By rare and prestige correspondent Dave Elland.

British Racing Motors has unveiled the fully restored BRM P351, its one-of-one Group C sports prototype and the newest racing chassis in the marque’s history. The 1992 Le Mans racer returned to Silverstone 34 years after making its competition debut there, now restored to its original specification and preparing to race again.

Built for the 1992 World Sportscar Championship, the P351 combines a carbon-composite monocoque with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre BRM V12. Only one was ever completed. It raced at Silverstone and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it reached 216mph on the Mulsanne Straight in qualifying, matching the speed of the factory Peugeot and Toyota entries. Its original V12 and gearbox have now been completely rebuilt by Dawson Racing, with the restored car running on sustainable fuel ahead of its return to competitive motorsport.

For its unveiling, the P351 was joined on the Silverstone grid by BRM P15 V16 Chassis IV – Britain’s first Formula One car and the machine that represents the beginning of the BRM story in 1949. Together, the P15 and P351 brought the earliest and newest chapters of BRM’s racing history side by side: Formula One to Group C, V16 to V12, and more than four decades of British racing engineering, with both cars active and built to be raced.

BRM acquired the P351 in late 2024 and entrusted its restoration to Ian Dawson of Dawson Racing – an engineer with his own history with the car.

Following its original Group C career, the P351 had been substantially reworked in the 1990s into the open-top BRM P301. Its roof was removed and its BRM V12 replaced by a Nissan twin-turbo V6, with Dawson working with the car during this later chapter at Pacific Racing. Almost three decades later, the task was to put it back.

The P351 has now been returned to its original closed-cockpit 1992 specification. Its original naturally aspirated BRM V12 and original gearbox have both been completely rebuilt, while the missing cockpit roof was reverse-engineered using surviving original paperwork and period photography.

The finished car now runs on sustainable fuel and, crucially, has not been restored simply for display. The P351 is being prepared to return to competitive racing.

For the unveiling at Silverstone, the P351 was joined on the grid by P15 V16 Chassis IV, representing the beginning of the BRM story more than four decades earlier.

BRM was founded in Bourne, Lincolnshire in 1949 as Britain’s first Formula One team, with an extraordinary ambition: to bring together British industry and engineering to build a car capable of taking on the world.

The P15 was that first car. Powered by BRM’s supercharged 1.5-litre V16, it began a story that would eventually see BRM win the 1962 Formula One Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships with Graham Hill, 17 World Championship Grands Prix and race with some of the greatest drivers of the era.

However, BRM’s history was never confined to Formula One. Across the following decades, its engineering extended into sports cars, endurance racing, Can-Am, rallying and Le Mans – including the remarkable Rover-BRM Gas Turbine programme of the 1960s. The P351 became the newest chapter of that competition history in 1992: not another Formula One car, but a carbon-composite Group C prototype designed for endurance racing and Le Mans.

I hate to say it but Christmas is getting closer and we need to address that age old question, What would dad like for Christmas? To be fair, we dads are often as clueless as our kids. In the run up to Christmas we will drop a few ideas that we come across and you can just forward the story to them.

If you enjoy books then the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards 2026 might be worth a look.

The Awards celebrate the very best in motoring and motorsport publishing, from compelling stories and automotive history to landmark works on the cars, people and marques that have shaped the motoring world.

The winners will be announced on the28 October 2026 but for a shopping list we don’t need to know who won.

Motor Cars & Motoring – under £30
Dream Road to Pan America: A Century in Pursuit of the World’s Longest Highway by Shawn William Miller (University of California Press), £25
Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure: Top Gear, Grand Tour, Clarkson and Me by Andy Wilman (Michael Joseph), £22
Should You Buy an EV? by Paul Hadley (self-published), £17.99

Motor Cars & Motoring – under £100
BMW 3-Series 50 Years by Tony Lewin (Motorbooks), £38
The Complete Book of Volkswagen GTI: Every Model Since 1976 by Russell Hayes (Motorbooks), £38
The Ferrari Under the Bed: A Memoir and History of 0046M by Darrell Westfaul (Dalton Watson Fine Books), £90.

Motor Cars & Motoring – no price limit
Aston Martin: The Entire Story by Russell Hayes (Evro Publishing), £195
Lancia Stratos Zero: The Eternal Futurist by Gautam Sen (Dalton Watson Fine Books), £110
Ultimate Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona – The Definitive History by Luca Dal Monte, Simon Charlesworth and Keith Bluemel (Porter Press International), £475

Motorsport Subject – under £30
Forza Ferrari: How F1’s Most Famous Team Can Win Again by Nate Saunders (The Quarto Group), £10.99
Senna: The Truth by Franco Nugnes (Pitch Publishing), £25
Whitney Straight: Racing Driver, War Hero, Industrialist – The Authorised Biography by Paul Kenny (The History Press), £25

Motorsport Subject – under £100
Formula 3000: Where Legends Earned Their Stripes by James Newbold (Evro Publishing), £75
Lella Lombardi: The Tigress of Turin – Her Authorised Biography by Jon Saltinstall (Douglas Loveridge Publications), £40
The Ferrari 250 GTO Spotting Guide by Yan-Alexandre Damasiewicz (Blenheim Publishing), £40

Motorsport Subject – no price limit
The Maserati 250F: A Legendary Formula 1 Car by Walter Bäumer and Jean-François Blachette (Dalton Watson Fine Books), £295
The Rise of the Trident: From a Bologna Back Alley to Grand Prix Glory – Maserati Tipo 26 and V16, 1926 to 1934 by Adam Ferrington, Emmanuel Rault and Alessandro Silva (Fondazione Negri), £160
Ultimate Ford GT40 – The Definitive History, Volume 2 by John S Allen, Graham Endeacott and Mark Cole, with Mike Teske (Porter Press International), £325

Best Debut Author (Graham Robson Trophy)
Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure: Top Gear, Grand Tour, Clarkson and Me by Andy Wilman (Michael Joseph), £22
Senna: The Truth by Franco Nugnes (Pitch Publishing), £25
The Ferrari 250 GTO Spotting Guide by Yan-Alexandre Damasiewicz (Blenheim Publishing), £40

Best Design
Dragster Genesis: The Formative Years of Fearsome Acceleration by Barry John (Evro Publishing), £50
Porsche 911: The Art of Speed by René Staud and Jürgen Lewandowski (Prestel), £65
The Art of Racing: Helmets by Joe Twyman (Hothouse Media), £495

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Sixty-years-ago Toyota unveiled a truly fabulous sports car – its first foray into the supercar market – with a little help from a piano making business!

The Toyota 2000 GT had a distinct look of the Jaguar E-Type at a time when Japanese designers were taking the best bits from rival European carmakers.

The two-seater coupe was developed in partnership with Yamaha and would redefine the Toyota brand from makers of mass produced affordable motors to builders of high end grand tourers that would become much sought-after classics.

The distinctive front end of this GT combined a sweeping bonnet with pop-up headlights and front lights behind glass covers – a feature first seen in the earlier Toyota Sports 800.

The 2000GT came with a 7000 rpm twin-cam engine capable of producing 150bhp and was paired with a fully synchronised five-speed gearbox.

It may have resembled the E-Type but the car also drew inspiration from the simpler Lotus Elan chassis.

Inside, the smart interior features a Rosewood and Mahogany dashboard finish, courtesy of experts from Yamaha’s musical instrument division.

In 1967 James Bond rode around in a specially made open-top white 2000GT in the movie, You Only Live Twice.

Alas, such global exposure couldn’t turn this supercar into a mass produced ‘star’. In fact, only 337 2000GTs were ever made. The majority stayed in Japan, but not surprisingly over 60 ended up in the US.

Whilst this Toyota is an extremely rare sight today, it legacy as Toyota’s first supercar cannot be underestimated.

Decades later, Toyota and Yamaha would team up again to develop the Lexus LFA coupe, only this time this Japanese production came with a supercharged 4.8 litre V10 engine.

Looking back, this ground-breaking Toyota would have set you back the equivalent of £2,400 in 1967 – more than an E-Type or Porsche 911 – but almost priceless today.

My automotive journey started with motorcycles, thrashing around waste ground on bikes built from random bits and pieces. Then at 16 a couple of mopeds and bigger and bigger bikes ending up with a BMW twin. But I gave them up and bought my Lotus Elan when I was 21. I occasionally think back to those days and whether I should add a bike to my current fleet. If I did, then this new AMB 002 would definitely scratch that itch.

Aston Martin and Brough Superior have announced the AMB 002 Roadster: Their first road bike it follows the track-only AMB 001 and AMB 001 Pro superbikes introduced in 2019 and 2022.

The AMB 002 Roadster is an all-new machine. One which continues Aston Martin and Brough Superior’s radical exploration of motorcycle design and engineering in the form of a lightweight, razor-sharp machine born for maximum enjoyment on the road.

An expression of the pure, pared back essence of a rider-focussed sports bike, the AMB 002 uses fluid lines, compact proportion and precisely sculpted carbon fibre body elements to create a form packed with drama and dynamic tension. Emphasising its unique forward-biased kinetic style while giving glimpses of the motorcycle’s mechanical beauty, the AMB 002 is an unmistakable product of the Aston Martin and Brough Superior collaboration.

The work of the Aston Martin Design Studio is evident in every curve and detail of the AMB 002. The relationship between form and function are perfectly expressed in the pebble smooth shape of the carbon fibre fuel tank and side fairings, which rise to meet the rider when tucked out of the slipstream. Crescent-shaped gills slice into the flanks to aid engine cooling and streamline the airflow, while wire-design stalks for the low-slung mirrors embody the AMB 002’s lightweight construction.

Details with a more direct four-wheeled influence are also found in abundance. The iconic side-strake has been reimagined, piercing through the side fairing and extending forwards to encapsulate the headlamp. Twin oval exhausts feature ribbed heat sinks which echo the exhaust finisher design of Vanquish, DB12 S and DBX S. A dramatic array of rear light blades are the same type as those seen on the tails of the Aston Martin Vulcan, Valkyrie and Valhalla hypercars, while keyless function, a backlit ignition button and hand-crafted saddle leather seat pads bring touches of luxury and craftsmanship found in Aston Martin’s series production road cars.

Exceptional design, materials, manufacturing and craftsmanship are what defines all Aston Martin and Brough Superior motorcycles. Achieving such high standards is incompatible with mass production, which is why like its track-only predecessors, the AMB 002 production will be limited to just 300 individually built motorcycles.

At its heart sits an all-new 1083cc four-stroke water-cooled V-Twin developing 130bhp and 110 Nm of torque. Tuned for strong low and mid-range torque with a smooth and thrilling top-end, it gives the AMB 002 a responsive, engaging character with accessible, exhilarating performance. Precisely tailored for maximum enjoyment in a road environment, its mission is to make every ride – and every rider – feel special.

Designed, machined and assembled in-house at Brough Superior’s headquarters in Toulouse, France, the AMB 002’s engine features exquisite CNC-machined from billet engine cases optimized for weight reduction and structural efficiency. This is just one of many areas in which Brough Superior demonstrates a mastery of meticulous aerospace-grade process and materials.

The new V-Twin sits within an extraordinary titanium frame. Milled from a solid billet it forms a structural spine; a striking feature of Brough Superior’s unique backbone architecture. Weighing just 5kg – a fraction of the weight of a conventional design – the AMB 002’s frame is key to achieving a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

With an exceptionally low centre of gravity – achieved with the help of carbon fibre body panels and fuel tank – the AMB 002’s centralized mass creates an immediate sense of balance and agility. Combined with its lightweight build – just 190kg – and abundance of low and mid-range torque, the AMB 002 combines muscle performance with nimble athleticism.

Another unique Brough Superior solution refined and applied to the AMB 002 is the distinctive double-wishbone ‘Fior fork’ front suspension. Avoiding the compromises of conventional telescopic forks, the Fior design separates steering and braking forces while maintaining precise control of the front-end geometry.

An evolution of the system developed for the AMB 001 Pro, the AMB 002 delivers outstanding steering precision and agility while also giving the rider confidence-inspiring stability through high-speed corners. And, thanks to the Fior system’s anti-dive characteristics also give it exceptional stability under braking, especially when braking while leaned over into a corner.

Initial orders are now being taken for the hand-built strictly limited AMB 002, with deliveries commencing in Q3 2027.

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Renault continues to turn to its past to inspire its future, this time, courtesy of a new look R8 Gordini.

Hot on the heels of retro-inspired models reviving the Renault 4 and 5 and 17 electric restomod, the French car makers are getting ready to unveil its latest classic 60s reboot.

The original Renault 8 was a rear-engined, real-wheel-drive family saloon launched in 1962. It came with a modest 956cc engine.

Two years later along came the more powerful R8 Gordini providing Renault with a lively rally car option and 95 bhp!

In 1967, the Gordini was given a facelift including additional headlights and an engine upgrade to a 1255cc unit.

Production of the Renault 8 lasted until 1973 in France and for a further three years in Spain. Over 1.3 million cars were sold including 12,200 of the Gordini version.

Now the stunning new electric Concept 8 has been designed entirely in-house as a rally-style reboot of the Gordini.

The concept model keeps loosely to the original boxy shape, but in coupe form. The front end features a bold set of four round headlights, paired with two large fog lights.

Inside, six circular digital displays sit on a brushed aluminium dashboard along with a range of aluminium buttons on a centre console.

It’s not known whether the Renault 8 Gordini Concept will make full production, but the motoring world will get a chance to see this exciting prototype at the Paris Motor Show, starting 12 October.

One of the big developments in the classic car world has been the growth in recreations, low run and resto mods. Thanks to technology building a one off car falls within the reach of more and more enthusiasts.

I am still unsure about where I stand on these cars. Building a Resto Mod makes sense to me. All the style of times gone by but with modern reliability, safety and performance.

Building a copy of a historic car that is not readily available also makes sense and I would happily own a replica Lancia Stratos but I wouldn’t pay the asking price for a newly built Mini.

The cars that make the most sense are the historic race and rally cars built from the ground up. Building rally car using a new shell allows the builder to build in strength from the get go. With the rising values of historic cars, the newly built versions seems to represent (relatively) good value.

With that in mind today we are looking at a road-legal GT capable of crossing continents with speed, comfort and style. Eagle E-Types from Sussex are recognised as a leaders in the restoration and further development of the Jaguar E-Type.

The Eagle Lightweight GT is the road-going evolution of one of the world’s rarest race cars. The Lightweight E-Type was Jaguar’s racing follow-up to the D-Type, with eighteen to be built, just a dozen were built in period.

Every body-line of the original has been carefully re-sculpted for a more purposeful, hunkered stance and bespoke raked glass, a lowered roofline and exquisite craftsmanship throughout – from precise panel gaps to hidden weather seals and a flush-bonded rear screen. Distinctive details include painted badges beneath the lacquer, a flush-mounted aluminium fuel cap and auxiliary switches integrated into the bulkhead.

The Lightweight GTR’s all-aluminium 4.7-litre straight-six with wide-angle head, titanium con-rods, and triple Weber carburettors develops a power-to-weight ratio in excess of 430 bhp/ton. All transmission casings are magnesium and the exhaust system is constructed from Inconel and titanium.

The independent suspension geometry is revised, hardware including hubs has been remanufactured from titanium and the dampers are adjustable Öhlins fitted with bespoke-rated springs. Brake discs and pads are carbon-ceramic in conjunction with servo-assisted AP Racing calipers.

The titanium con-rods raise the rev ceiling by 500rpm, making it easier to enjoy and exploit the distinctive power band through gear changes.
Inside, the GTR is trimmed in black Alcantara and the lightweight aluminium seats echo period racing designs. Four-point harnesses and an integrated fire suppression system contribute further to the race-car minimalist aesthetic. A floating binnacle houses auxiliary switches hewn from platinum with mother of pearl inlays, along with a magnetic phone dock. Heated glass, air conditioning, and carefully-considered sound and heat insulation ensure long-distance comfort remains uncompromised.

The kerb weight of just 975kg with fluids is more than 30% lighter than a standard E-Type Roadster and this combination of power delivery and extreme lightness delivers thrilling performance and extraordinary agility.

For further information: Eagle E-Types – The Jaguar E-Type Experts

By prestige car correspondent Dave Elland.

News that McLaren are investing £500million in Sheffield and creating 1 000 jobs is a real boost to the Yorkshire automotive industry. Yorkshire is a major supplier of automotive parts to car manufacturers and has a few manufacturers and resto modders of its own. For low volume car companies innovation and heritage are two key components that sell.

With this in mind we take a look at the McL 6GT which connects McLaren’s heritage to the present, using the McLaren M6GT – Bruce McLaren’s original, but unfulfilled supercar dream, as its inspiration.  

Placing a tangible emphasis on authentically reimagined heritage, modern tactility and pure driver connection throughout its finer details, McL 6GT blends its purity of character with lightweight carbon-fibre construction, V8 internal combustion power, and for the first time in a McLaren since the legendary McLaren F1, an authentic manual transmission sending drive to the rear wheels.  

“The McLaren McL 6GT imagines what our inspirational founder had wished to complete but with six additional decades of innovation and passion woven through every element, creating a modern icon of driver connection. It is symbolic of the bold, provocative and hugely exciting future that we are preparing to realise”
Nick Collins, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

McL 6GT celebrates a form of driving connection that is increasingly rare: tactile, analogue, and deeply mechanical.

Every shift, throttle movement and steering input is intended to feel deliberate, physical, and rewarding, connecting the driver to the machine. This mechanical character extends beyond the drivetrain. Hydraulic steering, tactile switchgear, and visible engineering details all contribute to a sense of purity of involvement for the driver.

Knurled machined aluminium controls and meticulous ergonomics reinforce the same human-machine connection, including detailing inspired by the M6GT. The design of the gearstick has been carefully considered for maximum feel and throw, but also incorporates design inspired by McLaren’s heritage, with a three-dimensional Speedy Kiwi set within its upright.

The McL 6GT name is inspired by McLaren’s presence on track, as well as the foundations of McLaren’s automotive journey. McL 6GT creates a direct link between these two realms, honouring the vision that Bruce McLaren had for the team that he founded.

Interpreting the racing-inspired styling and surfacing of 1960s sports prototype racing cars with 21^st century execution and packaging, the DNA of M6GT is found throughout the design of McL-6GT.

It begins with the proportions. McL 6GT sits exceptionally low and wide with a low nose, echoing the stance of the M6A Can-Am racer upon which the M6GT was based. The body surfacing is clean, with uninterrupted volumes flowing from the low nose to the distinctive Kammback tail.

The car reads as a single continuous form, with the roof flowing naturally into the rear deck and engine cover. The cabin appears embedded within the body rather than sitting atop it. These organic qualities, wrapped tightly around the mechanical packaging, mimic the low-drag aerodynamic conventions of the era.

The distinctive ‘Racing Loop’ motif inspired by the M6GT’s original taillights are integrated into the exterior airflow architecture, while Bruce McLaren’s original M6GT number plate is reimagined as a tone-on-tone graphic treatment. His signature adorns the engine bay, and the Speedy Kiwi – the first iconography developed from McLaren’s original logo – is discreetly etched into the fuel filler cap.

Inside, that philosophy continues through carefully considered details. Boxed quilting is reinterpreted for a modern audience, while the new digital instrumentation retains the clarity and emotional appeal of the original. Together, these elements create a cockpit that feels both forward-looking and unmistakably connected to McLaren’s heritage.

Lightweight carbon fibre construction has become a central tenet of McLaren both on the track and the on road. McL 6GT bridges the gap between the eras, by its reimagining of McLaren’s road car origins being underpinned by the latest super-lightweight carbon fibre monocoque technology, combined with carbon fibre bodywork.

The material defines the character of the McL 6GT, delivering both performance benefits through its exceptional power to weight ratio and a clear expression of the car’s philosophy. Exposed gloss carbon fibre in the cabin references the original M6GT and McLaren’s racing heritage, while reinforcing the McL 6GT ethos that every element exists to enhance performance, purity and driver connection.

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Grey cars might still be the top choice for many new car buyers but another colour is proving a big hit.

Green is the fastest growing colour for today’s buyers and has reached a 21-year high in the UK, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

They report a 46% year-on-year increase in new green cars in 2025.

Often seen as an ‘unlucky’ colour among some people I’ve definitely noticed more green shades on our roads and was happy to enjoy a ‘Cedar Green’ metallic Dacia Sandero hire car over the summer. 

It’s also true that as EV sales continue to increase, green has become a popular choice for drivers keen to show their low emissions credentials.

One in every 20 new electric cars sold in 2025 were green – a jump from one in 300 in 2024.

Amongst the biggest green-coloured car sales are the new retro-style Renault 4 and 5 E-Tech models.

It’s also the case that buyers are become more expressive and confident in choosing a colourful alternative to grey or black.

When you next take a drive see how many shades of green you spot. I’m guessing quite a few!

We can’t get you tickets for the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court but we can give you flavour of the event by sharing their catalogue. In it you will find histories of some of the finest classic and prestige cars in the world.

We don’t often cover motorcycle stories but many of us started our motoring obsession with motorcycles (or possibly Mopeds). Some still have a classic bike alongside their classic car.

Padgets motorcycles is a well known motorcycle retailer based in Batley. They are also one of the most respected and successful names in British motorcycle racing, and have been awarded the historic Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club in recognition of more than six decades of outstanding contribution to the sport.

Presented only in exceptional circumstances, the Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the cause or technical excellence of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom.

This rare accolade reflects Padgett’s extraordinary legacy in the sport, spanning more than six decades of success at the highest levels of international racing and road racing. Padgett’s has supported and developed generations of world-class riders, achieving sustained success at the very highest level. Over this period, no other organisation has supported as many British riders across such a wide range of events and championships, from the Isle of Man TT and British Superbikes to Irish road racing and Grand Prix World Championships.

As one of the most successful privateer teams in motorcycle racing, Padgett’s has achieved multiple Isle of Man TT victories with riders including Bruce Anstey, and has secured historic success with both John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson, most notably Hutchinson’s unprecedented clean sweep of all five solo TT races in 2010. The team has also established an enduring and influential presence at major road racing events, including the North West 200

From its early association with Grand Prix legends such as Mike Hailwood and Phil Read, through to its modern-day achievements, Padgett’s Motorcycles holds a unique place at the very heart of British motorcycle racing, making the them truly worthy recipients of this prestigious award.

Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “Over the years, Padgett’s has played a pivotal role in shaping British motorcycle racing, supporting and developing generations of world-class riders while maintaining an unwavering commitment to performance and safety, and establishing standards and relationships that have endured across generations.

“Their enduring competitive success, contribution to the advancement of British motorcycling and role in nurturing talent firmly cement their place at the very heart of the sport. This award recognises both their remarkable heritage and their continued influence at the highest level.”

”Clive Padgett, who continues to lead the family-run team, said: “To receive the Torrens Trophy is an incredible honour for everyone involved with Padgett’s. It’s recognition not just of results, but of decades of hard work, passion and commitment to doing things the right way.

On a personal level, this means a huge amount to me and my family. My father, Peter, dedicated his life to building Padgett’s into what it is today, and it’s something I know he would have been immensely proud of. To receive this in the same year that we lost him makes it especially poignant.”

Multiple Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness MBE added: “Padgett’s is more than just a team, it’s a family. To see them recognised with something as prestigious as the Torrens Trophy is absolutely deserved. They’ve been at the heart of British racing for decades, and I feel privileged to have been part of that story.”

Ian Hutchinson said “Clive and the Padgett’s team have always been very special to me. We had an unbelievable year together in 2010, winning all five solo TT races, but it’s always been about much more than the racing.

“They’ve been there for me through the good times and the tough ones. There’s so much knowledge, passion and hard work behind Padgett’s, but also real loyalty and friendship. They’ve given so much to riders like me and to motorcycle racing. I’m absolutely chuffed to see them win the Torrens Trophy – they really deserve it.”

The Torrens Trophy is awarded only when the Royal Automobile Club considers an achievement or contribution truly worthy of the honour, underlining the significance of Padgett’s Motorcycles joining its distinguished roll of recipients.

By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse

Do you remember the time when Opels were sold alongside Vauxhalls in the UK?

Opel can trace its roots back to making sewing machines in Germany in the 1860s before turning to producing cars in 1899. By 1929, the company had become part of the General Motors group.

Over the last 50-odd years much of its line-up was available under the Vauxhall brand here. But, growing up for me it just seemed that the Opel name had a bit more cachet compared to Vauxhall. Cars like the Manta and Monza came with some style!

As a bit of fun, here is my five favourite classic Opels. You may have your own favs!

Opel GT

Launched in 1968, the original two-seater GT was based on the early Opel Kadett and had a body built by a French company. It was often cited as a European version of the Chevrolet Corvette and came with a base 1.1 litre engine or a 1.9 litre with an automatic transmission option. The manually operated pop-up headlights added to the fun.

Monza

In the 70s the Opel Monza coupe arrived, an altogether more exciting buy than the Vauxhall Royale, it’s Vauxhall-badged equivalent.

It was based on the Senator saloon and came with 3.0S, 2.8S and 2.5E engines A facelift in 1982 brought a 2.0E engine as well as upgrades to the 3-litre engine. In 1983, a GSE version was launched as the Royale was dropped.

Manta B GTE

Following the launch of the Manta A in 1970 and conscious of capitalising on the success of the coupe design, Opel introduced the Manta GTE to compete with the Ford Capri. It continued in production until 1988. A rally version  – the B 400 – was introduced in the early 80s.

Ascona

It might have been a bit of an overlooked model in the UK but the Ascona sold well in Europe with nearly 700,000 saloons and estates produced between 1970 and 1975. Arguably, the pick of the range was the 1.9 litre Ascona SR and the rally-designed Ascona 400.

Kadett

I couldn’t cover my top 5 without mentioning the Kadett B Coupe Rallye. It was Opel’s first works rally car and came with the option of a lively 1.9 litre twin-carb engine.

Picking five cars was tough so a shout out to a clutch of other desirable Opels, such as the Lotus Omega from the early 90s, the 2.5 litre Calibra V6 and the Commodore B GS/E coupe launched in 1972.