BEAULIEU IS THE HOME OF MOTORING FOR NEW CAR SERIES FILMING

BEAULIEU IS THE HOME OF MOTORING FOR NEW CAR SERIES FILMING

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is the perfect backdrop for new prime-time car show The Car Years which begins broadcasting its first series on Tuesdays from May 7th.

The museum – with its world-famous collection of more than 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring history – was the natural choice for presenters Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley to go head-to-head with their favourite cars from chosen years. The Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its stunning grounds and gardens are also featured during the six-episode series.

Starting with an ITV4 double-bill from 8pm, Vicki will pitch the iconic Porsche 911 sports car against Alex with his Ford Mustang original muscle car from 1964. Then for 1984, Vicky chooses the turbo powered Ford RS200 while Alex picks Miami Vice favourite, the Ferrari Testarossa.

Winners of the car battles are picked by judges including former F1 drivers and broadcasters Tiff Needell and Karun Chandhok, motoring writers and presenters Erin Baker and Quentin Willson, former Top Gear Stig and stunt driver Ben Collins, motoring author and vlogger Richard Porter and world-renowned motoring auctioneer Chris Routledge.

Later in the series, the British MGA sports car driven by the likes of Elvis Presley is pitted against the Hollywood favourite Mercedes 190SL from 1955, while the world-beating Audi Quattro is set against Alex’s childhood hero the Renault 5 Turbo from 1980, the Porsche Boxster competes against its sports car rival the Lotus Elise from 1996 and four-seater performance cars the Golf GTi hot hatch and Saab 99 Turbo go head-to-head for 1976.

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director Steve Munn said: “We have been pleased to host The Car Years filming and look forward to working with the production team on future series. As the home of British motoring, Beaulieu is the perfect setting for the new show which celebrates some of the most popular cars in automotive history.”

The Car Years is also a perfect fit for its sponsors, Beaulieu’s partners and classic vehicle insurance specialists Footman James. The show’s celebrities recently appeared at Beaulieu’s media partners’ Practical Classic’s Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC.

To see the backdrops used in filming, a ticket to Beaulieu includes entry to the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

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.