AUTO ADDICTS - MAGNIFiCENT CLASSIC ADVENTURES VOLUME 2 NOW AVAILABLE

AUTO ADDICTS - 

MAGNIFiCENT CLASSIC ADVENTURES VOLUME 2

NOW AVAILABLE

The second in a series of classic Journals from Auto Addicts hit the news-stands last week - with the release of Auto Addicts – Volume 2

Covering a diverse cross-section of classic races, rallies, speed trials and adventures around the globe. The beautifully designed, high-quality coffee table-style book features in-depth writing married to a collection of stunning imagery from some of motorsport’s finest photographers.

Editor and classic racer Sarah Bennett-Baggs commented “Our aim is to find the story or capture the moment and collate a series of adventure stories from those who are out there facing all the elements in their classic pride and joy. We hope to inspire others to dust off their classic motors, seize the moment and seek adventure.”

“The Journal celebrates today’s motor racing heroes whilst showcasing the best classic motorsport events through photography. We wanted to produce a high-quality keepsake publication for racers, motorsport fans, and collectors.”

Titled ‘Auto Addicts – Magnificent Classic Adventures’, Volume Two features stories about the Milano Taranto a six-day motorbike rally from Milan to Taranto. It features interviews of competitors on the Flying Scotsman rally, the Mille Miglia, Historique Grand Prix in Monaco and Spa Six Hours.

There are also in-depth human interest tales about people and their beloved cars, such as why you would buy, own and race an ex Jim Clark Lotus 21 which was involved in a serious accident plus stories about the pains of owning and racing a Porsche 962 and a Scarab F1 car.

Published October 2018, the high-end magazine is the second in a series of printed yearbooks introduced by Auto Addicts to complement its online classic motorsport reporting service followed by over 22,000 monthly readers.

Auto Addicts – Magnificent Classic Adventures’ has 132 full-colour pages printed on high-quality 140gsm uncoated paper, perfect bound with a matt laminated cover and costs just £10 + post & packing.

Copied can be ordered here: https://www.autoaddicts-shop.com/journals/volumeone-33xn2

You can sign up to the free classic racing newsfeed right here: http://autoaddicts.co.uk/subscribe/

FIVA CHOOSES UNEXPECTED WINNER OF ‘BEST PRESERVED VEHICLE’ AWARD IN JAPAN

FIVA CHOOSES UNEXPECTED WINNER OF ‘BEST PRESERVED VEHICLE’ AWARD IN JAPAN

La Festa Mille Miglia 2018, held in Japan, is now in its 21st year. As you can probably guess from the title, it’s a 1000-mile rally run along the lines of the current Italian 1000 Miglia and this year it started on 19 October in Tokyo, ending up in the same city on Monday 22 October. 

A representative from FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles) attended as the FIVA Steward, and for the first time La Festa Mille Miglia was chosen as one of this year’s 10 events at which a FIVA Best Preserved Vehicle award would be presented. 

And the winner of the FIVA Best Preserved Vehicle trophy? 

Whilst the FIVA Steward found it unusually hard to separate the many potential contenders, the trophy was finally awarded to the 1951 Panhard Dyna X 110/X85 owned by Yoshinobu and Miyoko Kato. This model of the marque is affectionately known to aficionados as ‘Louis XVth’ thanks to its marvellous baroque curves. 

While the Panhard Dyna might perhaps not be every enthusiast’s first choice for competing in a 1000-mile road rally, the diminutive Dyna X would certainly be a car that almost every participant would love to take home with them, judging by the reaction of other competitors. 

Meanwhile the winner of La Festa Mille Miglia itself was the Bugatti Type 40 of Kyoto and Junko Takemoto, with a Triumph TR2 and MG C-Type as runners-up in the 1000-mile rally. 

La Festa Mille Miglia was the tenth and final event this year at which FIVA presented a Best Preserved Vehicle award, having announced early in 2018 that eight of the ten events would be new to the awards. As FIVA President Patrick Rollet explained at the time, “We are keen to help promote not just the very ‘top-end’ occasions, but also to recognise the passionate individuals who take part in events that are more open to the majority of enthusiasts – hoping to encourage a wider spectrum of FIVA members to enjoy these valuable celebrations of historic vehicles.” 

THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB 1000 MILE TRIAL WINS RALLY OF THE YEAR 2018

THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB 1000 MILE TRIAL WINS RALLY OF THE YEAR 2018

The Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial has won the 2018 Rally of the Year Award at the International Historic Motoring Awards, which took place on Thursday 25 October 2018 at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane hotel.

The International Historic Motoring Awards recognises and celebrates the skills and achievements of the worldwide historic motoring industry and comprises of a broad spectrum of award categories ranging from Restoration of the Year through to Motorsport Event and Personal Achievement awards.

Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring of the Royal Automobile Club said, "We are delighted to have won Rally of the Year Award against such a high calibre of contenders. I would like to thank our event partner, HERO Events, for their expert organisation and challenging routes, which keep the participants on their toes. The event has won this award three times and it won the FIA Heritage Cup in 2015 so it's wonderful to add another accolade to its illustrious history".

The Royal Automobile Club and the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO) partnered to revive the 1000 Mile Trial in 2014. The original 1000 Mile Trial, organised by the Automobile Club, was a demonstration trial held in the spring of 1900, from London to Edinburgh and back again. This event demonstrated the robustness and versatility of the motor car, in the process proving the doubters of the motor car wrong. It was a truly historic moment in the popularisation and development of motoring as we have come to know it.

The 2018 Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial set the standard for all other pre-war motoring events. 1090 miles of the best roads in Britain, 27 regularities, 19 tests and over 30 crews battled it out over 6 days. This year's trial was won by Peter Lovett and Matt Fowle in a Frazer Nash BMW 328.

With such an important anniversary coming up, the Royal Automobile ‎Club and HERO have decided the next event will be in June 2020 - 120 years on from the running of the original 1000 Mile Trial. It will retain the spirit of the original, with some of the world's best pre-war cars, a route that is both challenging and inspiring, and hospitality and celebration of the very highest order.

Patrick Burke, Managing Director of HERO said, “The Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial is a quintessentially British motoring event, whose 120th anniversary will be celebrated in 2020. For this historic occasion, we have some exciting plans for the Trial commensurate with such an anniversary

ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA PRESIDENT AND GROUP CEO RECEIVES HISTORIC MOTORING AWARD

ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA PRESIDENT AND GROUP CEO RECEIVES HISTORIC MOTORING AWARD

Andy Palmer

 Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, was honoured with the Vantage Award at tonight’s annual Historic Motoring Awards at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel. Although named personally as the winner, Palmer accepted the award on behalf of everyone at Aston Martin.

The Historic Motoring Awards, now in its eighth year, recognises the elite in the international classic automotive world. The winners are selected by the experts at Octane magazine and an international panel of judges from the motoring world. Brand new for 2018, the Vantage Award celebrates “an individual or company who has made an outstanding contribution to the world of Aston Martin”. The judges were looking for someone who not only champions the brand, but lives and breathes it and has made waves in making it what it is today.

After joining Aston Martin in late 2014, Palmer set to work on the ‘Second Century Plan, a transformative plan that would see the company replace its entire sports car range over the course of seven years. Starting with the DB11, followed by the new Vantage and most recently the DBS Superleggera, the plan is already ahead of its targets. Earlier this year it was announced that Aston Martin’s profits grew by a quarter of a billion pounds in 2017, heralding the completion of the financial turnaround of the iconic British luxury carmaker a full year ahead of schedule. With Palmer at the helm, the company made its stock market debut just a few weeks ago.

Palmer said: “The highest honours are always those made from within your peer group or own industry. In accepting this award, I do so on behalf of everyone at Aston Martin. I’m proud of everything we have achieved and I am excited by the future that this company has to look forward to.” 

CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE WINS CONCOURS OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE HISTORIC MOTORING AWARDS

CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE WINS CONCOURS OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE HISTORIC MOTORING AWARDS

Concours of Elegance 2018 Tim Scott

The world-famous Concours of Elegance has won the prestigious ‘Concours of the Year’ category at The Historic Motoring Awards 2018. Now in its seventh year, the Concours of Elegance has quickly become one of the most esteemed and acclaimed concours events in the world, welcoming some of the biggest names in the classic car industry and the most eminent collectors from around the world.

Regarded as one of the most distinguished motoring award ceremonies, The Historic Motoring Awards was hosted by Formula 1 pundit Steve Rider, with winners chosen by experts at Octane Magazine and an international panel of revered judges. The Concours of Elegance has now been nominated seven times for ‘Motoring Event of the Year’ and took home the ‘Concours of the Year’ award this week, with sister event London Concours a finalist in the ‘Breakthrough Event of the Year’ category.

From 31st August to 2nd September, Hampton Court Palace hosted a selection of vehicles the likes of which has never been seen in the UK. Over a century of the best automotive history graced the royal gardens in South-West London, from the 1903 Panhard et Lavassor O4R up to the latest 2018 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso ‘Tailor Made’. Star guests included a recently-restored 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Long-tail, as well as an incredible 1957 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa ‘C’. The 1929 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Barker ‘Boat Tail’ took home the ‘Best in Show’ award with its period accuracy and attention to detail loved by all.

The 2018 Concours of Elegance was supported by a fantastic selection of automotive manufacturers, including Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and Geely, as well as its presenting partner A. Lange & Söhne. Guests were able to enjoy a great selection of food and drink from luxury picnic company Tom’s Kitchen and Champagne Taittinger bar, alongside a tantalising array of lavish products from Augustine Jewels, art from Collier Dobson and fine scotch whisky from John Dewar & Sons.

Andrew Evans, Concours of Elegance Director, said: “We are incredibly proud to have received the prestigious ‘Concours of the Year’ award at The Historic Motoring Awards this year. The great work of our dedicated team and the contributions of our fantastic sponsors have helped the event become what it is today. Without the continued support of the owners and guests, we would not be regarded as one of the top concours shows in the world. The event continues to improve year-on-year with more exclusive vehicles, more guests and even more top-tier partners - next year will be even better still.”

TALBOT OWNERS’ CLUB PROVES ‘INVINCIBLE’ AS FOOTMAN JAMES’ CLUB OF THE YEAR AT HISTORIC MOTORING AWARDS

TALBOT OWNERS’ CLUB PROVES ‘INVINCIBLE’ AS FOOTMAN JAMES’ CLUB OF THE YEAR AT HISTORIC MOTORING AWARDS

Talbot Owners’ Club, Footman James’ Club of the Year

Fierce competition in the Footman James-sponsored Club of the Year award at last night’s Historic Motoring Awards.

With owners’ clubs being one of the most important facets of classic car ownership, alongside insurance and maintenance, Footman James is proud to announce the Talbot Owners’ Club as Club of the Year award winner at the Historic Motoring Awards 2018, in one of the most hotly-contested categories.

With an enviable shortlist, containing some of the most important and internationally-recognised car clubs, the judges and the Footman James team had a tough decision on their hands ahead of the eighth annual Historic Motoring Awards, held this year at the prestigious Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel.

However, one stood clear of the rest and, on the night, the Talbot Owners’ Club was recognised for its significant growth in membership and innovative approach to reaching its community. The organisation’s 22% jump in new members has been driven by a new free-to-use website, which contains a database of every Talbot built since 1906 and a 350-page Technical Manual. These are supported by a revamped club magazine; not to mention tours, events and member displays, and a streamlined approach to its communications with stakeholders. Overall, the club had significantly changed its strategy and approach, and its success provides a clear blueprint for how car clubs can address the issue of falling numbers going forward.

Hosted by Steve Rider, the Club of the Year title was the first winner announced of this year’s Historic Motoring Awards, with a shortlist that included the Aston Martin Owners’ Club, Cardigan Classic Car Club, Ferrari Owners’ Club as well as the pre-war specialist club, Vintage Sports Car Club.

Footman James’ Managing Director, David Bond, said, “Talbots are famous for being invincible, being designed and run by engineers and fiercely competitive at Le Mans and Brooklands, on Alpine Trials and even, in later life, on the RAC Rally. Solely run by fans and owners of the marque, using modern communications and free tools to keep Talbot cars on the road for future members, we thank the Talbot Owners’ Club for their continued efforts and are delighted that they take home this important award.”

For further information about Footman James please contact 0333 207 6255 or visit www.footmanjames.co.uk.

WINNERS OF THE HISTORIC MOTORING AWARDS 2018 REVEALED

WINNERS OF THE HISTORIC MOTORING AWARDS 2018 REVEALED

On Thursday 25th October, 300 of the world’s biggest classic and performance car enthusiasts came together in London to celebrate the winners of The Historic Motoring Awards 2018.

Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate the continued growth of the classic car industry, which has continued to flourish largely due to the efforts of the likes of the nominees.

The much-coveted Car of the Year category was voted for by thousands of Octane magazine readers. For the winning Triumph TR2, it was the culmination of a historically important but long-lost British sports car being brought back to its former glory. This was the very car in which the intrepid Ken Richardson shattered records for the 2-litre class in setting a speed of 124.899mph on a stretch of the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium in 1953. Having been taken off the road in the 1970s, it was eventually rediscovered and restored by Glen Hewett of specialist Protek Engineering.

Tony Dron is a legend in two fields: motoring racing and journalism. Having started in single-seaters, where he became a good friend of James Hunt, Dron was a British Leyland works driver and Touring Car great at his peak in the 1970s when he also took a brace of class wins at Le Mans for Porsche. In a career that lasted some 43 years, he was also one of the leading lights when historic racing really took off and famously competed in everything from his own Ford Zephyr to iconic Ferrari sports racers. Throughout his racing career, Dron was also working as a journalist and was on the true pioneers of classic car journalism as it emerged to become a force in the 1980s and has been a regular contributor to Octane.

Robert Coucher, International Editor of Octane magazine said: “In what has been the strongest ever year for entries – and the toughest ever for judging – all our nominees have made an invaluable contribution to the old car scene globally. A testament to the calibre of the shortlists was the fact that our panel of judges  – which included Derek Bell, Peter Stevens and Jay Leno – even asked us to split one category into two because they couldn’t separate two of the candidates.”

The full list of winners from The Historic Motoring Awards 2018 is available here:

CAR OF THE YEAR

‘Jabbeke’ Triumph TR

RESTORATION OF THE YEAR -  Sponsored by Deneb and Pollux

Lamborghini Miura (Lamborghini Polo Storico)

BOOK OR FILM OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Horton Books

Gaston Grümmer: The Art of Carrosserie 
by Philippe Grümmer and Laurent Friry, Dalton Watson

CLUB OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Footman James

Talbot Owners;’ Club

HERITAGE COLLECTION OF THE YEAR

Porsche

MOTORING EVENT OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by EFG Private Banking

Concours of the Year - Concours of Elegance

Show of the Year - Retro Classics Stuttgart

MUSEUM OF THE YEAR

Museo Nicolis

SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Quick Fit

The Classic Motor Hub

Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth - highly commended

PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Lordes

Alpine A110

BESPOKE CAR OF THE YEAR

Jaguar E-type Concept Zero

RACE SERIES OF THE YEAR

The 2 Litre Cup

MOTORSPORT EVENT OF THE YEAR

Le Mans Classic

BREAKTHROUGH EVENT OF THE YEAR

Heveningham Hall Concours d’Elegance

INDUSTRY SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR

Richard Mille

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT - Sponsored by HERO

Madan Mohan (21 Gun Salute)

THE VANTAGE AWARD

Andy Palmer (CEO, Aston Martin)

THE ENZO AWARD

GTO Engineering

RALLY OF THE YEAR

The Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD


Tony Dron

The awards ceremony took place at The Sheraton Grand Hotel, Park Lane, London on Thursday 25th October.

CAMBRIDGE & COUNTIES BANK REACH £2 MILLION LENDING IN CLASSIC CAR FINANCE

CAMBRIDGE & COUNTIES BANK REACH £2 MILLION LENDING IN CLASSIC CAR FINANCE

Cambridge & Counties Bank attended the 20th anniversary Goodwood Revival last month with an invited gathering of its first clients to mark the first £2 million pounds worth of financed approved. All funded by the new classic car finance in just a few months since its launch, proving that the designed offering is meeting the needs of enthusiastic buyers and collectors.

Cambridge & Counties Bank launched Classic Car Finance in April and have already financed the purchases of a huge range of highly prized, historic vehicles. The marques range from 1920s Bentleys through to a unique 1980s Aston Martin. There are competition cars represented by a Ginetta GT5, noughties British Touring Car Championship legend, Porsche Carrera Cup Car and Jaguar XJR 10.

Neil Fender, lifelong classic car fanatic and Head of Classic Car Finance at Cambridge & Counties Bank explains, “As a team of enthusiasts ourselves, we can honestly say of all the vehicles we have financed so far, ‘we would have bought them too!’ When rare or significant cars come up for sale, you must act quickly to realise that ambition of owning them because once sold, it can be years before they come on the market again, if ever. We are here to help ensure clients are able to make the most of that golden opportunity to own the car of their dreams.”

The Cambridge & Counties Bank team invited their first clients along to celebrate in style at the 20th anniversary of the Goodwood Revival held over the weekend of 7th – 9th September 2018. The event, which is enjoyed by tens of thousands of historic vehicle aficionados every year, combines vintage and classic motorsport with superstar drivers, vintage fashion and classic car displays.

Neil Fender says, “Goodwood Revival was the perfect place for us to mark this significant milestone. Not only are we surrounded by so many of the cars we love but it was also a chance to share with our clients, the passion we all have for historic vehicles and the culture that surrounds them.”

Classic Car Finance operates from the Cambridge & Counties Bank head office in Leicester. The bank has a unique partnership between two established and respected institutions – Trinity Hall, Cambridge and Cambridgeshire Local Government Pension Fund. The bank can lend from £63,000 up to £1.5 million and will consider equity release on a range of historic vehicles as well.

Tom Senior, Director of Classic Car Finance at Cambridge & Counties Bank adds, “Our unique structure gives us the ability to offer a very personal service and the desire to build lasting relationships is at the heart of everything we do. That approach, combined with the genuine passion we have for classic cars sets us apart. We are very proud to be just as excited about the cars our clients want to buy as they are.”

Cambridge and Counties Bank will next be out and about at the NEC Classic Motor Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC over the weekend of 9-11th November and invite anyone wishing to meet for a coffee and an informal chat at that event, to contact the team on 0116 366 0800 or email classiccars@ccbank.co.uk

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR CLUB AWARDS

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR CLUB AWARDS

The UK’s classic car clubs will have further chance to submit their entries for the annual Classic & Sports Car Club Awards, with the closing date for entries extended until 11:59pm on Thursday 1 November 2018.

The Awards, supported by Lancaster Insurance, are free to enter and recognise excellence in 10 main categories for both individuals and clubs within the classic car community.

Highlighting two prominent categories, Alastair Clements, Editor in Chief of Classic & Sports Car, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to go through the Awards entries and learn about all the club initiatives that run throughout the year, and it’s particularly exciting to see that classic cars are being enjoyed across the generations. The ‘Best Contribution by a Youngster’ category always attracts a number of fascinating entries from the next wave of enthusiasts, while the ‘Initiative of the Year’ award provides a fantastic insight into new and creative ideas being employed by the clubs to successfully engage with new audiences and support their members.”

Winning at the Classic & Sports Car Club Awards means much more than adding to the trophy cabinet, as Graham Searle, General Manager of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, explains after winning the 2017 Best Club Show/Event award: “Winning was the icing on the cake for the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club,” he said. “We knew we had put on an amazing event, but to have it recognised by our ‘industry’ was particularly pleasing and gave us the incentive to improve on that level for the future. The competition was tough, with many excellent events organised that year. In fact, the standard of events put on by clubs continues to rise in line with members’ expectations, and prestigious awards like these help by recognising the considerable effort needed to achieve that standard.”

Alastair Clements continued: “Classic & Sports Car magazine has been – and continues to be – at the very heart of the classic industry since it was first published in April 1982. Over that time, classic car clubs large and small have played an integral role through their ongoing initiatives promoting and preserving the camaraderie and community spirit. Winning at the Club Awards can provide the impetus to reach a new membership audience as well as honouring those hard-working people that are the lifeblood of the club.”

To put forward your nominations, visit http://www.classicandsportscar.com/clubawards. Nominations close at 11:59pm on Thursday 1 November 2018 with the Club Awards winners announced at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham on Friday 9 November. Help us spread the word through our social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook – using #CSCClubAwards.

FUZZ TOWNSHEND’S CLASSIC OILS LAUNCH DUCKHAMS PARTNERSHIP AT BICESTER HERITAGE

FUZZ TOWNSHEND’S CLASSIC OILS LAUNCH DUCKHAMS PARTNERSHIP AT BICESTER HERITAGE

Fuzz Townshend’s Classic Oils launch Duckhams partnership at Bicester Heritage

Duckhams, the iconic oil brand will be available through Fuzz Townshend’s Classic Oils outlet, based at Bicester Heritage, from November 2018, as the stockist adds to its ever-expanding range of lubricants for historic vehicles.

The Duckhams name is synonymous with British motoring heritage and was the recommended oil of choice for many historic manufacturers in period such as MG, Morris, Austin and Jaguar. The brand made its return in late 2017, after once again becoming an independent British company following its acquisition from BP.

The products stocked by Fuzz Townshend’s Classic Oils provide older engines with optimal protection levels, consistent oil pressure and reduced deposits and the team recommend that engines of all ages can benefit from the latest oil additive technology. Classic Oils will stock the entire Duckhams engine oil range for classic vehicles, including SAE30 and 40 monograde plus Q 20w 50 and Q 10w 40 multigrade. These will be available in both twenty-litre pails, ‘gallon tins’ and handy 1 litre top up tins with extendable spouts for ease of use.

Also joining the range will be Duckhams’ gear oil products for differentials and gearboxes of all ages and designs including 90Z, 85W-140 GL5 and 80w-90 GL4.

Guy Lachlan, MD of Fuzz Townshend’s Classic Oils at Bicester Heritage says, “We are incredibly excited to be adding this well-loved brand to our range of products. The famous green oil uses a very high-quality base oil with optimum ZDDP levels and so will suit our customers who demand quality and reliability from their engine oil.”

Duckhams and Fuzz Townshend’s Classic Oils announced the partnership at the last Sunday Scramble of the year, held at Bicester Heritage this month where Martin Gough, Director for Classic and Motorsport at Duckhams was on hand to answer questions from the many historic vehicle enthusiasts present.

Martin Gough explains, “Guy and the team at Fuzz Townshend’s Classic Oils are the ‘go-to guys’ for lubricants in the historic vehicle community and to have their expertise and enthusiasm for quality associated with Duckhams is very exciting for us.”

The full range can be seen online at www.classic-oils.net and www.duckhams.com.

Source: Duckhams 

DAVID BROWN AUTOMOTIVE CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF SUCCESS

DAVID BROWN AUTOMOTIVE CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF SUCCESS

Silverstone, United Kingdom (23 October 2018): David Brown Automotive is marking five years of continued success by revealing a short interview film with company CEO and founder, David Brown. The documentary, named ‘David Brown Automotive: History In The Making’, traces David’s background in leading the business all the way up to where David Brown Automotive stands today, as a luxury car coachbuilder that extends to vehicle models including the exclusive and classically-inspired Speedback GT, performance-focused Speedback Silverstone Edition and iconic Mini Remastered.

Proudly drawing on Britain’s automotive heritage, David Brown Automotive has significantly grown since its founding in 2013 and now works with over 70 British-based suppliers, has over 40 employees and also offers student internships. Always expanding its international reach, the company currently has owners of its three luxury car models in 17 nations across the world, including countries as far away as Japan, Australia, and the USA and further market expansion is anticipated for the coming years.

Alongside the unveiling of the new film about David Brown Automotive, journalists are invited to approach the press team to arrange interview opportunities between now and the end of 2018.

“Over the past five years, David Brown Automotive has gone from strength to strength,” said David Brown, company founder, and CEO. “Thanks to the ongoing hard work of our growing team, we can consider ourselves amongst the best in the luxury automotive industry.”

"I am very lucky to have around me a talented team of people in every aspect of our company's business. We are also lucky to have great suppliers that we work with, people with real heritage and skills, craftsman skills."

The Speedback GT model was first launched in 2014 as the company’s first product that realised David’s vision for a classically-inspired Grand Tourer. The car brings modern refinement and technology, alongside bespoke handcraftsmanship to a design that recalls the golden era of British automotive manufacturing. The success of Speedback GT led to David Brown Automotive reimagining one of the world’s most successful cars for the 21^st century. Launched last year, Mini Remastered takes on board modern technology and luxury handcraftsmanship to revive one of the all-time-great motoring designs. To mark the anniversary of moving to its new Silverstone headquarters, David Brown Automotive launched Speedback Silverstone Edition earlier this year, its most performance-focused model to date.

As a successful entrepreneur and businessman, David has started over 30 businesses throughout a prolific career. Alongside David Brown Automotive, two of David’s other key business interests are an award-winning brewery (www.wearebad.co) and a luxury tile and stoneware specialist (www.lapicida.com).

To watch the ‘David Brown Automotive: History In The Making’ film: http://bit.ly/2Japo2c

THE FUTURE MEETS THE PAST AT THE 2018 LES GRANDES HEURES AUTOMOBILES (LGHA)

THE FUTURE MEETS THE PAST AT THE 2018 LES GRANDES HEURES AUTOMOBILES (LGHA)

LGHA 2018 Grid

The recent fourth edition of the annual Les Grandes Heures Automobiles (LGHA), held at the French temple of speed – the legendary banked Linas-Montlhéry Autodrome circuit just south of Paris – was unanimously declared to be the best yet by both the hundreds of participating competitors, plus the record number of enthusiastic spectators from all over Europe, all of which revealed in the glorious sunshine as they enjoyed spectacular vehicle demonstrations on the steeply banked Montlhéry track.

The famous record-breaking metallic-bronze Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe, registered LWK 707 and driven in early August 1952 by a quartet of British drivers - Stirling Moss, Leslie Johnson, Jack Fairman and Bert Hadley – to set an average speed record of 107.46 mph for seven days and nights non-stop at the Linas-Montlhéry Autodrome track, made a welcome and emotional return to the steeply racked circuit especially for the LGHA.

The Jaguar was joined by a Ferrari 156 F1 ‘Sharknose’ from the UK, driven by racing legend Arturo Merzario from Italy, along with the well-known BMW 3-Series Group 5 ‘Jägermeister’ from Switzerland, a selection of vintage competition Porsches from Germany, motorcycles from Belgium, plus naturally many exceptional models from France, including Matra, Alpine, Citroen, Bugatti, Peugeot, Voisin, Venturi and others, such as some rare racing Abarth SPs, Lancia Stratos, Ford GT40s and various Ferraris.

Members of the ex-works Alpine-Renault rally team gathered around Jacques Cheinisse and some of his ‘musketeers’ at LGHA to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the first WRC Constructors Title in the history of rallying. Other famous drivers present at the 2018 LGHA included Jean-Claude Andruet, François Chatriot, Emmanuel Collard, Erik Comas, Jean Pierre Jaussaud, Arturo Merzario, Philippe Monneret, Norman Nato, Bob Neyret, Nelson Panciatici and rallying legend Bruno Saby.

For the fourth LGHA, Europe converged on the Autodrome to put it back at the heart of the historic motorsports, but with the modern additions of a series of activities, including Formula E and a drift session and current trials bikers, using parts of the new Montlhéry infield construction site to jaw-dropping advantage. The Paris auction house Aguttes organised its second sale in the LGHA’s 1924 Pavilion, its star lots including a trio of important AC models, plus a number of modern classic hot hatches; all fetching healthy prices.

More than 50 exhibitors presented their latest products and expertise to the LGHA visitors, including Alpine, Alfa Romeo, Effeffe and new local passenger car producer MPM Motors, with its Erelis model making its dynamic world debut on the Montlhéry banking, with the LGHA visiting public able to drive the cars for themselves. There was fun for younger ages too with mini-quads, mini 4x4s, and mini-bikes to add to the passion for motoring from an early age.

Away from the historic competition machines at the LGHA, a huge display of around 1,000 vehicles from many classic cars and bikes clubs were also in attendance, as well as exotic special supercars and performance GTs, plus a special LGHA classic car tour to the event.

A video highlight of the 2017 LGHA can be viewed and shared from the following link;

http://lesgrandesheuresautomobiles.com/en/autodrome-linas-montlhery-france/(2017 LGHA aerial view summary; 06.48 runtime)