by | September 1, 2011

FREE WordPress Themes from AutoTrader

Auto Trader is pleased to announce our new line of FREE Theme’s for WordPress.

As part of our ongoing relationship building with bloggers the world over, we decided to start putting out some great (and free) WordPress theme’s this year. We shall be adding new ones all the time, so be sure to come back often and check for new ones.

Download WordPress Themes

Ford Focus WordPress Theme (download ZIP file)

Also be sure to check out our selection of New and Used Ford Focus

BMW WordPress Theme (download ZIP file)

Also be sure to check out our selection of New and Used BMWs

NOTE – background image files are in the ‘images’ directory

Click here to subscribe for Theme updates

To get you started we’re going to give a simple overview of how to install and use them.
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by | August 19, 2011

Win tickets to the Goodwood Revival

Every September there’s a magical weekend at Goodwood Motor Circuit. The Goodwood Revival transports over 100,000 visitors back in time - and Auto Trader have 5 pairs of tickets to the Saturday show to give away!

The inaugural Goodwood Revival took place in 1998. The event’s raison d’etre was simple; to transport those attending back to the heyday of motor sport, as accurately as possible. The Revival is a nostalgia-fest on the circuit, eschewing anything post-1966. That means only pre-1966 cars are racing, only pre-1966 cars are on display, and as many attendees as possible are wearing clothes from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

As Goodwood’s Gary Axon puts it: “The Goodwood Revival really is a magical step back in time; a unique chance to revel in the glamour and allure of motor racing in the romantic time capsule of the golden era of motor racing at one of the world’s most authentic circuits. The Revival is the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting and the only event of its kind to be staged entirely in the nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 50s and 60s that relives the glory days of Goodwood Motor Circuit. It’s the biggest and best historic motor racing party of the year.”

It’s the track action that holds the greatest allure for many, and it’s no wonder when you can look forward to Ferraris and Aston Martins dicing with each other. There’s also a Jaguar E-Type race to celebrate 50 years of the icon from Coventry, while other highlights include Ford Galaxies, Jaguar Mk2s, big Healeys and Maserati 250Fs at full tilt.

It’s not just about cars though; whether you’re into vintage aircraft, culture, cars or bikes, there’s plenty to amuse.

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To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize, simply email socialnetwork@autotrader.co.uk with your contact details and the answer to the following question: Competition is now closed – see our Facebook page for winners

 

Which manufacturer is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their iconic E-Type?

a) Ford

b) Jaguar

c) Alfa Romeo

Terms and conditions:

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by | August 11, 2011

Johnny Herbert’s Fiat 500 for sale

A 1972 Fiat 500 previously owned by the much-loved British Formula 1 racing driver, Johnny Herbert is up for sale on Auto Trader.

Herbert is well-known for his cheerful and boisterous character but his career was blighted by more than its fair share of bad luck – finishing a number of races early (often through no fault of his own) and in 1988 he endured one of the worst accidents ever seen in the F3000 where he sustained serious injuries to both his feet and ankles. Incredibly, he recovered to make his Formula 1 debut only 7 months later. 

Now for the car, The Fiat 500 was produced between 1957 and 1975 and its quirky looks and practicality made it popular throughout Europe. 50 years on from the introduction of the original, Fiat previewed a brand new Fiat 500 in March 2007. It’s been a huge success in the UK – Auto Trader Owner Reviewers rate it  highly too, awarding it an average of 4.6 out of 5!

If you haven’t seen Mr Herbert in action watch this video tribute to his 1st Grand Prix victory on home turf at Silverstone in the 1995.

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by | August 1, 2011

Spare me the undertaker


Whether driving for business or pleasure I try to get any weekend motoring out of the way in the morning – the earlier the better.

Living in south west London means a high density of traffic. And aside from the increased journey times of a later departure I’m also only likely to find out what the car I’m driving is like at low speeds, a useful component of a road test but not the full picture.

And besides, for pure enjoyment clearer roads are better.

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by | July 25, 2011

Haskell hearts his Range Rover Sport

Launched in 2005, the new Range Rover Sport aimed to rival the growing trend of sporty 4×4s being launched by Porsche, Mercedes and BMW. Underneath it’s more Land Rover Discovery than Range Rover, sharing the same platform, which means it offers slightly better handling on the road, while still capable in the rough stuff.

At 6 foot 4 inches tall and nearly 18 stone in weight, it should come as no surprise that England rugby star James Haskell likes a big car. And he’s more than happy to tell you why the Range Rover Sport is his motor of choice

In this video James takes you on a ‘MTV Cribs-style’ tour of his Range Rover Sport and explains what he finds so special about the vehicle he calls ‘Snow White’.

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by | July 20, 2011

Infographic: White Van Man FACTS!

The white van is often perceived as a real menace of the motorway, and the people who drive them can sometimes be mistaken as your typical rogue trader. The Ford Motor company sells 60,000 Ford Transit vansa year and 84% of them are finished in white. We asked our friends at Van Trader to surprise us with some interesting facts on the ‘white van’…

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The term ‘White Van Man’ was inadvertently invented by a disgruntled Radio 2 presenter over ten years ago after she had been cut up on her morning commute by a bad driver – who just happened to be driving a white van.

According to the AA, van drivers are safer, causing fewer accidents, than regular motorists. Apparently 68% of van drivers have made no insurance claims. And if you want another fascinating fact, according to the emergency services, ambulance and fire engine drivers have a very high regard for van drivers who are often the first to see and hear them coming and move over. That’s because a van driver uses his rear vision mirrors!

A few years back, the Ford Motor Company commissioned a study which revealed that 71% of van drivers regard themselves as ‘careful and considerate’ road users while the vast majority (74%) do not identify themselves with the term ‘white van man’. In fact, 37% found the term insulting! And since there are around 2.5 million white vans in the UK, that’s a lot of folk who could be provoked all too easily.

So now you know.

Visit Van Trader to browse our used Ford Transit Vans today

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by | July 14, 2011

Dragon’s Maybach 57 on Auto Trader

A Maybach 57 previously owned by Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den fame is currently for sale on Auto Trader for £130,000.

The stationery business guru and TV star took delivery of the Maybach 57 back in 2007 and was happy to explain why the ultimate high-end limousine was his car of choice. Theo liked to use the cabin as his “chill out zone” when travelling the length and breadth of the country on business.

His attachment to the luxury German manufacturer has continued ever since. Recently he invested in a Maybach 62 and Theo’s no shrinking violet as he opted for the latest in blinged-out customisation with full on chrome body and personalised RYM4N number plate!

And he’s not alone, the brand is famous for attracting such esteemed owners as Madonna, Puff Daddy and Jay Z.

Paphitis’ Maybach 57 is being sold by Marlow Cars, a prestige, sports and luxury car specialist based in Buckinghamshire. Luke Bangs from Marlow Cars told Auto Trader: “The Maybach truly is the ultimate in understated luxury, recognised by only those who know!”

Check out Marlow Cars’ YouTube channel for a closer look at the Dragon’s luxury car and more, or follow them on Facebook

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by | July 11, 2011

Global domination comes at a price for the Nissan Micra

Nissan Micra

Precision-parked Nissan Micras at the launch of the DIG-S engine

The Nissan Micra is a global car. More than six million have been sold since its 1982 launch and the current (fourth) generation of the car is expected to go on sale in a staggering 160 countries, twice the number the seemingly ubiquitous Ford Focus is sold in.

It’s all part of an ambitious plan for Nissan to become the dominant Japanese car manufacturer in UK, in Europe and beyond.

Against this background it was perhaps inevitable the Micra should throw itself open to accusations of blandness.

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by | July 8, 2011

Car tech: Ford to build its smallest engine yet

Ford B-MaxFord is continuing to develop its EcoBoost range of engines, which will have a major impact on its average CO2 emissions. It comes as Ford announced a 1-litre EcoBoost engine will be Ford’s smallest engine it has ever built and its first three-cylinder. It will be launched globally in its small cars.

It will first appear in the forthcoming B-MAX compact MPV, but it is rumoured it could power vehicles as large as the C-MAX. If that’s the case, it will almost certainly feature in the powertrain lineup for the Fiesta, Focus and possibly the Kuga. Continue reading →

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by | July 4, 2011

Exclusive peek at our New Car TV ad!

Auto Trader is no longer just the number one destination for used cars. With the launch of our New Cars website, it’s now easier than ever to find everything you need to buy a brand new car, from expert and owner reviews to ordering brochures and booking a test drive – all in the one place!

You can easily search by body type, make, model and price or use the galleries and new menus to find a car that suits your needs. Say you’re interested in the new BMW we now have new make/model pages where you’ll find all the latest models with links to expert reviews and owner ratings. Then you just select the car you’re interested in, e.g. the new BMW 3 Series and there you’ll find everything from the MPG and CO2 emissions to the available trim packages and specifications.

You can also compare up to four different cars at a time, side by side, which allows you to easily compare value and available packages. Then it’s up to you to chose a local dealer to get more information and brook a test drive.

Our new TV advert is due to hit your television screens tonight but if you miss it, check it out below and discover the greatest new car showroom in the www!

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