In the early 1980s Mercedes decided its new small saloon, the 190, with its low-drag body and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, would be the ideal base for a rally car to outfox the BDA-powered Ford Escorts and the Talbot Lotus Sunbeams that dominated rallying at the time.
Initially, buyers could choose only a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine model, with power steering, central locking and electric mirrors as standard. A year later however, a 2.0-litre diesel arrived, and a sporty 2.3-litre 16-valve flagship was announced in 1985.
The six-cylinder versions arrived in 1987, with the 2.6-litre 190E and 2.5-litre 16-valve arriving in 1988 when the range was slightly facelifted. Finally, a 144mph Evolution variant was imported in 1990. Mr W has his own Mercedes 190 E insured with AIB insurance on a classic car policy.
A classic car policy means that Mr W gets the benefits of agreed value on his car, salvage retention, choice of repairer and legal cover expenses. Mr W can rest easy knowing that his car will be taken care of in a garage of his choice and knowing that only Mercedes approved parts will be used.
If you have a classic car that you would like to get insured on one of our classic car policies give our specialist teams a call today on 02380 268351. If you also have a classic car and have any photos you would like to share, email them to info@aib.co.uk.
If you are thinking about changing your car this year then you will be pleased to read that you have a great deal of choice as vehicle manufacturers are frequently introducing new models. Whether you are looking for an electric family saloon, a high performance two-seater sports car or a luxury vehicle you should not have any difficulty in finding one that suits you. Below we highlight what may be 10 of the top cars that you may wish to consider upgrading to in 2019.
Aston Martin Rapide S
This is a four door sports car that meets the exacting standards that you would expect from Aston Martin that has been manufacturing luxury vehicles for many years here in the UK. Both the exterior and interior are beautifully styled with top of the range materials being used.
It has an eight speed automatic gear box. The V12 5,935 cc engine produces 560 bhp and the car is capable of getting from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds as it heads for a top speed of 203 mph. Of course, it comes with the unmistakable roar of an Aston Martin.
Prices from £152,749.
If you are thinking about buying an Aston Martin Rapide S or perhaps another model from the range available such as the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera insurance can be arranged through us here at AIB Insurance.
Audi A8
The Audi A8 is the German manufacturer’s top of the range family salon car for the discerning executive. As one would expect from this quality car builder it has been beautifully designed and comes with many features including comfortable Valcona leather seats, LED headlights and a fantastic audio and communication system The adaptive air suspension system makes for a particularly comfortable ride.
This is a nippy vehicle with its 335 bhp 3 litre V6 petrol engine propelling you from 0 to 62mph in a mere 5.6 seconds. There is also a diesel option.
Prices start from £69.995
Bentley Mulsanne
This is the flagship model of the luxury UK car manufacturer Bentley Motors. This handmade vehicle has a choice of three combinations – Mulsanne, Mulsanne Speed that provides a more dynamic drive and the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase that provides greater legroom.
The V8 6.75 litre twin turbo engine provides an incredible amount of power and the vehicle has wonderful road holding. 0 to 60 mph can be reached in 5.1 seconds and it has a top speed of 184 mph.
The interior personifies luxury in every way with comfortable leather seating and the infotainment system is top quality. You can even have the wood veneer created from a tree in your own garden.
Prices start from £229,360.
If you are considering purchasing a Bentley Mulsanne or buy Bentley Continental GT insurance can be arranged through ourselves.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is a luxury family saloon car that is manufactured to exacting standards using the finest materials. It is also available as a long wheel based version providing extra room. There is also a hybrid version.
The interior provides a warm and inviting feel with delightful leather seating that is so comfortable to relax in.
The BMW 730d xDrive has a 6 cylinder twin turbo engine that produces 265bhp and powers the vehicle form 0 to 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds.
Prices from £69,445.
You can arrange insurance cover for the BMW 7 Series or get a competitive BMW M850i xDrive insurance price through us.
Jaguar I-Pace S
This is a stunning looking all electric SUV and, as all Jaguar cars are, is fitted out to a luxury standard. It comes with semi-powered sports front seats, LED headlights and a fantastic connectivity and sound system. There are a number of other models in the range.
You may be surprised to read that this electric vehicle is capable of powering you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Prices start at £64,495
Maserati GranTurismo Sport
This Italian luxury sports coupe is beautifully crafted with elegant, sleek bodywork that can also be purchased as a soft top enabling you to enjoy the thrill of open-air motoring. Its interior is equally impressive with comfortable sports seats making long journeys a pleasure. Needless to say, the level of equipment is first class.
The exhilarating, powerful 460 bhp V8 4.7 litre engine will take you from 0 to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds producing the roar that discerning motorists have come to expect.
Prices start from £92,230
McLaren 600 LT
The name McLaren is associated with FI racing but the company also build road-specification sports cars to an extremely high standard.
The McLaren 600 LT has a twin turbo 3.8 litre V8 engine producing 592 bhp that is capable of rocketing this vehicle from 0 to 62mph in a staggering 2.9 seconds so it is certainly not for the faint hearted.
It is of course beautifully designed both outside and inside but this really is a driver’s car with wonderful road holding.
Prices from £187,625
Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 is an exclusive saloon car built to exacting standards both in terms of coachwork and mechanically. The company is renowned for producing executive vehicles but this model goes to another level.
It has wonderfully comfy leather seats that make every journey a pleasure and a delightful wood finish. It features Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive and Dynamic Handling resulting in a relaxing trip.
It has a 5,980cc 12 cylinder engine producing 630 bhp. This vehicle powers from 0 to 62 mph in only 4.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph
Prices start at £175,875.
Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover is renowned for producing quality 4-wheel drive vehicles that perform as well on the motorway as they do off-road. With its distinctive styling incorporating a falling roof to the rear it has become unmistakable on the road. It comes with all the refinements you would expect from this British car manufacturer.
It has a 1,999cc engine in either petrol or diesel capable of getting from 0 to 60mph in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph.
Prices from £31,600.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
This luxury saloon car is a dream to drive and you and your passengers will do so in style and comfort. It is described as the quietest Rolls-Royce ever built and every one is unique to the owner.
Inside, it will not come as a surprise to read that the fixtures and fittings are of the highest standard with original wood paneling and delightful leather seating. It is one of the most luxurious cars in the world.
It has a powerful V12 6.7 litre engine that will accelerate smoothly from 0 to 100mph in around 12 seconds.
Prices from £362,000.
Here at AIB Insurance, we have insured many makes and models of cars through our extensive panel of insurers. So, if you would like to obtain the likes of Aston Martin DBS Superleggera insurance, buy Bentley Continental GT insurance or obtain a BMW M850i xDrive insurance price feel free to call us on 02380 268 351 and speak with a friendly member of our team who will discuss your requirements in detail and arrange a no-obligation insurance quotation.
Classic car enthusiasts may be interested to read about the auction of a number of classic vehicles that took place on the 17th October 2018 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. The event was run by H &H Classic Cars. Below we mention some of the cars that were sold but full details can be found on the H & H website.
A 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 MK 11 that had an estimated price of £18,000 to £22,000 was actually sold for much more than that – it went for £30,375. This open soft top Colorado red sports car had been in the same ownership since 1969 and has only 38,457 miles on the clock making it a very low mileage vehicle. It has a 132 bhp engine and comes with 60-spoke wire wheels. It certainly looks fantastic.
A 1947 Lea-Francis 14hp Drophead Coupe had an estimated price of £9,000 to £11,000 buactually sold for £14,625. This vintage vehicle only has 23,000 miles on the clock. It has a red leather hood and interior trim. It was once owned by the father of a well known pop star – Mike Maxfield.
A 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL had an estimated price of £14,000 to £18,000 but was sold for a figure of £20,250. It had been in the possession of the same owner for 16 years and had 86,295 miles on the clock. It has cream bodywork. It has a factory hard top with a rear seat option. It has a 2,962cc engine producing 187bhp and a top speed of around 130mph.
A 1960 BMW Isetta 300 had an estimated price of £14,000 to £16,000 but actually sold for £19,406. This is a four-wheeled bubble car with only 11,888 miles on the clock. It has had 4 owners. It only has a 298cc engine. It has a pale green bodywork. It looks delightful.
A 1953 Sunbeam Alpine had an estimated price of £10,000 to £12,000 but achieved a sale price of £15,468. The bodywork is a stunning red. This is a rare classic car with only 1,582 being built. It has 80,928 miles on the clock.
A 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Sedanca de Ville had an estimated sale price of £18,000 to £22,000 but was sold for £23,625. The bodywork is in black and the car is in need of some restoration work to bring it back to the standard you would expect to see such a vehicle in.
A 1929 Hillman 14 Tourer had an estimated sale price of £14,000 to £16,000 but achieved a sale price of £19,125. Its previous owner before being sold at the above auction had had the vehicle since 2000. It has a 1953cc engine. It has 4 seats and a soft top.
If you are doing a bit of digging in your back garden you expect to come across a few small stones, maybe some pieces of glass or perhaps a broken brick or two left by the builders. However, what you do not anticipate coming across are parts of a classic car believed to date back several decades.
Well that is exactly what a couple of people over in Guernsey discovered whilst shoveling soil, rubble and rocks in a back garden A gentleman by the name of Brian Russell and his daughter called Tracy Ward must have been somewhat surprised to unearth various parts of a classic car – a Daimler no less.
Pieces of metal came to light including a bumper for the front of a car, a chassis and window frames as well as a variety of other car parts. In fact, Mr Russell believes that there are other parts of the Daimler that remain buried beneath the ground.
It is possible that the classic vehicle may date from the 1940s to 1950s so it is quite an age. It certainly begs the question as to why someone would bury such parts under a rockery. Who knows what the vehicle’s history is. Do the car parts have any monetary value? Perhaps there is someone in the locality who can shed some light on how it came to be there?
It will be interesting if anyone expresses a wish to take possession of the parts. Will it be possible to re-build the vehicle using the car parts that have been and are yet to be discovered? Presumably, many of the metal parts will have deteriorated over the years due to the conditions they have found themselves in possibly for a number of years. It has to be said that this is a little different to a barn find that tends to happen more frequently than the discovery of a car underground.
Rowan Atkinson, the comedy actor, has appeared in the likes of Blackadder and Mr Bean and has presumably earned quite a lot of money over the years. He is also keen on cars and has owned a number over the years some of which have been modern classic cars.
In fact, we have previously commented on a McLaren FI that he became rather well known for owning. Unfortunately, that particular car made the news some years ago because it had been involved in a road traffic accident and the insurance company paid out over £900,000 to repair it which, at the time, was believed to be a record payout for a car insurance claim. At a later date, he sold the car for several million pounds.
Well, he is shortly to put a couple of modern classic cars up for auction that he is the proud owner of. The cars are being offered for sale at Silverstone Auction’s Race Retro Classic Car Sale 2018 that takes place in February.
There is a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E that has a left hand drive and is powered by a V8 4,973 cc engine. This car was capable of rocketing to 60mph in a mere 5 seconds and could get to 100mph (when legally allowed to do so) in 14 seconds plus. It is interesting that one of the things that makes this car rather sought after is the fact that it is hand built. It only has around 50,000 miles on the clock so it quite low mileage for its age.
The other classic car that Rowan Atkinson is offering for sale at the above auction is a 1989 Lancia Thema 8.32. It also has a V8 engine and is also left hand drive. This was also a nippy vehicle capable of getting to 60mph in just under 7 seconds as it accelerated to a maximum speed of 150mph. It is believed that in the 7 years Mr Atkinson has owned the vehicle he has spent around £20,000 on maintaining it.
So, if you are a modern classic car enthusiast and fancy buying a car from a well-known celebrity, why not get along to the above auction and start bidding. If you require quality, tailor-made, competitive classic car insurance then feel free to give us a call on 02380 268 351 to discuss your requirements where we will be happy to provide a quotation without any obligation.
This year’s Silverstone Classic Sale of cars, motorcycles and automobilia is not many weeks away. This annual event is scheduled to take place on the 29th and 30th July with viewing on the 27th and 28th July and it promises once again to be a great occasion for classic car enthusiasts. Below is a selection of the cars that are going to be auctioned but you can visit the website of Silverstone Auctions to view more items.
Many of you will remember the Ford Capri. Well, a Ford Capri 280 Brookland built in 1987 is to be auctioned with an estimated price of between £35,000 to £45,000. It only has 14,680 miles on the clock and has had a total of four owners with the current one having had the vehicle for around 8 years. During that time the fantastic looking car has been refinished at a cost of over £10,000.
If you are a fan of Porsche then you might want to take a look at the Porsche 356 B Cabriolet that was manufactured in 1962. It has a 4-cylinder 1,600 cc engine and is left hand drive. It spent a number of years in the USA before ending up in Europe. It was restored in 2006 but not too long ago it had a bare metal respray in Metallic Silver. This classic car has an estimated price of £100,000 to £120,000.
Those of you who are Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts may like to view the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL sports car with a 1,900 cc 4-cylinder engine producing 104 bhp. It was transported to Houston in Texas. Back in 1994 it was sold to a classic car restorer and brought back to the UK. It was restored in 2005 with great attention being paid to the detail of the car. It has an estimated price of £105,000 to £120,000.
There is a wonderful looking 1950 Healey Silverstone that has featured in a number of races. When it was sold in 1969 the purchaser paid £600 for the vehicle. It has been fully restored with the work being completed in 2003. The car has only done 10,501 miles and a mere 105 of these sports cars were built making it a very rare specimen. It has an estimated sale price of £165,000 to £185,000.
If you are attending the auction then we wish you a successful trip. Do remember to insure your classic car and, in this respect, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 to discuss your requirements and obtain a quote without any obligation.
In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of car manufacturers design and build electric cars that are more economical to run than those being fuelled by diesel or petrol and are also environmentally friendly. Well, if you run a haulage business, you may be interested to read that Mercedes Benz is currently testing a heavy-duty truck that will be powered entirely by electronic means.
The vehicle is called the Mercedes Urban eTruck and is capable of transporting as much as 26 tonnes. It is expected to be able to travel up to 200km on one charge so it would appear to be targeted at haulage businesses that undertake shortish, local contracts – hence why its name includes the word “Urban”.
The truck could be available to purchase or lease from the early 2020’s so if this is something that interests you then it may not be too many years into the future before you could be using one.
More and more cities around the world are trying to reduce carbon emissions including London so this type of vehicle may go some way to helping this be achieved. Such a truck would also be quieter than the ones we see and hear currently on our roads.
The vehicle will be powered by three lithium-ion battery modules that can be re-charged in around 2 to 3 hours. It sounds like it may not be too many years before we see a large, electric HGV pulling into an M25 motorway service station to charge the vehicle up as such lorries move heavy goods between our cities and towns here in the UK as well as in other countries around the world.
Here at AIB Insurance, we are experts at insuring trucks of varying sizes so why not telephone us on 02380 268 351 and speak with a member of staff who will gladly arrange for you to be provided with a no obligation, competitive quotation.
AIB Launch Classic Car Offering
AIB is proud to announce the launch of our non-standard per...
You must be logged in to post a comment.