JAGUAR CLASSIC CREATES TAILOR-MADE XK120 FOR MALE MODEL DAVID GANDY

JAGUAR CLASSIC CREATES TAILOR-MADE XK120 FOR MALE MODEL DAVID GANDY

Jaguar Classic has completed a bespoke XK120 sports car restoration commissioned by renowned British male model and life-long Jaguar enthusiast David Gandy.

The 11-month project, which was a close collaboration between David Gandy and Jaguar Classic’s experts at its Classic Works facility in Warwickshire, took 2,700 hours to complete.

Following a brief to make it race-ready for classic motorsport events such as the Jaguar Classic Challenge, the car’s specification is inspired by the original XK120 Lightweight.

David Gandy said: “Having driven a Jaguar XK120 at the Mille Miglia in 2013 and 2014, I knew that I wanted to own one of these incredibly special cars. The team at Jaguar Classic have done such a remarkable job engineering this car and executing everything that I asked for and it was amazing to have such an in-depth involvement in its creation.”

Jaguar Classic’s dedicated sourcing team tracked-down a suitable 1954 base car in California, US, and has retained as much of the original car as possible.

The in-line six-cylinder unit was meticulously rebuilt over five and a half months, with the final objective to use the car for racing. The result is a performance upgrade from the original 180bhp output to 225bhp and enhanced durability for higher speeds, with items like the core plugs featuring steel bracing so they don’t dislodge during high-performance driving. An all-new, upgraded exhaust system features dual pipes instead of the usual single pipe.

Further improvements include the use of a faster-shifting racing-style gearbox which is more durable under high stresses and uprated brakes, with the front set-up now featuring disc brakes with four-pot callipers while the rear retains the original refurbished drum brakes. The suspension features fully adjustable dampers, allowing the Classic team to fine-tune the handling for specific events.

Calum McKechnie, Head of Jaguar Classic, said: “This unique XK120 showcases the expertise, skill and craftsmanship that Jaguar Classic makes available for all of its customers. Not only were we able to bring this iconic sports car back to life mechanically, but the attention to detail and the bespoke design of the interior sets David’s car apart.”

The design and finishing touches were created in collaboration with David, who chose the colour and materials at every step of the renovation. The exterior is finished in solid black, made up of 13 litres and four coats of paint, while additional exterior features include a racing-inspired flip-top fuel cap. The original split-screen windscreen has been replaced by twin aero screens, another feature synonymous with the XK120 Lightweight.

Inside, the car is just as unique. Finished in an Aged Saddle tan leather, the seats feature a bespoke lattice design with the seatbacks finished in aluminium rather than the usual fabric material. While two batteries would usually sit behind the driver’s seat, for this car the Classic team put a single battery behind the passenger seat to free up space behind the driver, to enhance comfort for 6ft 2inch tall David. This was also a consideration for the choice of steering wheel, which is smaller than normal to provide more legroom.

The finished car was handed over to its delighted owner, who intends to use it on road and in competition, ahead of last weekend’s Monaco E-Prix race.

For more details about Jaguar Classic go to www.jaguar.com/classic

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

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

DAVID BROWN AUTOMOTIVE PAYS HOMAGE TO ITS NEW SILVERSTONE LOCATIONS HERITAGE WITH LIMITED EDITION, HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPEEDBACK

 

DAVID BROWN AUTOMOTIVE PAYS HOMAGE TO ITS NEW SILVERSTONE LOCATIONS HERITAGE WITH LIMITED EDITION, HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPEEDBACK

•        David Brown Automotive names aggressive new derivative ‘Speedback Silverstone Edition’
•        High-performance model limited to production run of up to only 10 customer cars
•        Exclusive Silverstone Edition logos revealed in new teaser images
•        New high-performance model to be coachbuilt alongside Speedback GT and Mini Remastered at Silverstone headquarters and build facility
•        More information and teaser images to follow ahead of full reveal at Geneva International Motor Show (Tuesday, 6^th March at 11:45 CET / 10:45 GMT)

Silverstone, Great Britain (13^th February 2018): The new model to be revealed by David Brown Automotive at the Geneva International Motor Show 2018 will be a strictly limited-run, high-performance Grand Tourer, named ‘Speedback Silverstone Edition’.

Further to initial teaser information released last week, David Brown Automotive will take the wraps off its most performance-focused model ever on Tuesday, 6^th March at 11:45 CET / 10:45 GMT in Hall 2, Stand 2142 in Geneva. 

The performance-focused model will be strictly limited to a run of up to only 10 production cars. The high-octane, aggressively styled Speedback Silverstone Edition will boast over 600 horsepower and extend the qualities of bespoke British craftsmanship first seen with Speedback GT: the model upon which the new derivative is based.

Inspired by 1950s and ‘60s racing GT cars, the limited-edition model takes hints from the aeronautical and motorsport heritage of the Silverstone location of David Brown Automotive’s headquarters. The Speedback Silverstone Edition will be handbuilt at the 18,000 sq ft trackside facility alongside the Speedback GT and Mini Remastered models, marking one year since David Brown Automotive moved to the prestigious location.

“The more detail we reveal, the more excited we are to be able to announce the new Speedback Silverstone Edition in full,” said David Brown, company founder and CEO. “We always had the ambition to deliver an even higher performance derivative of Speedback, so this is the realisation of a core objective for us at David Brown Automotive. Speedback Silverstone Edition is the perfect platform for us to hone classically-inspired performance, as we give a nod to our brand’s Silverstone roots, whilst looking ahead to a future of British handcraftsmanship at our bespoke coachbuilding facility.”

More details on the project 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: Speedback Silverstone Edition is equipped with bespoke features throughout, including discreet Silverstone Edition logo placement

Picture caption #2: Unique and exclusive badging accentuate the heritage of the company’s prestigious Silverstone home