HMC Big Healey road test

By Great Escape Classic Car Hire road tester Matt Nichols
I don’t just ‘want’ this new Big-Healey in my life I ‘need’ it, and no not like my wife or daughter ‘needs’ a new pair of shoes to match their latest outfits, or my son ‘needs’ his electric guitar at every family gathering. No I really ‘need’ it. Because right now for me and OK they may argue in their case for them as well, this car is in my blood running through my veins making perfect sense and not something I am ready to have challenged by anyone, whoever they may be.

As a beautifully retro styled sports car from 1999 the HMC model looks just like an original late 1960’s Healey 3000, whilst at the same time sounding like a roll-out TVR, revealing its compelling old-new theme. For instance, the steering has a new power assisted lightness combined with old-school directness ensuring every apex is touched with just a hint of lock as the front of the car fully commits to each one of your driver inputs. An experience further enhanced with the equally new fully independent rear suspension that in turn combines brilliantly with the period wire wheels to doggedly hang onto each direction change once the inevitable slack has been taken up. Put simply this car rocks, closing the gap perfectly between real drivers machine and modern in-car systems and going some way to explaining why I very nearly drove constantly for the entire 24 hours I had it. Even the lights worked well and heater sublime with the roof down under a rapidly cooling late summer’s night sky.

The HMC MKIV is a car that was given official recognition by the Healey family as a successor to the original ‘big’ Austin Healey 3000 (MK111). It copies its predecessor’s classic styling, this time in GRP, with the only obvious visual differences being the slightly flared front arches and newer interior trim. The classically styled lightweight body also hugs a modern tubular chassis and all-round independent suspension with disc brakes and aurally pleasing 3.9 litre Rover V8 engine. The dashboard mixes a touch of old world walnut, Smiths dials and chromed toggle switches, that include two for the heated seats, which for me nails just how perfectly well old and new worlds are joined together.

I will also forgive this car its Ford heater controls and vents simply because; a) they sit below or to the side of your natural eye line and are rarely clocked, b) sourcing chrome equivalents would completely disguise the control knobs, and c) they work so damned well, I had to switch them off at times regardless of how cold it got outside.The truth is I only returned this particular car to Great Escape Classic Car Hire on the promise of a test drive in a recently refurbished and scrummy looking bright red 4.2 Series 2 E-Type.

In my personal journey of ‘Try before you buy’ I wasn’t 100% clear what I was looking for but the HMC Healey has come closest to date combining jaw dropping classic car looks with more modern running gear, construction and systems. Even the tiny period rear view mirrors work well for goodness sake. Details like the piping over the front arches, blue over cream paint, wire wheels and small circular auxiliary lights all add to the picture perfect concept of a classic you can use regularly without the potential pitfalls of other completely original cars. Shame on everyone then this side of the pond, that most were exported to Germany.

In terms of classic car traits a few appeared to have been built in. All of the pedals are offset to the right, along with a good couple of inches of travel in the brake pedal before resistance is found, leaving enough of a gap to the throttle pedal to ensure any toe and heel attempts are completely thwarted. When you first have to brake you can therefore experience a slightly disconcerting moment when you think you must be pressing the wrong one given its position and free flowing motion, I had to look down at least twice.

There was also at the time of driving a cold idle issue, the idle being conspicuous by its absence, but once over the initial car park embarrassment this is short lived. The only other minor point is that this car’s slammed to the ground stance means the exhaust will drag on bumpy B-roads and whilst exiting garage forecourts, causing the need to slow down or lift until the terrain smooth’s back out again. Overall the fact that when I did finally park up, in the Clifton area of Bristol, I had 3 separate conversations with 3 people in as many minutes; one from someone who had owned an original Big-Healey, is pretty much all you need to know. Put simply this car works on every level and is well worth a go.

HMC Big-Healey MKIV
Driving
The steering and independent rear end combine to create a unique and rewarding experience that has to be experienced to be believed
Engine
Rover 3.9 litre V8 delivers useful torque low down before revving freely up to the 5,500rpm maximum. All accompanied by a truly pleasing soundtrack
Performance
Strong but not wild, I think if it were mine I’d find ways to get a few more horses up front
Brakes
Discs all round are well up to the job once you’re accustomed to the initial take-up slack in the brake pedal
Handling
You’ll never miss an apex and the rear is difficult to unstick in the dry with the car tipping into corners very nicely. I would need some track time to explore what happens at and beyond the limit but on the road I’d give it full marks
Desirability
Interesting one this as most left our shores to be exported to Germany and so other than being extremely rare in the UK, very difficult to call. I’d have one tomorrow though
Pro’s
Classic car looks combine with modern systems to create a compelling ownership prospect
Con’s
Buying – Take an expert along with you just in case. A TVR specialist may prove valubable if an HMC equivalent is difficult to find, as the main components are very similarRenting – Other than returning the car afterwards, absolutely none.
Overall
5/5

Try before you buy Alfa Romeo Spider

Great Escape Classic Car Hire road tester Matt Nichols tries out the Alfa Romeo Spider

Do you sometimes wonder what makes a car a classic car? It’s not as though there is a straight forward definition, or line drawn somewhere out there in the sand. Some cars just seem to naturally gravitate to being classics, whilst others pick up provenance along the way, possibly from appearing in a film, or perhaps owned by somebody famous. Look around some more and you find another group that have had to go out and win big time to gain entry, often facing severe adversity in races and rallies across the globe before finally being recognised and appreciated for what they are.

The Alfa Romeo Spider, although gaining recognition in the film ‘The Graduate’, seems to fall into a fourth category, one that is arguably the most difficult to gain entry. A category where cars are simply born and live out their entire lives as classic cars, spread in this case over an incredible three decades. Because for over 27 years, Alfa’s pretty two seat sports car was held in the highest esteem throughout the world and across all four mildly tweaked generations that culminated in this roll out series 4 derivative. On the surface surprising, but then to some degree easier to understand when you look up the original recipe and recognise some of the key ingredients; pure Alfa DNA, gorgeous Pininfarina styling and classic front engine and rear wheel drive layout. All topped off, like the icing on an already impressive cake, by something that is no means guaranteed from any car, classic or otherwise, one that is grin inducing fun to drive.Quite how good this car is to whiz along with the roof down is perhaps the biggest surprise of all, particularly when your overwhelming pre-conceived idea is that of a car demonstrating form over function. Or one some might refer to as having a strong feminine appeal. Not a bad thing, just not necessarily an image that conjures up the right impression of a true driver’s machine. Which just proves how wrong you can be?
Having spent a day driving the Great Escape car I have to admit that although there is forgiveness in the chassis and suspension, which certainly helps prevent a sudden diversion to the nearest dentist immediately after every speed bump, there is also something else that you discover when pushing on a bit. Thankfully not the disappointing wooliness that I was expecting, instead a lovely deftness around how weight is transferred from both left to right and front to rear delivering real driving pleasure that can be enjoyed at any speed.As a consequence I am now convinced that this car’s hidden brilliance is as a direct result of it being rear wheel drive, because it constantly reminds you that there are two ends to consider.
From the slight shimmy over minor undulations to the way it hooks itself up into corners. On a car of this size the sheer mass of the live rear axle means that unless provoked, it is basically stuck to the road. What you feel sat in the cockpit is therefore as a result of the solid steel bars that connect the axle to the rest of the car. If the Spider were front wheel drive it would loose that feeling, and arguably its proper sports car credibility. Personally I reckon maintaining this layout represented a great call from Alfa, a landmark decision that also meant the Series 4 Spider was the last mainstream Alfa to use a front engine rear wheel drive layout before the Fiat chassis era finally took over.
Navigating both slow and fast sections of the highway I cannot hide my unexpected appreciation and respect for this diminutive Alfa sports car, from its great looks, both inside and outside the cockpit, to the pace you can maintain whilst rolling along with barely a tickle on the throttle pedal. Look at the dash and think it too modern, then eyeball the front wings, or right hand rear flank through the drivers mirror and you’re immediately transported back in time. As you are every time the rear of the car reminds you of its presence over bumps and undulations, truly sensational.In terms of classic car traits there are very few, namely a squeaky rear end and very slow drivers side electric window, but these minor points aside, the roof is the best I’ve experienced, controls light and easy to use, brakes brilliant, gearbox a delight, indicators that cancel themselves, and as I now appreciate most unusual of all, a clock that still works. No adjustments are required from driving cars from a more modern era either, the fuel consumption is very good and better still it requires only normal unleaded.
This really is a car that can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever you drive or have driven before, delivering a truly fun day out, so go on you know you want to.
Verdict
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Series 4
Driving
In one word 'fun'
Engine
Alfa's 1962cc twin cam engine works particularly well in the middle band (3,000-4,000rpm) whilst in fifth gear travelling at 60-70mph
Performance
Max Power: 120 BHPMax Torque: 122 lbs/ft0–60 mph: 9.4 secondsTop speed: 118 mph
Brakes
The all round servo assisted disc brakes on this car are brilliant
Handling
Perhaps the biggest surprise of all, agile and engaging
Desirability
Series 1 and 2 values are the highest and on the rise, which bodes well for later models. Series 4 car values are holding strong with the less well liked rubber bumper Series 3 models the cheapest buy
Pro’s
Fun car for any occasion that comes with classic Alfa DNA
Con’s
Buying: Mechanicals, as long as well maintained, are robust and reliable, but sadly the steel used by Alfa during this time was not the best, so be careful Renting: None
Overall
4.5/ 5

Try Before You Buy MGB V8 Roadster

by Great Escape road tester Matt Nichols
I’ve always thought of early chrome bumper model MGB’s as an affordable alternative to the E-Type Jaguar. Back in the day they were sports cars built for the masses and these days that translates into an excellent entry into classic car ownership. The MGB is a sort of scaled down version of the Jaguar where everything has been slightly reduced from the width of the sills, which are not as wide or for that matter as tricky to clamber over, thanks to the more conventional chassis layout. Then there is the stylish dashboard, which is only a few dials and switches shy to be on a par. So OK it doesn’t quite have the sophistication and panache of an E-Type but then equally there are the much reduced running and maintenance costs when compared to its upmarket cousin.
Sit in the Cotswolds based MGB V8 and you know straight away that you are in a classic British sports car from the sweet smell of leather and a seated position that leaves you particularly close to the road and rubbing shoulders with your passenger. It is cosy no question but at the same time once inside there is plenty of space to give the driver enough elbow room to firmly hold and turn the thin rimmed steering wheel devoid of power assistance. And the passenger lots of lovely leg room to stretch out and enjoy the ride. Behind both seats is also some very useful space to stash soft bags and coats for an overnighter or weekend break if you don’t fancy your stuff sharing the boot with the full sized spare wheel and tyre.
Safely installed, roof down and the fixed seat belts suitably adjusted you find yourself peering underneath the sun visors and through the tiny windscreen giving the sensation of the car shrinking around you and feeling closer in size to the smaller Midget. Press the throttle a few times, turn the ignition key before thumbing the starter button in the centre of the dash, and the car grows back up in size once more as the silence is broken by the glorious resonance of the Rover V8 motor. An engine that generates a noise that has been turned up several notches by the single exit sports exhaust. Suddenly E-Type analogies seem far less appropriate and baby TVR ones much closer to the mark. This MGB is starting to come alive and we haven’t even turned one of its lovely looking 15” alloy wheels yet.
On the move I can confirm that Great Escape Classic Car Hire has done it again with this cracking Nightfire red MGB V8 convertible combining classic car styling and looks with the newer retrofitted Rover SD1 engine and 5 speed gearbox. The drivetrain combination enables you to purr along in a 30mph zone whilst listening to and sharing with passers-by that lovely V8 warble. Then enjoy a rewarding, best taken at half throttle, climb back up through the meaty feeling gearbox to snick it into 5th and cruise at 60mph with no more than 2,500rpm dialled in once back out on the open road. Keeping up with modern traffic is therefore no problem at all and slower road users easily despatched with overtaking manoeuvres that can be executed in 3rd, 4th or 5th gear depending on how much road you’ve got to play with.
This car genuinely travels along at a decent pace with no real effort offering great style and reasonable comfort. The distinctive engine note tracks your journey as you navigate country lanes and save for the crashing noises that indicate a broken road surface or dreaded pothole the ride is firm but not uncomfortable. There isn’t much body roll either and keep some power on through the bends and the 195 profile tyres hold on particularly well giving a nice neutral front to rear balance that marks this MGB V8 out as a very well sorted car. The non-assisted steering is also well judged and seems to feel the same whether stationary or on the move. In terms of classic car traits the only ones I experienced were the indicators not always cancelling themselves and a tendency for the engine to try and stall at junctions, something I compensated for by a couple of blips on the throttle under braking, any excuse to hear that glorious engine note once more.
Having started with pre-conceived ideas about how this car might feel out on the road the only conclusion I can draw is that it is very much its own car. The MGB V8 has a harsher ride than the E-Type Jaguar's I’ve driven and a soundtrack more akin to the TVR Tuscan. The handling is a joy and the ability to effortlessly cruise at 60-70mph quite uncanny. The heater works well with the roof down, a roof that also appears to fit nice and tightly once back up again. All the controls are easy to use and overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this classic British sports car and if in the market myself I think I might go all out for a V8 with Sebring body conversion fitted with slightly wider versions of the 15” alloys on this car just to fill the arches.
Verdict 1971 MGB V8 Convertible
Driving
Low revving V8 means decent pace can be easily maintained over a wide range of roads without any real effort. Ride can get a bit crashy if the road surface has broken up.
Engine
Rover V8 works well mated to the 5 speed gearbox and performs best in the mid-range
Performance
Surprisingly quick if you want it to be, but personally I think best driven as a characterful tourer
Brakes
Brakes are a match for keeping up a good pace but push on a bit harder and you may need to start the process of slowing down a bit earlier than you might say in a modern car
Handling
Very little body roll and firm ride mean this car will corner confidently at speed. Worth keeping some throttle on all the way through the bends so that everything stays nice and tight
Desirability
Prices are on the up with good ones fetching decent money these days
Pro’s
Entry level classic car that offers its own unique British sports car experience and easy access to spares
Con’s
Buying – The usual and with so much choice out there make sure you get the right one for you
Renting – None.
Overall 4/5

Simple, honest pricing

It's a fact - classic car hire is a rapidly growing leisure experience in the UK. After all, what can be more enjoyable and memorable than a day out in the great British countryside behind the wheel of a beautiful be-chromed classic car?

Classic car hire appeals to people who adore classics as well as people who just like them. It's the simple way to find out whether the car you like is a car you could own - or a cheap and fuss-free alternative to actually owning one or more classic cars.

The popularity of classic car hire has led to a growth in companies offering classic cars for rental across the UK. These companies generally offer a small fleet of 3-6 vehicles, although some like Great Escape Classic Car Hire are much larger. The advantage for customers is that this means much greater choice, plus the advantage of dealing with people who share the passion.

But there is also a downside. The wide choice of classic cars for hire from different, generally small companies means that the prices and package on offer vary significantly. Quite simply, what you get for what you pay is not always the same.

I have been running Great Escape Classic Car Hire for 5 years. It is now the largest classic car hire company in the UK. Here's my advice for anyone considering hiring a classic car or buying a classic car rental voucher as a gift. I've tried to make it as objective as possible and it's definitely not a sales plug for Great Escape. Because what every customer wants from their package will vary.

Classic Car Hire Checklist

1. Hire periods

Some classic car hire companies offer 24 hours hire and others offer AM to PM hire. Many 24 hr hire companies will also offer AM to PM at a discounted price if requested. Decide which works best for you. 24hr hire enables you to make a break of the trip but you need to make sure the car is securely parked overnight.

2. Insurance

Most classic car hire companies include insurance within the hire price. An excess usually also applies - some companies request this in full as an insurance deposit, others just take card details as security. As the sum can be large this is an important consideration. You should check what the insurance covers and any additional liabilities you may have. These are usually contained in the terms and conditions and can include liability for loss hire income in the event of the car being damaged. At Great Escape we used to include this clause but removed it after feedback from customers. We have separate insurance cover for this liability so the customer is not charged.

3. Vehicle condition

The cost of classic car hire varies considerably. Classic cars are by their nature old vehicles that require continuous maintenance. So experienced classic car hire companies carefully balance the price they charge against the maintenance they incur - too cheap and the car will be very popular and wear out quickly, increasing the risk of breakdown for customers. Too expensive and nobody will hire it! I recommend being wary of companies that appear too cheap - experienced classic car hire companies do not make this mistake because it does not benefit their customers. I believe customers would prefer to pay a little more to hire a car that is in good condition, properly maintained and above all reliable

4. Reliability

Don't be afraid to ask a classic car hire company to prove how reliable their cars are. At Great Escape we hire out our cars hundreds of times every year and we have spent thousands of pounds getting our cars to a reliable standard. As a result our breakdown rate is less than 2% of all hires.

5. Breakdowns

Classic cars by their very nature are less reliable than modern cars. For some customers, this risk is all part of their experience. For others it is a significant inconvenience. If the worst should happen, what will your classic car hire company do? You should ask this question when you book. Some classic car hire companies offer breakdown cover but you should check their terms and conditions to see what this covers - several companies only provide free breakdown within a certain radius of their site and they may charge you if you misuse the service. Great Escape, along with all other HCHG members, provides full nationwide AA cover - wherever and however you break down, we will sort it out free of charge

6. Mileage limit

When comparing prices between classic car hire companies it is very important to consider mileage limits. Some companies, like Great Escape Classic Car Hire, provide all inclusive prices with unlimited mileage. Other companies offer mileage limits, which can often be as low as 100 miles per day. Where a mileage limit is offered you should consider how you plan to use the car - excess mileage charges of £1/mile are not uncommon.

7. Beware short hire periods

Some classic car hire companies offer half day hires for low starting prices. Customers should take care when buying these type of packages because of the high cost of maintaining these cars. Over 35% of all our hire income goes into maintaining our cars. When you also take into account VAT and insurance it is easy to see why classic car hire can be expensive. To offer a low half day price at Great Escape we would have to find savings in how we maintain the cars. And we don't want to make that short cut

8. Time in Business

When you book your classic car hire experience you should ask how long the company has been in business. Many of the companies involved in classic car hire are small businesses and they can come and go relatively quickly. This is particularly important when buying vouchers, which are usually valid for 12 months - you don't want to find the company has gone out of business before you can redeem it. Great Escape is part of the HCHG and we put all voucher sales into a secure separate bank account.

9. Vehicle unavailability

It is a sad fact of classic car hire that sometimes cars breakdown and cannot be made available for your hire day. When you book your experience, check what happens in the event that the company cannot provide your car. At Great Escape we have the UK's largest fleet of classic cars so we are well placed to provide an identical alternative or a very similar vehicle. If we can't provide the car you booked then we will give you a free day in another car and let you rebook the original car free of charge.

Classic car hire is all about a great day out. But like anything, you get what you pay for. By following some simple checks on insurance, hire periods, breakdown cover and vehicle condition, you can guarantee a memory that will last a lifetime.

For more details on Great Escape Classic Car Hire or for advice on hiring a classic car call Graham on 01527 893733 or email graham@greatescapecars.co.uk

Grab a road rally bargain

Great Escape Classic Car Hire has organised the Break for the Border classic car rally on July 2nd. It is a unique opportunity to sample several great classic cars in one driving-packed day. We're booking up fast but if you buy before the end of April you'll benefit from our Early Bird Discount saving you up to £120.
The rally is the ideal present for a petrolhead or a great way to sample several classics on a try before you buy basis. The Break for the Border rally features 7 classic cars including Jensen Interceptor, Jaguar E Type and HMC Healey and 180 miles of glorious roads from our Worcestershire site to the Welsh Borders and back. The April discount prices are £295 for 1 driver or £575 for two. The price includes everything - fuel, insurance, lunch and a full day tour.
Great Escape Classic Car Hire has run similar rallies for corporate clients over the past 5 years. Now it is opening up the opportunity to customers too. The company's first private hire rally in March was attended by classic car journalists who praised it as "extremely well organised" and "everyone thoroughly enjoyed it."
To find out more call Graham or Jamie on 01527 893733 or email graham@greatescapecars.co.uk.
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Meet our new road tester

We love classic cars. Through our website and everything else we do we try to express that passion - and we want to pass it on to our customers to help them get the most of their experience. So we've appointed our first official Great Escape road tester. Matt Nichols loves cars as much as us and has been writing about them for several years. Now on the Great Escape website he passes on his honest views on each of our cars. You can find a link to his review on most car pages - or click here. Matt is probably one of the best people to judge our cars. He started out as a Great Escape customer, so he has stood in our customers' shoes and is objective. We just let him loose in our cars and allow him to write what he thinks. He has owned several high performance cars and competes regularly in sprints and track events. His current daily driver is a Renault Megane Renaultsport Cup. Matt typically spends 24 hours in each of our cars - similar to the experience of most customers - and provides an opinion on driving and living with each classic. So whether you are looking to drive one of our cars for a day or considering buying one like it, Matt's articles should be useful. Great Escape Classic Car Hire operates the largest fleet of classic rental vehicles for self drive hire in the UK. We operate from locations in Worcestershire, Suffolk, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Lincolnshire. For more details visit http://www.greatescapecars.co.uk/ or call 01527 893733.

Our first car rally - what our customers said

Great Escape Cotswold Car Rally - by Matt Nichols

Ten eagerly expectant teams assembled at Great Escape Cars northern Cotswolds base at 9:00am on Saturday 26th March to be greeted by hot tea and coffee, bacon sandwiches, croissants and perhaps most importantly of all a truly mouth watering selection of classic cars that had been assembled for this inaugural event. The main plan for the day was to navigate 120 miles in a circular loop starting and finishing at the Great Escape Cars main business unit taking in some of the most stunning scenery and picturesque towns and villages this part of the world has to offer whilst enjoying a fine selection of motor vehicles en route.The day itself was split into six pre-defined stages, each providing varied driving experiences from fast flowing routes right through to single track lanes so that each team could experience their allotted cars in different ways.

The event format, which was similar in style to the corporate days Great Escape Classic Car Hire organises (one for the employee suggestion scheme at work maybe…!) gave each of the ten teams the chance to get behind the wheel of half a dozen classic cars over six stages, each lasting on average 45mins and covering around 20 miles. As a bonus, because with 6 stages and 10 cars no one would be able to drive every car, there was an additional open session after the final stage where teams could take out any of the cars for a spin regardless of whether they’d driven them or not earlier in the day. So all things considered, and with the prospect of a tasty lunch included as well, there would be no losers on this the very first Great Escape Cotswold Car Rally.

The line up of cars also provided huge variety in driving experience, even the two Series 3 E-Type Jaguars on offer couldn’t have been more different with the first, an original white V12 roadster suiting Jaguar purists, whilst the black coupe fitted with a later fuel injected XJS V12 engine coupled to a sports exhaust finding favour with those who preferred something a bit rawer. The words rocket and ship both springing to mind. Elsewhere a Jensen Interceptor covered off the big V8 coupe end of the spectrum, whilst the svelte like Alfa Spider took a lot of people by surprise in just how good it was on the road despite its modest power claims.A rare by anyone’s standards XJ6 Coupe caught me out the most and I personally think delivered the most complete Jaguar experience combining classic and coherent styling with cosseted ride and comfort whilst pulling you along with the legendary Jaguar straight six motor. Completing the Brownshill line up was an earlier 3.8 Mk2 and a later XJS convertible. Stuttgart was also represented in the form of a mint air cooled 911 Carrera Targa in gleaming white, a car that served as the perfect reminder of what this mark was really all about before middle aged spread and obsessive horsepower battles with Italian supercar manufacturers took over. With the left field choice on the day delivered by none other than a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit giving passengers the chance to choose whether they rode up front or sat in back…‘left here James’.

Last in the line up and by no means least was a late entry only there to fill the shoes of a second 911 that was unable to participate, but one that generated a huge reaction from everyone who got the chance to drive it, enter one TVR Tuscan in pearlescent paint. A car best described as a road legal GT2 racer minus roll cage and harnesses, truly awesome.

A far more conservative Mercedes 300SL performed the role of trailer car, just in case of breakdowns, of which happily there were none.Teams each had a route map with spare copies stored in all of the cars and before setting off everyone was advised where the next meeting point would be and roughly how long it would take to get there. To maximise driving pleasure whilst minimising the number of things to remember in swapping from car to car, all driving advice was delivered on a one to one basis at the start of each stage.

Teams were then left feeling confident about how to operate all of the different alarm systems and, for convertibles, roof mechanisms whether electric or manual.The day ran like clockwork with everyone respecting the arrival times at each stage and only too willing to share their own experiences and views on the cars they’d driven thus far. A momentum also seemed to build, particularly in the afternoon, with each changeover being quicker than the last as teams were eager to start their next stint of classic car driving.

Everyone I talked to throughout the day left on a high, even the lunch at Washbourne Court in Lower Slaughter was superb with most dwelling on their favourite car, TVR, E-Type Coupe and 911 Carrera featuring strongly here, as well as the cars that had surprised them the most, with the Alfa Spider a clear winner in this category. The Great Escape Cotswold Car Rally is certainly something to look out for in the future and offers a lot of advantages from satisfying basic petrol head needs and desires with the wide selection of cars on offer that in turn may also help narrow choices on which cars to rent out for longer durations. As well as providing the opportunity to exchange views whilst enjoying the company of others, the day also came with the additional selling point to those nearest and dearest of the promise of lunch at a suitably selected hotel and restaurant.

Overall this event ticked all the boxes and so comes highly recommended.

Verdict: 2011 Great Escape Classic Car Rally

Cars

The range of cars on offer was quite superb, from the raucous V12 E-Type Coupe and totally full on TVR Tuscan right through to the Jaguar XJ6C, a car to be enjoyed best at a much more relaxed pace.

Routes

Good planning coupled with some luck on the day meant that except for a hold up going into Stow the roads selected were incredibly free of traffic and able to be enjoyed to the full. Pro’s

Fine selection of very well prepared cars from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 00’s (TVR) driven across well chosen routes with like minded enthusiasts to share your experience with.

Cons

None that I could see.

Overall 4 out of 5

Customer Quotes

“What a fantastic day it was. My son and I loved it”. Peter Geary.

“The Alfa Spider. Having driven a ‘72 GTV Coupe, I was very keen to see how the Spider compared. A real surprise package and I have to say a great all rounder”. Peter Geary.

“The lovely Jag MK 2 3.8. That lovely straight 6 engine and I remember thinking that no car would look better against the Cotswold back drop than the elegant lines of this car. Pure Morse. The temptation to do a bank job 60's style was very tempting indeed - roaring off into the mist like one of the Krays. A lovely car with an interior that would do a gentleman’s club justice. Better than I thought it would be for such an old girl”. Peter Geary.

"The TVR. Sheer raw power, a brute of a car, Oh my god, raw and unforgiving, one moments lapse of concentration and that would be it. What a drive, the slightest move of the wheel sent the car off in a different direction, the noise, the drive, everything about this car made you grin. I still haven't got all of the adrenalin out of my system bonkers fun”. Peter Geary

Break for the Border Rally

On Saturday July 2nd at Great Escape Classic Car Hire we’re off to frighten the wildlife on our first ever Great Escape Welsh Borders rally. We’ve assembled a fleet of our favourite classic cars for a 180 mile circuit of the Welsh Borders, taking in some of our favourite roads in the region. You can join us on our brand new Break for the Border rally. Places are limited and selling fast (we filled 30% in 24 hours) but if you book before the end of April you will save up to £120 on the normal price. You can book either yourself or bring a co-driver (or non-driving partner) and receive a further discount. The cars we’ve lined up for the trip are:

• HMC Healey Jaguar E Type convertible


• Ariel Atom


• MGB V8 roadster


• Jensen Interceptor


• TVR Tuscan


• Alfa Romeo Spider

But if there is a car you’d love to drive, just let us know and we’ll do our best to include it. The day will start at 9am and finish at about 5pm. Every driver will have the chance to drive each car during the day. The day includes breakfast, lunch, insurance, fuel and route maps and notes. Book by the end of April to get the special rate of £295 for 1 driver or £575 for 2 people. After April the normal price is £345 and £695. We can also arrange local overnight accommodation at special rates. To find out more email Jamie@greatescapecars.co.uk or call 01527 893733.

Celebrate the Jaguar E Type 50th anniversary

There can be few things more English than touring the some great British countryside behind the wheel of 7 of the best Jaguar cars ever made. Join us on the Great Escape Classic Car Hire Jaguar Car Rally on 2nd July and you can do just that.
The rally starts from our Cotswolds site in Worcestershire.
The Great Escape Jaguar Car Rally is a unique opportunity to sample 7 different classic Jaguars from the 1960s to 2000s on some of our favourite roads in the Cotswolds. Places are limited to ensure you get as much time as possible in each car. The day includes over 6 hours of driving over 120 miles through some varied A- and B-roads across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Wales.

We have the widest range of classic Jaguar cars for hire in the UK. So we've pulled together an eclectic selection to celebrate the Jaguar E Type's 50th anniversary in 2011, including some of the cars it influenced, as well as its contemporary Jaguar stablemates.
The Jaguar Rally is fully supported by Great Escape with two staff on hand throughout the route. We even accompany the route with one spare classic car.

Jaguar Car Rally Fleet
The rally will include these superb Great Escape cars.
Jaguar E Type V12 convertible
Jaguar Mk2 3.8
Jaguar XJ6 coupe
Jaguar XKR
Jaguar XJS V12 convertible
Jaguar E Type V12 coupe
Jaguar E Type 4.2 coupe

Car Rally Package
The rally package includes:
Drive all 7 classic Jaguars
120 mile circular touring route to Welsh Borders and back
6 hours driving
Lunch
Fuel
Insurance
Light breakfast on arrival
Briefing notes
Start time 9am, finish approx 6pm
VAT at 20%
Prices
Places on the Jaguar Car Rally are strictly limited - when they're gone, they're gone. You can book a single driver's place for £345 or a two driver car for £590.
To book online visit our Online Shop. Alternatively call 01527 893733 or email graham@greatescapecars.co.uk

V12 Dilemma

It's a tough choice that has surely agitated many over time. Was the Jaguar V12 engine better fuel injected in the XJS or carb-fuelled in the E Type? Ok, maybe it isn't one of those chicken and egg lying-awake-at-night conundrums but surely finding out is more fun. Which is why at Great Escape Classic Car Hire we've created the V12 Dilemma weekend (and not the Chicken & Egg Dilemma Weekend).
Our V12 Dilemma, which is available to buy online in our shop or by calling 01527 893733, puts you behind the wheel of a Jaguar E Type convertible and Jaguar XJS convertible for the weekend - 24 hours in each car. We provide the route and accommodation, you just turn up. In the year of the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E Type there can't be many better ways to sample the best Jaguar engine ever made.
The V12 Dilemma is available from Great Escape Classic Car Hire's Cotswolds base. The cars are a 1973 Jaguar E Type V12 convertible in Old English White with manual gearbox and a 1988 Jaguar XJS V12 convertible with automatic gearbox.
To find out more visit the Great Escape shop or call 01527 893733

Get romantic with Great Escape

It's time to put the back-to-work winter blues and government cuts behind you and start thinking romantic thoughts. There are just 5 weeks to Valentine's Day and Great Escape Classic Car Hire has come up with some unique packages for lovers.
Great Escape puts you behind the wheel of a cool classic and combines it with some great food and some great roads to create a classic day or evening out. The packages range in price from £199 to £345 and include use of the car, food and touring routes.
"Whether you love driving or being driven, a cool classic car turns a day out into a great memory," explains Graham Eason of Great Escape. "So we've put together some unique Valentine's Day packages that are a bit different from a box of roses and some fancy chocolates."
The Great Escape Classic Car Day packages include the Bella Italia experience and Grand Touring Day and can be bought online at www.greatescapecars.co.uk.
Great Escape has a fleet of 50 classic cars for hire from six sites in East Midlands, Worcestershire, Suffolk, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Dorset.
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Shop til you drop

Great Escape Classic Car Hire has launched its online shop specialising in classic car breaks, driving experiences and automobilia. The range of products are perfect gifts - package prices start at just £125.
We have developed a range of exclusive classic car breaks and experiences that are only available from Great Escape. We've used our experience working with large corporate clients to bring you some genuinely different and unusual packages, such as our Double Oh James Bond break and our English Gardens holiday.
The new packages and experiences are for sale alongside vouchers for our classic car hire. We have a fleet of 50 classic cars available to hire from 6 sites across the UK in Yorkshire, Suffolk, Cotswolds, Dorset, Shropshire and East Midlands.
Great Escape is also developing a range of automobilia including diecast models, posters, photographic prints, keyrings and clothing that can be bought on its own or to complement a Great Escape gift voucher. The new automobilia range will be launched in January 2011.
"Our new online gift shop for classic car breaks and experiences includes unique packages direct from the provider," explains Graham Eason of Great Escape. "They are availabe to buy as gift vouchers valid for 12 months. We have developed partnerships with several local providers and used our experience of great driving routes to create some genuinely unique packages. Prices start at just £125."
For more details on the Great Escape shop visit http://www.greatescapecars.co.uk/ or call 01527 893733.
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Join the first Great Escape Classic Car Rally

Great Escape Classic Car Hire has announced its inaugural Easter 2011 Classic Car Rally. The experience involves a full day, 120 mile drive on some of our favourite roads in the Cotswolds and features up to 8 classic cars from across our fleet of 50 classics.
The unique event, the first of its kind from Great Escape, is an ideal way to sample a range of different classic cars. The day lasts at least 9 hours with almost continuous driving. The tour is attractively priced at just £245 per driver or £395 for two when booked at the same time. This includes use of at least five classic cars, fuel, lunch and guided 120 mile tour.
"We have been organising classic car days for corporate clients for some time," explains Graham Eason of Great Escape. "We have a format that works so we decided to make it available to private clients.
"This is a great way to sample a wide range of classics - we have the largest fleet for hire in the UK so there is plenty of choice."
Everyone who signs up for the day gets the chance to vote for the cars they would like to drive. These votes will be used by Great Escape to select the hire fleet for the day.
The classic car rally is available for a maximum of 16 people with up to 8 cars. Drivers can attend with non-drivers.
To find out more click here or call 01527 893733.

Our Best Ever Christmas Offer

Beat the VAT rise and help us celebrate our best year ever. We've launched our best every Christmas discount, giving you 10% off everything - every gift voucher and every gift package. With vouchers valid for a full 12 months you also beat the January 2011 VAT increase - an extra saving of 2.5%.
With a Great Escape gift voucher you get the widest choice of classic cars and hire locations in the UK from one source. We have 50 classic cars for hire and we operate from five convenient locations in Shropshire, Suffolk, Yorkshire, Dorset and Worcestershire. And with our new Midlands performance car hire fleet you also have the choice of some remarkable modern classic supercars including Aston Martin and TVR cars.
Great Escape Classic Car Hire gift vouchers can be bought for a specific car or for a set amount valid to use against any car. Alternatively, we also have a range of classic car hire gift packages that we have developed with our local partners.
To find out more about our gift packages and vouchers visit http://www.greatescapecars.co.uk/ on 01527 893733.