Spiders and Car Insurance

So lets get this out of the way first: I'm freaking terrified of spiders. There is something about the little buggers that turn me into a little girl, I've no shame in admitting that.

Anyway, today I get into my car to find a massive cobweb on the dashboard that wasn't there yesterday. Obviously I'm unsettled by this, but I have somewhere important to be and I'm on my merry way.

As I'm driving, it then dawns upon me that this spider is still in the car somewhere. It's probably sitting behind the steering wheel waiting for the right moment to jump out and make me crash. This'll hike up my premiums next year. The insurance companies would love that.

Then I start to wonder, what if spiders and insurance companies are working together? They probably pay the nasty little buggers to do just that: cause arachnophobic young drivers to crash, thus having a reason to increase already extortionate premiums to line their pockets and hereby increase their profits. 

Think about it: when filling the claim form, what will you write for 'cause of crash?' Will you put terrifying ninja spider? Of course not, that's absurd. You'll lie and choose a conventional excuse and the insurance company will have gotten away with it. It's just what they want. 

Being the crooks that they are, I wouldn't put it past them to pull a conspiracy like that.

I bet the government is in on it too.

First Published: 30/01/2014

Location: Jalopnik OppositeLock

An Automotive Year in Five Photos

Twenty-thirteen has been an eventful year for the automotive world. We've seen birthdays: The iconic Porsche 911 hit 50, and Aston Martin has made it to 100.

Many interesting cars have been released, from the nippy Ford Fiesta ST, through the breathtaking Jaguar F Type range, right through to the next generation of hypercars. Mclaren, Ferrari and Porsche have proven that a hybrid is no longer the exclusive preserve of the eco-hatchbacks, whilst setting blisteringly fast Nurburgring lap times. 

The car industry too has seen good news; TVR is to be revived and making sports cars again to the delight of enthusiasts, whilst the likes of Jaguar, Bentley and Lamborghini have shown SUVs that would not normally be associated with their brands. It's certainly been a busy year.

Closer to home, 2013 has also been an active year for UK Wheels Events. We've tried to capture it in the following five photos.

The Preston Supercar Meet is a monthly gathering of cars. Not restricted by its namesake, everything from a tuned Mini to Ferrari 458s have been the centre of attendees' curiosity. It represents just that: a gathering of petrolheads who love cars. Some drive from as far as Cheshire or Liverpool to present what they drive and admire that of others.

The 'Fast Ford Face-off' above was taken at the December meet. 

On April 1st, the Preston Supercar Meet visited Oulton Park for the British GT season opener.The day involved a spirited drive from Preston, a few parade laps of the track, and two stints of GT racing. There were some fantastic cars on display including a Bentley Speed 8 and an Enzo.

The above photo captures the essence of the day. Fervent preparation before the car is wheeled from the tent to pits; the anticipation building as onlookers catch a glimpse of a silent racer which will soon be on the limit on track; a magical snapshot of what happens behind the scenes of each race.

The Chatsworth House gathering is the largest annual gathering of TVRs. Each year, hundreds of Blackpool Rockets gather in Derby and park together on the main grounds. It is a magnificent sight, not only for it's sheer magnitude, but the  wide spectrum of colours on display. The faint rumble of Inline Sixes and V8s make a soothing backdrop as cars continue to arrive.

This picture is a TVR Tamora arriving on the scenic grounds of Chatsworth. Some TVR owning UKWE members drove in convoy from Lancashire, making for a memorable journey.

UKWE's partner Amari Supercars holds a quarterly open day. Their customers and PSCM are invited to the showroom to view current stock. Not only does this offer the chance to view showroom content, (which is often wall to wall with Ferrari and Maseratis) the car park also gets filled with vehicles that are equally impressive.

This is a shot from the October open day. The parking area is full, demonstrated by this customer V12 Vantage in a unique shade of Amethyst red.

One of the larger car gatherings in the North West is Supercar Sunday at Mitton Hall, Whalley. Naturally, UKWE and PSCM members contribute to the turnout. Taking place during the summer months, there is always a nice balance of classic and and modern cars in attendance. Notable cars that have attended include an Ultima GTR and Porsche 904 Carrera GTS. 

This Ferrari 308 is also a PSCM attendee. This picture was taken towards the end of the event, earlier flanked by a Jaguar E Type. 

First Published: 24/12/2013

Location: ukwheelsevents.com

A Day at Griffiths Detailling

“A valet makes a car shiny, a detail makes a car perfect.”

Valeting and detailing essentially serve the same purpose; to improve the aesthetics of a vehicle by making it gleam. But there are differences in technique, cost, and more importantly, outcome.

After a valet, a car will be well tidied, usually having been through an exterior wash and interior vacuum. 

On the other hand, a detail offers more extensive methods of cleaning. Every possible area of the car is washed, including wheel arches, doorsills and the engine bay.

Bodywork is often removed to access these area. The process takes days, and is often completed with paint correction and protection, all to refine a car’s visual value.

If done correctly, a detail will not only fix any imperfections, but will also protect the exterior from road salt. After a protection detail, a Ferrari owner noted that the dirt now simply ‘falls off’ the F355 during regular cleaning.

Griffiths Detailing offer a range of detailing services. Using G Techniq and Auto Finnesse products, they can do everything from a simple car wash to a full paint correction and protection detail. 

Their detailing studio is based in Warrington, and they provide a mobile unit that can travel UK wide.

Chris Griffith established his business in 2002 after leaving the Army. From daily drivers and vans, his work has grown to include higher end vehicles. He has detailed everything from showcars to supercars, with a portfolio including Ferraris and Lamborghinis of all vintage, an Alfa Romeo RZ, and more recently, a Ford RS200.

So what drives Chris to finish cars at concours condition?

“My own cars are always immaculate, and I’m passionate about getting a car perfect. It’s become an obsession almost, it kills me to see these cars going away in less than perfect condition!”

For more information on their services, visit www.griffithsdetailing.com

Photography by Matthew Parkinson

First Published: 01/11/2013

Location: www.thesupercarkids.com

Amari Supercars in TSK Magazine

“We’re going to get another red Testarossa soon to go with the black one, so we’ll be the only dealer with two Countaches and two Testarossas.”

These are the words I heard as I squeezed between a 25th Anniversary Countach and a stunning white Murcielago roadster, surrounded by a plethora of other gleaming exotics.

The man who spoke them is Adam Kennedy, Manager of Amari Supercars.

Based near the M6 Motorway in Preston, the supercar dealership is owned by Sheikh Amari, who has been involved with the supercar business for longer than most. “I’ve had my nappies changed in a Lamborghini,” he admits.

Their showroom boasts an impressive stock of around 60 cars ranging from a ‘normal’ Porsche 911 turbo to a Carrera GT. Whereas ordinary Ferraris are sold on a regular basis, Amari have stocked cars ranging from valuable to extremely rare. The list includes a Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 356 Speedster, two Ferrari Enzos, a Maserati MC12 Corsa, Gumpert Apollo and a number of F40s. They currently hold the lowest milage example of an RHD Lamborghini Countach in the world.

As for future stock, they will be one of the first in the UK to receive the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. 

Amari do more than just sell cars. They own an approved service centre which caters to all luxury and prestige vehicles. All stock undergoes an evaluation and service before sale, including a  detail and valet. “We aim to sell a car just how it came out of the factory, only with more miles” explains Adam. Cars and services both come with a warranty.

Now that you have a gleaming supercar, why not give it a personal touch? The showroom offer a selection of private number plates- at a price. D14 BLO will set you back a cool £30,000. However, there are cheaper options for the budget conscious buyer.

Along with selling and servicing, Amari have tried their hand at customizing a supercar. Based on a Gallardo, the Invidia 540 is a unique conversion made to resemble a Gallardo STS. Upgrades include a wide-body kit made of fiberglass and carbon fiber, improved brakes and a power upgrade to 540 bhp. A convertible version is currently being built.

Finally, the Amari franchise offers a members only club. Club A keeps customers in touch with the showroom through which drives and meets are organized for members.

Sheikh Amari said: “It would be great to gather all the supercar owners throughout the North together every quarter here at Amari Supercars. They can see new cars coming in, our service and diagnostics centre, and we’ve also got a detailing team. We’re a one stop shop for supercars.”

For all your supercar needs, visit Amari’s website at www.amarisupercars.com

First Published: 04/05/13

Location: The Supercar Kids Magazine (Issue 6 p33-34)

Exploring My TVR Addiction

Every so often, I manage to convince myself that TVRs are not worth the hassle and that there are many more sensible alternatives to aspire to. But then I go to my local car meet and it all goes out of the window; seeing their curves, outrageous shapes and hearing those thunderous engines makes me want a TVR more than anything else. This recently came up in a conversation with Russell Larcombe who subsequently offered me the passenger seat in his purple Sagaris for a run to the Chatsworth House TVR gathering.

I arrived at the starting point where around 20 or so TVRs would be driving in convoy. The Tivs were rolling in one by one. You certainly hear a TVR before seeing it, and in various bright and two toned colours, they lit up the parking area like fireworks. Soon enough, we began the journey.

This was my first ride in a TVR and what’s instantly noticeable is that even the most trivial aspects of the car are a novelty. For instance, whereas almost every car in the world has ticking indicators, the Sagaris beeps. There is nothing so mundane as a door handle in a modern TVR, there are three identical unlabeled buttons on the dashboard, one of which opens the door (just pray that you don’t hit it at high speeds). The rev counter and speedometer needles turn in opposite directions. All of this was before I had even heard that guttural burble that becomes a roar above 2500 rpm.

As our group thundered towards Derbyshire, the Tivs were visible in the rear view mirror, spread out on the motorway like vibrant skittles. You really don’t need to go fast to appreciate the Sag- with it’s asymmetrical shape and sideways exhausts, it really is an event at any speed. Due to the low sitting cockpit, 70 mph feels like 100.

To compare with a Nissan GTR, both take you to immense speeds but the GTR does so in comfort. Only it’s torque and whistling turbos give you a sense of the rapidness- the Nissan surges forward in a single swift motion.

On the other hand, that glorious Speed Six howl is clearly heard in the cockpit, with every vibration felt. The bonnet shakes and rattles, almost as if the engine is trying to escape.

The two are entirely different beasts; the Nissan being a precise touch screen keyboard and the TVR a mechanical typewriter. That isn’t to say the Tiv outdated, as effortlessly rising revs followed by a smooth gear change shows it is anything but.

After a couple of hours on motorways and sublime country roads, we arrived at Chatsworth House. The Sag was parked in the top row with the others, and I spent the next few hours ogling, photographing and drooling over TVRs of all generations.

Needless to say, today was fantastic and a huge thanks to Russ for the ride which made me feel like a ten year old in a purple car. As I type this, I can still hear the Sag’s crackle and pop on the overruns ringing in my ears.

As for my Tiv addiction? Well, today for me was like throwing an opium addict into a poppy field. Immense. I know that I must have a TVR, in all of its quirky, characterful glory. I simply must. Young drivers’ insurance rates be damned, my first car will be one built in Blackpool.

Fayaz

First Published: 28/04/13

Location: Pistonheads.com, Sprint Magazine

Amari Supercars/ PSCM Open Day

Last Sunday saw an impressive turnout at the Amari Supercars open day. Customers and enthusiasts alike gathered at the Preston based dealership to view an impressive stock of vehicles that were on display.

The open day is the first of many planned by Amari. The aim is to bring customers together at the dealership, showcase their stock, and demonstrate what Amari Supercars have to offer. Event host, Sheikh Amari said: “It would be great to gather all the supercar owners throughout the North together every quarter here at Amari Supercars. They can see new cars coming in, our service and diagnostics centre, and we’ve also got a detailing team. We’re a one stop shop for supercars.”

Attendees were able to speak to the sales team and view around 60 vehicles for sale, including Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins, Maseratis and Bentleys. The in-house service centre was open for viewing, showcasing a Lamborghini Countach being serviced.

Whilst the showroom featured some stunning cars, customers brought equally impressive vehicles. The car park featured over 50 cars including an immaculate Porsche 993 Turbo, a Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider, a Noble M12 GTO, some TVRs and Nissan GTRs amongst others.

Along with customers, the Preston Supercar Meet (PSCM) were invited to the event. The  monthly gathering of petrolheads drove from there usual meet at the Phantom Winger to join others at Amari. 

Preceding the meet, the weather was cause for concern with ice and gale force winds, but fortunately the roads remained dry. PSCM organiser Phil Hutton said of the meet: “For the weather, it’s an excellent turnout. Some of our best meets have been during the winter!”

Overall, the event was good day out for the Preston Supercar Meet and Amari’s customers. Future open days will be just as spectacular, and hopefully warmer.



First Published: 29/03/13

Location: ukwheelsevents.com

The Styling of Modern Supercars

At the turn of the decade, we have seen flagship replacements from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Mclaren. It is apparent that we have moved onto the next generation of supercars, and a noticeable trend is occurring; the styling of these cars are becoming increasingly aggressive.

 It started with the quintessential supercar brand, Ferrari. The 458 came along with a bang in 2009, to much critical acclaim. From the sharp lines of the hood to the louvres feeding into the engine bay, it looks positively menacing from just about any angle. It was a radical move away from the F430, which now looks almost bloated by comparison. 

The FF released two years later has all the right design cues of the 458- Glaring headlights, and a wide front grill. But in the process of adding rear seats, it somehow lost the elegance of the 458, resembling a grinning Dr Eggman without the mustache.

Many enthusiasts, myself included agree that while it looks nice, it just seems slightly excessive for a four seater hatchback, but then again, it is a Ferrari!

The Enzo replacement shows no sign of bucking the trend. The teaser shot reveals a a low, wide beast coming out of the darkness, one that is bound to be as striking as the 458 and F12 Berlinetta.

If any company could be accused of excess, it has to be Lamborghini. Ever since the Miura their designs have resembled fighter jets rather than automobiles, from the Countach to their latest model.

Lets step back for a moment: It’s 2001 in Sant’Agata, the Diablo’s successor has just been shown to the world. The Lamborghini Murcielago has almost 600hp and an appearance of a bat from hell. It looks like it would bite your head off if you approached it in the wrong manner with wide wheel arches and massive twin exhausts.

In fact, only became more aggressive with age, getting revised intakes on the LP640 and a massive rear wing and even more air vents on the SV. 

It seemed that nothing short of adding machine guns to its successor would match the lion that was the Lamborghini Murcielago.

Yet in 2011, it was replaced by the Aventador. The lion is now a fluffy cat.

The Aventador looks like it has been designed exclusively with a ruler. Its appearance is terrific and embodies Lamborghini’s outlandishness to the core, however, it almost looks like it is trying too hard.

Likewise with the Mclaren P1. After the MP4-12C was criticized for looking too generic and almost ‘boring’, Mclaren unveiled their latest flagship at the Paris 2012 motor show and it looks like it comes straight from a Need for Speed game. It was designed entirely by wind tunnel, and the swooping shape shows it. 

So exotics are certainly looking meaner than ever, but is that a bad thing? Nobody buys a Mclaren for school runs or the weekly shop, it is there to put a smile on your face. A Lamborghini exists for the purpose of going fast and releasing that eight year old within you.

 Supercars have always been over the top, excessive and flamboyant. So when the next Ferrari looks like it wants to eat you, be glad that it doesn’t look like a Pontiac Aztek.



First published: 15/01/13

Location: fayazismail.blogspot.co.uk