Latest news with #classic cars
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Miniature classic car-maker Hedley Studios revs up rescue deal
A company which makes miniaturised electric versions of classic cars has secured a rescue deal led by an American merchant banking group. Sky News understands that the future of Hedley Studios - formerly known as The Little Car Company - has been salvaged through a pre-pack administration deal. FRP Advisory is understood to have acted as administrator before selling the business to an entity controlled by Island Capital Group. Hedley Studios was founded in 2018, when luxury car-maker Bugatti approached Ben Hedley to see if he could recreate a 1920s Type 35 racing car at half-scale to mark its 110th anniversary. In a statement issued in response to an enquiry from Sky News, the company said it had built and delivered more than 500 vehicles to clients in more than 60 countries in the last 17 months. Hedley Studios manufactures its cars at three-quarters the size of the original model, with the resulting vehicles typically costing £75,000 or more. "We're thrilled to welcome Island Capital Group as a strategic partner in the next phase of Hedley Studios' growth," Mr Hedley said. "Its investment and belief in our vision mark a pivotal moment for the company as we accelerate our expansion and reach new global audiences. Hedley Studios makes its cars in partnership with a range of luxury manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari. Andrew Farkas, founder, chairman and CEO of Island Capital, which initially backed Hedley Studios in 2023, said: "This latest investment is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ben and his team in building a successful British luxury brand in a short period of time. "Automotive enthusiasts globally are increasingly keen to honour these historic icons, bringing them to new audiences in a new, fully electric way. "Our broader investment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Hedley Studios, reinforcing its position as a leader in the creation of luxury, driveable artworks, and Island Capital is excited to be part of that growth journey."
Sky News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Sky News
Miniature classic car-maker Hedley Studios revs up rescue deal
A company which makes miniaturised electric versions of classic cars has secured a rescue deal led by an American merchant banking group. Sky News understands that the future of Hedley Studios - formerly known as The Little Car Company - has been salvaged through a pre-pack administration deal. FRP Advisory is understood to have acted as administrator before selling the business to an entity controlled by Island Capital Group. Hedley Studios was founded in 2018, when luxury car-maker Bugatti approached Ben Hedley to see if he could recreate a 1920s Type 35 racing car at half-scale to mark its 110th anniversary. In a statement issued in response to an enquiry from Sky News, the company said it had built and delivered more than 500 vehicles to clients in more than 60 countries in the last 17 months. Hedley Studios manufactures its cars at three-quarters the size of the original model, with the resulting vehicles typically costing £75,000 or more. "We're thrilled to welcome Island Capital Group as a strategic partner in the next phase of Hedley Studios' growth," Mr Hedley said. "Its investment and belief in our vision mark a pivotal moment for the company as we accelerate our expansion and reach new global audiences. Hedley Studios makes its cars in partnership with a range of luxury manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari. Andrew Farkas, founder, chairman and CEO of Island Capital, which initially backed Hedley Studios in 2023, said: "This latest investment is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ben and his team in building a successful British luxury brand in a short period of time. "Automotive enthusiasts globally are increasingly keen to honour these historic icons, bringing them to new audiences in a new, fully electric way.
Auto Blog
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Noel Gallagher's One-of-a-Kind Jaguar MKII Convertible Finds a Buyer
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Few classic cars flaunt British suave as well as a Jaguar. But the 1967 Jaguar MKII Convertible owned by Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher takes things to the next level, thanks to its story and unique character. While Jaguar's recent sales have struggled to keep pace in a changing market, this car reminds us of the marque's timeless appeal. Commissioned in the 1990s by Gallagher himself, it blends the elegance of 1960s Jaguar design with tasteful rock and roll upgrades. Today, this rare convertible is under offer, with a buyer's bid accepted and the sale moving forward. 0:01 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More A Rock Star's Custom Dream Car Source: Twyford Moors Classic Cars Ltd Back in the mid-90s, when Oasis was dominating the music scene, Gallagher decided it was time to get behind the wheel himself. Despite not having a driver's license at the time, he still craved a car tailored to his needs. So he consulted with Jaguar specialist Vicarage to transform a Jaguar MKII sedan from 1967 — the same year he was born — into a one-of-a-kind convertible. The two-year project involved removing the rear doors and lengthening the front doors, turning the four-door sedan into a sleek two-door convertible. Gallagher requested modern touches like a fully electric folding roof, power steering, electric windows, and an automatic transmission, making the car much easier and more comfortable to drive than the typical MKII. Ironically, Gallagher never took the car out for a spin himself. Instead, this wife did once in a blue moon. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation. Stored Away But Never Forgotten Source: Twyford Moors Classic Cars Ltd Most of its life, this Jaguar was carefully stored away, but it still caught the public eye now and then. It appeared in a music video for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, driven by actor Matt Smith, best known for his role on Doctor Who. Then, in 2022, Jaguar Land Rover Classic acquired the car and showcased it during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with iconic model Twiggy riding in the back seat. From music video star to royal celebration guest, these appearances helped cement the car's status as more than just a collector's piece, but as a British cultural icon, too. Quintessentially British Source: Twyford Moors Classic Cars Ltd Finished in glossy black paint with a rich red leather interior and chrome wire wheels, this Jaguar is one of the poshest cars money can buy. And thanks to its origins as a sedan, it still comfortably seats four adults along with their luggage. Noel Gallagher's Jaguar isn't just another low-mileage garage queen; it's a symbol of a moment in British history, bridging '90s rock royalty and royal tradition. Now that it's under offer, this one-of-a-kind MKII Convertible is ready to continue its story with a new owner who will appreciate its unique heritage. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
BBC News
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Taunton County Classics Motor Museum owner Patrick Hawkins dies
A car enthusiast and creator of a local motor museum who was "a generous soul", has Hawkins, the owner of Taunton's County Classics Motor Museum, died "very suddenly" on Wednesday, aged social media his team said he fought "against all odds" to open the venue full of cars he had collected since he was 11-years-old, despite struggling with a heart a statement, his fellow workers said his love for cars and the museum would be his "legacy". "One of the nicest, kindest and most generous souls you could hope to meet," they said."Pat has personally greeted almost every visitor [to the museum]."Pat quietly overcame many battles in his life and when the Musgrove Hospital flew a surgeon from USA to carry out a unique and life-saving operation on his heart, he wanted to give something back to the town of Taunton and county of Somerset that he loved so much. "The County Classics Motor Museum, achieved against the odds through the materials crisis and rising costs of Covid, would be his legacy." Mr Hawkins' motor museum, which includes around 200 cars and motorcycles from the 1960s to 1990s, was opened in gained the attention of former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, who attended the opening to cut the team said the museum would be closed for a few days "to give staff time to come to terms with the loss of their leader and inspiration" – but will reopen on Tuesday, "as Pat would have wished".
Daily Mail
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Do you remember these once common but now vanishing cars? The show dedicated to dull motors from the past
Owners of some of the rarest - but also most unremarkable - cars to have graced our roads in the last 50 years congregated in Lincolnshire at the weekend for what has been dubbed the biggest gathering of uninspiring cherished motors. The Festival of the Unexceptional descended on Grimsthorpe Castle on Saturday, inviting drivers from around the world to showcase their mundane family cars from the seventies through to the 1990s. Thousands made the journey to the idyllic 13th century country house in their contrastingly bland vehicles, with the event celebrating the most basic and boring models that have become forgotten products from our past - but are guaranteed to jog the memory of readers of all ages. The show, now in its 11th year, is organised by classic car insurer Hagerty and has rapidly become a notable entry to the motoring calendar that's truly like no other automotive event. And the 2025 rendition delivered in spades, with collectors displaying a bounty of once readily available dull cars of their generation that have since disappeared from our roads, some falling to single digit figures and now rarer than vintage Ferraris and Lamborghinis worth hundreds times as much. We reveal the top three standout motors in attendance as voted by a panel of judges and show goers. But to take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, we've bundled in as many of the other unexciting vehicles that made the pilgrimage to Britain's least exotic car show. While the show's title suggests this is an event for unexceptional cars - Ferrari owners, you're not welcome here - the turnout on Saturday proves that there is an exceptional cult following for motors of this ilk. While the 'Concours de L'Ordinaire' is the yearly major showpiece of the 50 rarest, best kept and surprisingly cherished vanilla vehicles, the show parking area is always a feast of cars that have gone from being commonplace to seldom seen in the 2020s. Badges you'll almost never see on the road today - ranging from Maxi, Nova and Allegro - were all in attendance, mixing with the likes of Trabants, Ladas and Datsuns that only this show could endeavour to bring together in one place. Organisers celebrated the appearance of several motors that would barely impact a petrol head's pulse rate back in the day. This included a Mk1 Ford Granada in entry trim with a manual gearbox that the keeper has cocooned for years to retain its showroom condition. And a young owner driving 1,000 miles to display one of three Talbot Solaras he has in his collection - all of which are in immaculate working order and all in the same trim and engine specification. There truly isn't another event like it where owners are congratulated for lavishing time, money and extraordinary effort on such ordinary vehicles. Thousands made the journey to the idyllic 13th century country house in their contrastingly bland vehicles, with the event celebrating the most basic and boring models from forgotten eras that are guaranteed to jog the memory of readers of all ages The annual event offers rare glimpses of cars that have typically disappeared from the road over the years. Prime example of this is the 1984 Honda Jazz pictured, which was sold in other country as the Honda City The proud owner of this banana yellow 1976 Datsun Cherry - one of the 50 cars entered into the concours competition - wipes away the rainwater from the bonnet There are few - in fact no - other car shows where a pair of Millennium-period Daewoo Matiz will be on display together as a showpiece This 1988 Peugeot family car is a perfect example of the type of motor the Festival of the Unexceptional wants to celebrate. It's grey, has a diesel engine, is a lower trim level and has an enthusiast owner desperate to keep it on the road despite the ageing vehicle clocking over 100k miles This year's top three concours motors on show were an eclectic mix of vehicles you would have least expected to receive awards for their stardom if we'd asked you 30 years ago. Third place was awarded to a bright yellow 1979 Citroen Visa Club. It is one of only three still surviving in the UK with owner Andy Smith drawing plenty of attention as visitors marvelled at its immaculate condition. The automotive showpiece has been a sell-out event for the last few years with nostalgic petrol heads enjoying stumbling across long lost motors from their past The 'Concours de L'Ordinaire' is the yearly competition where owners of the 50 rarest, best kept and surprisingly cherished vanilla vehicles duke it out for best in show A 1999 Ford Mondeo took second place. This is another example of a car that was - for one reason or another - spared from the motoring graveyard that many of its Mk1 siblings are now residents. Owner Callum Bailey said he spotted the red base model family saloon being transported on the back of a truck a few years ago, with the Mondeo destined to become a banger racer. He bought it on the spot and has spent £6,000 returning it to its former glory from 26 years ago. The overall winner was this incredibly original 1992 Skoda Favorit Forum. The car is 11 years the senior of its keeper, 22-year-old Simon Packowski (pictured), who knocked the judges off their feet with a bright blue hatchback so basic it doesn't even have a radio as standard The top three award winners in this year's Concours de L'Ordinaire proudly hold their prizes as they pose alongside their beautifully retained mundane modern classics But neither could match the 2025 Festival of the Unexceptional winner - a 1992 Skoda Favorit Forum. The car is 11 years senior to its keeper, 22-year-old Simon Packowski, who knocked the judges off their feet with a bright blue hatchback so basic it didn't even get sold with a radio as standard. Simon rescued the car, which was about to be scrapped for a failed head gasket, and brought it back to its former glory. He said its restoration included a 1,000-mile round trip to collect a set of original headrests for the Czech classic. Enthusiasts and collectors brought along a bounty of once readily available cars of their generation that have since disappeared from our roads, some falling to single digit figures in recent years. This 1978 Peugeot 504 GL is a great example A 1996 Volkswagen Polo arrives at the show three up leading a stream of vehicles of varying vintage, typically first registered in the seventies through to the nineties A bronze Vauxhall Corsa from 2001 heads a stream of older motors into the show grounds. Following behind are meticulous examples of a 1995 Honda Accord Estate and saloon, a 1972 Rover Mini, eighties Peugeot 205, Mk1 Ford Focus and 1990s Jag Showgoers look on at this 1999 Toyota Corolla arrives in the event car park. This particular car has over 120,000 miles on the clock - but you wouldn't be able to tell from its appearance An entry trim level Ford Ka, fittingly displaying its contrasting black plastic bumpers, emerges on the hill of Grimsthorpe Castle A host of special guest cars appeared at the event too, including a selection of British Leyland prototypes, kindly supplied by the British Motor Museum. A 1969 Mini 9X hatchback prototype was joined by a British Leyland ECV3 from 1981 and a 1975 Triumph SD2 concept. They all provided a glimpse of motors that might have featured at the event had they made production, and a cult-like group of collectors maintained them for decades. The Festival of the Unexceptional is now in its 11th year, with Grimsthorpe Castle in the Lincolnshire countryside its destination since 2021 The owner of the 1980 Rover Allegro stands proudly alongside the motor. Despite being 45 years old, it has covered just over 60,000 miles in its lifetime A beige 1985 Nissan Micra pictured heading into the event behind a very rare Nissan Infiniti. Just eight examples of the latter are still on UK roads One of the recurring features of The Festival of the Unexceptional is the growing number of younger owners of cherished older cars, which are typically more senior than they are This Mazda 323 with its period-correct 1990s pop-up headlights might not be in the greatest cosmetic condition, but this trusty 100k-mile-plus Japanese motor is another cherished car driven to the event on Saturday No, it's not a Panda. This well-aged nineties compact car is the rebadged Seat Marbella. Around 15 survive in the UK today The British Motor Museum team also presented their own award for their choice of car of the show. Stephen Tearle took that trophy for his all-original, family owned from new, Micra 1.0 Celebration. Speaking after the gongs had been awarded to the best motors in show, Mark Roper, managing director of Hagerty International, said: 'Festival of the Unexceptional continues to grow bigger with every year. 'Over the past 11 years we have seen FOTU-era cars become recognised as proper classic cars, and the younger owner demographic shows this is a new movement in car culture.' The event also throws up a few interesting previous-generation imports, especially from Japan. This nineties Honda Beat is one example The cars owners attend The Festival of the Unexceptional in will almost certainly trigger the memory, like this 1996 VW Polo Harlequin This 1987 Nissan Prairie is one of just 24 believed to be registered in Britain today. Around 170 were on the road a decade ago This 1991 Volkswagen Polo is relative entry trim is another wonderfully maintained examples of a modern classic. This one has covered just over 50k in its 34-year lifetime A 1986 Bedford Rascal van arrives at the event. The compact commercial vehicle optimises the era in which it was new. Again, this is a very low-mileage example, covering less than 20k Not your usual concours entries: Very few motoring events will have a first-generation Mercedes A-Class, 2000 Nissan Micra and a Perodua Nippa vying for a best in show award Plenty of the cars in attendance are models you would have considered incredibly dull back in the day - and unlikely to have become collectors' pieces later in their life. Such as this 1986 Volvo 300 Series, which looks almost as good as new A three-door K11 Nissan Micra from the 1990s in basic trim with flat white paint, steel wheels and plastic bumpers isn't the first motor you think of when it comes to cherished modern classics, but it's owner would likely disagree CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST Buckle up for a chat with the new AI-backed electric Mercedes-Benz CLA Omoda 9 SHS plug-in hybrid review: We drive it through 9 countries Vauxhall Grandland test: It's always a Grand day out in this roomy SUV Mini Aceman JCW EV packs plenty of poke - but is it too much power? Is life a beach with the Renault 4 or another EV wipeout? We drive it Britain's best-selling car has gone electric: Ford Puma Gen-E review MG S5 EV driven: Is this the best budget-friendly electric family car? 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