ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS TO PRESENT EUROPEAN DEBUT OF GHOST ZENITH AT SALON PRIVÉ

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS TO PRESENT EUROPEAN DEBUT OF GHOST ZENITH AT SALON PRIVÉ

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith

The Directors of Salon Privé are delighted to confirm the European debut of the stunning, limited edition Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith which made its North American debut recently at Pebble Beach.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith will be a true collector’s item with just 50 of these extraordinary motor cars being made available by the marque. It comes to being as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars acknowledges the success and global adoration that has been lavished on one of the world’s most luxurious motor cars during its ten-year life cycle and with Ghost now truly at its apex, now is the time to celebrate the ultimate in craftsmanship and automotive perfection. 

It was the Silver Ghost of 1908 that established Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as manufacturers of ‘The Best Car in the World’ and just over 100 years later, an experimental, contemporary expression of the iconic nameplate, 200EX was shown at the Geneva Motor Show. Since its introduction in 2009, Ghost has gone on to become the most successful Rolls-Royce motor car ever built, attracting a new and much younger group of owners to the marque, resulting in the average age of owners now being just 43.

The original 200EX concept was intended to be both driver and passenger-focused, and no other car combines performance and dynamic driver experience with luxury in the way that Ghost does. The Ghost Zenith Collection retains the car’s dynamism but takes luxury to a new level, drawing many references from 200EX, the most significant being the inclusion of a commemorative ingot, made from the original concept’s Spirit of Ecstasy, melted down and set into the centre console. Engraved with the three key design lines of Ghost, the plaque details its significant origins and even the Collection’s own Spirit of Ecstasy and clock are engraved with the name of this highly anticipated motor car. In the centre console, a blueprint inspired artwork enlarged to a point of abstraction has been divided into 50 distinct pieces, allowing each Ghost Zenith customer their own individual work of art.

The interior of the car is a testimony to the incredible skill of the master craftsmen and women in the marque’s legendary Woodshop as well as the members of the Bespoke Collective from the Home of Rolls-Royce’s Leather shop. Three different finishes are offered; wood, Technical Fibre or Piano finished veneer, all of which perfectly compliment the exquisitely embroidered leather interior. Unique to the Ghost Zenith Standard Wheelbase, the famed Starlight Headliner is presented in a Shooting Star configuration, depicting shooting stars randomly firing across the cabin roof.

Externally, the Ghost Zenith Collection is presented in a stunning two-tone application with a high gloss contrast paint finish and Silver Satin bonnet, first seen on 200EX. Three different colour-ways are available; Iguazu Blue with Andalusian White, Premiere Silver with Arctic White or a daring Bohemian Red with Black Diamond, with multiple variants available highlighting the flexibility of the model.

Commenting on the Ghost Zenith Collection, Salon Privé Co-Founder & Sales Director, David Bagley commented,“It is a real honour for us to host the European debut of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith at this year’s event straight after its reveal at Pebble Beach. Henry Royce had an instinctive desire for perfection and his fabled ethic of taking the best that exists and making it better is demonstrated here today as Rolls-Royce have taken the most successful car they have ever produced – and made it better. The workmanship and expertise that has gone into creating this limited-edition luxury collector’s item is simply extraordinary and we are thrilled to be presenting this sensational new luxury car on the lawns of Blenheim Palace during Salon Privé.”

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.

RALLY ROUND LAUNCHES 2020 – 2022 CALENDAR OF DRIVING ADVENTURES INCLUDING MONGOLIA, ETHIOPIA AND ‘WILD’ ALASKA

RALLY ROUND LAUNCHES 2020 – 2022 CALENDAR OF DRIVING ADVENTURES INCLUDING MONGOLIA, ETHIOPIA AND ‘WILD’ ALASKA

Rolls-Royce in the Himalayas

Rally Round has launched its calendar of epic adventures for 2020 through to 2022, which includes three brand new rallies that journey to Mongolia, Ethiopia and the wilds of Alaska.

Rally Director Liz Wenman said: “The success of the Trans-Himalayan Adventure shows the sort of experience that these explorers are looking for in their cars. It doesn’t always need to be about hard competition and the quickest time. We have created a calendar which allows crews to visit the undiscovered in the most spectacular way.”

Kicking off 2020 is an opulent and luxurious tour of Rajasthan on the Maharajan Marathon in February, which will explore historic palaces and the most spectacular scenery over 18-days. This will be followed by a second adventure journeying up and over the Himalayas.

After the success of the inaugural Trans-Himalayan Adventure earlier this year, Rally Round will return to China, Tibet and Nepal for another 21-day expedition of tough terrain and high altitudes. Starting late April, highlights include the city of Lhasa, the lost Western Tibetan Kingdom of Guge, sacred Mount Kailash and Everest Base Camp.

The following year starts with the inaugural Pure Mongolia, a three-week competitive event that explores the national parks, ancient rivers and vast desert of this stunning frontier. This is ideal for any rally crew who has previously competed on the Peking to Paris rally and wishes to spend more time in this beautiful country. A mix of the competition will be on offer, but more focus will be given to the journey and camaraderie of the entrants.

Mongolia is followed in the autumn by the second Rally Round Africa, a luxury event which mixes opulent game drives with some mildly competitive driving. This rally is ideal for novices and couples looking to combine their driving with brilliant safaris.

The year ends with another brand-new event and a first for any international rally organiser as Rally Round heads to the incredible vastness and changing landscape of ancient Ethiopia.

Unexplored by many westerners, this is a unique rally across a stunning country of which most people only know from the horrific images of poverty historically shown to the world. Recently visited by the new Top Gear presenters in their new series opener, the route will not be for the faint-hearted and like the Trans-Himalayan Adventure, will see enough competition in the terrain, elements and altitude.

In 2022, Rally Round will return to Japan for the second Samurai Challenge, having previously visited in 2017. Visiting in the spring when the famous cherry blossom will be in full bloom, this competitive rally also takes in the beautiful Japanese culture as well as a fantastic route through this interesting country.

In the autumn of that year, Rally Round will hold its third new epic adventure – Wild Alaska. Moving away from the more tourist areas, the route will explore the depths of Alaska and the Yukon. As well a route taking advantage of undiscovered roads, there will also be time for taking in the wildlife of this breath-taking region.

The rest of the Rally Round calendar will include a series of shorter events designed to encourage newcomers to the endurance rally scene along with dedicated training events held worldwide.

Rally Round offers amazing adventures all over the world, creating unique events that combine the passion for historic motoring with the adventure of global travel. Find out about future events on the Rally Round website -  www.rallyround.co.uk.

PAGANI AUTOMOBILI TO CONTINUE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF ICONIC ZONDA WITH 5 MODEL DISPLAY AT SALON PRIVÉ

PAGANI AUTOMOBILI TO CONTINUE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF ICONIC ZONDA WITH 5 MODEL DISPLAY AT SALON PRIVÉ

Pagani Zonda

First launched 20 years to great acclaim at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, Pagani Automobili S.p.A. was a new name on the exotica scene with an amazing debut model; the breath-taking Zonda hypercar. The Zonda was originally to be called ‘Fangio F1’ after Formula One Champion, Juan Manuel Fangio, who assisted with the car’s early development, however, following his death in 1995, it was renamed Zonda, the name given to the hot air current that runs above Argentina.

From the very first 1999 Zonda C12 to the final incarnation of the Zonda – the £15million Barchetta – less than 150 examples of the model have been built over the last 20 years, split over a dozen or more different derivatives. All have been powered by a mid-mounted V12 engine, handmade by AMG and ranging in size from 6-litres to 7.3-litres, with power ranging from 444 bhp to a thumping 789 bhp enabling that particular model to achieve a top speed of 221 mph (355 km/h) maximum speed. A number of Zondas have now gone through bespoke upgrades to the bodywork and power trains by the Modena-based Pagani works creating a new generation of Zonda.

On display at this year’s Salon Privé will be the following models:

• Zonda C12 (2000): The car that launched the company and Horacio Pagani’s first production supercar. It was an absolute game-changer with its distinctive styling and hand-built Mercedes-AMG 6 Litre V12 engine which then produced 444 bhp, enough to propel the C12 to 60 mph in 4 seconds – quite an achievement back in 1999. The model on display has been through the full Rinascimento

• Zonda F Roadster (2005): The Zonda F (F for Fangio) on display is one of just 25 Roadster examples built. The Zonda F was a substantially re-engineered Zonda, using the hand-crafted 7.3-litre Mercedes-AMG V12, developing 641 bhp. Announced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show in coupe form (the F Roadster following in 2006), the Zonda F was equipped with extra headlights and different fog lights at the sides, plus new bodywork (revised front end, new rear spoiler and more aerodynamic vents all around) that improved the car's aerodynamics, as well as different side mirrors. Further enhancements centred on optional carbon/ceramic brakes (measuring 380 mm) and a redesigned "Z preg" weave in the all-carbon fibre crash structure to improve rigidity and reduce weight.

• Zonda Cinque Roadster (2009): As its name suggests, Pagani built just five examples of the Zonda Cinque Roadster which was a 669 bhp road-legal version of the track-only Zonda R. The Zonda Cinque was developed at the request of the Pagani dealer in Hong Kong, with the model intended to be the last iteration of the Zonda. The differences over other Zonda variants were a new three-mode six-speed sequential gearbox, resulting in shifts taking less than 100 milliseconds, dropping the 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time down to just 3.4 seconds. The Cinque also had a revised form of carbon fibre called "carbo-titanium" which incorporated titanium in the weave to increase strength and rigidity, mated to magnesium and titanium suspension components. It also featured revised bodywork, included a longer front splitter, new side skirts, rear diffuser, bumper canards and a flatter underside, as well as a roof-mounted air intake scoop, enabled the Cinque to generate 750 kg (1,653 lb) of down-force at 355 km/h (221 mph) and 1.45 G of cornering force.

• Zonda Tricolore (2010): Just three Tricolore models were built making it one of the rarest of them all. Originally conceived as a one-off, Horacio Pagani decided to make three as a tribute to the Frecce Tricolour, Italy's aerobatic team answer to the British Red Arrows. The Tricolore carried much of the body from the Zonda Cinque, the model being unpainted, except for a clear blue lacquer, and red, white, and green stripes from the nose along the top of the car's surface. Unique to this car was a small wing placed behind the cockpit which reflected the tail wing of Frecce Tricolori's Aermacchi MB-339 stunt aircraft. The three Tricolores were priced at £1.2 million when new, but are now worth considerably more, as are all Pagani Zondas.

• Zonda 760 Oliver Edition (2016): An exclusive one-off edition of the Pagani Zonda, the unique 760 ‘Oliver’ model was built in 2016 for one of Pagani’s biggest collectors and was based on the 760 RS model. Unlike other special edition Zondas, this 760 has a uniquely designed rear spoiler and was engineered by one of the world GT champions to generate the maximum downforce to give the ultimate grip on the circuit. The car was tested by the Toyota factory driver and GT500 champion Akira Iida on Fuji Speedway during the Pagani Raduno in Japan, with Mr Iida commenting that the Zonda Oliver Evolution was the best handling and closest to the Zonda Evolution R road car he had ever driven.

Commenting on the incredible display, Salon Privé Co-Founder & Sales Director David Bagley said “Salon Privé and Pagani Automobili go back a long way. We have welcomed Horacio and his team as well as many owners from the UK and abroad to countless editions of the event – I don’t think I can recall an edition where there wasn’t at least one Pagani on display. In just 20 years, Horacio has created not only an icon but also a benchmark in design, engineering and strategic partnerships and it’s a testimony to Pagani Automobili that many Zonda owners choose not to sell their beloved cars, but instead send them back to the factory to either restore their cars to their original glory through the Rinascimento program or have a unique bespoke upgrade through their dedicated team. Years ago, I recall a conversation with Horacio’s then-assistant, who referred to the Zonda as a piece of art and she wasn’t wrong. To this day, the design and detail found in a Pagani is beyond exceptional.”

Commenting on behalf of Pagani UK, Christine Clarkin said, “2019 is a momentous year for Pagani as it marks the 20th anniversary of when Horacio Pagani’s dream came alive with the unveiling of the iconic Zonda in Geneva.  As the Dealer Principal for Pagani UK I am delighted to bring five spectacular examples of Zonda to the lawns of Salon Privé and to continue our year-long celebrations of this achievement at Blenheim Palace.  Pagani UK are proud to be the only official dealer for Pagani Automobili since 2014 and have the loyalty of our Pagani owners to support this fabulous event year after year.”

CLASSIC CARS, SUPERCARS, HYPER CARS & FLYING CARS -SALON PRIVÉ 2019 HAS THEM ALL!

CLASSIC CARS, SUPERCARS, HYPER CARS & FLYING CARS -SALON PRIVÉ 2019 HAS THEM ALL!

McLaren GT

 With final preparations now in full swing, brothers Andrew & David Bagley have a clear message – “Get set for the greatest Salon Privé ever!” A Garden Party it may be, but to the prestige & luxury automotive sectors, it has become an absolute must-attend event; a place where they can go and entertain existing customers, meet new buyers and rub shoulders with some of the world’s most prolific car collectors and buyers. For 4 days in early September, Blenheim Palace along with neighbouring Woodstock reverberates to the sound of V8s & V12s as they parade through the Palace grounds and local countryside. Salon Privé has become THE event for collectors, buyers, members’ clubs and enthusiasts and thanks to the newly launched Salon Privé Classic & Supercar on Sunday 8th September which incorporates the Lockton Club Trophy, it now has a more affordable public day option for the whole family to enjoy.

Austria, Australia, Croatia, Dubai, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia and the UK will all be flying their flags at this year’s event proudly displaying their latest creations and with the event now sold out, confirmed automotive brands are as follows: Alpine, Aston Martin, Ateliers Diva, Austro Daimler, Bentley, Brabham Automotive, Dallara, Ferrari, Jannarelly, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Pagani, PAL-V, Automobili Pininfarina, Puritalia Automobili, Rimac Automobili, Tushek and W Motors. This list equates to tens of thousands of normally aspirated, hybrid and fully electric BHP! 0-60mph in the low to mid 2 seconds is not an uncommon statistic on the lawn this year with one car, the Rimac C_Two, officially the fastest accelerating car in the world, managing it in just 1.85 seconds! Top speeds of 200mph plus are commonplace amongst the majority of these brands with even the SUVs not far off that figure.

Not to be outdone by the debuts, other manufacturers will be showcasing their latest models, with the Alpine A110S, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante, Bentley GTC V8 and Flying Spur, Ferrari 812 Superfast and Portofino, Lamborghini EVO Spyder and Coupe, Maserati V8 Levante Trofeo, McLaren GT and Porsche 992 Carrera 4S all on the lawn.

Commenting on the extraordinary line-up of brands, Salon Privé Co-Founder & Sales Director David Bagley commented: “The diversity and origins of manufacturers attending this year is testimony to how important Salon Privé has become to the premium automotive sector, not just in the UK, but around the world. It really is a great privilege for us to host so many important debuts in one year. No other event brings manufacturers and buyers together in such a relaxing and convivial environment, and this is what sets us apart.”

LOCKTON PERFORMANCE TO SPONSOR INAUGURAL PRESTIGE CAR CLUB TROPHY AT SALON PRIVÉ

LOCKTON PERFORMANCE TO SPONSOR INAUGURAL PRESTIGE CAR CLUB TROPHY AT SALON PRIVÉ

 Sunday 8th September sees the introduction of the inaugural Lockton Club Trophy at Salon Privé Classic & Supercar with in excess of 500 supercars attending from 5 major UK Clubs. With Bentley Drivers Club and Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club also attending to celebrate Bentley’s Centenary, it promises to be a spectacular club day at the Palace for members and enthusiasts alike.

With such an amazing selection of cars taking part, the organisers are rightly thrilled to announce that Lockton, as classic and performance car insurance specialists and the world’s largest, privately-owned insurance broker, will become the new sponsor of the event. The Lockton Club Trophy, as it will be known, will be the ultimate Award of the day alongside the Club Secretaries’ and Manufacturers’ Awards and these will be presented by Lockton within Salon Privé on the South Lawn.

No other insurance broker knows car clubs like Lockton Performance does and indeed, they are the official insurance partner to the majority of clubs attending the event, making them the ideal partner for this exciting new project.

Rachel Gilliam, Partner and Head of Private Clients at Lockton comments: “We are delighted to once again be involved with Salon Privé and especially to be sponsoring an event celebrating so many of our car club partners.”

With its easily accessible and central location not to mention acres of lawns, prestigious Blenheim Palace offers the perfect location and opportunity to now establish the Lockton Club Trophy as the premier annual prestige car club event in the UK which ties in perfectly with the organiser’s ambitious plans.

Salon Privé Concours Chairman, Andrew Bagley said “This will be the first year that we have hosted a dedicated club event and we’ve been thrilled with the response from everyone involved. If you include the Bentleys that will be there on the day, we’ll have more than 1,500 super and luxury cars on the North Lawn which is quite extraordinary and this will pave the way for Sunday to become THE annual end-of-season car club event in the UK. Lockton Performance know how to look after their club partners and this will be a fantastic opportunity for them to continue to build on the excellent relationships they have with them and their members.”

CHUBB HOSTS UNIQUE ‘FERRARI IN ART’ EXHIBITION AT SALON PRIVÉ

CHUBB HOSTS UNIQUE ‘FERRARI IN ART’ EXHIBITION AT SALON PRIVÉ

 Visitors to the Chubb marquee at this year’s Salon Privé can enjoy a unique exhibition of automobile art in addition to admiring some of the finest vehicles ever made.

‘Ferrari in Art’ – The Sporting Legacy is a new series of works by international artist Mark Dickens and has been produced in collaboration with renowned Formula 1 photographer Keith Sutton.

The collection of artworks will be on display in the Chubb marquee at Salon Privé, which takes place at Blenheim Palace 5-8 September 2019, and they are a celebration of one of the world’s most famous motor manufacturers. The display features images of some of the best-known Formula 1 drivers and their cars throughout the illustrious 72-year history of the Italian marque.

To produce the artworks, Keith worked with many of the influential figures associated with Ferrari. Drivers, owners, fans and motorsport personalities were asked to express what Ferrari means to them in their own handwritten words. More than 125 quotes were obtained this way and appear on the 25 pieces artist Mark has created.

Contributors include Piero Ferrari, Bernie Ecclestone, Ross Brawn, Nigel Mansell, Fernando Alonso and Sir Jackie Stewart as well as some of the current Formula 1 drivers and team principals such as Toto Wolff, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel. The outcome is a unique, contemporary and historical collection of Ferrari art.

Annmarie Camp, Head of Personal Risk Services, Chubb European Group, said: “As proud insurers of the Chubb Insurance Concours D’Elégance at Salon Privé for more than a decade, we try to do something different each year. The Ferrari in Art exhibition is a wonderful collection of pictures which are each as stunning as some of the real cars themselves. I am delighted we have this opportunity to display these magnificent artworks in our Salon Privé marquee.”

Photographer Keith Sutton said: “It took more than nine months to obtain the 125 handwritten quotes from the various personalities associated with Ferrari. However, everyone that I approached was genuinely enthusiastic and delighted to take part in this unique project.”

About Chubb: Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, they assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. The service and pay their claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 30,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: chubb.com/uk

About the Artists: British artist Mark Dickens is world-renowned in F1, his work can be found in the Royal collections of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to numerous Grand Prix circuits and collections around the world. He was commissioned by Bernie Ecclestone in 2011 to be the official F1 artist creating a painting for every Grand Prix. This is the second time Mark Dickens and Keith Sutton have collaborated. In 2014 they created ‘World Champions in Art’ which comprised 32 paintings, one for each Formula 1 World Champion. The collection was purchased by four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel.