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Top Gear
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Meet the 'Duke of London': Britain's youngest and most eccentric classic car dealer
Interview Would you buy a used car from this man? We visit Merlin McCormack's HQ to find out more Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Actually, Merlin McCormack does not identify as a 'car dealer'. Reclining in his tumbledown office, I ask how he prefers to be branded. 'We like to wind people up. We decorated our ****ing showroom like Terry Tibbs' [the used car salesman from Fonejacker ] because the thing is a complete farce. I dunno what I am. Guess I'm an idiot who likes cars.' Self deprecation and a sense of humour (along with a bottomless well of car knowledge inherited from his restoration mad dad) are part of what's got Merlin, only 31 years young, here today. Lord of all he surveys here in his showroom – a 'need to know' location stuffed with 1960s Americana, late 1990s Ferraris, myriad Porsches and smatterings of esoteric Alfas, Fiats and Astons. Advertisement - Page continues below We're somewhere in west London. His tinsel flecked headquarters hide in plain sight – even armed with directions I drive clean past and back up in bafflement asking for directions. Not one of the native Londoners nor hurried travellers off to nearby Heathrow have a clue they're mooching mere metres away from literal millions worth of modern classics. Photography: Tom Barnes You might like Anyway, he's no lord. He's the Duke, of London. Another joke that got out of hand and became the name of his brainchild. ''Duke of London' was a title offered to Churchill after World War Two,' Merlin explains. 'Because he was humble and I guess haunted by war, he politely declined it. But I was arrogant enough to anoint myself as Duke of London.' He laughs and musters a straight face. 'Truthfully when Instagram started up, we were just trying to find a catchy handle. When it came to actually formalising it as a business, we were like 'What should we call it?' And I thought – sort of joking – 'You may know me as the Duke of London'.' Advertisement - Page continues below Merlin's story has that rogue done well sheen that would make a quality Guy Ritchie caper. He openly admits to being lazy at school, far more interested in wheeler dealing than studies. 'Guess the first thing I sold was, erm, tobacco, but then I got into cars. Bought my first one before I could drive.' How old? 'Eleven. A Peugeot 205 with a dodgy steering rack. I paid £32 and a penny. The guy was fuming. My mum had to go pick it up for me.' He acknowledges he'd have got nowhere without the enthusiastic support of his parents, especially when too young to actually drive his stock. 'As soon as I looked old enough to ride a moped we started buying those. Vespas mainly. Didn't have to rely on mum, so our driveway was soon full of them. Then I went back to selling cars as soon as I was able to drive.' Skip 7 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. These days the grindset manosphere pressurises boys to be hustlers, to make their first million before they're out of nappies. So did Merlin's mates admire his entrepreneurial adolescence? 'They thought it was weird. And they still do to be fair. But we were the weird kids at school anyway... we made a little bit of money but then we'd reinvest it and lose it or waste it – it wasn't until the market started picking up around 2012 we saw an opportunity, and that's become Duke of London.' It's now much more than a purveyor of modern classic cars. On a separate floor in Merlin's bunker, we find a mouthwatering storage facility, stuffed with mothballed examples of the very latest supercars in warm, secure suspended animation, waiting for their owners to jet in and select a unicorn for a Mayfair weekend. There's redevelopment afoot in the building – more car storage. Another local facility will spawn a car meet up venue, cafe and restaurant. It's driven on by tens of thousands of @dukeoflondon social media fans who appreciate the relaxed, impish tone of the whole outfit. I ask Merlin if the old guard have had their noses put out of joint by this upstart making it up as he goes along. 'People are generally nice... but I've always been an antagonist and I hope I never lose that.' He picks a millennial example. 'When we first started out no one was using Instagram. Now these big dealers have got teams running their platforms. I used to go to a Christmas lunch for car dealers, and remember being sat there with them mocking me for putting cars on Instagram. 'You can't sell cars on there...'' he trails off, his point already made. The cowboy look, like Duke of London itself, is brash, unapologetic and doesn't take itself desperately seriously It's a fabulous late spring evening, so we head to the roof where Duke of London photographs the merchandise. Merlin's arranged some of his current collection – a fastback 'Stang, a Bentley Azure with top permanently dropped and his Ferrari Testarossa, recently clipped on a kerb outside his own showroom. It's eclectic, imperfect, and each machine tells a story. The man himself reappears in one of his trademark outfits. The cowboy look, like Duke of London itself, is brash, unapologetic and doesn't take itself desperately seriously. I ask if that exuberance ever hurts trade. 'I think with age it's become less frequent,' Merlin replies. 'When I was 20 or 21 people turning up to buy their first Ferrari off me would presume 'oh, it's your dad's business'. 'We get less of that now. People realise we're knowledgeable and passionate. But I'm probably looking older anyway. Ten years in the trade would do that to you.'
Sydney Morning Herald
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
It's a picture-perfect English town. Now an asylum seeker war is ripping it apart
'I'm afraid I agree that the government has got to find some other means of housing the people once they arrive.' Also like many in this town, he believes the protests are out of control. In his view, the police should be using their powers to arrest anyone trying to hide their identity at the protests. Six men were arrested on Sunday night for what Essex Police called 'mindless thuggery' – including injury to a police officer and damage to a vehicle. Witnesses saw a protestor kick in the windscreen of a police car. Epping, the last stop on the Central Line for those heading north-west on the London Underground, now looks like a war zone to Britons watching the news. But it is a comfortable town with no history of heated division – until the asylum hotel arrived. At lunchtime on Monday, for instance, the main street was busy with people in a dozen cafes or at an open-air market with arts and crafts. A few Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes and Range Rovers passed along with the local traffic. The jewellery store displayed a Rolex in its front window. But the mood has changed in Epping since one of the asylum seekers was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. The man, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, denied all the offences when he appeared in court on July 10. This has not quelled the concerns among local parents, who began protesting outside the asylum hotel. 'I'm not far-right. I'm worried about my kids,' said one sign on Sunday, held by six women outside the asylum hotel. The sexual assault charges turned a tidal wave of concern into a tsunami, says Epping journalist David Jackman, who covered the region for local newspapers for 38 years before setting up his own news site, Everything Epping Forest. There were at least two fires at asylum hotels in the area in recent years and one man who was staying at the Bell Hotel will stand trial in September, charged with two counts of arson. Jackman, in a written account of the past few weeks, said the protest on Sunday night required police with riot shields to hold the line against protesters throwing plastic bottles, eggs, milk and other objects. 'Video footage now seen around the world shows unbelievable scenes including a protestor jumping up and down on the roof of a moving police van and a man kicking another police vehicle,' he wrote. In an echo of the Australian debate over the past two decades, the UK is struggling to respond to thousands of people arriving by boat. While French police can wade into water to try to stop the boats leaving, they do not venture into the English Channel to turn them around. British authorities intercept the boats to escort them to Dover – a sight that infuriates right-wing critics such as Nigel Farage, head of Reform UK. The arrivals surged to 19,982 in the six months to the end of June – up 50 per cent on the same period last year, according to a tally by Reuters based on government data. The problem is not new; boat arrivals increased when the Conservatives held power from 2010 to 2024, but it has become toxic in local communities because authorities have taken over hotels and motels to house asylum seekers. Some Epping residents simply fall silent when the subject comes up. Others express their anxiety about right-wing activists using Epping to make headlines. Loading 'It is outrageous, irresponsible and preposterous to assert and even suggest that residence of Epping and Epping Forest were at all violent last night,' wrote Glenn Hernandez, a local resident, on the community Facebook group. He and others want the hotel shut down and the asylum seekers relocated to prevent more clashes. For now, the Bell Hotel is closed to visitors and surrounded by a temporary fence. Signs order passers-by not to take photographs. A security guard stands inside the entrance. Holland, who lives close to the hotel and sees the asylum seekers walking to and from their temporary home, believes the protests must be kept away from the Bell Hotel to avoid greater riots in the weeks to come. 'There's no point in protesting outside the hotel,' he says. 'If they're going to have a protest, have it in the town centre and make it an organised protest to keep the thugs away from the hotel.' correspondents .
The Age
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Age
It's a picture-perfect English town. Now an asylum seeker war is ripping it apart
'I'm afraid I agree that the government has got to find some other means of housing the people once they arrive.' Also like many in this town, he believes the protests are out of control. In his view, the police should be using their powers to arrest anyone trying to hide their identity at the protests. Six men were arrested on Sunday night for what Essex Police called 'mindless thuggery' – including injury to a police officer and damage to a vehicle. Witnesses saw a protestor kick in the windscreen of a police car. Epping, the last stop on the Central Line for those heading north-west on the London Underground, now looks like a war zone to Britons watching the news. But it is a comfortable town with no history of heated division – until the asylum hotel arrived. At lunchtime on Monday, for instance, the main street was busy with people in a dozen cafes or at an open-air market with arts and crafts. A few Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes and Range Rovers passed along with the local traffic. The jewellery store displayed a Rolex in its front window. But the mood has changed in Epping since one of the asylum seekers was charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence. The man, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, from Ethiopia, denied all the offences when he appeared in court on July 10. This has not quelled the concerns among local parents, who began protesting outside the asylum hotel. 'I'm not far-right. I'm worried about my kids,' said one sign on Sunday, held by six women outside the asylum hotel. The sexual assault charges turned a tidal wave of concern into a tsunami, says Epping journalist David Jackman, who covered the region for local newspapers for 38 years before setting up his own news site, Everything Epping Forest. There were at least two fires at asylum hotels in the area in recent years and one man who was staying at the Bell Hotel will stand trial in September, charged with two counts of arson. Jackman, in a written account of the past few weeks, said the protest on Sunday night required police with riot shields to hold the line against protesters throwing plastic bottles, eggs, milk and other objects. 'Video footage now seen around the world shows unbelievable scenes including a protestor jumping up and down on the roof of a moving police van and a man kicking another police vehicle,' he wrote. In an echo of the Australian debate over the past two decades, the UK is struggling to respond to thousands of people arriving by boat. While French police can wade into water to try to stop the boats leaving, they do not venture into the English Channel to turn them around. British authorities intercept the boats to escort them to Dover – a sight that infuriates right-wing critics such as Nigel Farage, head of Reform UK. The arrivals surged to 19,982 in the six months to the end of June – up 50 per cent on the same period last year, according to a tally by Reuters based on government data. The problem is not new; boat arrivals increased when the Conservatives held power from 2010 to 2024, but it has become toxic in local communities because authorities have taken over hotels and motels to house asylum seekers. Some Epping residents simply fall silent when the subject comes up. Others express their anxiety about right-wing activists using Epping to make headlines. Loading 'It is outrageous, irresponsible and preposterous to assert and even suggest that residence of Epping and Epping Forest were at all violent last night,' wrote Glenn Hernandez, a local resident, on the community Facebook group. He and others want the hotel shut down and the asylum seekers relocated to prevent more clashes. For now, the Bell Hotel is closed to visitors and surrounded by a temporary fence. Signs order passers-by not to take photographs. A security guard stands inside the entrance. Holland, who lives close to the hotel and sees the asylum seekers walking to and from their temporary home, believes the protests must be kept away from the Bell Hotel to avoid greater riots in the weeks to come. 'There's no point in protesting outside the hotel,' he says. 'If they're going to have a protest, have it in the town centre and make it an organised protest to keep the thugs away from the hotel.' correspondents .
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
X Factor star Sam Callahan reveals shocking new job and it's worlds away from music
The singer is a jack of all trades and even races Porsches game man X Factor star Sam Callahan reveals shocking new job and it's worlds away from music Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SAM Callahan's new career is a huge pivot from his rise to fame as a pop star on X Factor. Essex singer Sam appeared on the reality singing series in 2013 and since then has moved into a number of different careers, including a racing car driver. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 The X-Factor's Sam Callahan has an interesting new job Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 He works as a marksman for a pest control and wildlife management company Credit: Instagram / @itssamcallahan 5 The singer posed with an air rifle to promote his company Credit: Instagram / @itssamcallahan But a recent post on his Instagram revealed that the 31-year-old now works as a marksman for his own company which offers pest control and wildlife management in Essex. Sam modeled some of the gear he wears and uses, including a 12ft/lbs air rifle sub. "Putting the @jack_pyke gear to the test, with some great shooting out on the farm today. Good quality 'get up' breeds good performance if you ask me," Sam captioned the post where he posed in camouflage gear while holding the large rifle. The business is described as "professional and ethical pest control and UK wild game management, carried out using precision rifle methods and "ideal for rural properties across Essex." Along with modelling some of his favourite hunting clothes, Sam also revealed he'd recently partnered with a local butcher to process small game, such as rabbit, pigeon or partridge among others, that he captures through his work. "Proud to be turning pest control into a real food resource and reducing waste whilst helping landowners manage their properties," Sam wrote on the business' Facebook page. Sam also runs another business where he offers mobile car retuning around Essex. But the X Factor alum has not given up on singing entirely and last week performed a set at Bournemouth Pride, where he sang a number of cover songs, including Prince's Purple Rain and Robbie Williams' Rock DJ. Sam has also worked as a personal trainer and a racing car driver, including behind the wheel of a sporty Porsche, on the GT4 Supercup series. As if that all wasn't enough, Sam regularly stars in Christmas pantomimes. Sam Callahan sings You're Beautiful by James Blunt in his X Factor audtion The singer still has a legion of fans thanks to his X Factor fame, as proven by the fact he's able to knock out calendars of himself topless year after year. Sam was mentored by Louis Walsh on X Factor, but he didn't quite make it to the final on X Factor with a performance of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls seeing him bow out of the contest. Last year, Sam popped the question to girlfriend, Charlie, a veterinary nurse and the pair will soon tie the knot. 5 Sam appeared on the 2013 series of The X Factor Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Sinar Daily
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
Shah Alam's 'Acik Kusyen': The artisan behind RM30,000 monthly car interior makeovers
With increasing demand, Abu Zarin relocated his workshop from Taman Senawang Jaya to a new, larger space in the Tasik Jaya Industrial Area earlier this year. Abu Zarin has 20 years of experience in car upholstery. SHAH ALAM – From a modest workshop in Jelebu to transforming luxury vehicles like Porsches, Abu Zarin Abu Hassan, known as 'Acik Kusyen', has dedicated over 20 years to mastering car upholstery and interior modification. With increasing demand, Abu Zarin relocated his workshop from Taman Senawang Jaya to a new, larger space in the Tasik Jaya Industrial Area earlier this year. Abu Zarin showing the Acik Kusyen workshop, now relocated to Taman Tasik Senawang. This move offers clients a more comfortable experience and a bigger work area. He began his career learning from his brother's furniture upholstery business before completing an automotive diploma. 'I started my own workshop after finishing my studies, offering services to repair torn seat cushions and install new ones in vehicles. "I also provide cleaning services and full car interior decoration,' he said. His business now handles approximately ten cars monthly, generating between RM20,000 to RM30,000. Prices vary based on the service and materials used, ranging from RM900 for PVC seat covers to as much as RM9,000 for a complete vintage car interior restoration. 'The most expensive job I have handled was a vintage car that came in completely bare. We did the entire interior from start to finish. Our work is well received. Abu Zarin displaying the upholstery material options offered to customers at his workshop. "Some even travel from Johor after hearing about us through social media or referrals,' he shared. Abu Zarin's process involves customers selecting designs, materials and colours. Sewing typically takes a week, and installation is completed in just one day. Despite his success, he continues to improve his business skills through Risda training and support. He also navigated tough periods, including the pandemic, by securing loans from Tekun and local banks. Looking ahead, he hopes to eventually expand into the Klang Valley but is taking a measured approach to ensure quality and staff capacity. 'I definitely want to expand there, but for now I need to maintain quality and focus on what I have. Insyaallah, one day we will reach that goal,' he said. More Like This
