Jack Barclay Bentley in London is Reborn

The automotive showroom icon, Jack Barclay Bentley, located in the Mayfair neighborhood of London, has just reopened as of last month after a painstaking multi-million-pound renovation, which has given new life to the world’s oldest Bentley dealership. Clients who plan to visit the newly refurbished space will immediately notice the more airy modern design that also incorporates its historic persona into a contemporary layout, which will improve the overall client experience. The finished product truly blends well with the gallery and boutique filled streets that make up the neighborhood the showroom resides in.

One of the most impressive additions to Jack Barclay Bentley include a central leather accented bar and private room for clients to customize or spec their future Bentley. The dealership which is operated by H.R. Owen deals with several premium auto brands in addition to Bentley, yet also provides after market services such as Insurance Services and Chauffeur Drive.

Jack Barclay Bentley Brand Director, John Stone, comments: “Jack Barclay Bentley is true British institution and a real icon for both Bentley and the UK as a whole. Customers come to Mayfair from around the world to savour the Jack Barclay Bentley experience, and thanks to this stunning refurbishment, we can ensure they continue to enjoy the best service available. We are very excited to open our doors once again and plan to use the space to the full by hosting some fantastic events throughout the year.”

Aside from all of the marvelous updates, longtime customers will be able to rest assured that many original design elements have been incorporated harmoniously into the Showroom’s current layout, such as the quintessential art-deco signage, chequered floor, and stunning wood panelling.

Images courtesy of: Bentley Motors

Range Rover SV Coupe Makes its Debut at The Geneva Motor Show

It has been nearly 50 years since Land Rover introduced the luxury SUV segment known as Range Rover.  However, now in March of this year during the Geneva Motor Show, an amazing new addition to the class was presented as the world’s first full-size SUV Coupe: the limited-edition, two-door, Range Rover SV Coupe.

The SV Coupe has proven to be a masterful creation by Land Rover Design and Special Vehicle Operation; it is inherent of Range Rover as it offers oustanding capabilities, exemplary craftsmanship and superior design elements.  This new SUV Coupe, which boasts the next generation of cabin luxury, is quite proficient in a variety of terrains as well as in many different weather conditions.  Demonstrating the sheer exclusivity of the vehicle, it will be brilliantly hand-crafted and limited to approximately 999 examples.

“The introduction of the new SV Coupe brings a new level of individual expression to the Range Rover portfolio and builds on the success of Special Vehicle Operations’ existing bespoke Range Rover program,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director. “Feedback from SV clients who have already seen the vehicle in confidential commissioning sessions has been overwhelmingly positive.”

With its luxurious interior finishes, sleek outer appearance and stellar high-performance capabilities, the Range Rover SV Coupe is synonymous of the words: elegance and speed.  Being a new addition to the Range Rover family, the SV Coupe can be easily recognized by its signature floating roof, unimpeded waistline and acicular tail, yet also has its own distinctive features.

The Range Rover SV Coupe integrates the panoramic roof, which allows for light to flood the cabin area, with its elegant power-close doors accompanying frameless glass to bring about a tranquil, contemporary and spirited atmosphere.  The cabin features heated and cooled 20-way electrically alterable front and 10-way electrically adjustable rear seats, seats available in Semi-Aniline leather from a single tannery established in 1905 and a one of a kind gradated diamond quilt design.  In addition to having much wider and deeper seats, which only increase the level of comfort, the SV Coupe introduced three elegant wood veneer choices (Nautica, Natural Black Ash and Santos Palisander) for the door casing, steering wheel rim, loadspace floor, instrument panel and central console.

“The Range Rover SV Coupe is a celebration of the Range Rover Bloodline,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “With a dramatic two-door silhouette, this breath-taking four-seat Coupe alludes to its unique heritage while being thoroughly modern and contemporary. Beautifully realized and superbly engineered, the Range Rover SV Coupe delivers the most distinguished, luxurious and exclusive Range Rover ever built.”

Powered by a vigorous 557 hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 powertrain, which is the most powerful engine presently available on the full-size Range Rover, the SV Coupe is unquestionably the fastest-ever full-size Range Rover.  Being fitted with extremely high performance capabilities, the SV Coupe can go not-to-60 in just 5.0 seconds (0-100 kmh in 5.3 seconds) and reach a top speed of 165 mph (265 kmh).  Furthermore, the vehicle has the 1700w, 23-speaker, Meridian™ 3D Signature Sound System paired with dual-channel subwoofer installed, which features Trifield™ 3D technology to allow for an unrivaled listening experience.

Every single Range Rover SV Coupe will be hand-assembled by specialists at the SVO Technical Center in the UK, which happens to be a first for the British marque.  “As you’d expect from Range Rover, the engineering integrity in the SV Coupe is more than skin deep. This is a meticulously honed vehicle that’s designed for SV clients who love driving,” said Mark Stanton, Special Vehicle Operations Director.

In comparison to the standard Range Rover model, the suspension of the SV Coupe is adjusted to become more driver-oriented with ride height reduced by 0.31 inches (8 mm), thus staying completely repressed and complacent.  The car includes the same dominant all-terrain capabilities as other Range Rovers, along with nearly three feet (900 mm) of maximum wading depth and a upper-limit towing intake of 7,716 lbs.  The SV Coupe also features a new 23-inch wheel option that expresses the body of the SUV in never before seen proportions.

Clients have the option of four opposing front-to-rear interior colorways as well as various single-tone interior color layouts.  As for the exterior appearance of the car, it was meticulously given a body color that is counterbalanced by the side vent and grille designs.

“Accentuating Range Rover SV Coupe’s proportions, and available as a unique feature for the first time, the new Contour Graphic is created by applying a contrasting paint to the flanks of the vehicle,” said McGovern. “Starting at the side vent, it flows rearwards and around to the opposite vent, and offers customers the opportunity to further personalize their specification.”

The exterior paint colors come in an array of eight tones and available in gloss or satin finish.  Four of these said tones are newly introduced to Range Rover: Constellation, Parallax, Liquesence and Obsidian; and the other four derived from the SV Premium Palette: Ethereal, Flux, Valloire and Desire.  The colors are further specified into one-of-four exclusive duo-tone gloss Contour Graphic options: Valloire/Flux, Valloire/Ethereal, Parallax/Ethereal, Obsidian/Desire.  Clients can also chose one-of-five SV paint finish options: pearlescent, tinted clear coat, tri-coat, ChromaFlair™ and satin matte.

Lens Position: 374

What’s sure to give customers the most memorable Range Rover experience are their choice of seven design packs that include exterior paint, bespoke badges and interior elements specially hand-picked by the Jaguar Land Rover Design team.  These design packs range from a ‘Modernist’ theme comprising of an Ethereal Silver exterior paint with a Liquesence finish and Rose Gold, Chrome Knurled badges to a ‘Heritage’ theme, which consists of a Modern Luxury Green exterior paint color and Vintage Tan front seats with Ebony rear seats.  This all allows the customer to have the most creative customization possible for his or her Range Rover SV Coupe.

The Range Rover SV Coupe is priced from $295,000 in the U.S. with sales expected to begin at the fourth quarter of 2018.

For more information visit:  LandRoverUSA.com/range-rover-sv-coupe

Images courtesy of LandRoverUSA.com

Jaguar Classic Relaunches the Iconic D-type Race Car

Jaguar’s vision throughout its 80 year history has been relatively simple and straightforward: To produce beautiful, fast cars that are desired the world over.  And as such, the automobiles produced by Jaguar have been simplistic yet classical.  Demonstrating this very approach, Jaguar Classic has just re-launched the iconic D-type race car in Coventry, which marks 62 years after the last model was built in 1956.

This vintage D-type race car, which has been brought back from the past, will be re-introduced with only 25 new examples that were meticulously hand-assembled at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Warwickshire, UK.  The first prototype Jaguar D-type to be assembled by Jaguar Classics made its official debut at the Salon Retromobile show in Paris on February 7.  The original Jaguar D-type was set to have 100 examples in 1955, but only 75 were ever completed.  Jaguar Classic has now fulfilled the company’s past aspiration by assembling the missing 25 models and releasing them as all-new, but period-accurate, sports cars.

“The Jaguar D-type is one of the most iconic and beautiful competition cars of all time, with an outstanding record in the world’s toughest motor races. And it’s just as spectacular today,” Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said. “The opportunity to continue the D-type model’s success story, by completing its planned production run in Coventry, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects that our world-class experts at Jaguar Land Rover Classic are proud to fulfil.”

As the champion of the Le Mans 24 Hours race that won three times between 1955 and 1957, the Jaguar D-type has proven itself in the racing world with its six-cylinder XK engine.  Leaving the car in the exact same condition as the original models, the D-type is built for the clients of 2018 with authentic specifications to give them a traditional Jaguar D-type experience.  This re-launch is the third continuation from Jaguar Classic with the six missing Lightweight E-type models completed in 2014-15 and the nine XKSS models built in 2017-18 being the first two.

Kev Riches, Jaguar Classic Engineering Manager, said, “Recreating the nine D-type-derived XKSS models was hugely satisfying, and an even bigger technical challenge than the six missing Lightweight E-type models, but lessons learned from the XKSS project have given us a head start on the final 25 D-type models. Each one will be absolutely correct, down to the very last detail, just as Jaguar’s Competitions Department intended.”

The experts at Jaguar Classic used the original Jaguar engineering drawings and records in order to make the D-type as authentic as possible to the original model.  The new D-type is a blast from the past that evokes a sense of nostalgia to its clients, who also have the option of either choosing the 1955-specification Shortnose or 1956-spec Longnose bodywork.

The 2018 prototype of the D-type series is the 1956 Longnose specification, which is evident by  its extended hood, broadly-inclined cylinder head, quick-change brake calipers and distinctive tail fin behind the driver’s head

For more information, visit the official Jaguar website at:  JaguarUSA.com.

All enquiries from prospective Jaguar Land Rover Classic customers should be directed to:  info@classic.jaguar.co.uk / +44 (0) 203 601 1255 / www.jaguar.com/about-jaguar/jaguar-classic

Bugatti Type 57SC Coupé Wins The Third Annual The Peninsula Classics Best of The Best Award in Paris

On February 8th, the rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Coupé Atlantic was declared the winner of the prestigious The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award at the The Peninsula Paris Hotel.  Celebrating its third year, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award gathered eight of the world’s most refined classic cars (the best of show winners from the top international concours) to clash against each other for the title of most outstanding car in the world.  In the end, it was of course the Bugatti that triumphed over the other motor cars.  The Bugatti Type 57SC Coupé Atlantic is co-owned by the Mullin Automotive Museum and Rob & Melani Walton, located in California, USA.  In addition, the car was also named “Best of Show Concours d’Etat” at the 2017 Chantilly Arts & Elegance.

According to Bruce Meyer, “For the third year, the ultimate standard for judging The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award was that of uncompromised quality and design. Of course, this made the selection process most challenging for the esteemed group of panellists.” He continued: “In the end, the 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Coupé Atlantic emerged victorious, with its exceptional, bespoke design making it a marvellous combination of art and technology.” 

This legendary Bugatti is powered by a supercharged engine and is recognized by many as the first supercar ever produced; the most significant thing about the Bugatti is that it is one of only four Type 57 Atlantic models ever created, with just three still in existence.  The car was designed by Jean Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti’s son, during the peak of the Art Deco movement.  Jean gathered inspiration for the Type 57 Atlantic from another of his designs, the 1935 Aérolithe concept car, which was well known for its riveted exterior that was installed to protect the car’s magnesium-alloy body parts from catching on fire.  Jean utilized this signature riveted seam on the all-aluminum body of the Atlantic, thereby bringing this classic look to life.

“The Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is the crown jewel of the automotive circuit,” said Bugatti Head of Tradition Julius Kruta. “This car was Jean Bugatti’s masterpiece with its beautiful and breath-taking lines, plus its unmatched performance for the time. Today, it remains the ultimate expression of the Bugatti legacy: unparalleled power and beautiful design.”

This exact model, chassis number 57374, was the first Type 57 Atlantic to be produced as well as the sole surviving “Aéro Coupé,” which is a moniker given exclusively to the first two cars that shared a mechanical similarity to the Aérolithe.  When the car was brand new in 1936, it was delivered to Britain’s Nathaniel Mayer Victor Rothschild, also known as third Baron Rothschild, and since then it has passed through the hands of quite a few owners throughout its 82-year history.  The Type 57SC Atlantic Coupé has been on display around the globe a fair number of times, most recently being when it was on display at the Los Angeles-based Petersen Automotive Museum for the “Art of Bugatti” exhibit.

“The Atlantic represents the pinnacle of everything I adore about French automotive styling and is widely described as the Mona Lisa of the automobile collector world,” said Peter Mullin, Founder and CEO of the Mullin Automotive Museum. “From its signature curves to its aviation-inspired rivets, to the Jean Bugatti designed sleek all-aluminium body, the car is truly a remarkable piece of art. I’m very honoured to have shared it with the world amongst other worthy ‘Best of the Best’ contenders.”

“I second Peter’s thoughts – the other seven nominees were simply stunning, which makes winning the award feel even more special,” said Rob Walton, co-owner of the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupé. “What this award does is allow us to take a step back and admire the quality and beauty of the greatest classic cars in existence today. For an automotive fan like myself, it’s a joy.”

The third annual The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award was previously presented during Monterey Car Week, but the award was relocated to Paris this year to be in-attendance during the acclaimed Rétromobile event.  The extraordinary automobile was presented at an exclusive reveal party at The Peninsula Paris’ subterranean garage, following a private dinner, which was briefly stated in an earlier article that also listed the finalists.

Speaking of the award’s legacy, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited and co-founder of the award said, “My great hope is that we not only succeed in thrilling long-term car enthusiasts, but that this award will also ignite a new-found passion for those just discovering the world of motoring.”

For more information visit:  Peninsula.com

McLaren 720S Dubbed Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year 2017

McLaren has long been a very prominent British automaker that unceasingly creates countless breakthroughs in the automotive industry.  In 1981, they introduced lightweight and powerful carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1.  Later in 1993, they designed and constructed the McLaren F1 road car; after this, the automaker never again built a car without a carbon fibre chassis.  And now at the Festival Automobile International in Paris, also known as the “Fashion Week” for cars, their latest masterpiece, the McLaren 720S, was officially dubbed the Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year 2017.

The award ceremony for the Azores Orange colored McLaren 720S had over 600 guests in attendance, and was celebrated right beside the renowned Hôtel des Invalides.  This accolade, which crowned the McLaren 720S the Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year 2017, is currently on its thirty-third year.  The car was highly praised for its aerodynamic elements and impressive new assimilation of McLaren’s design style, thereby making the 720S the embodiment of the brand’s exceptional performance DNA.

Imparting his thoughts about the award, David Gilbert, Managing Director – Europe at McLaren Automotive, said: “The 720S being awarded the Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year is another great achievement and honour for everyone at McLaren Automotive. Since its unveiling at the 2017 International Geneva Motor Show, the McLaren 720S has received numerous accolades: this award is a further boost for everyone at McLaren, and reflects the superb teamwork by our design group in creating and crafting the lines and proportions of the 720S that attracted recognition from the judges of our design ethos of form following function.”

Being both designed and hand-assembled by the British luxury automaker in Woking, UK.  The 720S was acknowledged for its cutting edge design, advanced technology setup, and overall driving performance.  It was given the award by a party of 17 distinguished judges that range from various different industries.  The 17 judges chose the 720S as the Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year 2017 amidst many fierce competitors such as Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage, Ferrari’s Portofino and the Porsche Panamera.

The 720S is a perfect example of McLaren’s innovativeness and expert engineering: with brilliant new interpretations of McLaren design language that’s based off aerodynamic principles, which gave the supercar a breathtaking form whilst dropping any excessive weight from its body.  In addition, the car was equipped with an array of luxury features to grant even the most demanding of customers a pleasurable experience.  This second generation McLaren is divided into three separate levels of specification: 720S, 720S Performance and 720S Luxury.  The McLaren 720S begins with prices starting from £208,600 (equivalent to $291,564) for the UK market.

For more information visit:  McLaren.com

The Story of The 1968 “Bullitt” Ford Mustang

Recently many people were surprised by the identity of the 1968 Bullitt Ford Mustang and its astonishing history, as it was once driven by Steve McQueen in the critically acclaimed movie “Bullitt”.  The car was very important to Mr. McQueen for personal reasons, and he didn’t wish for it to be restored as he wanted it in its original condition from the film.  Being a automobile enthusiast and racer, Mr. McQueen just had to buy the 1968 Ford Mustang, especially because of the epic chase scene the car was in during Bullitt.

“The rediscovery of the Bullitt Mustang is huge in the car world, said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty (the world’s largest classic car insurer), as he tells us more about the significance of the Bullitt Mustang. Many people consider the chase scene featuring it to be one of the best, if not the best, car chase scenes of all time. The mystery of where it’s been for 40 years only adds to its allure. There were only two Mustangs used for filming, and this was the one actually driven by Steve McQueen, the ‘King of Cool.’ Everyone probably assumed it was gone for good, and now it turns up in mostly unrestored condition, modifications made for filming, and with the original interior, including the seats McQueen himself sat in. That’s remarkable.”

McKeel added, “valuing a vehicle that is among the most cherished movie cars of all time is difficult, if not impossible. It’s ultimately worth what someone will pay for it. Steve McQueen is such an icon in the car world, though, that we expect a lot of interest in owning it, which will increase its price, if in fact the owner sells it. We saw the same thing happen with other iconic TV and movie cars like the original Batmobile, which sold for $4.6M in 2013, and the James Bond Aston Martin DB5, which sold for $4.1M in 2010. It would not be surprising if the Bullitt – were it to come to auction – would be in a similar range.”

Though Mr. McQueen wrote a letter to buy the car, his offer was refused; after more than four decades since it last surfaced, that legendary car has again reemerged in the world with an incredible story to tell.  To learn the full story of the car and why it has been such a long time since it attracted the spotlight, visit:  Hagerty.com

Image credit: Casey Maxon

Bentley Motorsport adds Jules Gounon

Just recently Bentley Motorsport has welcomed the addition of 22 year old French driver, Jules Gounon, into their ranks for the 2018 season. Mr. Gounon’s titles include champion of the 24 Hours of Spa; the Frenchman will now be racing alongside teammates such as Guy Smith and Steven Kane of Great Britian, as well as Andy Soucek of Spain, Maxime Soulet of Belgium, and Vince Abril of Monaco.

This year, the six drivers will be taking part in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup with second generation Bentley Team M-Sport Continental GT3s.  Although this is Bentley’s fifth season at the race, the team is set to complete the entire Intercontinental GT Challenge for the first time.

Jules Gounon

Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, comments: “Consistency is key for endurance racing so to have five of our drivers back to continue their long-standing relationships with us allows us to get stronger year-on-year and is testament to the loyalty within our team.”

Brian adds, “Jules [Gounon] has shown that he has the pace and maturity to fit in to a leading team, despite only being 22 years old, and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he develops his career. We’re all looking forward to arriving in Bathurst in February and getting 2018 underway.”

Bentley Motorsports 2018 season will begin at Bathurst 12 Hours, and will be completed with the present day Continental GT3, in an effort to conform to current regulatory standards.  The debut of the teams all-new Continental GT3, based on the new Continental GT production car, will take place in Monza at the opening round of the Blancpain GT Series and will also be used to complete the Intercontinental GT Challenge races at Spa-Francorchamps, Laguna Seca and Suzuka.

The All New Tesla Roadster

Tesla Motors will soon be producing an all new Roadster for 2020, which based on the announced specifications, should give the best lot of supercars a good run for their money.  The launch of the new Roadster will also go hand in hand to fulfill Tesla Chief Executive, Elon Musk’s dream of creating the best cars in the world, quoted as saying “the point of this is to give the hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars.”

Not long after Mr. Musk presented his groundbreaking electric semi-truck; an all new super sports car was shown on stage to steal the spotlight.  Tesla claims the new roadster will go from not to sixty in under two seconds, and complete a quarter mile in just under nine. An exact top speed has not yet been announced, though, 250 miles per hour is a conservative estimate, easily placing the Roadster among today’s highly coveted Hyper Cars.  Yet, the Roadster’s most unique feature is that it will seat four individuals in relative comfort. Cargo room will be plentiful in this convertible, and a 620 mile range powered by a 200-kilowatt hour battery pack is nothing short of incredible.  A starting price of $200,000 USD also makes for class leading value, feel free to reserve yours for a deposit of $50,000 right now.

The original Tesla Roadster was produced from 2008-2012, and was instrumental in the fact that it was the first highway legal all-electric vehicle powered by a lithium ion battery.  The original roadster was also the first all-electric vehicle to travel over 200 miles on a single charge.  Production figures were just under 2,500, and were most popular in continental Europe.

For more information on the all new Tesla Roadster visit:  www.tesla.com/roadster

Images courtesy of:  Tesla, Inc.

The Third Annual Peninsula Classics Best of The Best Award

Celebrating their third year, the Peninsula Classics Best of The Best Award, also know as the leading motoring accolade for the most outstanding classic car, will be officially making its debut in Paris sometime in February 2018.  While it may be some time before the winner is declared; we can still share with you the eight classic cars that were worthy enough to be acknowledged as this year’s chosen contenders.

These eight selected concours “Best of Show” winners are credited as the most revered in the motoring world of today.  On Thursday, February 8th, 2018, The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award winner will be announced at a private dinner at The Peninsula Hotel in Paris.  The private dinner will also be taking place during the celebrated Rétromobile event, where international motoring connoisseurs gather each year, hence making the night a very sociable and enjoyable one for those in attendance.  In addition, as the only five-star luxury property in the city that incorporates an underground garage, there will be an exclusive reveal after-party for additional guests following the private announcement in the lower level of the hotel.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award to Paris in 2018, which I trust will further promote this distinguished honour on the concours circuit,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, who as well as being the co-founder of the award and Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, is also the owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels.

“Concours d’Elegance originated in Paris in the 17^th century, and we are delighted to bring the modern equivalent back to this beautiful city; a fitting venue for such a distinct honour,” said Sir Michael Kadoorie. “The award recognises excellence in masterful craftsmanship, attention to detail, tradition and ingenuity, and we look forward to celebrating the world’s most exceptional motor car at this prestigious event.”

The below lists the finalists that are under this year’s consideration for The Third Annual Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award:

• 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider by Touring: Amelia Island Concours de Sport

Being one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time, this impeccably restored vehicle is apart of the same class as the most sought-after Alfa models of the 1930s.  Based off the oppressive racing version and featuring coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, this elegant Alfa Romeo is one of just seven Touring Spiders that were assembled with the long-wheelbase 2.9-litre chassis.

• 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet by Vignale, design by Giovanni Michelotti: The Gran Turismo Ferrari Cup, Cavallino Classic

Based on a model constructed mainly for competition, this small-bodied, right-hand-drive, open-top Ferrari was constructed for the Portuguese Ambassador in France, Jorge da Cunha d’Almeida Araujo. Its uncomplicated charm and elegance was actualized by Vignale, after a sketch drawn by consultant stylist Giovanni Michelotti.

• 1936 Bugatti Type 57 SC Coupé Atlantic, design by Jean Bugatti: Chantilly Arts & Elégance Richard Mille

Powered by a supercharged engine and also considered by many to be the first supercar ever made, the iconic rivets on this automobile penned by Jean Bugatti, Ettore’s son, are a result of the inability of the magnesium-alloy body panels to be welded for fear of them catching fire. Under the care of the Mullin Automotive Museum, this Bugatti Coupé, which was limited to only three models, remains one of the most elegant crown jewels on the automotive circuit.

• 1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale Prototipo by Bertone, design by Franco Scaglione: Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

The extraordinary dark red streamlined prototype was shown at the Turin Motor Show in 1957. Its historical calibre lies in its famous place as a link between Franco Scaglione’s legendary Alfa Romeo Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica design studies and the production version of the Giulietta Sprint Speciale models that followed. Complementing the fluid body lines was a highly-tuned, lightweight aluminium 1.3-litre engine that can distribute 100 horsepower.

• 1933/35 Lancia Astura Aerodinamica Coupé by Castagna: Concours of Elegance UK

Lancias were brilliantly engineered cars and Vittorio Mussolini, son of Benito, wanted to enter their latest model, the V8-engined Astura, in racing. He then ordered a body built by Castagna, which was initially prepared for an Alfa Romeo, to replace the original body fitted on this car after having suitably modified the vehicle’s chassis. This one-off was reborn following its seven-year restoration and has just recently won several awards on the concours circuit.

• 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet by Pinin Farina: Goodwood Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d’Elegance

The 250 series established the Ferrari legend. Berlinettas and spiders completely dominated racing, whilst coupés and cabriolets were sold to prominent clients who enjoyed their Gran Turismo capabilities and did not mind displaying their wealth. Pinin Farina had become Ferrari’s favourite coachbuilder and penned this supremely elegant open two seater that was a perfect match for the music of its 3-litre, V12 engine.

• 1929 Mercedes-Benz S Roadster by Barker: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

This stunning car is the result of German engineering combined with British craftsmanship. Built together with lightweight tourer coachwork by Barker of London while sporting a Ferdinand Porsche designed 7-litre supercharged engine, it is the vision of the British race car driver Lord Howe; which actually explains the striking Curzon Blue hue (the Howe family colour). It has since been restored by it’s current owner to the exact specifications of the noble family.

• 1964 ATS 2500 GTS Coupé by Allemano, design by Franco Scaglione: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

The ATS is the first Italian GT mid-engined car. It was developed by ex-Ferrari engineers who had left after a row with Mrs Ferrari. In correlation they ran a Formula One team but results were not up to the expectations and backers soon retired. Between seven and ten road cars were all that was produced, each sporting tasteful Allemano coachwork, of which this is an even rarer lightweight version with a 2.5-litre, V8 engine.

This year’s Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award will highlight the Best of Show winners that are under consideration by 24 highly-renowned motorcar authorities, famed designers and prominent celebrities, including acclaimed TV show host, Jay Leno; H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent; Chief Creative Officer at Pinin Farina, Fabio Filippini; Ken Okuyama; Formula One race cars and McLaren F1 road car designer, Gordon Murray; Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racer, Jean Todt; Ralph Lauren; Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz and all brands of Daimler AG, Gordon Wagener; and many more…

For more information visit:  Peninsula.com

The Epitome of Speed and Elegance: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage

For the past several decades, the Aston Martin Vantage has become one of the nameplate’s most iconic and refined models ever produced by the British Marque.  And this statement is not any less accurate when referring to the all new 2018 model. When first conceptualized in 1951 on a high-output engine option for the DB2, the Vantage promptly established itself as its own unique model.

The new Vantage sports car displays a bold yet timeless vibe with an athletic, predatory stance, which is evident from the minimal front and rear overhangs.  The car’s robust flanks and generous haunches convey an unalloyed adroitness and vivacity that is inherent within the sports car.  Furthermore, the new head and tail lights add a new signature concept to the Vantage, giving it a conspicuous road presence and a strong individual personality within its growing model range.

The sports car’s cockpit introduces sharp, focused lines that reflect a more dynamic and vigorous nature to the vehicle’s outer appearance.  When stepping into the Vantage, a high waist interior theme and lower driving position welcomes you; this offers the driver and its passenger a more engaging driving experience with improved headroom when compared with the Vantage’s predecessors.  The interior also includes extensive storage space behind the seats along with ample double-tier storage areas.

Under the hood of the new Vantage is Aston Martin’s potent new alloy, 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.  It was placed as far back in the chassis as possible to find the perfect 50:50 weight distribution.  The high performance and high efficiency V8 engine has a dry weight of 1530kg, in which provides the car with an overwhelming power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios.

This new Vantage deploys it’s massive power and torque to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.  Achieving 0 to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and offering a top speed of 195mph, the new Vantage utilizes a series of integrated electronic systems to deliver maximum control to the driver, much to his/her enjoyment.  These said electronic systems include Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring.

The chassis of the car is an enhance version of the DB11’s bonded aluminum structured chassis, whereas 70 percent of the Vantage’s structure components are newly added.  The design integrates balance, strength, sharpness, weight efficiency, and handling flexibility into the new Vantage as its the top priority.

Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “New Vantage has the most powerful and provocative design language ever seen in a Vantage. A hunter, light in weight and is therefore light in it’s visual language. It is based on a single line under tension, inspired by the DB10 and the extreme track-only Aston Martin Vulcan, blending the two unique design languages together into a form that is sculpted, dynamic, pure and elemental”.

The Vantage features an amplitude of first-rate standard equipment such as keyless start/stop, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking distance display, park assist and front and rear parking sensors.  The car also includes an In-Car Entertainment system, of which is controlled and viewed via a centrally mounted 8 LCD screen, that consists of the Aston Martin Audio System, iPod, iPhone and USB playback, Bluetooth audio & phone streaming, and an integrated satellite navigation system.

The new Vantage features an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff), which links itself to the car’s electronic stability control system in order to comprehend its performability, and then responds accordingly to transfer the engine’s power towards the relevant wheel.  This in turn boosts straight-line stability and its cornering performance to give the driver a heightened level of confidence to fully explore and bring out the car’s true capabilities to it’s maximum potential.

With the assimilation of the engine, transmission, E-Diff, Dynamic Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Damping and the electric power steering systems, the new Vantage has each mode better improve every area of the car to become one.  This allows the vehicle to gain agility and enhanced responsiveness, thereby achieving a sharper, more vocal, and exciting nature for the Vantage.  The Vantage generates a significant level of downforce thanks to its new side gills, which has been integrated into the body surface and drains air pressure out from the front wheel arches, and the distinct askew rear deck lid.

Just as you would expect from Aston Martin, the new Vantage demonstrates a high degree of craftsmanship from their flawless paintwork and lavish Alcantara & leather upholstery to the high quality tactile natural materials that were used for levels of finish.  The customizability on the new vantage is quite extensive as it generously provides an array of options to choose from.  These include forged alloy wheels in a variety of finishes, Sports Plus Collection (comprising Sports Plus seats and Sports steering wheel), carbon fibre interior and exterior detailing with a Premium Audio System.

Aston Martin President & Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Palmer said: “It speaks volumes for the outgoing Vantage that it is the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history. Creating a worthy successor has been a challenge to relish and a huge source of motivation. I’m enormously excited by what we’ve created: a new Vantage that’s more explicit in looks and intent, wrapping heart-pounding performance and dazzling dynamics into an everyday usable package. A true sports car with a sharper look and a keener dynamic edge, the new Vantage is the Aston Martin pure driving machine enthusiasts have been waiting for.”

With deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2018, the new Vantage is currently on sale for a recommended retail price of £120,900 in the UK, €154,000 in Germany and $149,995 in the USA.

For more information visit:  Global.AstonMartin.com/en-gb/models/new-vantage

Photography by: Drew Gibson