For those who have detected a Porsche bias in my columns – here’s the reason!
Mark Wibberley signs off with a test of the stunning new Jaguar
Super chic Car of the Year 2008
Mark Wibberley tests the latest version of a car he owns
Local Fiat and Mazda dealer Rockingham Cars is anticipating a rush after Fiat and Mazda scooped the winner and runners up prizes in the prestigious European Car of the Year Awards 2008.
Europe’s top motoring journalists voted the stunning Fiat 500 their top choice for 2008, closely followed by the all new Mazda2.
Set to be one of the most head-turning cars on the road, the new Fiat 500 goes on sale in the UK on 21st January – 500 hours into the New Year. Offering over 500,000 different combinations of options including a range of petrol and diesel engines, different exterior and interior packages named Pop, Lounge and Sport.
Mark Wibberley investigates a long established local business
Many local people will not be aware that behind a stone wall by the Morrisons roundabout in Stamford, next to St Leonard’s Priory, lies Priory Autos, the largest body shop in the area. You may have seen the occasional reasonably priced car for sale outside or the recent new red sign, a more modern look than the old script, but unless you’ve needed your car repairing, few will have seen the premises.
Having been there 25 years it’s not exactly spanking new, but with age comes experience, and Nigel and his team have the latter in abundance. With his son Adam in the business for the last 19 years plus Phil and Jimmy aboard too, they can fix up and paint virtually anything. And they do....from windsock stands and masts, show machines and display stands for Cummins to family hatchbacks, classic cars and restoration jobs.
For a totally different driving experience, and the oldest car I have driven, Alex Aldous's wife's business own an ultra rare 2.5 litre SS Jaguar which proved a real treat. Originally supplied to Australia and returned this year to join 2 other SSs in the Gladstone Carriages' collection, which make them a significant owner of these early cars, it is maintained regardless of cost but always with a keen eye on originality.
Gladstone Carriages 1937 2.5 litre SS Jaguar
