As the UK careers down a seemingly rudderless path towards Brexit and an uncertain future, there is comfort in recalling some of the country’s many past successes. And, with both the Jaguar XK120 and the XK engine that inspired it currently celebrating their 70th anniversary, we could think of no more deserving a cover story for this issue.
XK120s achieved many claims to fame, but arguably the most extraordinary belongs to Keith Woodcock.
| Publication Information |
|---|
| Cover Price: Free |
| Page Count: 20 pages |
| Subject: Cars, Motorcycle, Motorsport, People |
| Format: Digital (pdf) |
| Frequency: Quarterly |
| Publisher: British Motor Heritage |
| The cat that got the cream |
Download British Motor Heritage’s Spring 2018 Motoring Classics Magazine below!
Motoring Classics Spring 2018
As the UK careers down a seemingly rudderless path towards Brexit and an uncertain future, there is comfort in recalling some of the country’s many past successes. And, with both the Jaguar XK120 and the XK engine that inspired it currently celebrating their 70th anniversary, we could think of no more deserving a cover story for this issue.
Of course Jaguar is not only still with us, but enjoying increasing worldwide prosperity. Norton’s history has, however, been more turbulent, with years in the wilderness following those decades of supremacy on road and track. How heart-warming then to see the brand firmly back in British hands, and producing aspirational machines that cleverly combine the classic lines of the company’s glorious past with contemporary technology – we bring the story up-to-date.
Another recent cause for reflection was the 50th anniversary of the Ford Cosworth DFV racing engine, the extraordinary V8 powerplant that scored a totally unrivalled 155 Grand Prix victories, and allowed non-manufacturer teams to not only compete but win championships in abundance. We pay tribute to this extraordinary masterpiece and, via this edition’s Classic Character, to Keith Duckworth OBE, the genius behind the DFV and so many other often unbeatable powerplants.
With Formula One on the brain, we couldn’t help researching which nationalities have so far fared best in the Drivers’ Championship since its inception in 1950 – the findings of this slightly tongue-in-cheek survey may surprise you. Our Missing Moniker on this occasion concerns Lea-Francis, one of many British car makers that cut its engineering teeth on pedal cycles and then motorbikes – it’s a typically fascinating tale.
It’s no surprise that a number of British Motor Heritage’s (BMH’s) Approved Specialists have founded their businesses on the classic Mini and the successful Wiltshire-based concern of Somerford Mini is the focus of this issue’s Dealer Spotlight. Add in Managing Director John Yea’s news on BMH’s continuing success in the classic car marketplace and the latest addition to the company’s fleet of historic racing cars, and there will hopefully be at least something here for you to enjoy reading during the remaining long winter nights.
Enjoy!
Gordon Bruce, Editor
For all the latest news, offers and great tips … Motoring Classics
Dealer Spotlight: Somerford Mini
Pete Hines began his working life as a cabinet maker, but became disillusioned when his employer moved from the production of conventional wooden furniture to the chipboard and MDF of kitchen and bathroom units. His solution was to transform his hobby into abusiness and create a company specialising in the servicing, repair and restoration of classic Minis.
The Cat That Got The Cream: Happy 70th Birthday XK120
Seventy years ago this October, Jaguar debuted two new models at the Earls Court Motor Show – the MKV saloon/drophead coupe and the XK120 two-seater sports car, complete with equally new DOHC XK engine. The latter car was intended to be the secondary exhibit, but took the entire show by storm. We recall the effect the XK120 had on the world and a Britain still reeling from its second world war in 30 years.
Missing Moniker: Lea-Francis
In common with the makers of many early British cars, Richard Lea and Graham Francis originally manufactured pedal cycles, for which they acquired a strong reputation. Their first foray into cars was less successful, and just three of the 1903 design powered by a bizarre three cylinder engine mounted horizontally below the occupants’ feet were made – none of which survive today.
News From BMH
Managing Director John Yea reveals all.
F1’s Champion Engine: The Ford Cosworth DFV
June 4, 1967 was a landmark day even by the helter-skelter standards of Formula One. Colin Chapman’s team had brought a pair of brand new Lotus 49s to Zandvoort, powered by equally unproven Ford Cosworth DFV engines. Their driver Jim Clark won the race at a canter, in what proved to be the first of no less than 155 Grand Prix victories for the DFV.
Classic Character: David ‘Keith’ Duckworth OBE (1933-2005)
Few would question that Keith Duckworth was the most outstanding engine designer of his generation. As if fathering the Ford Cosworth DFV engine wasn’t testament enough, he was primarily responsible for a string of other victorious car units as well as valued technological contributions to aviation, motorcycling and powerboating.
The Phoenix Of Donington Hall: Norton is alive and well
The general perception of Britain’s once all-conquering motorcycle industry is that after years of under-funding, mismanagement and industrial disputes it passed quietly away in the 1970s, handing the market to the Japanese on a large, highly-polished silver salver. There’s much truth in the tale but, happily, a new twist as well.
Motoring Classics in Motorsport
British Motor Heritage MD John Yea previews his forthcoming racing season.
Born To Win: Britons Head The List of F1 Champions
So you want to be World Champion. The good news is you’ve got the basic ingredients – talent, sponsorship, determination and a trophy cabinet with lots of spare space. The bad news is the F1 die’s already cast, and the 67 championships to date have been won by just 14 nationalities of driver.
British Motor Heritage
British Motor Heritage Limited was established in 1975 to support owners and the marketplace by putting genuine components for classic British cars back into manufacture, using original tools wherever possible. Since 2001, when the company was acquired from BMW, it has been successfully run as an independently owned company.
British Motor Heritage is the largest organisation of its type in the world. With access to unparalleled knowledge, authentic production information and original drawings and patterns, the company manufactures previously unobtainable body parts for British classic cars.
It occupies a unique position since it assembles 32 derivatives of body shells and has built total production volume of over 7,000 for the MGB, MGR V8, MG Midget, Austin-Healey Sprite, Triumph TR6, Original Mini and Mini Clubman using original press tools and assembly jigs.
Website: https://www.bmh-ltd.com/
Tex Automotive
Tex Motor Accessories have been manufactured in England for over fifty years, and many of our products are still produced in our factory in Witney on the original tooling.
Since their first appearance on British cars in 1947, Tex products evolved over the years to keep in step with changing car designs. The current range includes wipers and mirrors that were original equipment on a huge range of Austin, Ford, Morris, MG, Triumph, Vauxhall, etc. from 1974 to 1983.
Tex are also major distributors of the Renovo car care product range (specialising in hood refurbishment) and Samco Silicone hose Kits.
Website: https://texautomotive.com/
Motoring Classics is the printed and online publication of British Motor Heritage and its retail trading arm.
Motoring Classics reproduction in whole or any part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct but can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.
About Author
