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

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FERRARI IN THE WORLD JOINS THE 166MM CELEBRATION AT CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FERRARI IN THE WORLD JOINS THE 166MM CELEBRATION AT CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

 The Concours of Elegance will welcome perhaps the most significant Ferrari in the world to its 2019 event as part of a special 70th-anniversary celebration of the 166MM Barchetta’s race victories at Le Mans, Spa and the Mille Miglia.

Four of the most historically significant 166MM chassis will gather in Hampton Court Palace’s beautiful Fountain Gardens from 6th-8th September, spearheaded by the ex-works #0008M – which is widely regarded as the most significant Ferrari in the world. It was uniquely piloted to a debut victory at both the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949, making it the only car of any marque to ever have achieved that feat. It also secured the first of the marque’s nine victories at the legendary endurance race, after which it went on to be displayed at the Paris Auto Salon that year.

The 1949 24 Hours of Spa was then won that same year by the second works-entry 166MM, #0010M, which is also set to feature in the Hampton Court Palace display. It has resided in the US for the last half-a-century and will be making the trip across the Atlantic especially for the Concours of Elegance, represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for UK car enthusiasts.

Former Fiat and Ferrari owner, Gianni Agnelli’s personally commissioned 166 Barchetta #0064M is also set to appear as part of the Concours line-up. The two-tone blue and green masterpiece won both class and outright victories at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in-period and has since been awarded the ‘Coppa d’Oro’ at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza. It will feature alongside the third Ferrari Barchetta ever made another Villa D’Este winner from some 66 years prior – chassis #0006M, a Barchetta that competed in the 1949 Mille Miglia, finishing 6th in class. Exactly 70 years after its first victory at Concorso d’Eleganza, #0006M was once again crowned a winner at the event during its 2019 run.

Two fine examples of the 166’s replacement, the Ferrari 212 Export will also join the display. A 212 Export Barchetta #0078E, winner of the 1951 Tour de France and driven by Phil Hill to victory at Torrey Pines in 1952, will be in attendance alongside 212 Export Berlinetta #0108E; an entrant into the 1952 Mille Miglia.

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 the 166 celebrations, and a world-first display of Aston Martin Zagato models but a number of other as-yet-unannounced features.

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: “It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce the latest feature at this year’s Concours of Elegance. Gathering this astonishing collection of heritage-laden 166MM racers – including the most significant vehicle in Ferrari’s incredible history, no less – is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Having already revealed the world-first Aston Martin Zagato feature, which will display one of every model produced by one of motoring’s most legendary partnership, we’ve got the content of a world-class show already. Of course, that’s without mentioning what has always sat at the heart of our event – over 60 of the rarest cars ever built – and the near-1,000 rare and exotic cars that will make up our other features and car club displays.”

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 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:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/classiccarimages/sets/72157672995773408

Concours of Elegance 2018