Old meets new at Murketts’ Cambridge showroom launch

Historic racing cars and the latest Vauxhalls were among the attractions for visitors attending Murketts of Cambridge’s launch party at its new showroom on Histon Road last weekend.

The theme for the event was ‘old meets new’ and star cars included the new range-topping Vauxhall Insignia, resplendent in metallic silver paintwork, flanked by a historic, 1977 Dealer Team Vauxhall (DTV) Magnum racing saloon car.

The Insignia range is available with five engines, meets the Euro 5 emissions standard and comes with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines currently available range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a V6 with 260PS. Two new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesel engines will be offered with power outputs of either 130PS or 160PS. In time, the Insignia engine line-up will be extended with an EcoFLEX version offering ultra-low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants. The Insignia range starts from £16,640 on the road.

The racing Vauxhall Magnum was originally built by Bill Blydenstein's team at DTV to take part in the 1977 Spa 24 Hour event, where the car was entered for Gerry Marshall and Peter Brock. The car ran strongly to finish second overall and win its class and thus lead the team to carry off the prestigious Coupe du Roi, the Manufacturers Award, and the Index of Performance against more powerful 3-litre opposition.

Murketts managing director Nigel Murkett was up-beat about the new car and the showroom:” We have been planning the new showroom at Histon Road since 2001. It now holds seven cars and is designed to meet the very latest Vauxhall standards of corporate design and hospitality.

“With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the new Insignia takes Vauxhall’s new-found design language to another level. Initially available in hatchback and saloon guise, with a Sports Tourer to follow in May, the Insignia clearly defines Vauxhall’s philosophy of making advanced technology and attractive design affordable.”

For further information, visit murketts.co.uk