Tim Pitt
@timpitt100.bsky.social
UK car journalist at Motoring Research. Words on websites and in print, plus social media for The Intercooler.
‘An open-gated manual shifter sits proudly at centre stage, with no infotainment to be found. Who needs it with eight intake trumpets screaming inches behind your head?’
Read my review of the beautiful R33 Stradale by Automotive Artisans.
Now live on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
Read my review of the beautiful R33 Stradale by Automotive Artisans.
Now live on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
February 15, 2026 at 7:46 AM
‘An open-gated manual shifter sits proudly at centre stage, with no infotainment to be found. Who needs it with eight intake trumpets screaming inches behind your head?’
Read my review of the beautiful R33 Stradale by Automotive Artisans.
Now live on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
Read my review of the beautiful R33 Stradale by Automotive Artisans.
Now live on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
‘The flat-six barks like an angry doberman, then settles to a tense, brooding idle. Tuned by Litchfield, it gains larger turbos, an Inconel exhaust and an ECU remap to achieve 920hp at 7,300rpm.’
Read my RML GT Hypercar review in Copacetic magazine.
New issue in the shops now!
Read my RML GT Hypercar review in Copacetic magazine.
New issue in the shops now!
February 14, 2026 at 10:16 AM
‘The flat-six barks like an angry doberman, then settles to a tense, brooding idle. Tuned by Litchfield, it gains larger turbos, an Inconel exhaust and an ECU remap to achieve 920hp at 7,300rpm.’
Read my RML GT Hypercar review in Copacetic magazine.
New issue in the shops now!
Read my RML GT Hypercar review in Copacetic magazine.
New issue in the shops now!
Jaguar XJ6 spotted in Caterham.
Slowly being reclaimed by nature…
Slowly being reclaimed by nature…
February 14, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Jaguar XJ6 spotted in Caterham.
Slowly being reclaimed by nature…
Slowly being reclaimed by nature…
First drive of the new Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum.
Amaranth Purple paint looks blue when it catches the sunlight. Formerly chromed parts such as the bumpers and grille are ceramic-coated.
Reviews coming soon to MiniWorld magazine, Robb Report, City AM, MSN Cars and more…
Amaranth Purple paint looks blue when it catches the sunlight. Formerly chromed parts such as the bumpers and grille are ceramic-coated.
Reviews coming soon to MiniWorld magazine, Robb Report, City AM, MSN Cars and more…
February 11, 2026 at 4:32 PM
First drive of the new Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum.
Amaranth Purple paint looks blue when it catches the sunlight. Formerly chromed parts such as the bumpers and grille are ceramic-coated.
Reviews coming soon to MiniWorld magazine, Robb Report, City AM, MSN Cars and more…
Amaranth Purple paint looks blue when it catches the sunlight. Formerly chromed parts such as the bumpers and grille are ceramic-coated.
Reviews coming soon to MiniWorld magazine, Robb Report, City AM, MSN Cars and more…
The third Wood & Pickett Mini is now in build.
Paint looks like a retro BL shade, but is actually Porsche Bahama Yellow.
Ian Callum says they originally planned to build fewer than 10 Minis, but he’s been surprised by the W&P’s popularity. The order bank now runs to 27 cars.
Paint looks like a retro BL shade, but is actually Porsche Bahama Yellow.
Ian Callum says they originally planned to build fewer than 10 Minis, but he’s been surprised by the W&P’s popularity. The order bank now runs to 27 cars.
February 11, 2026 at 3:42 PM
The third Wood & Pickett Mini is now in build.
Paint looks like a retro BL shade, but is actually Porsche Bahama Yellow.
Ian Callum says they originally planned to build fewer than 10 Minis, but he’s been surprised by the W&P’s popularity. The order bank now runs to 27 cars.
Paint looks like a retro BL shade, but is actually Porsche Bahama Yellow.
Ian Callum says they originally planned to build fewer than 10 Minis, but he’s been surprised by the W&P’s popularity. The order bank now runs to 27 cars.
A look inside the Wood & Pickett Mini.
Quilted seat trim was stitched in-house by Callum. The custom dashboard is walnut and leather, with piano key switches in billet aluminium.
My favourite detail? The window winders, which are repurposed as up/down electric window controls.
Quilted seat trim was stitched in-house by Callum. The custom dashboard is walnut and leather, with piano key switches in billet aluminium.
My favourite detail? The window winders, which are repurposed as up/down electric window controls.
February 11, 2026 at 2:53 PM
A look inside the Wood & Pickett Mini.
Quilted seat trim was stitched in-house by Callum. The custom dashboard is walnut and leather, with piano key switches in billet aluminium.
My favourite detail? The window winders, which are repurposed as up/down electric window controls.
Quilted seat trim was stitched in-house by Callum. The custom dashboard is walnut and leather, with piano key switches in billet aluminium.
My favourite detail? The window winders, which are repurposed as up/down electric window controls.
Under the bonnet of the Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum.
Fuel-injected A-Series now displaces 1,380cc, with a new cylinder head, high-lift rockers, uprated cooling, a custom ECU and a stainless steel Maniflow exhaust system.
Power output is somewhere between 100 and 110hp.
Fuel-injected A-Series now displaces 1,380cc, with a new cylinder head, high-lift rockers, uprated cooling, a custom ECU and a stainless steel Maniflow exhaust system.
Power output is somewhere between 100 and 110hp.
February 11, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Under the bonnet of the Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum.
Fuel-injected A-Series now displaces 1,380cc, with a new cylinder head, high-lift rockers, uprated cooling, a custom ECU and a stainless steel Maniflow exhaust system.
Power output is somewhere between 100 and 110hp.
Fuel-injected A-Series now displaces 1,380cc, with a new cylinder head, high-lift rockers, uprated cooling, a custom ECU and a stainless steel Maniflow exhaust system.
Power output is somewhere between 100 and 110hp.
Wood & Pickett Mini’s Amaranth Purple paint is the same colour as the original 1997 donor car.
It’s had a completely new shell from British Motor Heritage, however, complete with Cooper Sports Pack arches and bespoke 6.5x13-inch Callum alloy wheels.
It’s had a completely new shell from British Motor Heritage, however, complete with Cooper Sports Pack arches and bespoke 6.5x13-inch Callum alloy wheels.
February 11, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Wood & Pickett Mini’s Amaranth Purple paint is the same colour as the original 1997 donor car.
It’s had a completely new shell from British Motor Heritage, however, complete with Cooper Sports Pack arches and bespoke 6.5x13-inch Callum alloy wheels.
It’s had a completely new shell from British Motor Heritage, however, complete with Cooper Sports Pack arches and bespoke 6.5x13-inch Callum alloy wheels.
Here’s the second W&P Mini by Callum – and the one I’m here to drive.
Known as ‘Purple Myrtle’, it was commissioned by a comedian called Paul Smith (not that Paul Smith, confusingly).
He is planning a three-month road trip around Europe shortly after taking delivery this week.
Known as ‘Purple Myrtle’, it was commissioned by a comedian called Paul Smith (not that Paul Smith, confusingly).
He is planning a three-month road trip around Europe shortly after taking delivery this week.
February 11, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Here’s the second W&P Mini by Callum – and the one I’m here to drive.
Known as ‘Purple Myrtle’, it was commissioned by a comedian called Paul Smith (not that Paul Smith, confusingly).
He is planning a three-month road trip around Europe shortly after taking delivery this week.
Known as ‘Purple Myrtle’, it was commissioned by a comedian called Paul Smith (not that Paul Smith, confusingly).
He is planning a three-month road trip around Europe shortly after taking delivery this week.
Test mule for the Wood & Pickett is this Mini 40th special edition.
All donor cars must be post-1996 models with the 1.3-litre fuel-injected MPi engine.
Callum can convert your car or source a suitable donor. Minis can also be imported to the US under the 25-year rule.
All donor cars must be post-1996 models with the 1.3-litre fuel-injected MPi engine.
Callum can convert your car or source a suitable donor. Minis can also be imported to the US under the 25-year rule.
February 11, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Test mule for the Wood & Pickett is this Mini 40th special edition.
All donor cars must be post-1996 models with the 1.3-litre fuel-injected MPi engine.
Callum can convert your car or source a suitable donor. Minis can also be imported to the US under the 25-year rule.
All donor cars must be post-1996 models with the 1.3-litre fuel-injected MPi engine.
Callum can convert your car or source a suitable donor. Minis can also be imported to the US under the 25-year rule.
Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25.
A restomod redesigned by Ian Callum, with a 580hp 6.0-litre V12 and (in this car) a torque converter auto ’box instead of the original automated manual.
Here’s my review from 2020 on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
A restomod redesigned by Ian Callum, with a 580hp 6.0-litre V12 and (in this car) a torque converter auto ’box instead of the original automated manual.
Here’s my review from 2020 on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
February 11, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25.
A restomod redesigned by Ian Callum, with a 580hp 6.0-litre V12 and (in this car) a torque converter auto ’box instead of the original automated manual.
Here’s my review from 2020 on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
A restomod redesigned by Ian Callum, with a 580hp 6.0-litre V12 and (in this car) a torque converter auto ’box instead of the original automated manual.
Here’s my review from 2020 on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
Here is the first Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum – built for David Gandy.
Production of this restomod is already underway in Warwick, with prices from £75,000.
Options include a five-speed gearbox, air conditioning, an Audison sound system and a reversing camera.
Production of this restomod is already underway in Warwick, with prices from £75,000.
Options include a five-speed gearbox, air conditioning, an Audison sound system and a reversing camera.
February 11, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Here is the first Wood & Pickett Mini by Callum – built for David Gandy.
Production of this restomod is already underway in Warwick, with prices from £75,000.
Options include a five-speed gearbox, air conditioning, an Audison sound system and a reversing camera.
Production of this restomod is already underway in Warwick, with prices from £75,000.
Options include a five-speed gearbox, air conditioning, an Audison sound system and a reversing camera.
Paying a visit to Callum Designs in Warwick – and meeting founder Ian Callum.
Here is one of the Skye prototypes, now wearing all-terrain tyres.
The ‘off-road sports car’ has two electric motors and a 42kWh battery, giving 250hp, 4WD and 170 miles of range.
Yours for approx. £80,000.
Here is one of the Skye prototypes, now wearing all-terrain tyres.
The ‘off-road sports car’ has two electric motors and a 42kWh battery, giving 250hp, 4WD and 170 miles of range.
Yours for approx. £80,000.
February 11, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Paying a visit to Callum Designs in Warwick – and meeting founder Ian Callum.
Here is one of the Skye prototypes, now wearing all-terrain tyres.
The ‘off-road sports car’ has two electric motors and a 42kWh battery, giving 250hp, 4WD and 170 miles of range.
Yours for approx. £80,000.
Here is one of the Skye prototypes, now wearing all-terrain tyres.
The ‘off-road sports car’ has two electric motors and a 42kWh battery, giving 250hp, 4WD and 170 miles of range.
Yours for approx. £80,000.
‘I began my education in Turin, surrounded by coachbuilders and the legacy of masters such as Gandini and Giugiaro.’
James Male speaks to Andrea Mocellin, designer of the reborn Bertone Runabout – a roadster inspired by the 1969 concept car.
Now live on MR: www.motoringresearch.com/features/ber...
James Male speaks to Andrea Mocellin, designer of the reborn Bertone Runabout – a roadster inspired by the 1969 concept car.
Now live on MR: www.motoringresearch.com/features/ber...
February 10, 2026 at 11:09 AM
‘I began my education in Turin, surrounded by coachbuilders and the legacy of masters such as Gandini and Giugiaro.’
James Male speaks to Andrea Mocellin, designer of the reborn Bertone Runabout – a roadster inspired by the 1969 concept car.
Now live on MR: www.motoringresearch.com/features/ber...
James Male speaks to Andrea Mocellin, designer of the reborn Bertone Runabout – a roadster inspired by the 1969 concept car.
Now live on MR: www.motoringresearch.com/features/ber...
‘While coupe versions of the 911 generally command higher prices than convertibles, the opposite seems to be true for the 356.’
Read my in-depth Porsche 356 buyer’s guide, from pre-A ‘Gmünd’ originals to the Carrera models and Speedster.
New on 9WERKS: 9werks.co.uk/articles/ult...
Read my in-depth Porsche 356 buyer’s guide, from pre-A ‘Gmünd’ originals to the Carrera models and Speedster.
New on 9WERKS: 9werks.co.uk/articles/ult...
February 7, 2026 at 9:32 AM
‘While coupe versions of the 911 generally command higher prices than convertibles, the opposite seems to be true for the 356.’
Read my in-depth Porsche 356 buyer’s guide, from pre-A ‘Gmünd’ originals to the Carrera models and Speedster.
New on 9WERKS: 9werks.co.uk/articles/ult...
Read my in-depth Porsche 356 buyer’s guide, from pre-A ‘Gmünd’ originals to the Carrera models and Speedster.
New on 9WERKS: 9werks.co.uk/articles/ult...
‘Lamborghini’s augmented reality tech – combining real and digitally generated images – is helping customers to better understand these complicated cars.’
I visit Sant’Agata Bolognese to sample the Lamborghini ‘La Prima’ VIP customer experience.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
I visit Sant’Agata Bolognese to sample the Lamborghini ‘La Prima’ VIP customer experience.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
January 30, 2026 at 8:03 AM
‘Lamborghini’s augmented reality tech – combining real and digitally generated images – is helping customers to better understand these complicated cars.’
I visit Sant’Agata Bolognese to sample the Lamborghini ‘La Prima’ VIP customer experience.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
I visit Sant’Agata Bolognese to sample the Lamborghini ‘La Prima’ VIP customer experience.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
Audi A6 E-Hybrid is the first UKCOTY finalist I’ve driven today that isn’t an EV.
This is the £70,455 Launch Edition, with S line styling and 21-inch wheels.
Lovely to drive and has a very useful electric range of 60-65 miles. But Audi interiors aren’t what they used to be…
This is the £70,455 Launch Edition, with S line styling and 21-inch wheels.
Lovely to drive and has a very useful electric range of 60-65 miles. But Audi interiors aren’t what they used to be…
January 27, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Audi A6 E-Hybrid is the first UKCOTY finalist I’ve driven today that isn’t an EV.
This is the £70,455 Launch Edition, with S line styling and 21-inch wheels.
Lovely to drive and has a very useful electric range of 60-65 miles. But Audi interiors aren’t what they used to be…
This is the £70,455 Launch Edition, with S line styling and 21-inch wheels.
Lovely to drive and has a very useful electric range of 60-65 miles. But Audi interiors aren’t what they used to be…
Think I’m the only car journo in Britain who hasn’t driven a Renault 5 yet (only tried the Alpine A290 thus far).
Looks fab in Pop Yellow (£800), with an equally vibrant interior.
Slightly disappointed this car doesn’t have the optional baguette holder, but c’est la vie… 🤷🏼♂️
Looks fab in Pop Yellow (£800), with an equally vibrant interior.
Slightly disappointed this car doesn’t have the optional baguette holder, but c’est la vie… 🤷🏼♂️
January 27, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Think I’m the only car journo in Britain who hasn’t driven a Renault 5 yet (only tried the Alpine A290 thus far).
Looks fab in Pop Yellow (£800), with an equally vibrant interior.
Slightly disappointed this car doesn’t have the optional baguette holder, but c’est la vie… 🤷🏼♂️
Looks fab in Pop Yellow (£800), with an equally vibrant interior.
Slightly disappointed this car doesn’t have the optional baguette holder, but c’est la vie… 🤷🏼♂️
Next up at the UKCOTY driving day is the Citroen e-C3.
It’s the electric version of the C3 crossover, with a 44kWh battery for up to 199 miles of range.
Prices currently start from £19,995 including the Electric Car Grant saving, which looks impressively cheap in 2026…
It’s the electric version of the C3 crossover, with a 44kWh battery for up to 199 miles of range.
Prices currently start from £19,995 including the Electric Car Grant saving, which looks impressively cheap in 2026…
January 27, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Next up at the UKCOTY driving day is the Citroen e-C3.
It’s the electric version of the C3 crossover, with a 44kWh battery for up to 199 miles of range.
Prices currently start from £19,995 including the Electric Car Grant saving, which looks impressively cheap in 2026…
It’s the electric version of the C3 crossover, with a 44kWh battery for up to 199 miles of range.
Prices currently start from £19,995 including the Electric Car Grant saving, which looks impressively cheap in 2026…
First UKCOTY contender is the Kia EV4.
Not sold on the styling, but up to 388 miles of range is impressive.
A 140mm longer wheelbase than the related EV3 means a lot of rear legroom.
This is the EV4 hatchback, but there is also an (even more ungainly) booted ‘fastback’ model.
Not sold on the styling, but up to 388 miles of range is impressive.
A 140mm longer wheelbase than the related EV3 means a lot of rear legroom.
This is the EV4 hatchback, but there is also an (even more ungainly) booted ‘fastback’ model.
January 27, 2026 at 10:26 AM
First UKCOTY contender is the Kia EV4.
Not sold on the styling, but up to 388 miles of range is impressive.
A 140mm longer wheelbase than the related EV3 means a lot of rear legroom.
This is the EV4 hatchback, but there is also an (even more ungainly) booted ‘fastback’ model.
Not sold on the styling, but up to 388 miles of range is impressive.
A 140mm longer wheelbase than the related EV3 means a lot of rear legroom.
This is the EV4 hatchback, but there is also an (even more ungainly) booted ‘fastback’ model.
Judging time for UK Car of the Year.
Here are the category winners. I’m aiming to drive all of them today…
- Renault 5 E-Tech
- Kia EV4
- Citroen C3/e-C3 Aircross
- Skoda Elroq
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Audi A6
- Audi A6 Avant
- Alpine A290
Here are the category winners. I’m aiming to drive all of them today…
- Renault 5 E-Tech
- Kia EV4
- Citroen C3/e-C3 Aircross
- Skoda Elroq
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Audi A6
- Audi A6 Avant
- Alpine A290
January 27, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Judging time for UK Car of the Year.
Here are the category winners. I’m aiming to drive all of them today…
- Renault 5 E-Tech
- Kia EV4
- Citroen C3/e-C3 Aircross
- Skoda Elroq
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Audi A6
- Audi A6 Avant
- Alpine A290
Here are the category winners. I’m aiming to drive all of them today…
- Renault 5 E-Tech
- Kia EV4
- Citroen C3/e-C3 Aircross
- Skoda Elroq
- Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Audi A6
- Audi A6 Avant
- Alpine A290
Always good to return a one-off prototype in one piece. 😮💨
Reviews of the R33 by Automotive Artisans coming soon to Robb Report, Copacetic magazine, City AM, MSN Cars, the Motoring Research website and more…
Reviews of the R33 by Automotive Artisans coming soon to Robb Report, Copacetic magazine, City AM, MSN Cars, the Motoring Research website and more…
January 20, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Always good to return a one-off prototype in one piece. 😮💨
Reviews of the R33 by Automotive Artisans coming soon to Robb Report, Copacetic magazine, City AM, MSN Cars, the Motoring Research website and more…
Reviews of the R33 by Automotive Artisans coming soon to Robb Report, Copacetic magazine, City AM, MSN Cars, the Motoring Research website and more…
Automotive Artisans plans to build 33 examples of the R33 – the same number as Alfa Romeo’s new, MC20-based 33 Stradale. Ten cars have been sold so far.
Assembly takes place in Worcester, with most parts UK-sourced.
The price is £650,000 plus taxes (£780,000 inc. VAT).
Assembly takes place in Worcester, with most parts UK-sourced.
The price is £650,000 plus taxes (£780,000 inc. VAT).
January 20, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Automotive Artisans plans to build 33 examples of the R33 – the same number as Alfa Romeo’s new, MC20-based 33 Stradale. Ten cars have been sold so far.
Assembly takes place in Worcester, with most parts UK-sourced.
The price is £650,000 plus taxes (£780,000 inc. VAT).
Assembly takes place in Worcester, with most parts UK-sourced.
The price is £650,000 plus taxes (£780,000 inc. VAT).
The classic Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale used 13-inch magnesium wheels, but the R33 rides on 15-inch rims (mainly due to lack of tyre availability for 13s).
The driving experience is totally analogue, with an open-gate manual ’box, plus no power steering, brake servo, ABS or ESC.
The driving experience is totally analogue, with an open-gate manual ’box, plus no power steering, brake servo, ABS or ESC.
January 20, 2026 at 3:19 PM
The classic Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale used 13-inch magnesium wheels, but the R33 rides on 15-inch rims (mainly due to lack of tyre availability for 13s).
The driving experience is totally analogue, with an open-gate manual ’box, plus no power steering, brake servo, ABS or ESC.
The driving experience is totally analogue, with an open-gate manual ’box, plus no power steering, brake servo, ABS or ESC.
Inside the R33 by Automotive Artisans.
The original 33 Stradale was the first car with butterfly doors, which are hinged behind the windscreen rail.
Seat position is fixed for each buyer, with four-point harness belts. There’s no audio system; a Maserati V8 on racing pipes does that job instead…
The original 33 Stradale was the first car with butterfly doors, which are hinged behind the windscreen rail.
Seat position is fixed for each buyer, with four-point harness belts. There’s no audio system; a Maserati V8 on racing pipes does that job instead…
January 20, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Inside the R33 by Automotive Artisans.
The original 33 Stradale was the first car with butterfly doors, which are hinged behind the windscreen rail.
Seat position is fixed for each buyer, with four-point harness belts. There’s no audio system; a Maserati V8 on racing pipes does that job instead…
The original 33 Stradale was the first car with butterfly doors, which are hinged behind the windscreen rail.
Seat position is fixed for each buyer, with four-point harness belts. There’s no audio system; a Maserati V8 on racing pipes does that job instead…