Latest news with #Allegro
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall
Read on to see if you have had one of these motors HIT THE ROAD Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVERAL iconic family favourite vehicles from the last three decades have a new worth today. From the Ford to Vauxhall, these cars that were once common among British families in the 1970s, '80s and '90s still have value in 2025. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The Austin Allegro was a popular family motor in the 1970s and early '80s 9 British families also favoured a generation of the Ford Escort, like this blue Mk2 model 9 The Reliant Scimitar GTE came as a two door coupe classic motor car for the 70s Credit: Alamy Austin Allegro (1973-1982) Value today: £1,200 (Allegro 1.0 saloon) to £7,600 (Allegro Equipe, concours condition) The Allegro was one of the popular vehicle choices for car buyers with families, as well as being company vehicles for employers. In typical shades of Russet brown and Applejack green of the seventies, the Allegro brings a nostalgia. This is despite its known maladies as a vehicle in the contemporary world, and even back in the day. They have been justified to be a worthy classic car and collector item, due not only to the Austin brand, but also its unique Hydragas suspension and style. Editor of the UK Hagerty Price Guide, John Mayhead, has witnessed the steady rise in value of all Austin Allegro variants over the past decade whilst monitoring the value of classic cars in auction prices and policyholder quotes. He said: "Last year, only 7 per cent of all models in the Hagerty Price Guide rose in value." Ford Escort Mk2 - Mk4 (1974 - 1990) Value today: £600 (Mk 4 Escort L) to £93,600 (Escort Mk 2 RS1800, concours) From the late 1960s up to the 2000s, families in Britain were likely to have one of the five generations of Ford Escorts. Children could enjoy riding in the back of these vehicles, whether in the lower trimmed Mk2 or more spacious and utilitarian third and fourth generations. Classic car graveyard found in field where a 1960s classic with rare feature worth up to $150K has been left to rot The Mk3 and Mk4 had a transverse engine layout, with a hatchback style rather than saloon. Models ranged from three and five-door hatches, as well as cabrio or sport versions with the XR3, XR3i, and RS1600i variants. To this day, there's still a lot to admire about the Escort, particularly with the Fast Ford racing and performance versions. They are highly collectable with a thriving club scene, and base models can still be found for cheap at around £3,000. Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986) Value today: £3,300 to £9,000 (GTE SE5a) The Reliant Scimitar GTE was an attractive choice of vehicle for those wanting something more exciting than a saloon or estate, but also looking for practicality. It became a performance motor offering a four-seat layout to appear as a family car too. In addition to the layout, the GTE provides a glass hatchback and proper boot, fibreglass body more durable against rust and well-proven Ford mechanics. Cost around £2,300 in 1973, the GTE became a viable cheaper alternative to something like an Audi 100 or 3.0-litre Granada GXL. Since last year, the Scimitar GTE has seen a slight dip in value, but remained relatively stagnant since 2016. John adds that some have been restored to a very high standard: "Lots of very cheap restoration cases available, but not for the faint-hearted." Austin Montego (1984 - 1995) Value today: £800 (Montego 1.3 saloon) to £11,000 (MG Montego Turbo, concours) Montegos have been considered the "most ordinary" of vehicles, but were certainly among the most popular of its time. A solid family car by Austin that had built its reputation for decades, Specifically, as a blue saloon built in 1989, they could regularly be seen parked in driveways or out on roads. Whilst they where just about everywhere in the 1980s, they became almost extinct by the 1990s. The Montego has increased in value as a vehicle model in 2025, following a flat period. 9 2.3 million Citroen BXs were built during its 12-year history between 1982 and 1994 Credit: Getty 9 Renault Espace Mk1 was an MPV perfect for large families in the '90s Credit: Renault 9 The Volkswagen Golf Mk 2 has been a classic German car in Britain Credit: Alamy Citroen BX (1982 - 1994) Value today: £900 (S1 1.4 hatchback) to £10,100 (BX Sport, concours) This French saloon spanned the years of 1982 to 1994, with a styling that became a major success. The BX's lineup of XUD four-cylinders were among the best frugal diesels of the '80s. Whilst demand for the Citroen BX was not exceptionally high in the UK, the model reached great heights in France. A well-preserved 1992 BX 16S even sold for over €47,000 in 2021. Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991) Value today: £1,100 to £12,400 (Turbo D) Despite famously being a flop when first released for sale in 1984, the Espace soon became a European favourite as parents recognised its value. With several back seats, it was one of the easiest cars for loading kids in the back, who were able to thereby see through the vehicle's large glass windows. Families warmed up to this Renault's bold box shape, following 12 months of struggle for sales of this multi-purpose vehicle. John suggested: "Early versions of this groundbreaking vehicle are beginning to become very collectable. "Now rare in any configuration, they are not expensive cars and if you can find one, a fair runner could be under £2,000." Best used cars for family holidays £5,000 to £9,999 - Suzuki S-Cross (2013 to 2020) £10,000 to £14,999 - Toyota RAV4 (2012 to 2018) £15,000 to £19,999 - Kia XCeed (2019 to present) £20,000 to £24,999 - Hyundai Tucson (2021 to present) £25,000 to £29,999 - Citroen C5 Aircross (2018 to present) £30,000 to £34,999 - BMW X1 (2022 to present) £35,000 and upwards - Skoda Kodiaq (2024 to present) Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992) Value today: £900 (Driver) to £23,800 (GTI 16v) The VW Golf GTI Mk2 was an exciting release for car-loving families, coming with five doors and more space for practical and better riding. It was a reliable car too with its Volkswagen reputation, better fuel economy and improved comfort. It was also capable of reaching more than 130mph. John said: "For a long time, Mk 2 Golf values lagged far behind their Mk 1 predecessors, especially in the iconic GTI configuration, but in the last couple of years, they have gained ground. "There's a lot of love for this model, and although prices are down a little from their 2023 high, the general trend has been growth for the past 12 years." Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000) Value today: £800 (first-generation 1.6) to £8,500 (ST220) After their release in 1993, Mondeos became a common sight on roads through the mid-90s. They served as private motors, company vehicles, police cars, trade workhorses, and even appeared in the British Touring Car Championship. "Excluding motorsport variants, the Mondeo is a very affordable classic with even performance versions being available for under £5,000," John said. They are likely to become increasingly collectable as first generation cars that are more of a rarity. Rover 75 (1999 - 2005) Value today: £900 (2.0 CDTi) to £16,100 (MG ZT, concours) The Rover 75 featured a retro design both internally and externally, providing class and comfort, more than image or rock-hard suspension. Popular particularly among the older enthusiasts, the 75 has not seen a major decline in customers since first releasing in 1999. It is a car that is greatly designed for the pothole-riddled roads of Britain, known for its toughness and rarity. The model has therefore not seen much of a change to its value, holding their price as many other classics are dropping. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) Value today: £550 (1.6 Base) to £7000 (1.8 Elegance, concours) Sales of this smaller MPV skyrocketed after being put on the market. As a seven-seater hatchback, it was a clever car with fine driving characteristics, and based on the Astra G platform. Today, they are rare to find in good condition. 9 Austin Montegos where almost everywhere in the '80s Credit: Getty 9 The Rover 75 model took a top award as Car of the Year for 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
From Lockdown to Limoncello: Allegro Restaurant and Bar Launches Summer With Four-Year Anniversary Themed Celebration
Savoring summer and second chances, Allegro invites the community to toast life's sweet moments with a vibrant gathering, lively music, refreshing limoncello and an Italian feast. SAN DIEGO, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegro Restaurant and Bar, the city's premier upscale dining venue, is set to celebrate the arrival of summer with an exclusive, themed Limoncello Summer Kick-Off Party on Thursday, June 19th from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. This elevated event promises an unforgettable evening of elegance, music, vibrant Italian-inspired flavors, and marks a heartfelt milestone: Allegro's 4-year anniversary. Tapping into the growing revival of classic Italian aperitivo culture, Allegro's summer party brings a taste of the Amalfi Coast to California. Guests will be welcomed with a yellow carpet entrance and a refreshing limoncello welcome drink, setting a radiant tone for the night. A glowing Allegro sign framed with lemons will provide the perfect backdrop for summer–worthy photos. In addition to the lively ambiance, attendees can indulge in delicious small bites thoughtfully curated to complement the limoncello theme. Music will energize the night, while exclusive giveaways (unveiled at just the right moments) will surprise and delight guests throughout the evening. The anniversary carries special meaning for General Manager Fabrizio, who opened Allegro in 2021 after losing his job at the height of the COVID–19 pandemic. In a gesture of hope and community, he chose the name Allegro, Italian for "lively" and "joyful," to signal brighter days ahead. Four years on, Allegro has become the beating heart of Little Italy—a place where neighbors gather, memories are made, and every visit feels like a celebration. "When I founded Allegro, I wanted more than just a sophisticated venue; I wanted a haven of positivity and connection," said Fabrizio, General Manager of Allegro San Diego. "Our Limoncello Summer Kick–Off stands as proof that, when we gather, shared moments reveal the true joy of life." The event is open to the public, welcoming longtime friends and first–time guests alike. Dress in your summer best (lemon hues encouraged) and raise a glass to four years of community, joy, and the bright season ahead. For more information and to RSVP visit Partiful. Media Contact:Vince DiNataleSolid State Marketingvince@ View original content: SOURCE Allegro Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
400 hungry WMass families fed with donation effort by Price Rite, partners
WEST SPRINGFIELD — There are nights when Kathy Rocco and her husband don't make dinner — they scrounge for it. 'You can always find crackers, or we have a garden, so I can go out and make a salad,' she told The Republican. The couple was among 400 families that each received a 25-pound box of food, a 15-pound box of personal care items and backpacks filled with school supplies Tuesday on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. Price Rite Marketplace partnered with Feed the Children, the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield and the Parish Cupboard to address what organizers said is a widespread, urgent need for help. 'We're here to give them immediate relief. They're stretching their budgets to the brink,' said Joe Allegro, senior director of corporate partnerships for Feed the Children. Allegro said more than 10% of families in West Springfield live at or below the poverty level. He said each family received $200 worth of products, including food that can be used to make 20 meals for a family of four. The total giveaway was worth $175,000 and could benefit up to 1,600 people, Allegro said. Price Rite is based in New Jersey and operates more than 50 grocery stores in the Northeast. The company said it opened its first store in West Springfield 30 years ago and staged the distribution to mark that anniversary. 'We are in a lot of underserved areas, from a food desert perspective. I have a real passion for being in neighborhoods where people really need us,' said company President Kevin McDonnell. More than 40 Price Rite employees volunteered their time to load tons of food into local residents' cars, SUVs and trucks that drove under a temporary shelter in pouring rain. Angel Acevedo, a grocery stocker, lifted heavy cases of water and other items into dozens of cars. He witnessed grateful looks on the faces of people he also sees in his store, customers who leave his grocery aisles with less than they want because they don't have the cash. 'Some people purchase half of what they need and leave the store. They have to decide what's more important, and get that,' he said. The Greater Boston Food Bank reports that food insecurity in Western Massachusetts is higher than it is anywhere else in the commonwealth. The Food Bank said 41% of households here experience food insecurity, compared to 39% and 29% in Central and Eastern Massachusetts, respectively. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts reports 48% of households in Hampden County are facing this problem. Rocco listened to music on her phone as she waited for her share of groceries. She never thought she would end up in a food line when she retired from nursing a year ago, she said. 'I didn't know things would be this hard at this point in my life. But you can't go back. I just have to do the best I can with what I have. You're either poor or your rich. There's no middle anymore,' she said. Yolanda Gomez was second in line, taking no chances with missing out on the donated food. She must feed a family of four but said she can't always do it on the disability checks she gets from Social Security. 'I go to a lot of pantries. Today is very helpful. I need food. Sometimes we don't have any,' she said. Allegro said Feed the Children tries to focus on long-term solutions to poverty and hunger, but relies on emergency giveaways to help people suffering today. 'Everything has been ramped up so high, and their benefits aren't keeping up with inflation. It's going in the wrong direction. We don't know when things will turn, so we're here for the long run,' he said. Price Rite tries to offer discounts with a no-frills approach to business and stores that have minimal staffing, but the chain's president says containing costs is a constant struggle. 'We look at all of the different inputs that come into our business and react on a daily basis,' said McDonnell. 'It's a fluid business. Every day, every week, every hour you see what your sales are and what your costs are. It's very active. It's never ending.' Read the original article on MassLive.
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Hafizuddin: Future-proof homes in demand as buyers look beyond aesthetics
KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts expect continued demand for premium landed homes, particularly within growth corridors like Cyberjaya in the Greater Klang Valley, as homebuyers increasingly prioritise space, privacy, and lifestyle-oriented amenities. "With interest rates stabilising and consumer confidence on the rise, the outlook for upscale landed developments remains optimistic heading into the second half of 2025," said one market analyst. Reflecting this sentiment, UEM Sunrise Bhd reported a strong response during the first day of its sales preview for Allegro, a premium freehold landed development within the company's Symphony Hills township in Cyberjaya. The preview, held on May 31, saw 23 out of 68 semi-detached villas taken up, representing a 34 per cent take-up rate and generating RM46.8 million in sales. This marks a robust start toward the development's total gross development value (GDV) of RM142 million. The performance of Allegro underscores a resilient appetite for high-quality, landed homes in gated, low-density communities, especially those integrated with lifestyle infrastructure. Demand is being driven by rising household affluence, a growing preference for multi-generational living, and a shift toward future-proof, wellness-centric homes in the post-pandemic landscape. "This encouraging response reflects a growing demand for premium homes in established, lifestyle-driven townships like Symphony Hills. Today's buyers are more discerning," said Hafizuddin Sulaiman, officer-in-charge and chief financial officer of UEM Sunrise. "They seek homes that go beyond aesthetics to offer future-proof spaces, multigenerational comfort and a deeper connection to nature." Allegro comprises 68 low-density, gated villas, with generous built-ups ranging from 2,866 to 5,115 sq ft. Each unit is thoughtfully designed for extended families, featuring resort-style bathrooms, EV-ready car porches, and private lifts in selected homes. Slated for completion in 2027, Allegro forms part of UEM Sunrise's ongoing initiative to revitalise the 98-acre Symphony Hills township, first launched in 2011. As part of this revitalisation, UEM Sunrise will reopen the Opera House clubhouse this month with upgraded lifestyle amenities including a swimming pool, poolside café, mini mart, gymnasium, pickleball courts, and a multipurpose hall.
San Francisco Chronicle
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Review: Hilary Hahn draws a packed house for Esa-Pekka Salonen and S.F. Symphony
Like a slow drumroll, four strikes of the timpani herald the beginning of Beethoven's Violin Concerto. This time, they also announced Hilary Hahn's triumphant return to San Francisco. The American violinist resumed performing earlier this spring after taking a monthslong hiatus due to injury. In past seasons, Hahn had come to the Bay Area most often as a recitalist, which made this San Francisco Symphony concert on Thursday, May 29 — one of Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen's final programs before he departs the orchestra in mid-June — that much more special. More Information Esa-Pekka Salonen's final concerts Esa-Pekka Salonen & Hilary Hahn: San Francisco Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 30; 2 p.m. Sunday, June 1. $49-$350. Salonen Conducts Sibelius 7: San Francisco Symphony. 7:30 p.m. June 6-7; 2 p.m. June 8. $49-$179. Salonen Conducts Mahler 2: San Francisco Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 12-14. $145-$399. All shows are at Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 415-864-6000. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Beethoven's concerto, however, is as ubiquitous as classical music gets. How could it be otherwise, with such singable melodies? The embellishments throughout the solo part, pearly scales and arpeggios, resemble a violinist's warmup — simple in theory and yet almost impossibly difficult to hit in front of an audience. Hahn augmented the concerto's technical scope with her choice of cadenzas, the same substantial ones by turn-of-the-century violinist Fritz Kreisler that she's been playing since her days as a child prodigy. Indeed, this performance wasn't so very different from the recording she made at 18 or even from her earlier German debut with the piece in a now-famous televised concert. This isn't to slight the Hahn of 2025. She was simply that rare young artist who seemed to emerge fully formed — with tasteful interpretations, stellar bow technique and near-flawless intonation. After the orchestra's elegant introduction, Hahn's superpowers were on display from the first ascending octaves through the final chords. The bravura passages, in which she exerted extraordinary control over the dropping of her left-hand fingers, were brilliant and clear. The slow movement's variations were lacy fine, the wispy high notes resounding like tiny, perfect bells. And the musicality was a touch more expressive from the mature violinist. The streams of triplets in the opening Allegro, and the silvery slurs in a dolorous corner of the Rondo finale, seemed more considered. Here and there (and in the encore, Steven Banks' 'Through My Mother's Eyes,' a schmaltzy showpiece with a big heart), the phrases broadened more than they once did. Some three decades into her career and with a full house rooting for her, Hahn appeared to revel anew in this old music. Her fans made an impressive audience for Beethoven's Fourth Symphony in the first half of the program — a performance that, under Salonen's leadership, struggled both rhythmically and dramatically. If the Fourth — a refined work tucked between Beethoven's heroic 'Eroica' and fateful Fifth — is perhaps the least played of the composer's nine symphonies, it's not the piece's fault, only the programmers'. At any rate, the San Francisco Symphony has engaged Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden for a Beethoven cycle covering three seasons, beginning in 2026. Let the Fourth soon sound again.
