Knightsbridge - Home of Harrods, Harvey Nichols...and the Hypercar

 

I often wander towards Leicester Square and Piccadilly when visiting the big smoke where I normally end up in the flagship Waterstones or ogle at things I can't afford in Fortnum's. This time though I fancied getting lost in Harrods and wanted to soak up the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge instead.

What struck me (apart from the now unsurprising gap of individual wealth) was not just how many supercars there are around these quarters; but of hypercars registered many thousands of miles away. Seeing motoring exotica in these parts may not be new, but I'm pretty sure that on visits years ago I didn't come across quite so many cars registered in such far flung places as Qatar, Dubai, Oman and the USA. The Middle East is evidently where the money is nowadays but it makes you think about the enormous gap between the haves and the have nots. Anyway, I digress...As a typical petrolhead I was especially taken by the machinery.

Some cars I encountered were unbelievably tasteless. How about a Mercedes-AMG G63 6X6? Seeing this Middle East registered 6 wheeled behemoth sat in the traffic dwarfing a Smart is quite a spectacle, albeit not a particularly nice one.

A far nicer sight was a quartet parked just up from Harrods; a selection that will have produced a combined 3400bhp or so. Two Ferrari F12s, a LaFerrari and Bugatti Veyron were drawing plenty of attention. 

This reminds me, I need to do the lottery. One can dream...

Beautiful Prancing Horse spotted in the Cotswolds

 

Not long ago I spotted this gorgeous Ferrari 250 Spyder whilst driving around the north Cotswolds. Such was its beauty, I had to pull over and take some snaps whilst shoppers and tourists did the same. The deep red hue and tan leather interior of this concours condition example was simply breathtaking, causing one bloke to momentarily lose control of his E-Cig!!!   

Oh, how the other half live...

2016 Paris Motor Show

Renault Trezor concept

The Paris Motor Show...or should I say Mondial de l'Automobile? It's a show I particularly look forward to in the motoring calendar, sometimes surpassing others.
It maybe down to the ease of the journey. A relatively short hop on the Eurostar from Ebbsfleet and a couple of hours later (after a pleasant croissant and leisurely read on the train) you're at Gard de Nord. As long as the Metro doesn't throw any curveballs, it's a doddle.
I also enjoy the show's themed exhibition. One of the halls is always set aside for a look at the history of the industry; whether its fashion used to promote products, taxis from around the world or historic commercial campaigns, it's always a pleasure to take a step back and look where we've come from. This year the theme was 'Cars used on the silver screen' and exhibits included such luminaries as Herbie, Steve McQueen's Mustang from Bullitt and the Aston DB10 from Spectre.

Volkswagen ID concept

The show itself was impressive with a number of high profile launches. It's worth pointing out though that some manufacturers were notable by their absence. Ford, Volvo, Mazda and Lamborghini had all decided to give Paris a miss. Even so, there was still plenty to see.
World premieres came thick and fast...Land Rover Discovery 5, new Honda Civic, new Hyundai i30, Skoda Kodiaq, new Citroen C3, new Peugeot 3008/5008, new Kia Rio, revolutionary new Nissan Micra and second generation Audi Q5 were just some of the vehicles that made their debut in Paris this year.

LaFerrari Aperta - The Italian hypercar is even more breathtaking now it's morphed into an open-top   

Interesting highlights included the Renault Trezor concept with its automatic opening canopy. Like the DeZir concept of 2010, the Trezor will usher in Renault's next generation styling direction, still headed by Laurens van den Acker. With the successful modern design of Renault's current range, it'll be fascinating to see where the French firm goes from here. (This reminds me, cannot wait for the new Alpine sports car, especially after the thinly veiled concepts that have teased us for what seems like an eternity).
Over at Volkswagen, the ID concept was an interesting specimen; the overall shape looking closer to production that I had expected. A year on from the company's diesel emissions scandal breaking, Wolfsburg are keen to move onto a greener future. The ID electric concept will become one of a number of dedicated battery electric offerings in the brand's line-up from 2019. VW hope the production ID will become as iconic as the Mk1 Golf was at its launch in 1974.

Opel Ampera-e

Talking of electric cars for the people, I rather liked the Opel Ampera-e. A rebadged version of the American market Chevrolet Bolt, to my eyes this isn't a bad looking EV thanks to it being relatively distinctive whilst avoiding the overly 'cutesy' design of the Renault Zoe. (Talking of which, Renault launched a new 41kWh Zoe in Paris with an impressive range of 248 miles). The Ampera-e features a range of up to 310 miles although it remains to be seen what will be possible during real world driving. Still, it's a shame GM have decided not to offer it to British buyers. I think it would have complimented the smaller models in Vauxhall's line-up and opened up the Griffin badge to the ever growing number of EV buyers.
Next stop Geneva...

2017 Nissan Micra revealed

What was the biggest surprise at the Paris Motor Show?
Was it the added gorgeousness of having the roof chopped off the LaFerrari; the end result, the stunning Aperta?
Maybe it was the Volkswagen ID concept appearing closer to production than expected?
Or was it the likes of Ford, Volvo and Mazda deciding to pull out of exhibiting altogether? 
For me it was the humble Nissan Micra. It may not sound the coolest thing to say but what the heck...
The latest Japanese supermini is as far removed from the current Indian built model as it’s possible to be. Whereas the current model is rather tall, dated and pedestrian in its design, the new one has become all dynamic with strong, youthful lines flowing over the car’s bonnet, along its flanks to the rear light clusters. What used to be rather ungainly is now neat, attractive and well formed.
The interior is also a pleasant place to be with a modern dashboard architecture dominated by the now de rigour central touchscreen. It’s simple and all logically laid out. Cabin space seemed reasonable too although the high set rear window line may impede the view out for some.

 
What’s very clear is that the new Micra is clearly gunning for Europe’s top supermini contenders once more. We’ll have to wait to see how it drives but Nissan executives are confident it’ll deliver. 
Not sure there’ll be a NISMO hot hatch version though. What’s clear to me is that it would suit the design and dynamic character of the new Micra well and would give Nissan a way to muscle into Fiesta ST territory. It would also give the Micra added desirability in the form of a halo model to top off the range. 
The biggest challenge the new Micra will face will be to change people’s perceptions. I’ve written about the image problems the model has with certain demographics before, (see ‘Is it time to ditch the Micra’). Regardless of the name though, what’s clear is that this revolutionary new design should spice things up in Europe’s ever competitive supermini sector.

Land Rover Discovery 5

It was great to see JLR on the up and up in Paris. The new Discovery 5 is unsurprisingly a premium effort and will no doubt continue the model’s capable lineage; whether it’s on or off road. The question is though, is it too luxurious? 
With prices ranging from £43,495 to £65,695, the latest Discovery is treading on the toes of the £59,700 Range Rover Sport. Admittedly both are likely to appeal to slightly different customers, albeit both with deep pockets. 
The real interest for me will be the arrival of the new Defender in 2019, a model that will form the basis of Land Rover’s new ‘dual purpose’ range of cars, (with Discovery models sitting in the ‘leisure’ category and Range Rovers occupying the ‘luxury’ end). Defender models should return more utility based Land Rovers into the range.

Certain design elements of previous Discovery’s have made it to the new model including the interior’s stadium seating that affords rear seat passengers with a clearer view ahead. The Discovery’s rear end also keeps its asymmetrical design; a feature that’s been part of every model since its introduction in 1989.

The Rise of PSA?



Peugeot Fractal concept

It’s perhaps no surprise that France’s home-grown car brands were out in full force at the recent Paris Motor show. Renault, Peugeot, Citroen and DS were all present and correct with extensive stands drawing plenty of attention. 
As I was doing the rounds, getting immersed in the latest launches and show hubbub, I got to thinking how there seems to be growing confidence emanating from the three brands of the PSA Group, custodians of Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobiles respectively.
It was only a few short years ago when PSA boss Carlos Tavares ushered in a drastic plan boldly labelled ‘Back in the Race’ following billion euro losses and a part-bailout by Chinese automotive concern Dongfeng along with the French government. Each bought a 13% stake in the French automaker. The plan brought about substantial cost cutting across the group along with a restructuring that set about focussing on the group’s core model range whilst increasing global vehicle platform efficiency.



Peugeot 3008

Fast forward to earlier this year and Tavares hailed the success of ‘Back in the Race’ with group profits announced bringing the company back into the black. The company admitted that this success had come earlier than expected thanks to tough decisions being made and a global determination to get the automaker back on top. PSA is said to be in a far more healthy position now with the announcement of the group’s second plan, ‘Push to Pass’.
In the words of Tesla, this 'plan part deux' is expected to focus on growth, aggressive product positioning and eventually a possible return to the US market, (the last time PSA were present in North America was with Peugeot in 1991).
After a brief look at Suzuki, (not sure about their new Ignis), I hopped over to Peugeot. My perception is that Peugeot out of the three PSA brands is the one where it needs to be in terms of their product offering. They have the youngest range out of the three with the oldest model being the 2011 508 saloon/SW. What’s more important is that Peugeot is attempting to head upmarket to become a semi-premium brand in the same mould as Volkswagen. This is especially important for PSA as it’ll allow Peugeot to successfully charge higher transaction prices and therefore create greater margins per unit sold.

 

Peugeot 5008

The buzz was all around the firm’s new 3008 and 5008 SUVs, two models that will be extremely important to Peugeot sales and their move upmarket. Out goes the rather frumpy design of the old 3008 crossover and rather plain 5008 MPV and in comes true SUV styling with both models appearing confident and contemporary within this most important of sectors. More consumers than
ever are being turned on by premium looking products; particularly towards the added high set security of SUVs. 
What impressed me most about this duo were their interiors with both sporting Peugeot’s second generation i-Cockpit dashboard architecture. Both featured high quality materials with a clean, uncluttered look. The classy look is heightened by the fitment of a fully digital instrument cluster, a clear nod to Audi. In fact I’d go so far as to say the interior cockpit design of these two SUVs are on a par with models from Ingolstadt.

Citroen C3

Next visit was to Citroen which has more work to do in terms of their overall range. A number of them are really showing their age, (I’m thinking C4 & C5) and are now well past the class best. What’s interesting is where Citroen's heading. The brand is beginning to show real confidence, particularly following the launch of the C4 Cactus of 2014.
Now headed by Brit Linda Jackson, Citroen unveiled the new C3 in Paris and it was evident that it’s a stand-out model due to the numbers of showgoers surrounding the new supermini. Citroen needs to be distinctive and the brand is due to focus on comfort and useful technology rather than sportiness or chasing premium aspirations. 
Despite this, Citroen are sticking with rallying. The new C3 WRC looked rather mean; hunkered down ready to do battle in next year’s campaign. It’ll certainly have some stiff competition from the likes of Hyundai, Toyota and Volkswagen. Citroen has historically missed a trick with their earlier dominance in WRC with little of their successes filtering into the brand’s offerings. In fact, the only car that springs to mind was the C4 by Loeb special edition; a rather lukewarm effort to say the least.

Citroen C3 WRC

There's still a couple of anomalies with Citroen. The first is the lack of any SUV in the range, an area where Citroen is really missing out on what with the huge sales volumes that this sector brings. I reckon Citroen could do with bringing their Aircross SUV concept into production sooner rather than later. The second is that of the EV. While many brands are starting to offer mainstream electric hatchbacks to tempt people into the growing world of alternative power, (think Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, Hyundai Ionic), Citroen puts its efforts into the e-MEHARI, something of a niche/niche offering if ever there was one. Its wipe down interior and basic design may find favour with Mediterranean city based rental agencies, but is unlikely to find widespread appeal elsewhere.

Citroen Cxperience concept

Finally to DS, or DS Automobiles to give it its full title. PSA’s new premium brand is a great idea and compliments the three prong brand strategy by allowing PSA to get a foothold in the lucrative upmarket sector where they hope to be rewarded with high profit margins per unit. It’ll be a slow burner though. At present, the DS 3, 4 and 5 are essentially facelifted Citroens with the first all new DS models not expected to come onto stream until 2018. Still, from small acorns… 
The DS E-Tense concept that debuted in Geneva was present which gives a clue as to where PSA wants to see the brand end up. A high performance electric powertrain powers the concept which to my eyes looks extremely handsome, despite the name sounding like a suppository brand...
As for their stand; it reminded me of Abercrombie and Fitch; all dark, boutique-like and smelling of high end cologne, albeit with no topless male models to be seen.

DS E-Tense concept

Time will tell if PSA are on the right track to long term sustainability and success. If Push to Pass along with the manufacturer’s latest offerings is anything to go by, PSA might just find a secure future ahead yet…

Top Gear - Is it Time for a Change?

Chris Evans who quit as Top Gear host earlier this year

It's the year of resignations...David Cameron, Nigel Farage, (maybe one day, Jeremy Corbyn?)... Even as I type this piece, Tory leader hopeful Andrea Leadsom has decided to throw in the towel allowing Theresa May to lead the party as well as our country. Phew...anyone else?
Well yes...at least away from politics. Following the latest series of Top Gear coming to an end, lead host Chris Evans announced he's stepping down.
I'm aware of the views of many; people who've criticised Evans's form of presenting and linking this to the slump in viewing figures.
I don't agree! This slump has been brewing for a while and I don't think it's fair to pin all the blame on Evans, (someone who's a huge petrolhead and car collector in his own right).
For a while now, I've thought that the show's format has become rather tired and jaded. The over-the-top challenges, the heavy focus on high end, very expensive cars. Even the Stig and the presenters gags are now past their best.
You can't necessarily blame the BBC for not wanting to tamper with a winning formula. BBC Worldwide made many millions selling the show and its format around the world. Top Gear brought in huge viewing figures for the BBC; the show regularly being the most watched programme on BBC Two during the Clarkson/Hammond/May era.
I'd say there's definitely room for a motoring show on television, one that can entertain and inform in equal measure. Clearly, it would be wrong to revert the show back to what Top Gear used to be like in the 1980's, when men in cardigans analysed boot volumes in machines as glamorous as the Renault 19 Chamade and Vauxhall Belmont. Remember those?
Top Gear should keep the humour, keep the interviews with celebrities and of course, review the exciting supercars of the day. It should be tempered though with reviews of more attainable, yet interesting models, cutting down on the challenges and making greater use of the clearly informative, yet likeable Chris Harris and Rory Reid.
Oh, and please....no more challenges featuring Reliant three-wheelers :)

Highlights of Goodwood FoS '16

BMW was the subject of Gerry Judah's central sculpture this year featuring three of the German giant's racing greats

Another year ticks by and another fabulous time was spent at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Every year I've attended, West Sussex always seems to be bathed in glorious sunshine. This year was slightly different as heavy showers weren't always far away. Luckily, although there were muddy areas, Goodwood didn't resemble this year's Glastonbury. I was even more grateful that as a car enthusiast, I wasn't stuck in traffic for 10 plus hours as were some music loving festival goers who headed down Somerset way!
The Goodwood festival this year featured the usual comprehensive selection of cars from every era whilst the world of motorsport was represented by thunderous machines from many disciplines entertaining spectators as they shot up the hill.
I did notice however that a number of manufacturers that normally attend Goodwood were absent from proceedings this year including Peugeot, Citroen, Seat and Toyota. Still, the majority of Britain's most popular marques were showing off their latest models in extensive pavilions. The most impressive for me were those erected by Jaguar Land Rover, Porsche and Audi.
Below are some of my highlights from one of the world's best motoring festivals...

The BMW 2002 Hommage concept was a car that stood out in my eyes. Initially shown at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este, it celebrates the 60th anniversary of the original 2002 Turbo of 1966. Based on the M2, there are no plans to bring it to production...unfortunately

  

 

As usual, the Cartier Style et Luxe featured many eye watering classics in pristine condition, the majority as rare as hen's teeth. This beautiful 1965 A110 cabriolet was among a number of Alpines featured in the class 'Alpine Pass & Present - Dieppe's Definitive Sports Car'. Astonishingly, only 30 A110 Cabriolets were ever made. All eyes are on the future now though as Renault gets ready to launch an all-new Alpine sports car later this year. The Alpine Vision concept is a close to production ready look at what this car will look like...

 

 

I'm a great fan of the latest MX-5 and so it was interesting to see Mazda's new RF variant in the flesh at Goodwood. Like the previous generation Roadster Coupe, the RF features a folding hardtop for added refinement and all-weather appeal. Unlike its predecessor though, the RF features a targa design

 

 

1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV - The Miura is sensational and was one of the pioneers of the 'supercar' sector. Not surprising that its aerodynamic silhouette reminded many of an aeroplane wing. This model took part in the Cartier Style et Luxe and the class 'Gandini's Raging Bulls'

 

Mercedes-AMG GT R - The new GT range topper. The R features a 577bhp twin-turbocharged 4.0 litre V8 engine that'll catapult it from 0-62mph in 3.6secs

 

The BMW 507 is one of the Bavarian maker's most desirable models built between 1956 and 1959. Notable owners included Elvis Presley. As this year's featured marque, BMW were well represented at Goodwood

 

And finally I couldn't help but take a snap of the Ferrari 488 Spider, looking particularly sharp in this blue



On test - Seat Leon SC Cupra 280 (written Sept '15)

Seat introduces its ‘go faster’ Leon following the launch of the Spanish brand’s well received third generation family hatchback. The question is, can it topple its sister Golf GTI in the hot hatch pecking order?

What is it?
As a car enthusiast, I've got a soft spot for a good old fashioned 'hot hatch'. The combined appeal of a sporty engine and powerful looks allied to the base model’s practicality and affordability tends to get the thumbs up from me.
Seat has had a number of reasonably successful hot hatches over the years with various Cupra badged Ibiza’s and Leon’s rolling out of Martorell. Unfortunately for Seat, they’ve so often been overshadowed by the supreme competence of Ford’s Focus ST on one hand and the ever dominant Golf GTI on the other.
Seat seems pretty confident this time though. Their Cupra 280 briefly held the title of the fastest front wheel drive car to lap the Nurburgring and company chiefs are evidently keen for the fastest car in their history to hold real substance behind its Latin character.
Have they succeeded? I take a three door SC Cupra 280 equipped with a six speed manual gearbox out into the Kentish countryside to find out.

 

What's it like?

Powerful...The Cupra 280 features the VW Group’s 2.0 litre TSI petrol unit cranked up to 276bhp. Particularly powerful in the mid range between 2000-3000rpm, the Cupra 280 surges towards the horizon in a pleasing, linear fashion, making full use of its 258lb ft of torque.

The car will top out at the increasingly de rigueur 155mph limiter, once the preserve of the typical German performance saloon. Should you be a fan of the traffic light grand prix, 0-62mph takes place in just 5.6secs.

The handling of the Leon 280 was mostly positive during my Kentish drive. Turn-in was direct and grip levels remained strong although if really pushed, understeer showed its head, not altogether surprising given the car’s front wheel drive set-up.

The Cupra 280 comes with the VW Group’s electronic differential which seemed to help the car power out of bends when attacking some of my favourite B-roads. It’s worth noting though that at times it was evident that the front wheels were being asked to do a lot due to telltale wheelspin, particularly when launching the car from a standstill on slightly damp surfaces.

 

 



The six speed manual transmission was mostly a pleasure to use with a short throw and precise action. I say ‘mostly’ as the gear change from first to second wasn’t always smooth, sometimes feeling notchy and not altogether positive.

As expected of a car that wears 19” wheels, the ride in the Cupra 280 was firm but by no means uncomfortable. Potholes and expansion joints can sometimes thud into the cabin, especially when cornering; however, road noise is mostly kept in check.

As is typical of a VW Group product, the interior layout is logical and everything is where you’d expect to find it. Despite the power available, the Leon 280 is just as easy to drive as the models beneath it.

Perceived material quality seems good enough to my eyes although it’s clear that its VW Golf GTI cousin is a classier place to spend time in. What was rather surprising and of slight concern to me was the emergence of rattles emanating from the driver and passenger door cards during my test, something that may point to build quality limitations.

 

 

Should I buy one?

The Seat Leon Cupra 280 should definitely be on your shopping list if you’re in the market for a 200bhp-plus hot hatch. To my eyes, it’s a stylish piece of kit that draws just the right amount of attention. It features a great engine and its reasonable value for the power available coming in at £27,910.

The difficulty Seat has comes in the form of its rivals. For those after as absorbing drive as possible, Honda’s new Civic Type-R and even the polished handling of RenaultSport’s soon-to-be-replaced Megane 275 pip the Leon 280 for outright dynamics. For those who want a hot hatch that excites while at the same time delivering a less hardcore driving experience, the Golf GTI is able to trump the Leon for comfort, build quality and a list price that undercuts the Spanish contender by £400.

In the end, although the Seat Leon Cupra 280 is a good effort and deserves attention, there are rivals that better marry typical hot hatch magic with a more rounded ownership proposition.

Haynes International Motor Museum

The museum was founded in 1985 by John Haynes OBE, father of the automotive publishing empire

On a recent visit down to Somerset to see the beautiful city of Bath, I spent the following wet and windy day taking refuge in the fantastic Haynes museum, just north of Yeovil.
I visited the museum a few years back but wanted to have another look, especially as not long ago a whole host of refurbishment work had been completed. Featuring a new modern frontage, atrium and shop/café, the museum is now a far more attractive proposition. Of course like any museum, what's really important is its contents and the Haynes International Motor Museum doesn't disappoint.


The museum's Red Room

Featuring over 400 cars and motorbikes from around the world, the museum is a must for any petrol head. As you'd expect, there are a number of British cars, (from such disparate marques as Rolls-Royce and Gordon-Keeble); however, the museum also features a vast array of classic American motors that sit alongside the odd Russian or Indian favourite.
The museum also offers a vehicle restoration and service centre, whilst outside a test track allows the majority of exhibits to be taken for a spin at least once a year, (a must if these classics are to be kept in full working order).
If you're down that way, do pop in. You'll be pleasantly rewarded

A 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet features alongside other historic models from the famous 'Prancing Horse'

 

Geneva Motor Show 2016

The Bugatti Chiron unsurprisingly drew huge crowds at Geneva. Bugatti's new Veyron replacement produces 1,479bhp, will cost £1.9m and will do 261mph

Another year, another 8 hours on the show floor at Geneva seeing the latest metal up close and personal. Although my feet were on fire following a packed day of tackling the stands (and crowds), I never tire of being immersed in all things automotive. Some of my highlights...
 

 Aston Martin DB11 - Another handsome effort from Aston Martin; the DB11 ushers in an all-new era for the Gaydon firm



Lamborghini Centenario - Created to celebrate the 100th birthday of company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, the Centenario will be limited to just 40 units. The price? £1.64m...they've already been snapped up...

Volvo V90 - From a Lambo to a Volvo... I was very impressed with the smart design of Volvo's new load lugger. To me, it's more stylish, (and somehow accepting) both inside and out than the BMW 5-Series Touring or Audi A6 Avant. A decent premium offering

 

DS E-Tense - PSA want a bit of the premium pie and on DS's stand was their latest concept, the E-Tense. Powered by a high performance electric powertrain, it certainly looked the part. The sooner the all-new DS range arrives circa 2017/2018, the better

 

Bentley Bentayga - As I didn't manage Frankfurt last year, Geneva was the first time I caught the Bentayga in the flesh. With memories of the awkward Falcon concept from a few years ago, I was expecting to dislike Bentley's entry into the luxury SUV sector. In the end I was impressed. Suited the colour too

 

Jaguar F-Pace - Another British SUV I hadn't encountered before Geneva, (apart from the odd development mule on the roads around Coventry). I expect it'll sell like hot cakes...

 



British Motor Museum opens

The museum's new Collections Centre

Took myself last month to the re-opened and re-named British Motor Museum, (formerly British Motor Heritage) based at Gaydon in Warwickshire. What I can say is it's well worth a visit, even more so now you can snoop around the museum's reserve collection, housed in a new £4m Collections Centre.
Located next to the main museum, (which has also been updated), the Collections Centre is housed on two floors. Downstairs is currently home to the Jaguar heritage collection while upstairs is where the museum's reserve collection is stored. Entry is free as part of the museum's standard admittance price.

The Collections Centre is a fascinating place to spend time for any car enthusiast

What I can say with a degree of certainty is that you need to set aside plenty of time to see the exhibits properly. The centre currently houses approximately 250 cars from all ages and the time goes very quickly. Included are many prototypes, first/last of line models and historically important cars - I found myself running out of time and having to make a return visit. Still, it's great that the cars are now in one place and are there for people to see. Previously they were in storage at various locations, closed off from public view.

The Jaguar Corsica was a design study in the 90's to gauge reaction to a luxury convertible based on the XJ saloon

Highlights for me in Jaguar's heritage collection included an XJ-S convertible owned by the late Princess Diana in which she ferried a young Wills and Harry around, an XJ estate prototype and a Union Jack liveried XK used for promotional purposes for the Austin Powers film franchise. Upstairs in the reserve collection, cars included an MG DR2, (an early design study for what became the MGF), a Honda Prelude presented to British Leyland chairman Michael Edwardes on the signing of the Honda-BL collaboration deal and various wacky, (and rather ugly) safety research vehicles.

A collection of BMC/Austin Rover prototypes on display in the main museum