Brake Torque Plate From A 1974 Piper Navajo P-425 on 2040-parts.com

Don't get caught on car hire 'slippery slope'

'DO IT YOURSELF' holidays are generally seen as a cheaper version of what can be steeply priced and inflexible package deals, particularly in the notoriously expensive ski market. But experts are warning that skiers who make their own way to the slopes this winter, instead of buying a package with transfers included, could be hit by hefty charges for car hire at the airport. According to iCarhireinsurance.com, a specialist insurer, some skiers hiring cars for New Year breaks could pay for their hire car twice over because of added 'extras'.

We ride in the Icon Thriftmaster

If you don't know, a stock 1950 Chevrolet "drives like s--t," says Jonathan Ward, the CEO of Icon, who actually met his wife Jamie while restoring a Chevrolet pickup. "Archaic. I restored a few back in the day, back when I was still calling it a hobby." That's why Ward doesn't build stock 1950 Chevrolets.

Ampera grabs green award

VAUXHALL'S Ampera extended range electric vehicle has been honoured as Green Vehicle of the Year by fleet decision-makers at the prestigious 2012 Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) Awards. The awards, which are voted for online exclusively by the ACFO membership, are highly-prized because unlike many other awards they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet decision-makers. This prize is the latest in a long line of over 40 top gongs for the ground-breaking Ampera, which include the current European Car of the Year, What Car?