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.

THE ‘BLOWER’ BENTLEY – LEGENDARY INNOVATION

THE ‘BLOWER’ BENTLEY – LEGENDARY INNOVATION

As British luxury car manufacturer Bentley marks its centenary year, the company’s drive for innovation can be traced throughout its history.

The legendary ‘Blower’ Bentley, with a supercharged engine, was sensationally quick in 1929. Especially with Bentley Boy, Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin, sat behind the steering wheel.

Birkin and the Blower are intrinsically linked together in this sepia-toned era of British motor racing history. It was Birkin’s quest for speed that created the Blower, later recording heroic drives at the Le Mans 24 Hours and the French Grand Prix. He also broke the Brooklands outer-circuit lap record, the most coveted racing circuit of the time.

The supercharged engine ultimately ensured the 4 ½ Litre model became the most iconic racing Bentley of the pre-war years. The Blower won Bentley a legion of motor sport fans around the world and to this day remains a symbol of the company’s innovative prowess.

Pushing the Boundaries of Performance

The Bentley 4½ Litre was nearing the end of its development cycle by 1928, as other manufacturers finally began to catch up with founder W.O. Bentley’s superlative engine design. W.O.’s response was to increase the engine capacity, and his 6½ Litre model won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930.

However, racing driver Sir Henry Birkin, who was already a schoolboy hero across Britain for his considerable achievements on the track, had another idea. He wanted to apply an innovative new supercharger to the engine of the existing 4½ Litre car instead.

To W.O.’s displeasure, Birkin persuaded Bentley’s new owner and chairman, fellow Bentley Boy and British financier, Woolf Barnato, to build him five supercharged Blowers for the racetrack. And to meet the racing rules of the era, 50 production Blower Bentleys were built for the road too.

A Famous Battle on the Racetrack

Placing the supercharger in front of the crankshaft gave the Blower Bentley a totally unique appearance. It increased the power of the 4½ Litre from 110 bhp to 175 bhp and, with Birkin at the wheel, it was sensationally fast. One of the most famous cars in motor sport history had been born.

W.O. Bentley described Birkin as “the greatest Briton of his time”. An aristocrat who fought in the First World War, Birkin returned from the front with a thirst for adrenaline and a total disregard for danger on the racetrack.

His dual with Mercedes-Benz driver, Rudolf Caracciola at the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour has passed into legend. Bentley fielded three team Speed Sixes for the event, as well as Birkin’s team of supercharged 4 ½ Litre Bentleys.

Birkin and Caracciola were neck and neck from the start, with the British hero at one point passing his rival at high speed with two wheels on the grass. Neither car lasted the course and the race was eventually won by Barnato in a Bentley Speed Six.

Blower Bentley – An Enduring Legacy

Few cars have enjoyed the impact of the Blower Bentley. Many believe that Birkin only knew one way to drive, flat out for the win. Had he managed his race better over the gruelling 24-hour period at Le Mans, the result may have been different.

The Blower’s finest hour was in the 1930 French Grand Prix at Pau when, amid a field of lighter Bugattis, Birkin drove his two-ton car to a remarkable second place podium finish. The Blower is still believed to be the heaviest car ever entered in a Grand Prix.

Another version of the Blower was later converted into a single-seater and raced on the banked circuit at Brooklands in Surrey. With the engine output increased to 240 bhp, Birkin achieved 222 km/h (137.9 mph) when breaking the Brooklands lap record, his car often airborne due to the poor quality of the surface.

Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner

Bentley has created the ultimate collector’s version of the all-new Continental GT to celebrate the company’s centenary in 2019.

The Continental GT Number 9 Edition by Mulliner pays homage to Birkin and is inspired by Bentley’s illustrious motorsport past, incorporating a number of distinctive features from the legendary Blower into the world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer. Each model features a wood insert from the seat of Birkin’s iconic 1930 No. 9 Le Mans race car, which was removed during a sympathetic renovation.

Just 100 examples will be handbuilt by Mulliner in Crewe, England, based on the Continental GT this year.

Bentley’s Centenary – 100 Years of Extraordinary

July 10, 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year - an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a few companies. To celebrate the occasion, a year-long series of special activities has been planned, with celebrations at events around the world. These will showcase Bentley’s motoring evolution over the last 100 years, highlighting its global success today and the exciting future of innovation ahead.

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB HISTORIC AWARDS

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR THE ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB HISTORIC AWARDS

Nominations are now invited for the 2019 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards. This new set of annual awards has been created to recognise excellence, outstanding achievement and innovation within the UK’s historic motoring and motorsport industries. Nominations must be made through the Awards’ website royalautomobileclubhistoricawards.co.uk/nominate before the closing date of 30 September 2019.

With the exception of the Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award, category nominations are invited from all corners of the UK's historic motoring scene, in accordance with the relevant category guidelines. Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by anyone associated with them.

The nominated activity, event or feat must have occurred entirely or at least in the main part within the UK and have a very strong, or exclusively, historic element to it. It must have taken place in the twelve months from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019.

Nominations are sought within the following categories:

• Competitive Event
• Motoring Spectacle
• Race Series
• Collection
• Restoration
• Outstanding Journalism
• Personality

The Awards will be judged by a hand-picked panel of independent experts consisting of some of the most highly regarded individuals in their respective fields, each with specific in-depth knowledge of their assigned categories, making a win one of the most sought-after accolades in the motoring world.

The nominations will be shortlisted in October 2019 for judging and the winners will be announced at a gala evening to be held in the Club’s Pall Mall clubhouse on Thursday 21 November 2019.

The 2019 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards categories in detail:

Competitive Event

This award seeks to celebrate the very best of the multitude of events that have a strong competitive element. This covers any event from motor racing meetings and hillclimbs to navigation and stage rallies, regularity trials, and hot rod and drag races. Eligible events must have taken place within the UK, or to have had a significant part of the event take place within the UK.

Motoring Spectacle

This award recognises the stunning range of classic and historic car events that take place around the UK throughout the year. Potential nominees must have no element of timed competition. Eligible events include concours d’elegance, tours, classic vehicle shows and club gatherings. Judges will be looking for events – big or small – that have displayed a true sense of spectacle. Eligible events must have taken place within the UK or have had a significant part of the event take place within the UK.

Race Series

This award aims to recognise the huge number of highly active and successful historic racing series, many of which take place across an international stage, and can be organised by one of the big international organisers or by one of the many UK based historic racing clubs. To be eligible for this award a race series must have a predominantly UK based calendar.

Collection

This award will be presented to a British-based collection which has made a significant contribution to the historic motoring movement in the UK or internationally. Historic vehicle collections come in many forms, from those amassed by private individuals to those curated by museums large and small or by internationally-renowned marques.

Restoration

This award will be presented for a restoration that results from not only impressive technical expertise but also a significant amount of research and sensitivity to the vehicle and its history. The judges will be looking for evidence of a dedication and determination to learn as much as possible about the subject’s provenance, and for an immaculately-documented research and restoration process, combined with world-class skills, resulting in a sensitive restoration that is entirely appropriate to the vehicle concerned. The restoration must be UK based. It can have been started at any point but must have been completed during the year ending 30th September 2019.

Outstanding Journalism 

This award will be presented to the author of what the judges deem to be the best written feature that has appeared in a British publication or digital platform within the twelve-month judging period. The feature can cover all aspects of the historic motoring world.

Personality

This award seeks to recognise any individual who has made a truly outstanding contribution to heritage, historic motoring or historic motorsport during the judging period. The winner can come from any part of the British historic motoring world - private enthusiast, club organiser or perhaps a specialist who has achieved something remarkable - the possibilities are endless.

In addition to the above categories, the Club will also present the Royal Automobile Club Lifetime Award, to recognise an individual who has, in the opinion of the Club, made an outstanding contribution to British motoring history and heritage, or to the British historic motoring and motor racing movement, across many years. This is the only category which cannot be nominated and is the only category recognising achievement beyond the previous twelve months.

Continuing the Club’s rich pedigree in celebrating motoring accomplishments, the Royal Automobile Club’s Historic Awards reward achievement and innovation by highlighting the wide range of companies, clubs, events, associations and individuals responsible for influencing and driving the British historic motoring movement.

Alongside the Historic Awards, the Royal Automobile Club also presents a series of internationally recognised trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy and the oldest trophy in motorsport still being competed for today; the Tourist Trophy.

To learn more about the Historic Awards or to make a nomination please go to royalautomobileclubhistoricawards.co.uk.

TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES: THE STORY OF BENTLEY’S INNOVATIVE FOUNDER

TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES: THE STORY OF BENTLEY’S INNOVATIVE FOUNDER

W.O. Bentley

 As Bentley marks its Centenary year, the Crewe-based luxury car maker celebrates the life of the innovative British engineer whose drive and ingenuity started it all.

Walter Owen Bentley – or W.O. as he is fondly known – was born in 1888 in London, when horse and carriage was still the most common form of transport. Growing up in a busy household of 11, and despite an undistinguished school career, W.O. used enthusiasm and innovation to succeed. After an apprenticeship on the railways and then in motor racing, the young engineer joined the armed forces, designing the highly regarded BR1 and BR2 rotary engines for military aircraft, including the renowned Sopwith Camel.  

A couple of years later, in 1919, W.O. created a company that would become synonymous with the finest hand-built British motor cars and which, even today, is still the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world.

A Pioneering Spirit

W.O. Bentley was just 16-years-old when he left school and started as an apprentice on the Great Northern Railway. It cost his father the not inconsiderable sum of £75 to enrol his steam-obsessed son as a Premium Apprentice in Doncaster, in the north of England.

He earned 25 pence a week for five years training on the job – although it was 18 months before W.O. finally got to work on the steam engines he loved. Later in his life, W.O. recalled: ‘The underside of a car after a few thousand miles is as hygienic as an operating theatre, compared with a locomotive in for an overhaul!’.

Realising it would be years before he would climb up the pecking order, towards the end of his apprenticeship W.O. decided to explore a new area of transport. With great foresight, he turned his attention away from steam to the rapidly improving internal combustion engine.

Bentley Rotary One (BR1)

W.O. was so enthused with the combustion engine he began racing motorcycles at events around the country, including the famous Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. He went into business with one of his brothers importing French cars, before secretly creating a new alloy of aluminium and copper that would be used to make lighter weight pistons for his own racing car.

His innovative early years in the automotive industry didn’t come without interruption. Commissioned into the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) during World War One, W.O. patriotically passed on his lightweight piston idea, which created a more powerful and reliable version of the RNAS’s existing aircraft engine.

Impressed with his efforts, W.O.’s superiors then allowed him to set about designing a new rotary aircraft engine from scratch. He was afforded every available facility to experiment, instructing engineers at the Humber plant in Coventry, England. The engine was a great success and was soon in mass production for the War effort.

That unit became the favourite engine for mounting in the naval version of the famous fighter-scout aircraft, the Sopwith Camel. The single-seater bi-plane flew into the history books and is one of the best-known aircraft of the 20th century.

The engine was initially known as the Admiralty 1 but later it was decided to honour the name of the founder. The Bentley Rotary 1 subsequently became the BR1 – a fitting tribute to W.O.’s inventiveness.

W.O. went on to develop a more powerful 230bhp version called the BR2, a nine-cylinder unit which was fitted to aircraft in great numbers in 1918. The engine was still in use when the War ended and continued to be used in many parts of the world for several years to follow. It was the most powerful rotary engine in military service.

The founding years of Bentley

Having demonstrated a natural ability as an innovative engineer, W.O. took his first steps into the automotive world when the War was over, using his skill to create a car bearing his own name.

When hostilities ended, he was presented with a Commission of Awards To Inventors grant of £8,000 for his vital contribution to the War effort, as well as an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).

In 1919 W.O. used that capital to fulfil a dream and create his own car company. W.O. built the brand on the guiding principle of creating ‘a fast car, a good car: the best in its class’, a goal he would achieve time and time again.

The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner

The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner pays homage to the founding father of the company and incorporates a genuine piece of Bentley history in every car.

Inside each of the 100 limited edition Mulsannes, a slice of the original crankshaft taken from W.O. Bentley’s personal 8 Litre car – the last model he designed for Bentley Motors back in 1930 – is displayed.

Bentley’s Centenary – 100 Years of Extraordinary

July 10, 2019, marks Bentley’s 100th year - an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a few companies. To celebrate the occasion, a year-long series of special activities has been planned, with celebrations at events around the world.

These will showcase Bentley’s motoring evolution over the last 100 years, highlighting its global success today and the exciting future ahead – all thanks to one man’s determination and drive for innovation

FUNDRAISING ROUND BRITAIN COASTAL DRIVE TO RUN FOR FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR

FUNDRAISING ROUND BRITAIN COASTAL DRIVE TO RUN FOR FOURTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR

The Round Britain Coastal Drive, created in 2016 as a one-off event to raise funds for the charity Prostate Cancer UK, is to run again in 2019 for the fourth successive year. The aim this year is to raise £45,000, in support of the shocking statistic that one man dies every 45 minutes as a result of prostate cancer.

The Round Britain Coastal Drive is open this year to all XK-badged and XK-engined Jaguars.

This year’s 3,400-mile drive around the circumference of the British mainland will feature some new start and finish locations. The event will be flagged-away from the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, on Monday 16 September and will conclude on Thursday 3 October at Lyndhurst in the New Forest National Park.

Most participants choose to drive one or several of the event’s 18 daily stages, but some “all-rounders” opt to drive the entire route. Renowned Jaguar parts specialists, SNG Barratt Group will be supporting the event once again, with a van full of spare parts. Technicians will provide assistance on all 18 stages, including CBR Motor Bodies of Walsall, the respected specialists in classic restoration, bodywork and repairs. Participants will also be assisted throughout by event hosts from the XK Club and ambassadors from Prostate Cancer UK.

Philip Porter, author, publisher, architect of the Round Britain Coastal Drive and co-founder of the International Jaguar XK Club, said: “We are appealing to owners of XK-badged and XK-engined Jaguars, in the UK and further afield, to join us in some or all of the Road Britain Coastal Drive. This is an enormously enjoyable way of driving your classic car, seeing fantastic scenery, socialising with like-minded enthusiasts, and raising money for a great cause.”

Gabriella Bailey, Interim Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “The Round Britain Coastal Drive events are fantastic and have so far raised over £200,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, which is a tremendous amount. We are thrilled that Philip and his wife Julie have organised this event for the fourth year in a row, this time with XK-engined Jaguars.

“We are also so grateful that any funds raised through our partnership with the Jaguar XK Club this year, will be match-funded, pound for pound, by an anonymous partner. This generous offer will go towards supporting our Specialist Nurse services, the UK’s only telephone, email and Live Chat support specific to prostate cancer, at Prostate Cancer UK.

“Our Specialist Nurses are here for anyone living with or concerned about prostate cancer or prostate problems.

There are over 400,000 men living with the disease in the UK, which means this service will continue to act as a lifeline for so many. By doubling the value, we are doubling the difference to the lives of men and their loved ones.”

Anyone interested in taking part can find more information on the event website, https://www.roundbritaincoastaldrive.co.uk/xk-club-round-britain-coastal-drive.html, or by phoning the International XK Club on 01584 781588. Membership of the XK Club brings many attractive benefits and costs little more than a tank of fuel.

REVEALED: BICESTER MOTION – FULL MASTERPLAN FOR IMMERSIVE AUTOMOTIVE RESORT FROM BICESTER HERITAGE

REVEALED: BICESTER MOTION – FULL MASTERPLAN FOR IMMERSIVE AUTOMOTIVE RESORT FROM BICESTER HERITAGE

Bicester Heritage has today unveiled ‘Bicester Motion’, its masterplan for the creation of the UK’s first automotive resort, with an ambition to become one of the country’s top 20 tourist and leisure destinations.

Having successfully developed the concept of a Centre for Excellence, experience and community for the historic automotive sector, Bicester Heritage (which occupies just 5% of the site) will now become a component of a larger landmark development named Bicester Motion. This expansion will ensure that the historic airfield location it calls home will fulfil its original and continued purpose as a focal point for cutting edge technology.

As Bicester Motion launches across 444 acres, the new resort hopes to offer leisure, culture and tourism experiences within one destination. Consisting of multiple zones, the Bicester Motion concept comprises of the recently announced 344 room hotel and conference development (which received unanimous planning approval from Cherwell District Council at the end of 2018), and an additional 770,000 feet of operational business and leisure accommodation sitewide.

As a unique, holistic experience, Bicester Motion seeks to become a UK top 20 tourist attraction that offers a destination for one million tourists many of whom already visit Bicester on day trips, and a further 30+ businesses providing over 2,000 skilled jobs to the area. Embracing the location’s inherent history and existing business success, Bicester Motion will provide world-class leisure facilities, employment and business opportunities at a leading automotive-focused development unlike any other.

Bicester Motion aims to be the first experiential automotive resort where visitors can become fully immersed in the breadth of our automotive culture, from existing on-site historic vehicle specialists through to future electric and autonomous technology. This planned low-density development will be dedicated to driving experience and the demonstration of high-tech engineering as well as health, wellbeing, events, accommodation and aviation.

Bicester Motion aspires to include a brand experience centre offering driver experiences on both road and off-road courses with restaurants and cafés, offering activities for the whole family. Close to the brand centre, the aim is to transform the dilapidated quarry and former industrial areas into the Bicester Reserve. This ecology-led health and wellbeing zone aspires to utilise the site’s currently inaccessible natural areas and offer access to a new country park complete with footpaths, cycle paths and lakeside lodges ideal for family breaks.

The potential construction of inimitable Motor Vaults as a community of private gallery-style garages for car storage with accommodation will allow owners to use and maintain their vehicles in a beautifully designed and discreet location. Nestled into the WW2 airfield’s boundary, these car storage structures will sit adjacent to the current Bomb Stores, a fitting tribute to an area also purpose-built as a storage solution, but also close to the current supportive campus of over 40 industry specialists as well as test circuits.

Bicester Motion map

Land abutting the Bicester ring road is earmarked for Bicester Motion’s Future Automotive Speed Technology hub or F.A.S.T. Zone. This planned new centre of excellence will be a thriving home for automotive ‘tech’ development, demonstration and education.

Providing an introduction to the future of the automotive movement is central to Bicester Motion’s concept and where else in the UK is it possible to experience future vehicles in conjunction with our motoring history, past and present? The existing perimeter circuit, The Radial, once refurbished will offer visitors the chance to experience these vehicles in a controlled environment as well as learn skills.

Bicester Expo, an aspiring cutting-edge exhibition centre based in the former WW2 C Type Hangars will provide significant venues for conferencing, automotive events and leisure opportunities.

By partnering with both blue-chip and cutting-edge businesses, the generation of new skilled jobs and financial contribution to the local and wider economy stand to benefit the area immensely. Offering new amenities and experiences, this development hopes to ensure cohesive links to Bicester town centre, Bicester Village and the Ox-Cam ‘technology corridor’.

Dan Geoghegan, Chief Executive of Bicester Motion, commented:

“The automotive industry is in a fascinating state of flux owing to changing customer habits and requirements, alongside the technology shift in drivetrains and autonomy.  Bicester Motion will enable both new and existing manufacturers to interact more effectively with their clientele.  It will help build those relationships in a revolutionary way by providing an immersive environment that offers a lifestyle experience beyond just cars on tracks or visiting a showroom.  The automotive world is changing, and we plan to offer a first-of-its-kind resort that will have multi-generational appeal.” 

“Being around 90 minutes from 50% of the UK population makes the Bicester Motion location second to none, furthermore Oxfordshire receives 27.6 million visitors per annum.  Of those, 7 million visitors head to Bicester Village a stone’s throw away, with arguably the most desirable national and international demographic to the automotive industry."

A visualisation of the interior of Bicester Motion’s F.A.S.T. Zone

ARISTOCARS FROM TOP GEAR FILMING GO ON SHOW AT BEAULIEU

ARISTOCARS FROM TOP GEAR FILMING GO ON SHOW AT BEAULIEU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INVESTINDUSTRIAL ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY

INVESTINDUSTRIAL ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY

 Investindustrial has today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Morgan Motor Company Ltd (“Morgan”), the iconic 110-year old British sports cars manufacturer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and it is expected to complete in April 2019. The Morgan family will continue to act as stewards for the brand and retains a minority shareholding. Meanwhile, for the first time in its history, the management team and all employees will become shareholders in the business. The investment is executed without financial debt, and Morgan will have a positive net cash position upon closing of the transaction. The investment in Morgan is made by a separate fund (with a different strategy) from Investindustrial V L.P. (whose investment subsidiaries hold a stake in Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC).

Founded in 1909, Morgan continues to this day to hand-build premium sports cars with a classic design in its historic factory in Malvern, UK, which is visited by more than 30,000 enthusiasts each year. With revenues of £33.8 million and net profit of £3.2 million in 2018, the company sells around 700 cars per year including a portfolio of iconic car designs and a unique 3 Wheeler manufactured using three core elements: ash, aluminium and leather. The Morgan brand is synonymous of quintessential British craftmanship, elegance, performance and design. Morgan has a loyal and active owners’ community with more than 5,000 members and 50 clubs globally.

As part of the transaction, and as a sign of its long-term faith in the company and the wider British automotive sector, Investindustrial will support Morgan to accelerate new product development, after the launch today of the new Plus Six at the Geneva motor show, the first to adopt the company’s new CX-Generation architecture, increase global distribution and broaden customers’ experience with unique events, enabling Morgan to fulfil its global potential as an iconic maker of hand-built British sports cars. In supporting the company, Investindustrial will leverage its vast experience and track record in the automotive industry, developed through a number of successful investments over the last 30 years, such as Aston Martin and Ducati.

Morgan will continue to focus on its niche classic segment within the automotive sector, with bespoke manufacturing, hand-built products, and the use of ash remaining central to its strategy. Investindustrial will work closely with current management and the wider Morgan family to make sure that future development of the business will be respectful of and remain true to the company’s unique heritage.

Dominic Riley, Chairman, Morgan Motor Company, commented: “The past two years have been the most successful in our company’s 110-year history. However, to really fulfil Morgan’s full potential and secure our long-term future, both the family and management team, felt it was essential to bring in a strategic partner. A partner that shares our vision for Morgan and has the expertise, financial resources and track record of success in the automotive world, to make it happen. That partner is Investindustrial.”

Jill Price, Peter Morgan’s daughter and longest serving Morgan family Director commented: “Having very carefully considered all options for the future success of Morgan, the family concluded that this new ownership structure and Mr Bonomi and Investindustrial, have the pedigree and resources to secure the long-term future of Morgan. It was important for the family to retain a shareholding, and we are delighted that our loyal management team and workforce will now also have a stake in the business."

Andrea C. Bonomi, Chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board, commented: “Morgan is one of the most famous names in the automotive world. Morgan’s handmade British sports cars are true icons of the industry. We have followed the company and seen its progress for some time and see significant potential for Morgan to develop internationally whilst retaining its hand-built heritage, which is at the heart of the Morgan Motor Company.”

Steve Morris, CEO, Morgan Motor Company, commented: “The future is bright for Morgan. We are coming off the back of two record years. We have an all-new vehicle architecture and powertrain, and have just launched the most dynamically capable Morgan yet, the exciting new Plus Six at the Geneva International Motor Show. Now we have the best possible owner and partner to take the business to the next level and develop Morgan’s global potential.”

About Investindustrial

Investindustrial is a leading European group of independently managed investment, holding and advisory companies with €6.8 billion of raised fund capital, which provides industrial solutions and capital to mid-market companies in Europe. Its mission is to actively contribute to the development of the companies in which it invests, by creating growth opportunities and offering global solutions through an entrepreneurial pan-European vision. Investindustrial has a history of more than 28 years of successfully partnering with companies in Europe. Certain companies of the Investindustrial group are authorized by, and subject to regulatory supervision of the FCA in the United Kingdom and the CSSF in Luxembourg. Investindustrial’s investment companies act independently from each other and each Investindustrial fund.

Additional information is available at www.investindustrial.com.

About Morgan Motor Company

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Morgan Motor Company manufactures hand-build iconic British sports cars, famous the world over for their unique blend of craft, heritage and pure driving experience. The company was established in 1909 by H.F.S. Morgan with the design of the now iconic Morgan Three Wheeler. It currently has 190 employees. Leading design capability, an extensive array of luxurious materials and the latest drive-train technologies combine to create unparalleled pure driving pleasure. Every Morgan is expertly crafted using three core elements: ash, aluminium and leather. Each Morgan is unique, hand-built to the highest standard by passionate craftspeople, who perfect their skill over a lifetime to bring together heritage, innovation and cutting- edge technology.

Additional information is available at www.morgan-motor.co.uk.

SHROPSHIRE ARTISTS WORK WILL RAISE MONEY FOR HOPE HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICES

SHROPSHIRE ARTISTS WORK WILL RAISE MONEY FOR HOPE HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICES

A one off special poster to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the legendary Jaguar Mk 2 is to raise money for children’s charities in Shropshire.

The artwork, which will be a signed limited edition of 250 has been created by Louise Griffin who is a full time artist and art tutor and has exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London.

 Louise said: “ I worked for Stafford college teaching watercolour and drawing for 17 years, leaving in December 2015. I now run my own business teaching painting and drawing whilst undertaking commissions from business and private customers.” 

She added:  “ I was asked by my husband to produce a piece of artwork to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the famous Jaguar saloon. I have produced a poster, which features two examples of the famous car.

 “The original artwork is a watercolour and it is being produced to a high standard so that Jaguar Enthusiasts and anyone who wishes to celebrate the famous birthday can keep it as a memento.” 

Louise’s husband, Tim Griffin, is workshop Director at CMC the famous restoration company in Bridgnorth and said: “ Louise produced a fantastic poster for our 25thanniversary so it seemed fitting that she should produce another one for the Mk2.

Note to Editors:

Hope House Children's Hospices - Hope House at Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith at Conwy - provide care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales. 

WORLD’S MOST SIGNIFICANT JAGUAR COLLECTION FOR SALE WITH PENDINE

WORLD’S MOST SIGNIFICANT JAGUAR COLLECTION FOR SALE WITH PENDINE

1935 Jaguar SS90 Prototype Zumbrunn-Schmid

Some of the world’s rarest and most historically significant Jaguar cars are to be offered for sale on the open market for the first time ever by Pendine Historic Cars, the UK-based specialists in historic cars for road and track.

The ‘Jaguar Sports Car Collection’ currently belongs to one of the world’s foremost collectors of sporting Jaguars and contains 12 of the most collectable and valuable Jaguars in existence. Among the collection is the first ever Jaguar sports car prototype, the first ever E-Type to be seen in public and the famous ‘lost C-Type’.

Offered for sale individually, the collection presents Jaguar and classic car aficionados with a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an exquisite piece of Jaguar history, each in Concours condition and restored by the finest marque specialists.

“This is without a doubt one of the most impressive and important collections of Jaguars in the world,” comments James Mitchell, founder, Pendine Historic Cars. “Each car in the collection represents a key milestone through the marque’s early history. Not only have some of these incredible cars played important roles in automotive cultural history, but they are also among the best examples in the world.”

The ‘Jaguar Sports Car Collection’ is the automotive life work of a notable collector, Dr Christian Jenny. Since falling in love with the marque in the early 1970s, Christian has been dedicated to building a collection of Jaguar sports cars that spans the most definitive period of the company’s development. So significant is the collection, a hardback book titled ‘The Jaguar Sports Car Collection; A Personal Endeavour’, which tells the story of each individual car, was published in 2014.

1961 Jaguar E-Type 885005 Geneva Zumbrunn-Schmid

The 1935 Jaguar S.S. 90 Prototype for sale is the first ever Jaguar sports car made and the car that would launch Sir William Lyons’ and Jaguar’s successful motorsport campaign at the very beginning of the marque’s sporting history.

The 1961 Jaguar E-Type in the collection is the first E-Type ever seen in public when it was unveiled to the press and VIP guests at the Geneva Motor Show. As one of the very first hand built, pre-production prototype examples of the model which changed Jaguar’s history forever, this is considered one of the most important non-competition Jaguars in the world.

A hugely significant historic race car in the collection is the 1952 Jaguar C-Type, known as the ‘lost C-Type’ after it became the only one of the 53 examples unaccounted for between the late sixties until 1997. Today it is regarded as one of the greatest ever sports racing cars of the 1950s.

Also in the collection is the first ever production 1935 S.S. 90 to leave the factory, a 1937 S.S. 100 2.2 litre, 1938 S.S. 100 3.5 litre, 1950 XK120 Alloy, 1950 XK120 Roadster, 1955 XK140 Roadster, 1960 XK150 3.8S Roadster, 1961 E-Type and a 1972 V12 Roadster. Each car in the collection, currently located in Switzerland, has been meticulously maintained and stored in a dedicated subterranean garage.

Interested parties should contact James Mitchell at Pendine Historic Cars directly at james@pendine.com or on +44 1869 357126, with sale prices available on request only.

To see the full ‘Jaguar Sports Car Collection’ for sale on the Pendine Historic Cars website, please visit https://www.pendine.com/jaguar-collection/.

1952 Jaguar XKC023 Zumbrunn-Schmid