Author Archives: Rob Marshall
Guess the car
Rob Marshall posted on May 3rd, 2012
Posted in Competitions
Last month’s look at lamps seemed too easy. Everybody identified the Renault Mégane (which was a convertible) and the majority recognised the bland but serviceable Hyundai Getz. This time, we have returned to a scrap yard, to uncover a car that had been subject to a particularly nasty side-swipe. Fortunately, nobody was hurt but the car has seen better days. What is its make and model?
Is Kwik advice Fit advice?
Rob Marshall posted on April 27th, 2012
Posted in Motoring Advice Articles
During a typical working week, press releases flow in-and-out of my inbox, most of which are fairly dreary but Kwik Fit’s latest PR campaign caught my eye, when the company saw fit to issue money saving advice, during last month’s questionable fuel shortages. Interestingly, Kwik Fit had initiated its own research, which found that over two-thirds of cars in the UK are driven with tyres that are at least 3psi … read more
RIP the creator of the Porsche 911 and my kettle
Rob Marshall posted on April 23rd, 2012
Posted in Motoring News
Hardly any fifty year-old car designs have endured continuous production, evolving into icons that outlast not only their competitors but also their inventor. Sadly, on the 5th April, the Porsche 911’s designer, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the grandson of the Stuttgart company’s patriarch, became survived by his most celebrated creation. At the age of 23 years, F.A. Porsche joined the company’s design office, became the Head of Porsche Design four … read more
Badge Engineering: When badges hide the truth
Rob Marshall posted on April 19th, 2012
Posted in Motoring Advice Articles
During the Easter holidays, my mother’s 20+ years-old washing machine ground to a halt and was deemed uneconomical to repair by her local service engineer. Having had such sterling service from her trusty Hotpoint, her natural inclination was to buy another one, until she was informed that times have moved on. When she interrogated the engineer further, she was informed that market forces had seen the Hotpoint washing machine disappear … read more
Guess the cars – A pair of lamps
Rob Marshall posted on April 16th, 2012
Posted in Competitions
It seems that regular GEM blog readers had no problem in identifying the Volvo 480ES from last month but only one person fell into the trap and thought that the car was a Honda… This month, we are looking at the rumps of two very different cars. As always the question is, what are they?
Guess the Car
Rob Marshall posted on March 30th, 2012
Posted in Competitions
Our previous competition appeared to cause everyone lots of head scratching but the pictured car was made by the Chinese manufacturer Lifan. The model, as yet, has not been imported officially into the UK. This month’s car is a little easier, but it required my very dicey Photoshopping skills to try and hide its identity. The pictured car was in production from 1986 until 1995 but what is its make … read more
6 tips to protect your car’s Turbo
Rob Marshall posted on March 27th, 2012
Posted in Motoring Advice Articles
A few decades ago, any car with the word ‘TURBO’ emblazoned upon its rump signified something rather special. The eclectic mix of performance and prestige translated into instant envy, especially within the cut-and-thrust world of a typical 1980’s corporate car park. These days, almost every diesel car is fitted with at least one turbocharger and many drivers are even unaware of its existence, until failure brings forth a sizable repair … read more
Economy – can the latest small engines deliver?
Rob Marshall posted on March 23rd, 2012
Posted in Motoring News
With the latest crop of the high efficiency engines arriving on the market, I find myself becoming increasingly concerned by the promises of high frugality that are not being delivered to the average user. As I have highlighted before, many motorists have become frustrated by the Official Combined fuel consumption figures stated for their new or nearly-new cars being unachievable during reasonable everyday use. Yet, when the guide was issued, … read more
The Minivac Fluid Extraction and Brake Bleeding Kit – Product Test
Rob Marshall posted on March 20th, 2012
Posted in Motoring Advice Articles
Motor car reliability and durability depends greatly on not only the quantity but also the condition of many different fluids and lubricants. Most of these liquids deteriorate with time and need either regular assessment or draining and replenishing. While automotive fluid extraction kits might be expensive, some of them require an air compressor to operate, a tool that most car owners do not possess. Retailing at £49 (including postage), the … read more
Guess the Car
Rob Marshall posted on March 9th, 2012
Posted in Competitions
Despite last month’s competition being one of our toughest yet, we were amazed that a few correct answers percolated into our system. Yet, nobody provided the precise model numbers of the Moskvitch, which was either 412 or 2140. This next example is almost as difficult. It was photographed at a car importer’s stock yard five years ago, while the model was being evaluated for UK sale. Although the model is … read more
