Pink Floyd Drummer joins Classic Car Fund

"Nick Mason, along with luxury car dealers and the designer of the McLaren F1 road car is helping to raise $50 million (£31 million) for the world's first classic car fund.

Mason, the drummer with Pink Floyd and long-term car enthusiast has joined IGA Automobile as they plan to dedicate $150 million to buy new vehicles. The move comes at a time when the market for classic cars has seen a huge increase, as demand for physical assets rises sharply. IGA Automobile noted that auction sales in 1994 were at £30 million, as opposed to the £422 million in 2009.

Former chairman of the British Racing Driver's Club and co founder of IGA Automobile told The Telegraph, "as people get fed up with paper assets they have gone back to physical assets. With emerging nations gaining more wealth there is increasing demand for cars. They are pieces of art."

The Guernsey-registered fund began canvassing investors at the start of the year. "We're looking for a straightforward in-and-out return on our assets," Nick Lancaster, a director of the fund said to Bloomberg, "this is the first classic car fund that's purely for financial returns, rather than passion."

The fund is particular, however, about the kind of people it wants to attract. The minimum investment is $500,000 (£310,000), so the rest of us will have to rely on classic car hire to enjoy the decadence of driving a piece of art."

Author:David Howells

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Australians make automotive pilgrimage to England

"Australians with a fascination for British cars and culture are booking holidays to England in their droves, it has been reported.

As a result, vintage car hirehttp://www.vanillaclassics.com/  is on the increase as Aussie car-lovers book trips away to drive classic cars such as Austin Healeys, Jaguars and Rolls Royces around iconic locations of British motorsports - with Goodwood and Silverstone racetrack proving to be popular choices.

Sites of English history such as Glastonbury and Stonehenge are also faring well with the increase of tourism the new trend is providing.

"Many Australians enjoy a fascination for England and English cars in particular," motoring enthusiast John Cruwys told MICE News; calling such holidays "something that many people dream of."

Once it was originally thought that the love affair with classic cars was a quintessentially British trait, but now Australians are proving they have been won over by them too.

Whilst nobody knows exactly what drives this passion, James Bond's influence is said to rank highly.

Matt Thompson, the marketing director of Auto Trader, spoke to The RAC about the rising appeal of classic cars, claiming: "Brits are well known for their love affair with classic cars - but it's still surprising to see such sudden growth, especially at a traditionally quiet time of year for the motor industry."

Author:David Howells

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Looking good at 50, the Jaguar E-Type celebrates

"One of the most iconic and fantasised about cars on our roads is celebrating its 50th birthday, The Guardian reported.

The classic E-type Jaguar may be half a century young, but, as original test driver Norman Dewis says: "Even today, you take this car out and people will not walk by it. They will always stop and look at it."

In this economic climate, classic car hire<http://www.vanillaclassics.com/> is the more affordable way for motorists to achieve their dream of handling such a desirable car; however back in 1961, the E-type was launched at a "just-about-accessible" price of £2,000 and the public loved it.

Designed by Malcolm Sayer, it was the first car to use large-scale production based on the principles of aircraft engineering. Mr Dewis recalled the shape was due to Sayer's mathematical talent and a ball of wool.

"We did the testing first in the wind tunnel but we found a slight discrepancy between those results and what you get on the road. So we called in at a wool shop on the way to the test track and [stuck] four-inch lengths of wool to the car."

The car is considered such a design classic that it is being exhibited at the Design Museum in London until early March, BBC News reported.

Other celebrations will take place throughout the year, including an event at the Jaguar Exhibition Hall in Coventry on April 2nd."

Author: Elizabeth Smythe
 

Our Jag is off for the weekend for a birthday celebration with Bob, Lucy and family. They drove away with the roof down after Jax' handover.

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Somewhere over the Rainbows!

Craig's daughter, Megs, very kindly came in to Vanilla to help out last Saturday, giving up precious time of her half-term holidays. As eagle- eyed as children are she was quick to spot a double rainbow and made the great decision that this was a sign of double luck for our Classic Cars and VW Camper Vans!

Thanks Megan!

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Rolls Royce' Spirit of Ecstasy turns 100

Rolls Royce's iconic hood ornament, the 'Spirit of Ecstasy', turned one-hundred-years-old recently, and the centenary was commemorated with a nostalgic motor parade in London, Auto Express reported.

One hundred Rolls Royce's of all models and ages were driven through the capital city in a tribute to the mascot. Spectators watched as a Springfield Phantom and Springfield Ghost drove past, joined by Silver Ghosts, Clouds, Shadows, Spurs and contemporary Phantoms.

The route passed through places of significance: Charles Rolls' birthplace in Mayfair, the current Rolls HQ in Berkeley Square, and the site on Brompton Road which is said to be the studio where the Ecstasy was created by sculptor Charles Sykes.

The Spirit of Ecstasy was copyrighted on 6 February, 1911. According to The New York Times, at the time Sykes received the commission, hood ornaments were something that motorists added themselves - often resembling tacky emblems or figurines.

Claude Johnson, the then-chief of Rolls Royce, wanted to stamp out the gaudiness and replace it with something classier. However, founder Henry Royce refused to adorn his car with Ecstasy, and Charles Rolls died before it was created.

Those whose wallets won't quite stretch permanently to a Rolls Royce can join in the celebrations by using a vintage car hire service; which allows drivers to enjoy the inimitable and unforgettable experience of driving the classic cars, without the financial burden that owning one brings.

Author: Elizabeth Smythe
 

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Kate Middleton's Choice - will she opt for a Morris Minor?!

News that Kate Middleton will be driven to her wedding ceremony not in a traditional horse and carriage, as be-fits a royal bride, but by a car will surely see a surge in wedding car hire.

The future Queen Catherine has opted for a simpler but classic arrival, according to the Daily Mail. An arrival that a senior royal aide has described as "dignified and stately." She and Prince William will return to Buckingham Palace in a glass carriage, enabling them to see and be seen by the thousands of well wishers lining the route.

Speculation is mounting as to the model of the car itself. Some commentators expect Miss Middleton to arrive in a vehicle from among the Queen's extensive fleet of cars. If this is true, Kate will have her pick of eight luxurious Rolls Royce, Bentley and Daimler state limousines.

Kate will be the first Windsor bride in almost half a century to travel to her wedding by car. Palace officials, in The Daily Mirror, deny an allergy to horses prompted the break in tradition.

Could Kate's decision finally mark the decline in popularity of the Cinderella coach as a wedding vehicle, which seems to be falling out of fashion following use by Katie Price, Kath & Kim and appearances on Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings?

Classic cars have long been considered a much more elegant mode of transportation and vintage models can inject just as much magic and fairy dust into the proceedings as a pumpkin-style coach. Plus an engine is far more reliable and less likely to make you sneeze than a horse.

For those who want something a little funkier, the VW Campervan is fast becoming a popular alternative.

Author: Elizabeth Smythe
 

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Wedding Fayre at De Vere New Place

The MGB Roadster (1973) along with Dougal, (1961 Split Screen Camper Van) went to a Wedding Fayre at the De Vere New Place in Shirrell Heath yesterday. The weather held and there was an excellent turn out.

Both vehicles were greatly admired and gave the future brides and grooms something to mull over - when most people think of a wedding car their first thoughts are of a horse and carriage or chauffeur driven Bentley! How special to be driven on your wedding day by one of your nearest and dearest as opposed to a complete stranger.

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White Stag Coupe 1974

The team at Vanilla Classics are very nearly ready to add the Stag to the fleet. It passed its MOT this morning and is off for a test drive with Craig this morning - it is an automatic and a great looking car!

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Spectacular Wedding Events invite a VW Splittie and Classic Car

Sunday 20th February Jax and Pippa will be taking a Classic Car and a VW Splittie to De Vere Venues New Place, Shirrell Heath, Southampton. All the bride and grooms will be welcomed with a glass of champers and have the chance of winning a £4,000 wedding package! Hope the weather is as good as it is today!
 

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Opera at Goodwood

Enjoy a Night of Opera in the Grandeur of Goodwood House - arrive in style in one of our Classic Cars.

http://www.goodwood.co.uk/goodwood-estate/latest-news/articles/opera-at-goodwood-march-11th-2011.aspx
 

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Photography

Many thanks to Ian for the amazing photos he has been taking of our fleet of cars. http://ianhearnshaw.com/

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Valentine's

Thinking of proposing on Valentine's Day? Make it extra special and treat your partner to a Classic Experience (don't forget to own up that the car doesn't actually belong to you though!!)

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Stag

Dave is busy working on the Stag (1974) - we will let you know as soon as it is brought up to our exacting standards and available for hire.

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Mini

Our smashing Mini Cooper S is 'Mr December' in the Classics Monthly Magazine. He reckons he has a fabulous future ahead of him as a model!! http://www.classicsmonthly.com/2010/12/16/free-calendar-with-latest-issue-of-classics-monthly/

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Morris Minor

Congratulations to Morris Minors everywhere! 0n 3rd January 1961, just over 50 years ago, the millionth car rolled off the production line.

An article in the Daily Telegraph on 03/01/11 stated "In the popular imagination the Morris Minor is the car of schoolmasters, district nurses, midwives, openly Anglican vicars, helpful rural grocers and men wearing hats who are, generally, not in a hurry. If the staid institution of English afternoon tea were motorised, it would look like this."

Our two 'Moggies', Miss Marple and Mr McGuiness, are extremely proud!
 

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Miss Marple

From just £90 Miss Marple, our 1952 Morris Minor Convertible, could be yours for the day.

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Christmas Shopping

Fed up with battling the crowds at the shops? Still can't think of a present for the person who has everything? How about a voucher for them to cash in for a Classic Car Experience?

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Miss Marple

Miss Marple, topless!!

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St Wilf's Charity Evening, Emsworth

Miss Marple, our Morris Minor convertible dating from 1952 volunteered herself as an auction lot at a fundraising event in Emsworth to help raise money for St Wilfred's Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support. Well done to Dominic for organising the event and we look forward to meeting Richard who placed the winning bid and will be taking Miss Marple out for the day.

"Dear Claire,

I just wanted to take this opportunity once again to thank you for your very kind donation towards the fundraising event in memory of my mother, held at The Brookfield Hotel in Emsworth on November 20th.

The evening was very enjoyable and a great success, largely due to the wonderful prizes donated for the auction and raffle.

The event raised a total of £3,555, which will be very beneficial to these two great charities.

My father and I presented the cheque to Alison Moorey, the chief executive of St Wilfrid's, on Friday, and I just wanted to express our thanks on behalf of these two charities for helping to raise such a significant sum.

Please find attached a photo taken at the Hospice last Friday.

Kind regards.

Dominic"
 

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Mercedes and Cobra

Three of our Camper Vans, the Cobra and the Mercedes are out and about this weekend helping to build very special memories.

Tia doesn't like being left out and really couldn't understand why I was photographing a car and not her!!

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Festival of Speed

The largest motoring garden party in the world - a unique summer weekend that brings together an impossibly heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport 'royalty' to create the largest car culture event in the world! Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, 12 miles from Vanilla Classics HQ. http://www.goodwood.co.uk/festival-of-speed/welcome.aspx

How about arriving in style in one of our very desirable cars? Or how about treating someone to a voucher as a Christmas present?

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Mini Cooper

James from Classics Monthly http://www.classicsmonthly.com/ took our 1964 Mini Cooper out for the day. Look out for his article in the next magazine out in December.

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Treat yourself!

Have a look at this link http://www.westsussex.info/classic-cars.shtml and think about combining a Classic Car hire from us with a local event for enthusiasts like yourselves.

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MGB GT

Jax took our 1981 MGB GT (youngest vehicle amongst the Classic fleet) out for a wonderful Autumn jaunt around the Sussex countryside this afternoon. They ended up at Lythe Hill, Hotel, Restaurant and Spa which looks very impressive. http://www.lythehill.co.uk/

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Frogeye

Our new/old Frogeye Sprite is being prepared ready to invite you on a Vanilla Classics Experience.

Prices start at £110 to take this 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite out for the day - it's the sort of car that makes people look twice in admiration and envy!

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Goodwood Revival 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py4TmGym2uc

Have a quick browse round our stand at the Goodwood Revival 2010. Just a small selection of our amazing cars, and what a place to show them off.

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Goodwood Revival Spring Clean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uW7m67mEOs

Goodwood Revival 2010 was top of our list to be seen at this year. We took 5 of our beautiful classic cars to show off, and WOW, what a busy show we had. The Austin Healey 100/6 and the Riley RMD set the scene, with our cheeky Mini Cooper S and our new Morris Minor Convertible really stealing the show. We also found room to have our 1965 Split Screen Camper, aka Mr McHenry on display.

A lot of work to do, but luckily for us, these fabulous ladies were on hand to keep our stand in tip top shape!

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HCHG

Well, look how grown up we are! We're proud to have been accepted by the HCHG, the Guild of Classic Car Hirers. Have a look at our listings at www.hchg.co.uk

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Goodwood Races

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Goodwood Races

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Goodwood Races

Goodwood held a race night and celebration evening before the start of the Vintage Festival. We took 4 of our Classic Cars to be admired - they fitted in beautifully with the party atmosphere, especially with so many people dressed up for the occasion.


 

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Goodwood Breakfast Club August 2010

I'm afraid that this young lady is going to have to wait a fair few years until she is able to hire the Mercedes but she certainly has excellent taste.

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Ladies Day

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Ladies Day at Goodwood

Our new Moggie (name yet to be decided) and the Jag adored all the attention they received at Glorious Goodwood yesterday.

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New/Old Boy on the Block

Miss Marple is delighted to welcome an old flame, a 1959 Morris Minor with only 23, 500 miles on the clock.

Love is in the air...

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Goodwood Breakfast Club June 2010

Despite the early start the team at Vanilla Classics love exhibiting at Goodwood - last Sunday we took along the Cobra, which was positioned on the Start/Finish line plus the MGB GT, MGB Roadster, the Riley, the Rolls Royce and the Merc.

Next Breakfast Club is on 1st August - http://www.goodwood.co.uk/breakfast-club/whats-on/events/bc-august.aspx See you there?

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Zebedee progress

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M9_6fTLZqo

Look at the quality of the paintwork on our new 23 window Samba VW camper!

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Quick video tour round the MGB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49NZEIojBa0

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Classic Car Hire

Classic Car Hire in West Sussex just got a lot more interesting!! We have an amazing collection of classic cars available to rent – for the day, overnight or the weekend. Rare and interesting cars, from the 40’s through to the 70’s, including an AC Cobra, Austin Healey 100/6, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, Mini Cooper S, Riley RMD, Mercedes 350SL, Jaguar E Type V12 Convertible, Morris Minor Convertible, MGB Convertible, MGB GT.

Hire the Classic car of your dreams, great for weddings too. We're right next door to Goodwood race circuit and have even planned a few routes for you around the South Downs National Park.

Give us a call 01243 545725

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Welcome to Vanilla Classics and our wonderful website! Please enjoy exploring the site and admiring the cars.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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test 2

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New Site is live

Woohooo, ready to rock and roll which is good news!!!!!!!!!!

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