ASTON MARTIN RECREATES ICONIC JAMES BOND ‘GOLDFINGER’ DB5

CLASSIC TORQUE

FROM CLASSIC CHATTER

ASTON MARTIN RECREATES ICONIC JAMES BOND ‘GOLDFINGER’ DB5

• Aston Martin and EON Productions to create 25 Goldfinger DB5 continuation cars

• Cars to include working gadgets to be developed by Oscar®-winner Chris Corbould OBE, special effects supervisor on eight previous James Bond films, working with the SFX department on a total of fourteen 007 adventures

• Built at Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell – the original home of the DB5

• First customer deliveries scheduled for 2020

20 August 2018, Gaydon: The iconic Aston Martin DB5 is back, thanks to a unique collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films.

Following the successful DB4 G.T. continuation project, a series of 25 Goldfinger DB5 continuation editions*, will be created for customers by Aston Martin Works and EON Productions. The Goldfinger DB5 continuation will be based on James Bond’s legendary car from 1964 and built by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell – the original home of the DB5. They will be authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with some sympathetic modifications to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability.

This authenticity will extend to include functioning gadgets such as revolving number plates and more, which were made famous in Goldfinger. The gadgets will be co-developed with Oscar®-winner Chris Corbould, special effects supervisor from the James Bond films. Officially sanctioned by Aston Martin and EON Productions, all the Goldfinger edition cars will be produced to one specification - Silver Birch paint - just like the original.

The most instantly recognisable car of all-time, the DB5 made its first appearance in the third James Bond movie, Goldfinger, alongside Sean Connery as James Bond. Laden with gadgets and armaments installed by Q Branch, the secret agent’s Aston Martin became an instant hit with moviegoers.

Since its seminal appearance in Goldfinger the DB5 has featured in a further six James Bond movies: Thunderball (1965), again with Connery; GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) with Pierce Brosnan and three appearances alongside Daniel Craig in Casino Royale (2006), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). James Bond and his DB5 have become two icons of popular culture and one of the most successful and enduring movie partnerships of all-time.

Such was its popularity, the DB5’s movie debut even spawned a Corgi die-cast model, an astonishing 2.5m of which were sold in its first year of production (1965). No wonder an entire generation of children grew-up aspiring to own an Aston Martin. Now, thanks to the remarkable Goldfinger DB5 continuation project, a fortunate 25 of them can now own a faithful and authentic tribute to that original car. A further three cars will be built – one each for EON and Aston Martin, plus another to be auctioned for charity.

Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin, said: “The connection between Aston Martin and James Bond is something of which we are very proud and it is remarkable that the DB5 remains the definitive James Bond car after so many years. To own an Aston Martin has long been an aspiration for James Bond fans, but to own a Silver Birch DB5, complete with gadgets and built to the highest standards in the very same factory as the original James Bond cars? Well, that is surely the ultimate collectors’ fantasy. The skilled craftspeople at Aston Martin Works and the expert special effects team from the James Bond films are about to make this fantasy real for 25 very lucky customers.”

Paul Spires, Managing Director at Aston Martin Works, added of the Goldfinger DB5 continuation editions: “The connection between Aston Martin and James Bond originated more than half a century ago. Creating 25 Goldfinger DB5 continuations and working with EON Productions and special effects supervisor, Chris Corbould, is something truly unique and a real career highlight for everyone involved here at Aston Martin Works.”

Each Goldfinger DB5 continuation car will be priced at £2.75m plus taxes. First deliveries to customers will commence in 2020.

Goldfinger DB5 continuation cars

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE PIVOTAL DB4

CLASSIC TORQUE

FROM CLASSIC CHATTER

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE PIVOTAL DB4

• 60 years since Newport Pagnell produced the first DB4
• DB4 anniversary display to appear at Concours of Elegance
• Original DB4 GT and DB4 GT Zagato to form part of the display

16 August 2018, Gaydon: Aston Martin stunned the world when it first unveiled DB4 in 1958 and now, on its 60th anniversary, an exclusive display will take place at the Concours of Elegance, hosted at Hampton Court Palace, from the 31 August until 2 September 2018.

Assembled by the Aston Martin Owners Club, the line-up will include a DB4 prototype, an example of DB4 Series 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 plus an original DB4 GT, DB4 GT Zagato and DB4 Bertone Jet. The newly launched DB4 GT Continuation will also form part of the display.

Joining this exquisite line-up will be the latest Aston Martin models to bear the famous David Brown badge including the DB11 Grand Tourer and the brand’s latest release, the DBS Superleggera. Although not a part of the DB bloodline, Aston Martin’s two-seater sports car Vantage and special edition Rapide AMR will also be at the Concours of Elegance, giving visitors a chance to see the famous marques most recent iterations.

Aston Martin president of the UK and South Africa, Phil Eaglesfield, said: “Beauty, performance and quality are still central to Aston Martin’s ethos as a brand, something that was initiated by David Brown and something which we still exemplify.

“We continue to produce cars with the famous DB initials and the DB11 Coupe, DB11 Volante and DBS Superleggera that exist on our current range carry the same characteristics as their predecessors. We create cars with a genuine passion that sit side by side with the iconic vehicles of our past.”

DB4 was the first in the Aston Martin trilogy that included DB5 and DB6, a series of three magnificent cars that secured the brand’s position in the hall of automotive fame. Handcrafted at Aston Martin’s, Newport Pagnell facility, DB4 was the brand’s first true Grand Tourer. It was an entirely new car with the platform chassis, disc brakes and 3.7-litre straight six-cylinder engine developed especially for the DB4, quite an achievement for a highly regarded but small British manufacturer.

The evolution of the DB4 was gradual but constant with each ‘Series’ categorising individual changes to design or engineering performance. In 1959, the DB4 GT was introduced following on from its DB4 GT prototype forefather, DP199, that was raced by Sir Stirling Moss at Silverstone winning its first ever outing at the BRDC race in 1959. With bodywork made of thinner aluminium, the wheelbase reduced by 13cm, the engine tuned and the rear seats removed on all but a few examples, the DB4 GT enjoyed a long and distinguished career on the racing circuit.

The DB4 GT Zagato is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Each DB4 GT rolling chassis was sent over to the Zagato factory in Milan where it received a lightweight body designed by Ercole Spada, creating the distinctive design. Raced at Le Mans, the factory only ever planned to produce 25 with only 19 cars completed. Due to its relative scarcity, the DB4 Zagato is considered one of the most desirable Aston Martins ever built.

Tickets to see the DB4 anniversary display at Concours of Elegance can be purchased from https://concoursofelegance.co.uk/

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FUTURISTIC BEAULIEU EXHIBIT IS ONE OF the WORLD’S TOP GREEN CARS

CLASSIC TORQUE

FROM CLASSIC CHATTER

FUTURISTIC BEAULIEU EXHIBIT IS ONE OF the WORLD’S TOP GREEN CARS

It looks like a supercar but the Volkswagen XL1 which has gone on show for summer visitors to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is one of the world’s most fuel-efficient production cars.

Representing the cutting edge of low emissions, this is a sheep in wolf’s clothing which can achieve more than 300 miles per gallon and is one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the road.

The 2015 model has joined the museum’s Driving Change display which tells the story of motoring innovations and technology. Its futuristic aerodynamic bodywork, with sports car wing doors, may look more suited to a science fiction film but the XL1 uses ingenious plug-in hybrid technology beneath its skin.

As a Super Efficiency Vehicle, it is fitted with both an electric motor and compact 800cc two-cylinder diesel engine, linked by a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission driving the rear wheels. It can be driven purely on electric power for up to 30 miles on one charge, staying in electric mode until greater power is required, or until the lithium-ion battery charge drops below 14%. Then both motors start to work together to achieve as many as 340 miles on one gallon of diesel, with low emissions.

The sleek bodywork isn’t just for show. Constructed from carbon fibre reinforced polymer, the body shell and panels are strong yet weigh a fraction of steel equivalents. With polycarbonate windows, the XL1 tips the scales at just 795kg, which is less than a modern supermini. Lightweight means that acceleration from rest to 62mph is a respectable 11.9 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 99mph

Billed by Volkswagen as ‘a car of the future, built today’, the XL1 was made in small numbers as the third generation of the German manufacturer’s fuel-efficient 1-litre car project, exploring efficient and environmentally friendly motoring. The first concept car of 2002 and the second version of 2009 had tandem seating but the production-ready XL1 was unveiled in 2011 with staggered side-by-side seats.

The new exhibit can be seen in the National Motor Museum as part of a visit to the Beaulieu attraction, which includes On Screen Cars, World of Top Gear, the ancestral Montagu family home of Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets or information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

VOLVO P1800/1800S, E & ES 1961 TO 1973 – ESSENTIAL BUYER’S GUIDE

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VOLVO P1800/1800S, E & ES 1961 TO 1973 – ESSENTIAL BUYER’S GUIDE

Whether already a Volvo 1800 owner, a prospective owner or simply an admirer, you’ll find many useful nuggets of information here. Especially important if you are contemplating the purchase of one of the best looking classic sports cars ever produced, this handy pocket-sized book will guide you through how to select the right car and provides essential advice on finding, buying and evaluating a Volvo 1800. Covering all versions of the 1800 from carburettor-equipped coupés to electronically fuel-injected shooting brakes (estates), you’ll find the correct original specifications and advice on how to spot potential body and mechanical problems.

Volvo P1800/1800S, E & ES 1961 to 1973 by Neil Murray

ISBN: 9781787112773

UPC: 6-36847-01277-9

AVAILABLE NOW!

£12.99(UK), $25.00(US), 32.99(CAN)

• Like having a real marque expert at your side – benefit from years of real ownership experience
• Full coverage of all P1800, 1800S, E and ES models
• Where and how to buy a secondhand Volvo 
• Advice on choosing the right model and condition
• Key checks – how to spot a bad car quickly
• Comprehensive inspection guide
• In-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses
• Details of original model specifications
• Market and value data predict which models will become collectable
• Details of club back-up and support organisations

SOURCE: VELOCE PUBLISHING

SOMETHING BIG IS BREWING AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT

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SOMETHING BIG IS BREWING AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT

• Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars on sale now at major newsagents
• Ultimate 116-page guide to the best-used cars of all-time
• Tips and hints for buying and selling used cars, from TV’s Mr Motors
• A unique collaboration between two automotive media houses

Television’s best-loved used car pundit, Mike Brewer, is bringing something very special to the newsstands this summer, with the launch of his ‘Ultimate Guide to Used Cars’.

With 115 pages of high quality, beautifully designed content, Mike’s new bookazine tells you all you need to know about buying and selling used cars and features Mike’s Used Car Heroes, his predictions for which cars you should invest in and a series of engaging features including the truth about his relationship with Ant Anstead and Edd China’s departure from Mike’s TV Show, Wheeler Dealers.

But more than that, Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars is a revolutionary collaboration between two of the best-known names in automotive publishing – Blackball Media and Kelsey Media, who between them account for over 80 automotive editorial outlets.

Working closely with Mike, the teams from both publishers worked together to make Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars a truly engaging, great value publication – indeed, it’s a bit of a bargain at £6.99, but then Mike wouldn’t let it be anything else but a good deal.

Speaking at the Bookazine’s launch, Mike said: “I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while and alongside my new website, www.mikebrewermotoring.com, it’s a great opportunity to share my car buying and selling experience, as well as some of the inside stories about how TV magic happens.

“It has been a genuine pleasure working with Blackball Media and Kelsey to bring this project to life, and I fully expect it to fly off the forecourts.”

 Mike Brewer’s Ultimate Guide to Used Cars is on sale now from major newsagents and superstores, and can also be purchased online via the following link: https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/product/BZMBREWER

SOURCE: BLACKBALL MEDIA

OPEN FOR ENTRY: THE GUILD OF MOTORING WRITERS AWARDS 2018

OPEN FOR ENTRY: 

THE GUILD OF MOTORING WRITERS AWARDS 2018

• Prize fund totals nearly £14,000
• Two prestigious Awards open to non-Guild members
• Entries close 30 September 2018

New sponsors and increased prize money are among the highlights of the 2018 Guild of Motoring Writers’ Annual Awards. Entries are now open on the Guild website at http://www.gomw.co.uk/enter

There are a total of 14 journalistic awards, covering writing, photography and editing, which are open to Guild members. The prize fund totals £13,750.

Two categories, the Renault UK Journalist of the Year and the Mercedes-Benz Montagu Motoring Book of the Year, are also open to non-Guild journalists.

Several awards have revised criteria to make them more relevant to modern automotive journalism, and to encourage the type of entries judges are particularly looking for.

Peter James Insurance has joined the list of award sponsors, taking over the Editor of the Year category from DS Automobiles. Prize money has been increased both in the IAM RoadSmart Road Safety and Market Engineering Technology categories.

In each award category, a shortlist of three finalists will be selected and announced prior to the presentation evening. All three finalists will receive a complimentary ticket (worth £90) to the Guild’s Annual Dinner and Awards event. This year, it’s held on Thursday 29 November at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London.

All finalists will be featured in a special event programme available on the night, prior to the winner of each award being announced.

Each winner will receive a cheque and a crystal glass trophy. Their presentation photograph will appear in the Guild’s 2019 Yearbook – the Who’s Who in the Motor Industry. They will also appear on the Guild display at the BRDC Clubhouse at Silverstone.

Runners up will receive Highly Commended certificates.

Depending on the category entered, material (published or broadcast in the 12 months up to 30 September 2018), can be supplied as pdfs, jpeg scans or URL links to websites.

Entry material must be readily accessible from the date of entry until 31 December 2018. Entries should not be sent as time-restricted WeTransfer, Dropbox links or similar.

Books only are eligible to be entered into the Mercedes-Benz Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy.

The closing date for entries is Sunday 30 September 2018

For full details on all the award categories, prize money and an entry form, go to: http://www.gomw.co.uk/enter

Candidates are advised to read the online instructions carefully before entering. Any questions about the entry procedure, contact Honorary Secretary, Chris Adamson email: honsec@gomw.co.uk

GUILD AWARD CATEGORIES 2018 – Short Listing

• AA Campaigning Journalist of the Year (prize £1,000)
• BCA Feature Writer of the Year (£1,000)
• GKN Driveline Consumer Journalist of the Year (£1,000)
• IAM RoadSmart Award (£1,000)
• Market Engineering Automotive Technology Award (£1,000)
• Mercedes-Benz Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy (£1,100 / £250 / £150)
• Newspress Young Writer of the Year (£1,000)
• Peter James Insurance Editor of the Year (£1,000)
• Peugeot Motorsport Cup (£1,000)
• Photographer of the Year – General (£500)
• Photographer of the Year – Motorsport (£500)
• Prova PR Business Writer of the Year (£1,000)
• Renault UK Journalist of the Year (£1,100 / £250 / £150)
• RM Sothebys Classic Writer of the Year (£1,000)

AWARD CATEGORIES 2018 – Full Citations

AA Campaigning Journalist Award

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

This award recognises excellence in the reporting of campaigning issues that affect road-users or related campaigns within the author’s remit. The scope of the award is wide and entries can be written in a campaigning manner (i.e the journalist or publication calling for a particular course of action) or reflecting the campaigning calls of others.

The entry must express views on, or aim to change opinion about, matters of importance to readers. This could include issues such as road and motorway conditions or design; safety of road users whether in vehicles, on cycles or pedestrians; cycling; the environment including pollution and new technology; infrastructure and maintenance; car parking; motoring costs including fuel; young drivers; legislation.

The judges will be looking for a strong editorial campaigning position with, where appropriate, a clear call to action, for example to police, highways authorities, government, TFL, Europe or indeed road-users themselves.

British Car Auctions Feature Writer of the Year

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

For the best general feature (not regular column) dealing with any aspect of the motoring scene by a Guild member. The judges are looking for a feature that takes a fresh or novel approach to a topic and one which demonstrates well researched material that is both entertaining and informative.

GKN Driveline Consumer Journalist of the Year

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

For the most outstanding example of consumer journalism by a Guild member. The judges will be looking for an article or series of articles that is/are both innovative and entertaining.

IAM RoadSmart Award – making better drivers and riders

£750

Open to Guild members only

For a Guild member who has produced a piece of writing that has provoked, challenged or encouraged real change among authorities or car makers, and which shows depth of passion and commitment for the safety of road users whether inside or outside a vehicle. Your piece can be related to vehicles, awareness campaigns or even structural changes to road conditions.

Market Engineering Award for Automotive Technology Journalism

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

For a Guild member whose writing demonstrates excellence for technical audiences. The judges are looking for an ability to write features that are valued by specialists in the subject yet which are also interesting and accessible to non-specialists.

Mercedes-Benz Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy

1st: £1,100 and two years’ free Guild membership

2nd: £250 and one year’s free Guild membership

3rd: £150 and one year’s free Guild membership

Open to Guild and non-Guild journalists

This award is presented to the person judged to have made the greatest contribution to recording, in the English language, the history of motoring or motorcycling in book form. There will be prizes for first, second and third place.

Newspress Young Writer of the Year

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

For a Guild member aged under 30 (at the time of entries closing), who has consistently demonstrated a combination of thorough research and written-word excellence in newspapers, magazines, online or broadcast media. This would include a broad cross-section of writers incorporating columnists, news reporters, feature writers as well as scriptwriters.

Peter James Insurance Editor of the Year

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

For the Guild member editor who demonstrates they have balanced the demands of publishers and readers while nurturing journalistic talent and successfully making the critical decisions that turn a good publication into a great one.

The judges are looking for strong leadership, innovations in the approach to editing and a keen understanding of the target audience and their requirements as well as supporting the development of their staff.

Peugeot Motorsport Award

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

The award recognises an outstanding achievement by a Guild member in the world of motorsport either writing about or competing in motorsport at any level.

Photography Award

£500 in General and Motorsport categories

Open to Guild members only

A category each for motorsport and general motoring Guild photographers. The judges are looking for an innovative or instinctive angle on photographing vehicles or motorsport action in all its diverse outlets. The winner will be selected for his or her range of photographic techniques across the full selection of their entered work.

Prova PR Business Writer of the Year

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

This award recognises excellence among Guild members who work in business media, both print and online. Judges will be looking for clarity of writing and well researched articles that help readers understand the complexities of the business side of the UK auto industry from a retail, fleet or manufacturing perspective.

Renault UK / The Guild of Motoring Writers Journalist of the Year

1: £1,100 and two years’ free Guild membership

2: £250 and one year’s free Guild membership

3: £150 and one year’s free Guild membership

Open to Guild and non-Guild journalists

The award is presented to the entrant judged to have made the most outstanding journalistic effort in a wide variety of mediums (newspapers, magazines, online, radio or television but not books). The judges place particular emphasis on initiative and endeavour.

RM Sothebys Classic Writer of the Year

£1,000

Open to Guild members only

Presented to the Guild member offering the best example of an article or feature (but not books) reporting on the world of classic vehicles. Entries should demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the subject and an interest in promoting the cause of classic motoring, whether it is cars, motorcycles or commercial vehicles. The judges will be looking for material which shows a genuine enthusiasm for the subject.

MILLIONS OF PLUCKY BRITS WOULD CONFRONT DISABLED PARKING SPOT MISUSERS

• MILLIONS OF PLUCKY BRITS WOULD CONFRONT DISABLED PARKING SPOT MISUSERS
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• Almost 1-in-3 Brits would challenge someone using a disabled parking space when they should not be
• Blue Badge parking shake-up biggest for decades as people with hidden disabilities can also apply from 2019
• Changes to the system are welcomed by YourParkingSpace.co.uk but survey results indicate it could lead to unintentional confrontations

A study by online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk has found that almost a third of Brits would challenge someone they thought was parking in a disabled space when they should not be.

However, a major update to the Blue Badge system in 2019 means that people should not jump to conclusions if they see a possible parking infringement as people without a physical impairment can also apply for one.

This includes less obvious illnesses, such as autism or mental health conditions, in a move the Government hopes will help people with hidden disabilities.

Harrison Woods, managing director at YourParkingSpace.co.uk, said: “It is admirable that almost a third of Brits would confront someone misusing a disabled parking spot.

“Given the changes to the system in 2019 it might be prudent for those millions of Brits willing to challenge a suspected disabled parking space misuser to show some restraint and not jump to a hasty conclusion if they suspect someone is parking in a disabled spot dishonestly just because they cannot see any outward signs of a disability.

“Indeed, YourParkingSpace.co.uk welcomes the changes to Blue Badge parking as it recognises that mobility can also be difficult for people with a less obvious illness.” 

Other findings from the YourParkingSpace.co.uk survey shows that many Brits back harsh punishment for disabled parking space misusers. For instance, 5 per cent wanted a temporary driving ban of 3 months or more.

Meanwhile, more than 1-in-10 wanted to increase the maximum fine up to £1,500 for those not displaying a Blue Badge when parking in a Blue Badge bay.

Surprisingly, while the vast majority of those surveyed had never dishonestly parked in a Blue Badge spot, a sizeable 6 per cent had done so.

Commenting on the Blue Badge changes, Sue Bott CBE, Deputy Chief Executive at Disability Rights UK, said: “It is helpful to see acknowledged that it is not just physical impairments that can make mobility difficult but also some mental health issues as well. We supported the Government’s proposals at consultation stage and are delighted that this long overdue change has been made.”

For more information about YourParkingSpace.co.uk, visit www.yourparkingspace.co.uk

BICESTER HERITAGE PLANS FIRST-OF-KIND HOTEL AS PART OF OVERALL VISION FOR WORLD’S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE RESORT

BICESTER HERITAGE PLANS FIRST-OF-KIND HOTEL AS PART OF OVERALL VISION FOR WORLD’S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE RESORT

• Bicester Heritage plans a further expansion of former RAF Bicester with the proposed addition of a 344-room hotel on site
• Building on the success of historic hub, hotel addition is next stage in a series of wider plans to create the world’s leading automotive resort
• Track-side hotel will be adjacent to raised earth bank with Mille Miglia-style start line, ideal for rallies and other events Bicester Heritage is renowned for
• Features expansive four-storey atrium to showcase rotating automotive-themed exhibitions and displays
• Situated next to existing hangars whilst overlooking circuit and grass airfield
• Broader plans for the site include gallery motor lodges, allowing enthusiasts to house their cars with accommodation above with access to the site track, nature reserve and expertise

Having successfully built a reputation and devoted following as a centre for historic automotive excellence, Bicester Heritage has submitted plans for its next stage in a vision to create a home for automotive past, present and future in a unique automotive resort.

Plans have been submitted for a 344-room hotel on the former RAF Bicester site, which, five years ago, was transformed from a state of disrepair to a thriving centre for over 35 classic and vintage car specialists.

Dan Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, commented “We very much look forward to welcoming enthusiasts to our motoring hotel, from which they will be able to experience a range of automotive destinations on a single site, from the existing centre of excellence for historic motorcars to private track, exhibition hangars, OEM brand centre and future technology.”

Designed by leading British designer and car enthusiast Dexter Moren, the hotel will use materials inspired by existing pre-war RAF Bicester buildings and also use the dimensions and orientation as the 1936 C-Type hangars.

Designer Dexter Moren said “Hospitality specialist architects and interior designers, Dexter Moren Associates, are thrilled to have been selected to design a landmark hotel within a former RAF base, forming part of the Bicester Heritage master plan vision focusing on motorcars and aeroplanes. The design objective has been to respond in a contemporary manner to the site’s rich and unique story, drawing inspiration from its historic position at the forefront of aviation, engineering, and innovation while complementing the existing period buildings.”

Subtle details, such as the expanded steel mesh covering the curve of the building in homage to RAF Bicester’s past as a camouflage training centre, keep the contemporary design in tune with the incredible heritage of the site, with the overall structure also following the lines of adjacent hangars. Alongside amenities such as a top-tier restaurant, bar, courtyard, gym, swimming pool and sauna, the hotel will offer an immersive experience for car enthusiasts.

The stunning four-storey atrium has been conceived to showcase rotating automotive-themed exhibitions and displays, and in line with the vision for the site as a whole will not only feature cars of the past but also the very best cars of the present and the future.

Further facilitating the extensive range of events held at Bicester Heritage, the hotel will be adjacent to a raised earth bank complete with Mille Miglia-style start line, making Bicester Heritage an ideal start point for rallies and offering guests an inimitable view from their luxuriously appointed rooms.

What’s more, the addition of the hotel will allow guests to spend more time within the Bicester hub and witness all the site has to offer, from the circuit, skills, airfield and events.

Situated in the heart of Motorsport Valley, a stone’s throw from numerous Formula One teams, Silverstone Circuit and several electric and autonomous technology firms, the hotel will also allow guests to experience the UK’s pioneering automotive industry beyond Bicester Heritage.

This hotel is the next stage in Bicester Heritage’s vision to become the world’s leading automotive resort. The first component of this was the successful execution of the historic section, and its fifty buildings, with further plans in motion to showcase the rest of the automotive world in an inclusive, experiential and innovative fashion.

Further, plans include the building of motor lodges, luxury leisure residencies allowing individuals to stay within the 425-acre resort with their car and adjacent to the private recreational driver’s circuit.