MERLIN’S MAGIC RETURN

It always gives me a good feeling when cars that I cut my teeth on in this industry in the mid-eighties make a comeback.

First new Merlin under build for many years.

One that comes into that category is the Merlin traditional roadster that first saw the light of day in 1980. Peter Gowing was the main man and he started by importing a Beetle-based Witton Tiger from the States, although the story is bit more interesting than that…

An American chap called Leonard Witton was living in London in the late seventies when he had the idea for such a car and More >

STREET HOPPA HOPS UP THE ROAD TO WARWICKSHIRE

Hands up who remembers the excellently-named FUBAR Street Hoppa, a new take on the beach buggy theme, about ten years ago?

Despite the modern looks it was based on traditional beach buggy fare of Volkswagen Beetle and was the work of John ‘Village’ Warner. Soon after he created it, Village was snapped up by a leading motor manufacturer for the design department and since then he’s risen further through the ranks.

Village’s dad, Barry, himself a very well-regarded automotive clay modeller, took over and actively marketed the kit for a couple of years, exhibiting at several shows and getting media coverage in More >

I LIKE TILES

Here’s another great little device to tell you about and I’d classify it in the same handy and easy-to-use category as the Blink Home Security system I told you about a few weeks ago.

Tile Mate is a discreet tracker that can be attached to anything – luggage, wallets, purses, backpacks, clothing – and shares the location of things via a smartphone or tablet.

Tile Mate is 25 per cent smaller the Tile Original, the world’s best-selling Bluetooth tracker, and it’s lighter. Users can ring their things with one of Tile Mate’s four pre-set ringtones, or use it in reverse to find their More >

WOW-WEE HOW COOL ARE THESE?

Available for LS1 ‘cathedral’ port or LS3 rectangular port cylinder heads, these ICT Billet intake manifolds feature .140in (3mm) thick sheet metal plenums pressure tested to 120psi.

That makes the intakes ideal for supercharged and turbo applications. The manifolds come with big 102mm throttle bodies, a fuel rail kit with hose and fittings, gaskets, and mounting hardware. The throttle bodies use the stock Idle Air Control and throttle position sensors. The MAP sensor must be located remotely and connected to a vacuum line from a port on the underside of the plenum.

Summit Racing also carries ICT Billet power steering, alternator, and More >

THIS IS NOT A DRILL – A DRILL GOES MACHINE MART, MACHINE MART ….

The CIR220 is a powerful 24V compact and lightweight cordless impact wrench ideal for any tool box. Complete with two batteries, a quick one-hour charger, four sockets and a The CIR220 is a powerful 24V compact and lightweight cordless impact wrench ideal for any tool box. Complete with 2 batteries, a quick 1-hour charger, 4 sockets and a carry case.

It has a maximum torque delivery of 220Nm, a ½in square-drive for quick and easy socket changing, with a maximum speed of 2000rpm.

It also has a fast-charging facility in just one-hour and has a comfortable, ergonomic handle. The package includes 17mm, More >

PORKY FOR VW HERITAGE

Established in the global VW scene over thirty years, VW Heritage has just launched a sister company specialising in Porsche parts, to serve those lucky enough to own one of Stuttgart’s finest.

Heritage Parts Centre utilises the existing supply and logistics partnerships already in place at their West Sussex warehouse. Managed by a team of Porsche specialists, Heritage Parts Centre offers the same level of service and product knowledge for customers with Porsche vehicles.

Initial focus will be on air- and water-cooled 911s, Boxster and transaxle models, but true to previous form their range will expand exponentially as soon as possible, with a More >

AK’S NEW JAPANESE AGENT

 

Meet ‘Rufus’ the latest AK427 demonstrator!

AK Sports Cars has just signed a deal with Hiroyuki Katsumi, who runs the UK Classic Factory, in Tokyo, Japan, a business with ninety-years experience behind them dealing in British classics.

Hiroyuki has just received his first consignment of AK427s to sell in his homeland, which is exciting news indeed for Jon and Wendi Freeman and will hopefully see a steady flow of AK 427s heading to the Far East.

More information from o1733 267 633 or www.aksportscars.com ENDS.

FORGET TEA-LEAVES LASER TOOLS FAVOUR THE PALM

Ideal for reaching those difficult to access fasteners, Laser Tools has just introduced this Swivel Palm Ratchet (part number 6665), which features a swivel joint on the driver and a swivelling handle ensuring that the socket or screw bit will get a firm grip even when straight access is difficult.

This versatile tool features a super-smooth 72 tooth ratchet which is switchable for forward and reverse, and three swivel adaptors which offer 1/4in drive, 3/8in drive and a 1/4in shank bit driver. Can be used with any standard 1/4in drive accessories.

Manufactured from chrome vanadium steel and chrome plated for excellent strength, toughness More >

BRAKE SORTER OUTER

New from Rally Design is this comprehensive fifteen-piece brake maintenance and assembly tool-set especially for the maintenance of drum and disc brake systems. Ideal for a lot of kitcars, then.

The set includes –

Brake spring pliers with movable claw for removing and installing of brake shoe springs

Brake spring pliers for installing and removing the brake shoe recuperating spring on riveted brake linings

Brake caliper brush for removal of brake dust and dirt from the brake caliper

Brass brake caliper brush for cleaning aluminium brake calipers, soft brass bristles facilitate damage-free cleaning

Special tool for brakes for installing and removing spring plates and the holding More >

XPART’S RAVE

MG Rover parts masters, XPART has unveiled the complete range of MG Rover Technical Information Discs, which cover Rover 75/MG ZT, Rover 45/MG ZS, Rover 25/MG ZR, TF and City Rover. They useful stuff like a tutorial on each model, a workshop manual, overhaul manual, electrical diagrams, body repair manual, owner’s handbook and in-car entertainment manual.

Discs are available now and cost #9.59 inc VAT each.

They also have a ‘Legacy’ disc for older models such as MGF, which cost £11.99 inc VAT each.

More information from www.xpartautoservicecentre.com ENDS.

z library