Categories / Cars and Bikes

Smite by Vehiconomics – the bubble car returns as an eco vehicle

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No longer a niche car for the eccentric collector, the bubble car looks like it is coming back under the less-than-catchy name of the Vehiconomics Smite.

Currently being touted as a concept car, the Swedish-made Smite is based (in looks) on the classic Messerschmitt KR200, produced between the mid-50s and 1960s and now much sought after collector's piece. But this is no relic – it's a modern eco-based take on the bubble car, addressing the need for a light, energy-efficient car in the modern world.

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Categories / Cars and Bikes

Limited edition Fiat 500 Pink now available to order

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If you thought the Fiat 500 was running out of steam, think again – the retro-style mini motor is set to be offered in a number of limited edition styles this year, kicking off with the Fiat 500 Pink, which as you might have gussed, adds pink to the colour selection, along with a few added extras.

In a nice act of symmetry, Fiat is offering up 500 Fiat 500s in pink, with detailing including a contrast black interior, leather gear knob, sun roof, side rubbing strip with 500 badge, pink key cover and special carpet mats. There's also the eco-friendly start/stop system, cutting the engine automatically when traffic brings your pink friend to a halt, restarting when traffic moves once more. Clever stuff.

If you want to get yourself in the queue for one, the Fiat 500 Pink will set you back slightly more than the average model, selling for £11,700.

Fiat 500 Pink website

Categories / Cars and Bikes

Charlie Ware’s Morris Minor centre

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For the average driver with limited mechanical knowledge, a classic car can be quite a daunting prospect, which is why Charlie Ware's Morris Minor centre is so perfect. If you want a Morris Minor that is.

This Bristol-based garage offers up Morris Minors of all styles and all conditions – convertibles, saloons, travellers, vans or pick-ups, they have them all, most reconditioned to 'as new' standard.

As just one example, the 1969 maroon 4-door saloon pictured here has a 1300 engine, 5-speed Toyota gearbox,disc brakes, telescopic front and rear shock absorbers and 13 inch wheels, not to mention a sporty finish chassis guarantee and conversion to unleaded fuel. £5,500 secures it – find out more and see all the other models at the site.

Charlie Ware's Morris Minor centre website

Categories / Art and Photography, Cars and Bikes

Andy Warhol Cars Calendars

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A new design to enter Teneues calendar range for 2010 is the Andy Warhol Cars.

The images used in the calendars are taken from the series of images Warhol created for Mercedes Benz in 1986/7 to commemorate the 100th birthday of the automobile. The series was supposed to consist of 80 images based on 20 types of Mercedes to tell the story of the car, but unfortunately Warhol died leaving only 35 images of 8 cars completed.

There are two calendars available; the poster calendar measuring 48 x 64 cm for £24.99 and the standard 30cm square calendar for £9.99. Even for someone like myself who isn’t a huge car enthusiast, this makes an interesting change from the usual Warhol images of Marilyn and the soup cans. Buy online directly from Teneues.

Categories / Art and Photography, Cars and Bikes

Eastway cycle circuit print by James Brown

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This striking image is a tribute to the now closed Eastway cycle circuit in east London which was moved for the development of the Olympic Park. Artist James Brown was apparently influenced by an image he saw on a 1963 Czech matchbox but the simple outline of the cyclist and the bold colours used also make it reminiscent of sporting posters and logos from around 1975, the year the Eastway opened.

The image is silkscreen printed onto brown board. It's a limited edition of 100 and, at time of writing, there only seems to be a few left. If you want it then, you'd better get on your bike…

The print costs £58 from Boxbird

Categories / Cars and Bikes, Toys and Games

Haynes x Airfix classic car model kits

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We would say these are great for kids, but let's be honest, it's the adults who are likely to be buying and completing these Haynes x Airfix classic car model kits.

Haynes and Airfix have collaborated to produce a range of four classic model car sets – the E-Type Jaguar, MGB Roadster, Triumph TR4 and our favourite, the Ford Escort MK1, which is pictured above.

The models are 1:32 scale and come complete with paint, instructions (in the style of a Haynes manual) and everything you need to build the mini replicas of classic British motor cars. You can buy them online, priced at £14.95.

Find out more at the Horsfall and Wright website