Even in these credit crunch days, families often run several vehicles - it’s not unusual for a four-person household to have more than four cars. As well as each member having their own motor, the family may own weekend runabouts, such as a classic or a 4×4, and maybe some fun vehicles like a quad bike or kit car. If they own a holiday home they may keep a vehicle there, too.

The key factors with the Family Fleet scheme are its simplicity and flexibility
It’s flexible because of Flux’s motoring expertise - along with standard cars we can insure just about any driver and any vehicle, from high value supercars to classics, kits, modified motors, motorhomes and commercial vehicles. The Family Fleet scheme can also cover all sorts of motorbikes, trikes and quad bikes.
Insuring all these vehicles separately can be an expensive and time-consuming pain, especially if several (or all) family members need to drive several (or all) of the vehicles. Now Adrian Flux Insurance Services has launched a ‘family fleet’ scheme that allows families to have all their vehicles under one policy, with all family members allowed to drive them.

The Family Fleet scheme is part of the new Flux Private Clients division, a VIP insurance service for people of high net worth. It’s also for those who don’t have time to organise their various personal insurance policies - or who prefer to let someone else look after all the hassle.

“The key factors with the Family Fleet scheme are its simplicity and flexibility,” explains Julie Carter of Flux Private Clients. “From the family’s point of view it makes life very simple, with one premium and one point of contact for all the vehicles.

“It’s flexible because of Flux’s motoring expertise - along with standard cars we can insure just about any driver and any vehicle, from high value supercars to classics, kits, modified motors, motorhomes and commercial vehicles. The Family Fleet scheme can also cover all sorts of motorbikes, trikes and quad bikes.”

Flux Private Clients is part of the Adrian Flux Insurance Services Group. The service is designed to manage all an individual’s or family’s insurance needs, including vehicle and home insurance, offering an ‘umbrella’ policy that can be tailored to each person’s circumstances. For information freephone 0800 0895550

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Auto Pioneer’s Hill Climb Championship Racer To Be Offered at No Reserve

The 1947 Steyr-Allard racer owned by the legendary Sydney Allard, one of America’s greatest automotive pioneers, will be sold at No Reserve during the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 11-18, 2009. Considered the most famous of all Allards, the race car captured victories worldwide and blazed a path followed by American heroes like Carroll Shelby and Briggs Cunningham. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™,” the Scottsdale auction and lavish lifestyle events will feature a diverse mix of the world’s most desirable collector vehicles. The historic sale of the Allard will be captured as part of SPEED’s nearly 40 hours of live, high-definition coverage of all six auction days.

“This is a car with a fantastic pedigree that can be enjoyed at a Concours or historic racing event,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Sydney Allard is considered the first to combine a British chassis with an American or German V8 to create a car with outstanding reliability and power to weight ratio.  This was the formula later followed by Briggs Cunningham and then Carroll Shelby, who also raced an Allard before going on to build the iconic Cobra.  Some could argue that this championship Allard set the stage for some of the greatest sports cars in the world.”

This race car is the most documented, race winning and famous Allard of all time. Sydney Allard drove the Steyr-Allard in the British Hill Climb Championship for five years. He finished third in 1947, third in 1948, first in 1949, second in 1950 and third in 1951. The Allard held class and outright records at all hill climb courses and sprint events that it competed in during the period. The car could have been even more successful, but Sydney Allard’s other racing commitments, such as coming in third at Le Mans in 1950 and winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1952, kept him from entering all of the hill climb events. After being sold in 1952, it competed in numerous races until the early 1960s.

The car was built using a set of altered production Allard J1 chassis rails fitted with tube and channel cross-members. The front suspension was the standard Allard Bellamy split axle but with the radius rods behind the axle and pivoting in line with the front axle pivot points.

Barrett-Jackson to Auction Sydney Allard’s Championship Car

With engine choices limited in the post World War II period, Sydney chose a lightweight, air-cooled Austrian Steyr V8 that was used in WWII armored cars. Allard modified it for competition and the engine developed 150 horsepower at 4,000 rpm with the finished car weighing only about 1,600 pounds.

“It’s been said that the car’s layout was determined by having Sydney sit on a soapbox on the workshop floor,” noted Davis. “They propped the V8 and gearbox on a wooden box to approximate the correct height, with broomsticks acting as axles for the front and rear wheels to create the 100 inch wheelbase. The car’s dimensions were then written in chalk on the factory concrete floor and construction began following the chalk outline.”

In 1994, the car was fully dismantled and a long, six year restoration process was completed. The car is currently in 1949 Hill Climb championship winning configuration with the coil sprung De Dion rear end, rear tubular shock absorbers, rear inboard brakes with Alfin drums and rear wheel drive. It is also complete with documentation, spares and a unique Allard battery cart. Since restoration, it has competed regularly at numerous hill climb events and continues to receive invitations to special events such as the 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it won its competition class.

The 1947 Allard will be joined by approximately 1,000 collector vehicles and automobilia to be sold at the historic Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Lifestyle attractions will also return to Barrett-Jackson in January in the form of luxury vendors, galas and fashion shows. Barrett-Jackson’s trendy night-spot, “The Garage,” will be the site of exclusive gatherings throughout the event.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Photo Credit: patrick.swint

With gas prices being so high and global warming a more frequently talked about impending threat it’s no wonder so many individuals are searching for environmentally friendly automobiles and this includes those individuals who fancy luxury automobiles as well.  The Tesla Roaster gives the environmental conscious luxury vehicle aficionado a hybrid vehicle that doesn’t lack any of the luxury features their used to.

Fractional ownership lets the business professional or homemaker drive the supremely comfortable Rolls-Royce Phantom without the hassles or costs of cleaning, storage, maintenance or depreciation. Until now, the hand-rubbed wood veneers, supple leather and the whisper quiet cabin have spoiled few. Now, with car sharing available in California, many can indulge in the “lifestyles of the rich” by buying a fractional share. That means splitting the cost of ownership with others.

After discovering the popularity and affordability of car sharing while visiting Europe, owner Craig Steele offers memberships in Extreme Car Share. Members enjoy a monthly or every other month driving experience in the company’s fleet of exotic and ultra luxury cars. The shared owners do not have to worry about driving too far. The cars come with unlimited mileage. This “country club” for car enthusiasts gives its members the appearance of full-time ownership, without the costly price tags of more than $212,000.

This new model of ownership is not limited to plush exotic vehicles. Members who wish to live in the fast lane can feel the G-forces behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo or climb into a Ferrari F430 that was inspired by the Ferrari’s Formula 1 single seaters. Members are buying into a collection, with the benefit of rotating through different vehicles.

Extreme Car Share also offers corporate memberships that are the perfect vehicle for important client entertaining, staff incentives, executive functions, sales meetings and endless opportunities that leave a lasting impression with clients, employees and competitors.

Lamborghini Gallardo

“Extreme Car Share is the country club for car people and is devoted to its members living out their dreams in the fast lane,” Steele says.

www.extremecarshare.com

The very first Spyker car wherein automatic transmission is offered, the Aileron sports a more sober and less exuberant look compared to other Spyker cars. It still managed to look as sporty as any sportscar though, even with its toned-down exterior design. Utilizing the 5-valve 4 cam engine partnered to a Getrag manual transmission, or as mentioned earlier, an auto transmission, the ZF Gearbox, this car is capable of a top speed of up to 200km/h or 187mph. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The Spyker C8 Aileron is available in 14 different exterior colors. As an option though, buyers can choose any color they wish, whatever they prefer.

Inside this car, luxury can be seen everywhere from the expensive-looking leather provided by the Dutch Tannery of Hulshof to the hi-tech audio system on board. There are also 14 available interior colors, and as with the exterior, buyers can have, as an option, any color they so wish.

Photo by: rikrose

Spyker has big expectations for the Aileron. The move to offer automatic transmission has been seen by some as a way to improve sales which could save the company from its financial woes. With a package like the Aileron, a sporty sportscar with excellent interior, powerful engine, and racing-inspired handling, brakes, and suspension, Spyker just might get good results from the exotic sportscar market.

The Continental Flying Spur, Bentley’s entry-level sedan, delivers excellent power and a pretty luxurious interior. Overall, it performs well on the road and is capable of giving smooth and relaxing rides. It looks terrific, sporting an image that is somehow both classic and trendy. Inside, luxury and comfort are provided by expensive materials, amenities, and a roomy cabin.

With its 6.0liter, 12-cylinder engine, this car is capable of producing an impressive 552 horsepower. From a standstill, this awesome power is smoothly delivered and with its standard All-Wheel drive, the possibility of wheel-slips are nearly nil. Although it feels big and heavy, its powerful engine and very smooth transmission can give it that much needed sporty feel. Fuel economy is bad but so do most big sedans out there.

Photo by: Alan_D

Photo by: Alan_D

Inside the Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a picture of opulence. Expensive materials like quilted leather and real furniture-grade metal and wood were used generously. Relaxing seats combined with ample legroom and headroom can make the driver and passengers comfortable. Take into account the fact that wind noise is efficiently suppressed and this car has everything covered to provide a thoroughly relaxing and comfortable ride. Gauges are clearly and boldly marked and controls are all within easy reach. The audio system interface though is via the navigation system which complicates it a little. But it’s not as bad as BMW’s iDrive.

There’s plenty to be happy about with this Bentley. Its performance and comfort level is at par with other exotic cars, even against some more expensive Rolls-Royce’s. It’s a very nice car, one that promises power and luxury at the same time. Check the following link for a comprehensive review of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

Although the SLK is Mercedes Benz’s smallest sports car, it scores big on overall performance and luxury. Although small, make no mistake that this is a sports car. Its look alone hints of sporty driving, and its engine is powerful enough to provide speed-based excitement. It’s not as powerful as the big ones though, but it should do for those looking for cheaper alternatives to the bigger and faster Benzes, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis.

With a classic wedge shape, this car is unmistakably built for speed. It stands out, primarily because of its super sporty look with its long hood and aerodynamics-inspired design. It also has a retractable hardtop, quite different form the soft-tops prevalent among other cars of its class. The hardtop is easy to manage, and with it retracted, you’ll be treated to an open-air exhilarating experience.

Photos by: TGIGREENEY (interior, front, rear)

The handling of this car is highly praised. It is considered a fun-to-drive machine thanks to its sports car power, braking, and suspension. Inside, everything is of top-notch materials. This car also offers several amenities and high-tech gadgets, but some find that the controls are hard to manage. Then there’s the lack of storage space but that should be expected for this kind of cars. What’s quite unexpected is the inadequacy of legroom. Tall individuals might find this car discomforting.

The SLK though excels at what it does best, and that is to provide drivers with a very sportscar-like feel while they’re driving. It’s small, but it’s not in the least a bad sports car. Here’s a site that offers a more extensive review on the Mercedes Benz SLK.

One of the finest luxury cars ever, the Maybach 62 is impressive in every aspect, from its road performance, to its distinctive design, and its luxurious – very, very luxurious – interior. It’s a mansion with wheels, and it’s definitely one of the must-buy automobile if money is not a problem. It’s not cheap, but the Maybach 62 is deserving of its price.

Outside, there are already hints of glamor and luxury. This car looks kingly, a royalty on the road. Its style is reminiscent of finely tailored costume-made suits that only the very rich can afford. On the road, it is a prince among peasants, and it has the power to back up its look. Overall road performance is very inspiring thanks to superb suspension, brakes, and handling.

Photos courtesy of: alexi1982

But the real eye-popper is inside the car. The comfort level is off the charts, and there are some online car reviewers saying that the Maybach 62’s interior is beyond luxurious. Only first class materials were used and this car has almost everything that a car can have. Legroom and headroom is not a problem. The luxurious interior is punctuated even more by this car’s smooth and very quiet ride.

The Maybach 62, and its more impressive version: the 62S, is a gem on the road. It is included in the top ten most expensive cars in the world so it’s not for everyone. If there’s ever a top ten list for the most luxurious car, the Maybach 62 will be sitting on top without question.

For serious luxury car buyers, it will be worth your time to give the BMW 5-Series a close look. It’s a powerful, comfortable, and hi-tech car that has everything from excellent performance, very good base engine, very distinctive exterior design, and a luxurious interior.

Photo by: cirrustsi

What’s more, this BMW has excellent fuel economy. Usually, for large cars, fuel efficiency is bad, but not with this car. Although it uses the more expensive premium fuel, this car uses less gas than its competitors.

The BMW 5-Series cars are so good they’ve been considered as benchmarks to rate other cars in the same category. They are, as most reviewers say, fun to drive, a fact that clearly explains why these cars are very popular among car buyers. This can be attributed to the superb handling dynamics of these cars, and also the great brakes, cornering power, the suspension, and its perfect engine.

Photo by: storem

Photo by: jacksonpe

One thing that might be considered as a flaw is that cars from BMW 5-Series have pityingly limited cargo space. But that’s just a minor concern especially if you consider how comfortable the seats inside are. You’ll soon forget about this little wrinkle in the design once you’re immerse inside the luxurious interior, surrounded by first-class materials and technologically advanced electronics and entertainment system.

Once you’ve had a closer look, it would be very hard to walk away from this car. It’s the best there is in its class. It’s also from BMW, an established maker of fine automobiles.

This is one of those cars that can easily be categorized as “dream cars” in more ways than one. It’s a dream for most people, including yours truly, because it’s unreachable financially, hence we dream about it. We also dream about it because it’s an engineering marvel, it’s a super car, and who wouldn’t want to have one? Last, we dream about owning one because of the prestige it brings.

The Zonda is right there with the Ferrari’s, the Lamborghini’s, and the Maserati’s. It has the looks, and without question, it has the speed and power. To go with this overabundance of sheer power, it has excellent handling and powerful brakes. It also has a price tag that can only be met by the privileged few.

Photo by: alexi1982

Photo by: alexi1982

Less than 4 seconds, that’s how short it takes for the Pagani Zonda C12 to move from 0 to 100 km/h. It has a lightweight body made of Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber. It uses the Mercedes Benz V12 engine, made lighter by replacing the composition of some parts with titanium. The lucky driver of this car has at his command 555 horsepower, more than enough to satisfy even race car drivers. This car is one powerful ride, and a beauty to look at too. “Zonda” is a word for the wind in the Andes. Does this mean that this car can move like the wind? With that much power, and with an aerodynamically-influenced design, this car just might.

Photo by: alexi1982

There’s no doubt that the Pagani Zonda is an excellent machine. For the few who has one, and even to those who’ve seen one in live action; lucky you. Most people won’t probably see a Zonda up close and personal.