Category: Cars and Bikes

Not the most powerful motorbike you’ll ever see, but the chopper-like Whizzer Ambassador certainly packs the retro styling by the bucket load.

It’s an updated version of the company’s top-of-the-range bike from 1951, offering an aluminium 138cc single cylinder 4-stroke motor, electric start, front and rear mechanical disc brakes, 26 x 3-inch front and rear wheels and belt drive. The top speed of 40mph isn’t going to impress at the local biker’s club, but if you just want to get around town in a fuel-friendly manner (90 miles per gallon), it could be for you.

I’ve not seen these in Europe as yet – but let us know if you have. Our US readers should be able to pick one up easily, priced at $1,995 (around £1,000).

Find out more at the Whizzer website

Via Retro Thing

The Mini Clubman’s launch was overshadowed by the launch of the Fiat 500, but you’ll certainly grab attention by driving round in this exclusive Aznom Mini Clubman Chateau.

Aznum has ‘re-interpreted’ the car, making just 12 of the cars, each labelled with a number and the owners name. Other notable features of this retro car are a shock absorbent wine cellar (in the boot), an aged gaucho leather interior, a vintage-style sandy/gold metallic paint job, an extensive use of wood both internally and externally, alloy wheels, premum tyres and much much more.

How much this will cost isn’t clear – but a small lottery win might come in useful.

Find out more at the Aznom website

Looking for a vintage motor, but put off by the possible maintenance costs? The Hindustan Ambassador and Oxford could be for you.

It’s not exactly the new Fiat 500 – it’s actually a car range that has been in production in India (with slight changes) since the 1950s, based on the British Morris Oxford. In fact, it has been described as the ‘definitive’ Indian car.

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30 years ago, BMW launched the Lamborghini-designed M1 and in 2008, it is celebrating that design with the BMW M1 Concept.

It’s a modern update of this 70s classic and a million miles away from the company’s traditionally dull vehicles, adding a more aerodynamic shape and (sadly) losing the pop-up headlights – but otherwise staying faithful to the original.

The downside is that this is a concept – so might not make it into production. And even if it does, the price will probably put off us mere mortals. Another image over the turn.

BMW website

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If you have cash to burn and want to invest it in some stylish headwear for your scooter or motorbike, you should check out the retro Pavillon scooter helmets from Ruby.

Designed by Jerome Coste and available online from high-end Parisian retailer Colette, the helmet range has vintage looks, a carbon exterior and plush leather interior. And there’s a range of classic and bold designs, including the one above, all with the vintage-style Ruby plate on the front.

Various sizes available, all retailing for around £443.

See the full range at the Colette website