NEW BOOK TAKES A LOOK AT THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE SMALL CAR

NEW BOOK TAKES A LOOK AT THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE SMALL CAR

Mini Scrapbook 60 years of a British icon

By Martin Port

Published by Porter Press International

Publication date: 17 June 2019

Softback ● RRP: £20.00

ISBN: 978-1-907085-94-9 ● 176 pages

Format 240mm x 300mm ● Over 400 photos

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Mini – a little car which made a big impact when it was launched in 1959. With its unique combination of aesthetics, space efficiency, engineering approach, and handling, the Mini was the brainchild of genius designer Alec Issigonis, and proved to be an instant hit – not just with the general buying public, but also with celebrities like The Beatles, Twiggy and Peter Sellers, and racers like Sir Stirling Moss. It became a much-loved staple of the British car industry – a position that it has arguably maintained for 60 years and continues to enjoy today.

In this latest addition to the Scrapbook series from Porter Press, the story of this unique little car is broken up into accessible nuggets and supported by an extensive array of archive and contemporary photographs, to illustrate just what makes the Mini so special, so loved and such fun!

Story highlights

• Setting the scene – Discovering why this charismatic little car is so loved around the world.

• From concept to reality – Revealing how Alec Issigonis and his team turned their thoughts from rough sketches to prototypes to production cars.

• The life of the Mini – Introducing each incarnation of the classic Mini, from 1959 to 2000.

• The Mini in competition – Exploring the car’s place in motorsport and the famous racers who got behind the wheel.

• Popular culture – From celebrity owners to appearances on the silver screen – including Brit cult classic movie The Italian Job.

• Tuning the Mini – Delves into a whole host of upgrades and add-ons that were available, including key tuning modifications as demonstrated by Downton, Cooper and Broadspeed.

• Mini variants – The Mini was the basis for many, many variations – from the Moke to the Midas, from the slightly strange to the downright absurd.

• BMW Mini – Brings us up to date, with a look at 21st-century incarnations, including the 60th-anniversary model – the latest in a long line of cars to wear the Mini name.

• Lots to look at – Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of never-before-seen photographs, documents and memorabilia that document the car’s past, present and future.

• A very different sort of book – Dip in, dip out and discover all the fun of the Mini!

The author

Author Martin Port has worked in automotive publishing for 18 years – the last 16 of these for leading classic car title, Classic & Sports Car. Over the last 27 years, he has owned a variety of classics, from a Mini Metro to a Morris Minor, a Porsche 912 to a Series II Land-Rover, and, of course, the legendary Mini. The first of these was a 1968 Morris Mini MkII Super DeLuxe, driven from Cheshire to Berkshire with a hole in one of the valves. The second was a 1980 model rescued from a hedge in Richmond the day that it was due to be scrapped. Thanks to the Mini’s unique driving experience, which always puts a smile on his face, it will always have a corner of his motoring heart.

Also out now!

As well as being the 60th anniversary of the Mini, this year also marks the 50thanniversary of British cult classic film The Italian Job, in which of course the Mini plays a starring, scene-stealing role. Fans of the iconic little car can celebrate this milestone with another new title fresh from the Porter Press fold: The Self Preservation Society – 50 Years of The Italian Job. Written by the world authority on the film, Matthew Field, this new book takes a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how the film made its way to our screens. It is based on more than 50 in-depth interviews with the cast and crew and lavishly illustrated with hundreds of never-before-seen photographs and production documents.

THE CAR YEARS AIRING ON ITV4 EVERY TUESDAY FROM 7TH MAY

THE CAR YEARS AIRING ON ITV4 EVERY TUESDAY FROM 7TH MAY

Brand-new car show sponsored by Footman James and fronted by Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley to air on ITV4 at 8pm and 8.30pm on Tuesdays from 7th May

The first episodes of The Car Years, presented by Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley, will hit screens on 7th May with a double bill on ITV4. Sponsored by Footman James, the new show for petrol heads celebrates some of the most important cars in automotive history.

Enjoying a prime evening slot, the first double-bill of The Car Years will air from 8pm and continues at 8.30pm. The first instalment of six challenges lead presenters Vicki and Alex to champion what in their opinion is the best car released in 1964, Vicki makes the case for the iconic Porsche 911 while Alex thinks American muscle should win and fights the corner of the Ford Mustang.

Only one car can win, and adjudication comes in the form of three expert judges. A panel of famous faces and industry experts join the show’s cast, each doubling up as an expert commentator and helping tell the stories and backgrounds behind the stand-out cars.  The first episode sees Quentin Willson, presenter and journalist; Chris Routledge, Managing Director of leading auction house Coys and ex-Top Gear and current The Grand Tour script editor Richard Porter make the big decision on whether the 911 or the Mustang win.

Episode two focuses on 1984 and the warring presenters are challenged to pick a supercar that born in 84 but best sums up the decade of decadence that was the Eighties.  Vicki opts for a turbo-powered Group B rally-ready Ford RS200 while Alex champions Miami Vice favourite the Ferrari Testarossa.  The winning car is chosen once again by Chris Routledge and Richard Porter this time joined by former F1 star, journalist and broadcaster Karun Chandhok on the expert panel.

A perfect fit for one of the leading classic vehicle insurance specialists, Footman James Managing Director, David Bond explained why The Car Years is a sure-fire hit, “Vicki, Alex and the rest of the presenting team make the show. The programme has the right balance of learning about what makes these iconic cars special and the stories behind how they came to life, delivered with beautiful photography and humour. I challenge everyone to watch the first episode and not head straight to the classifieds.”

After appearing on the Footman James stand at last month’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, co-presenter Alex Riley explained why car fans should tune to ITV4 at 8pm on Tuesday 7th May, “I can’t think of another show that’s so totally focused on the cars… because we’re not buying, selling, or restoring, we can really go to town telling their often surprising stories. Add in gorgeous photography and brilliant archive footage and it’s a feast for the eyes.”

For more information on The Car Years, please click here.

RARE LORD SCRUMPTIOUS CAR JOINS BEAULIEU’S CHITTY EXHIBITION

RARE LORD SCRUMPTIOUS CAR JOINS BEAULIEU’S CHITTY EXHIBITION

A rare 1912 Austro-Daimler 27/80 Prince Henry that starred as Lord Scrumptious’ chauffeur-driven car in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is to go on show at Beaulieu.

The Prince Henry joins an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious, original Child Catcher carriage, the film’s inventive machines created by Rowland Emett, a replica Grandpa Potts’ hut, original artwork and memorabilia in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years at the National Motor Museum.

The Austro-Daimler is one of just four known surviving examples of a model known as one of the world’s first sports cars – and its off-screen story is as astonishing as its on-screen exploits in the much-loved musical film.

Only about 50 of the exclusive Austro-Daimler 27/80 Prince Henry were built and this car has been in the same family for more than six decades. The current keeper’s grandfather, vintage and veteran car dealer Cecil Bendall, bought it for £310 in 1956 from the estate of Herbert Whitley who founded Paignton Zoo. Bendall restored the car before using it to compete in numerous Veteran Car Club rallies and Vintage Sports-Car Club motorsport events and often provided historic vehicles for filming.

The car starred as the transport of Lord Scrumptious and was driven by spies during the kidnap of Grandpa Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which was released in 1968. By a decade later, its sophisticated 5.7-litre engine was in need of a rebuild and Bendall later hoped to drive it in the Land’s End to John O’Groats Trial but sadly passed away before the project could be completed. His grandson Tristan Jensen has since picked up the baton, with the goal of getting this impressive machine back in action to drive in historic motoring events once again.

Tristan said: “A busy life, family and many cars are slowing down the progress. However, all of the new parts have now been made and the engine just requires assembly. I am planning to enter events again in 2020.”

After many years off the road, the Prince Henry has been dusted down to join Beaulieu’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition from Easter and will remain on display until the exhibition concludes in November.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years can be seen as part of the general admission to Beaulieu, which includes entrance to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu family home of Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. To buy tickets in advance online or for more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation with #Chitty50years.

NEW CLASSIC CAR TV SHOW RACES TO ITV4

NEW CLASSIC CAR TV SHOW RACES TO ITV4

One of the UK’s leading classic vehicle insurance specialists, Footman James, is proud to announce that their sponsored show, The Car Years, will be aired on ITV4

Today, Footman James revealed at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, that the brand-new classic car TV show, The Car Years, will be hosted on ITV4.

ITV4 is a haven of sport, action and entertainment, now thanks to The Car Years, it’s adding to their classic car programmes too. Alongside some of the world’s most entertaining sporting action, with the likes of the French Open, Live Darts and Goodwood Revival, it’s now time to add another classic car show to the list.

Fronted by British racing driver and TV presenter, Vicki Butler-Henderson, alongside TV and radio presenter, Alex Riley; The Car Years will be a breath of fresh air to the classic car scene.

Each episode will focus on an important year in automotive history, where both Butler-Henderson and Riley will go head to head with each other to select a classic car from that year and pitch their reasons why they think they should win to some of the most cultivated experts in the classic vehicle industry. The judges include, presenter and journalist, Quentin Willson; ex-Top Gear and current The Grand Tour editor, Richard Porter; F1 star and F1 pundit, Karun Chandhok; and Managing Director of Coys auction house, Chris Routledge. With every episode based at the home of Footman James’ partners, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, enthusiasts will be sure to recognise some of the amazing backdrops too.

Footman James recently asked funny man himself, Alex Riley, in a Q&A session, why he thinks people should tune into The Car Years; Riley answered, ‘I can’t think of another show that’s so totally focussed on the cars… because we’re not buying, selling, or restoring, we can really go to town telling their often-surprising stories. Add in gorgeous photography and brilliant archive footage and it’s a feast for the eyes.’

Footman James Managing Director, David Bond, added, ‘it’s great that we can finally reveal the channel that The Car Years will be featured on. It is a completely new direction for us at Footman James to sponsor a TV show, as we have never done anything like this before and the fact that it is on ITV4 is all that more exciting. I want to thank Alex and Vicki for supporting the show as their comedic chemistry, mixed with their love for classic cars, really makes The Car Years a classic car TV show not to be missed.’

The Car Year’s Producer, Jim Wiseman, commented, ‘Wiser Film are very proud of what we’ve managed to achieve producing this new and exciting car series. We feel privileged to have Footman James as our sponsor.’

The date of when The Car Years will be aired is yet to be confirmed, but you can be first in the know by following Footman James on Facebook or by signing up to their newsletter by visiting footmanjames.co.uk/newsletter.

GOODWOOD PRESENTS THE JIM CLARK TRUST WITH £53,000 FUNDRAISING FROM THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL OF SPEED

GOODWOOD PRESENTS THE JIM CLARK TRUST WITH £53,000 FUNDRAISING FROM THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL OF SPEED

The Jim Clark Trust is delighted to announce that £53,000 was raised by donations from Goodwood Festival of Speed visitors over the four-day event weekend held this summer (12-15 July 2018). The official charity of the Festival, the proceeds will help to celebrate the memory of one of the most successful and admired motor racing legends of all time, with plans for a new Jim Clark Museum.

The Jim Clark Trust would like to thank the generosity of all those who donated over the course of the event, as well as guests at the Goodwood House Saturday Night Party, the Goodwood Road Racing Club and in particular, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon for inviting the Trust to be the chosen charity for this year’s event.

This year’s Festival of Speed 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of 1968 with a competition launched to win the 100,000th Lotus ever made to raise funds for the charity ­– a Jim Clark special edition Lotus Evora GT410 Sport inspired by Jim’s famous 1960’s Elan and created by Lotus Exclusive. The winner of the competition will be announced at the opening of the new Jim Clark Museum in summer 2019. Motorsport fans around the world are encouraged to enter this amazing competition at www.jimclarklotus.com.

The new, expanded Jim Clark Museum is being built to preserve the memory and display some of the incredible cars in which Jim Clark raced. The new £1.6m museum is funded by a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Borders Council and The Jim Clark Trust. The building works began in June 2018 and the new museum is expected to open in summer 2019.

The Jim Clark Trust is committed to £300,000 funding towards the project. The current plans have space for two race cars and the Trust is now seeking additional funds to explore plans to increase the number of cars on display in the future. The Trust, whose aims are focused on heritage, education and inspiration is run by relatives of Jim Clark and is reliant on public support. In recent years fundraising has included events, grants, crowdfunding, merchandise, and special edition memorabilia such as driving gloves and a commemorative whisky.

The launch of the Jim Clark special edition Lotus Evora GT410 Sport competition is the most ambitious fundraising campaign to date and has attracted interest from Jim Clark fans, F1, classic and motorsport fans around the world. The Lotus Evora includes special features such as a Scottish tartan interior, classic wooden gear knob, Jim Clark signature and discreet interior plaque making this 100,000th Lotus truly unique. The launch of the competition was attended by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, a Patron of the Trust, with Group Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng.

Over the course of the Festival, The Jim Clark Trust welcomed visitors to their stand with an exhibition featuring the life of Jim Clark as a racing driver and farmer in the Scottish Borders, historic memorabilia and a display of classic and modern race cars. Honorary President of the Trust Sir Jackie Stewart commemorated the 50th anniversary of 1968 by driving Jim’s Lotus 25 up the Hill Climb with Doug Niven, Jim’s cousin and Family Trustee, in a Lotus Cortina. Plans for the new museum also received the support of FIA President Jean Todt announced as a new Patron of the Trust at the Festival of Speed.

Commentating on the presentation of the funds raised from this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ben Smith, Secretary of the Jim Clark Trust, said, “The support of Goodwood and donations raised by the thousands of visitors to this year’s Festival of Speed visitors is tremendous and we are extremely grateful. A sincere thank you must go to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, the army of bucket collectors and volunteers who helped to support the fundraising over four memorable days at this year’s event. We were greatly encouraged by the genuine interest in our plans and affection for Jim Clark and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the new museum in the future.”

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

LOTUS PAINTS HETHEL GREEN AND YELLOW AT 70TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

LOTUS PAINTS HETHEL GREEN AND YELLOW AT 70TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

700 Lotus sports cars line up at Hethel test track

Marking its 70th anniversary, Lotus held a spectacular event to commemorate the significant milestone of founder Colin Chapman’s first Lotus, built in 1948.

The home of Lotus in Hethel hosted 8,000 Lotus owners and enthusiasts from all over the world, as well as 1,600 Lotus cars of all eras. From the Team Lotus F1 race cars to the rally Sunbeam Lotus, Lotus Cortina all the way to the present line-up of Evora, Exige and Elise, there were Lotus road and competition cars of all ages present. 

Group Lotus Plc’s CEO Mr Feng Qingfeng presented the company’s vision to the crowds present and viewers online. As well as leading the anniversary track procession, he also personally revealed two bespoke Lotus Exclusive Evora GT410s, both in heritage livery. Speaking at the event, Group Lotus Plc’s CEO, Mr Feng Qingfeng said: “Today has been an amazing day of celebration. To have met so many Lotus owners and enthusiasts, and understand their passion for our brand is truly inspiring. We are committed to our home in Norfolk, and there’s no place better to gather and remember what Lotus stands for and what makes it so special as a leading automotive marque. To have so many of our cars return home has really made the day, and I’d like to thank everyone for their help and support, both now and in the future, as we grow and develop the business.” 

Lotus’ 70th anniversary in numbers

For the first time ever, fans from all over the world were able to watch online via the live streams on YouTube as well as Facebook Live and other social media channels. With over 8,000 viewers catching all the action on the web, a further 8,000 were there on a sold-out day to celebrate Lotus and its 70th anniversary.

The live stream and social channels used #Lotus70 to share top moments throughout the day, and both the YouTube chat and Facebook Live feeds were filled with anecdotes and praise for Lotus during its 70th-anniversary event.

The largest gathering of Lotus cars ever seen

The day saw the largest ever collection of Lotus cars assembled. With 1,600 cars arriving at the Hethel site, it was a special way to mark the 70th anniversary.

The British marque invited owners to showcase some of their pride and joys to celebrate. From a heritage Lotus Mark VI to the latest Lotus Evora GT430s, ex-rally Sunbeam Lotus’ and immaculate Lotus Cortinas, there was something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.

Seven decades of Lotus on track

Presenting some of the racing team’s legendary F1 cars, responsible for Lotus’ 13 world championships: including seven constructors and six drivers totalling 81 race victories, Classic Team Lotus wowed the crowds with demonstration runs, allowing enthusiasts to witness the sights and the sounds of the cars in action.

Highlights included the DFV-powered Lotus 49 designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe for the 1967 F1 season and the famed 1978 Lotus 79, the first F1 car to take full advantage of ground effect aerodynamics, not to mention the iconic 1966 Lotus 43.

The audience in the grandstands also cheered as they saw Lotus’ professional drivers smoke up the tarmac in an Evora GT410 Sport, an Exige Sport 410 and the Elise Sport 220. With the addition of smoke bombs in Lotus green and yellow, it was a fitting spectacle for the crowds and online viewers.

The Jim Clark Special Edition Evora GT410 Sport

Also on display was the 100,000th Lotus ever built. Previously announced at Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Jim Clark Trust’s Lotus Evora GT410 Sport was showcased during the anniversary event. Created by Lotus Exclusive, the Evora GT410 Sport had been reimagined in the livery of Jim Clark’s famous Lotus Elan. Finished in red and silver, visitors were able to buy tickets to win the car in a special raffle on the day. More details on how to win can be found at www.jimclarklotus.com.

700 cars lap the Hethel track to commemorate 70 years of Lotus

Celebrating 70 years of Lotus, the British marque hosted the largest parade of Lotus sports cars ever seen on the Hethel track. A finishing flourish to a special day, 700 cars and their owners were part of the anniversary parade that will go down in Lotus’ history books.

Poignant for all Lotus owners that took part, the procession included the very latest models as well as the historically important Lotus Mark VII and even a Sunbeam Lotus and a Lotus Carlton. Led by Group Lotus Plc’s CEO Mr Feng Qingfeng, in a Lotus Eleven driven by Clive Chapman, the car which was once owned by his father, Colin Chapman. The Eleven of Qingfeng/Chapman was followed by an Evora GT430 and a GT410 Sport in hot pursuit.

Lotus Bikes and owners’ clubs

Amidst all the four-wheeled fun, Lotus’ two wheel achievements were recognised with a display from the 110 Lotus Bike Club, showing both the Lotus Engineering 108 and 110 bikes in action.

Lotus owners’ clubs were also on hand with static displays of their own. Showcasing some of the most incredible and sought-after models of Lotus’ past and present line-up, 14 owners clubs and members from all over the world were part of the display.

In addition, a secret concours competition took place with online influencer Sam Fane, otherwise known as Seen Through Glass. Sam, in secret, judged all of the cars on site. A tricky decision, Sam finally awarded a Sunbeam Lotus of Fréquelin/Todt fame as his winner.

Lotus legends

Joining the 8,000 attendees on site were a range of Lotus legends – the people that made Lotus what it is today – all with their own stories to tell on the live broadcast feed. Interviewed throughout the day, viewers saw famous Lotus alumni such as Mike Kimberley, Bob Dance, as well as Elisa Artioli, all telling anecdotes and their own Lotus memories. It gave viewers online and attendees on the day a glimpse into Lotus’ past through the eyes of those who created its history.

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

100 YEARS OF BENTLEY CAPTURED ON ICONIC CAMERA

100 YEARS OF BENTLEY CAPTURED ON ICONIC CAMERA

• Iconic Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera photographs Bentley models
• Bentley first automotive brand to be shot with the legendary device
• Landmark camera famously used by artists and photorealists
• Hollywood celebrities and world leaders have faced Land Camera lens
• Exclusive imagery to be used in special chapter of limited edition Bentley Centenary Opus book
• More information at www.thisisopus.com/Bentley

Bringing together landmark vehicles and iconic camera technology for the first time, the pioneering Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera has been used to photograph famous Bentley models for a limited edition Opus book celebrating the British brand’s centenary.

While the ground-breaking camera has been used previously to capture Hollywood celebrities and world leaders, this is the first time that the world’s largest Polaroid camera has been used to photograph an automotive brand.

Having transformed instant photography by offering large-scale, one-of-a-kind originals with incredibly rich colours, tremendous detail, and exquisitely shallow focus, the landmark Polaroid Land Camera has been used by the world’s foremost photorealists and photographers.

The Bentley models captured during this one-off photo shoot include EXP 2 of 1919 (the oldest surviving Bentley); 1952’s R-Type Continental; the 8 Litre of 1930; and the Le Mans-winning Speed 8 from 2003. The final car to be shot was the recently launched, all-new Continental GT.

This exclusive imagery will be used to create a special chapter in the forthcoming Bentley Centenary Opus book. For more information including pre-orders and reservations please visit www.thisisopus.com/Bentley.

Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera – A Truly Iconic Camera

The creation of the Polaroid 20x24 Land Camera in 1976 was an iconic moment in modern photography.

At 1.5 metres tall and weighing 107 kgs, the 20x24 Land Camera is the world’s largest Polaroid camera, and one of only five built.

Due to the finite amount of 20x24 Polaroid film left in the world, after capturing the history of Bentley for the forthcoming Centenary Opus limited edition book, this iconic camera will be retired and take up a museum residence.

Bentley Opus – An Extraordinary Book

While Bentley’s glorious Le Mans victories of the 1920s, iconic models of the past and the extraordinary people who created them are celebrated in full, the Opus book is far more than simply a historical record – it is also a celebration of the future of Bentley.

The publishers were given unprecedented access to Bentley’s designers, engineers and executives who will be defining the future of automotive luxury, as the marque enters its second century.

The Bentley Centenary Opus will weigh a substantial 30 kilograms and feature pages of up to half a metre square to do justice to the never-seen-before imagery, with special gatefold pages measuring two metres across.

The Bentley Centenary Opus will be available in three special distinct versions: the ‘Mulliner’ and ‘Centenary’ limited editions will be presented in the largest print format, while the ‘Crewe’ edition will be offered in a more accessible size. All three editions will be delivered in early 2019.

Bentley – The First 100 Extraordinary Years

Born in 1888, founder W.O. Bentley grew up as an engineering enthusiast. It was no surprise to people who knew him that W.O. eventually turned his attention to building cars that would satisfy his own extraordinary expectations as a driver, an engineer and a gentleman.

Bentley Motors was established in 1919 and by September 1921 the first production model was proudly delivered to its owner, Noel van Raalte, at a cost of £1,050. The car carried Bentley’s hallmark radiator casing and Flying ‘B’ insignia.

The Bentley models of the 1920s became some of the most distinctive cars of the era. W.O. also became a fan of developing racing engines and his cars famously triumphed at Brooklands, Indianapolis and the Isle of Man. The legendary achievements of the Bentley Boys brought success at Le Mans on five occasions.

From modest beginnings, Bentley has moved from strength to strength in the relentless pursuit of both luxury and performance. Handbuilt in Crewe, England, Bentley remains the definitive British luxury car company.

A new film honouring the decades of innovation, achievement and craftsmanship entitled ‘Together we are Extraordinary: The Story of Bentley Motors’ can be viewed at www.BentleyMotors.com/100Years

Source: Bentley Motors