FERRARI IN ART – THE SPORTING LEGACY

FERRARI IN ART – THE SPORTING LEGACY

A special exhibition comprising of 25 exclusive paintings celebrating over seventy years of Ferrari was officially unveiled last night at the Royal Automobile Club.

‘Ferrari in Art – The Sporting Legacy’ is a collection of unique artwork celebrating everything Ferrari. The cars, the drivers, the history and most importantly of all, the passion. Ferrari has an unrivalled position in the automotive world.  The name itself conjures up the very essence of beauty, design, speed, style … and of course winning. The new series of works by international artist Mark Dickens in collaboration with renowned F1 photographer Keith Sutton encompasses all the features that make Ferrari so special. 

Keith Sutton tracked down all the influential figures associated with Ferrari to get involved. For each painting, drivers, owners, fans and motorsport personalities were asked to express in their own handwritten words what ‘Ferrari’ means to them. Over 125 handwritten (never been seen before) quotes were obtained directly from the individuals and transferred on to the 25 pieces of artwork which artist Mark Dickens worked tirelessly to create. The outcome is a unique, contemporary and historical collection of Ferrari art.

Several notable guests attended the launch event, having kindly contributed to the artworks. One of which was Ross Brawn OBE, former Ferrari F1 Team Principal. Speaking of his time at Ferrari, Brawn said “It was a very special period in my life. Ferrari is very much a team spirit. I love the history of Ferrari, it wasn’t manufactured, it was organic, Enzo Ferrari didn’t sit down and say we are going to create this empire, and this is how we are going to do it, everything just evolved to be the world-famous car racing team and car manufacturer that it is today. To be a small part of that is very special. I’ve been lucky enough to stand on the podium at Monza when Ferrari have won and there’s no better sensation than that. Seeing the huge crowds and the emotion and passion of the fans”.

Brenda Vernor reflected on her time as the Personal Assistant to Enzo Ferrari for 20 years “It was the best years of my life. I was the only woman, an English woman working with 199 men from drivers to mechanics. You couldn’t do that now”.

Seeing his quote adorning the Enzo Ferrari artwork Uberto Selvatico Estense, the President of The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari said “It’s unbelievable and makes me very proud to see this. For me it’s a dream, to be part of the Ferrari legend is something incredible”.

Speaking about the project Keith Sutton said “It’s taken over 9 months to obtain the 125 handwritten quotes from the various personalities associated with Ferrari; however, everyone that I approached was genuinely enthusiastic and delighted to take part in this unique project”.

British artist Mark Dickens is world renowned in F1, his work can be found in the Royal collections of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to numerous Grand Prix circuits and collections around the world. He was commissioned by Bernie Ecclestone in 2011 to be the official F1 artist creating a painting for every Grand Prix. Dickens artwork involves collaborations with people and places which take the visual format of mixed media, building layers of photographic transfers, paper, gold leaf, fabric, paint and handwritten texts set in resin. The various textures of the composition are very tactile.

It’s the second time Mark Dickens and Keith Sutton have collaborated together. In 2014 they created ‘World Champions in Art’ which comprised of 32 paintings, one for each Formula 1 World Champion. The collection was purchased by four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

As before the artwork is being sold as a complete collection and there are some interested parties already. Whilst the exhibition will not be touring, a limited-edition box set of signed prints will be available for others to buy.  One of the box sets will be presented to Jackie Stewart OBE who clinched the World Sportscar Championship for Ferrari in 1967 driving alongside Chris Amon, and whose quote features in the collection.  Sir Jackie will auction his set off at the Australia F1 Grand Prix to raise money for his charity ‘Race Against Dementia’. 

Reading the names of those that have contributed to the artwork is like a ‘Who’s Who’ of Ferrari – from the Designers who helped create the dream to World Champions who realised the dream, – from Team Principals who guided the dream to Collectors and Owners who live the dream – from Engineers who maintained the dream to the die-hard fans who love the dream! All of which provides a fascinating, historic and personal insight into Ferrari.

NEW HERITAGE RACING INITIATIVE POSITIONS ASTON MARTIN AT THE HEART OF HISTORIC MOTORSPORT

NEW HERITAGE RACING INITIATIVE 
POSITIONS ASTON MARTIN AT THE HEART OF HISTORIC MOTORSPORT

: Aston Martin’s increasing commitment to historic motorsport has been cemented with the creation of Aston Martin Heritage Racing - an over-arching brand that unites the company’s assorted historic motorsport activities under one banner.

In the first of several major new initiatives, Aston Martin has joined forces with Masters Historic Racing - one of the world’s leading historic race event organisers and promotors - to become its official automotive partner. The partnership places Aston Martin and its customers at the heart of the action, through a number of core activities.

The most visible of these are the supply of Aston Martin road cars as Official Pace cars and Course cars for Masters Historic Racing. For 2019 this will see Aston Martin’s driver focused sports car - the Vantage - head each of the grids at selected MHR race weekends, leading the field around the track at speed before releasing the cars for the rolling start. Course car duties will be performed by a Rapide AMR, giving further exposure to the brand.

Aston Martin is also title partner of the Aston Martin Masters Endurance Legends Series. Run for racing cars from the more recent past, AMMEL is the premiere series for modern historic Le Mans and ALMS prototypes and GT cars from 1995-2012. As this period encompasses Aston Martin Racing’s victories in the GT1 class with the DBR9, plus the many other successes in the LMP1, GT2 and GTE categories, the AMMEL series regularly features Aston Martin competition cars amongst the varied and colourful grids. Indeed, one of the fabulous ex-works Gulf-liveried Aston Martin DBR1-2 LMP1 cars was a regular outright winner during the 2018 season and is a firm crowd favourite.

With large grids, generous track time and exciting double-header race weekends, the AMMEL race format allows for one or two-drivers with a mandatory pit stop and a race duration of a minimum 30min and maximum 45min. Frequently afforded top billing, AMMEL treats spectators and fans to an evocative taste of top-level endurance racing featuring many of their favourite modern classic machines.

2019 Aston Martin Masters Endurance Legends calendar

Mar 29-31, Le Castellet Motors Cup weekend, Paul Ricard, France

May 10-12, European Le Mans Series support race, Monza, Italy

Jun 28-30, French Historic Grand Prix, Magny Cours, France

Jul 26-28, Silverstone Classic, Silverstone, UK

Aug 9-11, AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix, Nürburgring, Germany

Sep 27-29, Spa Six Hours, Spa, Belgium

ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE RACING FESTIVAL SERIES

Building upon the huge success enjoyed by the triennial Aston Martin Racing Le Mans Festival events held as a support race for the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012, 2015 and 2018, the Festival concept has been developed into an annual AMHR Festival Series.

Driven by the desire to create a ‘home’ in which owners of eligible modern era competition and special series Aston Martins can race regularly, the AMHR Festival Series will comprise two race events in 2019, expanding to three race weekends per-season in 2020 and 2021.

A celebration of Aston Martin’s 21st century competition success, The AMHR Festival Series is conceived to encompass the majority of Aston Martin Racing’s back catalogue. All GT1, GT2, GT3, GT4 and GTE cars are eligible, with the exception of the Lola-Aston LMP1 prototypes and the latest generation Vantage GTE, GT3 and GT4 cars. There is also an invitation class for special series cars such as the Aston Martin Vulcan, and for other unusual Aston Martin race cars, such as the Vantage GT8 that raced in the Nürburgring ‘N24’.

Open to one or two drivers per-car, the Festival race format will remain flexible to take advantage of opportunities to run double-header races where possible and allow the series to evolve over time. A pit stop is mandatory, and a handicapping system will be applied to create a fair level of competition between keen amateur and elite professional and former professional racers. A strict code of respectful driving will be encouraged and enforced, with AMR factory driver and three-time Le Mans winner Darren Turner advising on series regulations and driving standards.

Run under the newly created Aston Martin Heritage Racing banner, for 2019 the AMHR Festival Series will visit the iconic Grand Prix circuits of Silverstone and Spa, with the first race at July’s Silverstone Classic - the world’s biggest historic race meeting - and the second at the Spa Six Hours weekend in late September.

Returning to the Silverstone Classic and Spa Six Hours in 2020, with a third iconic venue to be announced later this year, in 2021 AMHR Festival competitors can look forward to three more race weekends. The Festival’s objective is to provide owners of modern classic Aston Martin competition cars with a ‘Road to Le Mans’ and the chance to fulfil the dream of racers and enthusiasts everywhere.

While racing is at its heart, the AMHR Festival Series it is not just about the on-track action. Each Festival weekend will also be a social occasion and a highlight of the AMHR year. Aston Martin will invite celebrity drivers to take part, plus a variety of current and former AMR factory drivers. Hospitality will be provided for competitors and their guests. Selected friends of Aston Martin will also be in attendance and there will be an exclusive party on the Friday or Saturday night of each festival race weekend.

2019 Aston Martin Heritage Racing Festival Series calendar

Jul 26-28, Silverstone Classic, Silverstone, UK

Sep 27-29, Spa Six Hours, Spa, Belgium

ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE RACING TRACK EXPERIENCE

Held at selected Masters Historic Racing weekends, the Aston Martin Heritage Racing Track Experience events are another new AMHR initiative for 2019. Combining attendance of a live historic race weekend and top-level hospitality with an assortment of road and track sessions in new Aston Martin road cars, a variety of weekend packages are tailored for existing and prospective Aston Martin customers as well as fans of the brand.

The first of these events is to be held March 29-31 at Paul Ricard, home of the French Grand Prix, during Masters Historic Racing’s first race weekend of the 2019 season. Located in the beautiful Provence region of southern France, guests will enjoy the unique thrill of driving their own Aston Martin or one of Aston Martin’s demonstrators in dedicated 30min sessions which intersperse the races throughout the weekend. They will also have the opportunity to take accompanied test drives on breathtaking roads and, of course, spend some relaxing downtime enjoying first class hospitality and the spectacle of Europe’s best historic racing.

Each Track Experience weekend will run to a schedule tailored to the specific event, but in addition to on-track driving sessions and all-day hospitality each will feature additional daytime activities such as hot lap rides alongside pro drivers in Aston Martin road or race cars, guided tours of the pits and paddock, karting, plus evening entertainment such as relaxed BBQs and organised wine tastings.

Whether an existing Aston Martin customer who likes the idea of enjoying the freedom of driving their car on a race track, or a prospective or existing customer who would like to experience a new model in a test drive with a difference, the added atmosphere and excitement of being part of a historic race weekend ensures each AMHR Track Experience immerses guests in an exclusive high-octane environment that petrolheads will love, combined with a level of quality and attention to detail that provides a true taste of Aston Martin lifestyle.

2019 Aston Martin Heritage Racing Track Experience calendar

Mar 29-31, Masters Historic Racing weekend, Paul Ricard, France

*Further dates to be announced in the near future

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, said of AMHR: “The creation of Aston Martin Heritage Racing draws together our various historic motorsport activities and provides a platform from which we will continue to extend the scope of our presence in the vibrant and hugely popular international historic racing scene. Our official automotive partnership with Masters Historic Racing sees our Vantage and Rapide AMR models serving as official Safety Cars and Course Cars, while our title sponsorship of the Aston Martin Masters Endurance Legends Series supports a spectacular grid of iconic modern classic machines that once competed in some of the world’s greatest endurance races.

With high profile races confirmed at this year’s Silverstone Classic in July and Spa Six Hours historic meeting in September, three race weekends in 2020 and all providing a Road to Le Mans, we can look forward to seeing the finest Aston Martin competition cars of the more recent past racing on some of Europe’s best circuits.”

Ron Maydon, Founder and President of Masters Historic Racing: “It’s a tremendous endorsement of historic racing’s popularity that such a prestigious brand as Aston Martin has chosen to partner Masters Historic Racing (MHR). Few car companies have a better fit with historic racing, thanks to a thread of motorsport success tracing right back to the company’s origins more than a century ago. Much like Aston Martin, MHR likes to innovate and evolve, and so I’m especially proud that Aston Martin is title partner of the Masters Endurance Legends Series, which has pioneered the concept of modern historic racing with dazzling grids of prototype and GT racing cars that were eligible to compete at Le Mans and other top-level endurance races between 1995 and 2012. With this period encompassing some of Aston Martin Racing’s greatest 21st century successes it will be an absolute pleasure to see some of these iconic machines once again do battle with their period adversaries.”

To take part in the Aston Martin Heritage Racing activities or for further information contact AMHR@astonmartin.com. 

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS ANNOUNCES NEW GRIDS AT GALA AWARDS NIGHT

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS ANNOUNCES NEW GRIDS AT GALA AWARDS NIGHT

Last night the UK’s premier classic race organiser Motor Racing Legends (MRL) crowned their 2018 series winners in style at a gala awards dinner at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.

The evening was hosted by MRL Chairman, Duncan Wiltshire and attended by many leading figures of the British motorsport scene including the CEO of Motorsport UK, Hugh Chambers and Motorsport Vision Chief Jonathan Palmer.

During the evening’s presentation, it was announced that MRL are to take on the organisation of the two grids from the Historic Motor Racing News stable, the U2TC for under two-litre touring cars and the Pre63-GT series. Ownership of these two well-established series will remain with Carol Spagg, who is looking to step back from the day-to-day organisation and administration. Carol, who was a guest at the dinner, commented “Motor Racing Legends is the obvious choice to manage these series on a day to day basis. They run professional and well-respected races at all the right meetings.”

Both the U2TC and Pre-63GT series will join MRL’s already extensive portfolio of historic race grids, which include: The Pre-War Sports Cars Series; the Historic Touring Car Challenge and Tony Dron Trophy for Touring Cars between 1966- 1990; the Stirling Moss Trophy and the Royal Automobile Woodcote Trophy for 50s Sports cars. All six grids will kick off the 2019 season at the forthcoming Donington Historic Festival (3-5 May).

Duncan commented, “I am very excited to be taking over responsibility for these two popular and long-running series. They are a perfect fit alongside our existing races and our team are accustomed to delivering the service that Carol’s drivers will expect. It should be a seamless transition.”

The awards ceremony celebrated all the 2018 trophy winners. Highlights include Chris Ward, and John Young (Lister Knobbly) who lifted the hallowed Stirling Moss Trophy, the same trophy won by Moss for his first ever British Grand Prix win in 1955 at Aintree. John Ure and Nick Wigley raised the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for their successful season in the Cooper-Bristol T24/25 and Mark Smith took home the overall Historic Touring Car Challenge award.

It was the super-fast Alvis Firefly of Rudi Friedrichs that took home the overall Pre-War Sports Trophy and The Tony Dron Trophy (The Tricentrol Cup,) as won by Tony Dron himself at the British Saloon Car Championship race at the British Grand Prix in 1977 went to Patrick Watts and Steve Soper for their hard-fought success in Watts’ Group 1 Ford Capri.

Vincent Collard - Spa Six Hour promoter and organiser - was honoured with the Motor Racing Legends Trophy for his services to historic motorsport.

Jack and Roger Stanford were awarded the Traditional Oak Family Spirit Trophy for their season in the BMW M3 and Tony Wood and Will Nuthall took home the Brian Lister Cup.

A list of all the class winners can be found at www.motorracinglegends.com

Entry forms and regulations will be issued early February but if you would like more information about racing at Donington Historic Festival or any of the forthcoming season’s races run by Motor Racing Legends please visit www.motorracinglegends.com or email: Lindsey Warren at lindsey@motorracinglegends.com, or

Gillian Carr at gillian@motorracinglegends.com 

ONE-OF-A-KIND DB4 CONVERTIBLE ON SHOW AT RETROMOBILE PARIS

ONE-OF-A-KIND DB4 CONVERTIBLE ON SHOW AT RETROMOBILE PARIS

Aston Martin Works, the world-renowned heritage arm of British luxury sports car maker Aston Martin Lagonda, is promising visitors to the upcoming Retromobile Show in Paris next month an unprecedented view of one of the brand’s rarest and most sought-after classic cars – Aston Martin DB4 Convertible, chassis no. 1173.

This one-off model, built in 1963 at the historic home of Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell – now centre of operations for the Aston Martin Works heritage sales, service and restoration business – is unique as, of the circa 70 DB4 Convertibles made by the brand between 1961 and 1963, chassis no 1173 is the only car known to have been built by David Brown’s factory team with the more potent DB4 GT engine as an original fitment.

This right-hand drive sports car, handcrafted for a UK customer and personal friend of then Aston Martin owner David Brown, is currently undergoing a bare metal restoration in the world famous heritage workshops at Aston Martin Works and arrives at the annual Parisian festival of historic motoring, this year once again being staged at the prestigious Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, as an engine in chassis.

Offering visitors a rare glimpse up close of the remarkably detailed restoration process undertaken by the craftsmen and women at Aston Martin Works, the DB4 Convertible collectors’ item is joined on the Works stand in the French capital by other important examples of the brand’s illustrious history including one of only 40 Vantage V600 Le Mans to be built celebrating the 40th anniversary of the famous 24-hour race win; a 1968 DB6 Vantage; a 1960 DB4 Series II; and a V12 Vanquish with manual conversion engineered and carried out by Aston Martin Works.

Julian Wren, Heritage Director at Aston Martin Works, explained: “The decision to take chassis 1173 to Paris wasn’t simple, but we wanted to give the enthusiastic and knowledgable Retromobile audience the chance to see this exceptional piece of Aston Martin history up close as it progresses through its journey towards concours condition.

“Like our other cars at this exciting event 1173 is available to purchase, and I’m looking forward to discussing the car with enthusiasts and collectors alike.”

Aston Martin Works can be found on stand G46 in Hall 1 at the Retromobile event, which opens to the public at 10 am (CET) on Wednesday 6 February and runs until Sunday 10 February.

For event information, please visit: https://www.retromobile.com/

E-TYPE UK - 2+2 PLUS – E-TYPE UK TAKES SERIES 3 COUPE TO NEW LEVELS WITH LATEST COMMISSION

2+2 PLUS – E-TYPE UK TAKES SERIES 3 COUPE TO NEW LEVELS WITH LATEST COMMISSION

The latest restoration by E-Type UK, the Kent-based firm known for its concours-winning original specification restorations of early models and class-leading upgrading of later models, has now been delivered.

Though the number of customer commissions on Series 3 models has grown for E-Type UK, such as the much celebrated top-spec special edition, it is not often that the 2+2 coupe models are chosen by customers for a full top-level restoration and upgrade programme.

The owner of this E-Type, however, was seeking an example that was reliable with some subtle modernisations, improved driving characteristics yet retained that classic E-Type personality. Rolling off the production line in 1973, this original right-hand drive Series 3 Coupe had lived a pampered life but had seen better days, and was brought to E-Type UK with a brief to not only perfectly restore but upgrade to the highest standards.

But, before the curated selection of E-Type UK upgrades could be fitted, the team had to get to work fully stripping the car. This thorough process exposed some shoddy previous repairs, an unfortunate reminder of a time when these models were unloved and undervalued, such as inner arches patched up with layers of tin. Once all the metal work was repaired to original specifications, a bespoke aluminium bonnet was fabricated to reduce front-end weight. Then, it was time for a concours standard repaint in the stunning shade of Opalescent Gunmetal.

The original engine was fully rebuilt and fitted with a combination of engine upgrades synonymous with E-Type UK: electronic fuel injection with larger throttle bodies, aluminium radiator and header tank and the all-important 12-branch tubular stainless steel sports exhaust system to allow the V12 to sing. E-Type UK are experts in electronic fuel injection on these models having developed systems for a number of years, with this car benefiting from improved performance, reliability and efficiency as a result. The uprated cooling system maintains an ideal operating temperature, while the larger throttle bodies for increased air flow and free-flowing stainless steel exhaust ensure the engine sounds as great as it performs.

Under that now perfect body, the suspension was heavily revised for improved handling and ride with all-round adjustable suspension, including sports torsion bars, anti-roll bar and uprated bushes. This combination of suspension upgrades is transformational for the handling, and also allows customers to choose their exact preferred suspension settings. AP Racing brakes replace the stock units, with larger diameter discs, aluminium calipers and an increase from three to four pistons, increasing stopping power while reducing weight. 16-inch Turino wire wheels were chosen not only for aesthetics but also as they allow the fitment of modern tyres for improved traction, as well as reducing corner weight further due to aluminium rims and stronger stainless-steel spokes than standard units.

An uprated 5-speed gearbox completes the revised drivetrain package, with gearing such that both long motorway drives and quick-changing country lane jaunts are a pleasure. Additions within the fully retrimmed Oxblood Red cabin include: 15-inch wooden steering wheel to make the most of the car’s spritely handling, bespoke classically-styled inertia reel seat belts for improved comfort and safety, and an LED dash light conversion to improve visibility on evening drives. A period style stereo system, hiding full modern internals including Bluetooth capability, finishes the interior in fine fashion.

E-Type UK have had the pleasure of restoring, refining and revising a number of Series 3 models, and can say with some confidence that this is one of the finest 2+2 examples out there. Whether viewed as a sign of the times in the E-Type world, an exercise in perfection or simply a top-notch restoration, this S3 is undeniably something special.

Founder Marcus Holland commented: “We treat every model of E-Type with the same respect whether in for service, restoration or sale, and seeing this 2+2 completed to such a standard is incredibly satisfying. Like our clients, we are big believers in using these special cars, so it is a real joy knowing that this on-the-button E-Type will be regularly on the road with that cavernous boot full of luggage.”

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

 As Bentley enters its Centenary year, the oldest remaining and first racing model – EXP 2 – will be displayed at Retromobile, Paris.

The first of many unique events in 2019 that will see Bentley celebrate this landmark year, Retromobile kick-starts the world car show season between 6-10 February at Salon des Expositions, Porte de Versailles.

Showcasing Bentley’s motoring evolution over the past 100 years, the British brand’s stand-in Paris offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the heritage and the innovation of the British luxury car manufacturer. Joining its illustrious forebear in Paris will be the new Continental GT Convertible – the pinnacle open-top Grand Tourer.

Although separated by 100 years of automotive evolution, the two models share fundamental Bentley characteristics: both are genuine Grand Tourers; both offer sector-defining levels of performance, and both feature innovative technology at their core.

The year, Retromobile celebrates its 44th anniversary, with over 120,000 visitors expected to attend from all over the world. For more information on the event please visit www.retromobile.com.

EXP 2 – The Oldest Surviving & First Racing Bentley

In the first few years of his company’s existence, W.O. Bentley made three prototypes: EXP 1 (EXPerimental No.1) at New Street Mews off Baker Street (which first ran in October 1919); EXP 2 built later that year at Bentley’s new workshop in Cricklewood (cannibalising much of EXP 1): and EXP 3 – better known as ‘The Cab’ and W.O.’s personal car.

A legacy of the Cricklewood era, EXP 2 is the oldest Bentley in existence. As the second Bentley to ever be made, its debut was at the 1919 Olympia Motor Show and is a landmark car in the brand’s 100-year history.

Drawing influence from W.O. Bentley’s pre-war competition experience – when he pioneered the use of aluminium pistons – EXP 2 is also the brand’s first car to win a race, powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a top speed of 80 mph.

Frank Clement, W.O.’s development engineer and racing driver, won the Junior Sprint Handicap at Brooklands on 16 May 1921 in EXP2 – the first recorded racing victory for Bentley. Clement not only took the brand’s maiden win at the famous banked circuit but also saw off some famous names in the process.

2019 Calendar of Heritage Events

As Bentley commemorates 100 extraordinary years, brand enthusiasts will be able to join the celebrations at a number of events hosted around the world – showcasing the best of Bentley past and present.

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION
44th Salon Rétromobile	6-10 February	Paris, France
13th Annual Boca Concours d’Elegance	22-24 February	Boca Raton, Florida, US
W.O. Bonhams exhibition	11 April	London
Bentley Drivers Club Centenary Extraordinary Drive	15-31 March	Castle of Mey – Crewe – London
Benjafield Racing Club, W.O. race	13 April	Silverstone race track
Mille Miglia	15-18 May	Brescia – Rome – Brescia, IT
24 Hours of Le Mans	15-16 June	Le Mans, France
RREC Annual Rally & Concours	21 June	Burghley house, England
Chantilly Arts & Elegance	30 June	Chantilly, France
RROC National Meeting	22-27 July	Detroit, US
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance	21-26 August	Carmel, California, US
Salon Privé Concours d'Elegance	6-8 September	Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

Bentley’s Centenary – 100 Years of Extraordinary

In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today.

The 10th of July 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year and this extraordinary milestone – reached by only a special few companies – will be a cause for celebration of the company’s history, its global success today and its exciting future

MG CAR CLUB & ZED REGISTER LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO SAVE OUR ZEDS

MG CAR CLUB & ZED REGISTER LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO SAVE OUR ZEDS

MG ZR, ZS and ZT cars are disappearing from our roads fast; with over 78% of the cars ever built gone.

The MG Car Club and Zed Register are hoping to reverse this trend with the launch of Save Our Zeds; a campaign to highlight the decline of Zed MGs and help equip owners with the right tools to keep enjoying and running their cars, rather than consigning them to the scrapheap.

Data taken from HowManyLeft.co.uk shows the severity of the decline;

Model	Number (2006)	Number (Q3 2018)	Cars Lost
ZR	51,116	7,964	43,152 -84%
ZS	20,055	5,478	14,577 -72%
ZT & ZT-T	19,020	6,176	12,844 -67%
Z Range	90,191	19,618	70, 573 -78%

At the end of production in 2006, the total number of cars on the road was 90,191 and today that sits at 19,618; a 78% decline. A staggering 43,152 (84%) of MG ZRs built are no longer on the road.

The MG Car Club has the Zed Register who exist to help owners to keep their cars on the road, support with technical advice and queries and be friendly faces out and about at various events during the year.

John Thompson, Chairman of the Zed Register, commented “Today’s culture of financial incentives to scrap older cars when purchasing cars on PCP or lease deals versus the cost of repairing an older car appears to rule out repairs as a viable option.

There are many quality MG specialists & parts businesses across the UK; and the MG Car Club offer member discounts with some of these suppliers, so repair really is a good choice.

The Zed range of cars is an affordable way into MG ownership, and the growing Modern Classic scene, with good condition cars available from as little as £350. This makes a Zed car a great option for a young driver as a first car, as well as something fun.

The MG Car Club has also recent formed a Young Members Branch, who organise events and an online community to support the Younger end of our membership with everything they need.”

Adam Sloman, General Manager of The MG Car Club, added “This decline in Zed cars is something we as a Club have heard many stories about at classic car events up and down the country.

We are concerned that an important part of the MG brand’s heritage is going to be lost; and future generations are going to miss out on these much loved cars.”

FANTASTIC FIAT 500C IS PRIZE FOR NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM VISITOR

FANTASTIC FIAT 500C IS PRIZE FOR NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM VISITOR

FANTASTIC FIAT 500C IS PRIZE FOR NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM VISITOR

A brand new Fiat 500C TwinAir has been presented to the winner of the National Motor Museum Trust Prize Draw in a ceremony at Beaulieu's Palace House.

Beaulieu Managing Director Russell Bowman handed the keys for the bright red soft-top to Rosalind Cottee and her husband Norman, who were delighted to drive home to Maidenhead from the New Forest in the sought-after top raffle prize. They were joined for the ceremony by Niall James from Snows Fiat and Abarth, which supplied the car.

Rosalind and Norman had visited Beaulieu in the summer with their grandchildren when Rosalind bought her successful raffle ticket in the National Motor Museum. She said: “We had a lovely day, but I really didn’t expect to win anything, let alone the car. I think the only other thing I’ve ever won in a competition was a bowl of fruit, so this is wonderful! We’re both retired so I will be using the Fiat for local trips.” 

Carole McGuire, from Tonbridge in Kent, won the second prize – a money-can’t-buy opportunity to take part in the 2019 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, as a passenger in one of the National Motor Museum Trust’s historic vehicles, with an overnight stay in London. Seated in the 1904 De Dion Bouton Model Q, which she will ride in for the 60-mile event, Carole was presented with a commemorative certificate by National Motor Museum Manager and Chief Engineer Doug Hill.

Carole said: “I’m thrilled to bits. It was meant to be! Years ago, I used to live near the route of the run so I always went to watch the veteran cars pass by.”

Looking forward to taking part in the event, Carole is well aware that preparation is the key. “I’m hoping it’s not going to be raining, although I think I might need to wear my thermals!” she added.

The third prize went to Michael Burton, from Formby near Liverpool, who won a VIP trip around the New Forest in a vehicle from the National Motor Museum collection. This special day out also includes a visit to the Beaulieu Chocolate Studio for a demonstration and chocolate treat goody bag.

Tickets have gone on sale for a chance to win the 2019 National Motor Museum Trust Prize Draw. See www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/support-us/prize-draw for more details. 

Source: Beaulieu

MIND OVER MONTE CARLO – ONE TEAM’S QUEST TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ON THE MONTE CARLO CLASSIQUE RALLY

MIND OVER MONTE CARLO – ONE TEAM’S QUEST TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ON THE MONTE CARLO CLASSIQUE RALLY

Adam Gompertz (l) Craig Callum (r) outside Blue Diamond Riley Services

Talking about mental health problems isn’t just for Christmas. Two former car designers want to open up and kick out the stigma attached to talking about mental health and raise money to help those in need.

Car designer-turned-reverend Adam Gompertz and director of the National Transport Design Centre Craig Callum are joining the Blue Diamond Riley Specialists team, driving a 1949 MG TC from Glasgow to Monaco, to raise much-needed funds for OCD Action during this year’s Monte Carlo Classique Rally (30th January to 3rd February).

Funds raised by Adam and Craig will enable OCD Action to help more people in 2019 with the mental health illness. Donations are welcomed here.

“OCD gets bandied around too much. It’s not an insult, it’s a real, life-altering condition.”, said Adam Gompertz. “I feel, as men specifically, we don’t talk about our problems, including that of our own mental health. Being a Reverend, I try and help as many people as possible, but opening it up to people outside of my parish and including my second passion – cars – is something I’m really trying to do in 2019 and beyond.”

Rather than simply being tidy, or something we might jokingly say we all have, OCD is characterised by disturbing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) producing anxiety which are alleviated only by repetitive actions (compulsions). It can leave sufferers isolated, trapped in an endless cycle of checking and double checking, of being a prisoner to the obsessions and resulting compulsions. Adam himself has battled OCD at various times in his life.

With the mental health charity Mind reporting that one in four people will suffer some form of mental health problem, and that one in six people experience a common mental heath problem such as anxiety and depression each week[1], the need to be raising awareness of these conditions is so important.

Follow the progress Craig and the Reverend make from 30th January as they leave Glasgow and aim to be in Monaco on 3rd February on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter – under #montyonthemonte.