streamlined front wings, and was a fitting tribute to the race that Alfa Romeo made their own in the 1930s. The current custodian told the story of the Italian owner  leaving the car here in the UK after he visited earlier in the year, a very trusting friend.

It made a pleasant change from Ford Zephers and Vauxhall Vivas.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer