ARISTOCARS FROM TOP GEAR FILMING GO ON SHOW AT BEAULIEU

ARISTOCARS FROM TOP GEAR FILMING GO ON SHOW AT BEAULIEU

Three luxury cars dubbed the Aristocars from the latest Top Gear filming are to go on show in the World of Top Gear at Beaulieu. 

Stripped of their plush interior fittings and modified to survive a gruelling six-hour endurance race at Silverstone, Matt LeBlanc’s Bentley Turbo R, Chris Harris’ Mercedes 600 SEL and Rory Reid’s Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow are quite unlike any normal race cars. 

In episode four of the new series, Matt, Chris and Rory were challenged to buy a second-hand car for the same price as the UK’s cheapest new car, a Dacia Sandero. Not surprisingly with a budget of £6,000, the presenters aimed high and snapped up three special executive saloons with powerful V8 and V12 engines. 

With his 1988 Bentley, Matt chose a coveted British super saloon with impeccable heritage, while the grandiose appearance of Rory’s 1975 Rolls-Royce was equally imposing and  Chris opted for German quality with his high-spec 1992 Mercedes. 

The cars were pitted against each other on the Top Gear test track, challenged by Stig at the wheel of a Dacia Sandero and tasked with avoiding obstacles on the ‘Top Gear real-world urban driving simulator’. The greatest test was to complete the Birkett Six-Hour Relay Race at the famous Silverstone circuit. Extensively modified for track use, the trio of cars swapped leather seats for roll cages and beefed up the suspension to create unlikely looking racing cars. 

Visitors to Beaulieu can see the Aristocars on display in the World of Top Gear, which was recently refreshed with new exhibits from recent Top Gear filming while continuing to pay homage to the programme’s past.   

The World of Top Gear is included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu, which also includes entry to the National Motor Museum with its new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu home of Palace House, 13thcentury Beaulieu Abbey, the grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cars taking part in this one-off journey:

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Jaguar UK

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS ANNOUNCED AS NEW AUCTION PARTNER OF AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

CLASSIC TORQUE

FROM CLASSIC CHATTER

 

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS ANNOUNCED AS NEW AUCTION PARTNER OF AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

This 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL sold for £860,625 at Silverstone Auctions’ Silverstone Classic Sale 2018

• 
  Another major event partnership for Silverstone Auctions
• Mixed entry of classic and competition cars to go under the hammer at Autosport International
• New sale to kick-off 2019 auction season
• Entries now invited for the sale on 12th January 2019 at NEC, Birmingham10 September 2018 - The 2019 classic car auction season is set to begin with a new partnership following the signing of a deal between specialist auction house Silverstone Auctions and Autosport International.

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading classic car auction houses and holder of a number of world record auction prices, Silverstone Auctions will inject a premium auction experience to the show with a one-day sale of best of breed classic and competition cars on 12th January 2019.

The show, which has moved to a larger area within Birmingham’s NEC, returns for its 29th year on 10th-13th January 2019 and is expected to attract close to 100,000 enthusiasts and trade visitors and over 700 exhibitors as the motorsport pre-season opener.

Autosport International, already the world’s largest motorsport show bringing together motorsport, automotive and engineering sectors under one roof, is the definitive international hub and attracts visitors from across the UK and the globe.

Silverstone Auctions brings a wealth of classic car and motorsport experience to the event having already held dedicated classic and competition car sales at other major international automotive events.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, commented; “We are hugely excited to be embarking on this new partnership with Autosport International. Of course, we attend the show ourselves and have watched it really develop in recent times. The demographics of visitors fits perfectly with our own clients, after all, it is a show full of motorsport people and we know that to work in this business you need passion, so what better way to indulge that than investing in a classic? We look forward to bringing our own approach and style to the auction element of the show which will be our first classic car sale of the year, with a few special competition cars also to be included.”

Kate Woodley, Events Director of Motorsport Network stated; “Autosport International has really developed over the last few years and we continue to look for ways to promote the synergies between our exhibitors and improve the experience for visitors. Silverstone Auctions has motorsport in its DNA so is a logical fit. Having seen the company’s previous sales I suspect that a number of exhibitors will find themselves distracted by the lots as they go about the show!”

Owners looking to sell their classic or race car at the auction are encouraged to contact the Silverstone Auctions team at the earliest opportunity ahead of the catalogue close date on Monday 10th December 2018. Silverstone Auctions’ full list of 2019 sales will be announced later this year.

To find out more about the Silverstone Auctions Autosport Sale and submit your car for auction, please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/auctions.

Do not miss out on the auction, get your public entry tickets for Autosport International here: https://www.theticketfactory.com/ai/online/

This 1990 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 ‘Group A’ sold at Silverstone Auctions Race Retro Competition Car Sale 2018

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