BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY SMART IS SMART CHOICE FOR FANS

BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY SMART IS SMART CHOICE FOR FANS

Simply Smart will return as the final rally in Beaulieu’s successful 2019 season of Simply events with a vibrant gathering of fun-sized Smart cars on Remembrance Sunday, November 10th

A favourite event with fans of this cheeky and cheerful urban classic, Simply Smart is open to every model from more than two decades of production. From the classic ForTwo that kick-started the brand to open-top Cabrio and Crossblade variants, as well as the sporty Smart Roadster and family-friendly ForFour, all are welcome to join the rally in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Beaulieu Events Co-ordinator Dan Vaughan said: “Simply Smart is always one of the most colourful rallies in the Beaulieu events calendar, with custom paint finishes and eye-catching graphics to admire. It is a great social occasion for owners and enthusiasts and we expect November’s event to be another success.”

Simply Smart is traditionally held on Remembrance Sunday and a two-minute silence will be held at 11am, which visitors are invited to take part in.

Throughout the day, visitors and rally participants will be voting for their favourite Smart of the show in the People’s Choice Awards. The owner of the Smart with the greatest number of votes will be presented with a commemorative Beaulieu trophy and special Autoglym prize.

Event tickets include entry to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the Secret Army exhibition, 13thcentury Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.

For those driving Smart cars into Beaulieu to take part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult, £5 a child (aged 5-16) if bought in advance online before 5pm on November 7th, or £12 an adult and £6 a child if bought on arrival. All other visitors can buy a standard Beaulieu attraction ticket. For tickets and information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-smart/.

Entry is from 9am until 3pm for rally participants when the Brabazon Restaurant will be serving hot drinks and breakfast snacks. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu though Visitor Reception from 10am.

If you are taking part in the show and want to park up with your friends, please ensure that you arrive together. Club stands are also available up to a fortnight before the event. To book or for information contact the Events team on 01590 614614 or at events@beaulieu.co.uk.

BEAULIEU’S FIRST SIMPLY MERCEDES EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

People's Choice winner Stuart Haynes' 1966 Mercedes 600 Grosser

BEAULIEU’S FIRST SIMPLY MERCEDES EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

Beaulieu’s first Simply Mercedes exceeded all expectations with as many as 424 luxury cars making a magnificent line-up in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

A total of 845 rally participants enjoyed the luxury saloons, limousines, glamorous sports cars and rugged utility vehicles from the classy 1950s up to the latest models, in a rally on Sunday, August 18th.

Beaulieu Events Co-ordinator Sophie Boyes said: “For Simply Mercedes’ first year, we had expected around 300 cars to join the show, so to have over 400 Mercedes' drive in to take part in the rally was astonishing. It was brilliant to see the event come together on the day and it far exceeded our expectations.”

Motor racing entrepreneur Jonathan Ashman joined a celebration of 40 years of the G-Class and G-Wagen at the event and talked to visitors about test driving the first right-hand-drive G-Wagens in the 1970s.

Classic Mercedes enthusiasts were treated to the rare sight of a W136 saloon with its pre-war styling, as well as the late 1950s W121, early 1960s W110 with its dramatic tail fins, glamorous 1960 190 SL Roadster and 1964 W113 ‘Pagoda’ drop-top.

Models from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond were also well represented, from a subtly modified and lowered 1973 W114 coupe to immaculate examples of the 190E executive saloon, plus R107 and R129 roadsters and coupes.

The modern Mercedes on show included the jaw-dropping Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door super saloon, impressive Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster and CL500 grand tourer.

At the heart of the rally, Mercedes-Benz Club South Region turned many heads with a wide variety of its members’ prestigious cars.

Show-goers voted for their favourite Mercedes of the show in the People’s Choice Award with Stuart Haynes, from Worthing, winning with his incredible 1966 Mercedes 600 ‘Grosser’. One of the most iconic luxury vehicles of the 20th century, the huge metallic blue 600 impressed event-goers with its luxurious features.

Stuart said: “I always aspired to own one. In the five years that I’ve owned it, I have completely restored the car.” He was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Financial Director Phil Johnson.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Keith Maiden, from Poole, and Lee Harvey, from Bournemouth.

Keith has owned his 2018 Mercedes G350 since it was new and personalised the 4x4 with the addition of a roof tent, camping kitchen gear and extra storage space. He said: “It always does everything with ease and is really versatile.”

Lee has owned his 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG for five months and in that time has fitted it with a K&N induction kit. He said: “I really love the car’s power and looks.” Both runners-up were presented with Autoglym prizes.

Simply Mercedes was Beaulieu’s ninth Simply rally this year and will be followed by Beaulieu’s final Simply event, Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details of Beaulieu’s events calendar see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

Beaulieu's Jon Tee presents prize to Peoples Choice runner up Aaron Britton

Beaulieu’s Simply Japanese marked 30 years of the Mazda MX-5 and 50 years of the Nissan GT-R, as first-class examples of these iconic performance cars joined the bumper display of 1410 Japanese cars, which was up 49% over the 2018 total of 947 cars.

As many as 2547 show participants enjoyed the sunshine and the packed display in the grounds of the National Motor Museum on Sunday 28th July, which saw all manner of Japanese cars join the show, from original-spec stunners to modified examples.

The popular Mazda MX-5 and Nissan GT-R were well represented in their anniversary year, showcasing these successful models at their best. Other favourites with show-goers included the Toyota MR2, Mitsubishi Evo, Nissan Cube, Honda Civic Type R and more, while displays by car clubs including SouthCoastJap, Hampshire Honda Crew and Celica-Club were at the heart of the show.

Show-goers voted for their favourite Japanese car of the show in People’s Choice Award, with Daniel Smart from Poole winning with his 1995 Nissan GT-R R33. In just one year of ownership, Daniel had rebuilt the engine, upgraded the brakes and carried out a whole host of improvements to his high-performance V-spec coupe. He was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Aaron Britton from Portsmouth and Lee Smith from Poole. Aaron’s 1972 Datsun 240Z turned many heads with its impressive blue paintwork. “I’ve done a lot to it, so it’s pretty much had a full restoration,” Aaron said. Lee had owned his 2015 Honda Civic Type R from new, having carried out work to the engine, body, wheels and interior. “I’m a petrolhead by nature and I’ve been doing up cars since I was 12 years old,” Lee said. Both Aaron and Lee were presented with Autoglym prizes.

Simply Japanese was Beaulieu’s eighth Simply rally this year. It will be followed by 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.

BEAULIEU’S RECORD SIMPLY JAGUAR IS A ROARING SUCCESS

BEAULIEU’S RECORD SIMPLY JAGUAR IS A ROARING SUCCESS

An all-time record of 474 Jaguars made Beaulieu’s Simply Jaguar the biggest and best yet, with luxury and sports cars from the British motoring legend roaring into the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

With an extra 59 cars to last year’s event, the fourth Simply Jaguar on Sunday (July 14th) was packed with a variety of eye-catching cars. The number of event-goers was also up from 860 last year to 940 this year.

The iconic Jaguar MkII, which was made famous by ITV’s popular Inspector Morsedetective series, was well-represented for its 60th anniversary year. It was joined by examples of its MkI predecessor and the class-leading XJ6 that replaced it.

Two pristine Jaguar SS saloons, dating from 1936 and 1937, were the oldest cars on show, while an equally impressive sight were examples of Jaguar’s stunning XK120, XK140 and XK150 post-war sports cars and impressive D-type replicas. Other crowd favourites included the much-loved E-type and XJ-S, plus the modern-day XK and F-type, while the Jaguar Driver’s Club and Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club were both well-represented by members.

Show-goers voted for their favourite Jaguar of the show in the People’s Choice Award with Paul Baker, from Oxford, winning with his 1966 E-type roadster. An eye-catching machine in gunmetal with a blue hood, the E-type has received plenty of attention during Paul’s two years of ownership. He said: “I’ve done loads to it, including a full respray, new roof and an engine rebuild. It’s a style icon and I always aspired to have one.” Paul was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Financial Director Phil Johnson.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Paul Whitfield, from Hook in Hampshire, and Alastair McIntyre, from Pinner in London. Paul’s 1956 Jaguar XK140 gave an impressive shine on the hot summer day. Paul said: “I just keep polishing it. I’m captivated by the colour combination of red with a beige interior and I love the 1950s style.”

Alastair has owned his 2016 Jaguar F-Type SVR, in Corris Grey paintwork, for two years. He said: “I’ve fitted new wheels and suspension to the car. I love it simply because it’s a Jaguar!” Both Paul and Alastair were presented with Autoglym prizes.

Simply Jaguar was Beaulieu’s seventh Simply rally this year. It will be 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.

MAGNIFICENT MOTORS FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY MERCEDES DEBUT

MAGNIFICENT MOTORS FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY MERCEDES DEBUT

The stylish luxury cars of Mercedes-Benz will be the stars of Beaulieu's brand new Simply Mercedes on Sunday, August 18th when they meet for the brand new event in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Eagerly anticipated by German car fans, Simply Mercedes is open to all ages and models from the marque’s distinguished history. From sporty roadsters and luxury saloons to rugged off-roaders and hard-working commercial vehicles, all are invited to park up in the rally which will honour one of the world’s most respected car makers.

Expect to see a selection from landmark post-war models such as the stylish fintail and ‘Ponton’ saloons, through the iconic 300SL ‘Gullwing’, classic ‘Pagoda’ sports car and popular W123 saloons, to the modern-day A-Class, S-Class, G-Class and X-Class, as well as class-leading Sprinter van and the all-terrain G-Wagen and Unimog. All Mercedes are welcome to join the show.

The Mercedes-Benz Club will be out in force, bringing a selection of its members’ prestigious cars.

Visitors and event-goers will be able to vote for their favourite Mercedes of the show in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

Make sure to explore the National Motor Museum, included in the event ticket, where show-goers can see a remarkable selection of historic Mercedes. The 1903 Mercedes 60hp, one of only five still in existence, is joined by the 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 Model S once owned by actor Sir Peter Ustinov and the 2010 McLaren Mercedes MP4/21 replica of Jenson Button’s F1 racer.

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 Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.

For those driving a Mercedes 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 August 15th, 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-mercedes.

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.

The first Simply Mercedes will be Beaulieu’s ninth Simply rally this year, followed by 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.

MX-5 AND GT-R BIRTHDAYS MARKED AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

MX-5 AND GT-R BIRTHDAYS MARKED AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

Two of Japan’s best-loved performance cars will be honoured as part of Beaulieu’ssuper-size Simply Japanese on Sunday, July 28th, as 30 years of the Mazda MX-5 and 50 years of the Nissan GT-R are marked with special display areas in the vibrant show.

Owners of these iconic motors are invited to park in the grounds of the National Motor Museum as highlights of the show, which is anticipated to attract as many as 900 Japanese cars of every age and variety.

The globally successful Mazda MX-5 has become the roadster of choice for millions since its 1989 launch. The iconic Nissan GT-R traces its history back even further to 1969 when it was unveiled as the ultimate performance version of the six-cylinder Nissan Skyline. Owners of both of these legendary models, from the earliest examples right up to the latest showroom versions, will be taking their places in the busy showground.

Club stands are always at the heart of the show, with 450 cars across 29 club stand already booked to attend the eighth Simply Japanese. Mighty 5s will be bringing along a selection of Mazda MX-5s, Del Sol UK will be showcasing the targa-top Honda CRX and Celica-Club will celebrate the many incarnations of Toyota’s sporty Celica, while Hampshire Honda Crew, the Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ Drivers Club plus the SouthCoastJap and Nihon Kuruma Alliance enthusiasts’ groups will be out in force, as members each park their pride and joy on the club stand.

Throughout the day, visitors and event-goers will be able to vote for their favourite Japanese car 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 Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.

For those driving Japanese cars 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 25th, 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-japanese.

Entry is from 8.30am - 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 Japanese will be Beaulieu’s eighth Simply rally this year, followed by 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.

SIMPLY PORSCHE PARADISE AT BEAULIEU EVENT

SIMPLY PORSCHE PARADISE AT BEAULIEU EVENT

Porsche fans were in their element at Beaulieu's Simply Porsche as 1,981 participants and 987 Porsches gathered in the grounds of the National Motor Museum in blazing sunshine.

Held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts’ Club (TIPEC), the 7thSimply Porsche rally (on Sunday, June 2nd) was packed with variety, as Porsches old and new took their places in the showground for a relaxed day out at one of the south’s biggest attractions.

Taking fans on a trip through the marque’s motoring history were examples of the pioneering 356 and classic 912, Targa top 911 T and lairy 1980s 911 Turbo, followed by the 944, Boxster and 933, right up to the latest 718 Boxster, GT3 RS, 911 Carrera S and Panamera.

A big hit inside the National Motor Museum was the 1969 Porsche 917K, which made a star appearance in the Steve McQueen film Le Mans.

Event-goers browsed a variety of trade stands to offer accessories, books and model cars, while Porsche specialists Ashgood Cars, Dove House Cars, Brookspeed, JMG Porsche and Porsche Centre Bournemouth displayed a selection of Porsches for sale.

Throughout the day, visitors and participants voted for their favourite car of the show in the People’s Choice Awards. The overall winner was Simon Borg, from Bristol, for his immaculate 1996 Porsche 996 Carrera 4 roadster. He said: “For me, this car is a childhood dream. Over the past four years, I have had the engine rebuilt, added the spoilers and changed the colour of the car from silver to Pearl White.” Simon was presented with a commemorative trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu's Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Mike Luff, from Petersfield, and Simon Ward, from Poole. Mike’s 2005 Porsche 997 turned many heads in its Rothmans livery, having been built in homage to Porsche’s 935 endurance racers that competed at Le Mans. Mike, who bought the car six months ago, said: “I love it because of the quality of the workmanship that went into its build.”

Simon Ward’s classic 1987 911 was also popular, with its cool-looking black paintwork and bumpers with styling touches retro-fitted from earlier 911s. He said: “I’ve had Porsches before but this one is definitely my favourite.” Both Mike and Simon were presented with Autoglym prizes and tickets for a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Motor Museum Trust.

Simply Porsche was the fourth of Beaulieu's ten Simply rallies for 2019. Coming next is Simply VW on June 15th, followed by Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on 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.

BUMPER CELEBRATION WITH DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY FORD

BUMPER CELEBRATION WITH DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY FORD

As many as 1,400 Fords of all ages motored into Beaulieu’s Simply Ford for a bumper celebration of all things Ford, marking milestones for two of the marque’s most iconic models, with 50 years of the Capri and 60 years of the Anglia 105E.

The impressive show took over the grounds of the National Motor Museum as 2,870 rally participants enjoyed the vibrant and varied display. There was something to suit every Ford fan, from showroom-fresh Mustangs and customised Focuses to monster American Ford trucks. Everyday Fiestas, lovingly restored Escorts and preserved Populars were parked alongside incredible pre-war hot rods.

Capri owners turned out in force to celebrate 50 years of the iconic model that was famously marketed by Ford as ‘the car you always promised yourself’. Enthusiasts had much to get excited about with the line-up on the Events Arena, as pristine examples of the stylish Mk1 – including a 3000GT and modified track-ready example – were joined by a wide variety of later versions and rare last-of-the-line Capri 280 ‘Brooklands’.

Superb examples of the Anglia also took pride of place, as the family favourite celebrated its 60th anniversary. The selection ranged from an immaculate and rarely-seen Anglia 105E estate to a wild Anglia hot rod, powered by a Range Rover V8 engine.

Show-goers loved the new Mustang BULLITT, a special edition version of the world’s favourite muscle car which was built to celebrate half a century of the classic 1968 film Bullitt. Fitted with a 5-litre V8 engine and painted in dark highland green, this special Mustang is a modern incarnation of one of the most famous cars on the silver screen.

Club stands were a big draw and popular with visitors and rally participants alike. Dorset All Ford Types brought a variety of Fords, including sought-after Sierra RS Cosworth and Sierra XR4i, Cortinas, Granada, Fiesta Mk3 and Scorpio, while the Ford Sierra Owners Club stand included a rare Ford Sierra motorhome conversion. Simply Mustangs UK, Midlands Mondeo Enthusiasts, Nuts 4 Fords and the Rusty Shed Restoration Club also proudly showcased their members’ cars.

Hendy Ford showcased a selection of showroom cars that event-goers could buy, while trade stands sold a selection of spares and Ford-related accessories.

The People’s Choice Award was won by Glyn Baker, from Ringwood, who has owned his Escort Mk1 RS2000 for more than 20 years. During that time the car has been completely restored and Beaulieu’s Simply Ford was the first run-out following its engine rebuild. Glyn was presented with his Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack prize by Pierre Bonnet, the Sales Planning Manager for Ford UK who has 25 years of experience in the motor industry, working for the Ford Motor Company in both France and Britain. Pierre was in charge of the launch of the Mustang in the UK from 2014-16 and is a true car enthusiast.

Runners-up were Edgar Liranco, from Fareham, for the Mustang he has owned for 18 months and David Pritchard, from Westbury, for the Escort Cosworth he has upgraded to give a staggering 755bhp in the 13 years he has owned it. They were both presented with Autoglym prizes by Pierre.

Simply Ford was the third of Beaulieu’s ten Simply rallies for 2019. Coming next is Simply Porsche on June 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on 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.

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 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply 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.

RECORD ASTON MARTIN TURNOUT FOR BEAULIEU’S FIRST SIMPLY RALLY

RECORD ASTON MARTIN TURNOUT FOR BEAULIEU’S FIRST SIMPLY RALLY

Simply Aston Martin

A record total of 410 Aston Martins made Simply Aston Martin the best yet, featuring a DB7 25th-anniversary timeline to get Beaulieu’s events season off to a stylish start.

With a 32% increase over 2018’s turnout of 311 cars, yesterday’s rally (April 7th) showcased some of the most glamorous cars on the road – as Aston Martins of every age drove into the grounds of the National Motor Museum for 2019’s first Simply event.

Celebrating one of the most successful Aston models, 23 examples of the much-loved DB7 made a real-life timeline on Beaulieu’s Events Arena, spanning a long production life from 1994 - 2004. Hoods were lowered on DB7 Volante convertibles as they went on show in the spring sunshine alongside sleek DB7 coupes.

Aston fans were spoiled for choice by the variety of supercars on show, ranging from the glamorous 1955 DB2/4 DHC, 1959 DB MkIII FHC and 1962 DB4 Vantage, through examples of the classic DB5, DB6 and V8, to the V8 Coupes of the 1990s. Well represented was the modern-day DB9, while special edition Vantage GT8 and Vantage N430 were joined by two of the very latest Aston Martin Vantages.

The diverse line-up included members of the Aston Martin Owners’ Club, while dealer Aston Martin Chichester brought an impressive selection of the latest Aston Martins from its showroom.

Collecting the most votes from show-goers was Stephen Webb from Fareham with his 2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Tag Heuer Edition. One of only 50 examples built in collaboration with watchmaker Tag Heuer, and one of just a handful in the UK, the DBS with its twin-turbo V12 engine won the People’s Choice Award. He was presented with a commemorative trophy and Autoglym prize by Beaulieu’s Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.

Stephen, who has owned his rare machine for just a few months, said: “I’ve always had Aston Martins. I just love them.”

Also presented with Autoglym prizes were runners-up Phil Dixon, with his 2017 Aston Martin Vantage GT8, and Les White, with his 2016 Aston Martin GT12. Phil, who had driven down from the Midlands in his bright yellow GT8 which he had owned for just a month, said: “To say you own an Aston is a special experience. I’ve bought it to go on a massive road trip.”

Les White, from Buckinghamshire, has owned his GT12 from new and said: “It’s just unique, very comfortable and makes a great sound!”

Next in Beaulieu’s calendar of 10 Simply rallies is Simply Audi on Easter Sunday, April 21st, followed by Simply Ford on May 5th, Simply Porsche on June 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on July 28th, 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.

SPORTS CAR STYLE FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY PORSCHE

SPORTS CAR STYLE FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY PORSCHE

Head to Beaulieu for a Porsche-themed day with Simply Porsche on Sunday, June 2nd, as more than 1,000 stylish sports cars join a vibrant display in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts’ Club (TIPEC), Beaulieu’s 7th Simply Porsche will be a season highlight whether you’re looking for an excuse to get out and about in your prized Porsche, keen to see a staggering selection of iconic sports cars or just fancy a great day out at one of the south’s leading visitor attractions.

Enjoy a drive across the stunning New Forest to reach Beaulieu, then take pride in your Porsche as you park amongst other shining examples in the showground. You’ll be in good company as you meet fellow owners and immerse yourself in all things, Porsche.

Last year’s record line-up of 1,620 Porsches ranged from the 1950s and ‘60s 356, through numerous incarnations of the legendary 911, right up to the latest models. Fans were spoiled for choice as examples of the V8-powered 928, high-performance GT4 and open-top Boxster took their places in the show, with 2019’s line-up anticipated to be equally exciting.

Visitors and event-goers will cast votes for their favourite Porsche of the show in the People’s Choice Awards, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

For those driving Porsches and taking part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult, £5 a child (aged 5-16) if bought in advance before 5pm on May 30th, or £12 an adult and £6 a child on the day. All other visitors can buy a general admission ticket to Beaulieu at the standard attraction price. For tickets and information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-porsche.

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 Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its spring-time grounds and gardens.

Entry is from 8.30am - 3pm for rally participants. The Brabazon Restaurant will serve hot drinks and breakfast snacks from 8.30am. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu though the Visitor Reception building with a standard attraction admission ticket, from 10am.

Simply Porsche is part of Beaulieu’s range of ten Simply rallies. Following Simply Porsche is Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguaron July 14th, Simply Japanese on July 28th, the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and the full calendar see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

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