Category: Automobilia

We drove the Renault 5 E-Tech: the automotive future now embraces its historic icons..

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Indeed Renault is looking back, but then only to inject its unique iconic true DNA into the cars it designs for the E-future. This is a clever strategy of this iconic French automaker. Indeed, in the roaring sixties and seventies, it did put cars on the road which continue to inspire several generations, and this right until this day.

Besides the ”4L” or charmingly called in the Gallic language ” la quatre elle” , there was the Renault 5, lovingly called “la Cinq”.

Another Renault icon is the starting blocks by the way, the new Twingo E-TECH, and all these new characterful cars are based on the same platform which Renault has developed for the new age of very efficient, compact and financially accessible EV’s.

Renault showed a prototype of its electric “5” already in 2021, and we are delighted to see that virtually all the styling elements of this project car are found back in the series production model.

The “5” is indeed an absolute pleasure to look at, it is wonderfully proportioned and stacked with delightful details.

Like the big letter “5” on the hood which gradually lights up when you charge the car, so you can  immediately see how far the battery is recharged. So cool!

The headlamps are also wonderfully styled, and accompanied by square led light patterns below them.

The rear lights are sculpted as on the legendary R5 Turbo. By the way, the power and panache of this Turbo classic is not much more in driving practice than the torque and immediate pulling power of the 150 HP electric motor of our test car. And then there is the 218 HP Alpine Version, which we hope to drive soon…

A wonderful cabin…

The fun continues in the cabin. We find here the typical square design style of the seventies, which is continued in the yellow colour and graphic patterns of the displays found in front of the driver and the centre.

The screens are quite practical after some obvious acquaintance, and we liked the extra row of physical knobs and controls for heating and ventilation below the panels.

We liked the seventies styling of the seats which are also comfortable and well adjustable. The driver seat is also height adjustable as standard. In the front there is is ample leg and headroom, at the rear the available space is only adequate for adults. But this is a (city) car for young (at heart) adults, so in the rear you will mostly find kids or grandchildren..

The boot space is more than adequate for this compact EV, with 255 liters under the luggage cover. There is no separate stowing space for the charger and cables, just a stylish bag is provided.
 

Rediscovering driving pleasure…with an EV.

This is where this Renault 5 E-Tech really stands out: it gives you TONS of driving pleasure behind the wheel. No small feat for an EV. Not in the least because it steers and handles like a dream. The steering is precise, the suspension is sporting but not too harsh, and it just LOVES winding roads.

The car is wonderfully agile, and when you steer it into corners with abandon, it will even oversteer, which is of course easily corrected. Just great. Straight line and high speed stability is excellent. Does this 5 inspire you always to a sporting driving style as a must?

Not at all, it is whisper quiet, and the excellent sound system (can be optionally equipped with a Harman Kardon sound system) lets you enjoy classical or your preferred music along the route. Wind and tyre noise are virtually absent and this makes the compact “Cinq” a car with the manners and driving refinement of a premium automobile. Fit for long journeys too!

With outstanding performance to match…

What about range and performance you will ask. Our test car was equipped with the 150 HP or 110 kW engine, and this means vigorous accelerations, considering that the weight of the 5 is reasonable with 1450 kg. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is absolved in some 8 seconds, top speed is reasonably limited to 150 km/h.

The car with this engine version has a 52 kW battery, which results in a average range of some 350 km, based on a consumption of 17 kW/100 km. City driving will easily give you average consumptions around 13-14 kW, corresponding with a range of some 400 km. Brisk motorway driving will limit the range, as the boxy 5 E-Tech with a Cw value of 0,32 is not a champion in aerodynamics. Speed charging up to 100 kW is possible with the Cinq, so within a 30 minute coffee break the battery is easily recharged from 20 to 80 pct.
 

Up to date infotainment

Of course, noblesse oblige, in this day and age the 5 E-tech has Android Auto and Apple Carplay,  also handles voice commands over Google Assistant, offers two USB C connections. The navigation system is based on Google Maps. You can also plot your charging points en route. You can personalise the system via your Google account and of course you can be further informed about your car by using the Renault App. With over the air updates, your Renault can always be kept up to date…

Conclusion

This 5 E-Tech has the looks and offers you pleasure behind the wheel. It is indeed fun to drive and look at, and will also spoil you with the whispering silence of a premium car.

It is also well priced, and its timeless iconic shape will let you enjoy it for many years to come…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Photographers’ notes: the photos here are made again with our Sony Alpha 5100 with its F4 16-70 Zeiss lens, which produces punchy, sharp photos with rich contrast.

But we also used here a recently bought second hand 50 mm Canon EF F1,8 II lens, mounted here on our trusted EOS 1100 D Canon DSLR. It produced the detailed photos of dashboard screens and further bodywork details, creating an interesting bokeh due to its shallow depth of field at wide openings, yet being razor sharp and offering good contour contrast. The 50 mm lens is often overlooked, yet it is an excellent tool due to its luminosity, interesting bokeh and excellent sharpness…

We drove the Opel Mokka Hybrid: the bestseller with lightning style and panache…  

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The Opel Mokka, one of the bestsellers in the Opel range, has got a facelift combined with some important technical refinements. More than reason enough to put the hybrid version through its paces for you here.  It was the first Opel to receive the now iconic characteristic brand fascia, the so-called “Opel Vizor”, and now it got even more character: with the facelift the black Vizor visually integrates the new Blitz and the headlights into one element. Black elements are decidedly en vogue: a black design line runs from the bonnet to the rear above the side windows. Black claddings at the front, rear and wheel arches also give a more sporting look.

Also in the cabin things have further improved. First of all, there is a new steering wheel, flattened at the top and bottom and made from vegan material, with the new Blitz emblem proudly at the centre.

The centre console between the front seats, in a matt silver tone, has a cleaner, upmarket style and the design of the remaining switches for the electric parking brake and the selectable driving modes is identical to the all-new Opel Grandland. The material of the seats consists now of recycled material, but it is good to know that the whole cabin gives now a decidedly more upmarket impression.

A hybrid with 48 Volt technology…

Opel calls it a “modern hybrid”, and it consists of a 100 kW (136 hp) 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor and an electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The transmission is very smooth, the electric motor assists the engine in accelerations with helpful extra torque and all this results in very pleasant performance combined with excellent efficiency.

When accelerating slowly and driving at moderate constant speeds on city boulevards, the engine will run at very low revs in the highest possible gears, and this without any noticeably noise or vibrations. Pushing the trottle a bit further will cause the E-motor to react immediately and the transmission will intantly choose the correct gear for the engine to step in.

Driven with restraint, you will easily achieve a consumption in city driving at around 6 litres/100 km, and even slightly lower, whereas cruising on the open road will let the consumption drop to around 5,2 litres/100 km. According to WLTP standards, fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions are 110 g/km; the CO2 label is a C.

The 3 cylinder engine has now a chain driven distribution system, and the Continetal-developed oil lubricated belt has been abandoned, resulting in improved reliability.

A drivers’ car…  

We find Opels always very attractive drivers’ cars, striking a very good balance between comfort, performance and a predictable, engaging handling. The Mokka again proved this wonderfully. It responds admirably to a brisk driving style, but will never let you feel uncomfortable when you decide to drive smoothly and leasurely.

Seating position behind the wheel is also excellent. The knee room for rear passengers is somewhat more restrained, and boot space is not cavernous either, but with 350 litres is still sufficient for most.

Performance is excellent, with the Mokka proving to be an “Autobahn Meister” with a smooth top speed of 207 km/h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 in just above 9 seconds. This Mokka is a fast GT, let this be said. This performance is almost identical to the original Porsche 2 litre 911, don’t forget!  

… with up to scratch infotainment

The facelifted Mokka also is no laggard when it comes to modern infotainment. The cockpit uses Qualcomm Technologies’ next generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform3 to enable premium in-vehicle experiences, including state-of-the-art graphics, multimedia and enhanced connectivity capabilities such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G, says Opel.

A 10-inch digital driver information display and an equally large colour touchscreen are also standard. The latter can be easily operated via widgets, just like a smartphone – alternatively and in combination with the optional navigation system, a ‘Hey, Opel’ is enough to use the natural voice recognition.
 

Both displays can be personalised. The system recognises the driver’s personal profile on the connected smartphone; the connection is always wireless in the new Mokka. Virtual shortcuts can be set up on the central screen and you can choose between different colour schemes.

When ordered with the integrated navigation system, map updates are made available over-the-air. The system also constantly learns and – based on the habits of the linked driver profile – independently suggests destinations and routes.

The “myOpel” app can also be used to easily send the destination and the corresponding route to your car.  Furthermore, Opel offers ChatGPT4 (available in combination with Connected Navigation) for the new Mokka…

To sum it all up, we liked the Mokka Hybrid very much indeed, having style, performance, offering driving pleasure combined with excellent performance and economy, all this combined with a very reasonable price…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Photographers’ notes: Here we used again our faithful Canon G9X. After years of intensive use, the battery lid latch is broken, and therefore we have to use a camera support bracket straight from the sixties… but this adds extra balance and stability when taking photos at slower shutter speeds…

This little gem has 20 megapixels for you, and has an optical soom with 28–84 mm equivalent focal length. It has quite reasonable low light capabilities with a maximum ISO of 12800, shoots 1080 P video and weighs only 208 grams…

We drove the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce Elettrica: It makes your heart beat faster…

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Alfa’s have always been cars with a heart. They exude a unique aura and panache. How can you translate this into an EV, where you have to miss the characteristic roar of a thoroughbred engine?

Well, the Alfa engineers and designers within the Stellantis family have found a bold answer: the Alfa Junior. The styling of the Junior is appealing, to say the least. Of course, it runs on the Stellantis Electric Common Modular Platform (e-CMP2), which it shares with virtually all the other brands of the group that are present in the B-Segment.

But the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo rolled up its sleeves, and treats your eyes with a new grille, displaying the restyled “Scudetto.” The 20 inch “Venti” alloys are also designed along the DNA of the house, the rear end shines with an aerodynamic “coda tronca”. The well-balanced muscular proportions please the eye.

The same can be said for the cabin: personally I would like to have more “vintage drama” in the instrumentation, with proper dials with “real”arrows, which are now easy to emulate digitally, but the “less is more” philosophy today has its rights these days.

What we liked is overall the dashboard styling and the use of alcantara on some panels. On the central console one now finds the familiar Stellantis selector switches, which Alfisti will find a bit regrettable, and maybe a small tricolore adorned aluminum Alfa lever would have been nice, but there you go.

The central screen is turned well to the driver and not too big and overwhelming, which I liked. Our test car had the beautiful optional “Corsa” bucket seats, made by Sabelt, which are yours when you opt for the Sport Pack. They add not only to the looks and atmosphere in the interior, they also sit wonderfully too…

“Stellar” performance.

Stellantis opted to install in the “Veloce” version of the Junior a 280 HP or 207 kW electric motor, which is also found in the Abarth 600e “Scorpionissma” and in the announced Peugeot e-208 GTI. The performance is nothing short of spectacular: 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 5,9 seconds, top speed is limited to 200 km/h. The maximum torque is 345 Nm. Of course, in our tested version a limited slip differential allows you to get all this power seamlessly on the road.

Handling is absolutely beyond reproach: it has a widened track and stiffened anti-roll bars…

To enjoy all this, one has to use the “Dynamic” mode on the drive selector, which should be the permanent choice for the Alfa enthusiast.

If you drive with somewhat more restraint using this mode, and adopt an anticipative driving style, the regeneration function when coasting lets you achieve creditable values between 16 and 17 kWh in both city and open road use. Based on WLTP cycle, the consumption is quoted at 17,9 kW.
 

The 54 kW battery (51 kW net available power) gives you an adequate range, the manufacturer quotes – using the WLTP standard – a range between 325 – 315 km. We found a “safe” range of some 260 km more realistic. Hooked on a 100 kW charger, the Veloce will charge up from 20 to 80 % in 27 minutes. The time of a leisurely coffee break.  

The Veloce costs some 10.000 Euros more than the standard Junior Elettrica, and the “sport” version with set you back another 2.000 Euro’s, but then for true Alfa aficionados, love and passion has no price…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Photographers’ notes: For this test, we used our Sony Alpha 5100 with the newly acquired Zeiss Vario-Tessar T E 16-70 mm f/4 ZA OSS and enjoyed the punch and sharpness of the legendary Zeiss lenses. The photos are also used in the reel on the Alfa Junior Veloce on my Instagram page autoprova.be.

The futuristic Adler 2,5 Litre anno 1937…

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The six cylinder Adler had a streamlined body with a cW of merely 0,36…

The first car in a series where I delight you, dear reader, with my recent car drawings is the astonishing Adler 2,5-litre.

It showed its streamlined body on the 1937 Berlin Motor Show to a surprised public, and indeed it caused nothing short of a sensation. The Germans had a special name for the sloping roof saloon body: “Schiebedach Limousine”. It was designed by Karl Jenschke, who was until 1935 the director of Engineering at Steyr-Daimler-Puch. There he had created the Steyr 50, which also had a streamlined body akin to the Adler.

The Adler 2,5 litre was also available as a sleek cabriolet, built by Karmann in Osnabrück…

The Adler factory was situated in Frankfurt am Main. After the war, the management decided to stop with car production, as the factory had also been completely destroyed. Instead, it started manufacturing…typewriters.

But let’s turn back to the glorious days when Adler cars were rolling of the production lines.

Actually, the fast back saloon body was built by Ambi Budd in its factory in Berlin. The Adler Typ 10, as the car was officially known, was also available in two- and four door cabriolet bodies, which came from Karmann in Osnabrück.

A classic sidevalve straight six was powering the streamlined Adler…

A six cylinder for the Autobahn…

In 1937 the construction of the German Autobahnen was in full swing. This meant that the German automakers were keen on building cars meant for speed. The streamlined body was a first step, and the second one was providing sufficient power. So the Adler engineers opted for a 2,5 litre straight six, which otherwise was still fairly traditional with side valves and a four-bearing crankshaft. It offered a rather sedate 58 PS or 43 kW, but was nevertheless thanks to its streamlined body with a drag coefficient of merely 0,36 still 125 kph fast.

In 1938, a “Sport” version was offered. It had a two-door body that was lower and longer, built by Gläser-Karosserie in Dresden. It had the same 2,494 cc engine as the sedan, but had now THREE carburetors instead of one. Together with a higher compression ratio, 80 PS was achieved. It was offered for 8,750 Reichsmarks instead of 5,750 Reichsmarks for the standard Limousine. The stylish cabriolet version was costing only a few hundred Reichsmarks more.

A small Philips radio, proudly mentioning “Made in Holland” was placed close to the steering wheel column…

This Adler offered a few more futuristic touches like a compact Phillips car radio and a centrally located gear lever, emerging from the dashboard, later seen in the Citroën 2 CV…
 

The instrument panel was rather boldly styled with a central placed gearlever on the dashboard…

Comfort and handling were already quite sophisticated. The front suspension used wishbones and quarter-elliptical springs. The rear wheels were attached to a swing axle with a transverse leaf spring and tie rods. The differential was bolted to the frame. All four wheels used hydraulic shock absorbers and hydraulically controlled drum brakes. This Adler can indeed be used in today’s traffic without a hitch.

The engine hood consisted of two panels, which could be opened to reach the engine on both sides… the central part of the hood with its long profiles stayed fixed.

Despite its futuristic qualities and ingenuity, the actual sales success did not materialize; from its introduction to the end of production in 1940, only 5,295 units were sold, all versions combined. Maybe this streamlined proved too modern for its age…Just enjoy the drawings!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

How to photograph your (classic) car…as a professional.

Posted in Automobilia, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic cars, Lifestyle, men women and cars, PhotographyTagged , , Leave a comment

At a three quarter view the car reveals its proper proportions, a wide angle lens and a lower standpoint will make the car look more impressive. An overcast sky combined with a quiet background and natural surroundings are ideal…

Car lovers as we are, we all would like to photograph our car(s). But how do we master the art? Here we give you a few useful tips, which will let you avoid mistakes and lead you right away to achieve impressive results…

Photography is all about light, so indeed choosing the right lighting is very important.

So avoid midday sun, but choose rather, if you can, the “golden hour”, which is at  sunrise or sunset, when the light is warm and soft, enhancing  the contours and reflections of the car.

Overcast days are also good, as it avoids harsh shadows and renders the colors of the car very well.. When you cannot avoid the sun, look for shadow spots, certainly when you are photographing details of the car.

When shooting details, try to evoke the character of the car. This Jaguar D Type is all about speed. When looking at this photo, You hear the straight six roaring down the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans…

Very important also is choosing your best angle. Ideal is kneeling down to the height of the headlamps, but of course this is a matter of taste. Try it out… Three quarter shots will show best the overall design of the car, but profile shots are also a good starting point. When you have photographed front and back of the car, it is time to shoot the details. Your (classic) car has many…

Very useful, and we would say a must, is the use of a polarizing filter. For your smartphone, there are simple clip-on versions available. It avoids reflections of windscreen and painted surfaces. Shooting from an angle can also minimize the reflections of these surfaces.

I tried to catch the atmosphere of rallying with this shot. I took the reflection of the chequered flag in the door window into the composition of the image.

Use your hand to shield the lens from sunlight, or use a lens hood on your camera.

Look for a quiet, non distracting background. That is, choose a quiet country road, foliage, or an empty parking lot (the marks on the ground can be quite disturbing however). Leave enough room around the car. It shows then something about the setting around it. Indeed, it tells a story…

In the composition, look for leading lines, like the road, drawing attention to the car. Just have a look at https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-leading-lines-in-photography.

Use also the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a fundamental photography guideline suggesting that images are more pleasing when subjects are placed along imaginary lines that divide the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, or at their intersections. Your smartphone has this grid most probably, so put it on. Then position your main subject along these lines or at their 4 intersections (often called “power points”). 

Never forget “human interest” photos. The face of the young woman is at an upper “power point” of the rule of thirds grid, leading your eyes to her face.

If your photo includes a horizon line, position it along the upper or lower third line, rather than dead center, to create a more balanced image. 

You will see how this really works… Just have a look at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UrCM4_NRmvA, but there are many YouTube videos to show you.. just practice!

You can also be creative when shooting a moving car: choose the burst mode on your camera or phone. Also try a slow shutter speed, it also gives surprising results…

This photo of the Volvo 122 S evokes the memory of legendary champion Tom Trana, throwing his Volvo along the gravel roads at a Swedish Midsummer rallye…

Our modern smartphones offer quite impressive quality, so for many there is no need for a proper camera. But then again, many find the use of a “real” camera more engaging and pleasant, as your servant does. Try a wide angle lens, which gives excellent results, but know that a 35 mm film equivalent lens or a 28-90 film equivalent zoom lens will do everything you would ever want, except of course when you are on the racing circuit taking action photos. That is a completely different matter, and this will be the subject of another article.

My very first camera, back in 1974: a Japanese bought Nikomat with the 1,4 50 mm Nikon lens, alongside the Canon AE-1 with motor drive.

Mirrorless cameras are more compact, but a good trusted (second hand) DSLR will do everything you would ever want marvelously. It is however rather heavy, so keep this in mind when you carry it along for hours on end. A shoulder harness which would allow to carry without effort even two big DSLRs would then be the thing to wear…

Mirrorless cameras are superb. Light, yet with excellent sensors, offering 24 m pixels here, combined with an F 4 Zeiss Vario-Tessar T E 16-70 mm.

Dashboards always make you dream away. Look for even light conditions, avoid strong contrasts and reflections.

Of course, the now iconic and much wanted compact mirrorless analog vintage look cameras like the Fujifilm X100 which I have been using for years now earn you much sympathy and open many doors for you at events…

Advantages of the camera are, besides the pleasure of using it, the longer battery life when you are taking many photos, for instance at a classic car event or rally.

The same can be said about classic engines…

When using your smartphone, make sure to choose highest quality, and RAW format if you have a RAW editor to edit your photos afterwards. Also choose the HDR setting, or high dynamic range. If your smartphone allows you to choose portrait mode, then select it to have a shallow depth-of-field effect.

Photos of car details can tell the whole story: You would like to sit in this seat, driving through the Alps…

Tap the screen for focus and exposure adjustment, and you are all set. Of course you can use the post processing filters your smartphone software offers you, but don’t overdo things. Just work on your style, and keep trying. Even full professional photographers take some two years to perfect their style in post processing.

You are all set, now get behind that lens and shoot!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

E-Power for all: the Fiat Grande Panda goes hybrid…

Posted in Automobilia, Car News, Car presentations, Car technology, Concept Cars, E-mobility R &D and solutions, Lifestyle, New ModelsLeave a comment

FIAT launches the new Grande Panda Hybrid, marking a significant milestone in its global product strategy:  making the electrified transition possible for all thanks to this affordable, and cool B-segment Panda.This hybrid version marks the brand’s role as a leader in volume and accessibility, says Stellantis, echoing the golden years of FIAT when simplicity, innovation, and emotional design moved millions.

The Grande Panda project is the cornerstone of a new global vehicle family developed entirely under the guidance of the FIAT HQ and Centro Stile in Mirafiori, Turin. Your servant remembers its visit at the Centro Stile a few years ago, when he stood eye to eye with the clay model of the FIAT “centoventi” or 120, which showed already the proportions and styling language of the present day Panda. Technologically, it already incorporated the solutions we see today.

The model sits on Stellantis’ “Smart Car” Platform. At the heart of this model lies the T-Gen3 hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 110 HP, combined with a 48V Li-ion battery and a eDCT 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This system integrates a 21kW electric motor,an inverter, and a central control unit.

Through functions like e-launch, e-creeping, and e-parking, the Grande Panda Hybrid can operate in full-electric mode during low-speed manoeuvres, allowing for up to 1 km of electric-only driving at speeds under 30 km/h. These features result in smoother acceleration, silent city driving, and less fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, made possible in part also by the Miller Cycle combustion strategy. The eDCT transmission further enhances efficiency and provides a relaxed, two-pedal driving experience that embodies FIAT’s “easy drive” philosophy.


All trims, and one can choose between three levels, notably POP, ICON, and LA PRIMA, come equipped with a comprehensive ADAS suite, including Cruise Control, Speed Limiter, Active Safety Brake, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and open-door alerts. The LA PRIMA trim enhances this with front sensors and a rear view camera.
Connectivity is supported through the onboard 10” digital cluster, 10.25” central touchscreen, and wireless smartphone mirroring. Customers benefit from multiple USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and seamless digital integration.

Continuing the 4 X 4 tradition of the Panda with a 4 X 4 concept…

The new Grande Panda 4×4 concept model, presented during the Grande Panda Hybrid Media Drive, is the direct heir of the Panda 4×4 from the ‘80s. It has exclusive details, and the unique dark red livery, bringing the 80s Panda’s character into the modern era.



It has an electrified, innovative rear axle that delivers all-terrain versatility.  We look forward to see this concept hitting the road soon…

We invite you to look at the accompanying photos for now…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Alfa Romeo shows its sporting panache at the Lago Di Como

Posted in Automobilia, Car Events, Car History, Car presentations, Car Shows, Car technology, Classic and Vintage Cars, Concept Cars, Design, Fashion, History in photos, Lifestyle, men women and carsTagged , Leave a comment

From May 24 to 25, in the extraordinary setting of the Villa Sucota overlooking Lake Como, Alfa Romeo will be the Official Partner of the 2025 edition of FuoriConcorso, and will show its beautiful cars, with its unique sporting design language, a festival of beautiful contours and shapes which are an everlasting delight to the eyes of every car enthusiast.

Just read on and enjoy the photos…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The FuoriConcorso is an event with a well rooted tradition: it was founded in 2019 by Guglielmo Miani, president of Larusmiani, the bespoke menswear and gentleman accessories firm which has been there for gentlemen since 1922. The passion for cars results also in a boutique to create an exclusive collection limited edition. There now you can purchase a collectors box of the Alfa Romeo 6C which contains: the numbered t-shirt with rear print depicting the car and a caption postcard with the history of the car.

But let’s return to the FuoriConcorso. It has grown to an international event that every year attracts thousands of collectors, experts and car enthusiasts from all over the world. The theme selected for this year is – “Velocissimo – Italian Race Cars”, and this means that Alfa Romeo will put its mark on this event. Indeed, the splendid Villa Sucota will become this year the “Casa Alfa Romeo”.

Around 15 extraordinary models will be on show there, some from the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese and others from private collections.

The Zagato 6C…

A car which truly stands out is the 1930 6C 1750 Gran Sport, one of the most famous Alfa Romeos for its unmistakable line (Zagato), six-cylinder engine with compressor and its wide-ranging trophy haul in motorsport, spread out between the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, Tourist Trophy and many other victories in endurance races.

On a model similar to the one on display, the legendary Tazio Nuvolari won the 1930 Mille Miglia, setting an average speed record of 100 km/h across the entire route, in a memorable duel with his teammate, Achille Varzi, also driving a 1750.

The Giulia TZ2…

Many aficionados still dream of the golden era of road racing, and the cars which played a prominent part in this. Like the spectacular 1965 Giulia TZ2. An evolution of the previous Giulia TZ, this car is lower, more tapered and aerodynamic, with fiberglass bodywork on a tubular chassis. Designed by Ercole Spada at Zagato, it sports a sleek and muscular line, dominated by the famous truncated tail, which consecrates it as one of the most beautiful racing cars ever.

The 1.6 twin-cam engine evolved with double ignition and dry sump, reaching 170 hp and 250 km/h. At its debut in 1965, it won its class at the 1000 km of Monza and went on to take other victories in the same season, including the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio and the 1000 km of the Nürburgring. One year later, the TZ2 achieved the same feat at Monza, Sebring, the “Targa” and the “Ring.”

The 33 TT12…

Then there is the 1975 33 TT12. It made its racing debut  on May 5, 1973 at the “1000 km of Spa-Francorchamps,” when the World Championship for Makes was experiencing a period of great popularity and commitment from the most prestigious manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo with the “Tipo 33” family.

The “33” which saw the light in 1967 has now become legendary, where  the letters “TT” stand for Telaio Tubulare (‘tubular chassis’; based on its forerunner the 33 TT3 with a V8 or ’Otto Vu’  engine) and “12” is the `number of cylinders of the new 180° (‘flat’) three-liter V engine that can exceed the threshold of 500 hp. The aesthetics are unmistakable, with its side fins and famous periscope. After a year of development and initial wins in ’74, total domination came in 1975: seven victories out of eight races to win the World Championship for Makes, the fourth overall title in Alfa Romeo history. Legendary drivers such as Merzario, Andretti, Ickx, Vaccarella and many others were behind the wheel to build this immense series of wins.

The legendary F1 compressor Alfetta’s…

When you stroll a few steps away from Villa Sucota, an exclusive area pays homage to the bolides that have made Formula 1 history, starring the 1951 Alfa Romeo GP Tipo 159 “Alfetta,” the veritable ruler of the first two World Championships. An evolution of the legendary 158 of 1938, the 159 triumphed with Fangio after the victory by “Nino” Farina in 1950. After the title – the first of five for Fangio – Alfa Romeo officially withdrew from racing to devote itself to the Giulietta.

Compared to the 158, the 159’s engine was equipped with a two-stage compressor, De Dion rear suspension – the name given to the 1972 Alfetta is based on the adoption of this technical solution – and a more efficient aerodynamic look. The supercharged 1.5-liter inline 8-cylinder engine reaches incredible levels of power: in tests, it even achieved 450 hp, equivalent to 304 hp/liter. This was also made possible by the use of alcohol based special fuels, which had a considerable cooling effect when evaporating, making higher compression rates possible without corresponding high combustion temperatures.

Last but not least, the 33 Stradale…

Also on show at Villa Sucota will be the new 33 Stradale, a “custom-built” car approved for road use that ensures outstanding performance on the track.

It was unveiled in 2023 and produced in only 33 models (all of which have already been sold), the car represents the return of the legendary 33 Stradale, an icon of the 1960s, reputed by many to be one of the most beautiful cars of all time, and derived directly from the Tipo 33 – once a big name in world motorsport.

We can only suggest you to take a look at the photos, and spend some delightful ”Alfa” moments…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We attended the annual “British Car Day” in Malines…

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April 26 was already for weeks firmly put in the agenda for all the (Belgian) fans of British cars. After all, that’s when parts specialist Anglo Parts organized its annual “British Car Day”, where the classic car clubs and restoration specialists could put their best foot forward to recruit members or appeal to customers.

From left to right on our RHVCB stand: your servant, Ingrid De Jonge and Club president Michel Van Eesbeek

As faithful readers already have read in our post about our visit to parts specialist Anglo Parts, (see the post “Lifeblood for your British Classic Car”) your servant has become board member of the Royal Historical Vehicle Club Belgium, and I was present at the event which a stand of our club.

This time the weather gods were better than in the previous edition, and this attracted twice as many spectators.

At the event itself there were a lot of enthusiastic enthusiasts who came up with very special cars. For example, we came face to face with a very rare Marendaz Special, a car designed by DMK (Donald Marcus Kelway) Marendaz and built between 1926 and 1932 in Brixton Road in London, and then until 1936 in Maidenhead in Berkshire. Of this beautiful sports car, whose radiator resembles that of the Bentleys of the time, only 20 to 50 copies were built by the eccentric Marendaz, who fought air battles in France during the First World War as a member of the Royal Flying Corps, in which he was wounded in 1918.

Your servant will make an extensive (photo) report of this very special car on our columns soon…

Most Marendaz Specials used Anzani engine(s)…

Also, a very enthusiastic more than 80 year old English enthusiast had arrived with a vintage… taxi. The man’s name is Dirk Harland, and he had left Hemel Hempstead the day before in his 1955 Beardmore London Taxi Mk7, with his grandson in the back.

He crossed the channel from Dover to Calais, and unfortunately got into a massive one and a half hour traffic jam on the Antwerp ring road. But don’t worry, he showed up flawlessly the next morning at the British Car Day with his Beardmore…

Furthermore, there was of course a legion of MGs to admire, Triumphs, Minis in all kinds of tune , Jaguars, in short, something for everyone…

Relatively rare: an MGA Twin Cam

The event was also characterized by the enormous venue of enthusiasts, who all had taken out their British Classic and had it parked on the road and areas around the premises of the organizer Anglo Parts. Just have a look at the photos…

Finally, I would like to mention that the organizer Anglo Parts has made a film of the event, here is the link: https://youtu.be/qVDd3k6X_d4?si=jFJ4kFtTVRadlVtk. 

Photos of the event can also be seen on https://www.britishcarday.org/

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We took a 1969 Austin Healey Sprite Mk IV through the Belgian technical inspection…

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Enjoying and driving an oldtimer means also that you have to take it to the technical inspection in regular intervals.

In Belgium, a car is an “oldtimer” when it has been registered 30 years ago. You can then register your car with an “O” (oldtimer) license plate. This means that you enjoy reduced road tax, but on the other hand the use of the car is restricted. Any commercial and/or professional use is prohibited. You cannot use it as stage prop or décor for film productions for example. Neither can you use it for weddings and other special occasions which involves transporting passengers, even when this is done for free. Nor can you use the car as a daily commuter between home and work.

As Belgium has three regions, notably Brussels, Flanders and the Walloon region, the regulations for technical inspection for oldtimers show some differences.

In the Brussels region, cars between 30 and 50 years old have to be taken to the technical inspection every two years. When the car is older, you have to do this only every 5 years. This was the case for our Sprite…

In the Flanders region, the rules are identical. If your car is older than 1st of  January 1926, you don’t have to submit the car to a technical inspection.

In the Walloon region, cars between 30 and 50 years have also to be inspected every two years. However, when a car older than 30 years has a “historic value or interest”, it is set free of periodic inspection. The car has to be in original condition and out of production, and no major modifications are allowed, except replacing the chassis when necessary, change to radial tires, and of course all the (safety) changes and improvements which are legally prescribed over the years.

Cars older than 50 years don’t have to be taken to inspection any more.

So we took the Austin Healey Sprite out of its winter sleep two weeks before the inspection. Of course we picked a day when the weather was fine. As the Sprite has been fairly recently fully restored and has  enjoyed an extensive mechanical overhaul, we did not expect too many problems. Also the battery had been replaced recently. Starting the engine was nevertheless somewhat hesitant, as it did not fire up after two attempts after having waited previously for the fuel pump to fill the carburettor fuel reservoirs. We had the choke fully out, and were uncertain whether the air/fuel mixture was correct, so to prevent the engine from over-flooding we gently pressed the accelerator halfway on the third attempt and the engine then immediately fired up. We found the engine idling steadily, but nevertheless rather rough, so some tuning of the two SU carburetors might be necessary. We have the impression the air/fuel mixture setting is rather lean for the moment, but only a tune up using mixture measuring instruments will tell.

Oil pressure was OK, which is to be expected as the engine had been totally restored. We took the Sprite for its first spring tour over a distance of a good 35 kilometers, keeping a watchful eye on the cooling temperature and oil pressure gauges and letting the engine and drive train warm up thoroughly. Of course (hand)brake and all the controls were tested.

Several weeks later it was time to put it through the technical inspection. We did not expect many problems, and indeed there weren’t any. The inspectors admired the clean engine bay, and the 1275 cc Series A BMC engine, which is basically identical in the Mini Cooper S, save for the tuning. It makes the 714 kg Sprite quite a lively performer, where it develops a healthy 65 HP at 5800 rpm. Mind you, acceleration is rather brisk with 0 to 100 km/h reached in about 12,5 seconds. The engine is a long stroke unit, therefore quite flexible, developing a good torque for its size of 98 Nm at 3000 rpm.

The BMC A series engine is a very interesting and beautiful “classic” engine, and has a very long history. We will come back in more detail about this engine in further posts.

As said, the technical inspection went without a hitch, as brakes, suspension, chassis and all auxiliaries were found to be in perfect working order. The engine’s CO2 emissions were also found to be OK, taking into account the historic emission standards of course. Apparently it was a good idea that we left the carburetor settings unchanged for the time being, although the idle is still rather rough. 

So we received a “green” inspection report, which is now valid for another five years. 

On the way back from the technical inspection, we used the motorway for most of the trip, and the Sprite was happily cruising along with a beautiful exhaust roar at some 3500 rpm. 

We now also filled up the fuel tank, choosing 98 octane fuel, and avoiding the use of Euro E10 95 octane petrol, which contains 10 pct methanol. There is a product “Classic Valvemaster plus” sold amongst others by Anglo Parts, which protects engines originally designed to run on leaded fuel for the negative effects of Methanol. Another product they distribute is EPS Ethanol protection from Millers Oils. We performed a major cleaning and detailing session with the Sprite to bring it to (almost) concours condition before we used it our next sortie , driving it to Mechelen for the “British Car Day” organised by Anglo Parts on the 26th of April, were the Sprite was proudly present on the stand of the Royal Historical Vehicle Club and met wich much interest from young and old… 

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Lifeblood for your British classic car: we visited Anglo Parts…  

Posted in Automobilia, Classic and Vintage Cars, Classic cars, Service & RepairLeave a comment

This year we will turn again more regularly also to classic cars, as their importance starts to grow over the years, and your servant has always had a very keen interest in them. Indeed, I am the proud owner, since now about 47 years(!) of a 3.4 Jaguar Mk II S-Type. Over the years, a BMW Z3 roadster with a fixed hard top in the matching ice blue metallic joined my stable as my favored “Youngtimer”. You read about it regularly in these columns under the category “our cars”.

As a board member of the Royal Historical Vehicle Club Belgium, I will on my site report also regularly about the activities of this club, which will also be present at the “British Car Day”, organized by Anglo Parts at their premises on April 26. We will tell you more about this event in a following post.

But now let’s tell you more about what I saw and heard on my recent visit to Anglo Parts. It is one of Europe’s largest online British classic car parts suppliers, and is operating in not less than 11 countries. Indeed, it regularly ships parts to the Netherlands, Italy, France, Sweden, Spain, Luxembourg, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary. It is situated at Zandvoortstraat 53 B-2800 Mechelen, and its webshop can be reached via www.angloparts.com.

They have about 60,000 parts in stock, specializing in parts for MG, Jaguar, Triumph, Austin Healey, Land Rover, Mini and Morris Minor, actually for over 56 types of British classic cars. They are approved specialists of British Motor Heritage for MG, Mini, Triumph and Morris Minor spare parts and accessories.

Anglo Parts operates as a webshop, and therefore has a user friendly website using the original (factory) drawings as a reference to locate the parts you need. You can easily find the right parts via their index.

But you can of course visit the company in Mechelen, where it has its vast (2500 m2) parts warehouse and where you can collect the parts you want, and visit its shop with a host of car care products and accessories for your classic. We show you here some photos of their shop and the warehouse.

The Anglo Parts team consists of highly qualified professionals, who will assist you with expert advice in your search for the right part for your car. Many of the staff own a (British) classic themselves, so their experience really counts.

Anglo Parts also offers you products which can upgrade your classic, improve smooth running and increase its reliability. Like the fully electronic Classic Sport Ignition. All CSI systems are installed into a special housing which can’t be distinguished from original, your classic will keep its authentic look…

Anglo Parts will also offer you advice in their blog letter on their website to avoid problems when running your classic. Like for instance avoiding using Euro95 petrol, as it will be replaced by the ‘cleaner’ variant E10. This is petrol with 10% ethanol, made from beetroot for example. Whilst this is good for the environment, it might be a hazard for your classic car.

Anglo parts will also service and repair your dashboard instruments and wiper motors, amongst others…

Ethanol is highly flammable, but it can dissolve in the fuel tank, attract moist and be the cause of rust or blockages. Or, especially in classic cars, combust too soon and cause damage to your engine. The Dutch classic car federation Fehac even recommends never to use this fuel.

Soon your servant will be present at the “British Car Day” on April 26…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Photographers’ notes:

We used again here our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, proving its excellent versatility with its 25-400 mm Leica zoom lens. For the indoor photos, we used a film speed ISO between 1250 to 3200, which still produces no image noise whatsoever, and allowed us to stop down the aperture to F 7,1 for maximum depth of field.