The car of the day today is the wonderful Lotus Elan + 2.
Mr B has a fantastic policy with agreed value, choice of repairer and also salvage retention through ourselves here at AIB.
The Elan +2 was introduced in 1967 with a longer wheelbase and 2 rear seats. 5,200 Elan +2were made. The Elan +2 ceased production in 1975. Because of its successful design and rigorous attention to cost control on the body, chassis, engine and transmission, the Elan went on to become Lotus’ first commercial success, reviving a company stretched thin by the more exotic and expensive to build Lotus Elite enabling funding of the Lotus success in racing over the next ten years.
Thank you for sending these lovely photos Mr B!
We specialise in classic car insurance so remember to call us on 02380 268351 for all your classic car needs.
This weeks car of the week is this superb Mazda MX 5 built in 1996.
The Mazda MX 5 two door convertible sports car was originally manufactured in Japan and was the best selling sports car of all time in 2000 and won a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Mr T was kind enough to take out a policy with Jenna back in July which includes the benefits of both salvage retention and agreed value. Jenna was able to offer an amazing discount as the client was happy with limited mileage and keeping the vehicle garaged overnight. In addition the fact that Mr T has owned the vehicle for some time, meant Jenna could sort amazing cover for a sensible price.
If you have a stunning classic car that needs insuring please call our team today on 02380 268351.
This weeks car of the week is this amazing Austin Mini GT.
Mr S was kind enough to take out not only this but two other policies with us so with that he enjoyed the benefits of salvage retention, a lovely discount as not only did he have multi policies but the vehicle is garaged overnight, agreed limited mileage and length of ownership.
Thanks for sharing Mr S. If you would like to share your car insured with us please call the office on 02380 268351 – we love checking out great cars!
Airsports Insurance Bureau are delighted to announce that due to continued growth, we have moved to new premises, in the heart of Chandlers Ford. Due to our stellar success rate for over 25 years, we required a larger space that was more fitting for our needs and growing team of specialists. Our former base at Fleming Court, Eastleigh, served us well for seven years, but we are now ready and excited for our fresh new future within the new offices.
We have invested in air conditioned, well appointed facilities that will provide us with the opportunity for further expansion as we continue to grow. Our brilliant team of experts and wonderful visitors will enjoy an open plan kitchen, break-out space, board room, training room and managers offices. Based in the prestigious Oakmount House building, Oakmount Road, in Chandlers Ford, the office is located in a superb location close to all transport links.
To mark the occasion, we commissioned what is possibly the coolest sofa in the insurance industry… designed and created by our friend Ian, aka ‘The Customizer’. It’s a VW Beetle, cut in half, sprayed in our distinct AIB blue and compliments the Range Rover tyre table beautifully.
It’s vitally important that our staff keep their hands clean at all times, so we’ve invested in a wall mounted sanitizing unit made from the exhaust system of a Porsche 911, no less! Only the best for our wonderful team of people who do their very best to deliver the excellent service you expect.
We are thrilled with Ian’s designs – he has produced work for various celebrities, including an aeroplane for Lord Alan Sugar’s No.1 eatery, Sheesh. The automotive industries are full of weird, wonderful and mind boggling designs, so it’s only fitting we replicate a touch of that at our HQ. If you want to add that statement of the unique, with highly creative automotive art, Ian and the team can be contacted here: www.thecustomiser.co.uk
We’d also like to thank our friend Oliver at Office Furniture and Interiors, who has managed the project faultlessly with patience and skill. If you need help with any office design or refit we’d encourage you to contact them, their contact details can be found here: www.ofai.co.uk
Our new address is: First Floor, Oakmount House, Oakmount Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, SO53 2LH. Please do come and visit us (when safe to do so), the brand ‘new’ kettle is always on!
Please continue to use our existing telephone numbers and email contact information.
We managed to grab Kirby who wanted to cover classic car care for the forthcoming months…
As we find ourselves hopefully at the end of another lockdown, the classic car enthusiasts amongst you might be itching to take your pride and joy out for a decent spin, whilst looking ahead to theappropriate care needed over the winter months. It’s a beautiful time of year for longer Sunday drives, or cheeky mid-week spins… through our beautiful countryside in technicolour autumn, or nipping down to the coast for a hot cuppa near the sea.
With the colder months just around the corner, it’s about striking a good balance between moderate consumption and proper storage. A bit like a vintage single malt. You might be preserving your seasoned model inside for longer periods and airing it out less, but that does not mean neglect – it’s just as important to look after it in the correct way during the winter.
Here are a few tips to keep your antique auto in the pink…
Keep it clean
Start the clean at the top of the car, work down and don’t forget the underside or the interior. Ensure you use the correct cleaning agents. Dish soap can be harsh and will make the paint look dull. Shelve out a bit more on professional carwash soaps which are thick and foamy and will leave your classic looking fabulous. Rinse with free flowing water then dry with a soft leather chamois or a soft microfiber towel, changing towels often for a lovely shiny finish. Brake discs also need to be dry. as leaving them damp can cause the pads to stick to the disc and lock, so take her out for a short run after washing. She’s worth it.
5 star accommodation
Ok so you don’t need a palace to park it in, but treat your prized possession to a space fit for purpose. We always recommend storing your vehicle in a locked garage or dedicated car storage facility during the winter months. The space should be well ventilated to avoid damp and you might want to consider using an inflatable storage device for added protection, or a breathable car cover with a soft lining. If you choose to use a dehumidifier, be aware – if it’s too high it will draw the moisture out of everything around it, including veneer dashboards and anything made of vinyl or soft plastic.
Get your motor runnin’
It’s been snowing/hailing/sleeting/raining; probably all of the above, for days… your cabin fever has maxed out. You need to get out for the sake of your mental health (and your partner’s) A clear, glorious, crisp, winter morning finally arrives and you simply have to take your classic for a cruise. If so, she will need a bit of before and after care. Salt and grit on the road is her enemy as it causes corrosion. A decent wax will help protect the paintwork but treating the underside professionally with a powder coating or quality waxoil will help protect the metal, and when you’re home, again, hose the underside down. You wouldn’t neglect yourself in the shower now would you, so give your car the same attention! Avoid clutch and brake seizures and keep mechanics lubricated by treating yourself and your vehicle to that much needed spin… simply idling the car without driving it may speed up corrosion issues, as the engine will likely not reach full operating temperature.
Battery Power
Awareness of your car’s battery is key, depending on it’s age. If a battery is not disconnected there is a possible risk that it could be discharged in a short amount of time, ending in battery destruction. A trickle-charger can keep the battery in good shape and is essential on more modern classics. Problems can occur with fuel injection systems and on-board computers if the battery goes flat and on older classics, it’s sensible to undo and remove the battery clamps during periods of storage.
Stay protected
Keeping insurance in place means your car is covered even when parked up. It might be tempting to think about cancelling your classic car insurance policy if your vehicle will not be in use during the winter, but remember, fire, flood damage and theft remain potential issues. Not forgetting that glorious winter day we mentioned, when you just have to hit the open road.
Some of the benefits you enjoy with our policies at AIB include:
Dedicated claims handling team who will discuss repair options
Agreed value at no extra charge (subject to evidence)
Salvage retention option to customer following total loss
Cherished plate covered
Cover for public road rallies and trials, treasure hunts, road safety and non-competitive rallies
Discounts for Multi vehicle owners and coverage for classic vehicle collections
Some insurers provide up to 90 days European use per trip
Cover for dismantled parts
Stand-alone breakdown cover available
Discount for storage, garaging and limiting the mileage
Today’s car of the day is this stunning Volkswagen Beetle 1300.
The Volkswagen Beetle 1300 was introduced back in 1966 and created in Germany. The main purpose of the design was to fit two adults and three children.
Mr C was kind enough to take out a policy with us which enjoyed the benefits of salvage retention and a lovely discount as the vehicle is kept garaged over night, agreed limited mileage and length of ownership.
Motorhomes and the lifestyle they offer, are more popular than ever before; there has never been a better time to take a mini-break and explore the many wonderful attractions right here on your doorstep. For those of you who love to get away, with spontaneity but retaining home from home comfort, the motorhome lifestyle is unparalleled. It also enables those of you with other outdoor hobbies such as mountain biking, kayaking, or climbing to easily transport your equipment, still having the creature comforts of home at your disposal.
Renowned motorhome heavyweights, Chausson, AutoSleeper & Pilote, are all bringing new models and ranges to the market for 2021. All kitted out with jaw dropping luxurious fittings and interiors, gadgets and comforts, these new models will ensure you want for absolutely nothing.
PILOTE
Top European motorhome manufacturer, Pilote has been trailblazing its mark in the UK motorhome industry for over 30 years, blending classic staples with innovative customisable features. During this time, many models and styles have been made available and adapted to fit the needs of the UK market, proving its importance to such a major player.
Evidence
2021 sees the exciting introduction of the Evidence branding, featuring a spec especially designed to suit the demands of the British motorhome owner. Available on selected models: the P650C, the P626D, the P696D, the P740FC and the G740FC, Evidence includes an incredible specification list at an ‘all-in’ package price. Built around the Fiat 9 speed automatic gearbox with a 140bhp engine, the specification includes canopy, energy pack with a solar panel and large, 95Ah battery, reversing camera, chassis pack with cruise control and double airbags, comfort pack with cab blinds and an electric step… and much, much more!
Pacific and Pacific + Range
Pilote P720FGJ
The Pilote Pacific range sleeps up to five people making it ideal for couples and small families. Brand-new for 2021, the Pilote P720FGJ is a 7.2m two-berth motorhome, with twin beds at the rear and a face to face lounge-dinette that seats four. The bathroom features an innovative pivoting wall that reveals a shower hidden on one side with the sink and toilet on the other.
Pilote P626D
The compact 6.2m Pilote P626D, fresh for the 2021 season features innovative storage and sleeping arrangements. Shorter in length than a long-wheelbase 6.3m panel van means it’s easy to park but retains the benefits of a coachbuilt body. An electric drop-down bed is above the large lounge, which can seat up to six people.
Galaxy Range
Pilote are synonymous with customisable, high-quality motorhomes and the 2021 Galaxy range is no different. These top-level vehicles combine luxury with practicality. Every model in the 2021 Pilote Galaxy line-up hosts four belted seats, exceptional panoramic views, and a double-insulated heated double-floor, a Pilote exclusive. Modern looking black hardware, additional lighting and storage and new anti-slip fabrics under seating, all feature as new for 2021.
MERCEDES AUTO-SLEEPER
Auto-Sleepers’ latest Mercedes coachbuilt range provides the perfect opportunity for travelling in style. Depending on the layout you are seeking, the range is very likely to deliver the right combination. Mercedes is rightly held in high regard for its engineering prowess and the Mercedes motorhome chassis delivers the ultimate in touring luxury. Six models are available, fully enhanced to offer unrivalled home from home comfort. Features include beech sprung slats on beds, reflex foam upholstery, touchscreen displays, GRP interior walls, habitation air conditioning and many more… as standard. All include the powerful 163bhp Euro 6.2 engine, as well an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox.
1 – The Bourton delivers a spacious lounge which quickly converts at night to provide a choice between full-length single beds or a double. It also features a well-specified end kitchen. What’s more, the Bourton packs all this into a body length of just 6.5m, meaning that it’s easy to both drive and park.
Height: 2860mm / 9’5”
Width: 2660mm / 8’9”
Length: 6485mm / 21’3”
Seats: 2
2 – The Malvern camper van offers the decadence of a French bed and a large front lounge and fully equipped kitchen. The jewel in the crown is a luxe bedroom with side washroom, boasting a separate shower.
Height: 2860mm / 9’5”
Width: 2780mm / 9’1”
Length: 7330mm / 24’1”
Seats: 2
3/4 – The Burford and The Burford Duo offer the space and comfort normally associated with a tag axle Motorhome, on a lighter rear wheel drive, single axle Mercedes chassis. A spacious lounge is up front, with a fully equipped kitchen. This leads through to a stunning rear bedroom with a full width en-suite washroom,
Height: 2880mm / 9’6”
Width: 2780mm / 9’1”
Length: 79200mm / 26’0”
Seats: 2
5 – The Winchcombe features a large, luxurious bathroom featuring a double shower, a centrally positioned high end kitchen and roomy lounge, delivering homely, yet magnificent comfort.
Height: 2860mm / 9’5”
Width: 2780mm / 9’1”
Length: 7330mm / 24’1”
Seats: 2
6 – The Stanton is the most compact model built on the Mercedes rear wheel drive chassis and offers a similar layout to the Bourton. With no compromise spared on the space available inside, it features all flagship specifications, including an optional fully automatic gearbox.
Height: 2900mm / 9’6”
Width: 2660mm / 8’9”
Length: 5980mm / 19’7.5”
Seats: 2
CHAUSSON
40+ years of existence and the production equivalent of 50,000+ motorhomes, Chausson are renowned for their unique French style and flair, alongside award-winning levels of exceptional quality, comfort, and reliability. This remains the case for 2021, seeing the low-profile range broadened, offering four brand-new layouts to the line-up.
The 648 If you are looking for an island-bed motorhome, you’ll love the 648; it’s less than 7m long and offers a 160cm-wide bed, and a face-to-face ‘SmartLounge’.
The 788 is less than 7.2m in length and has a similar layout plus a transverse double-door washroom. This model is equipped with the ‘SmartLounge’ and ‘EasyBed’ as standard. The clever ‘SmartLounge’ concept provides comfort, attractiveness and practicality, seeing the two bench seats easily transformed into comfortable seats for road travel (Isofix certified). The ‘EasyBed’ system lets you raise or lower the bed to adjust the size of the garage area. Use a crank to adjust the size of the area; make it higher to transport bikes, or lower for bags and camping equipment.
The 644 less than 7m long, boasts a unique layout with five forward-facing seats for travel and a transverse double bed at the back that can be lifted to provide access to the garage underneath. The face-to-face lounge in the front includes five travel seats (with one facing backwards and a drop-down double bed.
The 777GA meanwhile, is similar to the 788 (again, less than 7.2m in length) with large twin beds (at 90cm wide) and a huge, 2159-litre garage.
All of these models are available in the three unique, Chausson ‘strengths’:
First Line, Titanium VIP and Titanium Premium.
The First Line range takes the Chausson classic layouts and gives them an exciting, new, fresh interior, complete with an award-winning Ford based chassis and all the essential equipment as standard, at an unbeatable price.
Titanium VIP includes the First Line equipment but boasts more functionalities. A 140hp engine, automatic gearbox, grey side panels and 16-inch alloy wheels and Traction+. Titanium is a legendary series from Chausson, combining great design with a full range of equipment. This exceptional series is available for the first time as a VIP version, a level of equipment which not only offers the essentials as standard but also a large number of features which will make your life easier on holiday.
Titanium Premium has all the First line and Titanium VIP specs but includes a 170hp engine with an improved luxury entrance door, wraparound cab blinds, more comfortable mattress with premium furniture and textiles, and an extractor fan skylight in rear bedroom.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the Batmobile (with a battenburg livery of course) had smashed through your local cinema screen and was speeding down the high street, in hot pursuit of it’s hit and run quarry. A flashy, high performance vehicle stealthily chasing with ease, all in the name of justice.
Police cars here and around the world have come a long way and with so many powerful vehicles on the road, they have had to adapt in order to pursue and catch their bad guys. Whilst it might seem a bit flashy, many criminals drive modified vehicles, capable of high speeds and tight handling, so it makes perfect and necessary sense for the forces to keep up, overpowering with fleets of expensive cars. Police vehicles are heavily modified inside and out, so none of them are actually all that cheap, even if their exterior at first glance looks mundane.
Engaging in a car chase is always a dangerous, skilled and adrenaline fuelled activity, but at least now, many police forces worldwide have vehicles in their fleets that allow them to perform better than ever. From Lamborghinis to Ferraris, law enforcement has never been so cool.
Here in the UK, within a short time frame, the police were forced to commission high powered sports cars to keep up with the joyriders and criminals racing away from a crime scene. UK police forces choose vehicles for specific roles, from small hatchbacks to Land Rovers with large capacity and high performance cars for quick response and pursuit. Historically, the latter were bought in from British makers, however today, a variety of European makes are used. Police cars (up to the 1970’s) were obtained from makers like Ford (UK) and Jaguar, but nowadays a wide selection of European makes are used including BMW, Mercedes, Saab, Volvo, including estate models as they have the performance characteristics of a car with a lot of cargo capacity.
One of the flashiest gracing our roads is the Lamborghini Murcielago and The Caparo T1 which was put into police livery by London’s Metropolitan Police as a high speed pursuit vehicle. Designed by the engineers behind the McLaren F1, it’s 3.5-litre V6 engine can hit a whopping top speed of 205mph. Hello Batman.
Wealthy Dubai has some of the most expensive cop cars in the whole world. Fighting speed with speed, the police forces here combat the wealthy public weilding of supercars with fleets including a Porsche Panamera, Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro SS, and even a Bentley Continental GT. Used mostly as marketing stunts/PR and for patrolling the more wealthy tourist districts, Dubai Police has been using it’s super fleet as a marketing opportunity since 2013, when it first introduced the Lamborghini Aventur. A far cry from our humble Vauxhall Corsa doing the rounds in the UK suburban drizzle.
It’s not just Dubai flexing it’s flash, other countries also have powerful machines burning rubber on the highways. The United States has several beefed up muscle cars, whereas Italy has a number of classic supercars, fully equipped for the job. Every country has a four wheeled weapon in it’s alloy arsenal that can be deployed when the pedal needs to be slammed to the metal.
The AIB team have complied a quick-fire round up of some of the most expensive hero-mobiles worldwide:
UK – Lamborghini Murcielago £260,000
0 to 100 kmph in 3.4 seconds
Murcielago SV – SV stands for ‘Super Veloce’, meaning ‘super-fast’
USA – Dodge Charger Police Interceptor $46,000
0 to 60 mph in 5.87 seconds
America’s fastest police car
Italy – Lamborghini Huracan $250,000
Top speed of 201 mph
Used for urgent transport of blood and organs (as well as chasing the bad guys)
As Winter draws in, cosy nights on the sofa beckon. We save you your Netflix search angst and remote control rage with our AIB cherry picked, Top 5 Car Flicks, all rated with our bespoke ‘doughnuts’ rating system. (In homage to the ones you may have performed in your Vauxhall Astra 20 years ago, not the type you are possibly bingeing on right now)
1 – Mad Max – Fury Road
A hell bent, high octane, roller coaster car crash of a film, it will tear your eyes out then run you off the road. This film revitalised practical vehicle stunts and made everything else look like a computer game. The characters express themselves with action, not words, each experiencing a fascinating bittersweet arc by the time they finally reach their destination. Tyranny, natural resources, religious propaganda, yearning to belong… it’s all there, tucked under the hood of this relentless monster truck of a movie.
5 Doughnuts
2 – Drive
Super sexy, super cool, stylish, 80s neon, stone faced action drama, that keeps you purring until the throttle opens up and smashes your senses open. With a slick electronic soundtrack to match, this is a stand-alone film that will keep you glued to the colour right to the end.
5 Doughnuts
3 – Wreck-It-Ralph
One for the whole family to enjoy (not just the kids), this film mashes together every familiar pixel classic gaming character, forging an unlikely sugar rush friendship between Ralph and the cute Vanellopevon Schweetz aka ‘The Glitch’, as she races to be the best. But at what cost? A visually colourful, rollercoaster ride of fun.
4 Doughnuts
4 – Rush
This true story about the Hunt-Lauda rivalry between two Formula-1 drivers, directed by Ron Howard and scored by Hanz Zimmer, is a masterclass on how to film racing sequences. Every bit of this keeps you on the edge with both the rivalry on and off the track.
4.5 Doughnuts
5 – Vanishing Point
This classic oozes cool… vintage autos in the desert, road blocks and guns, nude motorcycle riding, cop car chases, a small town ‘Super Soul’ radio DJ and a white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Magnum. What’s not to love, 35mm film never looked so hot!
This weeks car of the week is the incredible Ferrari 360 Modena built in 2000.
The Ferrari Modena is a two seater coupe powered by a 3.6L V8 mid-engine that puts out 400 hp at 8,500 rpm. It can reach a top speed of 183mph and we think it’s simply gorgeous!
The insurance that Mr O arranged with Murray in our office included agreed value and salvage retention. Murray was able to offer fantastic discounts as the client was happy to limit the mileage and keep the vehicle in secure parking. In addition, the fact that the client had owned the vehicle for some time made Murray’s job easier to find cracking cover at a sensible price.
Thanks for sharing Mr O!!
If you have a classic Ferrari and need insurance please call Murray and the team on 02380 268351
AIB Launch Classic Car Offering
AIB is proud to announce the launch of our non-standard per...
The Elan +2 was introduced in 1967 with a longer wheelbase and 2 rear seats. 5,200 Elan +2were made. The Elan +2 ceased production in 1975. Because of its successful design and rigorous attention to cost control on the body, chassis, engine and transmission, the Elan went on to become Lotus’ first commercial success, reviving a company stretched thin by the more exotic and expensive to build Lotus Elite enabling funding of the Lotus success in racing over the next ten years.
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