There have been many classic cars featured in films throughout the years, including the 1966 Thunderbird Convertible, which saw Thelma and Louise hit the open road in 1991, the 1966 Chevy Corvette Sting Ray in the 1999 film Austin Powers and perhaps the most famous of them all the 1948 Ford De Lux “Greased Lightning” car in the 1977 film Grease. Popular amongst men and women alike the Ford De Lux, really deserves credit for being “one of the most memorable classic cars in the movies”, according to HubPages.com.

Combining an angelic sleek appearance with devilish good looks and innovative design helped the classic Ford to seduce both movie and car fans worldwide. Cars have to have a certain appeal to attract both male and female viewers, with the Telegraph website reporting that “men might dribble on about top speeds and depreciation values, but they really buy motors to boost their level of attractiveness”.

Mel Gibson was lucky enough to find out What Women Want in the 2000 film starring Helen Hunt as his female screen partner, but it needn’t be an accident that enables men to find out what women really want – it just takes a little observation. The Telegraph website has reported that “women are less likely to be seduced by horsepower and high-tech tricks. The attributes that most women want from a car are safety, reliability and value”.

To win the adoration of women, as well as the security and reliability features, cars have to be of a certain vintage, be sexy and have the ability to go fast (even if they don’t utilise it), which means they must be classics. There are many websites dedicated to female motor enthusiasts such as Greasergrrls.com, who have the motto “whether you dig classic cars or just like getting your hands dirty, Greasergrrls.com has got to be your next stop”, that provide an online community to share their views on anything car related. Marilyn Monroe made famous the belief that Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, which is why women certainly know how to appreciate the quiet sophistication and beauty of the classic car.

“It’s got over head lifters and some four barrel quads, a fuel injected cut-off and chrome plated rods. With a four-speed on the floor, they’ll be waiting at the door”, are the words used to describe the Ford De Lux in Grease, and perhaps best describe the primary attributes this classic car possesses.

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Officers of Scotland’s Strathclyde Police Department will be patrolling the streets in style thanks to “an impounded Audi Q7 converted from the gangster-ride to a police patrol car”, according to QuattroHolic.com. Police cars have come a long way since the first motorised vehicles at the end of the 19th century, which could barely outrun a horse and buggy. Today’s police cars have significantly evolved into sophisticated vehicles, outfitted with the latest technology to enforce the law.

According to News.st.tv, “the £40,000 Audi 4×4 was taken during an operation in Glasgow”, which led Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson to say that the “seizure was a warning to gangsters in Glasgow” – so instead of working against the police, this vehicle will now be used by them, and the next time a criminal sets foot in it will be on the way to the station.

The Audi boasts 300hp and 450 lb/ft of torque, and previously belonged to a criminal gang, but now carries full police livery and will be part of the Strathclyde’s Gang Task Force – making it the “first time that the Strathclyde Police will be using an impounded vehicle as part of their fleet”, according to QuattroHolic.com.

In an article reported on News.st.tv, Assistant Chief Constable John Neilson said “we want to send out two messages – the first is to the people that live in Glasgow to say we are seizing vehicles on a daily basis, and this is a really visible example of what we are going to do, and we want to send the message to serious organised criminals that we are seizing your assets now, and we will continue to do so if you have cars like this that are not legitimate”.

As a result of the Police seizing such a valuable item, “these criminals are fast realising they are not above the law. They may think they are getting away with it”, according to News.bbc.co.uk, but the Police are determined to make a long-term impact in this area.

News.Drive.com report that Audi’s “juiced-up luxury off-roader, packed full of monstrous pulling power, is out to make a statement” – a police statement perhaps? Power and speed are essential when chasing after criminals who don’t abide by the laws of the road, which is why the Audi Q7 was a blessing for Strathclyde Police when it landed in their hands.

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Have you ever imagined having the opportunity to create the perfect 4×4? Jeep has come up with an innovative idea and is “offering off-road enthusiasts the opportunity to build their own bespoke Wrangler”, according to The Auto Channel. Jeep are launching their Special Order Programme, designed to give customers greater individuality for their 4×4s.

Jeep’s UK customers will be part of a programme aimed at offering a high level of customisation, enabling them to prove their off-road enthusiasm by configuring their very own Wrangler vehicle. The Wrangler comes in either two-door or four-door options, both offering an “extended range of colour, trim and powertrain combinations”, reports AutoEvolution.com.

For those drivers who like to go “beyond extreme capabilities”, Jeep Wranglers offer “a combination of outstanding safety and convenience features, interior space, versatility and comfort, on-road refinement, and open-air fun as the only true 4×4 convertible”, according to TheAutoChannel.com.

Federico Goretti, Managing Director of Chrysler UK Ltd, said “being able to offer a range of factory-fitted options that make Wrangler even more capable will hopefully delight enthusiasts in the UK”. Recently the Jeep Wrangler won the coveted title of Extreme 4×4 of the Year 2010 in 4×4 Magazine’s annual awards ceremony, thanks to its “legendary off-road ability and its economical diesel engine”.

Jeep have reported that the two-door Wrangler remains true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun and freedom machine and is the only 4×4 with multiple open-air options. If you choose the 2.8 litre diesel engine with a 4 cylinder unit you should expect to cover 0-100 km/h in 10.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 100mph. Alternatively you could opt for the 3.8 litre V6 petrol engine, which emits 275 grams of CO2 per kilometre and has a fuel consumption of 23.7 UK mpg.

According to 4×4news.co.uk, “all Jeep Wrangler models are covered by the comprehensive Jeep warranty scheme”, which includes a mechanical warranty, anti-corrosion warranty and a one-year European roadside assistance package. You no longer have to just imagine creating the perfect 4×4; this is now a reality thanks to Jeep.

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Although we would all like to be able to afford the $24 million Mercedes W 196 model car of 1954, which was “used for racing by some of the world’s best car drivers” and holds the title of “world’s most expensive classic car in the world” according to VintageDriving.com, but we may have to settle for something a little less expensive – unless of course you hold the title for the world’s richest person.

All classic cars have their own history and have a variety of stories to tell, and in the case of the 1954, Mercedes, the story is focused around it being “the holy grail of racing cars”, reports Ask.Men.com – which is no surprise really with the sport of racing having a typically male focus.

In the end, you can weigh the distinctiveness of the parts, history and lore, but the value still resides in the eye of the beholder. A blend of sentiment and passion for classic automobiles is how most people decide on that perfect vintage motor, and with some of the price tags out there you can see why a lot of people take their time over the decision to buy a piece of historic memorabilia.

It’s a fact that everybody likes a bargain, and nobody likes a high price tag, which is why if you dig around you can find many classic models for under £5,000. A vintage Triumph GT6 is one of the cars highlighted as a bargain buy on the Telegraph.co.uk, and boasts “a lovely sleek fastback body, with a six-cylinder engine – providing an obvious power bulge”, according to UniqueCarsandParts.com.

“Rather like Doctor Who’s tardis, the Morris Minor travels through time pretty well”, according to the Independent website, and also comes in under the £5,000 price range. With affordable and plentiful parts, the Morris Minor is an obvious ubiquitous choice for many enthusiasts who “thrive on the battle” to keep their classic cars alive, according to the Independent website.

With a 5.3 litre V12 engine, Classic Cars For Sale website reports that the Jaguar XJS had enough power in its day to be able to “hold its own against such out-and-out sports cars as Lamborghinis and Ferraris”. This may no longer be the case, but classic car enthusiasts don’t invest in a vintage motor to race it round winding roads; instead they treat it as their pride and joy, and in most cases will only venture out in them on a sunny summers day.

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We should live in a society where we always feel safe, but in reality this isn’t always the case. Being armed with commonsense and experience is therefore not a bad thing when embarking on a camping trip alone. As a general belief, “campers are a friendly welcoming bunch of people who are out to become one with nature”, according to SearchWarp.com, but being aware of possible dangers could come in handy.

More and more women are packing their bags and heading on a solitary journey in their caravan or motorhome throughout the UK, following a trend that already exists in America. The single travel trend is very apparent at camping grounds across America, with one camp site owner reporting that “14% of our park model customers who have seasonal sites are women camping by themselves”. The same site owner revealed that “many of the younger singles live nearby and drive up for the weekend”, which in my eyes is a much safer approach to holidaying alone, as opposed to exploring far away unknown territory without the safety of a companion.

Woodalls.com has reported that the leading attractions in campgrounds for women camping alone are “comfort, affordability and security”. Before departing on a camping trip it may be beneficial to search camping/caravan or motorhome forums, such as PracticalCaravan.com, to see where other single women go so you know where other women feel safe.

Female campers have highlighted some issues that arise when travelling alone such as, towing and pitching as well as the persistent safety worry. Discussions into this topic have revealed that women feel having a site review specifically designed for women would be a great help, with one female caravanner saying “many more women may take this type of holiday if manufacturers and dealers targeted them as customers instead of focusing exclusively on couples and families”, reports PracticalCaravan.com.

Recent research has revealed that the majority of women opt for motorhomes instead of caravans because the towing and manoeuvring can be difficult if you’re not fully aware of the measures to take. If women knew more about owning a caravan maybe more would buy them, which means a cheaper investment for a single person. Could the caravan industry be missing out on a potentially large market?

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“A dynamic all-wheel drive with the power and torque to take on anything in its class” is how GreatCars.co.uk have described Infiniti’s first diesel compact crossover. In their quest to conquer the European market, Infiniti have released images and details of the new EX30d compact crossover, which is powered by their new 3.0 litre diesel engine. Although the crossover has rivals such as the BMW X1, Mercedes GLK and the Audi Q5, Infiniti are counting on its “coupe-like design to sell”, according to MotorWard.com.

If you want to catch a glimpse of this new coupe it can be seen in its true glory at the Geneva Motor Show, which ends on the 14th of this month. Infiniti has confirmed that it is using the “Geneva Show to stage global debuts of its new EX30d variant, which could become the first Infiniti model to be sold in Australia since the unloved Q45 limousine in the mid-1990s”.

Features you can expect to find from Europe’s newest luxury automotive brand are “hushed high performance in league with lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption”, reports GreatCars.co.uk. These features are thanks to a bespoke V6 diesel engine that fulfils every requirement of Infiniti’s Inspired Performance creed.

The new 3.0 litre V6 engine in this car, coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission, enables the car to go from zero to 60mph in 7.9 seconds. Not only is this an “acceptable performance”, according to MotorWard.com, but because it’s a diesel engine it will be economic too.
With its “dashing coupe looks, dynamic handling and luxury equipment”, reports DieselStation.com, the compact crossover created by Nissan not only meets the criteria for a good 4×4, but exceeds expectations thanks to its outstanding light-weight refinement.

Getting a compliment from Top Gear car critics is something to brag about, especially when a review on TopGear.com reports that “we have muchly enjoyed driving all of Infiniti’s range since the launch of Nissan’s luxury brand in the UK late last year. However, we have had one consistent gripe: the complete and total lack of a diesel engine in the line up” – the Infiniti brand truly have reason to celebrate, dare I say it, the creation of an almost perfect 4×4.

You won’t have to wait too long to try the latest edition to the Infiniti range, which boasts an effortless and muscular design, as the EX30d is due to go on sale in the UK this summer.

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“Caravan and motorhome people tend to be good practical DIY’ers”, according to Solaratlas.com, so the task of fitting a solar panel should be an easy one. The idea of a solar powered motorhome is to cut out the middle man (the plug in power at camp sites), in order to become more economically friendly. The solar cells are designed to produce an electrical current when exposed to light, which can be used to keep your battery topped up while you’re on the open road.

The UK may be infamous for its tea making abilities but the weather definitely isn’t anything to brag about, which means a major drawback of this novel idea is that there may not be enough light to power some of the hefty motorhomes that have been entering the motorhome market recently. Short trips however will benefit more from solar panel power, and even when you make a pit stop, the panel will continue to charge itself so it’s ready for the next leg of your journey – and the good news is you can fit them yourself.

MotorCaravanning.co.uk have reported that “ a good battery bank is pretty much essential because we use power in bursts, more in bad weather and less in good weather. As a result you will need at least two leisure batteries to make the best of solar power by storing all that good weather energy for use when the weather deteriorates”.

If you’re an adventurous explorer you may want to discover some unknown territory in your motorhome instead of the general camp sites, which is why the best thing about having a solar panel charging your motorhome is that you have the freedom to go almost anywhere that takes your fancy, safe in the knowledge that you have a stable source of power for your mobile home.

Solar power systems will give you the power you need to go anywhere you desire, with an enduring design, which is built to withstand summer heat as well as the typical Great British cold weather conditions. Making the impossible seem achievable is a tricky task, and while money might not grow on trees, power produced by the sun is not only possible, but readily available.

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Paying out for that vintage car of your dreams may leave your pockets feeling light, but in the long run you may find you have more spare cash than you thought. Modern cars depreciate in value every year, however antique or classic cars not only hold their value but also increase in value over time.

“Lots of people like new cars,” says Tim Schofield, motoring expert at auctioneers and valuers, Bonhams, “but as soon as you drive these out of the showroom, they depreciate like a stone”. The Telegraph online reports that ploughing money into a piece of “automotive art”, also known as a classic car, could be the ideal investment.

Finding that perfect vintage vehicle can take time, with each model looking, feeling, smelling and moving differently – with its very own personal nostalgic value. According to the Telegraph.co.uk, “a classic car should be a worthwhile investment thanks to the unparalleled joy and satisfaction it’s capable of delivering”.

The Telegraph online reports that some wise investments could be a 1996-99 Boxter, which can be picked up for around £6,000 or the 1989-94 911s valued at around £8,000. If you have the cash to splash, another investment could be a mint condition Aston Martin DB4 GT from 1962-63, which is worth a staggering $1 million (around £680,000). However a “dog rough 1969-73 DBS V8 is available today for £5,000-£10,000, while an untidy 1994-99 DB7 is a shade under £15,000”.The joy of owning a classic car that may not be in the best condition is that you can restore it to its original beauty or keep it preserved in its current, somewhat aged state.

Fine craftsmanship, seldom seen and utterly beautiful – it’s not difficult to see the appeal in classic cars. If you have more money and sense, then you could choose a classic car that is worth its own weight in gold, such as the Aston Martin DB5 (the car driven by James Bond in the Sean Connery era), or the Ferrari Dino and Lamborghini Miura.

According to AssociatedContent.com, the classic car trend seems to suggest that “classics may be one of those things that won’t get crushed under the weight of the economy”, having made it through many an economic breakdown and still coming out on top.

When taking on the venture of restoring one of the legendary metal masterpieces of the past yourself, you should make sure you don’t get caught with your pants down so to speak – the more you know, the more you can do to restore the vehicle to its original beauty.

Tim Schofield, of Bonhams believes that “generally speaking, if a car caused a sensation when it was first launched, then it’s always going to be collectable in years to come”.

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Thinking about the future usually consists of where we see ourselves in terms of employment, finance and relationships, but we often forget to include our current pride and joy our car, that may become a classic car of the future.

“Many automotive experts and enthusiasts consider the vintage car era to be one of the greatest eras in automotive history, as many new innovations were made and many people could afford them”, reports InLoughborough.com. As well as cars that we want to take into the future and preserve, according to Forbes.com, there are a number of “British cars we wish were still made”. These include the 1952-55 Bentley Continental, which “embodied what sadly is completely lost in the touring-car kingdom today: elegance”. Like most things there is still a silver lining as the sleek, fastback shape and imposing grille are still with us in modern Bentleys.

In recent times, Justin Timberlake has referred to “bringing sexy back”, so why not bring back the 1961-65 Jaguar E-Type which has been described as “one of the sexiest cars ever put on earth”, according to Forbes.com. This stylish looking automobile from more than 50 years ago and consisting of a 150mph rocket, has also been portrayed as “being one of the most iconic cars ever made”, reports Supercars.net. This car was such a success, it made competitors such as Ferrari scramble to keep up with the E-Type, though “none matched the presence and style of the Jaguar”, according to Supercars.net.

The name Aston Martin illustrates tradition and timeless beauty, which can be seen through the 1963-65 DB5 classic model. The unique shape of the Aston has remained pure over the years, with the Vanquish being a more current example of the combination of the classic appearance with a 21st century supercar appeal, that feels more “taut and sharp”, according to the TimesOnline.co.uk. Even with the additional features, the Aston Martin will always be remembered as the classic car that James Bond, played by Sean Connery, drove in the 1964 film Goldfinger.

The 1948 Land Rover is one of these on the list of British cars that should still be made. Forbes.com reports that “Land Rover still makes the Discovery, by keeping its sophistication, but adding a much higher cost”. The 1948 version has been described as an “off-road rugged machine”, but isn’t that the point of a 4×4 vehicle? The original Land Rover was simply built so it would “go anywhere, not that it would be comfy or cute”.

Sometimes when we change things we extract the original essence of something, however change can be also be seen as a good thing as it brings innovative new ideas and improvements. Modern characteristics certainly come in handy when you need them most, however who can deny the appeal of a car from the past?

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It doesn’t matter if you enjoy historic motoring from the driver’s seat or the comfort of an armchair, race Retro has something for every enthusiast with a classic vehicle. RaceRetro.com have reported that “over 24,000 visitors agree that Race Retro is Europe’s premier historic racing show, covering classic cars and bikes from eight decades of rallying and motorsport history”.

“The first dragster ever built in the UK is undergoing restoration”, according to PistonHeads.com and is reported that the drag car, which is being held in the collection of the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, is apparently in “good cosmetic condition”, and is being restored to running order thanks to the efforts of the “Allard Chrysler Action Group”.

The Allard Chrysler, which was retired from drag racing in 1964, has fortunately been kept under cover ever since as an exhibition piece, until Brian Taylor became aware of the drag car and obtained permission for him and the rest of the Allard Chrysler Action Group to restore it.

This spectacular historic classic car has been seen by many who have attended the Silverstone Classic or Goodwood Revival events; however another chance to catch up with it is at the Race Retro event at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry this coming weekend.

The ACAG (Allard Chrysler Action Group) is still looking for funds to help with the restoration of such a legendary car, so if you want to help out you can support the worthy cause and even donate parts.

RaceRetro.com has reported that the event will help celebrate “Alfa-Romeo’s centenary, the 30th anniversary of Audi Quattro and 60 years since Norton’s Featherbed frame made its debut”. The event will apparently have “the stars and the cars”, with famous motoring legends such as Bruno Giacomelli and Barry ‘Whizzo’ Williams, as well as a unique opportunity to watch some of these legends drive the cars they are synonymous with.

Also to prove how dedicated the event is to classic cars, you get preferential parking if you bring your vintage pride and joy along with you and you can tuck it away into an allocated parking area.

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