E-TYPE UK SERIES 1 RESTORATION WINS BEST IN CLASS AT WARREN CLASSIC

E-TYPE UK SERIES 1 RESTORATION WINS BEST IN CLASS AT WARREN CLASSIC

Leading restoration specialist E-Type UK showcased its recently restored and highly original Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at the Warren Classic Concours in North Maldon, Essex, where the period accuracy and incredible attention to detail impressed the Concours judges who awarded it the coveted Best in Class award in the Jaguar class.

The prestigious show, held in the glorious grounds of The Warren Estate, attracts an incredible array of classic and modern automobiles. E-Type UK’s original UK delivered right-hand drive flat-floor, external bonnet latch Series 1 E-Type was an instant hit among the crowds, and the astonishing detail of the build attracted the attention of visitors throughout the weekend.

In order to keep the world-famous British sports car entirely accurate and to period specification, many of the original parts were recommissioned and refitted. When it arrived at the E-Type UK facility, the 54th E-Type to have rolled off the production line had been resprayed in British Racing Green with a beige interior – far from how the car would have looked when it sat on the Coventry factory floor. The in-house body shop team completely stripped down the body and repainted it to its original Imperial Maroon finish.

The team went to incredible lengths to restore this Jaguar to the exact specification it was when it left the factory. The interior was taken from beige back to its flamboyant factory maroon – with a hand-built black hood to cover it. Where possible, each nut, bolt, cable and switch was disassembled, cleaned and returned to the condition it was in in 1961. From original spot weld patterns to an exacting interior trim pattern, every single detail was considered.

Last month, the car was also displayed in the Members Enclosure at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. As one of the most prestigious Concours events in the country, it welcomed rare and stunning classics from every corner of the globe. This prestigious Best in Class win at the Warren Classic Concours is a fitting accolade for this exceptional restoration and a true indicator of the superb work of the E-Type UK team.

Founder Marcus Holland commented “We’ve had an exceptionally busy Concours season that has seen E-Type UK and sister company DM Historics restorations shown at several world-class Concours including Pebble Beach, and to finish our Concours season with this Best in Class win further demonstrates the exceptional talent of our restoration team.

E-Type UK Chassis 54

A TASTE OF CITROËN’S CENTENARY IN THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW 120th ANNIVERSARY PARADE

A TASTE OF CITROËN’S CENTENARY IN THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW 120TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE

This Sunday, Citroën will line up 25 symbolic models from its history, in a parade to celebrate 120 years of the Paris Motor Show. The display will start at 10:00 CET and the parade will depart from the Place de la Concorde at 13:00 CET. Original models such as the very first Type A from 1919 through to New C5 Aircross SUV from 2018 will be displayed. The procession of historic models from collectors and the Citroën Conservatoire museum will give a taste of what’s to come for the brand’s centenary celebrations next year.

To celebrate its 120th anniversary, Paris Motor Show is organising an unprecedented and historic parade through the streets of Paris, this Sunday 30 September.

The display begins at 10:00 CET where 230 historic vehicles will be presented at the Place de la Concorde. From 13:00 CET, the vehicles will begin their parade from Place de la Concorde, going past some of the French capital’s most iconic locations, such as Place des Invalides, Le Quai Branly and also the Champs-Elysées.

Amongst a range of vehicles, Citroën will line up 25 symbolic models from its history, from the very first Type A from 1919, the Traction Avant, 2CV, Ami 6, Méhari, SM, CX, New C5 Aircross SUV from 2018 and even a U23 coach. The 25 Citroën models in the procession will parade in chronological order, from the oldest to the most recent.

1. Citroën Type A Torpédo from 1919
2. Citroën C3 5 HP Trèfle from 1924
3. Citroën C4 Torpédo from 1934
4. Citroën Rosalie NH from 1936
5. Citroën Traction Avant 7C from 1937
6. Citroën Autocar U23 from 1947
7. Citroën Type H from 1952
8. Citroën Traction Avant 15-6 H from 1954
9. Citroën DS 19 cabriolet from 1961
10. Citroën Ami 6 from 1965
11. Citroën DS 21 Pallas from 1967
12. Citroën SM from 1972
13. Citroën DS 20 Pallas from 1973
14. Citroën GS X2 from 1976
15. Citroën Méhari from 1979
16. Citroën CX 2000 from 1979
17. Citroën 2 CV 6 Spécial E from 1983
18. Citroën BX 16 soupapes from 1991
19. Citroën XM Exclusive from 1998
20. Citroën Xsara Picasso « Le robot » from 1999
21. Citroën C6 from 2006
22. Citroën C5 from 2008
23. Citroën C4 Cactus from 2014
24. Citroën C3 Aircross from 2017
25. Citroën C5 Aircross from 2018

LOTUS 70TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT LIVE STREAM SATURDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2018

LOTUS 70TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT LIVE STREAM SATURDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2018

• Anniversary event celebrates 70 years of Lotus
• Event to be live streamed via YouTube and social media channels
• Ticket-only day sold out in advance
• Activities throughout the day include live Lotus demonstration runs on the track, Classic Team Lotus display and talking heads interviews
• Live link via YouTube and shared via social channels using #Lotus70
• Watch live from 10:00 (UK time) 29th September 2018 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_d5FpkIdi8

Celebrating an unrivalled legacy of innovation, amazing road cars and success on the race tracks of the world, Lotus will be opening the gates to its home in Hethel, Norfolk, on Saturday 29th September as it marks 70 years from when founder Colin Chapman built his first car – the first Lotus.

For the first time, Lotus will be live streaming an event via YouTube to ensure a truly global celebration. Hosted on the video streaming platform as well as the Lotus’ own social channels, the live stream will commence from 10:00 on Saturday 29th September and run until approximately 16:00 (UK time). Viewers can tune in here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_d5FpkIdi8.

Held at the home of Lotus for over 50 years, the Hethel facility will host over 8,000 people and celebrates the iconic sports car manufacturer, in what promises to be a day like no other. Despite tickets to the Lotus 70th anniversary event selling out within five hours of release, Lotus has ensured that fans from around the world can still enjoy the day. 

This weekend’s anniversary event will see one of the biggest ever gatherings of the famous marque’s road and race cars ever assembled. In 1948, in a lock-up in London, founder Colin Chapman built the first Lotus. From that small garage sprang a global brand, famous for its amazing road cars and its success on the race tracks of the world.

With vehicle displays, owners’ clubs, championship-winning racing cars, as well as demonstration laps on the company’s famous on-site test track, the scene is set for an outstanding celebration of one of the automotive world’s most famous names.

The provisional timetable of events for the day is listed below and media are invited to watch the live stream as well as tagging their #Lotus70 moments on social media.

Following the event, all press releases, rights-free images and video footage will be uploaded to the Lotus media centre as soon as possible. You can register for and access the media site here: media.lotuscars.com

Timetable of Events (subject to change):

10:15 am 110 Lotus Bike Club Cycling Time Trial

10:45 am Welcome and Introduction from Senior Lotus Executives

11:00 am 70th Celebration Unveiling

11:15 am Classic Team Lotus Display (1)

11:45 am Sunbeam Lotus Rally Cars

12:15 pm Lotus Cortina Register

12:45 pm Lotus Dynamics Display

13:00 pm “One of every Lotus car” Parade

14:00 pm Lotus Driving Academy Display

14:30 pm Classic Team Lotus Display (2)

15:30 pm Special Event Activity

50 YEARS OF JAGUAR XJ: HISTORIC CONVOY HEADS TO PARIS MOTOR SHOW

50 YEARS OF JAGUAR XJ: HISTORIC CONVOY HEADS TO PARIS MOTOR SHOW

• Eight generations of XJ will drive from Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich Assembly Plant to the Paris Motor Show, to celebrate 50 years of the luxury saloon
• The XJ had its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in 1968
• The celebratory fleet includes every generation of XJ, including latest XJ50
• The unique convoy will visit important locations such as Jaguar Classic, a facility that is dedicated to preserving and restoring motoring heritage
• The convoy will also visit Goodwood motor circuit and Le Mans, locations that have played an important part in the history of Jaguar and the XJ
• Watch the Jaguar XJ evolve from the 1968 Series I to the XJ50 here: https://bit.ly/2CF0Bnn

 A unique convoy representing the past and present of the Jaguar XJ will journey from the Jaguar Castle Bromwich plant in the UK to the Paris Motor Show to celebrate 50 years of the flagship luxury saloon.

The line-up will feature all eight generations of XJ produced since 1968. The special collection will be led by the car that started it all, the Series I, and finish with the most recent XJ50 special edition, which was revealed earlier this year. The convoy will also include significant models such as the Series II Coupé and X350 XJR.

Starting at Castle Bromwich, where the luxury saloon is produced, the 839km (521-mile) drive will take in a series of important locations, including Jaguar Classic, Bicester Heritage Centre and the Goodwood and Le Mans race circuits, which have played a significant role in the life of Jaguar and the XJ. Journey’s end for the convoy is the Paris Motor Show, where the Jaguar XJ Series I made its debut in 1968.

Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said “The Jaguar XJ story is one of design, desirability and performance and over the past 50 years it has become a true giant in the automotive world and it’s only right that we pay homage to it in this special way. When I started at Jaguar, the XJ was already an icon of car design, so to have been part of this story that has been told over half a century has been an absolute privilege.” 

The cars taking part in this one-off journey:

• Jaguar XJ Series I: 1968
• Jaguar XJ Series II: 1973
• Jaguar XJ Series II Coupé: 1973
• Jaguar XJ Series III: 1979
• Jaguar XJ XJ40: 1986
• Jaguar XJ X300: 1994
• Jaguar XJ X308: 1997
• Jaguar XJ X350: 2003
• Jaguar XJ X351: 2009
• Jaguar XJR575: 2017
• Jaguar XJ XJ50: 2018

Paris has a special significance to the Jaguar XJ. In 1968 the XJ made its debut at the show, with Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons revealing his vision for a saloon car with the handling of an E-type. The luxury model was a revelation with its compelling combination of beauty, poise and performance. Since then, the presentation halls of Paris have played a regular role in the life of the XJ – the XJ ‘X300’ was unveiled at the event in 1994 and the revolutionary XJ ‘X350’, with its lightweight aluminium monocoque, made its debut there in 2002.

Returning to the Paris Motor Show 50 years after its first appearance on the show stand caps a series of celebrations for one of the world’s great saloon cars, which has been the choice of business leaders, celebrities, politicians and royalty for five decades.

The celebrations began with the introduction of the XJ50 earlier in 2018. The special edition model includes Autobiography-style front and rear bumpers, purposeful new 20-inch Venom wheels, black front grille and unique badging to the rear and side vents. Inside, the luxury cabin features an embossed leaper on the headrests, an XJ50 logo on the centre armrest, unique intaglio branding and XJ50-badged illuminated treadplates.

For more information on the XJ, visit www.jaguar.co.uk

Source: Jaguar UK

FINDING THE VERY FIRST HELP LOCATE THE LOTUS MARK I

FINDING THE VERY FIRST 

HELP LOCATE THE LOTUS MARK I

Hazel Chapman in the Lotus Mark I. Copyright the Colin Chapman Foundation

• The campaign to find founder Colin Chapman’s first car
• Lotus Mark, I built in London in 1948
• Whereabouts unknown for over 60 years
• The inception of Lotus’ performance-orientated approach
• Search marks 70 years since Chapman’s founding principles

Calling on enthusiasts, collectors and car hunters worldwide, Lotus needs your help in tracking down the long-lost Lotus Mark I, the first car built by company founder Colin Chapman

As the British marque continues its 70th celebrations, it wants fans from around the world to pick up the trail of the most elusive Lotus ever – the competition car that the young engineer hand-built in a small London garage owned by his then girlfriend’s parents. Overcoming the standard car’s limitation Chapman applied innovative approaches to improve its performance in challenging trials competitions.

Despite its existence being well documented, the current whereabouts of the Mark I remain a mystery. Built by Chapman, with the help of friends and his girlfriend (who later became his wife), Hazel, he entered a number of events in 1948 with immediate success. However, Colin was constantly innovating, and was soon hard at work on the Mark II. The first car was sold in November 1950 but, from there, the car’s trail goes cold. Despite much research over the years, its whereabouts have never been established.

Joining Lotus in the hunt for the origin of its species is the son of the company’s founder, and director of Classic Team Lotus, Clive Chapman. “The Mark I is the holy grail of Lotus’ history,” explains Clive. “It’s the first time that my father was able to put his theories for improved performance into practice when designing and building a car. To locate this landmark Lotus, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary, would be a monumental achievement. We want fans to take this opportunity to look in every garage, shed, barn and lock up they’re allowed to. It’s even possible that the Mark I was shipped from the UK, and we’d love to know if it survives in another country.”

Caption: Colin Chapman competing in the Lotus Mark I. Copyright the Colin Chapman Foundation

The birth of the Lotus legend

In 1948 Colin Chapman built his first competition car, following his own theories for improved performance. Chapman’s way of thinking and his principles remain as relevant today as they were 70 years ago and his ethos still allows the company to optimise mass and aerodynamics in order to maximise performance and handling.

Covering everything from suspension configuration and layout, making sure that ground clearance was not compromised, improvements included reinforcing the chassis, cladding the body in lightweight bespoke panels and ensuring that components frequently damaged in competition could be quickly reattached. Applying theories learnt from this formal training as an engineer, Colin was already developing the principles that would go on to define Lotus cars of the future. One notable decision was to extend the rear of the car, and include two spare wheels. This allowed for the better allocation of ballast, distributing weight within the car to maximise traction for each event.

In a lock-up borrowed from Hazel’s parents, Colin re-imagined and re-engineered the Austin Seven to create the first Lotus. Built by hand, and with Hazel (his then-girlfriend) helping where needed, he completed the car in the spring of 1948 and immediately entered it in competitive trials. With Hazel in the passenger seat and Colin behind the wheel, they picked up two class awards in the car’s first events.

Originally finished in bare, unpolished alloy, the car was then painted white, before repainted in red. A restless engineer, Chapman was soon working on the next car, the Mark II, designed using the lessons learned from his first and the experience gain through the competitions he’d entered. As a result, an advert placed in Motor Sport magazine, describing an Austin Seven Special four-seater sports-cum-trials car saw the Mark I sold in November 1950. Chapman received £135 for the car, but the only thing now known about the new owner was that they were based in the north of England.

Over the years many enthusiasts have looked for the car, but to no avail. Lotus has previously called on experts to help locate the lost vehicle but, as the company gears up for the highpoint of its anniversary celebrations at the end of September, it’s hoped that a renewed search, on a global scale, will help track down the landmark car

Source:Lotus Cars

MOBILITY DATA INNOVATOR CAZANA ACQUIRES EUROPE’S BIGGEST CLASSIC CAR WEBSITE

MOBILITY DATA INNOVATOR CAZANA ACQUIRES EUROPE’S BIGGEST CLASSIC CAR WEBSITE

Cazana.com is proud to announce it recently completed the acquisition of Europe’s largest classic car community, CarandClassic.co.uk. The acquisition brings with it 20 years of historic vehicle pricing insight as well as the largest classic car community in Europe with millions of visitors monthly. The acquisition will strengthen Cazana’s position further in the used car market.

Carandclassic.co.uk is a trusted resource for thousands of vehicle traders monthly who rely on the site for pricing data and sales leads. The addition of the site and audience to the Cazana network significantly boosts reach for Cazana’s commercial partners and enhances Cazana’s next generation valuation proposition that is able to provide a value on every vehicle, irrespective of age.

Cazana’s CEO Tom Wood commented, “We’re pleased to announce this acquisition which significantly enhances Cazana’s historic vehicle data and audience globally. This will create additional value for Cazana’s customers with more data and an even greater reach into an engaged audience of used car buyers and sellers. Car and Classic is the household brand for classic and performance vehicle sales and we’re delighted to bring it into the Cazana stable.”

Tom added: “Car and Classic’s data and audience combined with Cazana’s next generation valuations will offer huge value to Cazana’s automotive trade customers. In addition, the global audience that Car and Classic helps to springboard our international expansion.“

Source: Cazana

ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES SHORTLIST FOR ITS 2018 MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS

ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES SHORTLIST FOR ITS 2018 MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Now in its fifth year, the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book Awards are recognised as the most prestigious awards to be bestowed in the automotive publishing industry. The annual awards, hosted by respected broadcaster and journalist Simon Taylor, will take place on Wednesday 31 October at a special evening held at the Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse, amongst many distinguished industry guests.

Two awards will be presented - the main Motoring Book of the Year Award for a book with a wide appeal at an affordable price, and a Specialist Book of the Year Award which, in the opinions of the judges, is an impressive feat of research and endeavour regardless of its retail cost.

“We never fail to be amazed at the quality and variety of titles that our experienced judges propose for the Awards, and this year is no exception,” said Peter Read, the Club’s Motoring Committee Chairman.

 “The Royal Automobile Club possesses one of the world’s finest motoring libraries in the world, one we add to constantly. The history of the Club spans that of the car itself, and it is our duty to stoke enthusiasm in all aspects of motoring history including literature” said Peter Read.

The award committee consists of six expert judges who are totally independent of the Royal Automobile Club, that represent the UK’s most informed motoring literary critics. Tom Wiltshire, book reviewer for leading weekly magazine Auto Express, and Mark Dixon, the respected deputy editor of Octane magazine. They are joined by Christian Whitehead from the motoring department of London bookstore Foyles, leading independent motoring bookseller Ben Horton of Hortons Books, Gordon Cruickshank from Motor Sport magazine and Mick Walsh international editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine.

2018 shortlist of contenders includes works on racing driver biographies, marque histories and general motoring to legends in engineering and vehicle design.

Motoring Book of the Year Contenders

The six titles shortlisted for Motoring Book of the Year Award are:

• Pironi: The Champion That Never Was by David Sedgwick, published by Pitch Publishing
• Enzo Ferrari: Power, Politics and the Making of an Automotive Empire by Luca Dal Monte, published by David Bull Publishing
• Donald Healey’s 8C Triumph Dolomite, by Jonathan Wood, published by Jonathan Wood
• Drive: The Definitive History of Motoring by Giles Chapman, published by Dorling Kindersley
• Adrian Newey: How to Build a Car, by Adrian Newey, published by Harper Collins
• Hobbo: Motor-Racer, Motor-Mouth, The autobiography of David Hobbs by David Hobbs with Andrew Marriott, published by Evro Publishing

Specialist Motoring Book of the Year Contenders

The six titles shortlisted for Specialist Motoring Book of the Year Award are:

• Daimler Days Volume 3 - More Than a Celebration of 100 Years of Daimler Motor Cars by Brian E. Smith, published by Daimler Days Publishing
• Inside Track: Phil Hill, Ferrari's American World Champion - His Story, His Photography. Volume 1 1927 – 1967 by Phil Hill with Doug Nye, published by The GP Library Ltd
• Reid Railton: Man of Speed by Karl Ludvigsen, published by Evro Publishing
• Jim Clark: The Best of the Best by David Tremayne, published by Evro Publishing
• Gaston Grümmer The Art of Carrosserie by Philippe Gaston Grümmer and Laurent Friry, published by Dalton Watson Fine Books
• Turbo 3.0: Porsche's First Turbocharged Supercar, by Ryan Snodgrass, published by Parabolica Press

The Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year Awards is one of the one of the most important events during the Club’s annual London Motor Week during which the Club hosts an array of high-profile motoring events, including the Art of Motoring exhibition, Motoring Lectures, the Motoring Forum, a dinner with former BMW Board Member, Dr Ian Roberston and the Dewar and Simms Trophy presentations awarded for British engineering excellence. The week culminates with the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show on Saturday 3 November and the world-famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox on Sunday 4 November.

NICHOLAS MEE & CO OPENS NEW EXPANDED STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME

NICHOLAS MEE & CO OPENS NEW EXPANDED STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME

Established in 1993, Aston Martin Specialist, Nicholas Mee & Co opens its new expanded, state-of-the-art home on the historic Hatfield Park Estate, Hertfordshire, UK

Nicholas Mee & Co, the globally renowned Aston Martin specialist, has recently completed a multi-million-pound project, rebuilding a collection of historic farm buildings in Essendon, Hertfordshire. Forming part of the Hatfield Park Estate, the sympathetically repurposed 17th-century buildings, have been woven into a new heritage facility, covering a two-acre site in rural surroundings. Having moved from West London over the summer months, Nicholas Mee & Co’s service, parts and car sales operations are now fully operational in its new facilities.

Ample parking and new spacious workshops, equipped with the latest technologies, combine to create the definitive environment demanded by today’s discerning Aston Martin owner. Nicholas Mee & Co has created a centre of excellence for its heritage business, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Rapidly becoming a destination experience for both existing Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts alike, this new home for the business enjoys close proximity to some excellent transport links. The A1(M), M25 and M1 motorways are all within easy reach, while nearby international airports and even a dedicated area at the premises for helicopter landings, allow easy access for ‘time-limited’ clients from afar.

Speaking of the move, Company Founder and Managing Director Nicholas Mee said, ‘This is an extremely exciting time for our company, our new and existing Aston Martin-owning clients and our dedicated workforce. As the ever-expanding classic car world continues to evolve, our relocation is in direct response to the needs of both our clients and ourselves. Operational in our new home for some three months, the universal praise I’ve received from Aston Martin owners for our commitment to the future and standard of facilities, has been heartwarming. Away from the hustle and bustle of London, we’ve found our clients to be highly appreciative of the expansive facilities and relaxed rural ambience, when visiting to discuss their requirements!’

The Essendonbury Farm heritage site incorporates a state-of-the-art, galleried show hall that can be configured for a variety of purposes, including customer and media events. While the expansive new workshops have already allowed Nicholas Mee & Co to develop further its in-house activities, additional buildings on site also provide an opportunity for the business to continue its growth over the coming years.

JD CLASSICS ACQUIRED BY WOODHAM MORTIMER LTD

JD CLASSICS ACQUIRED BY WOODHAM MORTIMER LTD

Chairman & CEO, Jean-Marc Gales

• Essex based specialist has been sold to Woodham Mortimer Ltd
• The sale will safeguard the jobs of the highly-skilled Maldon workforce
• JD Classics will rebrand and trade as Woodham Mortimer
• Jean-Marc Gales to lead the business as its Chairman & CEO
• Strategy to build on company’s global reputation as an award-winning restorer and one of historic racing’s most successful teams

JD Classics, one of the UK’s leading restoration, racing and trading companies for blue-chip classic cars, has been acquired by Woodham Mortimer Limited.

The sale safeguards the jobs of approximately 60 employees at the company’s headquarters in Maldon, Essex, and includes the company’s world-renowned workshop and restoration business, as well as its outstanding racing team. The team of specialists employed at JD Classics has a well-earned reputation for producing work of the highest possible quality, whether it is Concours-winning restorations at the world’s most prestigious events, supporting customers on the Mille Miglia, or winning on track at the highest level at events ranging from the Goodwood Revival, to the Le Mans Classic, the Spa 6 hrs and the Silverstone Classic.

The new business begins trading with immediate effect and will benefit from a solid financial foundation that will deliver a sustainable yet ambitious development plan. Trading under the name Woodham Mortimer, the company is excited to bring a fresh new brand to the classic car market while benefiting from the established and highly-skilled JD Classics personnel, who boast unrivalled levels of combined experience and expertise within the industry.

Jean-Marc Gales, the former CEO of Group Lotus, will lead the new company as its Chairman and CEO. Under Mr Gales’ leadership, the team is formed of a dedicated group of professionals, that will establish Woodham Mortimer as a world-leading organisation.

Jean-Marc Gales, says: “It is fantastic news that we can today announce a future with financial security and a solid plan for growth, through the acquisition by Woodham Mortimer Ltd. Despite the difficulties of the recent past, the company remains a world-class organisation with a workforce of dedicated and highly talented individuals. We will continue to grow and develop a business that builds upon the excellence that JD Classics established. We look forward to a future at the absolute pinnacle of classic car restoration, historic competition and sales.”

Woodham Mortimer Limited is a newly established company wholly owned by HPS Investment Partners LLC, of New York. Jeff Fitts, MD of HPS Investment partners, says: “Our investment in Woodham Mortimer through this new chapter of its operations recognises its highly credible and experienced CEO and uniquely talented engineers who possess a passion for timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship.”

The company is already busy trading, with its workshops full and numerous restoration projects underway. The company is planning to participate and support clients in a full season of motorsport and rally activity for the remainder of the season throughout 2019. A wide selection of fine automobiles are for sale and on show in the Maldon showroom, with a full stock list available here: www.woodham-mortimer.com

100 YEARS OF BENTLEY CAPTURED ON ICONIC CAMERA

100 YEARS OF BENTLEY CAPTURED ON ICONIC CAMERA

• Iconic Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera photographs Bentley models
• Bentley first automotive brand to be shot with the legendary device
• Landmark camera famously used by artists and photorealists
• Hollywood celebrities and world leaders have faced Land Camera lens
• Exclusive imagery to be used in special chapter of limited edition Bentley Centenary Opus book
• More information at www.thisisopus.com/Bentley

Bringing together landmark vehicles and iconic camera technology for the first time, the pioneering Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera has been used to photograph famous Bentley models for a limited edition Opus book celebrating the British brand’s centenary.

While the ground-breaking camera has been used previously to capture Hollywood celebrities and world leaders, this is the first time that the world’s largest Polaroid camera has been used to photograph an automotive brand.

Having transformed instant photography by offering large-scale, one-of-a-kind originals with incredibly rich colours, tremendous detail, and exquisitely shallow focus, the landmark Polaroid Land Camera has been used by the world’s foremost photorealists and photographers.

The Bentley models captured during this one-off photo shoot include EXP 2 of 1919 (the oldest surviving Bentley); 1952’s R-Type Continental; the 8 Litre of 1930; and the Le Mans-winning Speed 8 from 2003. The final car to be shot was the recently launched, all-new Continental GT.

This exclusive imagery will be used to create a special chapter in the forthcoming Bentley Centenary Opus book. For more information including pre-orders and reservations please visit www.thisisopus.com/Bentley.

Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera – A Truly Iconic Camera

The creation of the Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera in 1976 was an iconic moment in modern photography.

At 1.5 metres tall and weighing 107 kgs, the 20x24 Land Camera is the world’s largest Polaroid camera, and one of only five built.

Due to the finite amount of 20x24 Polaroid film left in the world, after capturing the history of Bentley for the forthcoming Centenary Opus limited edition book, this iconic camera will be retired and take up a museum residence.

Bentley Opus – An Extraordinary Book

While Bentley’s glorious Le Mans victories of the 1920s, iconic models of the past and the extraordinary people who created them are celebrated in full, the Opus book is far more than simply a historical record – it is also a celebration of the future of Bentley.

The publishers were given unprecedented access to Bentley’s designers, engineers and executives who will be defining the future of automotive luxury, as the marque enters its second century.

The Bentley Centenary Opus will weigh a substantial 30 kilograms and feature pages of up to half a metre square to do justice to the never-seen-before imagery, with special gatefold pages measuring two metres across.

The Bentley Centenary Opus will be available in three special distinct versions: the ‘Mulliner’ and ‘Centenary’ limited editions will be presented in the largest print format, while the ‘Crewe’ edition will be offered in a more accessible size. All three editions will be delivered in early 2019.

Bentley – The First 100 Extraordinary Years

Born in 1888, founder W.O. Bentley grew up as an engineering enthusiast. It was no surprise to people who knew him that W.O. eventually turned his attention to building cars that would satisfy his own extraordinary expectations as a driver, an engineer and a gentleman.

Bentley Motors was established in 1919 and by September 1921 the first production model was proudly delivered to its owner, Noel van Raalte, at a cost of £1,050. The car carried Bentley’s hallmark radiator casing and Flying ‘B’ insignia.

The Bentley models of the 1920s became some of the most distinctive cars of the era. W.O. also became a fan of developing racing engines and his cars famously triumphed at Brooklands, Indianapolis and the Isle of Man. The legendary achievements of the Bentley Boys brought success at Le Mans on five occasions.

From modest beginnings, Bentley has moved from strength to strength in the relentless pursuit of both luxury and performance. Handbuilt in Crewe, England, Bentley remains the definitive British luxury car company.

A new film honouring the decades of innovation, achievement and craftsmanship entitled ‘Together we are Extraordinary: The Story of Bentley Motors’ can be viewed at www.BentleyMotors.com/100Years

Source: Bentley Motors

BEAULIEU LAUNCHES CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG 50 YEARS EXHIBITION

BEAULIEU LAUNCHES CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG 50 YEARS EXHIBITION

To celebrate the golden half century of one of the world’s favourite films Beaulieu is to launch its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition which can be seen in the National Motor Museum from October 20th.

The exhibition will tell the story of Chitty as the star of the fantasmagorical family adventure and feature an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious in the much-loved musical film.

Coggins’ Garage will be recreated in the museum to house the amazingly inventive machines of Rowland Emett seen in the film, including the Humbug Major Sweet Machine, Clockwork Lullabye, Little Dragon Carpet Sweeper and Hot Air Rocking Chair.

Standing outside will be a full-size replica of Grandpa Potts’ hut, recreated using the original 50-year-old technical drawings from the archive of EON Productions. The actual Spy Phone prop used in the film will be on show alongside.

Costumes as seen in the film will include those of the infamous Child Catcher and Sally Anne Howes’ life-size music box dolldress which she wore while dancing with Dick Van Dyke for Baron Bomburst’s birthday surprise.

A timeline wall will chart the Chitty story from its beginnings – as James Bond creator Ian Fleming’s inspirational book about the magical flying car – to Cubby Broccoli’s unique interpretation on film. Fleming was inspired by the real-life exploits of racing driver Count Louis Zborowski who designed and built four aero-engined racing cars that were named Chitty Bang Bang because of the sound they made while standing idle. The exhaust and leather bonnet strapfrom the Count’s original Mercedes Chitty will be on display as part of his legacy.

 

The Humbug Major from Chitty 1968 / The Little Dragon Carpet Sweeper from Chitty 1968

The cloud-shaped wall will also feature first edition copies of Fleming’s book which he wrote for his son Caspar and was published posthumously in 1964, alongside producer Cubby Broccoli’sprogramme from the Royal World Premiere of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang film in 1968. Weird and wonderful Chitty memorabilia includes signatures of the star-studded cast, pedal and Corgi cars, comics, computer games, pop-up books and even lunch boxes made to celebrate the children’s favourite film.

Never exhibited before original film concept art by Sir Ken Adam, storyboard watercolour artwork by Robert Laing and technical drawings by Peter Lamont will be on display, along with the solid silver Chitty model bought for producer Cubby Broccoli by his wife Dana.

Outside in the grounds, visitors to Beaulieu can see a stunning Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reconstruction being driven around the attraction – you may even be lucky enough to go for a ride!

Thanks to Fleming’s brilliant story about the beautiful, magical car and Roald Dahl’s screenplay adaptation, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains as popular today as it ever has been.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years can be seen as part of the general admission to Beaulieu, which includes entrance to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu family home of Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. To buy tickets in advance online or for more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

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Count Zborowski in Chitty Bang Bang