Powerlite supporting ‘Forgotten Classics’ at epic Netherlands car show

Powerlite are pleased to announce that they will be attending the Interclassics Maastricht ‘20 classic car trade exhibition next month.

Held at the MECC Maastricht in the Netherlands, this show now in its 27th year attracts thousands of buyers and enthusiasts. In fact over 33,000 visited last year! With over 800 vehicles on display and 300 exhibitors, there’s plenty to take in over the 4-day event.

The theme of the 2020 show is ‘Forgotten Classics’ so the Powerlite range is seamlessly at home. The Powerlite Team will be on our Porsche partner’s stand - Custom Concepts - where we will have a selection of products and full details of the whole Powerlite range. We’d love you to come and say hello and find out how we can help you, whatever your make or model of classic.

The show runs from 16th to 19th January 2020. Full details can be found at www.interclassicsmaastricht.nl.

Full speed ahead for Autosport International

The end of this week sees the first major event of the year for motorsport enthusiasts at the NEC in Birmingham. Autosport International, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, lets businesses and public alike discover the latest industry innovations over a 4-day period, with the opening Thursday being designated as trade only.

One exhibitor not to miss is Acespeed Historic Motorsport, who have this year been invited to show part of their collection of race and rally cars. Based in Shipley, Yorkshire, they restore and prepare historic motor cars for road, rally, track days and race championships, specialising in BMC, British Leyland, Formula Junior plus other marques of road and race car. Acespeed is a trusted distributor and fitting centre for the Powerlite range of products, which will be showcased on their stand in Hall 1, Stand 1320 (www.acespeed.co.uk). Andy ‘Ace’ Harrison is pictured above with Rob Manger of Powerlite.

The event will feature over a thousand iconic cars on display, a live Q & A session from celebrities, daring stunts in the live-action arena, whilst the largest e-sports fan village in the UK will let you be virtually reckless when you get behind the wheel online.

The Powerlite Team will of course be visiting the show, catching up with customers old and new, on Thursday 9th January. Come and say hello if you see us - we’re easy to spot in our Powerlite Hoodies!

Full details of the event can be found at www.autosportinternational.com.

First event of 2020 - Bicester Scramble on 5th January

Here’s something to look forward to on the first Sunday of the New Year.

Visit the preserved WW2 RAF Bomber Station at Bicester Heritage, take a leisurely stroll around this historic site and see twenty iconic car clubs alongside over forty motoring companies. Enthusiasts will bring along their pre-1990 vehicles, including motorbikes, commercials, pre-war and modern classics, to this eclectic display.

Come and visit our stand in the trade avenues - we’ll have plenty of stock and special offers to get you going on your spring projects and the much sought-after Powerlite goody bags will be making their first appearance of the decade!

You must pre-book your tickets – none are available at the gate on the day. Full details of this event can be found here: https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/whaton/january-2/

See you there!

“If you cut me in half you’ll see the Porsche crest”

To say that Stuttgart Classica Ltd is Porsche-crazy is an understatement.  Owned and run by Will Chappell and Jason Eaton, this Gloucestershire-based business is unquestionably Porsche central, and is the latest distributor for Powerlite products.

Set up in 2014, this partnership has quickly developed a world-wide reputation for workmanship in the repair and restoration of both air- and water-cooled 911s, alongside supplying quality products and excellent customer service.

Exporting globally, the business was founded after spotting a gap in the market for quality, bespoke spares for owners and enthusiasts looking to upgrade on original Porsche parts.  The American market has proven to be the largest up to now, with the UK and Germany following closely.

In addition to the parts shop, this enterprising duo offers a bespoke restoration and repair service, carefully taking time to discuss all aspects of design and cost with customers.

Powerlite products are a natural fit for this restoration and upgrade market.  The introduction of the Slimline Starter Motor, suitable for several Porsche models, is a deceptively powerful unit that is lightweight, durable and easy to fit, and is proof of British craftsmanship at its best.

Check out the website at www.stuttgart-classica.co.uk, where you can see the fantastic restoration projects and full range of products available.

Powerlite expertise solves USA Ferrari 412P problems

At Powerlite, we have over the years been blessed to be involved in the most incredible projects on some of the world’s most amazing cars. In fact only in the last week we have been confirmed as a specialist parts supplier for the latest Aston Martin factory continuation programme with the 2020 DB5. But, during our USA summer visit to customers and events, a meeting at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at Laguna Seca Raceway, led to one of the best yet!

Jim Glickenhaus, the world renowned film producer, financier, director and automotive entrepreneur came to our stand to view our range of rotating electric products for classic road and race cars. It was quickly evident that there was a lot of common ground between the cars in the Glickenhaus Collection and the Powerlite portfolio. Rather than a simple enquiry for a standard classic road car, we were tasked by Jim and his team to see if we could come up with a solution for his Ferrari 412P’s - these were experiencing some difficulties with their starting and charging systems.

The chance to work on arguably one of the world’s most beautiful cars was quickly taken. The 412P was a ‘customer’ version of the 330 P3 factory race cars such as the ones run by NART, Scuderia Fillipinetti, Francochamps and Maranello Concessionaires. With cars of this significance it was a major importance for us to not just solve the performance issue, but also to create a solution that was also in keeping with the original equipment on the car.

On return to the UK our Design and Engineering staff set to work using the original parts as a reference to create an alternator with increased and more reliable performance, and a high torque starter motor matched to the original engine and drivetrain. These were then shipped back to California where they are now installed and working perfectly.

So, another job ticked off the list and one that we will continue to monitor and enjoy for years to come. Both parties are confident that this has formed the basis for a strong working relationship going forward. Jim and his team as well as looking after the most incredible historic stable, do not stand still by any means. Just one look at the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus 007 LMP1 Hypercar will tell you that. This car will be entered in the FIA World Endurance Championship for 2020/21. As part of the WEC events, it will also be entered in the LeMans 24 Hour Race. Well, with Ferrari 412P heritage in your garage, where else would you want to end up?

Rob Manger – Powerlite – December 2019

Lotus marque synonymous with the Powerlite brand

Lotus has always been a marque synonymous with the Powerlite brand, from when our first products reached the classic car and motorsport markets. Whether it’s for road, race, rally stage, hill-climb or sprint venue, you can find a solution for any problems you may have starting or charging your Lotus. High-performance upgrades, original OE spec warrantied remanufactured units, and ancillary items are available for every model of Lotus.

We are proud to have been involved in some of the most significant restorations undertaken by Classic Team Lotus.

Alternators, Dynamos, our world famous Dynalite (dynamo-to-alternator conversion) with lifetime warranty, Starter Motors and accessories are all produced at our UK factory for Lotus owners and specialists all over the world.

Performance alternators specifically for your Lotus include the RAC056, a heavy-duty, versatile yet easy to fit unit, and the compact, lightweight RAC068, suitable for engines where space is at a premium.

Our high-torque starter motors, strong and powerful, give immense power to start engines whilst drawing less current from the battery. The RAC472 is specifically designed for the Lotus Elan - a strong, powerful unit that delivers huge cranking torque, whilst remaining compact and lightweight yet robust. One of the biggest selling units is the RAC418 a strong, powerful, offset gear-reduced starter motor for the Lotus Cortina.

In addition we offer a full and comprehensive remanufacturing service for original Starter Motors, Dynamos and Alternators.

For more information visit www.powerlite-units.com or call the Sales Team on 01384 261984 who will be happy to answer any query you may have.

In the run up to the Christmas sales, we have well and truly jumped on the bandwagon... but with our own unique, local twist.

This Friday will see our first ever "Black (Country) Friday", where we will be offering a further 10% discount off all Powerlite stock items.

Bostin!

1. High Torque Starters
2. Lightweight Alternators
3. "Dynalite" dynamo conversions
4. Lithium Ion Batteries
5. Powerstart Bike Starters

Just enter code BCF2019 at checkout to get your 10% discount or contact our sales team on 01384 261984 to place your order.

As they say here in the Black Country, "Tara a bit, bab..."

Powerlite heads north with its new Norwegian distributor

It’s with great pleasure that we can now announce that Powerlite has ventured into pastures new (albeit chilly ones) by teaming up with SirWilliam.no. Based in Randaberg (near Stavanger) in Norway, this specialist online shop supplies parts for older model Jaguars and Daimlers.

Managing Director, Thore Hauptmann, takes pride in the company’s excellent customer service, competitive pricing and the ability to supply, not just to Norwegian customers, but to the whole of Scandinavia. If they don’t have the part in stock, they will do their utmost to source one.

The company name is a nod to Sir William Lyons, founder of the Jaguar company and their strapline “Seriose grieir - for moro skyld” which translates to “Serious stuff - for fun” reflects the company’s desire to help enthusiasts enjoy their interest in these iconic cars.

Michael Hadley, Powerlite’s MD, is delighted to welcome SirWilliam.no as a specialist distributor, and looks forward to a long and successful partnership.

Visit the website for more information: www.sirwilliam.no

Specialist Auto Electrician joins the team

Powerlite is pleased to announce that GW Auto Electrics is now an official distributor for our products.

Based just outside Exeter in Devon, the company was founded in early 2018 by Giles Wassall. Giles is a specialist mobile auto electrician covering the south west of England and South Wales, working his magic to repair wiring, alternators, starters, dynamos and magnetos on site. Whilst specialising in classic and vintage vehicles, his versatility means he also works on motorbikes, plant machinery and most recently, a classic David Brown Cropmaster Tractor!

Giles has always had an interest in everything mechanical, growing up on farms surrounded by tractors, and rebuilding his first engine at the age of 14. His passion for motorbikes took off when he bought one to restore as soon he was of an age not to be stopped! After finishing his college training in motor vehicle engineering and electrics, his appetite for weird and wacky projects encouraged him to set up as a sole trader. In his spare time, Giles is restoring his A40 Farina and if that’s not enough, he is also busy working on his Suzuki SP400 classic motorbike.

Powerlite MD, Michael Hadley, and Sales & Marketing Manager, Rob Manger, met up with Giles at the recent Classic Motor Show at the NEC Birmingham (pictured), and are excited to be teaming up for this new venture.

Giles can be contacted on 07582 752048, or visit his website here: https://gwautoelectrics.business.site/

Special parts for Special Cars

We are delighted to announce a new Powerlite Partner - Custom Concepts.

Based in Breda in the southern part of the Netherlands, Custom Concepts is owned and managed by entrepreneur and car enthusiast Alexander Beenen, started from his passion for fast cars which get hearts racing.

As Alexander puts it: "Special parts for Special Cars".

Established in 2008, Alexander has built a fabulous business that specialises in high-end performance and custom parts for Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Audi RS and BMW-M/Alpina. They stock a comprehensive range of high quality parts from some of the leading suppliers in the industry, such as Otto Fuchs KG, LN engineering, Nickies and Capristo Automotive.

This cooperation with leading industry manufacturers ensures a constant and high quality, and this is now continued by the introduction of the Powerlite range of Performance Electrics.

Custom Concepts will stock a range of Powerlite upgraded units which will complement their existing offer, bringing an extra dimension to road and track car owners who wish to reduce weight and increase starting and charging power.

We are thrilled to be working with Alexander and the team on this new venture and look forward to many years of success together.

For more information, please contact Alexander at +31-622756519 or visit www.custom-concepts.nl/en/.

Powerstart now back in stock

The Powerstart remote motorcycle starter is manufactured here in the UK by our in house dedicated engineering team using the latest technology and material. It’s unique, ergonomic design, combined with powerful cranking capacity make it perfect for effortless starting in either the garage or paddock.

The Powerstart comes complete and "ready to go" with everything you need. You can operate the bike starter with the simple footswitch mechanism, or, for extra ease of use, see our Powerstart Pro model that also has unique remote key fob.

Used and trusted by top race teams and enthusiasts all over Europe, the Powerstart combines the best of British workmanship, design and ingenuity to provide the perfect, effortless start every time.

• Integrated 2 kw hi-torque starter motor
• Integrated AGM PC950 race battery
• Foot switch or remote operation
• Dual driven rollers
• Complete with 3-stage battery charger
• Lightweight, easy to handle
• Ergonomic design

Contact us for more details and dealer pricing on 01384 261984 or email sales@powerlite-units.com.

Lightweight Slimline Starter for Porsche 911

Here’s a totally new take on High Torque Starter Motors, in the shape of our tiny invention for a classic Porsche 911 from 1963 to 1989.

Weighing in at just 2.6 kilos, our “Slimline” starter for the ever popular Porsche 911 is deceptively powerful. This unit features an epicyclic in-line gear box which delivers extra power when engaged and an internal solenoid. Lightweight, durable and easy to fit, this unit delivers 1.6 kilowatts of starting power with absolute maximum efficiency.

Part number RAC808 in our extensive range, this starter will also fit Porsche 912, Porsche 914, Porsche 930 and Porsche 959 where an original 9 tooth unit was used and is just one in a stunning line up of Porsche units, all made here at Powerlite.

British craftsmanship at its finest!

For further details, please get in touch - 01384 261984 or email sales@powerlite-units.com