Brakingnews

e-zineISSUE 1

LIVE THE CLASSIC DREAM

Mark HalesRacing a Ferrari GTO

Tiff Needell‘My memorable classics’

Fuzz Townshend A passion for restoration

Brand new e-zine!

CHRIS BARRIE‘I love time warp cars’

OWNING ■ RUNNING ■ RESTORING ■ RACING ■ EXPERT INSIGHT

www.cherished.carolenash.com

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BRAKING NEWS

CHERISH YOUR CLASSIC CAR

welcome

W ELCOME TO BRAKING NEWS, a brand new e-zine dedicated to the cars that

you cherish – be they classic, custom, high performance or, if you’re extremely lucky, a combination of one or more!

In this issue we bring you a compendium of classic characters. Red Dwarf star Chris Barrie and Fifth Gear auto aficionado Tiff Needell reveal their classic cravings, whilst top classic car journalist Fuzz Townshend chips in with the first of his regular columns detailing his latest projects and helpful hints. Last but not least, legendary racer Mark Hales is also on board to offer trackday tips.

I hope you enjoy the read – don’t forget to let Braking News know what you think!

IT’S A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY to be able to take part in this, the first Carole Nash e-zine, dedicated to the

machines we drive and ride, and everything that orbits around our passion – be it on-the-road experiences, tools, accessories, links to tempting classified ads or the essential services we all need in order to sustain our hobby.

In my experience of owning and driving classic cars since 1980, I have found that, despite often starting journeys solo, I have rarely been alone for very long. A rest stop at a roadside café often brings forth kindred spirits or interested parties and quick cuppas can quickly turn into long chats.

Similarly, breakdowns often lead to help from most unlikely directions. Once, at the roadside fixing my old Daimler SP250 ‘Dart’, a ‘Good Samaritan’ appeared,

Pete McIlvennyEditor of Braking News, Director of Cherished Cars, Carole Nash.

Fuzz TownshendClassic automotive journalist, vehicle restorer, TV presenter, tunesmith, drummer and producer

chain-smoking, on a mobility scooter. This prolonged entrance was followed by a similarly prolonged exit as he disappeared into a summer evening heat haze, returning at a snail’s pace with a much-needed foot-pump, with which I was able to inflate the punctured tyre I’d just repaired. The chap had always loved Daimler SPs, but had never had the opportunity to sit in one – and I was more than happy to indulge him, as he’d just dug me out of a hole.

A long drive deep into the European mainland can bring forth lifelong, cross-border friendships as our cars prise mutual admirers from out of the woodwork.

Classic cars have the ability to turn a journey into an event and in future editions of the Carole Nash e-zine, we’re looking forward to hearing of some of your classic-related exploits, be it on the road, or in the garage.

We also hope that you’ll share the story of you and your car and send in a few words about it, along with some pictures, so that we can all enjoy looking at the hard work you’ve put into your own restoration, finished or not. If you’re not the ‘hands-on’ type, we’d still love to see your car anyway and read about your most interesting journeys and encounters.

Also in future editions, you can expect to see handy hints and tips on keeping your car in fine fettle, as well as restoration reports and a look at useful tools, equipment and accessories that can make our pastime even more rewarding.

We very much hope that you’ll enjoy reading this new Carole Nash e-zine and that you’ll get involved. All the very best.■

Send us your restoration stories to pressoffice@carolenash.com

For the dedicated classic car enthusiast

Share the story of you and your car and send in a few words and pictures, so that we can all enjoy looking at the hard work you’ve put into your own restoration

Tiff Needell’s Classic Selection p4Tiff treads carefully when mentioning his favourites

Mark Hales p6On racing Nick Mason’s Ferrari GTO at Goodwood

The story of Castle Combe Circuit p7The story of one of the UK’s best venues for motorsport

Fuzz Townshend p12How a childhood obsession became a classic career

My Top Ten p13Fuzz Townshend pickshis ten favourite clasics

Chris Barrie p14Collector and enthusiastshares his personal tastes

CONTENTS

Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. For the purposes of this ezine, Carole Nash has employed a number of respected Classic Car industry specialists and therefore, cannot be held responsible for any views or opinions expressed herein.

petermcilvenny@carolenash.com

e-zine

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also had the great pleasure of racing – I shall always be grateful to the owners generous enough to trust me with their steeds.

The classics that my heroes drove also feature on my list – even though that almost entirely confines it to Jim Clark and Lotus! The original Elan was a very special car and the MkI Lotus Cortina was another iconic saloon that I got to race at the Goodwood Revival meeting, where classics rule.

I have to admit my choice is biased firmly towards British manufacturers as that’s what I grew up with. But if you get to talk classics with me, please don’t mention the Triumph TR7. I was loaned one of these when I turned professional as a racing driver with the Unipart Formula Three team – and the blooming thing blew a head gasket not long after I’d got hold of it! ■

Tiff’s Classic Selection

The great danger of wandering into a classic car conversation is that, at some time or another, you are bound to deeply offend someone

who’s just bought his dream, which doesn’t exactly fit in with yours! So whenever I mention my favourites, I tread gently...

My classics tend to be the ones I grew up with, the ones that bring back family memories, so I always go a bit gooey when I catch sight of cars as simple as a Morris 1000 or an Austin A35. They were all my family could afford, but you can always dream the dream.

Jaguars of the ’50s and ’60s are always right up there, and getting to race both a MkII and a huge MkVII at Goodwood were both dreams that came true – but neither were quite as special as the E-Types I’ve

Tiff NeedellFamous for

presenting Fifth Gear and Top

Gear on TV, Tiff has driven

everything from superminis to

supercars. But his first love is racing, with a

career spanning Formula Ford in the ’70s, grand

prix drives in the ’80s, World

Sportcars and British Touring Cars. And the

pasion still burns; he’s a regular at the

Goodwood Revival, racing

mouth-watering classic cars

I always go a bit gooey when I catch sight of cars as simple

as a Morris Minor or an

Austin A35. Our old family cars

A patriotic love of British metal determines Needell’s favourites

Jaguar E-Type at Goodwood

Jim Clark in a Lotus 49

Jaguar MKVII

Austin A35

Morris 1000

Lotus Elan

PH

OTO

BR

IAN

SN

ELS

ON

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Mark Hales

CARS, BIKES and aeroplanes, or almost anything with an internal combustion engine, have been an essential feature of my life for

longer than I care to count. I have made a living racing them and writing about them for a while, too, so there’s no doubt that they are a lifelong passion. A fascination with high performance gave an early steer towards the race track, and like a lot of youngsters at the time, I learnt car control at the wheel of my Dad’s Cortina.

A set of 155-section Pirelli Cinturatos meant every roundabout became a sideways challenge – but you can’t do that now. Most modern cars drive via the front wheels and the faster ones have too much grip and are too quick to mess with on today’s crowded roads. There is also the minor detail of legality. Going too fast is not only dangerous and irresponsible, it’s liable to get you locked up.

A track frees you to enjoy the performance of your car in relative safety. It’s the perfect answer to those who will ask where is the point of a car capable of exceeding the legal limit, and there is more opportunity to visit a track now than ever before. In the days when I started, the only way to experience Silverstone or Brands Hatch was to get a race licence, join a

club, build a race car and compete. Now, anybody can take their car to one of dozens of track days in the UK and Europe. It’s a brilliant way to learn a whole new set of skills while you delve deeper into the reserves of a modern car.

Writing about cars also meant I got to drive a huge variety of different models. That, in turn, gave a lot of experience, which has equipped me to drive some very

interesting (not to mention valuable) historic cars. At this year’s Goodwood Revival, I once again shared Pink Floyd musician Nick Mason’s Ferrari GTO, this time with former Ferrari grand prix luminary Jean Alesi. Nick has turned down 35 million dollars for the car, so he could probably name his price – but there’s no way you can put a tag on the

experience. There have been many more like it, though, so I will be very happy to bring the experience to readers of this regular column in coming issues.

I will also be taking a look at driving technique, which has become a particular interest over the years. Why do some people find older cars more rewarding to drive? How do you get the best out of them? Why should you learn to heel and toe? Questions, questions... stay tuned and the answers will be revealed. ■

Mark HalesSuccessful

racing driver, instructor, writer

and publisher, Mark Hales has over 30 years of

on-track experience to

call on. Having raced or tested

almost every type of racing car ever built,

from NASCAR and Formula

One through to Touring Cars

and rare classic machines, he’s a real authority

on track matters

The seasoned racer and instructor shares his track experiences

A track frees you to enjoy the performance of

your car in relative safety. There is more opportunity to visit a track

these days than ever before

Sporting history in the makingThe remarkable story of a venue that developed from disused airfield to one of the best venues on the British motorsport map. By Paul Lawrence

Castle Combe Circuit

T HE HISTORY OF Castle Combe Circuit starts in the Second World War with the construction of RAF Castle

Combe, a training base using grass runways on ground between Yatton Keynell and Castle Combe village in Wiltshire. Although no concrete runways were built, the perimeter road was to form the layout of the race circuit when racing started in 1950.

After the war, the Bristol Motor Cycle and Light Car Club opened up the possibility of racing at the disused

airfield and on July 8, 1950 the first race meeting was held.

Encouraged by the landowner, Mrs Thomas, the club was soon running bigger events and young drivers like Stirling Moss and Peter Collins raced at Castle Combe throughout the early 1950s.

In October 1955, the Avon Trophy Formula 1 race was one of the biggest races ever staged at the circuit. However, the anticipated entry from Ferrari with a car for Mike Hawthorn was cancelled when the organisers

declined to pay the £750 start money demanded by the Italian team. American racer Harry Schell, in a Vanwall, won the race, which remains the only Formula One race ever held at Castle Combe.

But the economics of running bigger events were difficult and the Le Mans tragedy of 1955 was to have a massive impact on the circuit. The terrible accident at the famous French 24-hour race, which claimed the lives of more than 80 spectators, forced a serious re-think on crowd ☛

8 9

safety, which, until that point, had been at best rudimentary.

The cost of upgrading circuit safety was simply too high and Castle Combe closed for car racing for five years from 1956, although motorcycle racing continued during this time. The track reopened for car racing in 1962, when the British Racing and Sports Car Club funded the work required to create a safety bank all the way around the track.

The mid-1960s was a busy time for the track, with many car and motorcycle events. But behind the scenes more trouble was brewing, as the track needed resurfacing and planning permission was running out. The venue owners, AFN Ltd, funded a £20,000 resurfacing programme, but

local objectors fought against the renewal of planning permission. After a planning enquiry, notice was served that the circuit should close at the end of 1971. In the meantime, John Webb of Motor Circuit Developments sub-let the circuit, and managed to bring high-profile racing classes including Formula 3, Formula Atlantic and Formula 5000 to the track.

Temporary permission was again sought in 1971 and finally granted for just five days of racing. AFN considered this was unworkable and the lease was sold to Howard Strawford. He started a slow but steady programme of diversification and development, which included a racing school and various other non-noisy circuit activities. Little by

little, usage of the circuit was increased and the permitted number of days for racing was edged up. Today it still stands at just 12 per annum, but the circuit is busy for around 250 days each year.

In 1982 permanent planning permission was obtained, as usual via an appeal, utilising the services of Formula 1 driver James Hunt as an expert witness. All the time, racing continued and the circuit developed an incredibly strong following among drivers and spectators in the region. The creation of local championships, first for Formula Ford 1600 and later for Special GT and then Saloon cars added to this regional popularity.

Following protracted negotiations, Strawford bought the freehold of the

Ken Wharton (Cooper-Bristol T23) at Castle Combe in 1953

circuit from the estate in 1985, with active support from Mrs Thomas. This allowed further development and, ultimately, spectator access around the entire track. Land behind Old Paddock was used to set up a skid pan, a kart track and a 4x4 centre.

In racing, all of the circuit’s permitted days were filled with a mix of two and four-wheeled racing and the success of the Castle Combe Formula Ford 1600 Championship continued. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Bob Higgins, Gavin Wills, Nigel Jenkins, Richard Carter and Kevin Mills were all multiple champions.

In the Special GT Championship, Brian Fisher, Steven Roberts, Nigel

Mustill, John Robinson and Brian Cutting all won the title at least twice. In 1995, the Castle Combe Saloon Car Championship was created and added more local interest to race meetings,

with drivers such as Ilsa Cox and Russell Humphrey coming to the fore.

Around the circuit, much money was invested in improving the facilities and making Castle Combe a race circuit in a parkland setting. Six new toilet blocks were built in the

public areas, giving the circuit some of the best facilities of any national circuit in Britain. In the mid-1990s, the circuit was named the most neighbour and visitor-friendly circuit in the UK. For the 1999 season, one of the biggest

changes in the circuit’s history was made when, in the face of ever-increasing speeds, two new complexes of corners were added to bring speeds down. Prior to the changes, Nigel Greensall had set a new outright lap record in a Formula 1 Tyrrell 022 at 50.59 seconds, an average speed of 130.93mph.

In 2000, the circuit celebrated its 50th anniversary and started a decade of outstanding growth – one that would mark the biggest events in the history of Castle Combe. After lobbying teams and showing them the first-class facilities, the circuit won a deal to host rounds of the British Formula 3 and British GT Championships. A total investment of £400,000 was made to upgrade the circuit and in June 2001 a huge crowd of 25,000 packed into the circuit to watch Anthony Davidson win both F3 races, and Mike Jordan

Castle Combe Circuit

Formula One came to Castle Combe for the

1955 Avon Trophy race. It was one of the biggest races ever staged at

the circuit

☛

10

and David Warnock take victory in the GT race in their Lister Storm.

So began a five-year run of high-profile race meetings that put Castle Combe at the very top of British motor racing. Unfortunately, some of the GT teams paid little respect to the silencing regulations, and the circuit was heavily criticised by the local Environmental Health Department. Eventually, a Noise Enforcement Notice was served and, though the circuit appealed it, the case was lost in the local magistrates court and the F3/GT days were over.

At the same time, non-championship British Superbike meetings were held and some of the top riders in Britain ensured massive crowds. But the cost of staging such an event was always very high and the venture was dropped after the 2005 event.

In 2006, another major change was implemented with the formation of the

Castle Combe Racing Club to take control of car racing events and championships at the circuit. The move broke long-standing ties with the BRSCC, but was a runaway success from the very start.

In 2010 the circuit celebrated its Diamond Jubilee, attracting some of the drivers who had competed in the very first meeting back in 1950. With an on-going programme of investment and improvement, today the circuit is as busy and popular as ever. Importantly, it is a major contributor to the local economy and brings thousands of visitors to the area each year. Always keen to provide a varied programme of attractions, the 2012

season closed with the first ever dedicated historic race meeting, the Autumn Classic, supported by Carole Nash Insurance, which attracted a large crowd, some amazing cars and displays; it looks

certain to become an established event in the 2013 race programme.

The story of Castle Combe is remarkable – the story of a venue that grew from being a disused airfield with run-down buildings to one of the best venues in British motorsport. Throughout four decades, the tireless commitment and business acumen of Howard Strawford, supported by his family, has steered the circuit through difficult times to a position of strength and sustainability. ■

Young drivers like Stirling Moss and Peter Collins

raced at the Castle Combe

track throughout the early 1950s

CASTLE COMBE: LEGENDS AND MILESTONESCastle Combe has been host to many great races and racers throughout its long history. Enjoy a track day at the Wiltshire circuit and you’ll be following in the tyre tracks of these legendary figures and landmarks

● 1950 Circuit opens. Stirling Moss wins 2.5-litre race● 1952 John Surtees wins 500cc motorcycle race● 1953 Ken Wharton wins in BRM V16● 1955 Avon Trophy F1 race. Harry Schell wins in Vanwall● 1962 Mike Hailwood wins 250cc motorcycle race on legendary 250cc Honda Four● 1965 First 100mph lap: Chris

Summers in a Lotus 24 Chevy● 1971 Future world champions Alan Jones and Jody Scheckter on the podium in F3● 1972 Barry Sheene wins 125cc motorcycle race● 1976 Nigel Mansell wins Formula Ford race● 1982 Ayrton Senna wins Formula Ford 2000 race● 1985 Damon Hill finishes sixth in Formula Ford race

● 1989 Carl Fogarty stars in motorcycle meeting● 1989 David Coulthard wins Formula Ford race● 1995 First 2-day race meeting● 1997 First 130mph lap establishes a new outright lap record● 1999 New corners increase circuit length to 1.85 miles● 2000 The circuit celebrates its 50th Anniversary

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Fuzz Townshend

Fuzz’s CV mixes rock ’ n’ roll and journalism with

classic cars: he’s played the drums with bands such

as Pop Will Eat Itself and The Wonder Stuff,

and has been a regular contributor

to Practical Classics and

Classics Monthly magazines. He

now owns a classic car restoration

company in the West Midlands

Fuzz Townshend

I find it hard to pinpoint exactly when I became a classic car enthusiast, but I certainly remember a joint holiday, back in 1968, when we in our Ford

Cortina MkI and the Greaves family in their white-over-yellow Ford Classic, motored merrily about the Somerset countryside.

I never did get a ride in that Classic, and to this day I still haven’t set foot inside one!

I later developed a passion for buses – but with a twist, I loved to see period footage of them, driving past the street furniture of the time. By 1976, at the age of 12, I realised that my enjoyment of watching Carry On wasn’t based on their dubious comedic content, but on the flashes of old tin in the background. I was hooked, and have been ever since.

The sight of a dilapidated Vauxhall Victor FB with a , pre-suffix registration plate would leave me slack-jawed – and leave most of my girl-obsessed teenage chums taking the Mickey.

My first classic was a 1960 Ford Anglia, bought for the princely sum of £25. I was 15 and full of good intentions, but a few months later I watched Henry Taroni’s truck winch it up and take it away for scrap. Rust had exploded through seemingly solid

areas and I learned a sharp lesson in how glassfibre can conceal a multitude of sins.

Having eschewed the pleasures of my mum’s Ford Fiesta MkI, in 1983, at the age of 18, I acquired a 1950 Series I Land

Rover, which not only suited my penchant for robust, ancient travelling machines, but also seemed to attract a more interesting type of girl.

Reliability wasn’t an issue – there was very little involved – but I didn’t care. I owned LTJ 714 for 11

years, during which time it was only actually on the road for three or four of them. But hey, as far as I’m concerned that’s part of the joy of classic cars.

Driving them is certainly a one-car victory parade, but getting them to that point is an heroic battle of wits, skill and sheer determination. Pure magic. ■

Cherished childhood memories are behind his classic obsession

My enjoyment of watching Carry On films wasn’t based on their

dubious comedic content, but on the flashes of old tin in the background

ezine

CLASSIC CARS (at the moment...)

says Fuzz

TOP TEN

1 AC AcecaThese beautiful sports cars don’t

have a bad angle, in my eyes. Ever since owning a scruffy Dinky Toys version as a child – I still have it – I have promised myself one. The trouble is that prices have gone stratospheric and I know that I wouldn’t be able to persuade my wife to re-mortgage the house.

2 Riley MerlinA car that is simply a lovely place

to be, the Merlin offers no stunning performance figures, just compact elegance. A splendid car in which to do a leisurely driving tour and a pleasure to hose down at the end of a day.

6 Jaguar MkIV or V To me, these are the ideal car in which

to take an extended driving holiday far up into Scotland, or perhaps in the opposite direction, to deepest Cornwall – I’m a Midlander, so both are exotically distant. Leather, wood and pre-XK engine elegance in which to transport the family.

7 Alvis Speed 100These low-slung road prowlers must

have looked amazing to the eyes of 1930s motorists. Massive P100 headlights up front, a hard-wearing leather interior and a wonderfully satisfying, involving drive. I’d have to use this at least once a week for the commute to work.

8 Jensen 541RAh, this is another model I have to

admit to possessing in a part-restored state. I’ve owned it for three years now, so really it should have been completed by now, but life has been so busy of late. Yet another grand tourer, I can’t wait to get it on the road and do a significant amount of miles in this Black Country beauty.

9Ogle SX250There were only ever two of these

built, on Daimler SP250 ‘Dart’ chassis, so my chances of owning one are fairly slim. But, dare I say it, I’d be happy to slip one of Edward Turner’s sublime 2548cc V8 engines into a Reliant Scimitar SE4 to emulate one of these rare cars.

10 Morris J-Type VanOK, it’s not a car, strictly speaking,

but what better way of fetching and carrying parts on a daily basis for my classic restoration business? They’re undoubtedly slow by modern standards, but the pace of today’s city traffic is equally slow and besides, my job satisfaction would go through the roof.

3 Aston Martin DB2/4I have to admit that I do like a GT, and

a fairly scruffy but sound example of this type would suit me down to the ground. A few years ago I nearly purchased one, but hesitated at the last moment. Now they’re twice the price and nudging ever higher.

4 Land Rover Series I 80” Having owned this fine country car

from the tender age of 18 until I was 30, only to sell it on a whim, this is the vehicle from my past that I would most like to be reunited with. If ever you see it advertised for sale, please let me know.

5 Austin Seven SpecialI’m not particularly bothered which

one, so long as it looks the part and is prepared to bowl along country lanes with me at the helm. Actually, I have an unfinished example sitting in my garage. Note to self – get on with it!

AC Aceca: Worth re-morgaging the house for!

Fuzz loves to ‘Carry On’ with buses

Fuzz, parents and ’68 Cortina MkI

Jensen 541R: Fuzz’s ‘Black

Country beauty’

Fuzz demonstrates how an Austin Seven can also double as as a guitar stand

■ Do you agree with Fuzz? If not, why not? Email us with your top ten to: press-office@carolenash.com

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the Mark ll is the definitive sports saloon and then there is the Daddy itself, my personal favourite, the imposing MkVll.

I have been fortunate enough to have clocked up decent mileage in two Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts over the years and the utter magnificence of these cars never fails to blow my mind. Henry Royce’s masterpiece, probably a tourer on an early chassis, would certainly be up there.

I’m not big on foreign cars, but some of the front-engined Ferraris are difficult to resist

and those glamorous 1930s Alfa Romeos are dripping with quality and elan.

Regarding Alec Issigonis’ magnificent contribution to the motor industry, I believe the world-beating Mini should never completely overshadow his brilliant Morris Minor.

A piece of W.O. Bentley’s work would have to be there as well – probably an

Chris Barrie

C lassic cars, motorcycles and transport in general, provide us with a unique multi-dimensional window into the past. The style,

sound and smell of a well looked-after classic can take us back to the good old days like nothing else can – and they really were the good old days compared to the over-regulated 21st Century!

My favourite classics are those time warp cars which have survived for decades without being dismantled. The more ‘sympathetic’ a restoration, the better. Personally I don’t like vehicles which have been over-restored or over-modified. I prefer to see and experience them as near as possible to how they were in the day.

I have never really thought about precisely what my ‘Top Ten’ classics would be. I’m afraid it would be a fairly traditional selection. But, in no particular order, I can certainly point to a few cars that would be there or thereabouts...

The Bentley R-Type Continental would definitely register – the stunning lines and high geared performance make this stylish vehicle simply one of the most awesome conveyances of all time.

Within a nanosecond I can think of at least five Jaguar contenders – and not just the legendary sports cars. For some,

Chris BarrieFamous for his

portrayals of ‘Rimmer’ in Red

Dwarf and Gordon Brittas in The

Brittas Empire on TV, Chris is a pure petrolhead with a penchant for classic cars. He has indulged

his passion by presenting TV series such as

Britain’s Greatest Machines, and his collection currently includes a Triumph

TR2, MGB GT, Jaguar XJ6 and Wolseley 1500

Within a nanosecond I

can think of at least five Jaguar

contenders – and not just the

legendary sports cars

A quick tootle through his top classics CLASSIC CARS

TOP TEN

The Mini: ‘world beater’

unblown 4½ or a light and lithe 3-litre.Then of course we have the original Range

Rover (preferably two-door) – handsome, strong and practical, and well worthy of a place alongside its rugged stablemates, the ‘Series’ Land Rover and its coil-sprung development, the seemingly immortal Defender.

Whatever classic car, motorcycle, van, bus or truck we have, let’s drive them, enjoy them and keep them on the road! ■

Bentley R-Type Continental: ‘Stunning lines’ Morris Minor: The genius of Issigonis Range Rover: ‘Handsome and practical’

1930s Alfa Romeo 8C: ‘Quality and elan’

Jaguar Mk VII: The Daddy’