GRAND TOURERS TO GATHER FROM FAR AND WIDE FOR BENTLEY’S MOST EXTENSIVE SALON PRIVÉ EVER

GRAND TOURERS TO GATHER FROM FAR AND WIDE FOR BENTLEY’S MOST EXTENSIVE SALON PRIVÉ EVER

Restored 1938 Bentley Corniche to make global debut

Bentley’s centenary celebrations are set to continue next week at the prestigious Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance at Blenheim Palace, with a series of debuts, events and announcements that make Bentley the stand-out marque at this year’s event.

The 1939 Bentley Corniche – once thought lost to time but recently completely restored from ruins by Bentley Mulliner – will make its global debut on the first day of Salon Privé on Thursday 5th September. The Corniche is a truly special Bentley – one of one, and the missing link in Bentley’s design DNA between the famous Bentley Embiricos of 1935 and the R-Type Continental of 1952 – cars which still inspire the modern-day Continental GT. The finished car will make its debut as the highlight of the Thursday morning press conference at Salon Privé, before joining the Concours field.

Making its UK public debut on Thursday will be the EXP 100 GT – Bentley’s vision of the future in concept car form, looking forward 15 years to the Bentley of 2035. Combining extraordinary technology, breath-taking sculptural design and a selection of sustainable materials, the EXP 100 GT is an embodiment of the future of luxury mobility. It will appear on a dedicated stage on the South Lawn from Thursday to Saturday.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark, will spend Saturday as part of a team of adjudicators judging more than 50 Bentleys from across history in the Salon Privé Bentley Masters. Bentley’s own EXP2 – the oldest Bentley in the world – will feature alongside an array of pre- and post-war Bentleys. That evening the Bentley Drivers Club will hold a Gala Dinner in Blenheim Palace itself, hosting Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales & Marketing, Chris Craft.

Sunday is the climax of the event, with the Bentley Drivers Club holding their Annual Rally on-site by special permission of the Salon Privé organisers. More than 1,000 Bentleys will travel to Blenheim Palace from across the country, and in so doing will set a new World Record for the largest gathering of Bentleys in history. From the earliest 3 Litre models to the very latest third-generation Continental GT Convertible, the gathering will be a stunning visual representation of the development of Bentley over the last century. 

EXP 100 GT will then make its across the South Lawn of the event, where it will join the 1929 4½ litre Team Blower, the Corniche and nine other key Bentleys from across the last 100 years to form ‘The Magnificent Dozen’ – the final feature celebrating the brand’s centenary. 

Throughout the event, a Bentley retailer stand will also showcase the very latest Bentley models, including the all-new Flying Spur, Bentayga Hybrid and new Continental GT V8. Other iconic cars travelling from the Crewe factory to appear on the North and South lawns include the #8 2003 Speed 8 that completed the 1-2 at Le Mans that year with its #7 sister car, W.O. Bentley’s own 8-Litre and the Pikes Peak Bentayga.

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.

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BRINGS THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE TO THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BRINGS THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE TO THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Festival of Speed Collection 2019

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will serve a highly contemporary presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, presenting a spectacularly faithful recreation of the Grand Courtyard at the Home of Rolls-Royce.

14,000 cobbles and 50 tons of sand were employed to authentically reimagine the iconic Nicholas Grimshaw-designed entrance to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on the Festival of Speed’s Laundry Green where highly Bespoke expressions of the brand’s full product portfolio will be presented to the public.

Guests of the marque will also be invited to the British debut of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Collection Car, Wraith Eagle VIII. This remarkable motor car follows the lineage of aviation-inspired Rolls-Royce Collection Cars and, in this instance, celebrates the first powered transatlantic flight and the pioneers who brought this historic feat to fruition, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown.

Phantom

Phantom, the marque’s flagship, will be presented front and centre reflecting its standing as the rarest and most desired object in the luxury world. Additionally, this commission serves as an insight into the taste patterns of the global wealth community.

During the development of New Phantom, many clients informed the Home of Rolls-Royce that they often drive their Phantom rather than employing a chauffeur; they enjoy its commanding stature on the road and, by taking the wheel, they can further absorb themselves in the experience that they had curated through Bespoke design.

This shift in user case has led clients to more vibrantly express the marque, often displaying a refreshing irreverence towards the expected codes of automotive luxury. Conveying both the rebellion and tradition that exists at the heart of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a vibrant Salamanca Blue exterior is balanced by Scivaro Grey leather with Cobalto Blue accents. A less formal bench-style rear seat concludes the highly modern commission.

Cullinan

Following its global launch in the peaks of the Grand Tetons, Wyoming, Cullinan has embarked on a remarkable Bespoke journey with the marque’s patrons who continue to create truly personal expressions of their lifestyles. An exclusive Cullinan has been curated in recognition of this extraordinary adventure.

The commission boldly reconciles the distinct notions of luxury and utility that Cullinan embodies. The brand’s hallmark high gloss paint finish is rendered in Dark Indigo, while Selby Grey with contrasting Tailored Purple interior appointments represent a more playful expression of the brand. In addition, natural Open Pore Blackwood veneer is jewelled with a Bespoke timepiece and highly polished aluminium Bespoke Audio speaker grilles, referencing the technical capability of Rolls-Royce’s proprietary audio system.

Black Badge 

Since the introduction of the marque’s family of Black Badge motor cars, younger, more dynamic patrons of luxury have responded by progressing the marque’s bold alter-ego through their own highly personal Bespoke commissions. For the 2019 Festival of Speed, Rolls-Royce presents three powerful visions informed by the taste patterns of this new breed of entrepreneur.

A Magma Red exterior finish was selected to signify the dramatic intent of this Ghost Black Badge commission. Beyond the marque’s hallmark nine-coat paint finish is a Mugello Red leather interior that, for the first time, is emboldened by a Starlight Headliner with 1,340 individual red fibre optic lights, confidently resolving the interior aesthetic.

Wraith Black Badge is presented in heavy metallic Dark Emerald coachwork with a deep gloss black bonnet. The exterior colourway is extended to the interior: black textured Natural Grain leather is discreetly highlighted with fine cotton Dark Emerald monogramming to the headrests. The dynamic substance of Dawn Black Badge is sensationalised by Galileo Blue coachwork and a modernist Selby Grey interior, complemented by the marque’s carbon fibre Aero Cowling, trimmed in Selby Grey, creating the elegant silhouette of a two-seat roadster.

Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge on Goodwood Hillclimb Course

A visceral demonstration of the most assertive expression of the marque, a Wraith Black Badge will ascend the rigorous Hillclimb course at Goodwood during the Festival’s Supercar Run. It will be driven by a House Driver from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Black Gloves Programme; a bespoke driving curriculum for Black Badge patrons who wish to exploit the full dynamic potential of their motor car.

Rolls-Royce Phantom as Course Director’s car

The Course Director’s car at the Festival of Speed is recognised as the vehicle that carries celebrities, dignitaries and media guests throughout the event. The marque’s flagship, Phantom, was selected for this honour and will be a regular presence on the course.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

Rolls-Royce Phantom: CO2 emission: 356-341 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.0-18.8 mpg / 15.7-15.0 l/100km. (#) Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge: CO2 emission: 378-374 g/km; Fuel consumption: 16.9-17.0 mpg / 16.7-16.6 l/100km.(#) Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge: CO2 emission: 382-380 g/km; Fuel consumption: 16.7-16.8 mpg / 16.9-16.8 l/100km.(#) Rolls-Royce Cullinan: CO2 emission: 377-355 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.0-18.1 mpg / 16.6-15.6 l/100km. (#) Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge:CO2 emission: 370-365 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.2-17.4 mpg / 16.4-16.2 l/100km.(#) #WLTP (combined)

SIR JACKIE STEWART RECREATES GOLDEN AGE AT THE CLASSIC

SIR JACKIE STEWART RECREATES GOLDEN AGE AT THE CLASSIC

Fifty years ago in July 1969, the legendary Jackie Stewart celebrated his maiden British Grand Prix win at superfast Silverstone. Roared home by his home fans, the victory was not only a career milestone but one which powered the Flying Scot on towards the first of his three world championship titles.

This summer, Stewart will be back at the Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) to mark the golden anniversary of that very special win. He will also be raising awareness and funds for dementia research, a charity cause that is very close to his own heart.

Almost exactly 50 years on from that first British Grand Prix triumph, Stewart returns behind the wheel of his victorious Matra-Ford to mark the occasion with some high-speed demonstration laps on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons at the 2019 Classic.

“I am looking forward very much to getting back to Silverstone in the Matra, even if not at quite the same speeds as 50 years ago!” enthused the triple champion.

Emphasising the tartan helmeted hero’s dominance at the time, the Silverstone success was his fifth in six races but, although he had lapped the entire field by the finish, this victory was memorably hard-earned.

All those lucky enough to have witnessed the 1969 British Grand Prix will recall the incredible duel between Stewart and the hard-charging Jochen Rindt. The Austrian had qualified his Lotus 49 on pole position and was embroiled in a thrilling dice. The lead changed many times until, on one such occasion, Stewart spotted that a part of the Lotus’ rear wing was coming loose and, dangerously, starting to rub against a rear tyre.

Renowned as a campaigner for safety, Stewart warned his rival and Rindt was forced to pit for swift repairs, returning to the track to finish in a thoroughly undeserved fourth position.

“The 1969 British Grand Prix was one of the most exciting and enjoyable Formula One races that I ever had,” recalled Stewart. “Jochen was one of my best friends. The cooperation we had in not trying to block each other allowed us to definitively run away from the rest of the field. We knew, because in those days there was no aerodynamic sophistication, that we could draft each other and pass if we were not blocked. Almost every lap, we exchanged the lead on the Hanger Straight and going into the 155mph Woodcote corner, which in those days had no chicane. We pointed to each other which side to be passed on, to avoid reducing our lead from the rest of the pack. We exchanged the lead more than 30 times and it was a fantastic race for both of us. 

“The Matra MS80 was a wonderful car to drive and the Lotus 49 was also exceptional, in addition to which we were such good friends that there were no nasty circumstances during the entire race, until the unfortunate point at which Jochen’s rear wing came loose. My father and my brother were there to see me win. It was a big day in my life as we had lapped the entire field.”

Today the tireless Stewart is crusading for a different cause. After his wife, Lady Helen Stewart, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, he founded Race Against Dementia believing the application of Formula 1 technology and philosophies could produce earlier solutions to the condition. Almost one million people in the UK alone are living with dementia.

“I am extremely grateful to the organisers for supporting Race Against Dementia,” said Stewart. “Helen will be truly proud of what we’re doing to challenge her illness and the challenge dementia poses to us all.”

At this summer’s Silverstone Classic all funds raised by the festival’s Official Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, will go directly to Race Against Dementia Fellowships. The Fellowships, which are administered by Alzheimer’s Research UK, will support early career scientists in their pursuit of innovative solutions to the big questions in dementia research.

“We are proud to be supporting such a worthwhile cause at the Classic this year and are very honoured to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sir Jackie’s landmark 1969 season in the best possible manner,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “It will be very special to see Sir Jackie back behind the wheel of the iconic light-blue Matra and together once again roaring around Silverstone. It’s going to be a fantastically evocative sight, and one which we hope will provide some impetus to further fuel awareness of, and fundraising for, the pioneering Race Against Dementia Fellowships.” 

Ian Wilson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re so excited that Sir Jackie Stewart will be returning to Silverstone this year to honour this iconic anniversary, while also raising much-needed funding and awareness for dementia research. Like so many people today, Sir Jackie knows only too well the heartbreak dementia causes and the desperate need there is to find a cure. Thanks to the incredible support of the Silverstone Classic, we will be able to fund research that will make breakthroughs possible.”

Adding to the Classic’s golden anniversary celebrations, the event’s pair of blue-riband retro races featuring glorious DFV-powered F1 cars dating back to the sport’s golden age between 1966 and 1985 are being renamed in the Scot’s honour as the Sir Jackie Stewart Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Formula One. The Scot will be back on the Silverstone podium, too, this time presenting the trophies.

Visitors wishing to witness Stewart’s evocative return to the scene of so many of his major successes and, indeed, to experience all the amazing attractions on offer at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival have until midnight on Thursday 25 July to buy their tickets.

Adult general admission starts at £45 and all tickets will provide access to both Silverstone racing paddocks, all open trackside grandstands, live music concerts which this summer mark the 50th anniversary of Woodstock on both Friday and Saturday evenings, 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. 

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