Restomods | Alfaholics GTA-R 290, JIA Jensen Interceptor R, Tuthill Porsche 911

Published: Oct 29, 2019. Exciting stuff from Autocar today as we try some modernised classics - restomods, if you like. This isn't a conventional group test, because the three cars we've assembled all do very different things. The Alfaholics GTA-R is an Alfa Romeo 105-series coupe that has seen the mother of all makeovers. With 240bhp and weighing just 840kg, its power-to-weight ratio is some 290bhp/tonne (hence the name) and fully seam welded, with carbonfibre panels and bespoke engine and gearbox internals and suspension, it's a true track car. The Jensen Interceptor R by Jensen International Automotive is more road car than track car. But don't think that this reworked Interceptor is slow: JIA has squeezed a supercharged Chevy LSA engine under the hood, making more than 550bhp. But, as we'll see, it may be more cruiser than sports car. Sitting somewhere between the two, in ethos, is a Porsche 911 modified and modernised by renowned specialists Tuthill. They'll do almost anything you want to a 911 but here they've taken an early 70s 911 E and made it all-round lovelier. It's a terrific blend of road and track performance. The base for our test is Llandow circuit in Wales so join our testers James Disdale, Matt Prior and Matt Saunders as they try these three brilliant reimagined classics. New videos are uploaded to Autocar each week. Don't miss a single one. Subscribe now: http://smarturl.it/autocar

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Morgan Motor Company - This Is How We Do It
  • A behind the scenes look at how Morgan cars are made from the craftsmen themselves. Following each stage of the process from the wooden frame construction right through to the final quality checks. Morgan cars have been hand crafted on the Pickersleigh Road site for over 100 years. See how traditional techniques have been passed down through the generations and have been adapted with modern technology to manufacture this unmistakable British icon.
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Morgan Plus 8 - XCAR
  • Many people moan about Britain's lack of car industry -- they do so without realising we have a pretty impressive one. We build all manner of cars for manufacturers from all over the world. The naysayers' problem is the lack of 'British' brands; e.g. Rover and the like. There are a few left, though. One such example is Morgan. At their small (for a car company) factory in Malvern, Morgan creates some truly stunning cars. Using traditional techniques and materials fused with modern technology, Morgan's motors may look stately, but by God they pack a punch. The Plus 8 we had the pleasure of driving is a wonderful example of how judging a car by its looks may not be a wise choice. You see, the new Plus 8 isn't like the old Plus 8 at all... The new car runs on a bonded aluminium chassis; it looks angrier than the old car; it's got a bigger, noisier V8 with plenty of power on tap. It's light, so once you realise how heavy your right foot really is you're shot off into the distance with a cacophonous growl from its hearty BMW-sourced V8. The noise gets under your skin, as does the drive. Your arse teeters over the rear wheels while you crane your neck to see the fronts. This long wheelbase has two wonderful side effects -- 1) it handles like an old school sports car should and 2) you have plenty of time to spot, encourage, play with and correct oversteer. Yes, the Plus 8 has some flaws -- its roof (and doors) may be removable, but while you're covered the fabric can get caught in the window. Not an issue when it's dry, but when the sky has a wee you wind up very soggy. It drinks a fair bit, too, but that's to be expected from a big 'ol V8. Oh yeah, it also costs more than £85,000. That's quite a bit of penga, especially when you remember just how much Porsche 911 you can get for that much. However, while you may get lots of 911 for £85k, you also remember there are lots more Porsche 911s on the road than there have ever been Morgans. The noise, the drive, drama and exclusivity of the Plus 8 make it a very special thing. It's a fusion of old and new, like a Heston Blumenthal hot pot. It's the type of car you wouldn't only glance back at when you leave it in a car park, but stare longingly at. If you ever get the chance to drive one, do take it.
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