1983 Lincoln Light Switch Knob on 2040-parts.com

British Motor Show first details

By Ben Whitworth Motor Shows 17 December 2007 10:30 It may be a long way off on your automotive calendar, but next year’s 2008 British Motor Show looks set to be the biggest yet, with organisers expecting ticket sales to top the 550,000 mark. Housed at ExCeL London in the Docklands between 23 July - 3 August 2008, the show will feature more than 60 vehicle marques and 600 cars – including the global debut for the new Vauxhall Insignia and a preview of the new four-seater Lotus Project Eagle (mule for next-gen Eagle/Esprit chassis testing above). Although it’s still some eight months distant, over 80 percent of the stand space has already been sold, and the exhibition will also include the following attractions: • The Heritage Enclosure and Parade – a driving display providing the sights, sounds and thrills of supercars from the last five decades • Drift School – a chance for visitors to be driven sideways around a circuit by professional drivers • The Marine Experience – the British Marine Federation will display a line-up of luxury water craft as well as a programme of on-water entertainment • The Autoglym Supercar Paddock, a high-octane collection of luxury marques • The 4x4 Experience, a challenging terrain for testing the best of the off-road pack • Motor Theatre, a live-action stunt show Tickets to the Show will be on sale from February, with prices starting at just £8.

Design Essay: Are smart roads just around the corner?

In order to remain relevant, the car must constantly evolve. But while almost all attention focuses on four wheels, the roads that facilitate an automobile's progress have remained relatively unaltered since Eisenhower formed the National Highway system in the 1950s. With environmental concerns getting ever higher on the agenda, there is an opportunity to think outside the (metal) box and rethink the road, making it as smart as the vehicles and devices that travel upon it.

New British sports car brand on the horizon

A REAL automotive rarity has occurred with the announcement that a new low-volume British sports car brand will reveal an initial concept car in April. David Brown Automotive will be set up along the same lines as Morgan, with the aim of recapturing the past glory of British sports cars but using modern materials, reliable mechanicals and up-to-date luxuries. Such ventures have been tried before, with very mixed results, but owner and financial backer David Brown is confident that the first model, codenamed ‘Project Judi’, will succeed.