Classic Ferrari sells for a record-breaking £20.2 million

A vintage 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, of which only 39 models were ever made, has sold for a budget-busting £20.2 million making it the second most expensive car ever sold.

The rare Ferrari sports car hit the headlines back in 2008 when it was bought by British businessman Jon Hunt for £15.7 million. Just 3 years after purchasing the car, the businessman has succeeded in selling the vintage luxury vehicle for £20.2 million, netting a profit of £4.5 million on the car within just a few years.

Mr Hunt, who made a fortune of £370 million when he sold Foxtons estate agency which he founded in 2008 just before the economic slump, is believed to have now sold the sought after sports car to a Spanish buyer for £20.2 million. The deal was made in secret sometime in the last two weeks, however word about the multi-million sale soon got out. The Ferrari is already thought to be on its way to Spain.

Only 39 Ferrari 250 GTO models were ever produced between 1962 and 1963. The sports cars were retailed at £6,000 each back in the 60’s and had the capability to accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 174mph which was especially impressive at the time. The 250 model boasts a 3 litre V12 engine and an output of 300bhp.

The demand for vintage luxury cars has risen sharply in recent years as they are seen as good investment options. The most recent sale of the £20.2 million is likely to spark further interest in sales of high end classic cars.

The most expensive car ever sold is the 1936 Bugatti Type 575c which fetched between £20 million – £26 million in 2010.

Specialist local car rental provider launches website in UK

A car hire provider specialising in listings of local and independent car rental operators, has launched in the UK for the very first time. RentMama.com has been introduced in the North East of England as part of a pilot scheme where it has already recruited 30 local vehicle hire companies offering more than 2000 vehicles for hire in total.

RentMamma.com was first introduced in Latvia in 2010 where the model proved very successful with car hire consumers. The website succeeded in attracting 70% of Latvia’s car hire providers to its website, helping to offer customers a wide range of car hire operators all in one place.

While global brands offering consumers the opportunity to compare car hire prices across a wide range of providers are proving very popular with car hire consumers, RentMamma.com believes there is a gap in the market for a comparison site which focuses on local and independent car hire operators in specific areas.

RentMamma.com insist that local providers are often able to offer flexibility in terms of an increased choice of pick up and drop off locations, also more affordable deals and cheaper hire options for younger drivers. As well as offering great benefits to the customer, RentMamma.com believes their website will also provide a boost to local businesses.

The specialist local and independent car hire broker believes it has the capability to revolutionise the UK’s car hire market with its easy to use website offering the pick of the best local car hire deals.

The Audi R8 Limo goes global with Forbes press article

Since the news broke of Limo Broker’s secret project and plans to create the world’s first Audi R8 Limo, the news has spread around the world, with plans for the supercar even being featured in high profile American magazine, Forbes.

While the press coverage for the new Audi R8 limo has gone into overdrive, the exclusive YouTube video which showcases the plans for the finished design of the never-seen-before supercar has also been inundated with views, with the online video racking up just shy of 37,000 hits in a week.

The finished Audi R8 Limo will become the signature car for the UK’s leading limousine hire provider, Limo Broker, who are working in conjunction with Carbonyte UK, the creators of the world’s only Ferrari limo, to create this unique stretch limo. The winner of the Miss Limo beauty pageant 2012, Gemma Roberts from the Vale of Glamorgan, has been confirmed as the glamorous face of the Audi R8 limo.

Limo Broker Managing Director, Tej Randeva, said he is,

“Overwhelmed by the response to the Audi R8 Limo, we weren’t expecting news of our project to go global in the way it has, with the likes of Forbes magazine featuring our Audi R8 limo design on their pages” 30-year-old Tej added;

“the feedback we’re getting on the design has been extremely positive, and it’s certainly spurred us at Limo Broker, and the guys at Carbonyte UK, to make sure the finished limo is extra special and a supercar that will hold its own on the world stage.”

The Audi R8 limo had an initial completion date of late summer 2012, however due to the overwhelming response from the press and the public over the new design, Limo Broker and Carbonyte UK have pushed the finish forward and are now hoping to unveil the completed limousine in 3-4 months time, just in time for the peak wedding hire and school prom season.

YouTube video of the Audi R8 Limo receives almost 5k hits in two days

The YouTube video giving the first look at the prototype for the world’s first Audi R8 limo has received almost 5,000 hits just two days after being posted on the video sharing site.

Limo Broker Audi R8 Limo

Limo Broker first unveiled plans to create the world’s fastest limousine last weekend at the Transport Broker Awards hosted at the home of the Ryder Cup golf tournament 2012, the Celtic Manor Resort. Chris Wright from Carbonyte UK, the creator of the world’s only Ferrari Limo, introduced the rendered video of the Audi R8 limo and outlined plans for the project to an invited audience of 250 guests, including business leaders from the luxury transport industry from across the country.

This year’s Transport Broker Awards also hosted the final of the Miss Limo beauty pageant for the very first time. The winner, Gemma Roberts, was crowned Miss Limo 2012 by the reigning Miss Universe Great Britain, Chloe-Beth Morgan. As part of Gemma’s prize for winning the title of Miss Limo 2012, she will become the face of the brand new stretch Audi R8 Limo once it’s complete.

Limo Broker Audi R8 Superlimo

Limo Broker Audi R8 Superlimo

Plans for the Audi R8 Limo had been kept tightly under wraps until the big announcement last weekend. Once complete, the stretch Audi R8 limousine will be the only vehicle of its kind in existence, and also the fastest limo in the world.

The YouTube video gives a 3D impression of how the finished limousine will look and is proving a big hit online having already received 4,856 hits less than 48 hours after being posted on the internet. If you’ve not checked out the video of the exclusive ne supercar yet, take a look at it right now and prepare to be blown away.

Due to high demand, a new facebook page for the Audi R8 Limo has been launched.

Rolls Royce smashes sales records in 2011

Rolls Royce posted record breaking sales figures for the previous year this week, with demand for the luxury car maker’s flagship model, the Rolls Royce Phantom, and the Ghost, helping to drive sales throughout 2011.

In the official figures Rolls Royce revealed they’d sold 3,538 luxury cars over the course of 2011 which is the most it’s ever sold in the space of 12 months in the company’s entire 107 year history.

Rolls Royce found that China overtook America as its biggest market in 2011. Since 2003, the US has been the biggest consumer of Rolls Royce cars, however the Asian and Pacific market grew by a massive 47% throughout the 12 months of 2011, helping China into the top spot as the biggest buyers of Rolls Royce products for the year.

The UK rolled into third place behind China and the States as the biggest market for Rolls Royce in 2011, with business in Britain rising by 30% throughout the year for the luxury car brand.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, Rolls Royce are already hatching plans to build on the success of 2011 by branching into as yet untapped markets for the renowned car manufacturer, including South America, and also the development of new product lines and its dealer network, and there are also plans to expand the Rolls Royce manufacturing plant, Goodwood in Sussex.

Last Lamborghini Diablo ever made to be sold at auction

The last ever Lamborghini Diablo ever to be made will be sold at auction on January 21st by the car auction company, Barrett Jackson Scottsdale, with no reserve being stipulated for the luxury sports car.

The Lamborghini Murcielago took over from the Diablo model after its reign of 11 years in 2011, with the car being offered for sale later this month, being the very last Diablo to roll off the production line.

The last 40 Lamborghini Diablo cars were all individually numbered from 1-40 with the Lamborghini due to go under the hammer in two weeks bearing the number 40 mark. The Lamborghini supercar boasts a V12 engine with an output of 550 horsepower and the car has a mere 12 miles on the clock so you can bet it’s in mint condition.

The final run of the Lamborghini Diablo models were split into two groups with the first 20 painted in an exclusive shade, Oro Elios, which translates as Sunrise Gold, while the latter 20, including the car which is scheduled for auction, featuring a shade known as Marrone Eklipse, or Sunset Maroon.

No estimate price has been released for this highly sought after supercar, however the fact that it’s the very last Lamborghini Diablo to ever be made, and its pristine condition and minute mileage will certainly ensure this sports car attracts some sky high bids come Saturday 21st January predicts jalopik.com.

Transport Broker Group to launch helicopter hire service, Wow Jets

The Transport Broker Group is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new helicopter hire service, Wow Jets. The exciting new venture will be add another string to the bow of the Transport Broker Group which specialises in affordable transportation rental services throughout the UK.

Wow Jets will offer helicopter hire and private jet rental in all parts of the UK and will allow private clients to charter aircraft to a destination of their choice. Whether it’s work or leisure, Wow Jets will provide the client with a high quality air travel experience tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual’s trip.

Thanks to Wow Jets’ link with its sister companies, Cars for Stars and Limo Broker, luxury land transportation can also be arranged along with helicopter hire so clients can be chauffeur driven to and from their start and final destinations to ensure a smooth and hassle free travel experience.

Wow Jets works in conjunction with a range of handpicked private air travel operators throughout the country in order to provide helicopter and jet hire in all areas of the UK. The aim of Wow Jets is to offer helicopter and private jet hire services departing and arriving in all four corners of the UK for the convenience of its clients.

Whether you’re a busy executive and need to travel between meetings in different parts of the country in a single day, or if you’d like to charter your own private jet for a social event such as a birthday or anniversary celebration or maybe a day at the polo or the races, Wow Jets will be able to provide you with the perfect transport solution.

A range of aircraft is available to hire through Wow Jets with the capacity to transport anything from one or two passengers in a light aircraft or helicopter, to private jets with the ability to transport 30 people in a luxurious environment, plus many, many other air travel services.

For more information on this exciting new project and to request a free quote for private jet or helicopter hire, please visit the brand new website helicopterhire.net right now.

Private hire company to introduce smart cars to its fleet

A private hire transport company based in Edinburgh has revealed plans to introduce Smart cars to its fleet in the New Year with the aim of reducing emissions and providing speedy and economical transportation for single passenger journeys.

Edinburgh Private Hire believe the new Smart car taxi service will be especially popular as it estimates that currently 55% of the trips undertaken by its drivers from its base at Edinburgh Airport are for single passengers.

Smart cars will not only help the company to reduce its CO2 emissions, but also enhance fuel consumption and also ease congestion due to the size of the pint size vehicles which makes them ideal for city driving.

The private hire firm is committed to green travel and says that in the future, they hope to introduce electric powered vehicles, however at the moment, the lack of charging points in the city would be a cause for concern for them. Until electric powered cars prove viable for the firm, the Smart cars will assist Edinburgh Private Hire in its bid to provide eco friendly travel.

Edinburgh Private Hire hope to have the first of their Smart cars up and running in the first quarter of 2012 after the City Council granted permission and waived licence conditions.

The company say they hope to pass on the savings to the customer through reduced fares as the cost would be set for single passengers.

Cheap Coach Hire to the London 2012 Olympics thanks to Coach Broker

The UK’s leading coach and minibus hire provider, Coach Broker, have launched discounted rates for customer booking transport hire of the London 2012 Olympics this summer. Whether you’re planning a group trip to the capital for this world renowned sporting event and need to hire a double-decker coach, or perhaps you’re travelling to the London Games with a small group of family or friends and you require minibus hire, Coach Broker will be able to provide you with a highly competitive transport rental service.

Coach Broker boasts an enviable selection of coaches and minibuses all of which are available to hire in a range of sizes and styles so as to suit the requirements of your travel. All coaches and minibuses are also provided along with a highly experienced chauffeur who will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure your coach hire trip to the London Olympics is hassle free so you’ll be able to sit back and relax in Coach Broker’s capable hands.

As a nationwide company, Coach Broker operate in all parts of the UK so wherever you’re travelling from to the London Olympics, whether it’s Buckinghamshire or Surrey, Newcastle or Carlisle, Liverpool or Manchester, Wrexham or Cardiff, Birmingham or Norfolk, Nottingham or Swindon, trust Coach Broker to transport you to the capital in comfort and style.

Further discounts are also being offered for multiple coach and minibus hire bookings so if you’re looking to hire a number of vehicles, perhaps as part of a corporate trip to the Olympics or as part of a club, you’ll be able to take advantage of these ultra low rates available on multi coach bookings with Coach Broker.

To request your free quote for chauffeur driven coach or minibus hire to the London 2012 Olympics, call Coach Broker today.

Mercedes “Taxi” owned by Ryanair boss up for sale

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has advertised his personal chauffeur car for sale, billing it as the “Ireland’s most famous taxi” and stating himself as the owner in attempt to grab the attention of second hand car buyers.

The 2007 Mercedes Benz S-Class S500L long wheelbase car has extended legroom for the comfort of its passengers and comes with full leather interior, heated seats and in-car phone kit, however it also comes with a sky high mileage with 170,000 miles on the clock.

The Irish budget airline owner caused controversy when in 2003 he bought a taxi licence when meant that his registered car could be driven in bus lanes, helping the Ryanair boss dodge gridlocked traffic. However Mr O’Leary was later forced to employ a chauffeur as part of the rules of the licence and the Mercedes has to meter all of its trips in accordance with the taxi licence regulations.

The Ryanair boss obviously travels a great deal as the car has accumulated a mileage of 170,000 in just four years. It also emerged that in 2009, O’Leary ran up a bill of €96,000 to the taxi company who supplied his chauffeur, coincidentally, O’Leary also owns the company.

If you fancy getting behind the wheel of the businessman’s Mercedes chauffeur car, then it can be yours for just €20,000, which works out as £16,700.