SALON PRIVÉ ANNOUNCES 2ND UK DEBUT WITH LAUNCH OF THE AUSTRO DAIMLER ‘BERGMEISTER’ ADR 630 SHOOTING GRAND

SALON PRIVÉ ANNOUNCES 2ND UK DEBUT WITH LAUNCH OF THE AUSTRO DAIMLER ‘BERGMEISTER’ ADR 630 SHOOTING GRAND

 Established in 1899, Austro Daimler was a historically significant Austro-Hungarian automaker, who, at one stage in 1910, held the honour of making the world’s fastest car – the 85mph Prinz Heinrich. Outbreak of the First World War saw the company focus on contribution to the wartime effort and so it wasn’t until the 1930s that Austro Daimler reverted to the production of automobiles with some outstanding and innovative luxury vehicles leaving its production-line. One such vehicle and the last to come out of the factory in 1931 was the 6-cylinder ‘Bergmeister’ or ‘Mountain Master’ so-called because of its numerous successes in mountain races. Fast forward nearly 90 years as we present its spiritual heir, the new ADR 630 Shooting Grand.

With its long, sweeping bonnet, short rear overhang and gullwing doors, the new car’s styling is both innovative and striking. Thanks to an intelligent lightweight design, aluminium space frame and sophisticated, ground-breaking technology, Austro Daimler were able to achieve a curb weight of 1650kg which is impressive when considering the size of the car; 4,544mm long, 2,087mm wide and with a wheelbase of 2,636.95mm.

At its heart is the SERIPA Performance Hybrid powertrain which was specially developed for the new Bergmeister. Combining the Mercedes-AMG GT 3-Litre in-line 6 with three high-performance electric motors, it is a superbly efficient unit which generates a staggering 1,198 bhp and 1,180 lb. ft; enough to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 200 mph. The bulk of the power is derived from the electric motors, each producing 271 bhp and providing charge is a 55-kilowatt lithium-ion battery. The battery sits in the area normally reserved for the GT's trunk hence a shooting brake body was designed to provide the necessary storage space. Based on the principle of a plug-in hybrid, the battery for the 600 kW electric drive of the new Bergmeister can be loaded with up to 150 kW charging power, meaning that under purely electric propulsion, it has a range of up to 250km and a total range (according to WLTP cycle) of up to 1,000km.

When asked where the inspiration came from for the ADR 630 Shooting Grand, Project Manager, Roland Stagl commented, "When we were developing the vehicle, our overriding concern was to capture the spirit of the original Bergmeister and to translate this into the future, just as if the brand never ceased to exist. Considering the ethos and values of the brand and acknowledging its position as a true automotive innovator, led us to design the Shooting Grand with what we like to describe as innovation by tradition.” 

Both externally and internally, the ADR 630 Shooting Grand exudes ‘retro’ with its double-bubble roof and rising rear roof-line as was customary with cars of the 1930s and the headlights, wrap-around rear light panels as well as the lavish interior combining wood and leather all take inspiration from the art deco style of this period.

Co-founder and Sales Director of Salon Privé, David Bagley said, “We are delighted to welcome Roland and his team to Salon Privé and thrilled that they have chosen Salon Privé to launch their fabulous new PHEV to the UK market. Having first seen the ADR 630 Shooting Grand earlier this year at Villa d’este, I knew it was a car we had to have at Salon Privé. The history of the brand and passion of the team behind its design is compelling as are the sheer technological advancements that have been achieved – I am sure there will be a lot of interest and activity around the new car when it gets its UK public unveiling at the event on Thursday 5th September.”

EDITORS’ NOTES:

Now in its 14th year, Salon Privé is a must-attend event for any car enthusiast or aficionado. Having been invited into the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, the Concours is now recognised by the experts as one of the top events in the world alongside Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este and Amelia Island to name a few. It is an automotive Garden Party held within the grounds of ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’, Blenheim Palace and firmly established as the UK’s most exclusive automotive Garden Party. 

Salon Privé showcases a globally-recognised Concours and a one-marque ‘Masters’ celebration within the same four-day event; firstly, the ‘Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance by Chubb Insurance’ on Thursday 5th September comprising 50 eclectic historic cars and 20 motorbikes, followed by ‘Salon Privé Bentley Masters by Chubb Insurance, Pirelli & Lockton Private Clients’ celebrating Bentley’s 100th Anniversary on Saturday 7th September. ‘Salon Privé Ladies’ Day by Boodles’, a favourite on the British social calendar sits between the two on Friday 6th September as does the first of 2 new events, Salon Privé LIVE that evening located in nearby Woodstock. Finally, the newly-formed Salon Privé Classic & Supercar will become our finale day for the public on Sunday 8th September. For more information, please contact David Bagley – davidb@salonpriveconcours.com

Tickets can be purchased via the website www.salonpriveconcours.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline: 0808 100 2205.

LONDON CONCOURS ANNOUNCES CLASSES FOR 2019

LONDON CONCOURS ANNOUNCES CLASSES FOR 2019

The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has announced this year’s expertly curated car classes, including ‘The Great Marques’, ‘The Innovators’ and ‘The Icons’.

The capital’s leading automotive garden party returns to the idyllic lawns of the Honourable Artillery Company from 5-6 June, displaying more than 70 automotive greats in seven distinct classes:

Great Marques – Ferrari

Great Marques – Jaguar

The Icons

The Innovators

The Outlaws

Made in Germany

Lost Marques

The ‘Great Marques’ classes are a celebration of some of motoring’s most legendary brands. This year the honour falls to Ferrari and Jaguar; both of whom have a long list of automotive luminaries in their back catalogue – the Ferrari 250 GTO and Jaguar XKSS to name just two.

The Icons class is comprised of automotive models that came to represent their generation; think the ‘90s and it’ll be the McLaren F1 or think ‘60s and it’ll be the Aston Martin DB5. Whether it’s through ripping up the rulebook, finding fame on the silver screen or being the poster car for a whole generation of buyers, each car in this class has established itself as a verified automotive icon.

The Innovation Class brings together cars that blazed a trail with new technology both on the race track and on the road. Expect to see the first ground effect Formula One cars and innovators like the Bugatti EB110; the first road car to use carbon fibre monocoque. Meanwhile, ‘Made in Germany’ is a veritable greatest hits of the finest cars from Porsche, Mercedes, Audi and more.

Also featuring at the London Concours will be a display of ‘The Outlaws’; classic modified cars that are part of a recent global phenomenon spearheaded by the likes of Rod Emory, and the ‘Lost Marques’. These cars are a homage to some of the greatest automotive manufacturers lost to time; Alvis, Panhard, Frazer-Nash, Bizzarrini and more.

Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “Despite our absolutely stunning venue and the world-class collection of luxury partners, the London Concours is made by the astonishing assortment of cars it brings together. What we’ve created in these classes is the perfect platform to display the greats from all walks of motoring life, ensuring that once again the London Concours is the capital’s premier automotive event.”

A number of special motoring features will also be taking place at London Concours, details of which will be announced in the coming months.

As well as the automotive displays, visitors will be able to browse a number of other luxury attractions, including the world-class watches of Montres Breguet, fine displays of art and a number of top-end food and drink offerings.

The London Concours 2019 takes place from 5-6 June. Tickets are available to buy now from https://www.theticketfactory.com/london-concours/online/

FOOTMAN JAMES ANNOUNCES NEW CLASSIC VEHICLE MEET FOR 2019: COFFEE & CHROME

FOOTMAN JAMES ANNOUNCES NEW CLASSIC VEHICLE MEET FOR 2019: COFFEE & CHROME

Footman James’s Coffee & Chrome meets aim to bring together enthusiasts and their classic cars and bikes from all makes, marques and eras over a hot drink and a free bacon butty. There will also be a number of specialist classic traders in attendance for visitors to browse, when they can tear themselves away from admiring the classics on display!

Coffee & Chrome will be taking place throughout 2019 on selected Sunday mornings, with the first taking place at Chateau Impney in Droitwich – the home of Chateau Impney Hill Climb. Chateau Impney is steeped in motoring heritage with the first hill climb taking place over 50 years ago, making this the perfect backdrop for the meet.

This event builds upon the success of Footman James’s sold out Drive-It Day in April, hosted at the Chateau, which saw over 30 classic vehicles travel in convoy through the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Participants came with their Jaguar E-types, Porsche Boxsters, Triumph Spitfires, MGAs, Cobras, Nortons and Harley Davidsons – so expect to see a similarly eclectic mix of vehicles at Coffee & Chrome!

The first Coffee & Chrome meet is taking place on Sunday 6th January 2019 between 10am and 1pm. The meet is free to attend; however, space is limited to 200 vehicles, so participants are asked to register online on the Footman James website (footmanjames.co.uk/classichub) to confirm their place.

Further dates for Coffee & Chrome will be announced in the new year. Follow Footman James on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated.

For further information about Footman James please contact 0333 207 6000 or visit www.footmanjames.co.uk.

MG CAR CLUB ANNOUNCES MOTORSPORT CALENDAR FOR 2019 SEASON

MG CAR CLUB ANNOUNCES MOTORSPORT CALENDAR FOR 2019 SEASON

The MG Car Club’s Motorsport activities for the 2019 season have been confirmed with a six-race calendar for the Club’s six Championships.

Alongside the Club’s non-motorsport activities, the Club is the largest single marque club organising and managing all of the race meetings and championships.  Motorsport is synonymous with the MG brand, with numerous race and rally appearances and also land speed records littered throughout history.

Kicking off at the end of March; the calendar runs through to October;

Saturday 30th March	Silverstone National
Saturday 27th- Sunday 28th April	Brands Hatch Indy
Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th June	MGLive! Silverstone Grand Prix
Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st July	Donington Park
Saturday 31st August	Oulton Park
Saturday 5th October	Snetterton 300

To encourage participation from young competitors, the MG Car Club will continue to offer half-price entries to any competitor 25 and under for the 2019 season, meaning entry fees for a weekend could be as little as £300. 

The six championships and two series ran by the Club cover every era of MG from the first up to the later models.

BCV8 Championship

BCV8 Championship is the premier series for MGB and MGC racing, offering classes for the fully modified V8s to a road going cars.

The BCV8 Championship has been one of the most successful Club based motor racing series and continues to thrive by providing close racing at a relatively low cost.

Cockshoot Cup

Cockshoot Cup Championship is a racing championship run by the North West Centre of the MG Car Club. It provides an opportunity for owners of MG sports and saloon cars to race their cars within easy travelling distance of the North West of England.

The Cockshoot Cup is a solid silver trophy donated to the MGCC in the nineteen thirties by the then MG Dealers in Manchester. Since 1984 the Trophy has been awarded to the winner of the race series run by the MG Car Club North West Centre Ltd.

MG Metro Cup

The Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup is the racing formula for all types of MG Metro and Rover 100 Metro. For 2019, the MG Metro Championship will allow five-door Metro variants to enter the championship.

Started in 1992, the Championship has been successful in maintaining its objective of providing an easy way into motor racing for drivers with a limited budget.

Midget & Sprite Challenge

The Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge is the only exclusively “Spridget” race series in the UK. The class structure reflects the different specifications that Spridgets have raced over the years, with all historic body styles catered for.

MG Trophy

MG Trophy caters for the front wheel drive MG ZR in 3 classes.

In recent years the MG Trophy has produced a number of drivers who have gone on to higher levels of motorsport with ex Trophy driver Jack Goff now competing in the BTCC having won the Clio Cup in 2012. 

MG Cup

For 2019, cars from the Austin Rover stable will be welcomed to the grid, with Rover Tomcat Turbos and Rover Metro GTis lining up against the usual array of MG machinery. 

The MG Cup has been running for over 30 years, with a simple structure and regulations designed to keep costs to a minimum and provide a challenge for new and experienced drivers alike.

Series & Guest Championships

The Iconic 50s series for 50s MG Sports cars and MG XPAG specials against other Marques including Austin Healey and Alfa Romeo and the Triple M Challenge for MG Midget, Magna, Magnette cars will also be back at selected events.

In addition to the six MG Car Club Championships, guest championships from Equipe GTS, Morgan Sports Car Club and Porsche Club GB will be welcomed back to ensure each meeting provides an excellent spread of racing for spectators.