The 1930s was a time of great struggle for many people, with the advent of the Great Depression. Yet, despite this, there were also huge developments in the automobile industry.

Whilst the 1920s was a time where style and quirky design features were what the customer demanded (as evident in Sir Arnold’s collection of cars from the period), the 1930s saw the invention of some important technical innovations that would shape the future of motoring.

Such developments included automatic transmission and new engine powers– people wanted cars that would last, not just look good. However, we think you’ll agree; Sir Arnold’s 1930s cars do both quite successfully.

Rolls Royce 4.3 Tourer Convertible (1936)

This is Sir Arnold’s second Rolls-Royce (he also owns a Park Ward Single Tourer).

This Rolls-Royce 25/30hp model was originally introduced at the 1936 Motor Show. From its predecessor, improvements were made to the engine capacity, which rose to 4,257cc, and twin SU pumps now supplied fuel rather than the Autovac system found in the previous 20/25. The 25/30 model was also faster, with a top speed of around 80mph. The engine is a six-cylinder with a four-speed gearbox.

Thrupp and Maberly designed the attractive bodywork on this car.

It now resides at our Inverness Rental branch.

Keep an eye out for our next instalment of this classic car series, which will be posted next week.

In the next instalment, we’ll be taking a look at Sir Arnold Clark’s collection of vehicles with royal connections!

Forget the Monaco Grand Prix or the Le Mans 24-hour – the motoring event of 2015 has arrived. Yes, Renault To Go will be kicking off this weekend from the 19th to the 21st of June, and customers will be treated to a profusion of impressive extras at their local Arnold Clark Renault.

Not only will customers who buy a Renault receive a free 2-year/20,000 mile Service Plan worth up to £400, there will be huge savings on new, nearly-new and used Renaults and fantastic on-the-spot prizes worth up to £500.

The weekend will get underway with a Renault To Go VIP night on the evening of Friday 19th of June. On the night, and throughout the weekend, branches will be providing hot and cold refreshments, in-branch entertainment, and all customers who buy a car over the course of the weekend will be entered into a prize draw to win an Apple watch.

It is hoped the campaign will also gain some significant social media traction, with customers and branch staff encouraged to tweet pictures of the event with #RenaultToGo.

As well as a thrilling weekend of fun and savings for all the family, there are a number of exciting deals on offer of which Arnold Clark Renault customers can take advantage, including:

• 64-/15-plate Renault Twingo 1.0 SCE Play 5-dr now from £8,288, save up to £1,707 on cost new.
• 15-plate Renault Clio 0.9 TCE 90 Dymanique MediaNav Energy 5-dr, now from £10,988, save up to £3,687 on cost new.
• 15-plate Renault Megane 1.5 dCi Dymanique Nav 3-dr now from £12,988, save up to £7,957 on cost new.
• 64-plate Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90 Dymanique Nav now from £12,988, save up to £5,107 on cost new.
• 15-plate Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Energy 5-dr, now from £13,988, save £7,307 on cost new.
• 15-plate Dacia Sandero 1.2 16v Ambiance 5-dr now from £5,988, save up to £807 on cost new.
• 15-plate Dacia Duster 1.6 Access 5-dr now from £8,488, save up to £1,007 on cost new.
• 15-plate Dacia Logan 1.5 dCi Laureate 5-dr now from £9,988, save up to £807 on cost new.

Arnold Clark Renault Franchise Manager, David Munton, said ‘Renault To Go is always a tremendous opportunity for our customers to save money, and one that we strive to improve upon, year-on-year.

View our video below to hear from Charlie Shaw, an Arnold Clark technician, about why you need to change your wiper blades, how often to do it, the process of buying the correct blades, and how to fit them.

In order to change your wiper blades, you will need:

• The correct replacement blades
• A sponge
• A towel

To ensure you have the correct replacement wiper blades, pop along to your local Arnold Clark Parts department, where they will be able to tell you exactly which blades are compatible with the make and model of your car.

There are various different types of wiper blades available, and some are trickier to fit than others. Some types of blade attachments are:

• Side pin
• Hook
• Bayonet

If you are having difficulty with a tricky attachment, bring your car into your local Arnold Clark Service Centre where they will be happy to assist you.

How to change your windscreen wiper blades

The Radio 2 breakfast show DJ is set to lead the new line-up of Top Gear presenters, after Jeremy Clark’s contract got terminated this year. Chris Evans is known for his passion for cars, and hopefully, it is big enough to win over Top Gear’s loyal fans! His envious car collection has grown over the years and now we offer you an in-depth look into it.

2. Daimler SP250 Dart

Image by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada.jpg) (1963 Daimler SP250) CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Another classic model, this time built by the Daimler Company in Coventry in 1959. This model is one of the last Dart police cars, which were used by Scotland Yard and the British Metropolitan Police. Evans’ car, purchased at an auction for £55,000, came equipped with law-enforcing fittings. Better not mess with Chris!

Sir Arnold Clark also owns a Daimler, although it’s a little older than Chris’ model!

4. Ferrari 458 Italia

Image by Axion23 (Custom Ferrari 458 Italia x 2).jpg) CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bought in 2010, this beauty is a beast on the road. Powered by the usual V8 engine, this model has a direct fuel injection, which is a novelty for Ferrari’s road cars. The 458 Italia is one of the newest models in Chris Evans’ collection, which he has in black as opposed to the traditional bright red. Considering that he has a red Ferrari already, it’s no wonder he wanted a change. Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian both also own a 458 Italia.

6. Ferrari California Spyder

Image by Supermac1961, (Chris Evans in one of his Ferrari's), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another model from the ‘60s, the California Spyder was produced in 1961 in limited numbers. This car once belonged to the Hollywood star James Coburn. Reportedly, in the spring of 2008, Evans paid nearly £5.6 million to acquire this rare vehicle.

For many months now there have been rumblings about the further integration of technology and connectivity in the Hyundai Sonata.

We’ve all heard the chat about Apple’s CarPlay, with the technology giant having signed deals with car manufacturers such as BMW and GM. However, according to the BBC, Google has beaten them to it.

The Android operator has signed a deal with Hyundai, the fifth largest auto group, to install its own Auto system in the Sonata model.

So what can owners of the Sonata expect from the new gadget? According to the BBC,

‘It connects to the driver's smartphone and allows them to access apps like Google Maps by voice, steering wheel controls or a touchscreen on the dashboard’.

But there’s more. There have been rumours that this technology will also, eventually, have the capability to crawl your emails (if you have a Gmail account) to give the driver further options.

For example, if you have an email from a particular shop in your inbox, the technology can alert you to where the closest outlet is.

At first, this may seem rather intrusive, but there’s a good chance that in years from now this will be the norm.

There are claims, though, that Android Auto will be safer for drivers, too.

‘The smartphone's screen becomes locked, so drivers are not tempted to look down and interact with their phones directly while Android Auto is in use’, the carmaker said in a statement.

In addition to the safety aspects of this feature, there is huge potential for this type of in-car technology – not just Android operating systems – to be of great benefit to drivers.

As maps improve and real-time traffic reports become more accurate, Android Auto and CarPlay will inevitably become more useful to motorists as they look to cut journey times, save on fuel, and enjoy less stressful journeys.

Needless to say, the level of success these new in-car additions enjoy is something we’ll be keeping a close eye on and bringing you updates on.

In the meantime, why not take a look at our fantastic range of new, nearly new, and used Hyundai cars?

Here at Arnold Clark, we love road movies – for a reason! Throughout the years, so many brilliant movies have been made about the open road that it now has it’s own genre, the road movie, from which it’s hard to choose a favourite. If you’re more interested in the cars than the roads then take a look at the best cars from new films in 2015. However, we’ve whittled down our shortlist for all you movie lovers!

For those who like to go it alone: Into the Wild (2007)

Image via Flickr, CC 2.0

Another box-office hit, Into the Wild is directed by Sean Penn and tells the story of a young man who decides to leave the conventional way of living and travel, often in complete isolation, across North America and Alaska to look for something more. Casting Emile Hirsch as its lead, the film features performances from Vince Vaughn and Kristen Stewart and is shot in a very novel way, cutting back and forth in time.

For the horror of it all: Near Dark (1987)

This list would not be complete without a proper horror road movie for those who like to sink their teeth into something grisly. Near Dark is about a group of vicious vampires, who travel from town to town, looking for dinner! When Caleb, an innocent boy, falls in love and gets bitten he realizes that the road is not for everyone and decides to part ways with the gruesome collective.

For classic laughs: Dumb and Dumber (1994)

Image via Flickr, CC 2.0

It is hard to assemble such a list without including this iconic road buddy comedy with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. The film tells the story about the two friends’ cross-country trip to Colorado from Rhode Island…to return a briefcase full of money. Ever since it first screened over 20 years ago, this movie has earned itself sufficient cult status to warrant a sequel, the not-so-hilarious Dumb and Dumber To.

If you’re more of a bookworm than a movie buff take a look at the article below.

As Arnold Clark welcomes Abarth to an additional 5 branches across the UK, it seems like the perfect time to invite you to experience the powerful hot hatch. Ranging from the nippy little Abarth 500 to the powerful Abarth 595 Competitzione, you’re in for an exhilarating drive.

The Abarth range is generously equipped from the base model and up .The best way to experience it? Slip in to the Sabelt Corse seat, grasp your hands round the leather steering wheel and hear the car roar to life as the 1.4-litre turbo T-Jet engine kicks in. Starting at 135bhp with a 0-62mph time of 7.9 secs, the Abarth range is certainly quick off the line.

Abarth 500 spec

The standard kit on the Abarth 500 includes 16” 8-spoke alloy wheels, leather trimmed steering wheel with remote controls and Blue&Me Bluetooth system. Under the bonnet, the Abarth 500 is capable of a very nippy 135bhp produced from a 1.4-litre turbo T-Jet engine. Even more impressive is that the fuel consumption has not been sacrificed for power, it is still capable of 43.5mpg combined.

Abarth 595 Competitzione spec

The Competitzione edition is very generously equipped, boasting Xenon headlights, Dual Zone Climate Control, Brembo Brake Calipers and rear parking sensors. The Competitzione is monstrous under the bonnet, spitting out 180bhp from a 1.4-litre turbo T-Jet engine and reaching 62mph in just 6.9secs.

Have a look at our exciting model range and arrange your test drive today.

GTG Training– a top quality training and conference centre owned by Arnold Clark – was thrilled to welcome His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay today (24th June) to GTG Training in Glasgow. The Royal visitor was visiting young apprentices undertaking the Prince’s Trust Get into Cars programme.

His Royal Highness had the chance to meet many young people who have benefited from his youth charity– both previous graduates of the Get into Cars programme, and new starts, too. The young mechanics demonstrated a number of skills, including electrical engineering, tyre fitting and car maintenance, which they have learned as they take these all-important steps toward realising their potential in a training opportunity or new job.

Arnold Clark has been working with the Prince’s Trust since 2008. The programme focuses on the STEM sectors, helping young people get involved in areas of high demand, such as science, technology, maths and engineering. The programme has proven successful, and offered students life-changing opportunities, with 80% of students subsequently being offered a job at Arnold Clark.

One of these young people is Nicole, 19, from Bishopbriggs. As one of the programme’s female graduates she has stressed the importance of apprenticeships for young women in order to challenge the gender imbalance in STEM sectors.

Nicole said, ‘I originally studied hair and beauty because it seemed like that was the only option for girls. I have always been passionate about cars and jumped at the chance to take part in The Prince’s Trust Get into Car Mechanics course with Arnold Clark.

‘The best part about the course was proving that to myself and everybody who doubted me – girls can do it too, it is not just a male-dominated environment.

‘It couldn’t have come at a better time.

Nicole has succeeded in securing a four-year apprenticeship with Arnold Clark, through GTG Training, and is optimistic for the future.

She added: ‘I have thought about starting my own business, an all-female garage. I might even consider management in the future. It’s a huge opportunity at Arnold Clark and an honour to work there.’

Allan Watt, director, Prince’s Trust Scotland said: ‘We are thrilled to have His Royal Highness here today to meet some of The Trust’s young people, who have faced huge barriers and worked hard to turn their lives around.

Managing director of Arnold Clark, Eddie Hawthorne said:

Arnold Clark’s purpose-built 10 million pound training centre, GTG Glasgow, hosts the Get into Cars programme. Through the programme, young people can receive their initial car mechanics training. The necessary skills needed to become a precise mechanic are covered, such as basic vehicle maintenance, tyre fitting, and valeting.

Following on from a special royal visit from The Duke of Rothesay at GTG Training yesterday, now seems like the perfect time to explore Sir Arnold Clark’s classic cars with royal connections.

Last week, we took a look at Sir Arnold’s cars from the 1930s and the two in this article follow on quite nicely, as there is one from 1948, and one from 1950.

During the 1940s, cars became much more streamlined, and manufacturers were forced to go back to using cast-iron and steel as a result of material shortages post WWII. By the 1950s, cars become more technologically advanced, with the advent of radio and more electric operations.

Daimler DB18 Special Drophead Coupé (1950)

Registration number: LGY 8

Sir Arnold Clark purchased this beautiful Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupé in 2003, and loaned it to Glasgow’s Riverside Museum for its grand opening in 2011. The Hooper-coachbuilt 2-door, 4-seater drophead coupé was one of only six made, and it has a royal heritage.

Sir Arnold founded his eponymous business in 1954, just two years after the King died and Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne. The company that carried out the coachwork on this vehicle, Hooper, indicated that the car was originally intended first for the newly married Duke of Edinburgh. However, in answer to a request from their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and after a successful demonstration run, the Daimler’s logbook clearly states that the car was eventually registered by ‘His Majesty, King George VI, Buckingham Palace, SW1’, with the same registration number that the car holds to this day.

Hooper & Co. was a British coachbuilding company based in Westminster, London, which specialised in luxury carriages both horse-drawn and motor-powered. Providing vehicle chassis’ to the very top tier of the market, Hooper worked with top quality practice, and was at the forefront of innovation at the time. To achieve lightness and strength, the body of the Daimler DB18 was constructed with English ash and Alpax castings, alongside Birmabright strengthened plates. It is believed to be one of only six such Hooper-bodied DB18s built (Queen Marie of Yugoslavia purchased another).

Hooper took the greatest care with the work and specification of the vehicle, which was fitted with electric windows and, most unusually for the time, an electrically operated roof that was concealed behind the rear seats when folded down. However, the innovation of a wireless radio was said to have displeased the King. Yet, despite his objections, the original Motorola radio with short wave facility stayed, and two speakers were fitted in the rear of the vehicle to accommodate listening in the back.

There were some other royal details added, including electric window switches made of ivory, a cigar lighter specifically for the smoker King, and a vanity mirror for the Queen Mother.

The car uses a 2522cc in-lie six-cylinder engine with water-cooled and pushrod operated overhead valves. A four-speed epicyclic gearbox with pre-selector change and fluid flywheel has been fitted.

King George VI and his wife, the late well-respected Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, regularly travelled in this fine coachbuilt Daimler. The present Queen Elizabeth is believed to have used the car as well.

Yesterday, HRH Prince Charles was introduced to the car, by Eddie Hawthorne, managing director of Arnold Clark, during the Prince’s visit to GTG Training in Glasgow.

The 23rd annual Festival of Speed opened on Thursday with the Moving Motor Show by Lord March driving the all-new Mazda MX-5. The Moving Motor Show is where if you put your name down early enough, you can drive your choice of car up the hill, this year you can choose from the Mazda MX-5, Ford Focus RS, the Bentley Continental GT Speed and GT V8S.

The main event opens on the Friday and this year’s theme is Flat out and fearless: Racing on the edge celebrating those moments in motorsport history where drivers have really given it their all and more.

This year’s featured manufacturer is Mazda they will be displaying and demonstrating their latest models the MX-5 and CX-3 as well as their older well-known vehicles. The 787B racer, the car that won Le Mans in 1991 will be put through its paces on the hillclimb.

Cars making a debut at the Goodwood FOS:

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid A hybrid hothatch, the 308 R offers 500bhp from its engine combination of a 1.6-litre turbo and a pair of electric motors. It is a four-wheel drive and can reach a reported top speed of 155mph. It can get from 0 to 62 in 4.0 seconds according to Peugeot.

Renault Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy Another French hothatch this one from Renault has a 1.6-litre turbo engine and a very responsive DCT automatic transmission. The reported top speed is 146mph and it reaches 0–62 in 6.6 seconds.

Ford Focus RS Power reaches 217bhp Reportedly a step up from the Ford Focus ST the RS Power is powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine. Its top speed is 174mph and gets from 0–62mph in 3.9 seconds.

SEAT Ibiza SEAT’s new Ibiza will be debuted at the show. The supermini will be the centre point of the SEAT display. Improvements made to the model have been to the performance and efficiency, dynamics and technology, the exterior hasn’t had much of a facelift. It is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated and turbo engine.

Mazda MX-5 The new MX-5 is available with a smaller engine than its predecessor at 1.5-litres, as well as a 2.0-litre option. The smaller engine reaches 0–62 in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 127mph, the lighter weight of the newer model benefitting its performance.

Mazda CX-3 Mazda is entering the compact crossover market with the CX-3. There are several engine choices and it’s available as a petrol or diesel. For more detailed information on the MX-3 take a look at the styling spec and price.

MINI John Cooper Works MINI has created their most powerful and fastest model yet with the second-generation John Cooper Works. A 2.0-litre turbocharged engine gives a top speed of 153mph and it reaches 0–62 in 6.3 seconds.

Who will be driving what?

• Jenson Button will be driving a variety of road and race McLarens
• Damon Hill will drive his father’s Lotus 49 on the hill
• Sir Chris Hoy will be driving a Ginetta-Nissan LMP3
• Chef James Martin will be on the rally stage in ex-works MINI and in the hill in a Jaguar D-Type
• Sir Stirling Moss will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of his 1955 Mille Miglia win by driving the winning car the Mercedes 300SLR-722
• Susie Wolff will be driving for Mercedes

What is everyone there to see?

The Hillclimb. The 16-mile course rises over 300ft with an average gradient of 4.9% on its tree-lined route through the Goodwood estate.

The sculpture. Every year since 1997 British artist and designer Gerry Judah has created an automotive-themed sculpture that sits in front of Goodwood House.

2012 Festival of Speed Sculpture

The supercar run. Speciality cars manufacturers run their supercars on a timed circuit of the track, they usually showcase their latest sports models and concept cars.

The supercars at Goodwood Festival of Speed this year are:

• McLaren P1 GTR
• Koenigsegg 1500bhp Regera
• Glinkenhaus SCG 003
• Aston Martin Vantage GT12
• Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

There are also manufacturer displays, multiple other races, airshows and motor stunt shows.

Take a look at last year’s highlights to get you in the mood.

Mazda’s CX-3 is a new addition to the subcompact-crossover segment that is growing every day. Lots of manufacturers have taken on this segment, with cars such as the Nissan Juke, Citroën C4 Cactus, and the MINI Countryman. The Mazda CX-3, however, is more than capable of clinching the top spot in this ever-growing market.

Interior

On the inside, Mazda have spared no expense. Even the entry-level model is extremely comfortable, with tasteful accents and luxurious materials.

The chrome strip across the dash and on the gearstick accentuates the interior design. The materials are high quality, regardless of trim. The contrasting stitching on the seats offers a sporty touch, and the suede-like seats are supremely comfortable.

Equipment

The entry-level SE model boasts bags of goods, including Mazda connect infotainment system, 7-inch colour touchscreen, tyre pressure monitoring system, air conditioning and more.

Upgrade to SE Nav, and you can enjoy an upgraded sound system, and an integrated navigation system with 3 years’ free European maps.

The SE-L adds climate control, heated front seats, lane departure warning and autonomous braking.

At the top of the list, the Sport Nav offers full LED lights, 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and a BOSE sound system.

On top of all this, the Mazda CX-3 comes with i-ACTIVSENSE, which offers intelligent features to keep you safe, such as Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning.

It’s that time of year again, time to open the punnet of strawberries and peel open the cream. Yes. It’s Wimbledon. Where apparently 142,000 portions will be sold at the All England Club, 500,000 people watching the on-court action and 170 Jaguar cars will be delivering stars to the courts.

As the official vehicle supplier Jaguar announced their partnership at an event back in April by brand ambassador José Mourinho. The cars being used during the tournament are the XE sports saloon, XF Sportbrake and XJ models.

XF Sportbrake

This luxury estate is a rival to the Mercedes E-Class Estate and the BMW 5series Touring. It’s diesel only engines come alongside an eight-speed automatic gearbox. There is plenty of room in the rear for passengers thanks to its lengthened roof, the doubles players will be happy to hear.

Laura Schwab, UK Marketing Director at Jaguar Land Rover, said:

‘Wimbledon is a British icon, which is recognised globally as the pinnacle of international sport. There’s no other event like it.

‘The tournament captures our imagination in different ways. For some it’s the feeling of summer, but for others it’s British sport at its best. We’re very excited to be working with The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club to establish our new partnership and celebrate what makes Wimbledon so special.’

Maria Sharapova provided a bit of competition off the court, as a global brand ambassador for Porsche, she arrived at the annual Women’s Tennis Association’s pre-Wimbledon Party in the brand’s Boxter Spyder.

With the UK sweltering today, on the hottest day of 2015 and the heatwave set to continue, we look at 7 ways to stay cool in the summer heat.

1. Get your air-conditioning serviced

Air-conditioning is by far the most effective way to stay cool and maintain a steady temperature in your car but is your air-con working as efficiently as it should be?

Experts predict that 10% of the gas used to lower the air temperature leaks out of the system every year, so if your car is a few years old it may require a service for optimum efficiency.

2. Drink plenty of water

Make sure you drink plenty of water and that you take extra in case you get stuck in traffic. Our bodies are made up primarily of water, which we constantly need to replenish – especially true in warmer weather when we sweat more.

3. Buy a convertible

Despite our rather unpredictable weather, the UK is the second largest convertible market in Europe. At Arnold Clark we have a huge range of convertibles to choose from to keep you cool this summer.

4. Park your car in the shade

While it may seem obvious, parking your car in the shade will reduce the interior temperature of your car significantly and make it less likely to feel like an oven when you return.

5. Travel when the roads are quiet (if possible)

Travelling when the roads are busy will mean you’re more likely to be driving slower and get stuck in more traffic jams – something that prevents the steady flow of air if you have the windows or sunroof open.

6. Open the sunroof

Driving with the sunroof open, while technically not lowering the temperature, will make you feel cooler because the air is flowing rather than remaining stationary.

Search cars available with sunroofs.

7. Buy a white car

While not as obvious as buying a convertible to keep cool, a white car is proven to be significantly cooler than other colours: thanks to its reflective qualities, it will absorb less heat. What’s more, white cars tend to hold their value better when it comes time to trading it in, as they are always incredibly popular.

For us all, there comes a time when we decide to change our car.

It can be a time with mixed emotions; the excitement of getting a new car mixed with the sadness of saying goodbye to your old one – if you’re part exchanging, that is.

But with the exciting prospect of getting behind the wheel of your new car, we can sometimes forget about the important part of the deal, the finances.

The documentation you need to finalise your deal could differ from retailer to retailer, and can also depend on the finance provider used for your deal.

To try and help ease your transition from old to new, we’ve come up with this checklist of documentation you’ll probably need when purchasing a new car.

Depending on the specifics of your deal you mightn’t need all the documents listed below, but it’s better to have them ready just in case they are needed.

As stated earlier, you might not need all these documents, but it’s best to bring them anyway so you can get behind the wheel of your new car as quickly as possible.

Why not even print this page and have it as a hard-copy checklist!

It’s also worth noting that elements of this checklist are applicable for all types of deal, such as Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), and Personal Contract Hire (PCH). Confused about what these are? Check out our article which explains car finance.

Your sales executive will be able to confirm which of the above listed documents are needed for your specific deal, but in the meantime, it’s recommended that you bring the listed documents along until you are advised which ones you actually need to complete your deal.

Also, don’t forget to update your insurance policy so that it’s set up to cover your new car in time for you driving it out the showroom. Failure to do so will mean you’re driving uninsured which is against the law and can result in a £300 fine and 6 penalty points on your licence.

If you’re not this far along in your quest for a new car, why not search through all our new, nearly new, and used cars where we’re sure we have the perfect car for you.

City Car of the Year 2015 – ŠKODA Citigo

Not a surprising winner, as this it the fourth time the ŠKODA wins in this category. Why? Because of the efficient engine, beautiful exterior and affordable price. The ŠKODA is also very eco-friendly which means reduced road tax! What’s not to love?

Large SUV of the Year 2015 – Volvo XC90

Volvo’s design has definitely evolved and this is easy to see in their new SUV, which features the latest trends. It is also very, very spacious on the inside as it has seven seats! One of the best features is the iPad-styled control tablet, which manages pretty much everything; the climate control, sat-nav and multimedia.

Roadster of the Year 2015 – Mazda MX-5

A firm favourite, this Mazda quickly turned into the world’s most popular two-seat car. This car is all about lightness and performance. This allows for agile handling and a really exciting driving experience. The interior is also driver-centred, which adds to the pleasant feel of this car.

Van of the Year 2015 – Ford Transit

This year marks the Transit’s 50th anniversary and what better birthday present than this award! The Transit is very functional and relatively cheap to run, which is a great benefit for any business. It also comes in an eco-friendly trim, which adds to its appeal to fleet managers

Car of the Year 2015 – Volvo XC90

A second award for this Swedish masterpiece, which was introduced 12 years ago. Maybe because of its minimalistic design, maybe because of the powerful engine or hi-tech features, the Volvo XC90 is this year’s big winner, and we think it’s well deserved!

Last week, in a special instalment of this series, we took a look at Sir Arnold’s cars with royal connections. The two cars covered were from 1948 and 1950, which leads us on nicely to this week’s exploration of Sir Arnold’s collection of vehicles from the 1950s.

During the 1950s, new technologies came to the fore and cars become more technologically advanced, with the advent of features such as air conditioning, power steering and in-car radio.

In 1948, the Morris Minor launched and quickly became one of Britain’s best-selling cars. As with the Ford Model T in the 1910s and ‘20s, the aim of the Morris Minor was to provide affordable motoring to the masses. The Minor was described as a ‘design classic’ and a ‘British icon’, and its smooth lines and compact style became a blueprint for many of the cars that followed in the 1950s.

Standard Vanguard II (1953)

Registration: PSJ 702

The Standard Vanguard was launched in 1947 and was generally considered to be the first all-new British car to hit the streets after WWII. Standard paid homage to Britain’s success in the war by naming the vehicle after the last of the British Navy’s battleships.

In 1953, Standard released the revised second model (Phase II), which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1953. Revisions included improved headroom, 50% more luggage space, and longer front doors to improve accessibility. Mechanically, the clutch changed from cable to hydraulic operation and the previous anti-roll bar was removed.

The top speed was 80mph, and the Vanguard II could accelerate from 0–60mph in 19.9 seconds.

Sir Arnold Clark purchased this model in 2003 and it now resides at our Inverness Car & Van Rental branch.

Austin A30 (1954)

Registration: MFS 292

The Austin A30 is a compact car that was manufactured from 1951–1956.

The A30 was Austin’s answer to the popular Morris Minor, as described at the start of this article. Austin in fact took Morris’ vision one step further, by undercutting the Minor by £62, making it even more affordable.

In-house designer Ricardo ‘Dick’ Burzi designed the classic chassis. Previous aeronautical engineer, T.K. Garrett, designed the body structure and made the car lighter and stiffer than most contemporary vehicles.

The A30 was replaced in 1956 by the A35, which featured a larger rear window and longer doors to allow for better accessibility. This 2-door AS24 A30 model was introduced in 1953, and 160,000 were produced from then until 1956.

The A30 was powered by a new 800cc small four engine, which achieved a maximum speed of 63mph, and 30bhp at 4,800rpm. Suspension was independent with coil springs with wishbones, and lever arm hydraulic shock absorbers at the front, leaf springs and lever arm shock absorbers at the rear.

Sir Arnold purchased this car in 2001 and it now sits at our Stafford Car & Van Rental branch.

Silverstone hosted both the first ever British Grand Prix and the first ever World Championship Grand Prix in 1950, and has remained a staple of the Formula 1 calendar ever since.

The former military airfield often throws up dramatic, season-defining moments, and we expect this year to be no different.

Predictions

Expect to see Lewis Hamilton sweep up. The 30-year-old driver is at the top of his game at the moment, clinching the top spot in seven out of eight grand prixs this season! Hamilton will be seeking a third British Grand Prix win following his 2008 and 2014 victories, to put him in good stead for a win at the 2015 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. Currently, Hamilton is just ten points ahead of Nico Rosberg (also on team Mercedes).

Rosberg is entering the race on a high, though, after victory in Austria, but with Hamilton on home soil, the competition will be fierce!

There is set to be another tight duel between Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn’s position has been put under scrutiny after a bad run, but Vettel has said that he hopes Ferrari keep Raikkonen for next season, and doesn’t doubt his ability. The negative press might just give Raikkonen the push he needs to prove his worth. The Finn’s strength is in tyre management, which Silverstone lends itself to as a circuit, so watch this space.

McLaren had their worst race of the season in Austria, so any success from them is likely to rely on rivals dropping out.

Carlos Sainz Jr. has experience of the circuit and has proven the better qualifier against Max Verstappen over the course of the season, beating him 5-3, so could clinch it for Toro Rosso.

Track data

Lap length: 5.891km (3.66 miles) Grand prix distance: 306.332km (190.346 miles) Lap record (in a race): 1’30.874 (Fernando Alonso, 2010) Fastest lap (any session): 1’29.607 (Lewis Hamilton, 2013, qualifying three) Tyre compounds: Hard and Medium

Weather

As the UK is currently experiencing a heatwave, the temperature is expected to be high. However, the British weather is notoriously unpredictable, and thundery showers are expected. With temperatures expected to lower at the weekend, tyres will behave very differently from the practise runs.

Silverstone circuit map

Current team standings

F1 Circuit Guide: British Grand Prix

Last week, in a special instalment of this series, we took a look at Sir Arnold’s cars with royal connections. The two cars covered were from 1948 and 1950, which leads us on nicely to this week’s exploration of Sir Arnold’s collection of vehicles from the 1950s.

During the 1950s, new technologies came to the fore and cars become more technologically advanced, with the advent of features such as air conditioning, power steering and in-car radio.

In 1948, the Morris Minor launched and quickly became one of Britain’s best-selling cars. As with the Ford Model T in the 1910s and ‘20s, the aim of the Morris Minor was to provide affordable motoring to the masses. The Minor was described as a ‘design classic’ and a ‘British icon’, and its smooth lines and compact style became a blueprint for many of the cars that followed in the 1950s.

Standard Vanguard II (1953)

Registration: PSJ 702

The Standard Vanguard was launched in 1947 and was generally considered to be the first all-new British car to hit the streets after WWII. Standard paid homage to Britain’s success in the war by naming the vehicle after the last of the British Navy’s battleships.

In 1953, Standard released the revised second model (Phase II), which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1953. Revisions included improved headroom, 50% more luggage space, and longer front doors to improve accessibility. Mechanically, the clutch changed from cable to hydraulic operation and the previous anti-roll bar was removed.

The top speed was 80mph, and the Vanguard II could accelerate from 0–60mph in 19.9 seconds.

Sir Arnold Clark purchased this model in 2003 and it now resides at our Inverness Car & Van Rental branch.

Austin A30 (1954)

Registration: MFS 292

The Austin A30 is a compact car that was manufactured from 1951–1956.

The A30 was Austin’s answer to the popular Morris Minor, as described at the start of this article. Austin in fact took Morris’ vision one step further, by undercutting the Minor by £62, making it even more affordable.

In-house designer Ricardo ‘Dick’ Burzi designed the classic chassis. Previous aeronautical engineer, T.K. Garrett, designed the body structure and made the car lighter and stiffer than most contemporary vehicles.

The A30 was replaced in 1956 by the A35, which featured a larger rear window and longer doors to allow for better accessibility. This 2-door AS24 A30 model was introduced in 1953, and 160,000 were produced from then until 1956.

The A30 was powered by a new 800cc small four engine, which achieved a maximum speed of 63mph, and 30bhp at 4,800rpm. Suspension was independent with coil springs with wishbones, and lever arm hydraulic shock absorbers at the front, leaf springs and lever arm shock absorbers at the rear.

Sir Arnold purchased this car in 2001 and it now sits at our Stafford Car & Van Rental branch.

Kia Soul

This car’s proportions are of great benefit to shorter drivers. An added bonus is the relatively low price for the great features – a seat that can be easily adjusted forwards and upwards, great steering and handling.

A major plus of the Kia Soul is its low boot floor, which allows the driver to move luggage in and out easily, no matter how short you are. If you are eco-conscious, this car will suit you as its engines operate at lower emissions.

The Kia offers good value for money and it is a perfect match for a smaller driver on a tight budget.

Volkswagen Passat

A classic model, the Passat combines power and comfort. Its legroom is ample without being cavernous and thus is well suited to a shorter driver.

One of this car’s greatest advantages is its excellent body balance and the consistent weight of the steering wheel, which provides the driver with full control. The Passat also features an adjustable steering wheel column, so you can find the perfect position for you.

At first sight, it might seem like this car is too spacious for a shorter person but the 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat ensures that the car is comfortable enough for all.

George Osborne has delivered the first Conservative budget since 1996, and there are some pivotal implications in the works for both car owners and road users.

Osborne began his general discussion of transport by explaining that four-fifths of all journeys in the UK are made by road, but in the last year, we’ve built just 300 miles of new motorway. This is something that he intends to rectify by establishing a new roads fund in 2017, with a view to improving the country’s transport infrastructure.

He also revealed that by 2017, most new cars will pay emissions-based vehicle excise duty (VED), which will on average amount to £140.

Therefore, as of 2017, this new VED tax will be enforced, though will only apply to cars in England. The tax will be levied across three bands: zero emissions, standard (which constitutes 95% of all cars) and premium. He assured that nobody would pay more in tax than they currently do for the car they already own.

Vehicle excise duty (VED) in detail

Discounts for greener cars will no longer apply for new and prestige cars (over £40,000) and larger vehicles such as SUVs will be charged an increased vehicle excise duty when new. The first year of ownership tax will still be linked to CO2 emissions.

From 2017 VED will be split into three bands:

• Zero emissions,
• Standard and
• Premium.

The majority of new cars, including those with low emissions, will pay the Standard rate of excise duty, except in the first year of ownership. Existing vehicles will not be affected by the changes in vehicle excise duty.

The increase in funds from VED will be dedicated to road improvements, which will be introduced in 2020.