The UK American Blog

Press release from the recently launched Blue Oval Network, a website that is aiming to unite Ford fans around the globe: 

The Network for Ford Enthusiasts – The “Face Book” for Ford Lovers!Launched this week, the internet world will be taken by storm with revolutionary software for the lovers of ALL Fords. It has been developed taking all the best elements found in forums, car clubs and social networking to create a home online for all Ford enthusiasts.With the wide acceptance of social networking sites like Facebook we felt that combining this style of technology with the passion that Ford lovers have for their cars, would bring a greater benefit to the Ford community worldwide.This will be a first in the way that social networking has been applied for Ford owners and the site welcomes any Ford Enthusiast and Performance Orientated owner from across the range, both old and new.The site takes members beyond the club scene, connecting like minded enthusiasts around the world, thus providing a greater access to all. Members will now have the choice to interact with Ford Owners both online and offline, like never before.

You will have the ability to form friendships, take part in meet ups, car shows and social events, form groups, play online games, chat with other users live. With Photo sharing, personal pages and fan pages, you will be able to share news and reviews, stories and information as it happens. We anticipate that the site will be expanded as the number of members grows.

Website: http://www.theblueovalnetwork.com

This week sees the addition of Harley Davidson specialists Lightning Services to UK American’s listings. Proprietor Baz Sullivan tells us more:
 
While Harley Davidson and Buell are the speciality of the house, Lightning Services offers services to owners of other classic and custom bikes. Spares, servicing, tyres, repairs and accessories. Although not a MoT Test Station, to complete the range of services on offer we offer an MoT Test Service in conjunction with our partner Riverside MoT Centre. There’s a friendly welcome for owners of all makes.
 
Fixed Price Service Menus for Harley Davidson and Buell start from only £120.00. Lightning Services also offer Insurance approved repairs, engineering, component overhaul, restoration, refinishing and customisation services. There’s a specialist motorcycle only tyre bay.
 
Quality consumables, OEM and aftermarket parts and the latest computerised diagnostic system from Techno Research mean that Lightning Services can meet the needs of owners with the latest models as well as those with classic machines. As well as OEM and Pattern parts, as an Authorised Dealership for the top names in the Harley and Custom aftermarket, Lightning Services can supply a wide range of parts for custom bikes too. We can also commission bespoke motorcycle parts from our partners that are suitable for restorations and customs.
 
We also offer full custom bike building and classic bike full or part restoration services.
 
Customising, restoration, refinishing, engine and gearbox work can be shipped to customers across mainland Britain.
 
Lightning Services
Unit NB1, Hilperton Marsh Farm, Marsh Road, Hilperton
Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 7PJ
01225 785164

cassey - i’ve never found anyone who hires vettes in the uk. not sure why 

Hi!

Does anybody know anyone who hires Corvettes in the UK (preferably a C6)?

Thanks.

Cassey

Checking out the forums on some of the UK’s American car club sites, you’ll frequently find the same post. Sure, it’s written by different people and posted at different times, but the message is always the same:  

Me/my daughter would love to arrive at the wedding/school prom in an American car. I’ve got some quotes from local firms, but they all charge £200/300 and that’s a rip off. If anyone has an American car and would like to help out on Sat 12, give me a call at the number below. I’ll gladly pay around £50 and provide lodging if necessary. Thank you …  

The people who post these requests annoy me on many levels. Obviously a professional limousine company is going to have more costs to cover than someone stepping up to help on a one time basis, not least of all premises, advertising, professional drivers and tax. But they have another cost - limo insurance. Of course anyone replying to the post will likely have fully comprehensive, but it comes with the caveat that it is not valid for “Hire or Reward”.  

From the second the hirer slides onto the back seat until the moment they leave the vehicle, it is uninsured. So what these people are doing is asking car owners to break the law. The hirer no doubt has no concern if the driver is taking a risk – after all, the driver will be liable if caught. Their level of concern will increase though if the vehicle is involved in an accident.  

If it’s a fender bender that runs the insurance company for a front grille and a couple of headlights the claim will probably go through. But what if personal injury is involved? That’s when zeros are added to the claim, and the insurance firms make it their business to discover if there’s a way to avoid making a settlement. That’s a whole world of additional misery for the injured, be it the hirer, their loved ones or a third party, as well as a good chance of jail for the driver if he manages to crawl from the wreckage. And why? Because someone wanted to save a few pounds.  

Associates in the trade tell me that a small professional limo firm could be looking to claim at least £100 per each day of hire for the insurance alone. This isn’t the sort of 365 days a year business like taxis – the number of hire days per year will be substantially less, and the insurance runs deep into 4 figures. And to this sum you can then add all the other associated costs.  

My advice? If you’re too tight to use a professional limo firm, start looking forward to arriving in a Volvo.  

I’m out.  

Wrench

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