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Best of British Aston Martin

The name Aston Martin is associated with some of Britain’s most glorious racing memories, from the days when British teams wore their ‘Racing Green’ with pride. But the legend behind the winged badge doesn’t stop there. The full story of Aston Martin begins in 1913 and continues through an uninterrupted pedigree of classic cars to modern times. This fascinating video celebrates more than eighty years of Aston Martin history in intimate detail. Cars range from the Brooklands 200-mile racer of the early 1920s, to the fastest Aston Martin of all, the Vantage V8 with twin superchargers feeding its 5.4 litre engine!

Best of British Land Rover

If ever there were vehicles that summed up the British character in automotive terms, it would have to be the rugged Land Rover and the lordly Range Rover. Both enjoy a fanatical following in all levels of society. Here you can join us as we trace the history of the Land Rover, look at prototypes and production models and travel to the exotic locations where Land Rover established itself as an international success story. Share Land Rover off-road driving tips and drive the ‘jungle track’ deep in the heart of the Solihull factory grounds. Resounding proof that establishes how Land Rover has so thoroughly earned the title ‘Best of British’!

Best of British Jaguar

An exclusive video, made with the full support of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, exploring the legendary qualities of Jaguar with superb archive and unrivalled access to all the significant models in Jaguar’s own historic collection. From the pre-war days of coach-built ‘special saloons’, through the SS100 and XK120, right up to Britain’s first supercar - the XJ220 and on to the very latest Jaguars such as Britain’s fastest sports saloon, the supercharged XJR. With interviews with Jaguar drivers Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman, Group 44 owner Bob Tullius and driver Brian Redman, it all adds up to a fascinating review of Jaguar’s unique place in British motoring.

Donington Grands Prix 1937 and 38

"Classic archive footage" Autosport

"The racing action is utterly glorious" Octane

"Sure to please" Auto Express

"Remarkable" Classic and Sports Car

As the shadow of impending war fell across Europe in the late 1930s, the might of Nazi Germany arrived in Britain to demonstrate the dominance of the so-called ‘master race’ and launch a revolution in motor racing.

The legendary 1937 and 1938 Grands Prix at the Donington Park circuit have been the subject of numerous books and articles, but now you can actually watch and hear the ‘thunder in the park’ in extraordinary archive footage unearthed by Duke.

This essential DVD features the films of producer Geoffrey Fairrie, which, while they may be short, are absolute gems.

The arrival of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union in Britain created a stir among fans and competitors, and the awesome performance of these world-beating cars left everyone who witnessed the 1937 Grand Prix stunned. One year later the German teams were back and, despite a new and powerful Italian Maserati, no one could challenge the might silver machines of the Fatherland.

The entry list for both reads like a who’s who of pre-war racing - Rudolf Caracciola, Herman Lang, Richard Seaman, Prince Bira, Manfred von Brauchitsch, Hermann Muller and many more. Plus, of course, there are the iconic cars, including the W125 and W154 of Mercedes and Auto Union’s D and C types, as well as ERA, Delahaye, MG and other famous marques.

The excellent footage, including much from 1938 in colour, shows the cars power sliding through corners and launching into the air over jumps, at speeds of up to 200mph! Famous names, including Redgate, the Melbourne Hairpin and the Craner Curves are all here, even if they look just a little different to today.

Watch Bernd Rosemeyer take his Auto Union to what would prove to be the German ace’s final win and Tazio Nuvolari fight off the charging Mercedes drivers Lang and Seaman to secure a second British victory for Auto Union.

There is early slow motion camerawork allowing you to watch these glorious machines as legendary drivers guide them around the challenging Donington track, and the evocative roar as the Silver Arrows thunder in the Park.

"This compilation of two pre-war films produced by Geoffrey Fairrie at the epic 1937 and '38 GPs is remarkable. Just 29 minutes long, it superbly captures the impact of these visiting titans from Germany. Watch Nuvolari's impatient pitstop in '38 and the slow-motion action" Classic and Sports Car

"Stories abound of the Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows' only visits to Britain for the 1937 and '38 British GPs at Donington Park. Now you can watch classic archive footage of Bernd Rosemeyer and Tazio Nuvolari winning for Auto Union in a crushing display of pre-war grand prix superiority" Autosport

"To view any period footage of the Silver Arrows is a pleasure; in colour it's a must. Shot by Geoffrey Fairrie, it covers the Grands Prix held at Donington in 1937 and '38, but kicks off with Atco-powered oval 'racers' - proto-karts if you will - in action on packed seaside promenades. The racing action is utterly glorious, and Neville Hay's commentary is instructive rather than intrusive. And any excuse to see the 4.5-litre unsupercharged Delahayes, if only fleetingly, is ok with us" Octane

"If you enjoy classic Grands Prix but would rather not watch grainy black and white images, then this DVD with colour archive footage is sure to please. Although the running time is limited, helpful voiceovers give you a run-through of the races, won by drivers including Tazio Nuvolari and Bernd Rosemeyer. The DVD also covers the pre-war battle between Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union's Silver Arrows" Auto Express

Ford Transit Story

The Ford Transit is a true icon of the roads, a versatile workhorse which, since its arrival in 1965, has become the "Backbone of Britain".

This wonderful film celebrates the enduring appeal of the Transit, skilfully combining archive footage with modern film to create the definitive story of this legendary van.

British Touring Car Champion and TV commentator Tim Harvey presents a journey through more than four decades of one of the best-known vehicles on the roads.

Rare archive film charts the history of the Transit in its many guises, including the awesome 150mph Supervan, 185mph-plus Supervan 2, in the capable hands of three-times Formula One World champion Jackie Stewart, and the very latest monster Supervan 3!
The programme lets you look inside the production line, see vans being put through their paces at rigorous tests and enjoy the quirky continental view of the Transit.

There's also the extraordinary seven-day endurance test at the Monza circuit in Italy.

Of course, the Transit is inseparable from the "White Van Man" image and Tim sets out to prove once and for all whether the mere sight of one of the familiar Fords is enough to make tempers flare. His hilarious bid to wind up Britain's motorists has a surprising outcome!
Plus, we hear from "Mr Transit" Peter Lee, a man who has dedicated his life to this iconic vehicle. He explains his love affair with the van, and gives a rare glimpse inside his incredible collection - this is real devotion!

Everyone has a Ford Transit story, and after watching this fabulous film, you'll have quite a few more.
Bonus features include Supervan 1967, 7 days in Monza, Two brothers 1979 and much more.

Best of British Lotus

Thanks largely to its founder Colin Chapman, the name Lotus is synonymous with innovation. From humble beginnings in North London, Chapman and his cars went on to international acclaim via a succession of stunning road going vehicles and genius on the racing circuits of the world.

In this superb programme wonderful footage of the Seven, the Elite and the Elan; the Europa, Eclat and Exige deliver a heady mix of style and performance whilst the saloon 'specials' - Cortina, Sunbeam and Carlton evoke memories of motoring thrills both on and off the track.

Thanks to unprecedented access to the Lotus factory and its test track, you can also enjoy an exclusive look at the building of the new Lotus Elise II and testing with the awesome Esprit V8 and the new Elise 111S. On-board and track cams record the action. The GP era is not forgotten with Classic Team Lotus giving you a unique glimpse behind the scenes.

This is the story behind the famous green and yellow ACBC badge. High quality archive and modern footage, spanning 1952 to the present day, blend with an authoritative commentary to take you through fifty years of automotive adventure and innovation. It's a worthy salute to Lotus, truly the Best of British!

DVD extras include interviews with Steve Swift and Ansar Ali who shed further light on the tale of this fascinating marque.

Best of British Mini

Ever since it was introduced to the motoring public in 1959 the Mini has captured the imagination and hearts of millions of small-car lovers worldwide. Many different versions have been launched over the years yet the basic design has changed very little from the original concept created more than four decades ago by Sir Alec Issigonis. It has become an icon of the Twentieth century, inspiring fan clubs, magazines, events, specialist shops, toys and a loyal following. But what exactly is it about this boxy little car that has endeared it to so many for so long? ‘Best of British Mini’ explores the history of the world’s best-loved small car and the many qualities that have carried it into the new millennium. Enjoy action footage demonstrating the Mini’s ability on the road, racetrack and as a popular stunt vehicle and coverage of special Mini events such as the London to Brighton run. The last old-style Mini rolling off the production line at the Longbridge factory is recorded and there is launch footage of the all-new Mini unveiled at the 2000 Paris Motor Show. Enduring, lovable, a true classic - these are the hallmarks of a car that is the very ‘Best of British’.

Best of British TVR

Few British cars have got enthusiast’s blood racing more in the last twenty years than the super sexy TVR. This is a unique video biography of Britain’s most popular and prolific independent car manufacturer. The TVR story which began in 1947 and continues today is told here in full detail. The most significant models from the Grantura and the Griffith through to the M Series and the S Series and the recent introduction of the Chimaera and Cerbera all feature. Enjoy rally, road and racing action with TVR and look into the future of a marque that thoroughly deserves its place in this highly acclaimed ‘Best of British’ series.

“Well worth watching from a general interest point of view. You don’t have to be a TVR fan, although you may become one!” Met On Wheels

World’s Greatest F1 Cars

Alfa Romeo, Benetton, Brabham, BRM, Cooper, Ferrari, Lancia, Lotus, Maserati, Matra, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Tyrrell, Vanwall and Williams. These are the constructors whose cars have either taken a driver to a world title or won a manufacturers championship during the first fifty years of Formula One.

It is these marques which we pay tribute to in this unique overview of the evolution of the Grand Prix car. Looking at the legends of yesteryear with the aid of digital technology of today, we take a trip along the F1 timeline with the cars that made the champions. Exciting action and technical close-ups from modern events are blended with historical archive material to give you a better than ever before look at the great cars of Grand Prix racing. From Formula One’s ancestors in the 1930s, right up to the technological marvels of today, the cars are the stars of the show!

This memorable DVD also features extra info on 114 featured cars, F1 driver biographies and charts major milestones in F1 history. It also includes previously unseen footage and a classic F1 experience!

Can Am Thunder

The mighty machines of the Can-Am Championship must surely be leading candidates for the title of 'most awesome racing cars ever built'...

Some forty years ago they put out over 1000 horsepower in their most-developed form and hit speeds of up to 220mph despite aerodynamics that were experimental at best and highly dangerous at worst! They made the Grand Prix F1 cars of the day look tame by comparison.

And even today, the 'Can-Am thunder' still rumbles as huge crowds flock to historic race meetings wherever these incredible cars appear.

Porsche, McLaren, Lola and Shadow were the Championship-winning cars, with Chaparral, Bryant Ti22, March, BRM and Ferrari as the challengers. We focus in depth upon all of these as they rumble and roar around tracks like Laguna Seca with its legendary downhill 'corkscrew' turn. We even recall the days of the 'Interserie' - Europe's Can-Am equivalent - by filming at the Nurburgring round of the current Orwell Supersports Cup series for historic Can-Am cars.

In making this up-close examination of the mighty machines of the Can-Am, we use a great combination of modern action footage, rare archive film and almost 100 superb pictures from the best photographers of the day.

We hear reminiscences from the three Can-Am champions still with us - John Surtees, George Follmer and Jackie Oliver - as well as from Jim Hall - the designer of the incredible Chaparral 'fan car' - and its driver, Vic Elford.

In addition, Hurley Haywood tells us what it was like to wrestle with the mighty turbocharged Porsche 917/10 in the heat of Can-Am competition. He is one of the world's best-ever sports car drivers with three wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, five in the Daytona 24 Hours and two in the Sebring 12 Hours to his credit!

Finally, Peter Bryant, creator of the successful Bryant Ti22 and Shadow Mk2 cars, recalls what it was like trying to design a 220mph racer without the aid of computers or wind tunnels!

All of this is woven into reminiscences by the world's acknowledged 'number one' Can-Am guru. Author and photographer, Pete Lyons recalls the stories that led to his best-selling books on the series and delves into his photo archives to take us back to the Can-Am era. In this he is joined by another award-winning author and photographer focussing on those awesome days, Dave Friedman.

Up until now the definitive documentary on the cars of the Can-Am has never been made. This is it!
Bonus features:
Peter Bryant, Can-Am Challenger - He was a self-taught designer responsible for two of the most successful Can-Am challengers. Here's the inside story by Peter Bryant.
Pete Lyons Looks Back - Acknowledged as the world's leading expert on the Can-Am series, Pete Lyons recalls some personal memories from the day.