Mark Smyth
@Motorscribe
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Freelance writer of words about cars, car stuff and car people. Also yachts, but mostly cars.
Bristol, UK
Joined March 2012
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Last Seen Profiles
The BMW i3S has gone back but before it did, I had to take it to meet my Audi A2. Over 10 years separated their introduction and while one’s petrol and the other electric, both are fabulous examples of automotive design and innovation.
19
16
374
Been expecting Jaguar to disappear as a car brand, instead it’s Land Rover that’s going. What utter madness. What company would get rid of its biggest brand name? Surely this can’t be right.
63
21
361
Fascinating to hear top interior designers from BMW, Polestar and Italdesign telling
@CarDesignNews
today that large glass touchscreens in cars have had their day. They predict a move to reductionism over next couple of years with more hidden tech. This is good news.
29
26
340
Spotted this Alpina B10 estate on the street in Berlin. Nordschleife embroidery on headrests and even has a car phone. Oh how I want this.
15
32
300
Torrential rain on the M5 coming through Gloucestershire and once again I make this pledge if I ever become PM - auto lights will be banned because they don’t bloody work. So many cars with no rear lights on in minimal visibility conditions.
76
13
268
So many people angry at Rowan Atkinson’s article on EVs, even to the point of throwing personal insults at him. It’s not a news article, it’s an opinion piece, his opinion, just as you are entitled to yours. Calm the heck down and debate it like grown-ups.
29
22
257
Boss of BMW M, Frank van Meel, gives the new M4 CSL its public debut at Villa d’Este. And the crowd goes…..back to their drinks really.
6
36
250
Left my tax return stupidly late this year and then claimed poverty when I got to the accountant. Not an easy thing to do when you rock up in a two hundred grand Bentley. Should have taken the £300 Audi A2 which I’m hoping I won’t have to sell when the tax bill arrives.
15
4
202
If anyone is keen to save an Irmscher Vauxhall Omega V6 estate from a scrappy end then my mechanic is having a clear-out. Needs some recommissioning and will have to be trailered, but has a very rare 5spd Getrag manual gearbox and could be a wonderful wagon. Let's find it a home.
28
34
199
If I see nothing else from the virtual Geneva press day, that's ok. Hyundai said it wanted to get back to emotion in design, the sensual lines of the 1920s and all that. The Prophecy concept is simply gorgeous. It restores my faith in the design of future cars and I want it.
16
31
192
Right, here’s a quick thread about last night’s long trip home in the BMW i3S.
Firstly, it’s a great car, a wonderful piece of design and innovation, comfortable, modern and practical and one day I’ll buy one. But…. 1/10
49
28
182
Land Rover has issued more pics of its upcoming
#Defender
. Even though it’s LR’s 71st birthday, unfortunately the wrapping paper is still on it. Unwrap it already!
3
21
180
Well this is a real low point in the job hunt.
Thank goodness freelance has been so busy lately.
60
4
164
Huge fan of Suzuki Jimny but wished it had more space and more doors for the family. This time of year wishes do come true, spending a couple of weeks with the new Jimny 5-door in SA. It is fabulous and I want to take it back to the UK. I’m sure
@Carpervert
will want one too.
12
6
151
How mint is this? Except for some very minor seal deterioration on one door, this is possibly the most pristine Peugeot 104 I’ve seen outside of a museum. And it’s a daily. Actually it might be the only 104 I’ve seen outside of a museum. Portugal surprising as always.
16
16
146
Ford Sierra XR4i spotted outside the local pub. Five minutes later saw a white XR4x4 on the road. Double result.
10
6
142
The latest brand from
@GeelyGroup
is Zeekr and here's its first model, the aptly named 001. Billed as a premium electric shooting brake, it was designed in Sweden on Geely's SEA platform and range is up to 700km. Sales begin in China in October and selected global markets in 2022
18
39
136
Saw the new BMW XM in a closed room a couple of months ago. Surprised they actually let it out. Still, if you want a rose gold tinted, 2,750kg plug-in hybrid V8 with a snout that lights up, knock yourself out. Seriously, knock yourself out.
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13
122
Took a trip to meet original owner of my Audi A2 today. This is Paul and it turns out he was involved in development of Audi Space Frame for the A8 and persuaded his father to buy the A2. Even more meticulously looked after than I thought. It was an emotional reunion.
#CarStories
5
8
124
Big news for
@ALPINA_GmbH
fans as
@BMWGroup
formally buys Alpina brand.
- BMW Alpina models will be developed and produced at Buchloe until 12.2025
- Family business will rebrand as Bovensiepen
- Both companies will continue to co-operate on engineering and development
16
18
122
That moment of tension when the MOT tester is busy. No need though, ‘Ian’ (kids named him 😆) flew through it with just advisories for bit of corrosion on rear springs. Fantastic result for the £300 A2.
13
2
119
While I’m home looking after kids this weekend, my amazing wife has been doing a fantastic job as a senior video producer for
@fosgoodwood
. She even managed to keep these two under control, sort of.
Step this way for Smith and Sniff on the Cartier lawn -
7
1
111
Immaculate Renault 21. Owner epitomises what
@ThePollitt
said in his blog this week about why we love classic cars. Owner’s friend had one when he was growing up and he always wanted one, now he does and has fulfilled a teenage dream. They’re so much more than just cars.
10
6
107
Not had my plate on a car since I left Cape Town. Perfect match for the Toyota GR Yaris. *Plate used just for pics obvs
3
12
101
And then there were two. Brother was so enamoured with my Audi A2 that he bought one today. Superb colour and wheels too. Few things to sort but generally very tidy.
8
3
97
Sad to hear the news of the passing of Deon Schoeman. He was an institution in motoring media in South Africa at TopCar magazine and in TV and a big influence in many a car purchase decision as well as my career. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. RIP Deon.
12
31
96
Went to book the Mini in for a dyno and tune-up. You know it’s in good hands when even the apprentice has a classic Volvo estate. A rally Volvo estate no less.
5
1
88
Dozens of BMW guests waiting for the coach outside the hotel and
@AussieGrit
pulls up outside. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence and not planned by Porsche at all 😆
4
6
83
“If you wouldn’t mind waiting sir, both our charging points are currently Taycan.”
4
3
80
Big day for Uber drivers around the world as Toyota reveals fifth generation Prius.
- Plug-in hybrid only
- 46mm shorter, 20mm wider, 50mm longer wheelbase
- Combined power increased to 223hp
- 13.6kWh battery provides 50% more electric range
- In Europe Spring 2023
17
6
82
OMG, massively honoured to win the 2022 Business Writer and Technology Writer of the Year Awards at
#NewpressAwards
tonight. Thanks to
@NewspressTweets
, the judges and the editors who publish my words. Wowzers!
24
2
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The reconstructed
@Lamborghini
Countach LP 500 makes a striking greeting at the 2021 Concours d’Elegance Villa d’Este. Built by Polo Storico Lamborghini, Lamborghini Centro Stile and
@Pirelli
.
6
20
79
Interesting day spent passing along a snake, up a devil’s arse and enjoying a range of peaks. Mainly having a blast getting to know the Alpina B3 Touring. Much prefer a performance estate to a steroid overdosing SUV.
2
4
72
We've come a long way since days when you could only have solid colours on a car. The
@BMW
iX Flow concept uses E Ink electrophoretic colouring technology to change colour and even pattern of the car's exterior at the touch of a button. Wonder if it can go through a car wash 🤔
5
12
68
Mum loves my A2 so much that we’ve just picked this one up for her. Fabulous condition and quite jealous that it has the multi-information display and panoramic roof. Massive thanks to
@robinhayles
for letting me acquire it and I believe
@Keith_Adams___
might know the car too.
11
0
69
Have to applaud
@Jaguar
for being progressive with the I-Pace but still fulfilling needs of those who want raw V8 power - the new F-Pace SVR with the JLR 5.0 litre V8. Bravo Jag.
0
6
64
Just filed my first ever piece for
@autocar
. Been a career ambition to write for the oldest motoring title in the world and I’m thrilled. Thanks
@mtisshaw
@LobAllan
and
@Jim_Holder
for the opportunity. Celebratory visit to the pub with the family will have to wait a bit though.
9
1
65
Does anyone else look at the new Toyota Compact Cruiser EV concept and immediately think of it as a Lego Technic kit?
11
2
63
Such a shame the Saab 9-X Air of 2008 never went beyond a concept. It was quirky in a Saab way of course just as the 9-X concept was. Great, simple design and a PHEV long before the current crop of them.
9
3
64
Researching interesting number plates owned by car companies. Obvious ones are CAR 1 belonging to Ford UK, A 911 at Porsche GB, but what else is out there? Grateful for all help before I start phoning around the industry.
68
6
64
So much for disrupting the used car market, now Cazoo will get rid of all its stock and become a used car website like Auto Trader. Ironically, it will expect the dealers it insulted to advertise.
Nail. Coffin.
13
2
61
Conclusion. Lessons were learned, previous lessons ignored. I shouldn’t have taken the i3, but I didn't see a commute from Heathrow as a big trip. Main thing, choose EV that suits your needs and budget and be prepared to plan. Or stick with what you have now. That’s ok too. 10/10
20
1
61
Big but not unexpected news
@AutomobiliRimac
is merging with
@Bugatti
to create Bugatti Rimac with Mate Rimac as CEO. Rimac will own 55%, Porsche the other 45%, but Porsche also happens to own 24% of Rimac. Brands remain separate for now but new technology company also formed.
5
14
56
Reply from a PR to my end of year update and Happy Christmas email. I’ hoping it should be “closer” 🤔 😆
#WhoYouCallingLoser
7
1
58
Here’s the
@Bloodhound_LSR
car undergoing a full dry crank systems check using a jet engine as a starter. Big day for the team as they do final preparation to move the car to South Africa 🇿🇦 🇬🇧
3
23
55
Unicorn alert!! This is as rare as they come and the BMW 745i formed the basis of the only 7 Series race car ever made. I’d sell organs to own this.
Here's your chance to own a fantastic example of one of the rarest uniquely South African cars, the BMW (E23) 745i -
It is estimated that fewer than 20 of these remain...
3
18
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1
4
56
This absolute beauty just pulled up outside my neighbour’s house. I was out the front door like a shot. One of the best examples of an E38 740i I’ve ever seen 😍
7
0
56
The
@Bloodhound_LSR
is back at base after its great test runs in SA. Still plenty of dust on it from the Northern Cape. Not surprisingly, driver Andy Green is keen to return in 2021 to go for the record. First, there’s the matter of raising £8 million. Cheque books out people.
3
14
55
Busy planning afternoon's activities for the kids and then
@toyotauk
launches cut-out versions of the GT86 featuring classic liveries. The other stuff can wait until tomorrow now.
6
13
52
Excuse the bad framing but I quickly spun round from picking blackberries to snap this DeLorean.
6
2
51
Immaculate Renault Avantime found down a Petersfield alleyway. Owner’s a lovely chap who bought it a year ago because he was tired of cars that all look the same and wanted something quirky with a light and airy interior. Think he nailed all those attributes perfectly.
2
2
49
While putting together a story on an iconic BMW I came across this pic I took at the BMW Classic Museum last year. They're going to need a much bigger display stand.
5
6
46
Desk cleared. It’s been a great 11 year journey. Huge thanks to all, especially to
@LeratoMatebese
for sharing it. Good luck to my successor as I go freelance in UK including providing motoring content to Tiso Blackstar Group for what I hope will be a long time to come.
10
3
47
Driving new Land Rover Defender 90 today. Driving impressions embargoed so just specs for the 90 X P400 for now. 48v mild-hybrid with 400PS (294kW) and 550Nm.
4
3
46
Remember when rear lights were just rear lights? Polestar 2 nightlife. 1/2
5
7
46
Embargo on how it drives until 5 July but after a couple of days with the new
@astonmartin
DB12 I can tell you it’s a big change. That’s most evident in the interior which gets the biggest revamp for decades and improves the Aston experience dramatically.
@AstonMartinPR
3
6
45
I've just discovered there's a site where you can play old BBC Micro games and now I'm having to restrain myself from playing Chuckie Egg, Castle Quest and Manic Miner because there's work to be done.
5
4
45
The real inspiration for the Ineos Grenadier? The best Land Rover Defender ever and it too had a BMW engine. Built in South Africa from 1997-2001 it used BMW's M52 2.8i motor which was not only a good performer but reliable too.
5
11
45
Didn’t have anything for
#FOTU
on Saturday, but my mechanic neglected to tell me he has this, a Vauxhall Cavalier Envoy with just 30k on clock. No scratches, perfect interior, original wheel trims. So exceptionally unexceptional I’ve told him he must keep it for FOTU 25 concours!
6
0
42
New
@PolestarCars
UK office at Bicester looks good, especially with an ice cream van attached, electric of course.
2
4
42
10 years since the amazing
@LindsayVine8
and I said “I do”. Today we’re thousands of miles from where we got married and have two wonderful girls and I know I’m so very lucky. Great evening spent cooking steak on volcanic stone at Joya in Bath to celebrate the occasion.
13
1
43
Many years ago I used to marvel at the Guppy when it landed at Filton, Bristol. Today I’m back here watching the
@Airbus
#BelugaXL
fly past for the first time. Channeling my inner aviation geek.
@AirbusintheUK
@AirbusPRESS
3
5
35
Very sad news of the passing of the great automotive designer Marcello Gandini. What an incredible legacy he leaves us and future generations with, including the iconic Lamborghini Countach among so many others.
#RIP
Mr Gandini
2
3
42
Where it all began for BMW M, the 1976 530 Motorsport Limited Edition (MLE). Just 218 were built in South Africa with input from Germany. Not only predates the M5 but the first official M car, the iconic M1. Great to see it at SA launch of new M5.
1
14
39
Big work news klaxon. I’ve joined up with the great team
@CE_Editorial
to run
@_car_enthusiast
and provide motoring content to their many clients in the UK, Ireland and around the world while still working with many of my own. It’s gonna be awesome. Thanks for having me team 😊
13
3
40
While everyone’s talking about the new
#Nissan
Z Proto, I’m still wishing Nissan had put the IDX into production.
10
4
38
Morgan gave me the key to their CX-T prototype and told me to go and play on the Silverstone Rally School track. I now have this urge to drive around the world with a map and a hip flask of Scotland’s finest.
1
3
38
Spent the afternoon at Jaguar Land Rover Classic. Can’t say the main reason why but can show you their collection. I want to move in and live here.
2
9
39
The Renault Espace was always a trendsetting MPV design with unique looks, a fantastic interior and great versatility. Now it’s back but as a massive blob of an SUV that has no link to the heritage of the name. Sacré bleu!
9
1
39
Should have taken the Saab. Arrived home at 01h45, 4 hours and 45 minutes after walking out of Heathrow and 3 hours later than if I’d taken my Saab. This was not an epic cross-country EV adventure, it was a drive home from Heathrow. It shouldn’t have been this difficult. 8/10
4
3
38
As Mondays go, today’s been a good one, spent wafting around London in the
@Kingsley_RRC
ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic. Very classy way to navigate the streets of the nation’s capital with luxury, a bit of tech and a roaring V8. Nice. Words coming soon to
@CarAndClassic
6
2
39
Wasn’t expecting to run into another prototype today, especially one so significant.
@morganmotor
@Jaguar
3
4
38
Serious excitement. This isn’t tornado alley in the US, this is from my back garden near Bristol, UK.
13
6
34
After a few days stuck to the laptop, was good to get out and enjoy a drive in the
@astonmartin
DBX. Good colour for the time of day too.
3
3
37
It’s taken a few decades but I finally fulfilled a childhood dream and visited the Morgan factory today. Drove the very engaging 3 Wheeler and the rather impressive new Plus Six. Lots of automakers talk of their craftsmanship and heritage but this is the real deal.
0
10
36
O-MG this new MG4 EV is good. Really good.
- 51kWh Standard Range up to 218 miles
- 64kWh Long Range up to 281 miles
- 4.29m long, 2.7m wheelbase
- Impressive drive and dynamics
- Great design inside and out
- Priced from £25,995
Extended Range and Performance models in 2023.
8
3
35
Lockdown project has arrived and I’ve gone with the very retro
@TamiyaUK
Lunch Box because who doesn’t love this classic monster truck. Gonna build it with the kids and document the challenge for
@TeleCars
. Wish us luck!
#ModelCitizen
2
1
33
Yes I’m watching Knight Rider in the back of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Don’t judge.
5
1
35
Damn the Roma’s pretty. Definitely some classic elements to the simple design. Been a few years since I’ve driven a new Ferrari and quality has improved significantly. Interior design, finish and application of tech is impressive.
#Ferrari
9
3
35
Big moment for me so excuse the excitement, but I have my first story in Autocar. Rather chuffed. Busy with another too.
2
0
35
Worthing Facebook Marketplace turned up a holiday winner - the six-wheeled Tyrell-Ford radio control car by Nikko. Still works too, absolute result for a tenner.
2
1
31
“Sorry mate, didn’t see your bright red Ferrari as I was too focused on making an illegal u-turn.”
ICYMI | Ferrari 488 GTB crash on Somerset road, Green Point this afternoon.
17
23
39
3
11
28
Happy wife, happy life. I’m going with that. Massive congrats to the Bokke and all my friends back in SA 🇿🇦. World Champions again!
3
1
31
Real honour to receive this award from Guild of Motoring Writers UK and the AA. Nice to have a positive from 2020. Thanks to the Guild, the judges, those who contributed to the winning story and the team at Autocar for publishing it. Time to raise a glass to all the winners 🥂
0
1
6
14
4
31
In Sardinia for the launch of the new Aston Martin DBX707 and totally star struck by discovering the hotel had a starring role in James Bond’s The Spy Who Loved Me. Not planning to see if the DBX can drive underwater.
3
2
32
This is the Morgan Midsummer, a design collaboration with Pininfarina and the first ever exterior design collaboration for the Malvern automaker.
If cars are art, then this is a masterpiece.
@morganmotor
@PininfarinaSpA
1
4
30
First Citroen Ami spotted in the wild. Owner really enjoying it and happy to tell me that his son bought it for him with the proviso that when dad passes on the son will inherit it. It’s like a watch, looked after for generations to come, sort of.
5
2
30
The guy driving this BMW parked in an EV charging space next to me, then changed his mind and decided it was better to park in the disabled bay 🤦♂️
7
2
29
I’ve bought a Saab, an immaculate 9-3 Aero from a bloke with lots of facial hair and a workshop down a country lane with examples of every Saab imaginable in various states, including two Carlssons.
5
3
31
Doing a bit of clearing out and came across my piece on the launch of the new Volkswagen Citi Golf R-Line. This was 2007, two years before production of the Mk1 shape came to an end in South Africa. Quite nostalgic for one now.
@VolkswagenSA
@VWSAnews
5
3
31
Every time I take the Saab for a service it’s like when you go into a dogs home and just want to rescue everything and take it home and care for it. One day I will give one of these a home.
5
2
28
Couple of days with the new Jaguar F-Type here in Portugal’s misty mountains. Embargo prevents me saying much for now but story coming to
@CARmagSA
soon.
1
3
30
Thrilled to have my first
@autocar
cover reference for my piece on Amalgam Collection models. Always a real sense of pride at being in print and in the world’s oldest motoring title but a cover mention is next level excitement.
1
0
30
You might have only seen the Isdera Commendatore 112i in video games, but the 1993 concept is very real, stunning and about as rare as they come.
#VilladEste
2
5
30