Blogs

Cruise on the Parade Classic Cars in Napier, NZ June 2025

3/6/2025

Cruise on the Parade Classic Cars in Napier June 2025 - it was a cool windy day but a decent turnout featuring a wide variety of classic and muscle cars with something for everyone.

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Restoring a 1965 MGB Roadster

29/5/2025

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Anthony shares the story of restoring his 1965 MGB Roadster "Egbert' from a near-wreck to the fabulous car we see today including complete bodyshell replacement in 1995. Anthony has owned Egbert since 1979 and ongoing ownership of four decades continues - Egbert is not only part of Anthony and wife Pat's fleet of classic cars, he's also an integral part of their family.

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Classic car heaven: Yorkshire Moors Club Run 2025

8/5/2025

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Several core group members spent an April weekend in beautiful Yorkshire to tour the Moors - the weather was perfect, the driving was excellent and a great time was had by all. Cars taking part included 2 MGBGTs, an MG RV8, a Ford Capri, a Ford Mondeo estate, an Austin Healey Sprite, a Rover 200 cabriolet, Henry - a Triumph Herald-based kit car and a Lexus. Includes a drive-by Matthewsons Car Auction house in Thornton-le-Dale and pass through Hutton Le Hole.

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2025 Pride of Longbridge show - commentary from an Austin Ex-Apprentice

30/4/2025

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We're at the 2025 Pride of Longbridge show in Birmingham, England and our guide is Anthony - an Austin ex-apprentice, no less - who shares his insider knowledge of Britain's biggest car maker and the operations that once graced Longbridge site on the outskirts of Birmingham. Footage includes classic cars from British Leyland, Austin, Rover, MG and many more with links to Longbridge.

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Jaguar's XK and XKR series cars

16/4/2025

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Written by Paul Sweeney.

Having been struck by the handsome good looks of the Jaguar XK, XK8 and XKR cars I saw at several recent car shows here I began thinking about owning one, as you do. My first objective was to learn what the XK, XK8 and XKR badges meant - and that soon turned into unearthing the development history of these cars from their launch in 1996 to eventual replacement with the F Type in 2014. I quickly came to appreciate that the Jaguar XK and XKR series was pivotal in Jaguar's modern history, blending luxury, performance, and cutting-edge design.

So here is my brief summary - and please remember I'm an enthusiast, not an expert - so if you know more or know better than I do, feel free to share your knowledge.

Jaguar XK Series (1996–2014)
The Jaguar XK was introduced in 1996 as a successor to the Jaguar XJS. It was Jaguar’s first model to feature the AJ-V8 engine, marking a significant departure from the brand’s traditional inline-six and V12 engines. The XK was available in coupé and convertible body styles, designed by Geoff Lawson (X100 generation) and later Ian Callum (X150 generation).

First Generation (X100, 1996–2006)

The XK8 debuted in 1996, featuring a 4.0L V8 engine.
In 1998, Jaguar introduced the XKR, a high-performance variant with a supercharged V8, producing 370 hp.
The XK8 and XKR shared a platform with the Aston Martin DB7, which was based on the stillborn XJ41/42 project.
The design incorporated classic Jaguar styling cues, including a long hood and a sleek, aerodynamic profile.

Second Generation (X150, 2006–2014)

The XK was completely redesigned under Ian Callum, featuring an aluminum monocoque chassis, making it lighter and more rigid.
The XKR returned with a supercharged 4.2L V8, later upgraded to 5.0L, producing 510 hp.
Jaguar introduced the XKR-S in 2011, boasting 550 hp and aggressive styling.
The XK series was discontinued in 2014, making way for the Jaguar F-Type.

Jaguar XKR Series (1998–2014)
The XKR was Jaguar’s performance-oriented grand tourer, offering enhanced power, handling, and styling.
Key Features

Supercharged V8 engines, progressively increasing in power from 370 hp (1998) to 550 hp (2011 XKR-S).
Aerodynamic enhancements, including a rear spoiler, mesh grille, and hood vents
Luxury interior, featuring leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced infotainment systems
Performance upgrades, such as adaptive suspension, larger brakes, and lightweight construction

The XK and XKR series remain highly regarded for their blend of British elegance and exhilarating performance.

So the outcome? I bought one, of course; a second-generation XKR with the 5.0L 510 hp supercharged engine - without wood on the inside!

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Classic Car Show Down Under

7/4/2025

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Written by Paul Sweeney.

Footage from yesterday's huge meet in Hastings - all in aid of the St John Ambulance service. There were many fine British classic cars to be seen on this occasion - I think I found them all!
Of special note was the presence of the Alvis car Club of NZ who had arrived as part of their anniversary celebrations.

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NEC Resto Show stand setup and reveal - March 2025

20/3/2025

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We're at the NEC for the 2025 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show. This video was filmed on Thursday evening and shows our team setting up the club stand as well as revealing the British classic cars that will be gracing our stand all weekend - the cars are all great but there's something very special!

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Wheels on Windsor Car Show - Hastings, NZ 2025

16/3/2025

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Written by Paul Sweeney.

This video was filmed in Windsor Park Hastings New Zealand at the Wheels on Windsor car show organised by the Hawkes Bay British & European Club. Most cars displayed were British, plus a smaller number of Europeans, Japanese and Americans - which distinguishes the character of this meet from the monthly meets in Napier which are dominated by American classics and hot rods.

Several owners talked to me on camera and there's footage of a huge number of exhibits - everything from Jaguars, MGs, Morris Minors, Austin A40 Farinas and Minis to Aston Martins, a Lamborghini, Porsches and loads more besides!

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Cruise on the Parade Classic Cars in Napier, March 2025

5/3/2025

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Back for March, we were at the Cruise on the Parade meet on 2 March 2025. Brilliantly organised and run by the volunteers of the Roaming Chrome HB club led by Darren, gates opened at 08:30am. The turnout was fantastic and included several rare and previously unseen cars including a Jowett Jupiter, a Triumph TR8 as well as many stunning examples of American, British, European and Japanese cars.

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Vintage cars - Napier Art Deco 2025 (New Zealand)

17/2/2025

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I filmed the vintage cars driving for charity and also those parked around Marine Parade after the vintage car parade last Saturday. Luckily the weather showed up to highlight the amazing Bugattis, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Cords, Austins and more for us all to enjoy.