Owners of classic cars, especially the much sought-after models, have kept their cars for years and while they may not be driven much. Some parts may deteriorate over time. Or when purchased after many years of use, some components were already worn out and replacement parts were increasingly difficult to find.
Naturally, if you own a classic model, you want every bit of it to be as original as possible. But if the original manufacturer no longer makes those parts (industry norms for producing replacements parts are usually up to 10 years after production of the model stops), then it has to be retained and preserved.
For owners of classic Aston Martin models, there’s some good news from Aston Martin Works which will help to future-proof their cars. The company will, for the first time in decades, manufacture a number of components for models such as the DB4, DB5, DB6 and some V8 models from the 1960s and 1970s.
There’s something truly romantic about driving classic Italians.
Get behind the wheel and almost immediately it feels like there’s an orchestra playing in your head.
Something along the likes of Luciano Pavarotti enthralling you his best operatic performance.
Or Nino Rota serenading you with the theme to ‘The Godfather’.
There’s just something other wordly about the Alfa Romeo that I drove that night:
A beautifully restored 1750 GTV from the year 1969.
I was far from a twinkle in the eyes of my parents that year, but it was a fantastic year in the history of mankind.
1969 marks the year humanity walked on the moon.
And it also marked the year the Italians gave us one of their many masterpieces – this time in the form of the car you see here.
The 1750 GTV (short for GT Veloce) is not a ultra limited-edition model.
In fact, some sources say that Alfa Romeo built between 32,000 to 44,000 of the car before production ended.
That figure is far from making this car a rare classic, in fact take a drive around some old neighbourhoods and you might just come across one.
Or it’s brother – the 2000 GTV.
Well, the 1750 GTV is rather unique because it harks back to cars of old with its slim pillars, its sprightly though not very powerful engine.
But more importantly, it has a design that wrings nostalgia, it shows us how beautiful cars once were.
The owner, a friend by the name of Terence Moses, was gracious enough to let me drive it one night.
It was an occasion like no other – that thin leather padded steering wheel was of just the right size.
Any larger and it would brush up against my thighs.
The twin-dial meter panel doesn’t bother telling you anything other than the speed, engine rpm and engine temperature.
No fussing over other details here.
But in case you are wondering, the fuel gauge and the water temperature gauge is located right under the cassette player.
Of course there’s a bluetooth player in its place now, but the car started life with a cassette player.
Let’s just appreciate that for a second.
I particularly love how the head rests of the seats merge with the rest of the seat when fully down.
That kind of attention to detail is such an Italian feature.
Driving the car had me cooing with joy and made me nervous at the same time.
Nervous because Terence had just told me about some of the issues he faces with the car, and a snappy rear end was one of them.
I wasn’t about to oversteer his car into a bush in the middle of nowhere that night.
But the way the car came together was amazing.
The 1.8-litre engine and that slick shifting gearbox had me wringing up the rev’s every chance I got.
And you just have to love how closely placed classic car pedals are.
And that floor mounted accelerator.
Such simple joys just don’t exist anymore.
And that is why I appreciate classic cars – they are moving history books that remind us about how life once was.
I loved driving this car, I love the passion Terence has for his cars, and I truly hope you love this video as much as we loved putting it all together.
Following its announcement of the project 7 months ago, Jaguar Classic has completed its first matched pair of E-type 60 Collection cars, revealing full specifications for the 12 expertly restored and sympathetically uprated units of the 3.8-litre E-type model.
The two cars have been unveiled in time for the 60th anniversary of the iconic British sportscar which made its world debut in Switzerland on March 15, 1961. Public reaction to the single coupe available for test drives was so strong that Jaguar rushed a second E-type, a roadster, from Coventry to Geneva overnight.
Six decades later, the E-type 60 Collection pays tribute to these two legendary cars: the Opalescent Gunmetal Grey coupe ‘9600 HP’, driven ‘flat out’ by Bob Berry for the launch itself, and the British Racing Green roadster ’77 RW’, driven by Norman Dewis who was told to ‘drop everything’ to get to Geneva the next day, hence the pairing of cars in the project.
Jaguar is offering the E-type 60 Collection cars only in pairs (one coupe and one roadster) are finished in exclusive Flat Out Grey and Drop Everything Green paint colours, respectively. These colour formulations are inspired by the original 1961 colours and won’t be used on any other Jaguar.
The cars also feature a range of unique E-type 60 design, subtle enhancements for improved usability and driveability including a manual gearbox and enhanced cooling. However, they also have modern technology with the Jaguar Classic Infotainment System that includes satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
“Sixty years after its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the talented team at Jaguar Classic are releasing the ultimate birthday present to the E-type: The E-type 60 Collection. The attention to detail demonstrates how this project has been a labour of love for our designers, engineers, craftspeople and partners. Exquisite detailing combined with enhanced usability ensure these E-types will be coveted and enjoyed for decades to come by their discerning owners, starting with a once-in-a-lifetime Coventry to Geneva pilgrimage for our six customers and their guests in summer 2022,” said Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic.
March 1961: The two original E-Types in Geneva ready for test-drives. The coupe (behind) had been driven overnight from England to Switzerland to provide an additional car as interest was great and test-drives were requested by many people.
Restored and refined by the experts at Jaguar Classic in Coventry, the E-type 60 Collection cars combine flawless quality and exceptional engineering know-how. The most significant mechanical upgrade is a specially-developed 5-speed manual gearbox which features synchromesh on all ratios, helical cut gears and a reinforced cast aluminium casing for enhanced reliability and greater durability as well as closer gear ratios and smoother changes.
The 265 bhp 3.8-litre 6-cylinder XK engine benefits from an authentic 1961-style alloy radiator, with electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability, as well as a polished stainless steel exhaust system. This new exhaust system is dimensionally identical to the standard mild steel system but produces a slightly deeper tone and offers greater longevity.
The highlight of the visual enhancements is a unique piece of metal engraving created by a prominent artist and world-leading engraver, King Nerd. On the stainless steel centre consoles of each of the 12 cars is a bespoke etching showing the drive routes from Coventry to Geneva of those original cars. Each piece of art takes more than 100 hours to create by hand, in consultation with the owner.
The etching in the coupe version includes the words, ‘I thought you’d never get here’, recalling the reaction of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons to Bob’s arrival just minutes before the unveiling. For the six Suede Green leather-trimmed roadsters, the engraving tracks the route taken to Switzerland, with a sketch of the car and another Lyons’ quote – this time his instructions to Norman: ‘Drop everything and bring the open top E-type over.’
In addition to the centre console, the bonnet badge, clock face within the tachometer, fuel cap and chassis plate are all finished with a commemorative E-type 60 logo created by Jaguar Design, featuring the years ‘1961-2021’. A light beech-rimmed steering wheel, as fitted to 1961 cars, features a 24-carat gold horn push.
Every car is also supplied with a tailor-made E-type 60 car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags to complete the enhancements and exemplify the attention to the original details lavished on each vehicle. [Click here to read more about the original Jaguar toolkit]
Next year, the 6 customers and their guests will take part in the ultimate E-type pilgrimage: a Coventry-to-Geneva drive experience with their cars to create their own E-type memories along the iconic Alpine passes. Hopefully, the pandemic will have eased by then and intercontinental travel is permitted.
Jaguar Classic’s Continuation Programme has been gaining popularity since it was started with the D-Type, followed by the XKSS and Lightweight E-type. At the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in the UK, very limited numbers of these iconic models have been handbuilt for customers.
Now, the C-Type is added to the collection on its 70th anniversary. The C-type, which was originally made between 1951 and 1953, was famed for its exceptionally fluid shape by Jaguar Cars designer, aerodynamicist and artist, Malcolm Sayer.
Of the 53 Jaguar C-types built in the 1950s, 43 were sold to private owners, but the production C-type specification was limited to drum-braked cars with twin SU carburettors and 200 bhp, in the style of the 1951 works cars.
From 1952, the C-type pioneered the adoption of innovative disc brake technology in motorsport, with a revolutionary system developed by Jaguar and Dunlop scoring the first win for a disc-braked car with Stirling Moss at the Reims Grand Prix in France and contesting the 1000-mile Mille Miglia in Italy.
The C-type won the gruelling Le Mans 24 Hours on its debut in 1951, scoring the first of Jaguar’s 7 outright wins at the famous French endurance race. The C-type won the Le Mans 24 Hours again in 1953, another first for disc brakes, and also enjoyed success in the hands of private owners, which contributed to Jaguar finishing vice-champion in the inaugural World Sportscar Championship.
Eight new C-type Continuation cars will be built ahead of a racing-inspired celebration event for their owners in 2022. Each car, with disc brakes, will reflect the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification, including 3.4-litre straight-six engine producing 220 bhp with triple Weber 40DCO3 carburettors.
Building on the experience gained with previous Jaguar Classic Continuation programmes for the other three models, Jaguar Classic engineers have consulted Jaguar’s archives and cross-referenced scan data taken from an original C-type in conjunction with the latest computer-aided design technology to create the most authentic new C-type possible.
Taking that engineering CAD data a stage further, for the first time ever Jaguar Classic is also able to give customers the opportunity to visualise their C-type Continuation virtually using a specially designed online configurator. This new tool allows users to compare colour and trim options from the 12 authentic exterior colours and eight interior colours available, and apply optional racing roundels, steering wheel badge and bonnet badging.
Exclusive access to original engineering drawings and company records created by the original C-type development team also ensure the authentic 1953 specifications are accurately maintained.
Additional options available to C-type Continuation customers include an FIA-approved Harness Retention System or rollover protection. Not just for show, these authentic new C-types will be eligible for historic racing, track and closed-road use.
“Driven by some of the most-admired racing drivers in history, the C-type laid the foundations for Jaguar’s success in endurance racing and is synonymous with design and engineering innovation. Seventy years on, Jaguar Classic is proud to be able to utilise the latest innovations in manufacturing technology – alongside traditional skills and unrivalled expertise – to reintroduce this legendary car for a new generation of enthusiasts to enjoy,” said Dan Pink, Director, Jaguar Classic.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will eventually offer a fully-electric model and its CEO has indicated that this may happen around 2040. As it is, many companies are already ‘electrifying’ their new models and have announced plans to increase the proportion of models with hybrid or all-electric powertrains during this decade.
UPDATE [29/9/21): Rolls-Royce will have its fully electric model out by late 2023.
2040 is 20 years away and if you can’t wait to own an electrically-powered Rolls-Royce – which usually comes with a 12-cylinder engine – a company called Lunaz can offer you one soon. It will however not be the latest model and will instead be a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V.
Lunas is already producing electric versions of classic Bentley and Jaguar models.
Lunaz is a creator of electric classic cars and has already turned made Jaguar and Bentley classic models emission-free with electric powertrains. Now it will start restoration of the Phantom V, a classic model and install its proprietary electric powertrain with a full suite of hardware and software upgrades.
The battery pack for the electric powertrain is the largest of its type in the world at 120 kWh, ensuring range claimed to be over 480 kms – significantly more than required for traditional chauffeur-driven use.
The 8-seat interior scheme tastefully echoes the exterior. The very finest sustainably-sourced leather is crafted by an in-house specialist team and specified in Argent Grey. Instead of traditional seat piping, a double welt feature is presented in Whisper with Argent Grey, creating a contemporary pinstripe detail.
The original woodwork will be painstakingly restored and finished with a contemporary satin treatment. This sympathetic update is offset with rose gold inlays. This approach extends to the door cappings, front fascia and the picnic table backs affixed to the privacy division that separates the driver and rear passenger compartment.
There will be numerous modern technological conveniences and two screens are integrated behind the privacy division’s picnic tables, allowing rear occupants to watch films and mirror screens from mobile devices. A bar service occupies the centre of the unit and is custom-built to perfectly fit the owner’s favourite brand of tequila. Every Lunaz client will be invited to specify dimensions for their beverage of choice.
Retaining the character of these significant cars is the priority throughout the conversion and restoration process. This extends to every detail including the weighting of switchgear which has been exhaustively engineered to operate an entirely new powertrain with the same haptic feedback as the original. Instrumentation also stays true to the spirit of the 1960s design, with delicate integration of a battery range meter and power gauge.
The 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom by Lunaz is built in eight-seat configuration with a front bench for three occupants, rear bench for a further three and two occasional seats. Occupants throughout will benefit from Lunaz’s commitment to specifying only the very best materials. For example, rear floormats have been custom made in alpaca wool, a material that is rarer than cashmere, softer than lambswool and is considered highly sustainable.
“My approach to design is defined by Sir Henry Royce’s philosophy that ‘small things make perfection and perfection is no small thing’. Together with our clients, we work to create relevant expressions of the most significant cars in history. I am proud to give new purpose to some of the most beautiful objects ever created,” said Jen Holloway, Design Director at Lunaz.
Production is initially planned to be strictly limited to 30 units and orders are already being taken from the company’s existing client base as well as some of the most celebrated and influential institutions in the world.
Following demand for electrified Phantoms, Lunaz has also elected to begin creating Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds. Customers are invited to secure allocation for these cars in a range of bodystyles – 4-door limousine, 2-door coupe and drop head coupe.
The start of production of the world’s first electric Rolls-Royce cars follows a surge in demand for the electrification of pinnacle classic cars. This is driven by a rebalancing of car collections for a clean air future. Demand is forecast to be so great that Lunaz is doubling its workforce at its factory in Silverstone, England.
“No car in the world matches a Phantom for presence, style and significance. Through electrification we proudly further the legacy of the ‘best car in the world’, making Rolls-Royce ownership a relevant choice for a new generation,” said David Lorenz, the company’s founder.
Ex-factory, the Silver Cloud by Lunaz starts at £350,000 (around RM1.91 million)), while pricing for a Phantom V by starts at £500,000 (around RM2.74 million). Orders will be accepted from anywhere in the world only by the factory.
Owners of classic cars will know that when it comes to getting replacement tyres, finding the right size can be difficult. Understandably, over time, tyremakers have stopped production of older tyre products as demand has fallen and technology has also advanced.
Now Yokohama is reviving some of the company’s iconic heritage brands, incorporating modern technology and performance but with the classic style and design from the 1960s and beyond. Referred to as ‘hobby tyres’, they are are specially designed for classic cars.
With this hobby tyre range for classic cars, owners will be able to fit tyres that offer modern levels of performance, giving great comfort, grip and longevity. However, with classic styling, the tyres will help owners retain that all-important period correct look.”
The first tyre in the range, the G.T Special Y350, goes back to 1967 when the original brand was launched and was the first within Yokohama’s range to feature radial tyre technology. Ideally suited for use on historic Japanese and European cars from the 1960s and 1970s, the tyre is available in 14-inch and 15-inch sizes.
Originally fitted by the factory on the 911 Carrera Turbo (930), the Yokohama ADVAN A008P is also available. The revived classic tyre is now available in classic sizes of 245/45ZR16 and 205/55ZR16 for rear and front fitments. Available in sizes from 10 inches to 15 inches, the legendary ADVAN HF Type-D 008 is the third classic tyre available in the Yokohama range. This is for more modern classics from the 1980s and 1990s.
Additionally, there’s also the classic A539 pattern which is available in sizes from 12 inches to 15 inches with popular fitments available to suit a wide range of classics.
Availability in Malaysia may require ordering through the Malaysian agent.
For nearly as long as there have been cars, people have been collecting and customizing them. Until recently, however, if owners of classic cars wanted to replace a damaged bonnet or fender on an out-of-production model, they had to search through junkyards or hire a craftsman to make a one-off replacement (which might be costly).
Now, thanks to a new technology called dual-sided die-less forming, Nissan plans to offer original specification pieces at mass-production prices. Automakers traditionally form body parts by pressing sheet metal against specially created dies. Designing and building multiple dies for each part is expensive and only pays off after stamping a large volume of parts. This is why, for locally-assembled models, many body parts are imported from a bigger plant elsewhere as the volume locally is too small to justify the investment in huge stamping machines.
This basic process has remained largely unchanged since the early days of mass production of motor vehicles. It remains a stumbling block that prevents production of low-volume parts unless costs are raised.
Nissan’s new dual-sided die-less forming technology presents a compelling alternative to the investment-intensive industry norm. It does away with dies and stamping machines altogether, removing one of the most costly and time-consuming steps in auto body manufacturing.
Owners of old models which Nissan no longer makes usually have to search at junkyards for parts. Nissan’s new technology could make it easier for them to get the parts in future.
Two robots better than one
The process involves two robots working on opposite sides of a flat sheet of metal. By syncing their movements precisely and using diamond-tipped tools developed by Nissan, the robots can shape the metal to a high degree of accuracy and detail. Working in tandem, two robots can produce intricate concave and convex shapes that could not be created if one robot were working from a single side of the sheet.
The new technique was made possible, thanks to the production engineering expertise at Nissan’s Production Engineering Research and Development Centre, along with advancements in materials technology by Nissan’s Research Division.
“About five years ago, we started thinking about ways of forming sheet metal without relying on dies,” said Keigo Oyamada, an assistant manager in Nissan’s vehicle manufacturing element engineering department, who oversaw the project. “Our goal was to solve the cost issues related to creating dies for small-volume production. We want to put this technology to use to create spare parts for old models whose dies have already been thrown away, or potentially even to let people order custom parts from Nissan.”
Performing a 3D scan of an existing part creates data that can be used to ‘teach’ the robots to build the scanned part — although some human guidance is still required. This approach will allow Nissan to produce parts that haven’t been made in decades, simply by scanning existing examples of those parts.
Custom parts – in just one week
Dual-sided die-less forming can be used to create custom body parts in less than a week, instead of waiting as long as a year for dies to be designed and manufactured. The process is also inherently adaptable; it can be used to produce small and large parts alike, as well as car parts other than body panels.
For now, Nissan plans to use dual-sided die-less forming to produce replacement parts for cars the company no longer sells. Looking further ahead, the company sees potential for creating customized parts for those who are looking to add a little uniqueness to their future rides.
For assistance in obtaining Nissan Genuine Parts in Malaysia, visit www.tceas.com.my.
Until about 25 years ago, many cars came with ‘tool kits’, a collection of tools which the manufacturer felt would be useful to the owner in the event of a breakdown or for those who wanted to do a bit of maintenance themselves. That was in the days when the engineering was simpler, and engine bays were still quite open.
As engines became more sophisticated with more electronics and DIY maintenance diminished, the toolkit slowly began to have a reduced number of items. Things like spark plug wrenches, pliers and spanners were no longer included and eventually, only the tools for removing the wheel to replace a flat tyre were provided. In time, these too may be gone if runflat tyres and emergency puncture repair kits are considered adequate.
So the tool kit will be just a memory for the older generation and for some models like the Jaguar E-Type, a complete original toolkit can be worth as much as £5,000 (about RM27,000). The toolkit was originally offered with Series 1 and Series 2 E-types and hasn’t been available since the final Series 2 was produced in 1971.
Now, thanks to their unique access to engineering records, Jaguar Classic’s Genuine Parts experts have reproduced the toolkit to authentic specifications. The Jaguar-branded tools come in a period-correct leatherette-covered canvas roll, and feature all items needed to carry out routine maintenance on the iconic sportscar. The reproduction toolkit is priced from £732 (about RM4,000) in the UK.
“The original E-Type toolkit has become a collector’s item due to its rarity and historic appeal. We’ve had customers across the world contact us about obtaining one, which is why we decided to manufacture the toolkits again to their original specification. It’s the perfect finishing touch for E-Type aficionados,” said Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic.
There are 20 items in the Jaguar Classic E-Type Toolkit and include a valve timing gauge, grease gun, handbrake-adjusting wrench, brake bleed tin and tube, and a tyre valve key.
The toolkit is also offered as an option for E-Type Reborn restoration customers. E-Type Reborn is a complete service from Jaguar Classic, offering the unique opportunity to buy a fully restored and highly collectible E-type direct from the original manufacturer.
Every E-Type Reborn, which starts with a base vehicle sourced by Jaguar Classic’s E-Type experts, is restored according to the company’s original 1960s factory specification. Unique access to build records, original drawings, and the team’s decades of experience ensures absolute authenticity, which has resulted in E-Type Reborn restorations winning concours awards in Europe and North America in 2019. Jaguar Classic Parts are used to maximise the vehicle’s quality, longevity and collectability.
CRT Community Charity Initiatives’ latest monthly feeding programme in the Masjid India area of KL, was held on 2nd Feb 2019. This street feeding idea was mooted with the help of Rukshan Munesinghe, the Director of My Classic Cars, Malaysia as part of its quarterly feeding initiative to give back to the less fortunate with a sumptuous meal.
Christopher Ravin, Founder of CCI says, “One way of sharing our joy is helping those in need sincerely as nowadays less and less NGO’s are providing feeding to the homeless.” CRT Community Charity Initiatives Berhad (CCI), is privately run welfare foundation, which was set up in 2005 by Christopher Ravin and family, with the objective of carrying out charitable initiatives in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand & India for the homeless and the needy.
Besides feeding initiatives they provide medical aid, education scholarships, build ashrams, animal welfare, regular feeding programs for Orang Asli and for Tamil school children, home rental aid for elderly folks, donations for various charitable organisations.
“We have been carrying out our initiatives quietly for 2 decades, initially we were financially supporting various charitable organisations, up till the point we realised their administrative fee was too high and only a very small portion was allocated for the needy. In addition we got deceived along the way, which was why CRT Community Charity Initiatives Berhad was formed to carry out our own initiatives.” – CCI.
“The reason we invited the media is because we wanted to highlight that there has been a significant drop in feeding programmes by various NGO’s since June 2018 and our aim is to encourage those blessed with good fortune and the younger generation to extend aid to the needy. For further information please refer to www.ccinitiatives.org.” said Chris Ravin.
MY Classic Cars (MCC), is a club with members who are passionate about classic cars and is actively involved in organising prestigious classic car shows and offering classic cars for rental and the use as props in TV & Film productions. For further information on the MCC please refer to www.my-classiccars.com
Now here’s something that I personally feel every Motorshow should have, a section for classic cars! I don’t think I’m the only classic car fan to visit KLIMS (or any motorshow for that matter) so let’s keep this going!
Nice one Rukshan and friends @ MyClassic Cars(<– link to their FB page), good show!
To the organisers of KLIMS, please provide better lighting next time. Like I’ve always said, ‘if you’re gonna do it, do it well’. – Chris Wee.
(NB: Caveat – That fantastic silver Porsche 911 in the photo gallery above was part of the Tom’s Stickers Motorsports (<– link) pavilion on Level 2 of KLIMS, next to the MyClassic Cars display)
