The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Car Dealer Completes Its Mission To Go From 0-911 For BEN


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

ASCOT, UNITED KINGDOM – Nov 2, 2011: Car Dealer Magazine’s challenge to turn nothing into a Porsche 911 in aid of BEN the automotive industry charity has succeeded.

In May 2010 the magazine was donated a VW Golf MKIII and an Audi A3 and ever since has been trading cars with the aim of finally buying a 911.

In the latest issue of the magazine, the team reports on how they finally managed to buy the iconic German sports car for £9,900.

The team now plan to have it fettled and polished into tip top condition and will try and sell it for as much as possible, handing all the money over to BEN.

The journey has been an interesting one with some mad cars traded along the way. One of which was a Hyundai i10 football car which was sold for a £3,005 profit.

The team also bought three Mazda MX-5s, repairing two of them from the remains of the broken third and then selling them all for a £2,220 profit.

Other cars sold along the way included a Ford Fiesta, Mercedes CLK, Citroën C4 Grand Picasso, Volvo 940, Skoda Fabia, Renault Scenic and a Ford Ka.

“Buying and selling cars in between running a trade magazine has been interesting at times and tough,” explained James Baggott, Car Dealer Magazine’s Editor. “But we couldn’t have done it without some help along the way from some brilliant car manufacturers, car dealers and mechanics. We’re already planning what we’re going to do next. There’s a couple of ideas – but one person’s suggestion, a Bugatti for BEN, would not be quite so achievable!”

BEN’s Chief Executive David Main said, “The team at Car Dealer Magazine has, from the day they launched, championed the cause of BEN. They have set in motion so many crazy fundraisers that not only deliver much needed funds, but do it an a way that creates attention and improves awareness. This, their latest endeavour has inspired many in our industry to get involved and spread the message. It has also generated income that will help to improve life for a number of automotive people. Our thanks go to all those who have participated along the way and particularly to James and his team. We look forward to the next idea.”