Tuesday 30 April 2019

DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL TO PROVIDE EPIC RETRO THROWBACK THIS WEEKEND




DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL TO PROVIDE EPIC RETRO THROWBACK THIS WEEKEND
The Donington Historic Festival returns for a ninth year this weekend (3-5 May), with another fabulous retro throwback to motor racing of a bygone era at the East Midlands race circuit. Historic motorsport fans have until midday on Wednesday to grab their tickets at advance prices and make savings compared to gate prices. 


Cars from the 1920s right up the 1990s will be in action at one of Donington's most popular events of the year, including several glorious machines similar to those that raced at Donington Park in the famous pre-war Grands Prix of the 1930s. Cars in action include single-seaters, touring and GT cars, Le Mans-style prototypes and sports cars, all with incredible history and many almost priceless in value. 



As well as the fierce on-track action, there is a massive range of entertainment around the venue including Formula One displays, big car club showcase areas, Sporting Bears Dream Car passenger rides, Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts, themed trade areas, pit lane walks and track parades.



The open paddock policy at the circuit also means that all visitors can get up close and personal with the star cars, and a selection of star drivers too!



Advance discounted tickets are available until Wednesday 1 May and are priced from just £10. Children aged under 13 go free all weekend.



Stunning historic racing action 
Hundreds of historic racing cars will be competing across the weekend. The oldest cars will take part in the 'Mad Jack' Pre-War Sports Car race on Saturday afternoon. This contest features a number of sprightly machines built prior to 1941, with iconic marques such as Alfa Romeo and Bentley battling it out wheel-to-wheel.



The Nuvolari and Ascari Trophy races for pre-1961 Grand Prix cars featuring Grand Prix cars from the 1930s to 1960, including the type of legendary single-seaters that first made Donington Park famous, while the popular Formula Junior category - the historic equivalent of modern-day Formula 4 - will be showcased with races for both front and rear-engined examples. 



Classic Touring Cars will again be a big feature of the event, with several races for the 1950s and 1960s machines right up to cars built before 1991. Races include the U2TC for pre-66 under two-litre Touring Cars, HRDC Touring Greats for pre-1960 cars, HRDC Coys Trophy and the Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy. 



Sports and sports-racing car action will come courtesy of the Jaguar Classic Challenge, Stirling Moss Trophy, Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy, Pre-63 GT, and the GT and Sports Car Cup for pre-66 GT and pre-63 sportscars. Meanwhile, a mixture of sports and touring cars will do battle in the HRDC Allstars contest on Sunday morning. 



Off-track highlights
In addition to three sensational days of action on the circuit, there is a huge programme of festivities taking place across the venue. 



One of the key attractions is a Formula One car display, featuring an ex-Ayrton Senna Toleman and a Benetton driven by Michael Schumacher in 1992 and 1993. Other F1 cars include a Hesketh, Osella and a Honda from the Japanese manufacturer’s foray into the sport in the late 2000s. Many of these will be taking to the circuit for demonstrations throughout the event. 



Other attractions include a historic karting area, which continues the Senna theme, with dozens of karts set to be on display and performing on a special karting circuit at the Launch Pad complex.



Up to a thousand cars are expected to be on display around the venue, thanks to a car club and classic display areas, with most of these being on the circuit infield. Visitors will also be able to enjoy passenger rides in some of these vehicles, with dream car trips in classic and supercars in aid of charity from the Sporting Bears Motor Club. 



In addition, a number of the display cars will take to the track in parades during the lunch breaks, during which visitors will also be able to enjoy pit lane walkabouts.



Attention will turn to the skies on Saturday and Sunday with Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts. A BBMF Hawker Hurricane will be in the skies on Saturday, and a Douglas C-47 Dakota will impress on Sunday. 



Finally, those wanting to take home the perfect souvenir after a great day at the races will be able to browse the numerous themed trade stalls selling a massive range of merchandise and memorabilia. 



Paired with more improvements to the Donington infrastructure over the winter months, including a big new spectator entry area and a more immersive paddock layout, this year's Donington Historic Festival will be even more accessible for all spectators.



Advance discounted tickets for the Donington Historic Festival, offering significant discounts over buying on the gate, are available until midday on Wednesday 1 May. Prices start at £10 for adults and there is free entry for children aged under 13. For more information visit www.doningtonhistoric.com or call 0843 453 9000.



Friday 26 April 2019

AUTOMOTIVE ICONS OF GERMANY TAKE THE STAGE AT LONDON CONCOURS 2019



AUTOMOTIVE ICONS OF GERMANY TAKE THE STAGE AT LONDON CONCOURS 2019
Mercedes SLR 722 McLaren - CREDIT KHALID BARI

The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, will be placing the German automotive industry in the spotlight with the ‘Made in Germany’ class. With a reputation for performance, quality, design and innovation, just eight cars have been picked to represent the Germany automotive industry.
It was, in fact, a German that arguably created the first motor car, as Karl Benz patented his Motorwagen in 1886. Nearly 135 years later, the company that still bears Karl’s name, Mercedes-Benz, will be represented by the SLR McLaren 722 Coupé at the London Concours.  Built in partnership with McLaren, the SLR 722 was actually assembled in Woking, powered by a 650hp 5.4-litre supercharged AMG V8 engine. Its name paid homage to Sir Stirling Moss’ 1955 Mille Miglia victory for Mercedes, with his SLR bearing the number 722.
Germany’s relationship with the Mille Miglia stretches back before Moss’ victory, though. The BMW 328 – also on display at the London Concours – significantly enhanced the reputation of BMW in both motorsport and popular culture with its victory at the Mille Miglia in 1940. The advanced car features extensive use of lightweight aluminium and a 2.0-litre straight-six engine producing around 80bhp. Not much today, but it remains the fastest pre-WWII BMW.
German car manufacturers have a long and deep-rooted relationship with motorsport. Porsche’s decision to withdraw from Formula 1 in 1962 saw their attention and design switch to sports car racing and, with that, the development of the Porsche 904 GTS. Curvaceous, powerful and eye-catching, the 904 GTS is a Monte Carlo Rally-class-winning car that today is one of the most sought-after classic Porsches, deservedly taking its place on the illustrious lawns of the HAC.
But there’s only one Porsche known the world over, and perhaps the most iconic German car of them all; the 911. The exceedingly rare 911 (930 LE) coming to the London Concours is one of just 14 produced in right-hand-drive. Despite being built in 1989, the LE was capable of a frankly astonishing 173mph.
But it’s not all about speed in the ‘Made in Germany’ class, as exemplified by the Volkswagen Beetle. With multiple appearances on the big screen and worldwide fame as a design legend, the Volkswagen Beetle will line-up alongside some of the finest vehicles ever produced at London Concours.
With an offering of nearly 100 automotive icons from the modern day to the early 20thCentury, the Honourable Artillery Company’s glorious five-acre lawn will be transformed into a motoring utopia between 5-6 June. But London Concours is not just about the cars on display; it’s an automotive garden party complete with art from Collier Dobson and Ella Freire, drinks from Rémy Martin and Veuve Clicquot, and fashion from Neapolitan tailors, Isaia.
Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “The German automotive industry is an absolute powerhouse of car production, not just in terms of volume but in terms of sheer innovation and consistent excellence. What we’ve gathered here at the London Concours is just a snapshot of Germany’s contribution, but its brilliance is revealed in the diversity and ingenuity on display, even among these eight cars. So, join us at London Concours this June to see Germany’s finest lining up against the best from Ferrari, Jaguar and more across our ten classes and special features/”
The London Concours 2019 takes place from 5-6 June. Tickets are available to buy now from www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets
The full list of cars on display in ‘Made in Germany’ is:
VW Golf GTI Mk1
BMW M1
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Coupe
Porsche 930 Turbo LE
BMW 328
VW Beetle
Porsche 904 GTS
Audi UR Quattro


Wednesday 24 April 2019

RECORD PARTICIPANTS FOR BEAULIEU’S SECOND SIMPLY AUDI



RECORD PARTICIPANTS FOR BEAULIEU’S SECOND SIMPLY AUDI
People's Choice Award-winning Audi TT RS of Kerrin Martinez

A record 982 rally participants made Beaulieu’s second Simply Audi the busiest yet – with a 25% increase over last year’s total of 784 – for the vibrant Easter Sunday rally.
A highlight of the bank holiday weekend for motoring fans, as many as 472 Audis parked up in the grounds of the National Motor Museum with cars ranging from the latest showroom models back to 1980s classics. Impressive R8 supercars and sporty TTs were joined by examples of the performance-tuned S2, S3, RS3 and RS4, with something to please every fan of the ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy.
Past glories of the Audi marque were also on show with several examples of the 1980s Audi Coupes, while club displays included the Audi ‘80’ Cab/Coupe enthusiasts with a line-up of the much-loved modern classics from the 1980s and ’90s.
Taking the coveted event’s People’s Choice Award was Kerrin Martinez, from Taunton, with his Audi TT RS. Kerrin said: “I’ve owned it for 13 months and have done almost everything on it, except the tuning remap, while my brother did the vinyl wrap. I love it because it’s so fast and really enjoyable to drive.” Kerrin was presented with a commemorative Beaulieu trophy, Autoglym car care pack and Easter egg by Beaulieu’s Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.
Also presented with Autoglym prizes and Easter treats were runners-up Chris Smith, from Ringwood, with his Audi RS6, and Darren O’Neil, from Portsmouth, with his Audi Quattro rally car. Chris has owned his sleek Audi RS6 for just three weeks but has already modified it with different wheels, tinted glass, air suspension, exhaust and intake manifolds. He said: “I love its presence and the fact that it’s a family car with 650bhp.” By contrast, Darren has owned his 1982 Audi Quattro rally car for 17 years and during that time has transformed it from a road car to a stunning works replica.
Simply Audi was the second of Beaulieu’s ten Simply rallies for 2019. Coming next is Simply Ford on May 5th, followed by Simply Porsche on June 2ndSimply VW on June 15thSimply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rdSimply Jaguar on July 14thSimply Japanese July 28th, with the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.
Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

MORE RECORDS TUMBLE AS THE CLASSIC CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD



MORE RECORDS TUMBLE AS THE CLASSIC CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD
Record-breaking full-capacity F2 grid for the 2019 Silverstone Classic

Living up to its illustrious reputation as the world’s biggest historic motor racing festival, this summer’s Silverstone Classic welcomes the greatest Formula 2 grid of all time. 
Added to this year’s packed-programme for the very first time as part of a never-seen-before retro Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seater showcase, no fewer than 55 entries have been received for what will be record-breaking, sold-out races on both Saturday and Sunday. 
With a maximum of 54 starters permitted on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, late entries are now being placed on a growing reserve list. 
Since being confirmed on the Silverstone Classic bill for 2019, support for the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC)-run championship has been running at unprecedented levels and the full capacity entry will far surpass any previous grid for a field of Formula 2 and Formula Atlantic single-seaters from the late 1960s and 1970s – even in period! 
“Even by our lofty standards this is an incredible turn-out and will be yet another of the spectacular highlights at this summer’s Classic,” enthused Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “Being fast, fun and comparatively inexpensive, F2 is proving to be a big hit with competitors while the scale of the entry and promise of some terrific racing is sure to win many new fans.” 
The entry includes drivers from the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, US, The Netherlands and Australia. Many cars with significant histories will be in action, too, including the ex-Emerson Fittipaldi Lotus 69, ex-Eddie Cheever and Clay Regazzoni Ralt RT1s, the ex-Wheatcroft Racing Chevron B29, the ex-Derek Bell Brabham BT30 and the ex-Giacomo Agostini Chevron B42. 
“Historic Formula 2 is experiencing a massive boom and the grid for the Silverstone Classic is set to smash all records,” said a delighted Andy Dee-Crowne, CEO of the HSCC. “The cars look and sound fantastic and to see a full grid of these cars will be amazing.” 
The Classic is also expecting a record-breaking grid of Minis to mark the original pocket-rockets 60th birthday plus huge numbers of racing Bentleys and Capris to mark their respective centenary and golden anniversaries. A not-to-be-missed Twilight Tribute to Le Mans has also been announced with three packed sportscar grids racing into the sunset on Saturday evening. 
All those wishing to attend this summer’s Silverstone Classic must purchase their tickets in advance, with adult admission starting at £45.

Once again, all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts which this summer marks the 50thanniversary of Woodstock on both Friday and Saturday evenings, air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.

A wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available, along with camping and hospitality options. Full details of all 2019 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website.

THE ANNUAL GREAT NORTH CLASSIC CAR SHOW IS FAST APPROACHING


THE ANNUAL GREAT NORTH CLASSIC CAR SHOW IS FAST APPROACHING
A view of the show in 2018

The Annual Great North Classic Car Show is fast approaching bringing you even more events and more cars for enthusiasts of all ages. To be held at Beamish Valley’s premier festival site, Black Horse Beamish, located in the picturesque Beamish Valley conservation area, this year’s event takes place on Saturday, July 6th.
Featuring a host of historic high-performance cars and motorcycles, this family day out will for the first time boast a dedicated auction of cars and lifestyle automobilia. This event is the brainchild of Aston Workshop’s Bob Fountain who says “This has been a long-held ambition of mine, to come up with an event to which families can come and enjoy a day out, with cars, entertainment and FUN in the North East. We had a grand day last year but, by moving the date from April to the summer, we are anticipating a far more spectacular event”.
Along with the car show and Concours de’elegance competition, there will be a Gala Dinner in the famous Orchard Marquee featuring a Charity Auction, live music and five-course dinner, hosted by former Top Gear presenter and motoring journalist Steve Berry. Steve will be in attendance all day to answer those Top Gear questions that you have always wanted to ask.
Hi-lights of the day will include:-
1) After last year’s success, this year’s event more than doubles the number of exhibitors featuring over 400 cars.
2) Featured for the first time will be an on-site auction sale of prestige, classic, collectors and high-performance motor cars and automobilia. Entries are still open for this event. Contact Aston Workshop to be sure you don’t miss out on this unique event.
3) A new feature will be “Concours d’elegance” featuring prestige cars competing for trophies and awards in special categories. Well known industry judges will preside.
4) The second annual Gala Dinner this year features popular guest speaker Steve Berry, formerly of Top Gear. The chosen charity this year is JPC Community Farm.
Full details are available at http://www.greatnorthclassiccarshow.com 
With advance tickets already selling fast, please contact to reserve your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-north-classic-car-show-2019-tickets-53249480630 

Saturday 20 April 2019

FIRST EVER ITALIAN GRAND PRIX-WINNING BALLOT 3/8 LC SET FOR CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019



FIRST EVER ITALIAN GRAND PRIX-WINNING BALLOT 3/8 LC SET FOR CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019
Ballot 3/8 LC - Credit - Tim Scott

The first extraordinary car has been confirmed for this year’s Concours of Elegance: a Ballot 3/8 LC famous for winning the first ever Italian Grand Prix in 1921. This impeccable piece of motorsport history is just one of a line-up of over 60 rare and exotic motor cars set to take their place in the glorious Fountain Gardens of Hampton Court Palace this September.
The Ballot 3/8 LC was a cutting-edge French racing car, capable of 124mph at a time when many normal road cars struggled to hit half that. The engine’s double overhead camshafts, four-valves-per-cylinder and hemispherical combustion chambers were the works of a genius mind belonging to Ernest Henry.
These innovations led to its victory at the Italian Grand Prix which, incidentally, would have ruffled a few feathers. The two French Ballots competing took first and second spots, while a Fiat 802 – the Italian crowd’s favourite – took third. But the Ballots won for their strategy, conserving fuel and tyres against the much faster Fiat, and not once stopping.
Gathering the rarest and most exquisite vehicles from throughout automotive history, the 2019 Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance promises to be the best yet. Last year the event welcomed a wondrous array of automotive masterpieces, from a 1903 Panhard et Levassor O4R to a 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Long Tail and beyond.
Although the Concours of Elegance’s main display of around 60 vehicles will be the focal point, nearly 1,000 cars will be on display during the three-day event. A number of 2018’s features will be returning, including the Royal Automobile Club Trophy – contested by winners of the nation’s best car clubs – and the Future Classics class. Last year’s Future Classics included the unique Rolls-Royce Sweptail, one-of-seven Aston Martin Vantage V600 and McLaren Senna chassis #001.
Concours of Elegance Managing Director, Andrew Evans, said: “Having this incredible Ballot 3/8 LC – the very car that claimed victory at the 1921 Italian Grand Prix, no less – at the Concours of Elegance is a wonderful privilege. The Ballot 3/8 LC perfectly encompasses everything that is great about our concours entrants – the car sees regular use, it’s fantastically rare and it holds an important place in automotive history. This one car is really just a taste of what we have in store this year; our special features, our partners and the quality of the cars on display are undoubtedly all the best yet.”
Tickets to the Concours of Elegance are on sale now, available from www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

You can view the Classic Chatter Photo gallery of the 2018 Concours by following the link:
Concours of Elegance 2018

Friday 19 April 2019

CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW RETURNS TO CATTON HALL FOR MAY BANK HOLIDAY MOTORING CELEBRATION



CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW RETURNS TO CATTON HALL FOR MAY BANK HOLIDAY MOTORING CELEBRATION
The popular Classic Motor Show will return to Alrewas’ Catton Hall on Sunday 5th May with up to 700 vehicles on two and four wheels for enthusiasts to enjoy including pre and post war vehicles, American cars, classic motorcycles and modified motors.
Gemini Events Director Stephen Smith said: “The stunning grounds of Catton Hall create a fantastic backdrop to our annual Classic Motor Show. To see hundreds of classics all lined-up alongside the River Trent in front of Catton Hall is amazing and we can’t wait for the May Bank Holiday to arrive.”
The Classic Motor Show, sponsored by ClassicLine, will welcome 30 motoring clubs with a fantastic mix of marques from the Alfa Romeo Owners Club to Your Ford. Local groups represented including the BMW Car Club Shropshire and Mid-Wales, Derby & District MG Owners Club, Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club North Staffs, Midland Retro Car Club, and the North Staffs RS Owners.
Three clubs represent the Potteries with the Capri & Classic Ford Club, Potteries MMOC, and Potteries Vintage Classic Car Club. They’re joined by the M6 Junction 16 Motoring Club, Stoke on Trent Classic Car Club and West Midlands Mitsubishi 4x4 to name a few.
Private entries range from John Heath’s 1926 Austin Clifton to Colin Bailey’s 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. All decades in between are represented with a fantastic mix of marques including David Cowley’s 1993 Renault Alpine GTA Turbo, David Cook’s 1987 Sierra Cosworth 500, Gregory Styles’ 1974 Saab 96V4, and Paul Fawlk’s 1966 Pontiac Bonneville.
The Live Arena will include car parades, including Tamworth Tired Tractors, and family games as well as the popular ‘Decibel Duel’, a competition to find the loudest engine. There will also be Daily Driver and Pride of Ownership competitions, with the overall winner receiving a year’s free car insurance from ClassicLine. The annual Concours also culminates in the ‘Best in Show’ award at 4pm.
The Motor Museum in Miniature returns with its unique display of model cars in its own museum layout along with trader and autojumble stands for all those after a May Day Bank Holiday bargain. There’s also free face painting for the children attending as well as vintage rides and entertainment.
Gates open at 10am until 4pm. Admission starts from £6.40 for adults, £3.20 for children (4-16 years), with a family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) for £16 when booked in advance. Tickets also available on the gate. Free parking for all visitors. For more information, visit www.classicmotorshows.co.uk.

Tuesday 16 April 2019

JAGUAR MKII MILESTONE FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAGUAR



JAGUAR MKII MILESTONE FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAGUAR

Sunday, July 14th 2019
Beaulieu will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic Jaguar MkII at Simply Jaguar on Sunday July 14th with a special display area dedicated to this legendary sporting saloon.
The quintessential 1960s model has been a favourite with motoring enthusiasts and racing drivers since its launch in 1959. It is probably best known on TV as the star car of ITV’s popular Inspector Morse detective series.
MkII and all Jaguar owners are invited to park in the grounds of the National Motor Museum to compare their prized cars and catch up with fellow enthusiasts.
As many as 400 sleek Jaguars are expected to drive into the show, which will also feature a special area for the E-type – MkII’s sister car. Show-goers will relish the opportunity to see these stylish roadsters and coupes of the 1960s and 1970s take their place in the display.
All ages and models of Jaguar are welcome at Simply Jaguar, from examples of the latest F-type and F-pace, through the XK, XJ-S, XJ6 and MkX, going all the way back to the earliest versions.
Throughout the day, visitors and event-goers will be able to vote for their favourite Jaguar of the show in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy.
Event tickets include entry to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top GearOn Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.
For those driving Jaguars and taking part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult, £5 a child (aged 5-16) if bought in advance online before 5pm on July 11th, or £12 an adult and £6 a child on the day. All other visitors can buy general admission tickets to Beaulieu at the standard attraction price. For tickets and information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-jaguar.
Entry is from 9am - 3pm for rally participants. The Brabazon Restaurant will serve hot drinks and breakfast snacks from 9-11am. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu though the Visitor Reception building with a standard attraction admission ticket, from 10am.
Simply Jaguar will be Beaulieu’s seventh Simply rally this year, followed by Simply Japanese on July 28th, the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.
Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

Monday 15 April 2019

FOOTMAN JAMES TO SPONSOR 'THE ICONS' CLASS AT LONDON CONCOURS


 
FOOTMAN JAMES TO SPONSOR 'THE ICONS' CLASS AT LONDON CONCOURS

Collector and classic car insurance specialist, Footman James, will sponsor ‘The Icons’ class at London Concours (5-6 June 2019) in association with Azur.
Lining up on the Honourable Artillery Company lawns during the London Concours on 5-6 June 2019 will be a collection of automotive icons, each representing the stand-out car of their era. ‘The Icons’ class will be sponsored by leading automotive insurance specialist, Footman James, in association with Azur.
‘The Icons’ concours class is a carefully curated selection of cars that each represent innovation, design or performance for their era. Cars already announced within ‘The Icons’ category include The Land Rover Series I, original Mini, Jaguar E-Type and Lamborghini Countach.
A must-attend event in the global collector car calendar, the upcoming London Concours is organised by Thorough Events, the team behind the Concours of Elegance. It will be hosted again at the Honourable Artillery Company in the UK capital, bringing together the world’s most important manufacturers, collectors and specialists within the collector car industry.
The sponsorship announcement follows Footman James’ formal partnership with Azur, who provides specialist Private Client cover for Footman James. Insuring high net worth car collections, as well as offering protection for homes and high-end single car cover, the Footman James Private Client package is aimed at high net worth individuals (HNWIs) that don’t have ‘off-the-shelf’ insurance requirements. Azur is a bespoke insurance broker based in London and an official partner of the London Concours.
Discussing the London Concours announcement, David Bond, Managing Director at Footman James said, “The London Concours brings together the great minds, collectors and iconic cars of our industry. The sponsorship of ‘The Icons’ class further underlines our relationships with great partners, including Azur and London Concours, as well as our clients and commitment to celebrate the very best cars available today.
In total, almost 100 automotive greats of all eras will be on display on the idyllic lawns of the Honourable Artillery Company HQ when the London Concours rolls into the City from 5-6 June 2019. Curated across seven distinct classes, including ‘The Outlaws’ and ‘The Innovators’, London Concours is the ultimate automotive summer garden party.
The full list of ‘Icons’ on display:
Bentley 4.5-Litre Blower
Citroen DS
Ferrari 288 GTO
Ferrari Dino 246 GT
Ferrari F40 LM
Ford GT40
Jaguar E-Type
Lamborghini Countach
Land Rover Series I
Mini
Porsche 911 2.7 RS
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Volkswagen Beetle



JAGUAR’S FINEST ON DISPLAY AT LONDON CONCOURS



JAGUAR’S FINEST ON DISPLAY AT LONDON CONCOURS
Jaguar's finest on display at London Concours

The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, will be hosting a special display of iconic Jaguar models in its ‘Great Marques – Jaguar’ class, presented by Truefitt and Hill. With a line-up of 10 of the finest cars to have ever rolled off the Jaguar assembly line, together they define what makes Jaguar an icon of the British automotive industry.
From success on the greatest race tracks in the world to cruising the sweeping boulevards of Hollywood, each car in this class has transcended generations to take its place on a list of the greatest Jaguars – and even the greatest cars – ever built.
Perhaps the most notorious British automotive icon is the Jaguar E-Type; the coveted model that Enzo Ferrari himself described as the ‘most beautiful car ever made’. Quickly identified as a must-have model amongst the world’s rich and famous, Jaguar produced 70,000 cars throughout its 14-year production run. Such was the majesty of the E-Type is that you were just as likely to see the car cruising through the South of France as you were to see its Lightweight brethren on the world’s racing tracks.
Moving through the decades, Jaguar’s eye-catching bodies have helped to create a legacy renowned for expert design. From the Malcolm Sayer-penned aerodynamic lines of the Jaguar E-Type, to the first road car to be made completely from carbon fibre, the XJR-15, Jaguar’s design team has played a substantial role in their classification as a ‘Great Marques’.
Jaguar’s long and illustrious history in motorsport has forever informed the evolution of their road cars. Nothing epitomises this more than the Jaguar XK120 - the world’s fastest production car at launch, and holder of a number of world speed records. And from the XK120 more motorsport success followed, perhaps most famously with the C-Type and D-Type – both of which will be at London Concours.
Although only 53 examples were built, the C-Type put Jaguar on the global motorsport map, with wins at Le Mans 24 Hours in both 1951 and 1953. During its latter win, the switch to disc brakes – a novel solution at the time – kick-started a revolution across the industry. The D-Type, meanwhile, marked out by its iconic finned design, secured three consecutive wins at Le Mans (in 1955, 56 and 57). the D-Type is perhaps the most famous racing Jaguar ever. So dominant were they at Le Mans, that in 1957 D-Types finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th.
But no Jaguar celebration would be complete without delving right back into the marque’s early history, including its time under the Swallow Sidecars badge. The London Concours will be displaying the SS1 Fixed Head Coupé, first revealed to the world at the 1931 London Motor Show. Only 158 were ever built.
Between 5-6 June, the Honourable Artillery Company HQ will be transformed into a motoring enthusiast’s paradise, with nearly 100 automotive greats spread across all eras, within the confines of the most luxurious lawn in the square mile. The seven carefully curated classes, including ‘The Icons’ and ‘The Outlaws’, make London Concours the ultimate automotive summer garden party.
Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “Looking through the Jaguar back catalogue and trying to pick just 10 to represent all the countless innovations and beautiful designs of Jaguar is no mean feat. But after hours of debate, the London Concours Steering Committee settled on this incredible selection of Jaguars, forming one very special part of our event this year. The content doesn’t end with the cars either; we’ve got displays from Neopolitan tailors, ISAIA, fine watchmakers, Breguet and a luxury hospitality experience courtesy of Searcys, Mark Hix and Veuve Clicquot.”
The London Concours 2019 takes place from 5-6 June. Tickets are available to buy now from www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets
The full list of cars on display in ‘Great Marques – Jaguar’ is:
Jaguar C-Type
Jaguar D-Type
Jaguar E-Type
Jaguar XK 120 Roadster (OTS)
Jaguar XK150 DHC
Jaguar MK1
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Thursday 11 April 2019

BENTLEY, MINI AND CAPRI ICONS PREPARE FOR BIG BIRTHDAYS AT THIS SUMMER’S ‘GLASTONBURY OF MOTORSPORT’



BENTLEY, MINI AND CAPRI ICONS PREPARE FOR BIG BIRTHDAYS AT THIS SUMMER’S ‘GLASTONBURY OF MOTORSPORT’
Bentley will be celebrating its centenary at the 2019 Silverstone Classic

The 2019 Silverstone Classic Preview yesterday (10 April) brought together a plethora of iconic marques and models celebrating special milestones this year and attracted a popular appearance from a true legend of the sport, as the event dubbed the ‘Glastonbury of motorsport’ revs up for its most spectacular summer-to-date.
Firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the Silverstone Classic – founded in 1990 – continues to go from strength-to-strength, as evidenced by an illustrious turnout at the iconic British Grand Prix venue today. Whilst the cars are invariably the stars at the Classic – and today’s Preview was no exception – a number of honorary guests added to the appeal for attending media.
Marking the centenary of famous British brand Bentley in 2019, nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen and Guy Smith – one of his team-mates in the triumphant 2003 Team Bentley entry – were reunited, with the former additionally taking to the wheel of a vintage model for a future magazine article as he launched a new ‘Twilight Tribute to Le Mans’ feature for Saturday night at the Classic. Smith climbed into the cockpit of Bentley’s latest GT3 model for some special tracking photography.
Similarly in the spotlight was another famous British motoring success story – the beloved Mini, which is sixty years young in 2019. This summer’s event will welcome a record-breaking double-header grid, bringing together more than 50 pre-1966 Minis. In homage to the original ‘pocket rocket’, Mini rallying and racing hero Paddy Hopkirk – reunited with his 1964 Monte Carlo Rally-winning car – was joined at the Preview by fellow period Mini racers Gordon Spice, Steve Neal and John Rhodes.
Spice is perhaps better known for his British Saloon Car Championship exploits behind the wheel of the Ford Capri, which turns 50 this year. A trophy named after the most successful Capri racer in history will be awarded to the highest-finishing Capri driver in the Historic Touring Car Challenge race at the Classic.
Special photo-calls and interviews were hosted by famous television personality and racing driver Tiff Needell – who will front the ITV4 coverage for this summer’s Classic alongside Louise Goodman – with Paul Stewart a particularly welcome guest as he spoke about the appointment of Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) as the event’s Official Charity Partner. This year’s Classic will raise funds for the Race Against Dementia Fellowships, an initiative founded by his father – three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart – and administered through ARUK.
Sir Jackie’s 1971 title-winning Tyrrell-Ford 003 was one of the stand-out highlights on display today, while the man himself will attend this summer’s Classic, half a century on from his first World Championship triumph and British Grand Prix victory at Silverstone in 1969.
Silverstone Auctions chose the occasion to reveal its star lot going under the hammer in July – a Gullwing Mercedes once owned by Team Lotus Formula 1 team manager Peter Warr.
On the track, more than 150 cars offered a tantalising foretaste of some of the high-octane action to come at the end of July, while the new Aston Martin Heritage Racing Festival Series was out in force as it prepares to make its debut at this summer’s Classic. The HSCC Historic Formula 2 International Series is another newcomer to the Silverstone Classic bill, and was well-represented at the Preview. Many of the record number of car clubs celebrating landmark model and marque anniversaries were also present, including Abarth, the Austin Healey 3000, Middlebridge Scimitar and Triumph TR6.
All those wishing to attend this summer’s Silverstone Classic must purchase their tickets in advance, with adult admission starting at £45.
Once again, all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts which this summer marks the 50thanniversary of Woodstock on both Friday and Saturday evenings, air shows, Drive Live test drives, funfair rides and the vast majority of the family entertainment on offer.
A wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available, along with camping and hospitality options. Full details of all 2019 ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website.
Nick Wigley, CEO, Silverstone Classic:
“The cars are the stars at the Silverstone Classic and are always a significant draw, which is exactly why so many have been celebrated as part of our hugely successful Preview. There is of course so much to look forward to at the Classic this coming July – both on and off-track – and today’s events have further whetted the appetite. The outstanding off-track activities and attractions get bigger and better every year, whilst on-track we are set for some incredible wheel-to-wheel racing, as well as some memorable celebrations and anniversaries. It’s brilliant to see that Early Bird ticket sales have reached record numbers, as more and more people come to enjoy the full festival weekend that is the Silverstone Classic."

Tiff Needell, TV Presenter and Racing Driver:
“The Silverstone Classic is like the Glastonbury of motorsport. It’s a wonderful event. It’s not just about the racing on the track – there’s also a funfair, football skills by tyre partner Yokohama, all sorts of shops and stalls and great car clubs with huge displays. You can even go and look at the car you sat in the back of as a young kid! It’s just a huge festival with the added bonus of an auction where you can bid £1 million for a Mercedes or a few thousand quid for your old family saloon – so the saying ‘something for everyone’ is never more appropriate than at the Silverstone Classic.”

Tom Kristensen, Nine-Time Le Mans 24 Hours Winner:
“Silverstone is a great circuit and the perfect place to celebrate Bentley’s centenary. I wasn’t one of the original ‘Bentley Boys’ – I’m not quite old enough for that – but I really enjoyed being part of the team and I feel a little bit British when I put on this suit. As a race, Le Mans is so unpredictable, with tremendous history and heritage behind it, and competing there was a great period during my career. I remember receiving so much support from the British fans at Le Mans back in 2003 – that’s something I will cherish forever.”

Mike Sayer, Communications Manager UK, Bentley:
“2019 is a hugely important year for Bentley, celebrating 100 years of combining luxury and performance, and we have a very busy summer programme of events ahead as we look back over the past century and look forward to what comes next. The Silverstone Classic features prominently on that list, with a bigger Bentley presence this year than ever before. It promises to be a truly unique event, bringing together more pre-war Bentleys than have ever previously come together in a single race. It will be a tremendously evocative sight and sound.”

Guy Smith, 2003 Le Mans Winner for Bentley:
“Winning Le Mans was the absolute highlight of my career, without a doubt. It was an amazing feeling, and to do so in a British car and with a British team made it even more special. Everybody jokes about Le Mans being a British race that’s held in France, and the number of Bentley flags flying showed just how much support we had. Every time I get back behind the wheel of the Speed 8, it brings back so many wonderful memories, and by the same token, it was great to meet up again with Tom [Kristensen] today and swap stories. In terms of stature, having a Le Mans win on your CV is a major achievement, and it’s something that – as you get older – can never be taken away from you.”

Paddy Hopkirk MBE, 1964 Monte Carlo Rally Winner:
“The Mini was originally designed by Alec Issigonis primarily as a district nurses’ car – I don’t think anybody ever expected it was going to achieve the success that it has in competition. I think part of the reason that we did so well in Monte Carlo was that the roads were quite narrow after the snow ploughs had cleared them, and that was more of a challenge for the bigger, more powerful cars than it was for the light and nimble Mini. It wasn’t a natural rally car, but it quickly became one. Similarly, in racing, the bigger-engined cars like the Fords used to blast past us on the straights and then we’d get them back in the twisty parts – that was particularly satisfying. It was really David vs. Goliath stuff and people just fell in love with the little Mini.”

Steve Neal, Former British Saloon Car Championship Driver:
“When it first came out, the Mini was the characteristic King’s Road, Chelsea car – and it went on to become one of the most iconic and recognisable cars in touring car history. Back in my day, we used to drive our cars to the track, stick the numbers on the side and then go out and race them, and I’ve certainly turned a few Minis upside-down in my time – they did tend to fall over quite a bit. You could certainly use and abuse them...”

John Rhodes, Former Formula 1 and Mini Racing Legend:
“I spent four years competing in Minis in the 1960s, and I vividly remember the first time I tested one – a Cooper S at Silverstone. As I went into Copse Corner – flat-out – I realised the tiny disc brakes did nothing at all, so I lifted the throttle, let the back end slide out and then floored the throttle again to get around the corner. That’s how I drove for the next four years... We raced without seatbelts or roll cages in those days – the cars were completely bare inside – and the Mini was just like a go-kart with a roof. The competition was tremendous, too. I think a lot of the time, people used to go to the British Grand Prix more to watch the saloon car racing because it was just so spectacular. We had a lot of fun...”

Gordon Spice, Multiple British Saloon Car Championship Class-Winner:
“I was very lucky – the Capri actually came to my rescue back in the early 1970s. At that time, Formula 5000 had more-or-less given up on me and I was without a drive, and then Stan Robinson offered me a seat in a three-litre Capri in the British Saloon Car Championship, which I snapped up. That was right at the beginning of the Capri era, and it was good-looking, nicely-balanced and a very easy car to drive – almost idiot-proof, I’d say. You had to be either very silly or ambitious to have an accident in it. For me, the Capri vs. Rover battles were amongst the highlights of touring cars down the ages, and it’s wonderful to see the Capri celebrated this year. I wouldn’t miss the Silverstone Classic – I come every year. For me, it’s a better meeting than the Grand Prix. The spirit of the place really captures what the racing used to be like, and I think that’s great.”

Tim Parry, Director of Communications and Brand, Alzheimer’s Research UK:
“We’re delighted to have secured a three-year partnership with the Silverstone Classic. It’s a natural fit – Silverstone boasts some incredible racing memories from down the generations, and we are in the business of protecting those memories. So many cars from previous decades come out on show at the Classic, and that’s what really draws people in. We will use the event as a platform to raise awareness of the diseases behind dementia and show people that we can do something about this and that our research can fund treatments and make breakthroughs possible.”

Paul Stewart, Ambassador, Race Against Dementia:
“My father launched Race Against Dementia, and I’m immensely grateful to Alzheimer’s Research UK for supporting Race Against Dementia fellowships at this year’s Silverstone Classic. Using our joint experience of motorsport, part of our aim is to introduce into the medical world the urgency, energy and spirit of Formula 1. My father felt there were aspects of the medical world that might be inspired if they understood a little bit more about what happens in Formula 1, and to that end, we have organised visits to racing teams to speak to engineers and see what goes on behind-the-scenes. In this way, the Silverstone Classic is the perfect partner – as an event, it wholeheartedly embraces all the values we are looking to promote.”