2021. Lockton remains committed to positivity. We're all aware that the pandemic is still here like an unwanted guest who's outstayed their welcome but let's all hope that increasing vaccinations will enable us all to head out to our favourite stretch of road or motoring venue very soon.
We stay in the UK for our next automotive icon article. This time it's the turn of Aston Martin's DB5 and we make no apology for the numerous references to its connection to MI5's finest – there can't be many more cars with such a close association. Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy, but whatever you do, do not press the red button on the top of the gear lever... and we never joke about our work either.
We think it's a great follow-up to last month's icon article which you can read here and the superb Q&A with Adrian Newey here but we'd love to hear from you – what's your iconic car and why?
Motorsport calendars are already being shuffled to permit racing to resume, with Formula One returning in March, albeit in Bahrain rather than the usual venue of Melbourne's Albert Park. BTCC resumes at Brands Hatch in April, although at this stage it isn't clear to what extent spectators will be permitted to watch live racing once again.
Historic race organisers have released provisional calendars for this year with the UK's largest event, the Silverstone Classic, taking place at the end of July. If you haven't visited this amazing celebration of motor racing across the ages, combined with a literal A to Z of car clubs, then we'd highly recommend a visit – even if the great British summer can be relied on to provide all 4 seasons across as many days!
Formula One has also announced a new biofuel to be used by all teams, helping to achieve the sport's goal of carbon neutrality this year and towards the goal of carbon net zero by 2030. Testing has begun with a view to the fuel being used from the 2022 season onwards. It seems that internal combustion is, for now at least, will remain the power of choice for the sport – surely welcome news for fans.
Our first story this month has a motorsport link too. “Breaking the internet” is perhaps an overused phrase but when news broke of a new car from Singer, social media went into freefall almost immediately with every major motoring channel, journalist and social media personality sharing and re-sharing details.
Singer have rapidly established themselves as one of the foremost creators of bespoke vehicles and their reimagined cars, based around Porsche's earlier 911 shape, have proved extremely popular with the only limit being the imagination and budget of those fortunate enough to be able to commission a car.
The Singer ACS (or All-Terrain Competition Study – we rather like the full name) is a radical departure and whilst clearly still a 911 from its basic architecture, little else is what might be deemed as a restomod. The car was designed from a brief from an existing customer and developed in conjunction with renowned Oxfordshire based specialists Tuthill Porsche – a logical choice as their success in Safari rallying with the 911 is unrivalled anywhere in the world.
The car features a turbocharged 3.6 litre engine based on the 964 unit, bespoke 4 wheel drive transmission and dual dampers to cope with serious off-road adventures. Promotional videos show the car being driven enthusiastically (not to mention skilfully) by the boss at Tuthill Porsche.
Two cars have been shown, one sporting a motorsport-themed livery and reported to be set for a life in off-road racing and the other, looking no less impressive in solid red paint, will be used for tarmac rallies.
It seems that January is the month for new/old rally cars as news has also emerged of a brand new Mark 2 Ford Escort – no, really. Wales-based MST Cars have announced the production of the car which will be based on the Group 4 rally specification of the later 1970's.
Cars are being issued with VIN numbers by the DVLA and will be offered with a 200bhp Duratec engine with options to go to 300bhp. Type Approval rules will also mean that the cars will be fully road legal so you'll have the chance to own and drive one of the most iconic rally cars ever. Prices start at just over £80,000.
Next we look at Renault and news of their prototype electric city car. The study resembles the classic model which was produced between 1972 and 1996 and sold just under 5.6 million units. Notable are the front and rear lights which appear very similar to the last version of the car. Whether it will enter production in this form is yet to be confirmed but Renault, in common with other manufacturers, is set to launch a raft of electric models over the next 5 years. This includes an electric version of their excellent Alpine sports car.
We also say goodbye this month to Gerald Weigert. A name perhaps not so familiar but arguably the inventor of America's take on the hypercar. His mid-engined Vector was a futuristic looking car capable of well over 200mph, featured extensive use of composite materials combined with manufacturing methods borrowed from the aircraft industry and, inside, leather everywhere and oh-so 1980's LED instruments. It relied on a twin turbocharged V8 which produced numbers respectable by today's standards and is also a rare beast, with only around 20 produced.
You can read an original road test of the car here
We end our motoring news with some news that we're watching carefully.
In recent weeks, a shortage of semiconductor chip caused by the ongoing pandemic has spread throughout manufacturers and has now hit Europe. The shortage has arisen due to the chips, which form a crucial part of most modern vehicle systems, from touchscreen tech to safety aids and the extensive electrical systems every single car now possesses being in greater demand for other technology items such as phones, tablets and games systems.
The slowdown in production has created a bottleneck which in turn has led Audi, amongst others, to furlough thousands of staff and slow down vehicle production.
We are pleased to report, however, that our insurer partners are reporting that this is not at present causing any delays to repairing vehicles following a claim. Some slight delays have been experienced in obtaining parts but overall the news is positive.
Our last story focuses on a breed of cars which for many represent the most accessible way to enjoy a vehicle's performance – the hot hatchback.
News from France is that new car tax bands will significantly increase the cost of running ICE powered cars. Peugeot has already announced that future performance-orientated models will be electric or hybrid powered; Renault has yet to confirm its plans but it does seem rather sad that the country that arguably refined the original concept with cars such as the 205 GTi and countless Renaultsport offerings will see fewer in future. We hope that this means that their EV replacements won't forget the fun factor!
New cars for January – quite a quiet start to the New Year
- Jaguar XF – mild refresh, simpler engine line-up including a new diesel hybrid
- Morgan P101 – less a new model but a final run-off of 33 cars to mark the end of production of this quirky and very, very British 3 wheeler
- Radical SR10 – 425bhp, 725kgs, better power to weight ration than a McLaren Senna. Enough said.
- Skoda Octavia vRS – the fourth generation of this hugely popular performance biased model. Petrol, diesel and, for the first time, plug-in hybrid versions
- Volkswagen Golf R – VW's eighth Golf since 1976 and its range topping model appears with 316bhp and drift mode for the first time.
Auction news from Glenmarch
2021 starts at a busy pace in the world of classic car auctions, with more houses embracing an online model while the pandemic-driven restrictions show little sign of being reduced.
Glenmarch's report can be found here and, in case you missed it, their 2020 roundup can be found here.
Meeting Mr H
We're pleased to bring you a great Q&A with Lockton's David Hamer, our club specialist. David is central to the bond Lockton enjoys with numerous owners' clubs and here he explains what makes us different, what 2020 has been like for clubs and what the future might look like.
He also tells us a bit about his career in the insurance world and we're sure he won't mind us saying it's a long and varied one! Click here to read the full Q&A.
Lockton doesn't plan to rest on its laurels, with other car club partnerships in the pipeline and if you are a club official or director and you are interested in finding out how Lockton can work with you and your members, then please talk to us!
So, 2021 is here, it does feel a little like Groundhog Day still and the only saving grace for motoring enthusiasts is that the weather does at least make just driving for the sake of it slightly less appealing.
We know, we aren't kidding anyone – we can't wait either!