1919 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST CROWNED BEST IN SHOW AT CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019

1919 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST CROWNED BEST IN SHOW AT CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019

Images: Copyright Classic Chatter Media

The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, is celebrating another weekend of motoring royalty, welcoming well over 10,000 automotive enthusiasts and around 1000 incredible cars into the spectacular gardens of Hampton Court Palace. Best in Show was awarded to the 1919 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost by Barker, as voted for by the owners of the participating cars.

Seventy-five of the world’s rarest vehicles were parked in the spectacular Fountain Gardens of Hampton Court Palace vying for the honour of Best in Show. The quality of the cars was so impressive that to even be invited to attend was a triumph. Among them was perhaps the most significant Ferrari in the world – a Le Mans and Mille Miglia-winning 166MM – the world’s first production Jaguar D-Type and a collection of the most important Bentleys ever built.

The Best in Show-winning 1919 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost by Barker was a crowd favourite throughout the weekend. This elegant car with polished aluminium bodywork was certainly the most flamboyant Silver Ghost ordered by a man who owned 25 of these Rolls-Royces: Lt.-General His Highness the Maharaja Sir Bhupindra Singhof Patiala. In his care it spent many years in North West India. Its styling had been inspired by the French coachbuilder Henri Labourdette, whose stylish Art Deco bodies built on Rolls-Royce chassis in 1913-14 had caught the imagination of the Maharaja, but in December 1915 he chose the leading British coachbuilder Barker to build this body on chassis 11 PD.

Awards were also given out for different classes and eras. Once more judged by the owners of the Main Concours cars, the winners included a fresh factory-restored McLaren F1 and a one-of-nine Stout Scarab – an art deco masterpiece and the world’s first minivan – in the 1930s class.

Outside of the main Concours of Elegance cars, nearly 1000 other models parked at Hampton Court Palace for the weekend, including a collection of Future Classics which were crowned by the car that eventually won this class; an Aston Martin Vulcan. Also taking part in the feature were a rare RUF CTR and a one-of-100 Bentley Mulsanne W.O Edition. Meanwhile, the Harry’s Garage display brought together the best supercars of the ‘90s, including a Pagani Zonda C12 S, a Lamborghini Diablo and a Bugatti EB110SS.

The Aston Martin Owners’ Club gathered an astonishing world-first display of each and every variant of Aston Martin Zagato. During the Centenary Year of Zagato, 17 different cars lined up, charting the evolution of one of the automotive world’s greatest creative partnerships. 

Also on display were some of the finest examples from the UK’s most prestigious car clubs, as part of the Club Trophy presented by the Royal Automobile Club and supported by Classic and Sports Car. A panel of expert judges, including HRH Prince Michael of Kent and Classic and Sports Car editor, Alastair Clements, deemed a Vauxhall 30-98 to be the best on display. With just three owners from new, this near-100-year-old car was first owned by an Argentinian horse breeder, who purchased it from Harrods in Buenos Aires. This Vauxhall will now go on to compete in the Main Concours at Hampton Court Palace next year.

Over 50 historic Jaguars were on display on Saturday, competing for the Bridge of Weir Jaguar Trophy. Led by Nigel Woodward of Classic Motor Cars, a panel of judges overwhelmingly decided the car they would most want to take home, was an impeccable and highly original C-Type. This particular car has played its role within Jaguar’s esteemed racing heritage, appearing in the Monaco Grand Prix, driven by Tommy Wisdom, and later Stirling Moss who drove it for much of his 1952 season.

Throughout the weekend, visitors were also asked by Octane Magazine to cast their vote for their favourite car. By far and away, the wonderful Bugatti Type 57 came out on top. This car, chassis 57159, was first clothed in a fairly sober-looking saloon body by James Young, but it fell into such disrepair over the years that it was eventually decided to recreate another design on the ladder frame: a replica of a flamboyant cabriolet. 

The full list of awards:

Best in Show – 1919 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost by Barker

Pre-1920s – 1904 Napier L49

1920s – 1929 Bentley Speed Six Old No.1

1930s – 1938 Stout Scarab

1940s – 1949 Ferrari 166MM #0008

1950s – 1951 Pegaso Z-102

1960s – 1965 Ford GT40

The Club Trophy – Vauxhall 30-98

The Bridge of Weir Jaguar Trophy – Jaguar C-Type

Future Classics – Aston Martin Vulcan

Octane People’s Choice Award: Bugatti Type 57

2019 PHOTO GALLERY by CLASSIC CHATTER

can be viewed at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/albums/72157710769431287

FULL CAR LIST REVEALED AS COUNTDOWN TO CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019 BEGINS

FULL CAR LIST REVEALED AS COUNTDOWN TO CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019 BEGINS

Concours of Elegance has revealed the full list of spectacular cars which will appear at Hampton Court in just a week’s time.

Taking place from 6-8 September, this celebration of automotive elegance, style and passion will feature more than 60 of the rarest and most exclusive cars ever produced in its Main Concours. But while the spotlight most certainly falls on this collection, the Concours of Elegance will display a total of nearly 1,000 rare and exotic vehicles over the course of the weekend in special world-first features and collections.

The Concours of Elegance’s main line-up is always a visual story-telling of the history of the motorcar. From iconic pre-1914 automobiles to limited edition sports and supercars of the 21st century, each of the Concours of Elegance cars has a remarkable story to tell.

Concours of Elegance has picked out a handful of the incredible cars confirmed to appear in the Hampton Court Palace Fountain Garden:

1937 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet

A car with a unique story, this Delage appeared in one of Hollywood’s most spectacular lm musicals, An American in Paris, glamorously carrying Gene Kelly around the City of Light. How did it get the role? It was delivered by coachbuilder Henri Chapron to a Parisian customer in June 1939, only for it to be appropriated later by a French general of the Vichy government, a German collaborator. In 1946 the treacherous general sent the car to California, expecting to follow it, but the USA denied him a visa, so he went to Argentina and sold the car to RKO Studios. In Hollywood, its exotic lines earned it a few roles in films, including Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye, starring James Cagney. The producers of Gershwin’s An American in Paris asked for a few changes including rear-light modifications and two- tone green livery, so when it was returned to France for location filming, Chapron himself oversaw the changes.

1948 Delahaye 175S Grand Luxe Dandy Convertible

The very same flamboyant coachbuilder Henri Chapron called the body style of this delightful four-seat convertible, ‘Le Dandy’, and no doubt he was aware of the poet Baudelaire’s expressed opinion that dandyism meant cultivating the idea of beauty, of satisfying one’s passions and of rejecting middle-class values and any egalitarian principles. The result presented here is an exceptionally pretty car, very rare (only some 50 examples of the 175 in all styles were built) and with that indisputably artistic and original character for which the French stylists were famous. The two-tone paintwork is colourful, dynamic and expressive of speed, and inside the blue theme is continued on the steering wheel, instrument panel, seats, carpets and door panels. With ‘Le Dandy’, Chapron created a car that can have several different characters: when there is rain or cold or one does not wish to be seen, it can be fully closed; it can be a ‘coupé deville’ with an open front section and closed rear for a chauffeur and discreet passenger, or it can be a fully open cabriolet.

1974 Porsche Carrera RS 3.0

In 1973 Porsche launched the 2.7 RS Carrera, an unashamed homologation special designed to ensure the world-famous 911 silhouette became even more successful in races and rallies, which it did. The following year, the Stuttgart firm desired more power and performance, and the engineers came up with the 3.0 RS, the splendid car presented here. While total production of 2.7 RSs was 1580, a mere 54 Carrera RS 3.0s emerged from the factory, a rare model that homologated a further-developed RS for the ‘G-Series’ 1974 model year. The much-developed cars were of course road legal and were fitted with a 3-litre Type 911/77. The 2.7-litre flat-six had not only been enlarged: it had also been given new cylinder heads, larger inlet ports and larger inlet and exhaust surfaces for the valve heads. It developed 230bhp in the road versions, wonderful for highway use, and up to 330bhp in the competition cars for Group 3 races and rallies. In standard form, top speed was around 155mph, with 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds. The 3.0 RS was lightened by the use of thin-gauge steel, simplified equipment and glassfibre for engine and bonnet lids.

2019 Touring Superleggera Sciàdipersia Cabriolet

Intended to be a road-going Orient Express, the inspiration for this ultra-exclusive model – of which only 15 will be built – goes back to 1958 and the Shah of Iran. Shah Reza Pahlavi, who came to power in 1953, was a keen collector
of fast and luxurious cars, buying Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bizzarrinis and Maseratis, and in 1958 he asked Maserati to build him a bespoke high-performance car, with a 450S racing engine fitted into a 3500GT chassis. He commissioned Touring Superleggera to design the coachwork for a highly distinctive car in which he could display his royal status. This new custom model, nicknamed the Scià di Persia (Italian for Shah of Iran), was one inspiration behind the current Sciàdipersia. Another key influence was the simple desire to buck the current trend for aggressive design features. The Sciàdipersia is intended to be svelte, subtle and understated, with classic (and therefore long-lasting) looks that also hark back to the best of the 1960s and ‘70s. It has a low, minimalist front, clean flanks and a substantial tail.

Adult tickets for this year’s Concours of Elegance start from £40, with children under five and carers entering free of charge. For the first time, visitors can also book into an on-site ‘Tom’s Kitchen’ restaurant by celebrated chef, Tom Aikens for a full three-course lunch. Alternatively, Tom’s Kitchen provides less formal deli grab and go options or a three-course picnic. To buy tickets head to: http://www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

The full list of cars on display in the Main Concours is:

1904 Napier L49

1907 Diatto A Clément

1911 Lancia Delta Tipo 56

1920 Ballot 3/8 LC

1921 Bentley 3-Litre

1922 Bentley 3-Litre ‘Le Mans’ Tourer

1923 Bentley 3-Litre Supercharged

1928 Bugatti Type 37

1928 Minerva AF Transformable Town Car by Hibbard & Darrin

1929 Bentley 4 ½-Litre Single Seater ‘Bentley Blower No 1‘

1929 Bentley Speed Six ‘Old No. One’

1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman’s Coupe ‘Blue Train’

1929 Bentley 4 ½-Litre Blower ‘Team car’

1930 Bentley 8-Litre

1930 Bentley Speed Six ‘Old No. 3’

1931 Bentley Speed Six Dual-Cowl Sports Tourer by Vanden Plas

1932 Aston Martin LM9 Le Mans Lightweight

1936 Bentley 4 ¼-Litre by Antem

1936 Stout Scarab

1937 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet

1938 Alvis Speed 25 DHC

1938 Bugatti Type 57

1948 Alfa Romeo 6C-2500 SS Pininfarina Cabriolet

1948 Delahaye 175 S Grand Luxe Chapron

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta Touring

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta Touring

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta

1950 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta

1950 Talbot-Lago T26 GS

1951 Pegaso Z-102 Berlinetta Prototype ENASA

1951 Ferrari 212 Export Berlinetta Touring

1952 Frazer Nash Targa Florio

1953 Lotus Mk VIII

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS Zagato

1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial

1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Coupé by Franay

1955 Jaguar D-Type

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

1956 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk II

1956 Bentley S1 Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner

1957 Porsche 356A Speedster

1958 AC Ace Bristol

1958 Aston Martin DB Mk III

1959 Bristol 406 SWB Zagato

1959 Ferrari 250 TR

1961 Jaguar E-Type FHC

1964 Aston Martin DB5

1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible

1965 Ford GT 40

1967 Maserati Mistral V8 ‘Prototype’ by Frua

1968 Ferrari 330 GTC

1970 Lamborghini Miura P400 S

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0

1984 De Tomaso Pantera GT5

1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack Prototype

1987 Ruf CTR ‘Yellow Bird’

1997 McLaren F1

2002 Bentley State Limousine

2016 Aston Martin Vulcan

2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe

2017 Ruf CTR Anniversary

2018 McLaren P1 GTR

2018 Ginetta G60-LT-P1

2019 Touring Superleggera Sciádipersia Cabriolet

2019 Bentley Mulsanne WO Edition

‘WORLD’S FIRST MINIVAN’ JOINS CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019

‘WORLD’S FIRST MINIVAN’ JOINS CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2019

1936 Stout Scarab car: photo credit Michael Furman

The world’s first production minivan – the stunning art deco-inspired 1936 Stout Scarab will be on display at this year’s Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. With only nine in existence, the Scarab was the brainchild of journalist and automotive & aviation engineer William Bushnell Stout. Inspired by ‘futurist’ author, architect and designer Buckminster Fuller and his tear-drop creation: the Dymaxion, Stout envisaged the Scarab to be a 100-a-year production phenomenon in an age of uninspiring automotive design.

Unfortunately for Stout, the time-consuming coach-work and $5,000 price tag (almost $100,000 today) meant that the idea never gained the traction needed to become a success, and the Scarab dream died after just nine were completed. Fortunately for the Concours of Elegance, the Scarab is now an incredibly rare, art deco-inspired, a coach-built masterpiece that perfectly encompasses the spirit of the show. The most spectacular stories, the most astonishing design and the finest craftsmanship on offer in the automotive world.

This particular Stout Scarab is also at the centre of a war-time legend; it was said to be the scene of a meeting between General Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle during the Second World War. Throughout the 1950s it was then used by a circus owner, keeping monkeys in the car while they toured the continent. It was then sold on to a French industrial designer who had the vehicle placed in a museum in Reims. The current owners had the vehicle restored in 2001 and have kept it in top condition ever since.

This museum-worthy creation is a fantastic addition to the Concours of Elegance, joining some of the world’s rarest and unique automobiles in the stunning gardens of Hampton Court. Featuring alongside a display of one of every Aston Martin Zagato variant, a collection of the most important vehicles in Bentley’s 100-year history, and the most significant Ferrari in existence, the Stout Scarab brings an extra dash of style, rarity and intrigue to the UK’s most coveted concours event.

Andrew Evans, Concours of Elegance Director, said:“Our event is an oasis of the rarest Ferraris, Bugattis, Rolls-Royces, Maseratis and more. But in amongst the sea of motoring legends, visitors often find a truly special outlier – as worthy of its place in the line-up as any other, but without the big-name recognition. This year, the Scarab will undoubtedly be that car; not only is it beautiful, but it’s rare and relatively unknown. You can bet once you’ve seen it at Hampton Court Palace, most visitors will never see another Scarab.”

Adult tickets for this year’s Concours of Elegance start from £40, with children under five and carers entering free of charge. Visitors are also able to purchase bespoke hospitality packages, including VIP parking, three-course lunch, drinks reception and cream tea. To buy tickets head to http://www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

FIRST PRODUCTION JAGUAR D-TYPE AND 15TH E-TYPE JOIN CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

FIRST PRODUCTION JAGUAR D-TYPE AND 15TH E-TYPE JOIN CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

1955 Jaguar D-Type Coupe

The first production Jaguar D-Type, one of history’s most prominent race cars, is set to star at the 2019 Concours of Elegance. Chassis XKD 509 is widely known as one of the most original D-Types in the world, with significant road and racing history, and will join the 15th E-Type FHC ever built in a line-up of the world’s rarest and most significant cars.

The 3.4-litre straight-six powered 1950s racer is possibly the most original D-Type in existence. It has kept its matching-numbers engine, gearbox and chassis, including the front subframe and monocoque centre-section. Its 1970s black body respray is still very much in its original condition but was applied to the car to replace one of the most iconic in-period American racing liveries. While under the ownership of Lu Brero Sr, Chassis XKD 509 sported a wonderful matte dark blue on white colour-scheme with five unique vertical stripes down the length of the car. It was privately raced at tracks all over the globe, achieving podium spots and victories at a number of world-class motoring events.

The first production Jaguar D-Type will take pride-of-place in the palace gardens alongside the 15th E-Type FHC ever built. One of six E-Types displayed at the 1961 Scottish Motor Show, this particular example of the iconic British sportscar has played an incredibly significant role in the history of one of the country’s most renowned automotive manufacturers.

Having moved into private ownership in 1976, it was dismantled some twenty years ago with the intention of having it fully-restored, but E-Type #15 was left in pieces until it was purchased in 2013. After a 3,000-hour restoration by Classic Motor Cars, retaining the majority of its original parts, it’s now perfectly finished in its original colour of Pearl Grey - the only 1961 E-Type to be painted in this shade.

Both of these cars, the genesis of Jaguar’s sports car legend, will be joined by a collection of around 50 other historic Jaguar models at Concours of Elegance for the fifth annual Jaguar Trophy. Members of the Jaguar Drivers, E-Type and XK Clubs are set to bring along their pride and joy to the palace to be assessed by our esteemed panel of judges, before the winner is crowned on the live stage.

Andrew Evans, Concours of Elegance Director, said:“This year’s Concours of Elegance is a real occasion for fans not just of Jaguar but of historic British cars in general. Alongside this gathering of some of the most significant Jaguar cars ever built, we’ve got a display of one of each of the 19 Aston Martin Zagato models built, a collection of the most important Bentleys ever – including the first car to win at Le Mans back-to-back – and a whole host of other icons from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Lotus and McLaren.”

Adult tickets for this year’s Concours of Elegance start from £40, with children under five and carers entering free of charge. Visitors are also able to purchase bespoke hospitality packages, including VIP parking, three-course lunch, drinks reception and cream tea. To buy tickets head to http://www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

ASTON MARTIN LEGENDS JOIN CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

ASTON MARTIN LEGENDS JOIN CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

 Five of the rarest and most astonishing Aston Martins ever built have now been confirmed for Concours of Elegance 2019. From the track-focused 1932 Le Mans Lightweight ‘LM9’ to the 1985 V8 Vantage that formed the template for the fabled X-Pack Vantages, these six cars are the very pinnacle of Aston Martin innovation, design and performance.

Now almost 90 years old, the 1932 Aston Martin Le Mans Lightweight ‘LM9’ was created specifically to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours race that year, in conjunction with its sister car ‘LM10’. ‘LM9’ was fitted with a number of ‘Electron’ parts, a magnesium and aluminium alloy, to help reduce weight over previous Aston Martin racers, and had a pointed tail and low radiator design to help with aerodynamics.

The 1.5-litre car’s first outing was at Le Mans, during 1932 but it didn’t prove successful. The driver pairing of Peacock and Buzzant were forced to retire from the race when a rocker arm broke, was replaced by mechanics, but then the whole rocker bracket failed on the next lap. But its story doesn’t end there; ‘LM9’ returned to Le Mans the following year with the driver pairing of Driscoll and Penn Hughes, with more success. In fact, ‘LM9’ finished the Le Mans 24 Hours fifth overall, first in class and 2nd in the Rudge Cup; an early weighting system that compared a car’s finishing position with its engine size.

At the more modern end of the Aston Martin lineup, Concours of Elegance will be displaying a V8 Vantage model with a significant history. The very car on display at Hampton Court Palace is the genesis of the fabled X-Pack V8 Vantage models, of which only 131 were built.

Finished in Kensington Silver, this V8 Vantage started life as a ‘standard’ car but was later returned to Aston Martin Works so they could begin developing a new, more powerful and better handling version to best the Ferrari 288 GTO and Lamborghini Countach QV 5000. As a result, it got new high compression Cosworth pistons, a larger intake manifold, new Weber carburettors, redesigned cylinder heads and more.

No line up of Aston Martins would be complete without key ‘DB’ models; and Concours of Elegance will start with one of the earliest, the DB2/4 Mark II Saloon. Produced as a more practical four-seater version of the DB2, this particular example was purchased new in June 1956 from Brooklands of Bond Street by The Count Charles de Salis who, together with Cpt Gregor MacGregor entered the followings month’s International Alpine Rally – renowned as being one of the most gruelling motor events of its period. The pair came second in class and won a much-coveted ‘Coupe des Alpes’.

Two examples of arguably the most famous Aston Martin in history will also be on display in the main Concours d’elegance line-up; the DB5 and DB5 Convertible. Made famous by a certain secret agent, the DB5 catapulted Aston Martin into popular culture. The DB5 Saloon being displayed at Hampton Court Palace holds the honour of being the first car to wear the Aston Martin Works Coachbuilders badge, having been the first project fully restored by the factory.

The Aston Martins in the main Concours display will be joined by a special world-first Aston Martin Zagato feature as part of Zagato’s Centenary celebrations. Concours of Elegance will gather one of every Aston Martin Zagato variant ever manufactured in celebration of Zagato’s Centenary. From the 1960 DB4 GT Zagato, right through to the Vanquish Zagato Coupé, Volante, Speedster and Shooting Brake, visitors will be able to browse 19 examples from one of the most famous creative partnerships in automotive history.

Regarded as the UK’s finest Concours d’elegance, the Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance will, for its 8th event, return to the finely manicured gardens of the former home of Henry VIII. From 6-8 September, this once-in-a-lifetime gathering of spectacular vehicles will not only include a celebration of the Ferrari 166MM celebration but also a gathering of ‘Future Classics’ – the rarest and most bespoke luxury and performance cars of the last decade.

Of course, the Concours of Elegance’s central display of more than 60 of the rarest vehicles ever built will be the focal point, telling the story of the motor car from the pioneers of the 1890s right through to the latest bespoke hypercars. Picking out icons and rarities from the world’s most famous car brands, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bugatti and Rolls-Royce, the Concours of Elegance is a celebration of craftsmanship, luxury and innovation.

Andrew Evans, Concours of Elegance Director, said:“For fans of the Aston Martin brand, Concours of Elegance 2019 is an absolutely unmissable event. Not only do we have a number of the most significant Astons ever produced in our main line-up, but we’ve also got a world-first Aston Martin Zagato display gathering one-offs and rarities that will come together only once in a lifetime. Add to that an official presence from Aston Martin itself, alongside car club displays from the Aston Martin Owners Club, and visitors will have nearly a hundred Aston Martins to admire over the course of the 6th-8th September.”

Adult tickets for this year’s Concours of Elegance start from £40, with children under five and carers entering free of charge. Visitors are also able to purchase bespoke hospitality packages, including VIP parking, three-course lunch, drinks reception and cream tea. To buy tickets head to: http://www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

LONDON’S MILE OF EYE- CATCHING AUTOMOTIVE STYLE

LONDON’S MILE OF EYE-

CATCHING AUTOMOTIVE STYLE

Bike and F1 world champs top the bill as the record-breaking Regent Street Motor Show wows crowds in Central London

The traffic on Regent Street was at a total standstill today (Saturday 1 November) not, however, as a result of gridlock in central London but for the annual Regent Street Motor Show.

The capital’s world famous West End shopping street was closed for a very special ‘mile of automotive style’ stretching between Piccadilly to Oxford Circuses as the UK’s largest free-to-view motor show showcased a glittering display of more than 200 cars and bikes from past, present and future generations.

Last November’s captivating event attracted more than 400,000 visitors and this year’s was every bit as popular with enthusiasts, shoppers, London residents and tourists all relishing a huge variety of eye-catching machinery which embraced everything from motoring’s early pioneers to the latest electric cars.
 

Representing the dawn of motoring, and right at the heart of the display, was a remarkable collection of 100 pre-1905 machines. As a curtain raiser to Sunday’s running of the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, these were partaking in the prestigious EFG International Concours d’Elegance. This year’s star-studded judging panel included multiple-title winning F1 team principal Ross Brawn and TV personality Edd China. The beautifully original 1902 Arrol-Johnston of Alistair Hacking was awarded with the overall prize (photo above).

“In many ways this is a dramatically new world for me,” admitted an intrigued Brawn, who is gearing up to participate in his maiden Bonhams Veteran Car Run having stepped down from the World Championship winning Mercedes team earlier this year. “Whether it’s early carburetion systems or steam cars, I’ve seen things I didn’t know existed! The passion and enthusiasm that the owners show is really impressive. They are facing such challenges just to keep these cars running properly. There’s almost an acceptance that something is going to go wrong and will need fixing!”

Further north on the packed street and close to Oxford Circus, the Top Gear Experience simulator was busy all day. Adjoining it was another power show: a mouth-watering display of Porsche 911 Turbos celebrating 40 years of the potent sportscar icon.

Top class motor sport was another of the huge crowd-pleasers. Former world champions Wayne Gardner, Christian Sarron and Freddie Spencer were revving up on Regent Street launching an exciting new World GP Bike Legends event which will be staged at Jerez in Spain next summer (19-21 June).
 

“It’s an incredible honour to be riding some of my old bikes here on Regent Street in the middle of London – it’s all a bit surreal, to be honest,” admitted ‘Fast’ Freddie. “For the fans to see, hear and smell these 500cc bikes firing up and accelerating right here on Regent Street is pretty cool.”

Further down the elegant Nash Curve and closer to Piccadilly Circus, the busy Manufacturers’ Zone was showcasing some of today’s most exciting and desirable machines as well as a glimpse of the future. Among a host of eye-catching models on show were the groundbreaking BMW i3; Renault Twizy, Captur, Twingo and Zoe; Infiniti Q50, OX70 and Q50 Hybrid plus three examples of Tesla’s luxurious Model S, the latter generating massive attention.

Other modern car marques on show included both Mini and Morgan while there was also a special tribute making 50 years of the iconic Ford Mustang.

“It was fantastic to see so many people in the sunshine enjoying such a wonderful display of amazing cars in the fabulous setting of Regent Street,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee. “Staged on the eve of the Bonhams Veteran Car Run, this truly unique motor show really had something for everyone from the earliest steam vehicles right up to the cars that will be roaming our city centres in the decades to come. Once again the Regent Street Motor Show has been a huge success and a great start to what’s always a fabulous and historic automotive weekend in London and I’d like to thank all those at the Regent Association for making this possible.”

This year’s visitor experience was further enhanced by the latest Regent Street app providing personalised information for all those attending via their smart phones.

For more information visit the official Regent Street Motor Show website: www.regentstreetmotorshow.com

 

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