Most expensive number plates

Anyone who loves their motor, dreams of a customised number plate – but how much would you be willing to spend on one? Here are the most expensive number plates EVER! 

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Ref: http://blog.gumtree.com/

McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari call for unfreezing F1 engines

Formula One is a hugely expensive sport. Not only do you have enormous salaries and logistical expenses, as you would in any other sport, but each team also spends huge sums developing their own chassis from the ground up – and so too do the participating automakers in developing the engines. One of the ways the series organizers mitigate those costs is by freezing development. So once the new crop of V6 turbo hybrid powertrains were developed, that was it. But now three of the of the sport's leading teams are calling on the FIA to unfreeze engine development. Their reason? Unfair advantage.

There's little question that Mercedes did the best job of developing its "power unit" to meet the new regulations that took effect at the beginning of this past season. That's how the Mercedes team won all but three of the grands prix this season and finished with at least one car on the podium at every single race. It's also a big part of how the teams that bought their engines from Mercedes this season managed to consistently outperform the other non-works-supported teams.

That clear advantage is why Red Bull, Ferrari and now McLaren are calling for engine development to be unfrozen. Their argument is that, under the current locked-down status quo, their engine suppliers (Renault, Ferrari and Honda, respectively) cannot possibly catch up. So unless the FIA and Formula One Management want the next few seasons to be the kind of absolute blow-outs that this past season was, these leading teams argue, the powers that be are going to have to make some changes.

For its part, Mercedes naturally counters that unfreezing engine development would send costs spiraling out of control. But then of course it stands to lose the most by re-opening engine development. If those three teams, however, closely intertwined as they are with the three other engine suppliers participating in next year's championship, manage to solicit enough support from the other customer teams and bring the matter to a vote, Mercedes may very well find itself out-numbered.

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Ref: autoblog.com

What I want for Christmas - 2015!

Everyone knows what to get a car enthusiast for Christmas – some generic tat with a car brand’s logo on it.

However, car enthusiasts themselves are a bit more interested in actual cars and motoring than Subaru aftershave or a pair of Dacia sunglasses – so if we were writing a list for Santa, what would we ask for ourselves as a reward for being on the nice list all year?

The Mercedes-Benz Zetros above does have a 7.2-litre, 320hp diesel engine, but given the slim chances of a white Christmas in the UK we’d rather have any one of the things below…

McLaren P1

It’s a bit of a gimme, but we’d all be straight out there for the fastest car we could get our hands on. Even those of us with more classic tastes would struggle not to give in to the allure of a modern hypercar.

Of course it’s the McLaren for us, because it’s made in Woking, but whichever horse you’re backing in the hybrid megacar race – Porsche’s 918, the Ferrari LaFerrari or even the Lamborghini Asterion – it’s an object of pure desire and only for the wealthiest of the wealthy to buy. Still, Father Christmas doesn’t need to deliver just the one…

Concealed garage

Once you’ve got your million dollar car(s), you can’t very well leave it out on the driveway, vulnerable to the elements, defecating pigeons and prying eyes, and sticking it in the same garage as your hatchback seems a little rude.

What you need is a hidden garage, buried beneath your drive. Rising from the depths with a four-post hydraulic lift, a concealed car storage space like this adds an air of Thunderbirds-style majesty to the experience of supercar ownership. With the added bonus that your kids won’t scrape it getting their bikes out.

Little Tikes V12

Speaking of kids, there’s nothing that a car enthusiast loves more than getting their offspring into the world of motoring – explaining the proliferation of the famous Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. But a foot-powered toy won’t quite cut it, so how about a V12 one?

If money’s no object you could buy in Pierre Scerri, the famous French engineer who, in his spare time over 15 years, built a fully functional 1:3 scale model of a Ferrari 312PB – with a working flat-12 engine he tuned to sound just like the real thing (see above for a slightly ancient video of it running). Nail together his miniaturisation expertise and a push car for toddlers and you’ve got a petrolhead’s dream for the next generation. And probably a few public liability insurance issues.

An airfield

70mph speed limits are such a drag now you’ve got a 220mph hypercar, so what you really need is a big, long airfield for a track day or drag racing runs. Perfect first choice would be the bizarrely long and wide strip that forms the climax of Fast and Furious 6 – calculated by some outlets to be an impressive 18 miles long – but the Morón Airbase in Spain would be a good substitute, with a 2.25 mile run wide enough to be one of the few designated Transoceanic Abort Landing sites for the space shuttle. Now you know.

If you don’t fancy flying your car out to Spain, there are suitable alternatives in the UK, with RAF Fairford and the extremely wide RAF Woodbridge both providing nearly two miles of uninterrupted tarmac. If straight lines aren’t your thing, there are other abandoned airfield sites around the country – Silverstone and a few other race circuits started out as airfields after all.

TAG Heuer Monaco

This is one of the rare non-car trinkets that nearly all motorsport fans would gladly receive and wear with pride. A subculture icon, the original TAG Heuer Monaco watch was made famous and instantly desirable by Steve McQueen, who wore one during the filming of Le Mans in 1971.

Often imitated and indeed re-released in updated forms by TAG Heuer itself over the past 45 years, an original Monaco 1133 is worth far more than its weight in gold – McQueen’s own sold for $650,000 ($800k after fees) at auction in 2012. You can’t take your hypercar everwhere, so this is an absolute must-have gift.

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Ref: carwow

290mph Bugatti Veyron!!

The new 1,600bhp Bugatti Veyron will be the world's fastest supercar when it arrives next year

If the standard Veyron isn’t fast enough for you, Bugatti is developing an all-new ‘super’ Veyron – according to reports – and these exclusive images show how it could look.

The car will be capable of hitting nearly 290mph and covering 0-62mph in a mind-bending 1.8 seconds. That’s 30mph and seven-tenths up on the current 1,183bhp Veyron Super Sport.

To achieve this incredible performance, Bugatti will hike power to around 1,600bhp and cut 250kg from the kerbweight.

“We are working on the next super-sports car,” chief vehicle engineer Jens Schulenburg told us. “The big challenge will be reducing weight – we are looking at some incredible technologies, such as wheels made entirely from carbon fibre. We’re considering hybrids, too.”

The same quad-turbo W16 engine will be used, but capacity could be increased from 8.0 to 9.6 litres in order to liberate more power. The addition of an electric motor could help hit the 1,600bhp target, too. Our images show the car will get a lower, more slippery body to boost aerodynamics, while keeping the Veyron’s distinctive grille and proportions.

It seems we won’t have a long wait before the world’s fastest car is unveiled, either – it’s set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bugatti/veyron/61222/290mph-bugatti-veyron#ixzz3MwGRTL7K

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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Lee & Mike at CCC. We thank you all for your support and being involved in our new company and wish you a very happy festive season.

The Clay Cloth Challenge

If you've not seen it before, check out a video we did back in August demonstrating our Clay Cloth on my Father-in-laws somewhat, abandoned 35yr old kit car! (make sure you select HD for best quality) 
Click here to view: http://www.theclayclothcompany.co.uk/page_3150436.html

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End of the UK paper driving licence: all you need to know!

The UK paper counterpart driving licence is to be abolished from 8 June 2015. Here's what you need to know about the driving licence changes

From June 8 2015, the UK paper counterpart driving licence will be scrapped and no longer issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The green section of paper required mainly for hiring cars will no longer be valid and when you renew or change your address on your licence, the DVLA will only send a new photocard.

It's part of a major "red tape" removal policy by Government motoring agencies with many facets moving online, saving an estimated £8 million. MyLicence - a joint venture between the DVLA and the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) - has been launched where drivers can check their details online.

• Death of the tax disc: everything you need to know

Insurance companies will also be able to check drivers' licences using MyLicence in a move that's designed to cut down on fraud. It's hoped the move will stop drivers making false statements when taking out insurance, particularly regarding motoring convictions which could invalidate a policy. Insurers would require the licence number and permission from the holder before they could get the data, though.

So, how will the scrapping of the paper driving licence affect you? We've compiled this handy guide to answer some frequently asked questions. 

Can I get rid of my paper driving licence?

When DVLA stops issuing the counterpart, you should destroy yours but you still need to keep your current photocard driving licence. If you've only got a paper driving licence (that's licences issued before 1998) you need to keep hold of it. These will remain vaild and shouldn't be destroyed.

From 8 June 2015, penalty points will no longer be recorded on paper licences and the information will be held on the DVLA's digital driver record. You'll be able to check this online, by phone or by post.

• UK VED car tax bands explained

How will I change my Driving licence address?

You’ll still be able to use the counterpart driving licence to change your address with the DVLA. Although, you can also change your address online. If you've only got a paper driving licence, the next time you make any alterations to your address or renew it, you'll only be issued with a photocard.

How will police and the courts record endorsements?

The police can access this information electronically at the roadside via the Police National Computer so the paper licence doesn't add anything extra. All endorsement notifications will be recorded electronically after any court proceedings and are detailed on the driver record held by DVLA.

What about hiring a car?

The DVLA is developing a new digital enquiry service that will allow organisations and businesses - such as employers and car hire companies - to view information they can currently see on the driving licence counterpart.

These new services are designed for those who have a business need for real-time access to the information, and may not wish to call the DVLA or be in a position to use an intermediary.

Driving licence information via these services will only be made available to those who have a right to see it, and with the knowledge of the driving licence holder.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/89859/end-of-the-uk-paper-driving-licence-all-you-need-to-know#ixzz3Mewf8aGN

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2014′s Best Christmas gifts for car owners

If you, or someone you know, are even remotely interested in cars, then prepare to be bombarded with gifts themed around the hobby. From MG wall clocks to novelty cufflinks, from the naff to the nuts, we’ve scoured the market to find the best (or most interesting) products.

Some are sensible, some are not, some are halfway inbetween. For all, prices are listed and links provided to the websites where you can get the items.

For the future Lewis Hamiltons…

Haynes V8 model combustion engine – £29.89 (Amazon)

This functioning V8 model comes as a kit of more than 250 parts. The movements of the pieces, along with lights and sounds, help show budding engineers how the engine works. It even has a Haynes-style manual to show you how to build it.

Comet fire fighter pedal car – £209.00 (funplaytime)

Based on the original Murray Comet pedal cars from the 1950s, this retro fire engine is constructed out of durable metal with puncture-proof tyres. Pedals are adjustable for children aged between two and six.

And no, drunk dad, you definitely won’t fit in it and will break it.

For the curmudgeonly commuter…

thumbsUp! whistle key finder – £2.38 (Amazon)

A simple idea that could prove invaluable. After all, there are few things worse than loosing your keys, so with this neat keychain device you simply whistle, and it beeps and flashes until you’ve located it. It also houses an LED light to illuminate your way to the front door.

Deer deterrent – £7.99 (presentsformen)

For those who live further afield, commutes not only have to dodge the usual crop of other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, but also deer and other large mammals that jump out in front of cars. This simple device creates an inaudible tone that warns the deer of your car.

We’re not sure how well it works, but if it helps you avoid an awkward altercation with Bambi then do let us know!

Electric ice scraper – £9.99 (rnlishop)

Does what it says on the recyclable packaging. A built-in heating element melts the ice on your windscreen making scraping that much easier. The handle extends to help you reach trickier areas and it’s powered by the standard 12V cigarette lighter socket in your car.

For the enthused enthusiast…

Pininfarina anniversary silk tie – £35 (gearboxgifts)

This limited-edition tie is made from fine silk and is available in the Pininfarina colours of Grey or Dark Blue. Only 80 will be made to reflect the 80 years the company has been styling some of the world’s most beautiful cars.

Personalised race number cufflinks – £40 (meandmycar)

These cufflinks come in a variety of finishes to reflect the most famous racing liveries worn by race cars. The Martini stripe, Gulf blue and orange or Lotus green and yellow are but some of the choices on offer and can be combined with numbers or letters of your choice.

GoPro Hero – £94 (amazon)

If you’ve ever watched a car video (on Youtube or even TV), then chances are you’ve seen some GoPro footage. These little cameras are so anecdotally tough that they’ll reputedly survive a 150mph collision. It shoots in high definition and, with this accessories kit, it’ll capture great footage wherever you are.

Classic leather tool bag – £260 (meandmycar)

Hark back to the good ol’ days when fixing broken cars was part and parcel of driving with this stylish retro tool bag. Crafted from top-quality leather, this sturdy bag has space for your tools, spares and manuals – a must-have for any classic car nut. Tools not included.

For those who need to get rid of their money as fast as possible…

BaByliss Pro Volare V1 Ferrari hairdryer – £152.78 (fruugo)

A ‘V12′ engine, rosso corsa red paint and italian engineering. Nope, these aren’t the details of Ferrari’s latest road car, but BaByliss’ latest hairdryer. Using a Ferrari-developed ‘V12′ electric motor, it promises professional quality drying with increased longevity.

Really.

1928 Cadillac headlight lamp – £540 (occa-home)

Starting with a recreation in aluminium and brass of a 1920s Cadillac headlight, Authentic Models then mounts the light on a black art-deco tripod featuring a compass. This lamp certainly will be a bold feature in any room.

Espresso Veloce – c.£10,000 (espressoveloce)

Definitely one for the ‘if you have to ask – you can’t afford it’ category – Espresso Veloce-built coffee machines look like racing engines – in any configuration you desire (V8, V10, V12). Compatible with Nespresso cartridges, it pours the coffee out of an exhaust port. Built in very limited numbers to order.

www.theclayclothcompany.co.ukRef: carwow.co.uk

How they do it in Monte Carlo!