A NEW AUTOMOTIVE ICON TO DEBUT AT LE MANS – FIRST DB4 GT ZAGATO CONTINUATION SET FOR UNVEIL AT CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE

A NEW AUTOMOTIVE ICON TO DEBUT AT LE MANS – FIRST DB4 GT ZAGATO CONTINUATION SET FOR UNVEIL AT CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE

The first Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation – part of the Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection – to make its public debut at the world’s most famous endurance motorsport event later this week.

Breaking cover at Aston Martin’s VIP hospitality facility alongside the famous French circuit, the first complete DB4 GT Zagato Continuation – one of just 19 cars being made – will be on show throughout the gruelling 24-hour race.

The production model of this track-only sports car, the latest in Aston Martin’s hugely successful Continuation programme which began with the DB4 GT Continuation series in 2017, represents the culmination of around 4,500 hours of painstaking and meticulous artisan craftsmanship.

As with all the Continuation cars, the Zagato has been created at Aston Martin’s globally renowned Heritage Division headquarters in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Now the largest, best equipped and most knowledgeable Aston Martin restoration centre in the world, the invaluable and highly specialist skills nurtured at Aston Martin Works are perfectly suited to the brand’s celebrated Continuation projects.

The car on show in France this weekend represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s Continuation projects to date, and proudly continues the brand’s 50-plus year association with world-renowned Italian coachbuilder and design house, Zagato.

Finished in Rosso Maja red paint, the car’s exterior colour has been matched to original masters created by Max Meyer & ICI, the paint suppliers for the original cars. Inside, the car is trimmed in Obsidian Black leather, which covers the pads in the carbon fibre race seats; door cards, headliner and rear environment. Black Wilton carpets bound in Obsidian Black leather trim cover the floor, stitched in matching Obsidian Black thread.

The new model boasts a larger capacity 4.7-litre version of the straight-six cylinder petrol engine found in the DB4 GT Continuation and, in this guise, is producing in excess of 390 bhp. This is transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

Continuation specification instrumentation and interior equipment such as a full FIA-approved roll cage is standard, as are the Borrani silver painted wheels and polished lips.

Originally built to race against the might of Ferrari in the 1960s, the DB4 GT Zagato was a thoroughbred machine. Evolved for the rigours of motor racing and blessed with a rare and incontestable beauty, just 19 were made. Drawing on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the team at Aston Martin Works the 2019 DB4 GT Zagato Continuations are meticulously crafted, staying true to those original Zagato-bodied DB4 GTs produced by Aston Martin and Zagato in the 1960s.

Each car is being constructed to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old-world craftsmanship and the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.

A digital body buck has, for instance, been created to allow Aston Martin engineers to examine minute details of the Continuation cars. In contrast, hand-finished body panels of the new cars are each worked from flat sheets of 1.2 mm thick aluminium and representing hundreds of hours of world-class craftsmanship, are created using techniques that were commonplace almost 60 years ago. 

Originally built as an evolution of the short-chassis DB4 GT, the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation follows the same recipe, with those thin-gauge aluminium body panels dressing a lightweight tubular frame in a chassis optimised for track work.

This latest continuation car follows the success of the 25 Aston Martin DB4 GT Continuation models that sold to enthusiast collectors in 2017 and precedes what will perhaps be the most ambitious continuation to date: the Aston Martin Goldfinger DB5 Continuation cars that will come to market in 2020. 

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO, said: “The development and successful creation of this latest Continuation car is an achievement that should not be underestimated. Indeed, it could well be argued that we are making history with these new cars.

“Celebrating our brand’s deep and enduring partnership with Zagato in this, their landmark year, by launching the DBZ Centenary Collection has been a mammoth undertaking and I’m personally extremely proud of the results in the shape of this new DB4 GT Zagato.”

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “Like Andy, I’m incredibly proud of what the team have achieved in making the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation a reality.

“After the unprecedented success of the DB4 GT Continuation cars, we are once again bringing to life the stuff of Aston Martin folklore.”

The DBZ Century Collection will be priced at £6m plus taxes. First deliveries to customers will commence in QTR 3 2019 for the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and in QTR 4 2020 for the DBS GT Zagato.

REVEALED: BICESTER MOTION – FULL MASTERPLAN FOR IMMERSIVE AUTOMOTIVE RESORT FROM BICESTER HERITAGE

REVEALED: BICESTER MOTION – FULL MASTERPLAN FOR IMMERSIVE AUTOMOTIVE RESORT FROM BICESTER HERITAGE

Bicester Heritage has today unveiled ‘Bicester Motion’, its masterplan for the creation of the UK’s first automotive resort, with an ambition to become one of the country’s top 20 tourist and leisure destinations.

Having successfully developed the concept of a Centre for Excellence, experience and community for the historic automotive sector, Bicester Heritage (which occupies just 5% of the site) will now become a component of a larger landmark development named Bicester Motion. This expansion will ensure that the historic airfield location it calls home will fulfil its original and continued purpose as a focal point for cutting edge technology.

As Bicester Motion launches across 444 acres, the new resort hopes to offer leisure, culture and tourism experiences within one destination. Consisting of multiple zones, the Bicester Motion concept comprises of the recently announced 344 room hotel and conference development (which received unanimous planning approval from Cherwell District Council at the end of 2018), and an additional 770,000 feet of operational business and leisure accommodation sitewide.

As a unique, holistic experience, Bicester Motion seeks to become a UK top 20 tourist attraction that offers a destination for one million tourists many of whom already visit Bicester on day trips, and a further 30+ businesses providing over 2,000 skilled jobs to the area. Embracing the location’s inherent history and existing business success, Bicester Motion will provide world-class leisure facilities, employment and business opportunities at a leading automotive-focused development unlike any other.

Bicester Motion aims to be the first experiential automotive resort where visitors can become fully immersed in the breadth of our automotive culture, from existing on-site historic vehicle specialists through to future electric and autonomous technology. This planned low-density development will be dedicated to driving experience and the demonstration of high-tech engineering as well as health, wellbeing, events, accommodation and aviation.

Bicester Motion aspires to include a brand experience centre offering driver experiences on both road and off-road courses with restaurants and cafés, offering activities for the whole family. Close to the brand centre, the aim is to transform the dilapidated quarry and former industrial areas into the Bicester Reserve. This ecology-led health and wellbeing zone aspires to utilise the site’s currently inaccessible natural areas and offer access to a new country park complete with footpaths, cycle paths and lakeside lodges ideal for family breaks.

The potential construction of inimitable Motor Vaults as a community of private gallery-style garages for car storage with accommodation will allow owners to use and maintain their vehicles in a beautifully designed and discreet location. Nestled into the WW2 airfield’s boundary, these car storage structures will sit adjacent to the current Bomb Stores, a fitting tribute to an area also purpose-built as a storage solution, but also close to the current supportive campus of over 40 industry specialists as well as test circuits.

Bicester Motion map

Land abutting the Bicester ring road is earmarked for Bicester Motion’s Future Automotive Speed Technology hub or F.A.S.T. Zone. This planned new centre of excellence will be a thriving home for automotive ‘tech’ development, demonstration and education.

Providing an introduction to the future of the automotive movement is central to Bicester Motion’s concept and where else in the UK is it possible to experience future vehicles in conjunction with our motoring history, past and present? The existing perimeter circuit, The Radial, once refurbished will offer visitors the chance to experience these vehicles in a controlled environment as well as learn skills.

Bicester Expo, an aspiring cutting-edge exhibition centre based in the former WW2 C Type Hangars will provide significant venues for conferencing, automotive events and leisure opportunities.

By partnering with both blue-chip and cutting-edge businesses, the generation of new skilled jobs and financial contribution to the local and wider economy stand to benefit the area immensely. Offering new amenities and experiences, this development hopes to ensure cohesive links to Bicester town centre, Bicester Village and the Ox-Cam ‘technology corridor’.

Dan Geoghegan, Chief Executive of Bicester Motion, commented:

“The automotive industry is in a fascinating state of flux owing to changing customer habits and requirements, alongside the technology shift in drivetrains and autonomy.  Bicester Motion will enable both new and existing manufacturers to interact more effectively with their clientele.  It will help build those relationships in a revolutionary way by providing an immersive environment that offers a lifestyle experience beyond just cars on tracks or visiting a showroom.  The automotive world is changing, and we plan to offer a first-of-its-kind resort that will have multi-generational appeal.” 

“Being around 90 minutes from 50% of the UK population makes the Bicester Motion location second to none, furthermore Oxfordshire receives 27.6 million visitors per annum.  Of those, 7 million visitors head to Bicester Village a stone’s throw away, with arguably the most desirable national and international demographic to the automotive industry."

A visualisation of the interior of Bicester Motion’s F.A.S.T. Zone

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

GRAND BASEL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT PERSONAL INTERPRETATIONS OF AUTOMOTIVE CULTURE

CLASSIC TORQUE

FROM CLASSIC CHATTER

GRAND BASEL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT PERSONAL INTERPRETATIONS OF AUTOMOTIVE CULTURE

One of the special exhibitions at the first Grand Basel in Basel are six curated frames that display cars and other items of historical significance, showcasing the advisory board members' personal interpretation of automotive culture.

Grand Basel presents not just cars, but everything that is associated with and inspired by cars. With input from the unique advisory board, it showcases the epitome of automotive culture. Key elements of the first Grand Basel show in Basel have been curated on the views of a completely independent advisory board, encompassing leading figures from beyond the automotive world.

Heading up the advisory board is Prof. Paolo Tumminelli, director of the Goodbrands Institute, design critic and professor of Cultural Sciences at Cologne University of Applied Sciences.

Prof. Tumminelli is flanked by executive members comprising contemporary artist, Sylvie Fleury and creative entrepreneur and founder of Garage Italia, Lapo Elkann. Honorary board members include: cultural commentator and author, Stephen Bayley; design theoretician, Prof. Dr Michael Erlhoff; and world-renowned ‘car designer of the century’ Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Prof. Paolo Tumminelli – 1980 Fiat Panda

The founding chairman of the advisory board, Prof. Tumminelli is a frequent commentator on automobile design and a firm believer in the value of the automobile as a cultural asset.

Exhibits:

Fiat Panda 45 'Saved No. 1', Giorgetto Giugiaro, 1976-80 (Model Year 1980)

Voxson Tanga FM, Rodolfo Bonetto, 1978

Olivetti Valentine, Ettore Sottsass Jr., 1969

Hantarex MGG EQ/3 28", Luigi Cameroni, 1989

In his curated frame, Prof. Tumminelli presents a derelict 38-year-old Fiat Panda – a car that was found in Sardinia in 2008 and driven to the Neue Sammlung design museum in Munich. It is an honest representation of the automobile in its most pure form as a user-friendly tool. The iconic design by Giorgetto Giugiaro was unapologetically simple, in the tradition of practical compact cars such as the Citroen 2CV and Renault 4.

"The Panda is the very last car made for people, the last surviving witness of a time when the car was still serving humans - and not the other way around," explained Prof. Tumminelli. "It is tireless, unpretentious, immediate, uncomplicated: a T-shirt on wheels, pure mobility. While not beautiful in the classical sense, and easy to overlook as a masterpiece of rational architecture, the Panda irrevocably completes the development of the popular automobile, which began in 1908 with the Ford T.

"The Panda was built, bought, used, consumed and abused – and the example of display at Grand Basel exemplifies its huge cultural impact in this respect. Furthermore, its design concept is now perhaps more topical than ever: a role model of the ecologically and economically sensible, with the principles for a truly sustainable automobile of the future."

Giorgetto Giugiaro – 2018 GFG Sibylla GG 80

Legendary as the architect of the contemporary automobile, Giugiaro is the genius creator of models like the Fiat Panda, the VW Golf and the Lotus Esprit. In celebration of his 80th birthday, the master is presenting his most recent design: the electric GFG Sibylla, created by Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro in partnership with the smart energy management company, Envision. Elsewhere at the show, Giugiaro's first concept car – the Corvair Testudo – will also be on display.

Giugiaro is not only the 'car designer of the century' – he is also a true artist at heart, with a talent for human portraits. Presented at Grand Basel are three original Giugiaro paintings – Sammy Davis Jr, Indian and Pagliaccio – which act as a counterpart to the exhibition of his achievements in car design. These are his 'youthful passions' set in the context of the work of his lifetime. The three portraits testify to different existences and contexts and confront the explosion of lines and functional forms at Grand Basel.

Exhibits:

Sibylla GG 80, Giorgetto Giugiaro, 2018

Sammy Davis Jr., Giorgetto Giugiaro, 1958

Indian (Indian), Giorgetto Giugiaro, 1958

Pagliaccio (Clown), Giorgetto Giugiaro, 1970

The Sibylla on show was produced for Mr Giugiaro on bespoke specifications. This first road legal example brings together beautiful design with clean energy, defining a car that integrates with a future new energy infrastructure. A four-seater with generous packaging at over five metres long, the Sibylla is also equipped with all-wheel drive. Its design references the low, provocative and hedonistic cars designed by Giugiaro in the 1960s and 1970s, but is juxtaposed with the futuristic electric powertrain that drives the car.

Sylvie Fleury – 1963 Lincoln Continental

Artist Sylvie Fleury explores consumer culture in her work, and its relation towards gender and politics. American cars are also a passion for her and are often an important topic in her video works and installations. Fleury is the founder and president of the American car club “She-Devils on Wheels.”

Exhibits:

Lincoln Continental, Elwood Engel with Colin Neale, 1961 (the Model Year 1963)

Labrisrynthe, Sylvie Fleury, 2008

"I was thrilled by the chance to present Pablo Picasso’s last personal car in my frame at Grand Basel," said Sylvie Fleury. "His white Lincoln Continental, a huge, powerful machine, shows an interface between art and design. Picasso was a true car connoisseur, and this 1963 car is still owned by his family. I parked the car in my frame like it was a sculpture, and the masculine design is played off against my two-metre tall chromed shark tooth artwork, which harks back to a time when it was fashionable for women to wear a real shark tooth as a necklace pendant.

"Another significant element is the banner that reads "Die Picasso sind da" ("The Picassos are here"). This pays homage to the amazing initiative that many Basel residents supported – culminating in 1968 – to ensure that significant Picasso paintings were able to stay in the city's Kunstmuseum, rather than being sold off. So now, it’s like Picasso is driving back to Basel!"

Prof. Dr Michael Erlhoff – Model cars in 1:87 scale

An influential design theoretician, writer and exhibition curator, Prof. Dr Michael Erlhoff is a former director of the German Design Council, founding president of the Raymond Loewy Foundation and founding dean of the Köln International School of Design.

Exhibits (1:87 scale):

Citroen DS, Flaminio Bertoni 1955 - 1975

Glas Goggomobil, Hans Glas GmbH, 1955 - 1969

Jaguar MK II, William Lyons, 1959 - 1969

Porsche 356 Cabrio, Erwin Komenda, 1948 - 1965

Porsche 911 SC, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, 1978 - 1984

BMW Isetta, IsoRivolta, 1955 - 1962

Borgward Isabella, Carl F. W. Borgward G.m.b.H, 1954 - 1961

Citroën 2CV Charleston, Flaminio Bertoni, 1949 - 1990

Messerschmitt Kabinenroller, Fritz M. Fend, 1953 - 1955

Instead of a full-sized dream car in sheet metal, Prof. Erlhoff will display toy models in his frame at Grand Basel. Each car will have significant links to important automotive history, but in miniature 1:87 scale, his personal approach will prove to be a charming perspective with a humorous, lighthearted spin.

"Small things can be very powerful," explained Prof. Erlhoff. "Just think of diamonds and atoms, for example you have to look very closely and to take some time to see them – they demand respect. When I was thinking of automobiles, I realised that the same could be true for small-scale models of the automobile. Many of these cars have stories to tell about their cultural impact, while others are simply beautifully elegant. Great dreams can come in small packages!"

Lapo Elkann – 2018 Fiat 500 Spiaggia by Garage Italia

When it comes to motion, design, creativity and style Lapo Elkann has been acclaimed for his unconventional yet uncompromising and disruptive taste. A successful entrepreneur, Mr Elkann founded lifestyle brand Italia Independent, communications agency Independent Ideas, and Garage Italia in Milan, a melting pot of Italian style, design, culture and cuisine.

Exhibits:

Fiat 500 Spiaggina by Garage Italia, 2018

The idea of the original Fiat 500 Jolly 'Spiaggina' of 1958 came from Fiat boss and Mr Elkann’s grandfather, Gianni Agnelli. He wanted a breezy summer car that could be carried on his yacht and that was light enough to be hauled ashore by the workforce. Remarkably, many of his Spiagginas were conceived as chauffeur driven limos. Carrozzeria Ghia created the original Jolly based on the Fiat 500: it had no roof, no doors, and only a rudimentary wind deflector. The cabin was adorned with wicker chairs and a basic frame onto which an awning could be attached. These features earned the car the nickname 'Spiaggina', Italian for 'beach chair'.

To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Garage Italia has created a new 500 Spiaggina, built to exactly the same principles, but brought right up-to-date. The new car has a shortened windshield and no roof, and the seats are upholstered in waterproofed leather. Instead of back seats, a cork-lined loading compartment incorporates a built-in shower – perfect for a refreshing spritz in hot summer weather. It will be offered to buyers on a custom order basis.

"Cars, design and art are among my greatest passions," said Lapo Elkann. "Innovation and contamination between different worlds - past, present and future - excite my heart and my brain, and the new 500 Spiaggina is a great example of this and the perfect fit for Grand Basel. It evokes beauty, positive energy, colours and good vibrations. It embodies 'La Dolce Vita' in its 4.0 version."

Stephen Bayley – 1962 Ford Consul Capri

Stephen Bayley is a highly regarded author, critic, columnist, broadcaster, consultant, debater and curator. The founding director of the London Design Museum, Bayley writes for several newspapers and magazines, including a regular column in CAR magazine, where he offers a critique of contemporary motoring design from a philosophical perspective.

Exhibits:

Ford Consul Capri, designed by Colin Neale, 1961 (the Model Year 1962)

"To misquote

Magritte, this is not a car. It is a dream. And this is the interpretation of dreams," explained Stephen Bayley. "The idea of what became the Ford Capri entered the mind of Ford of Britain’s designers in 1956, but as a slightly different car. This was an anguished year: the calamity of Suez marked the final end of the fading British Imperium. 'Project Sunbird' was established to give the designers something to dream about. And they dreamt about America. American prosperity offered an almost pornographic vista of possibilities.

"The result was one of the strangest mass-produced cars ever. Designer Colin Neale took styling cues from the Ford Galaxie, the Fairlane Skyliner and the Mercury Monterey. The huge rear deck is reminiscent of the ’61 Lincoln. Neale said the Capri was "sculpture in sheet metal". And its formal complexity made it ruinously expensive to manufacture.

"It was the first popular car to wear a 'GT' badge: the eighteenth century 'Grand Tour' having been the historical origins of Anglo-Continental voyeurism. And while there was nothing very much technically distinguished about the Capri, it was the first popular British car to use a Weber carburettor, establishing a vicarious connection to Ferrari and Maserati. Despite so much semantic promise, it was a sales calamity. A mere 19,421 were made. It is not only one of the strangest, but one of the rarest Fords. Dreams, you see, are soon dispersed."

Source: Grand Basel

David Brown Automotive Takes Wraps Off Speedback Silverstone Edition In Geneva

David Brown Automotive Takes Wraps Off Speedback Silverstone Edition In Geneva

• David Brown Automotive reveals Speedback Silverstone Edition at Geneva International Motor Show
• Speedback Silverstone Edition celebrates the anniversary of David Brown Automotive’s relocation of its headquarters and coachbuilding facility at the historic racing venue
• Aeronautical and classic racing theme evident in 1960s-inspired design
• A classically-inspired performance Grand Tourer for the 21^st Century
• 5.0-litre twin-scroll supercharged V8 engine delivers over 600hp and 565ft lb of torque, David Brown Automotive’s most powerful and performance focused model yet
• Intricate brogued and embroidered interior trim befitting a jet-inspired cockpit
• David Brown Automotive is a leader in British coachbuilding and handcraftsmanship; Silverstone Edition limited to only 10 bespoke cars
• Further information on the car can be found online at: www.davidbrownautomotive.com/silverstone-edition

Geneva, Switzerland (6^th March, 2018): David Brown Automotive has today unveiled Speedback Silverstone Edition at the Geneva International Motor Show. Taking inspiration from the dawn of the jet age and classic racers from the 1960s, Speedback Silverstone Edition is a pure performance Grand Tourer for the 21^st Century.

Limited to a run of only 10 production cars, Speedback Silverstone Edition is an example of bespoke British handcraftsmanship. Each model will be made using traditional coachbuilding techniques at David Brown Automotive’s headquarters and build facility in Silverstone, the home of the iconic racing circuit. Celebrating one year since David Brown Automotive moved to its Silverstone base, the new model is honed for performance, drawing close links to the aeronautical and racing heritage of the celebrated circuit.

Delivering 601 horsepower with 565ft lb of torque, a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph, the 5.0-litre twin-scroll supercharged V8 engine fitted to the new model makes for the most performance orientated car ever produced by David Brown Automotive. The impressive powertrain is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission and drive is delivered through the Grand Tourer’s rear wheels for assured sports handling.

Advancing the finely tuned Grand Tourer formula set by Speedback GT, Speedback Silverstone Edition includes an upgraded suspension system for enhanced handling and dynamics, as well as comfort, refinement and cutting-edge technological features for an on-demand, responsive and exhilarating driving experience. A fully automated Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, safety technologies, performance brakes and active rear differential make the Silverstone Edition a retro-inspired, driving-focused Grand Tourer for the modern age.

The aeronautical- and classic racing-inspired theme is clear in the visual identity of Speedback Silverstone Edition, building on the unique design language found only in each car handmade by David Brown Automotive. The handcrafted aluminium body is streamlined with extended side skirts, a front spoiler and enhanced rear diffuser, while larger side vents – badged with limited edition Silverstone Edition details – hint to the performance-enhanced powertrain beneath. Jet-inspired exhaust tips compound the race-tuned engine note and compliment the car’s performance characteristics.

Moving around the car – which assumes the sleek profile of a classic racer with its menacing, streamlined stance – the Silverstone Edition is fitted with unique, forged 20-inch ‘Afterburner’ bespoke designed alloy wheels. A bespoke signature pattern grille is fitted with twin LED auxiliary driving lamps, enhancing visibility and complimenting the dark ceramic LED technical headlamps and clear lens tail lights.

Brushed chrome exterior brightware matches the ‘Fly By Night’ multi-layer metallic paintwork, finished with a subtle ‘Black Night’ fading centre stripe. Tinted rear glass and a unique monotone David Brown Automotive die-sunk enamelled, chrome-plated badging complete the aggressively styled exterior theme.

Inside the cockpit, a Sixties-inspired, exquisitely brogued and embroidered interior trim befits the essence of a performance Grand Tourer. The ‘Antique’ and ‘Ebony’ leather hides are bound by contrasting tan stitching, and the Kvadrat^® ‘Remix’ premium fabric further adds to the quality and aeronautical personality within the cabin. An open-pore, scorched ‘Ebony Macassar’ wood veneer finish fades rearward, with metal inlay completing the dashboard, which features jet-inspired air vents to pay homage to the aeronautical and racing past of the Silverstone Circuit.

The two-seater configuration – with rear luggage storage space in the place of rear seats – features heated and adjustable sports seats that are adorned with a stylised Silverstone Circuit outline embroidered into the tan leather. Like Speedback GT, the folding ‘event seat’ features prominently at the rear of the car with an additional bespoke stowage feature. The application of leather and Alcantara^® extends to the steering wheel, also fitted with bespoke brushed aluminium switchgear.

A brushed chrome finish is prominent around the interior. Exclusive aeronautical-inspired speedometer and tachometer dials perpetuate the legacy of Speedback Silverstone Edition, while a fully integrated infotainment system is another proponent to position the car as a classically styled, performance Grand Tourer in the modern age. The in-car technology package includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth^® connectivity and a 7.1-channel Bowers & Wilkins^® surround sound audio system.

“Ever since David Brown Automotive relocated to Silverstone, we have wanted to mark the significance of the circuit’s aeronautical and motorsport heritage,” said David Brown, company founder and CEO. “Speedback Silverstone Edition addresses our ambition on every level, as a visually stunning Grand Tourer and the most performance-focused model we have ever made.

“We have developed Speedback Silverstone Edition to appeal to a new customer; the driver who wants the very best in performance at all times, but still wants to retain usability and driveability in an exclusive model which still offers both comfort and luxury. The David Brown Automotive DNA is clear to see again, building on the success of Speedback GT and Mini Remastered models, while our inspiration from the heritage of the Silverstone Circuit shapes this new model as a classically-inspired performance Grand Tourer for the modern market.”

Speedback Silverstone Edition is priced from £620,000.00 GBP*, alongside the other David Brown Automotive models that are handbuilt at the company’s Silverstone build facility. Speedback GT is priced from £520,000.00 GBP* and the Mini Remastered has a list price of £75,000.00 GBP* (*excluding taxes, duties and shipping). Built to order, the car can be made in either left-hand or right-hand drive.

DAVID BROWN AUTOMOTIVE GIVES FINAL GLIMPSE OF SPEEDBACK SILVERSTONE EDITION BEFORE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW UNVEIL

DAVID BROWN AUTOMOTIVE GIVES FINAL GLIMPSE OF SPEEDBACK SILVERSTONE EDITION BEFORE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW UNVEIL  David Brown Automotive teases design cues on soon-to-be-revealed Speedback Silverstone Edition Bespoke Silverstone Edition sports seats revealed in latest teaser image   Aeronautical- and motorsport-themed styling nuances take inspiration from famed Silverstone airfield and racing heritage Design features reflect high-performance pedigree of over 600 horsepower car Full reveal at Geneva International Motor Show (Tuesday, 6th March at 11:45 CET / 10:45 GMT) Silverstone, Great Britain (26th February, 2018): David Brown Automotive has released further teaser images of the forthcoming Speedback Silverstone Edition before the Grand Tourer is revealed in full at the Geneva International Motor Show.  The covers will come off David Brown Automotive’s most performance-focused model ever on Tuesday, 6th March at 11:45 CET / 10:45 GMT in Hall 2, Stand 2142 in Geneva. The limited-production car will feature levels of intricacy and craftsmanship reflective of its high performance stature. Further to the monotone, hand-enamelled bonnet badge image and Silverstone Edition logo side strakes shown so far, the latest teaser image gives a glimpse inside the performance Grand Tourer’s cockpit. The stylised outline of the former airfield past of the famous Silverstone Circuit is embroidered into the ’Antique’ tan leather sports seats which also boast intricate ‘broguing’, a method that is rarely seen in the automotive world due to its delicate complexity. Taking clear inspiration from iconic 1960s racing GT cars, Speedback Silverstone Edition will use full LED lighting, with dark ceramic and brushed chrome headlamp surrounds, hinting towards both technical and more menacing styling.  “The aeronautical and motorsport design details of the Silverstone Edition add up to offer the ultimate performance Grand Tourer,” said David Brown, company founder and CEO. “Not only have we shaped the car to be visually striking, its sporting visual appeal of the car is boosted by the car’s outstanding performance credentials. Speedback Silverstone Edition is true to form, delivering over 600 horsepower, and we can’t wait to reveal all in Geneva.” The full price of the Speedback Silverstone Edition will be announced when the car is unveiled. Existing models from David Brown Automotive includeSpeedback GT, priced from £520,000.00*, and Mini Remastered with a list price from £75,000.00* (*excluding taxes, duties and shipping).  More details on the model will follow. If you have any specific enquiries on the car and its launch, please speak to the PR contacts listed below. Follow announcements from David Brown Automotive on social media, using the hashtag #PrepareForTakeOff Picture caption #1: Classically inspired, brogued and embroidered sport seats Picture caption #2: Technical lens details and unique graphics in the dark ceramic headlamps of Speedback Silverstone Edition