Autosport 06' at the NEC was a spectacular show, which featured a huge variety of manufacturers and suppliers who are involved with Sports and Racing cars and associated equipment.

The show spread over many halls also covered the complete history of racing, with displays of famous race cars from historic, right up to a full grid of current F1 cars from last season. It really was a 'schoolboys' dream to be there.

The Marlin stand was situated in the main manufacturers area and had on display the fabulous 5EXi-R, - their 2-litre Honda R engined sportscar, finished in a glistening Midnight Blue. This car built on the Mk2 chassis also featured the latest 'opening doors' bodyshell.

Paired with the 5EXi-R was the beautiful gold 5EXi demonstrator - which is now up for sale.

Marlin were pleased to have taken orders at the show, interestingly these were mainly from the younger section of the market. Some of whom were currently to young to drive, but were there with their dads, no doubt considering a build to be quite a good father and son bonding project.

Of course it must be remembered that insurance for specialist cars such as 5EXi is actually quite inexpensive, often being up to 50% cheaper than insuring a conventional equivalent.

There was also great interest in the innovative Marlin 'Disc Grabber' system. This ultra lightweight hand-cable and foot-hydraulic operated combined braking assembly, is now starting to cause a real stir in the industry. Marlin were also excited to learn just before the show, that new rules in many racing formulas, now meant that the benefits that this unique patented setup has to offer could now be experienced by a far larger target market.

Other News:
Marlin announced that they will be investigating the specialist sportscar insurance market further and producing a full report in a few weeks time.

Meanwhile here are a few quickly grabbed facts and figures which are all based on a car valued at 10k ... If the car is valued less then it reduces the insurance considerably.

• Middle band post code area
• The car being less that 3 years old
• 1600cc engine
• Main use vehicle
• Between 5, 000 & 7,500 miles per annum
• Insured only driver
• Full UK licence for at least 1 year
• Evidence of claim free driving - on another policy or as a named driver - and is also dependent on age. See below:

Age 19 - 1 year evidence of claim free driving:
Between £1400 & £1785, or around 1,000 if 2nd car.
Age 21 - 3 years evidence of claim free driving:
Between £700 & £886, or £500 if 2nd car.
Age 25 - 5 years evidence of claim free driving:
Between £325 & £415, or £185 if 2nd car.