1964 Chevrolet Ss Front Ash Tray on 2040-parts.com

Ford's young driver training proves a hit

FORD'S new young driver training programme, dubbed Ford Driving Skills for Life, has proved an instant hit with the first two sessions being substantially oversubscribed. Over 500 applications were made for the 300 free places available at Excel in London and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, and the participants aged between 17 and 24 received tips and guidance in the controlled environment of a purpose-built track. Manchester University student, Ryan Harrison, who took part in the free driver training, said: “I’ve learned so much today, especially in the skid car, learning what I’ve done wrong in the past without realising it and where to put my hands on the wheel.

Driven: Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F is a significant new design for one core reason: it introduces a performance sub-brand parallel to that of the M-cars from BMW, AMG from Mercedes-Benz, and the S and RS sub-brands from Audi. This then is Lexus making a logical next step to further encroach on the established German premium brands. BMW originated the premium brands' performance sub-brand with the 'M for Motorsport' M3 of 1986 (the M1 supercar of 1978 preceded that, but was a singular model, not a performance derivative).

Jaguar & me: high-maintenance love

In a fit of madness a few years ago, and seeking solace from impending divorce at the time, I purchased a gorgeous blue Series III XJ6, with wonderful dark blue leather upholstery, that was at the time about five years old. Just 40,000 miles on the clock. I then drove the hell out of it for three years to 100,000 miles and it never let me down once – on the road that is.