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Tag: Concours d’Elegance

AT THE CONCOURS: Bentley Blue Train Captivates Again

The Blue Train

(Crewe, 21 July 2015) Some 85 years after the famous victory that made its name, the Bentley ‘Blue Train’ is still enjoying winning ways, picking up four prestigious awards at the Schloss Bensberg Classics event in Germany.

The Speed Six ‘Blue Train’ coupe, owned by Mr Bruce McCaw, dominated the field at the invitation-only event, which is one of Europe’s premier classic concours shows. It was named ‘Best in Class: The Style of Speed’; ‘Best of Show: Public Vote’; ‘Best of Show: Jury Vote’; and ‘Best in Special Category: Pre-War Closed Models’.

There was also a category win for the Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur (1958), which took the ‘Driving out in Style: Four-door Luxury Sports Saloons (Post-War)’ title.

Robert Engstler, Regional Director Bentley Europe, commented: “The four awards won by the Bentley ‘Blue Train’ at this prestigious event prove once again that this car is one of the most legendary vehicles of all times.”

The ‘Blue Train’ Bentley

It was 85 years ago that Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, was staying in Cannes when he accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express (or ‘Blue Train’) back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel.

He was, and the remarkable victory has resonated with Bentley enthusiasts ever since. The car that was believed to have accomplished the feat was the iconic Gurney Nutting two-door fastback coupe.

In recent years evidence has emerged to suggest Barnato drove his Mulliner saloon-bodied Speed 6, however, it is the coupe that will forever be known as the Blue Train car.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition

To commemorate this historic feat, Bentley Motors has produced a Limited Edition – the Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train’.

The ‘Blue Train’ Limited Edition is produced by the skilled craftsmen and women of Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner. Each features a number of delightful historical references and modern interpretations of design details from the original Speed Six.

For example, the fluting pattern in the door panels and the rear quarter inserts echo the interior of Barnato’s original car. The dashboard facia features an expertly crafted veneer image of the original Bentley ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six. Meanwhile, the treadplate plaques bear the wording ‘Blue Train 85 Years’ and the front grille features a square mesh design inspired by original Speed Six.

Schloss Bensberg Classics

The 2015 Concours d’Elégance at the Schloss Bensberg Classics is a FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) A-rated event, the highest rating FIVA bestows. The grounds of Bensberg Palace outside Cologne provide the perfect setting for the line-up of weekend activities, which see some of the world’s finest and rarest classic cars on display.

IN THE NEWS: Porsche 911 Re-Imagined by Singer Vehicle Design Shown at Pinehurst Concours

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LOS ANGELES – April 29, 2015 – While showcasing the rarest of collectible vehicles is always a first priority at any major Concours event, this year’s Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance will be the first official Concours in the nation to display something equally as rare – a 1990, 911 Carrera 2 (model 964), that has been fully optimized by Singer Vehicle Design (SVD), demonstrating the creative possibilities within the vibrant world of the classic automobile and noting the first SVD ‘customer’ vehicle to be displayed at a Concours event.

Singer’s philosophy — blending tradition with modernity to re-create bespoke, one-of-a-kind masterpieces to each customer’s desires within perfectly optimized air-cooled Porsche 911s – will be underscored in the highly modified “Virginia” car, to be shown at the third annual Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance, on Saturday, May 2nd at the Pinehurst Golf Resort in North Carolina (www.pinehurstconcours.com).  “Virginia” will be displayed within a grouping of notable and historic Porsches preserved by the discerning Durham-based Ingram Collection.   A more intimate viewing of “Virginia” will occur at various exclusive evening functions including the ‘Chairman’s Dinner’ during the Concours weekend.

With only a handful of vehicles restored by Singer Vehicle Design residing in the United States, the “Virginia” car, named for its intended geographic home, is a wonderful blend of elegance and luxury sport that creates an entirely new canvas for the brand.  According to Rob Dickinson, creative director and founder of Singer Vehicle Design, while each vehicle begins with a classic 964 chassis, it’s the customization aspect that each owner fully engages in that makes each car truly unique.

“Each machine we work with has its own special touches,” said Dickinson.  “As an example, ‘Virginia’ is the first of the cars we’ve restored that wears the full ‘Touring’ trim on the bumpers and rockers and is the only vehicle to date where a customer has chosen to align an exterior of metallic Fish Silver paint with Sand-Beige interior leather weave – but the true magic really comes alive visually in the ‘checkerboard’-esque look of the interior – we’ve used a slightly lighter suede to create a truly graphic effect.  For us, it’s those nuances, personified by our attention to detail that matter most – because our mantra remains that everything is important.”

Details for the ‘Virginia’ car include a 3.8, 350hp, Cosworth-developed engine, KW suspension, big brakes, roll-hoop, harness-bar, clip-on rear backrests, raised gold rear PORSCHE letters, as well as the ‘Sport’-looking External Oil and Center-fill Fuel caps.  Dickinson notes that while these sporty details may be an unusual combination amidst the Touring trim and metallic paint, they blend elegantly with the plush leather-trimmed interior panels.  For images, please view: http://singervehicledesign.com/gallery/the-machines/virginia/

While the Singer brand has become synonymous with truly bespoke customization services for automotive enthusiasts, which as Dickinson contends, borders on obsession – it is indeed the uniqueness of each handcrafted vehicle that currently make fans worldwide covet a viewing, while longing for a drive.  With limited availability and an 8-10 month restoration cycle, vehicles have more recently been commissioned by Porsche owners in Hong Kong, Moscow, Canada, England, Germany, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.

“We are streamlining our services to reflect the increased demand for our work,” said Dickinson.  But even with recent updates to the Singer facility, Dickinson contends that the unique level of personalization and customization remains.  New capabilities enabled to capture additional customer choices include an upgraded 4.0-liter engine developed by Ed Pink Engineering and the forthcoming restoration of a 964 Targa model, to be shown later this year.  

Singer Background:

SVD, through its own hand-crafted artistry, restores cars for a global audience and is prepared to remain on the cutting edge for restorative work.  Dickinson’s company redefines the magic of air-cooled technology by restoring a vintage icon into a coveted piece of automotive exclusivity.

Working with key Southern California-based partners – such as internationally-renowned motorsport engineers, Ed Pink Racing Engines and Mirage International, together with globally-recognized composite experts, Aria Group – Singer has gained invaluable experience that guarantees world-class standards.  Ed Pink, Mirage and Aria share in Singer’s passion for restoring the iconic air-cooled Porsche 911®for its customers.

SVD’s vision involves taking a customer’s existing 964 model Porsche 911 (from 1990-1994) vehicle and performing both restorative work and cutting–edge modifications to update the cars’ performance, aesthetics and modern day use-ability in an attempt to optimize its strengths, while preserving the essence and magic of the original.

“This is a celebration of Porsche’s genius,” said Dickinson. SVD begins with a customer’s car and repatriates the 911 chassis of the early ‘90’s with the most beautiful Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche coachwork from 1964. The goal is to preserve a moment in time for the owner and capture a snapshot of the air-cooled period of the Porsche 911. Dickinson concludes, “The essence of the Porsche 911 is vivid and unique –we’re simply trying to bottle and preserve it for our customer to savor.’’

Pricing and How to Acquire Singer’s Services:

Singer works collaboratively with each owner to restore, optimize and personalize their machine to their specific tastes. A typical restoration takes approximately 10 months to complete.

SVD prices reflect a no-expense-spared content, performance and design philosophy and meticulous standards, with prices starting at $395,000 to acquire Singer’s serves to comprehensively restore and optimize the owner’s Porsche 911®, and typical pricing surpassing the $450K mark.

IN THE NEWS: Lamborghini Sarasota Kicks Off Sarasota Exotic Car Fest

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December 11, 2014, Sarasota FL – The Sarasota Exotic Car Fest fired up its 13th year with a reception at Lamborghini Sarasota. The event will be held February 20-22, 2015 with a theme honoring the 30th Anniversary of Miami Vice and its car culture. Several guests at the reception got into the spirit, donning their ‘80s attire. While the centerpiece of the weekend will be the exotic cars, several other activities will be taking place, offering something for everyone.

“We continue to grow, drawing entries from as far as Washington state. This year, with the Miami Vice ‘80s theme and one-of-a-kind Cocktail Theater, promises to be our best one yet.” – Marilee Roberts, Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Chair

The weekend begins Friday night, February 20, with a luxury lifestyle reception featuring a silent auction, wine, cocktails, haute cuisine, private jets from presenting sponsor Southern Jet, and a hangar full of exotic cars from Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mclaren, Rolls Royce, and more. The next day, these cars and many more will line the streets of downtown Sarasota for an up-close-and-personal look. The concours is free and open to the public, with a VIP area presented by Full Moon Productions. A dinner follows, featuring a unique cocktail theater, presented by world-renowned mixologist Rob Floyd, as well as dancing and entertainment. Sunday begins with a rally, touring some of the area’s best driving roads, ending at The Founders Golf Club for a closing brunch.

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For the third year, all proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida, Inc. For tickets or more information please visit sarasotaexoticcarfest.com.

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Co-chairs Marilee and Gary Roberts

IN THE NEWS: Derek Bell to Lead Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elegance Cavalcade in Jay Kay’s Bentley Embiricos Recreation

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There is only one Bentley Embiricos in the world and that sits in California! However, there is a faithful recreation of Georges Paulin’s one-off design which is owned by Jay Kay of Jamiroquai and proudly loaned to 5 times Le Mans winner, Derek Bell MBE to lead a host of rare and unique cars through the Wiltshire countryside for The Chubb Insurance Tour d’Elégance.

The exacting recreation is based on the 1939 example and is the result of an eight year project by Devon-based Bentley restorer Bob Peterson. 

The original car history: –

During the 1930s a Greek businessman and avid race car driver named André Embiricos was looking to have a custom car built. Living in Paris at the time, Embiricos contacted a local Bentley representative by the name of Walter Sleator, who then put him in touch with Georges Paulin, a designer working for coachbuilder Pourtout Carrossier. Under Paulin’s guidance, Pourtout produced a strikingly sleek, aerodynamic body for a 4¼-Litre Derby Bentley that would be ideal for racing. With the support of the Bentley factory back in Crewe, owned at the time by Rolls-Royce, a car combining the Derby Bentley with Pourtout’s design was built and from then on was known as the 4 1/4 Liter ‘Embiricos’ Special.

Open only to Concours entrants, the Steering Committee and Concours Judges of which Derek Bell MBE is chief judge, the Tour d’Elégance returns for the 3rd consecutive year, bigger and better than ever before. Starting at the Royal Automobile Club for breakfast with the chance to say hello to fellow drivers, co-pilots and their vehicles alike, the tour will then depart for a 3hr drive to the historic and beautiful Wiltshire home of The Earl of Pembroke, Wilton House.

Wilton House dates back to 1544, when the buildings and land were granted by Henry VIII to Sir William Herbert. It has been a family home for over 450 years now and plays host to a feast of events throughout the year.  

Leaving Wilton, the cars will depart in cavalcade for the slightly shorter journey back to London and the Concours Show Field of Salon Privé.  Having arrived and with all of the entries safely parked and registered, the owners and their guests will enjoy a fabulous dinner in one of London’s most magical surroundings – the Duke of Northumberland’s Great Conservatory at Syon House.

Other fantastic cars that are taking part in the tour include a Delahaye Type 235MS Coupe, a Delage D8 S, an Aston Martin DB4 GT and a Jaguar D-Type.

The three day Salon Privé spectacular includes the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance (Wednesday), Boodles Ladies’ Day and The Salon Privé Sale (Thursday), The Royal College of Art ‘Concours of the Future’ design exhibition (Thursday), The British Supercar Show (Friday), EFG Art & Memorabilia Fair (every day), Luxury Retail Village (every day). 

Salon Privé is a boutique automotive Garden Party which opens on Wednesday 3rd September with the crème de la crème of classic cars from around the world competing in the internationally-renowned Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance.

Afternoon Tickets to Salon Privé 2014 costing just £75 are available now and can be purchased either by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205 or online at  www.salonprivelondon.com.  Full hospitality tickets are also available from £195 and include Pommery champagne, lobster luncheon, complimentary bar, English afternoon tea and full access to all areas. 

ON THE LAWN: Mercedes-Benz Showcases Past and Present at Pebble Beach

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Pebble Beach, CA – Mercedes-Benz will showcase its long tradition of history and innovation at the 64th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance from August 14-17, 2014 with a display of vintage, modern and futuristic coupes.  As the ultimate expression of luxury, coupes have always held strong emotional appeal with owners and brand aficionados alike.

Mercedes-Benz will display significant coupes from the past as well as the world debut of the 2015 S65 AMG Coupe.  Marking a return to the S-Class nameplate for large coupes, this model is the ultimate version of the newly-expanded S-Class model range, featuring a 12-cylinder biturbo engine producing an astounding 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.  The S65 AMG Coupe will make its showroom debut in late 2014.  On display at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, the one-of-a-kind Concept Coupe SUV will make its U.S. public debut.

Mercedes-Benz Classic will also showcase the one-off 540K Streamliner coupe.  Following an extensive restoration and reconstruction, this extraordinary vehicle dating from 1938 will celebrate its international public premiere.  Developed in a wind tunnel, this exceptional vehicle features a powerful supercharged engine for high-speed long-distance motoring and a unique, lightweight aluminum bodyshell.   The 540K Streamliner will participate in the Tour d’Elegance on Thursday, August 14 followed by an exhibition at the Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 17.

Another theme of this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the French Grand Prix of 1914.  On July 4, 1914, Mercedes-Benz celebrated an epic one-two-three victory near Lyon.  The three remaining examples of this legendary race car will be reunited in a specially created judging class, including the winning vehicle from 1914.  The Grand Prix cars come from the collections of George Wingard, the Collier Collection and the Mercedes-Benz Classic.

Offering a glimpse into the future, the Concept Coupe SUV celebrates the long-standing coupe tradition at Mercedes-Benz with a flowing side line, stretched greenhouse and bold radiator grille.  At the same time, the Concept Coupe SUV stands out with its muscular proportions, large wheel arches, 22-inch wheels, high beltline and generous ground clearance. 

ON THE LAWN: Maserati Wins Best in Show at Goodwood Concours

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A sensational Maserati A6 CGS Berlinetta was named ‘best in show’ at the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Cartier ‘style-et-luxe’ concours d’elegance.

The event, which was held on the Cartier lawn, celebrated its 20th running at the Festival of Speed and celebrated the best in exquisite automotive design throughout the history of the motor industry.

The Maserati, which is owned by Egon Zweimuller Jr, took victory in the coachbuilt Maserati-only Class 3: ‘The height of fashion’, and later beat off competition from the other class winners to claim the overall spoils.

The judging panel was chaired by Mail on Sunday editor Geordie Greig and also featured Olympic gold medallists Sir Chris Hoy and Sally Gunnell, actor Rowan Atkinson, Apple design chief Sir Jonathan Ive and renowned handbag designer Anya Hindmarch plus other notable names from the worlds of sport, the arts and design.

Class 1: ‘Vintage Voiturettes’ was won by Keith Bowley’s 1925 Amilcar CGS while victory in Class 2: ‘Blown Away’, which was held just for Mercedes 500Ks, went to Winfried Ritter’s Cab A model.

A 1960 Lincoln Continental, owned by the La Salle Collection, triumphed in Class 4: ‘Affairs of Status’, while Class 5: ‘Mid-engined masterpieces’ went to Stephen Keen’s 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400S.

Bill Shepherd’s 1966 Ford Mustang Mustero won Class 6: ‘Horses for Courses’ which celebrated American cars powered by small-block V8 engines, while victory in Class 7: ‘Best foot forward’, marking front-engined British sportscars of the 1990s, was won by Graham Abbott’s 1997 TVR Cerbera Speed 12.

 

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