Posts tagged with "Influence Associates"

ZEEKR 001

ZEEKR 001 BREAKS TWO GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

ZEEKR has successfully broken two Guinness World Records at an event in China
The premium all-electric 001 vehicle broke the record for the fastest drift ever achieved by an electric car hitting a maximum speed of 207.996km/h
It then went on to take the title for the fastest electric car slalom at 49.05 seconds

Premium electric mobility brand ZEEKR has announced its luxury all-electric 001 vehicle has broken two Guinness World Records.

Less than a year since the brand started delivering vehicles to customers in China, ZEEKR has made its mark on the global stage by claiming the titles for the fastest drift ever achieved by an electric car and the fastest electric car slalom.

The records have fully verified the three core strengths that underpin the 001, it is “fast, accurate and stable.”

The fastest electric vehicle drift requires the vehicle to achieve greater than 160km/h and the 001 was able to achieve a maximum speed of 207.996km/h. Using the 001’s high-performance twin electric drive system, the front and rear were able to achieve instantaneous torque output up to 7,680Nm and an acceleration time up to 100km/h in only 3.8s.

This power and acceleration, combined with the 001’s high-performance chassis suspension system, maximizes body stability and allows the driver to maintain consistent and precise drifting and the car to truly dance right on the edge of the limit.

ZEEKR’s 001 also went on to set a new benchmark for the fastest ever all-electric car slalom. The vehicle weaved between 50 cones equally spaced and completed the course, without touching or knocking any down, in 49.05 seconds.

001’s intelligent electric four-wheel drive system boosted acceleration off the line and enabled excellent handling of the vehicle on the fast and dynamic course. The quality of power distribution and the balance between the front and rear wheels between the cones allowed for the 001 to glide through the cones with minimal disruption from the chassis or tyres, maintaining excellent and stable braking at the end. The strong grip also allowed the vehicle to have better cornering ability throughout.

World Record Technology for Users

This same driving control technology is in all ZEEKR 001 cars and not only brings users a fun and dynamic driving experience, but it also provides safety through stronger controllability and stability. 001 already meets the five-star safety standards and lays the foundation for solid performance control.

Not only does 001 respond to driver operations in milliseconds, but it also responds to multiple emergency scenarios autonomously. In addition, the newly developed intelligent anti-skid dTCS (distributed traction control system) operates at a processing rate 10 times faster than the mainstream TCS traction control systems. The outstanding stability performance showcased in the slalom record is also met by 001 users on the road in China.

Adhering to the concept of “don’t be a boring electric car” to develop a pure electric high-performance experience, the 001 also has an excellent driving comfort experience under the powerful power and extreme control fun.

Breaking these two world records, ZEEKR has adhered to its own philosophy to not be “a boring electric car”. 001 users can enjoy an excellent driving comfort experience under world record achieving power and finesse. The perfect integration of smart and electric technology in the 001 will bring users more enjoyment in their travel.

The records were broken in August under the supervision of an adjudicator from Guinness World Records at the CATARC proving ground in China.

ZEEKR Business Update

ZEEKR continues to prioritize and fulfill local market customer orders ahead of a planned European roll-out from 2023, where it will ramp up capacity at the ZEEKR Intelligent Factory – one of the world’s most advanced vehicle facilities – to deal with unprecedented demand for the 001.

SAINSBURY’S × WAE

Sainsbury’s partners with Williams Advanced Engineering and gives green light to sustainable start-ups with £5 million investment

Sainsbury’s pledges to support small businesses pioneering sustainable technologies that reduce carbon and water use through the creation of an innovative partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering
From refrigeration to ventilation, this landmark venture will invest in start-up companies with ‘proof of concept’ technologies that reduces carbon emissions and water usage across the retailer’s operations, as well as the wider sector
This announcement marks another phase in Sainsbury’s extensive investment towards achieving Net Zero in its own operations by 2035, having already made significant progress reducing operational emissions
Find out more and apply here: HERE.

As part of its pledge to reach Net Zero in its own operations by 2035, Sainsbury’s has announced the launch of Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments which will invest a minimum of £5 million over the next four years into start-up businesses commercialising innovative, sustainable technologies that look to reduce operational carbon emissions and water usage.

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) will scout and invest into early-stage companies, not limited to the Sainsbury’s supply chain, across a range of sectors. The first investment is expected to be announced before the end of 2022. In addition to providing much needed investment, Sainsbury’s is looking to accelerate dynamic start-ups and Small/Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in developing, testing, and deploying transformational technology that can reduce carbon emissions and water usage.

This announcement furthers the significant progress Sainsbury’s has already made in reducing its impact on the environment, having drastically cut its carbon emissions in its own operations by 762,119 tCO₂e, a reduction of 7 per cent year-on-year and 20 per cent from its 2018/19 baseline, keeping the retailer on course to meet its Net Zero target of 2035.

Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments is part of Sainsbury’s ongoing partnership with WAE, a world-leading technology and engineering services business, which combines cutting-edge technological advances and the industry’s best engineers; accelerating the drive for zero emissions.

In 2017, Sainsbury’s began the process of installing innovative Aerofoil technology to its fridges in-store. Since then, the pioneering energy-saving technology, collaboratively developed by UK start-up Aerofoil Energy and WAE, has been rolled out across the entire estate, resulting in an estimated 15% energy-reduction, with other retailers since following suit.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Property and Procurement Director, said:

“We are committed to reaching our Net Zero target of 2035 and are proud to be doing our part in leading the way to create solutions that will reduce carbon emissions and water usage not just in our stores, but across the entire sector. We know that reducing emissions and water use is a critical part of tackling the climate crisis and to achieve this, we understand the importance of investing in pioneering technologies that can be adopted by all retailers.”

“Tackling an issue of this scale requires collaboration and we’re really excited to not only invest in these businesses, but also provide a pathway to in-store use, working towards a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Matthew Burke, Head of Technology Ventures, Williams Advanced Engineering said:

“Embracing new and unproven technologies is a necessary requirement to meet Net Zero and many of these products and services will emerge from the technology start-up community. Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments will accelerate the commercialisation of these technologies through the opportunity of investment, trial and deployment across Sainsbury’s vast estate and operations. In doing so it will act as a springboard for wider and rapid technology adoption by customers across retail and other sectors who all share common Net Zero challenges. With WAE’s focus on sustainability, and expertise in technology and engineering combined with early-stage technology investing, we are delighted to be supporting Sainsbury’s journey to Net Zero with the launch of this unique investment initiative.”

Sainsbury’s has committed to becoming Net Zero in its own operations by 2035, five years earlier than its original ambition. The retailer is calling on sustainable technology businesses keen to join on its journey to Net Zero 2035 to apply HERE.

H.R. OWEN – ETTORE’S

H.R. Owen Bugatti has today announced the official launch of Ettore’s Espresso Bar, the most exclusive coffee spot in London. As the first Bugatti dealership anywhere in the world to have its own espresso bar, H.R. Owen Bugatti, which normally operates by invitation-only, has opened its doors to the public for the first time.

Based at the French luxury marque’s London showroom in Bruton Street, Mayfair, Ettore’s Espresso Bar has been aptly named after the founder and patron of Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti. Ettore was a man who opted for only the very best in everything he did, not just for his ingenious cars, but also for bicycle frames, razors and locks – if he didn’t find a product that fit his standards, he would design his own. Ettore’s Espresso Bar is designed in his image, with a top-end Italian espresso machine – a nod to Ettore’s Italian birthplace – and a trained barista to serve up luxurious coffees to passers-by. With the backdrop of an example of one of Bugatti’s latest range of hyper sports cars and a showroom filled with beautifully crafted Bugatti Home Collection furniture, it’s one of the most extraordinary coffee spots in London.

The staples of Cappuccino, Espresso, Latte, Americano, Flat White and Macchiato are all available but the pièce de résistance is The Ettore Shot, an Espresso served in a Bugatti Carbon Fibre Espresso cup. Clients who purchase The Ettore Shot, priced at £50, will be allowed full access to the lounge of the London showroom and see the Bugatti – on static display – up close, as well as being able to learn more about the French luxury brand through the brand ambassadors based there.

The lounge is furnished with specially designed Bugatti armchairs, which are made using the finest leather and blue-tinted carbon fibre – the same high-spec materials that feature in Bugatti’s cars. Alongside the present and future, the showroom lounge also reflects Bugatti’s history and heritage, through a selection of art installations and sculptures that celebrate the brand beyond the cars. H.R. Owen Bugatti is more than just a car showroom; it is designed to convey a shared passion for the Bugatti brand and everything it stands for

In addition to Ettore’s Espresso Bar, visitors to the showroom can explore a wide variety of Bugatti merchandise options, from baseball caps and pens, to VIITA for Bugatti smart watches.

H.R. Owen is the UK’s leading luxury motor dealer group, representing some of the world’s most sought-after brands including Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, BAC, Czinger, Rimac and Radford.

DB5 Junior

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Aston Martin and The Little Car Company announced the DB5 Junior, a two-thirds scale electric junior car, has received the final seal of approval from Aston Martin’s High-Performance Development Driver Darren Turner. The outstanding quality of both the design and engineering of the DB5 Junior means that it can proudly wear the Aston Martin wings.

Carried out on the test track at Bicester Heritage, the three-time Le Mans class-winner and Aston Martin Works Racing Driver put the DB5 Junior through its paces, subjecting it to the same meticulous and thorough testing procedures as its full-size counterpart. Included in the testing, Turner monitored both the performance and handling on the Bicester Heritage test track, examining every detail on the vehicle from the responsiveness to weight distribution.

The DB5 Junior was born out of a partnership between Aston Martin and The Little Car Company to produce an all-electric two-thirds scale version of the brand’s most iconic car. Using an official 3D scan of an original DB5 to ensure complete accuracy and authenticity, the DB5 Junior has been intricately handcrafted to include as much detail as possible from the original car.

Darren Turner, High-Performance Development Driver for Aston Martin, said: “The DB5 Junior is certainly no toy. The quality and attention to detail on the car is amazing!

“Driving the car was epic; a real surprise actually. I wasn’t expecting so much performance from the vehicle and the handling was very authentic. Despite its reduced size, it still has all the charm and characteristics of an original DB5.”

Just 1,059 DB5 Juniors will be built to ensure exceptional exclusivity and to match the original production number of the original DB5 between 1963 and 1965.

Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, said: “We’re extremely honored and proud to have had the DB5 Junior put through its paces by Darren Turner, confirming its status as an official Aston Martin. This achievement is testament to the hard work of the phenomenal team we have at The Little Car Company and reinforces that the DB5 Junior is worthy of bearing the Aston Martin wings.”

With an electric powertrain that delivers 5kW/6.7bhp to the rear wheels, drivers will be grateful for the integrated bucket seat. Power is transmitted to the road through 10″ wire wheels with four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, complemented by regenerative braking. A removable battery pack is stored under the opening bonnet, giving 10-20 miles (16-32km) driving range, depending on driving style. A second battery can be added, and each pack can be swapped for a replacement in a matter of seconds.

The junior car also has three integrated selectable driving modes:

A Novice mode with just 1kW/1.3 bhp of power for less experienced drivers with a 12mph (19 km/h) top speed. In this mode, a remote kill switch is included allowing the car to be remotely disabled at up to 30m. And if an enthusiastic novice disappears outside that 30m range, the car will automatically shut down and come to a gentle halt.
An Expert mode is provided for more experienced drivers with 5kW/6.7bhp of power and a 30mph (48 km/h) top speed.
Competition mode is a “Balance of Performance” (BOP) setting which allows the acceleration and top speed of the vehicle to be aligned with other The Little Car Company models for competition on an even playing field.

Finally, for the ultimate driving experience, a rally-style hydraulic handbrake is included. While strictly not necessary, it does add to the fun for the bigger kids among us.

The Vantage version of the original DB5 was known for its performance upgrade. For those who want more from their DB5 Junior, the DB5 Vantage Junior takes the pace up a level, too. While this elite model has the three driving modes of the standard car, there is also a fourth; Vantage mode, operated by a hidden ‘missile’ switch which doubles the power output to 10kW/13.4bhp and increases the top speed to a new level that is yet to be confirmed. Performance is further enhanced by the lightweight carbon fiber body and a second battery pack, doubling the range to 20-40 miles (32-64km) depending on driving style.

Aston Martin and The Little Car Company have recently launched an interactive online configurator for users to configure their very own DB5 Junior HERE.

Prospective buyers, who wish to secure one of the limited-edition DB5 Juniors, can click HERE to place a fully refundable deposit on a first-come, first-served basis. When these build slots are full, a waiting list will be put in place.

Pricing for the DB5 Junior begins at £35,000 plus local taxes, while the more powerful DB5 Vantage Junior starts from £45,000 plus local taxes. Existing Aston Martin DB5 owners will be given the first refusal on their DB5 Junior chassis number to match their full-size car.For those looking to take their DB5 Junior even further, The Little Car Company can upgrade the DB5 Junior to a No Time To Die Edition. Complete with Aston Martin and 007 badging, Silver Birch paintwork and Smiths instruments, each car features a number of iconic Bond gadgets including mini guns, cycling digital number plates, a smoke screen, and skid mode.

Watch DB5 in action HERE.

Aston Martin – No Time To Die Edition

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The Little Car Company, Aston Martin and EON Productions today announced the launch of a No Time To Die special edition Aston Martin DB5 Junior. Inspired by the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, released in cinemas from September 30, the film sees the return of the iconic Aston Martin DB5. This unique collaboration with The Little Car Company has created a gadget-laden collector’s item. The two-thirds scale version of the original comes with a fully electric powertrain.

Specifications

The No Time To Die edition will pay homage to the rich shared history of the brands, with Silver Birch paintwork, Smiths instruments, individually numbered chassis plates, and complete with Aston Martin badging. In true Bond style, this special edition boasts even greater power and range over the standard DB5 Vantage Junior, giving it a higher level of performance.

After extensive development and months of collaboration between the three companies, the car is a truly authentic homage to both the Aston Martin and 007 brands. The original Aston Martin DB5 was 3D-scanned for reference, allowing a completely accurate reproduction. Whilst some elements of the car have been replicated, such as the Smiths instruments on the dashboard, some elements have been reimagined for the modern era. The fuel gauge has been converted into a battery meter, while the oil temperature now monitors the motor temperature.

The No Time To Die Special Edition has been designed as a convertible, and not the fixed head coupe drove by 007. This is to offer seating for an adult and child side by side, allowing all generations of Bond fans to share the love of driving. With multiple driving modes and a range of up to 80 miles, aspiring secret agents should be able to escape any situation. There are also some secret ‘Easter Eggs’ hidden within the car for the lucky owners to find.

A quick-release steering wheel allows for a speedy entry and exit for the driver, and when they need to stop in a hurry, they can rely on both regenerative braking and high-performance Brembo disc brakes. Bilstein dampers and coil-over springs make sure the suspension can handle the performance squeezed into this two-thirds scale marvel.

No Time To Die Specification

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 has become a much-loved character in its own right. No Bond car would be complete without Q-style gadgets, and the Aston Martin DB5 Junior No Time To Die edition is no exception. 360 Magazine is pleased to see this big collaboration in a huge style.

Chris Corbould OBE, the Oscar®-winning special effects supervisor, has worked on fifteen James Bond films since the early 1980s, and he consulted with The Little Car Company on the development of the car’s complex gadgets in miniature;

“When I saw the DB5 Junior in the flesh, I was amazed at how identical it is to the full-sized car – it’s stunning. It’s an amazing feat of engineering.”

All the gadgets are operated by individual controls in a hidden switch panel in the passenger door. At the push of a button, the headlights drop to reveal a twin set of simulated Gatling guns, complete with imitation barrel blasts and flashes.

As witnessed in the No Time To Die trailer, the skid mode comes in handy when caught in a tight spot. The No Time To Die special edition has a unique digital number plate activated through the hidden control panel.

Just like the original car, this special edition can produce a smokescreen to aid a successful getaway. Ejected through the rear ‘exhaust’, the smoke has a supply tank that supplies an hour of safe smoke before it needs topping up.

Although the DB5 Junior is not road legal, as an authentic Aston Martin model, every owner will receive automatic membership of the respected Aston Martin Owners Club. In addition, all clients will receive complimentary membership of The Little Car Club, allowing them to take part in exclusive events where they, their children, and their grandchildren can drive their DB5 Juniors on the most prestigious racetracks.

Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, said: “Regarded as the most famous car in cinematic history, the gadget-laden Aston Martin DB5 awed audiences around the world over fifty years ago. Now, that story continues. As part of an exclusive partnership with EON Productions and Aston Martin, we have had the opportunity to create something truly unique for James Bond fans and collectors. We can’t wait to see the adventures these cars take with their owners.”

Bond fans worldwide are able to secure one of the limited-edition No Time To Die editions of the DB5 Junior by visiting 007junior.com. With only 125 cars being built, build slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, by placing a fully refundable deposit.

Pricing for the car has been set at £90,000, plus local taxes. Existing Aston Martin DB5 Junior clients will be given the first refusal on upgrading to a No Time To Die edition, and remaining build slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Concours of Elegance Features Jaguar E-Type

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The Concours of Elegance–famed for gathering together the rarest cars ever created–will showcase some of the world’s most exemplary Jaguar E-types in celebration of the car’s 60th anniversary at Hampton Court Palace in this year’s ‘Main Concours’ display. Taking place from September 3-5, the event is renowned as one of the top three Concours D’Elegance events in the world for the quality of cars it attracts; nowhere else in the UK can the public see such a high standard of rare historic vehicles.

The Jaguar E-type’s launch ranks among the most dramatic automotive unveilings of all time. Jaguar’s then PR Manager Bob Berry drove from Coventry to the Geneva Motor Show in one of the show-stand E-types, to arrive just 20 minutes before it was due to be unveiled. He arrived to an overwhelming demand for the car, and subsequently had to call upon legendary test-driver Norman Dewis to deliver another E-type overnight. Dewis drove from Coventry to Geneva in 11 hours averaging 68mph–man and machine pushed to their limits.

Among the cars on display at the Concours of Elegance is one of the most renowned racing E-types. The car is an E-type Roadster known as ‘ECD 400’. It was the first of seven vehicles prepared by the factory for racing. Its first event was at Oulton Park in 1961, where it won, in the hands of Graham Hill, followed by second at the Spa 500km, second again at Crystal Palace and, later on, a win at Snetterton, driven by Mike Parkes.

The next car is an early flat-floor, outside-bonnet-lock Series 1 model in highly original condition. Chassis 050062 is a very early example of the breed, one of the first 54 right-hand-drive examples built and destined for the Rossleigh Jaguar dealership in Edinburgh. As such, it is among just 92 right-hand-drive Roadsters with externally mounted bonnet locks and a flat floor. In 2017, under the custodianship of TV’s Steve Coogan, the car underwent a root-and-branch restoration, at specialists XK Engineering which took two years to complete.

Next is a 1969 Series 2 Roadster ‘XUC 673H’ which is owned by the grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons. It was originally supplied by Henlys of Hendon. When the current custodian inherited the car, it required a full restoration which was carried out partly through his own work at RA Creamer & Son Jaguar Main Dealer in Kensington, with the assistance of RS Panels of Nuneaton who repaired, painted, and reassembled the body. Following the car’s restoration in 1996 the car has covered some 18,000 miles including trips to Le Mans and Scotland and has appeared in various books, magazines, adverts and concours events.

Also on display is a 1973 Series 3 2+2, recently restored by marque specialist E-type UK. The job was not only to restore but to upgrade the car to the highest standard. The metal work was all been repaired to original specification, a bespoke aluminium bonnet was fabricated to reduce front-end weight, and the car was resprayed to Concours standard in Opalescent Gunmetal paint. The interior of the 2+2 was fully re-trimmed in Oxblood Red, and now benefits from a 15-inch wooden steering wheel, classically-styled inertia reel seat belts, an LED dash light conversion and a period-look stereo system with Bluetooth capability.

These are just some of the stunning E-types that will be on display and form just a small part of the additional content that makes up the near-1,000 cars on display during the Concours of Elegance, also including a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiast.

Special features for 2021 will also gather together a line-up of Future Classics, representing the potential Concours D’Elegance stars of the next 50 years, the Junior Concours and a Veteran Car Run display, gathering the pre-1905 motoring pioneers that each year make their pilgrimage from London to Brighton.

Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance remains an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed to support the event for a further three years, will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces. New long-term partners joining the event in 2021 include The Peninsula London Hotel and Residences, Gooding & Co and McLaren.

Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now from £45 for an adult day admission entry. Tickets can be bought HERE.

Concours of Elegance 1970s Period Race Cars

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The Concours of Elegance–famed for gathering together the rarest cars ever created–will showcase some of the world’s finest examples of 1970s period race cars wearing the iconic Gulf and Martini racing liveries at Hampton Court Palace in this year’s ‘Main Concours’ display. Taking place from 3-5 September, the event is renowned as one of the top three concours d’elegance events in the world for the quality of cars it attracts; nowhere else in the UK can the public see such a high standard of rare historic vehicles.

The Gulf livery came about thanks to Grady Davis, vice-president of Gulf Oil, who in 1966 bought himself a Ford GT40, after which he formed a lasting friendship with preeminent automobile racing engineer and team manager John Wyer. From this friendship was spawned a commercial partnership and a very successful racing livery. The livery was immediately recognizable by its distinctive vivid orange and blue colours.

Martini racing was the race team sponsored by the Italian company Martini & Rossi, a distillery producing Martini vermouth in Turin. Martini’s race sponsorship program began in 1958. The livery is also easily recognizable by the distinctive dark blue, light blue and red stripes on white, red or silver cars.

The Martini cars start with one of the most famously liveried and important Porsche 911s of all time–the 1973 Targa Florio-winning Martini Racing Porsche 911 Carrera RSR prototype. This car is chassis #911 360 0588, otherwise known as R6 by the internal numbering system used within the Porsche Racing Department at Weissach–the car started life in Group 4 spec, and after having been modified to Group 5 spec for later seasons, was restored to its original 1973 Targa Florio-winning specification, in which it remains today.

Alongside it sits a later 1974 911 Carrera RSR Turbo–immediately recognizable due to its huge rear wing and flared rear arches. The RSR Turbo helped Porsche’s reinforce its reputation for turbocharging in motorsport, and became necessary due to new rules and in the early 1970s which limited engine displacement and required improved fuel economy. To use turbocharging in the 3-litre class Porsche had to have a 2.1-litre engine size. This was calculated by the World sportscar Championship’s governing body, the FIA, that calculated a coefficient of 1.5 for turbocharged cars to level the field against non-turbo cars, hence the 2.1-litre engine capacity. Chassis number R13, is the most successful of all the RSR 2.1s having finished second overall at the 1974 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Rounding up the Martini-liveried cars is the 1977 Le Mans winning Porsche 936. Constructed in 1976, the 936 was created to compete in Group 6 of the World Sportscar Championship. The new car had a hard task to continue the winning path of its predecessors, the 917 and 908, and was actually made of many elements of the 917 and 908 cars. The car won the 1977 Le Mans, after an impressive comeback, with a margin to the second-placed Renault of 11 laps thanks to the superlative driving of Jacky Ickx. This car is currently being restored back to its 1977 LM specification and Martini livery, and will make its ‘post-restoration’ debut at the 2021 Concours of Elegance.

The Gulf liveried cars begin with the legend that is the Porsche 917K – the car on display being the 1970 car most notably campaigned by Jo Siffert and Derek Bell at Sebring and Richard Attwood and Herbert Müller at Le Mans, where it finished second. The result of an FIA loophole, the 917 used a mammoth 5-litre flat-12 engine and boasted a coupé body, which was 15ft 6in in length for high speed stability.

Also in Gulf livery is the 917’s smaller sibling, a 1971 Porsche 308/3. This car worked in conjunction with the 917 during the 1971 season where the ultra-lightweight 908/3 was used for winding courses such as the Nürburgring and the Targa Florio while the 917 was used at power circuits such as Monza. The 908 chassis was little changed from the 907 but evolved rapidly over the next two years, while new rules for 1969 allowed open (Spyder) cars and removed the minimum weight limit, allowing Porsche to build a car which was a lighter version of the 908, the 908 Spyder. This car won Porsche’s first world championship.

The final Gulf car on display is a 1975 Gulf Mirage GR8. A much more aerodynamically efficient design than its predecessor the GR7, the GR8 featured the well-known Ford DFV V8 engine. This car marked Gulf’s best chance of victory since the 1971 Le Mans 24-hour race, and in 1975 the GR8s did not disappoint, with the GR8/801 of Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx further adding to the team’s existing tally of outright victories, and the GR8/802 of Vern Schuppan and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud following home in a fine third place. GR8/801 contested Le Mans a further three times afterwards, and was ultimately returned to its Gulf color scheme in which it remains.

Alongside the Gulf cars, also on display will be the original Mercedes-Benz transporter. This vehicle has lived as colorful a life as the cars, having at one time worn a Gulf livery and later a Martini livery. By far the largest liveried vehicle in the display, this transporter was the transporter for the Gulf-JW Automotive team in 1971–and was the vehicle that carried the Gulf-JWA Porsche 917s to Le Mans that year–including chassis ‘026’ which is also on display at the show. The transporter went on to be re-liveried in Martini, Essex and Rothmans colors and used right through to the 962 era. It has since been restored to its Gulf Livery–at which point the various color schemes were re-discovered under the layers of old paint. There will also be a period correct Martini-liveried Mercedes transporter present at the show.

Outside of the main display of vehicles, the Concours of Elegance will gather a total of around 1,000 cars in a number of special features and displays, including a display of unique or bespoke modern rarities in the Future Classics class and a line-up of the finest coachbuilt Rolls-Royces. New for 2021 is a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiasts.

A BOUNTIFUL COLLECTION OF BENTLEYS JOINS CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE

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The Concours of Elegance – famed for gathering together the rarest cars ever created – will showcase some of the world’s most extraordinary Bentleys at Hampton Court Palace in this year’s ‘Main Concours’ display. Taking place from 3-5 September, the event is renowned as one of the top three concours d’elegance events in the world for the quality of cars it attracts; nowhere else in the UK can the public see such a high standard of rare historic vehicles.

Since it started manufacturing cars in 1919, Bentley has established itself as a pinnacle of both luxury and performance. Built upon the company’s racing pedigree – five victories at Le Mans in the 1920s, plus a sixth in 2003 – Bentley is known across the globe for creating cars with an unrivaled blend of speed and the finest craftsmanship and materials.

Among the earliest Bentleys on display is ‘YB 633’, a very original 1926 6 ½-litre Sports Tourer. The car is reputed to be the last 11 foot chassis with the original one-off aluminum body still on the car – a four-light drop head coupe with a dickey seat and wind-up windows, referred to as a “Simplex Coupe” by Coachbuilder H J Mulliner. In Bentley factory records the car is referred to as a “3/4 folding head coupe”. The car also features its originally installed engine.

Alongside it, is ‘YW 5758’ a 1928 Bentley 4 ½-litre Le Mans Team Car – the most decorated original-bodied car in existence – still featuring its original chassis number, engine number, body number and body. The car’s impeccable racing history includes second place in class at the 1928 Newtownards TT, fifth at the inaugural 1929 Irish International Grand Prix at Phoenix Park, and class winner and third overall, at the 1929 ‘Six Hour Race’ at Brooklands. The car also placed fourth at Le Mans in 1929. The car continued its successes into the 1930s, and is still used regularly at historic meetings today.

Also on display is another Bentley 4 ½-litre with a different kind of history. ‘GC 6002’ was originally delivered via Jack Olding & Co to a Mr Arthur Grout in 1930. Arthur was the landlord of The Southampton Arms which was at the centre of the ‘race track wars’ of the 1920s – recently made famous by the Netflix series ‘Peaky Blinders’. The car is a sports four seater by Vanden Plas with fully valanced wings finished in green. Unfortunately for Arthur, the car’s commanding looks would do nothing to ward off the creditors – his failure to keep up repayments meant the vehicle was returned to the factory in 1935, as denoted on the chassis record. The car has never been rebuilt, only maintained, and is in regular use today, having covered less than 100,000 miles in more than nine decades.

Also gracing the pathways of Hampton Court is an early example of a ‘blown’ Bentley – a 1931 Bentley 4 ½-litre supercharged. The addition of the supercharger was facilitated by then racing driver Tim Birkin who, in 1929, suddenly found himself hopelessly outclassed by the supercharged Mercedes cars that were running away on the straights. Birkin approached engineer, Charles Amherst Villiers, who had already made his name with Brescia Bugattis and the supercharged Villiers Vauxhall Special, and commissioned him to design a super-charger installation for the 4½-litre Bentley. Villiers also reworked the engine to cope with the strains imposed by the supercharger. The example on display at the Concours retains its original four-seater open sports body by Vanden Plas, and its original colour scheme of black with fine lining in red.

Rounding out the selection of 1930s Bentleys is ‘WD 4499’ which is a 1932 Bentley 8-litre, and the 64th of the 100 8-litre Bentleys built in 1930–31. The 8-litre was designed as a fast, powerful chassis capable of carrying heavy closed coachwork with sports car levels of performance. Indeed when the 8-litre was introduced at the 1930 Olympia Show it was the fastest production chassis in the world, capable of 103mph at 3,500rpm. This particular car is a long wheelbase model, with coachwork by H J Mulliner finished in black and green.

These are just some of the beautiful Bentleys that will be on display, with many more examples forming a line-up with the Bentley Drivers’ Club. This display is part of the additional content that makes up the near-1,000 cars on display during the Concours of Elegance, also including a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95^th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiast.

Special features for 2021 will also gather together a line-up of Future Classics, representing the potential concours d’elegance stars of the next 50 years, a celebration of 60 years of the Jaguar E-type and a Veteran Car Run display, gathering the pre-1905 motoring pioneers that each year make their pilgrimage from London to Brighton.

Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance remains an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewelry and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed to support the event for a further three years, will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces. New long-term partners joining the event in 2021 include The Peninsula London Hotel and Residences, Gooding & Co and McLaren.

Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now ranging from standard entry tickets to full three-course hospitality packages from £288. Tickets can be bought from Concourse of Elegance.

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About the annual Concours of Elegance

Established in 2012, the inaugural Concours of Elegance was held within Windsor Castle to mark the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. Organized by Thorough Events, the first Concours of Elegance set a new global benchmark for a classic car concours; winning prestigious awards in the process; unheard of for a ‘start-up’ event in its first year. The second Concours of Elegance was held in 2013 to equal fanfare at the historic Royal Palace of St James in London, with the widely acclaimed third Concours set in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace in September 2014, before heading to the Palace of Holyrioodhouse in 2015. Only cars of the highest calibre are invited to the Concours of Elegance, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours Steering Committee; a respected team of authoritative historic car experts. A key objective of the annual Concours of Elegance is to raise significant sums for charity.

Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that also looks after the Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information, visit Historic Royal Palaces.

Concours of Elegance Gains New Partner

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The Concours of Elegance has underlined its reputation as a gathering of the world’s rarest cars and finest global brands with an all-new long-term relationship with the world’s leading automotive auction house, Gooding & Company.

Gooding & Company returns to the Concours of Elegance for the start of the new sponsorship in 2021, having hosted a record-breaking auction at the event last year. In 2020, the ‘Passion of a Lifetime’ auction presented for viewing a selection of automotive masterpieces from a revered private collection. These vehicles represented a meticulous commitment to bringing together the most coveted and valuable examples of European sports and racing automobiles of the 20th century.

David Gooding, President and Founder, Gooding & Company, said: “We are elated to announce our new, multi-year sponsorship of the Concours of Elegance and broaden our reach as an international auction house. We are proud to partner with James Brooks-Ward and his team, and following last year’s highly successful inaugural auction at the Hampton Court Palace, we are confident in the long-term trajectory of this joint endeavor.”

James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “From our venue to our cars to our partners, we hand-pick each and every aspect of the Concours of Elegance. Gooding & Company share the same dedication to the rarest cars in the world as us. David Gooding has been a great supporter and we’re delighted to align our two businesses even more closely, further building the stature of the Concours of Elegance among the world of elite global automotive events.”

As ever, the Concours of Elegance is focused on gathering a collection of cars so spectacularly rare that visitors won’t be able to see them anywhere else in the world. In fact, some of the cars will never have been seen in the UK before, marking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many visitors. In total, around 1,000 cars will be on display in a number of special features, including a Gulf vs. Martini celebration, a display of unique or bespoke modern rarities in the Future Classics class and a line-up of the finest coachbuilt Rolls-Royces. New for 2021 is a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiasts.

Away from the automotive displays is a collection of more of the Concours of Elegance’s world-leading luxury partners, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed their support for a long term partnership and will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.

Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now, with full three-course hospitality packages from £288. Tickets can be bought HERE.

About the Annual Concours of Elegance

Established in 2012, the inaugural Concours of Elegance was held within Windsor Castle to mark the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. Organised by Thorough Events, the first Concours of Elegance set a new global benchmark for a classic car concours; winning prestigious awards in the process; unheard of for a ‘start-up’ event in its first year. The second Concours of Elegance was held in 2013 to equal fanfare at the historic Royal Palace of St James in London, with the widely acclaimed third Concours set in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace in September 2014, before heading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015. Only cars of the highest calibre are invited to the Concours of Elegance, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours Steering Committee; a respected team of authoritative historic car experts. A key objective of the annual Concours of Elegance is to raise significant sums for charity.

The Outlierman × 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Tie

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The Outlierman, makers of handcrafted luxury driving accessories, is excited to announce that they are accepting pre-orders of the exclusive limited edition 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® tie, before its unveiling next month.

Limited to 50 pieces, The Outlierman has exclusively designed, in partnership with Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, a tie which celebrates one of the world’s most iconic GTs – the 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica by Pininfarina. Produced by one of the greatest coachbuilders to ever exist, the 410 Superamerica will become the main focal point of the tie design, in line with the event’s wider celebration on the creations of Carrozzeria Pininfarina.

On August 15, while the extraordinary GT that is the showpiece of this silk tie will make its runway of honor at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, current and prospective clients will be able to discover the new design that synthesizes all its glory.

A classic concours collaboration

Established in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® is considered to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile and takes place each year on the 18^th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, with the Pacific Ocean serving as stunning backdrop to the event.

Since 2016, The Outlierman has proudly partnered with Concours d’Elegance® to produce bespoke handcrafted ties, which celebrate the theme of each occasion. Previous designs include the Bentley 8 Litre silk tie (2019), the OSCA “the giant killer” silk tie (2018), a silk tie inspired by the masterpieces of the Italian car manufacturer Isotta Fraschini (2017) and a silk tie celebrating French car manufacturer, Delahaye (2016).

Made exclusively for the prestigious annual classic car event, each collector presenting their vehicle at Concours d’Elegance® – alongside the judges adjudicating them – will receive one of the tailored ties, complimentary of The Outlierman.

Lovingly handcrafted by elite artisans from Como, Italy, each tie is made from 100% twill silk fabric (18 momi) and features a 100% wool interlining. The quality of the silk highlights bold colors and an elegant design; the key to any tie tailored for an established event such as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®.

Andrea Mazzuca, Founder of The Outlierman, said: “After what feels like an eternity since the last Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, my team and I are incredibly excited to share with you our final design for 2021, when it’s unveiled next month.

“We have had the great honor to partner with this fantastic event since 2016, creating a bespoke design based on the theme each year. I can’t wait to share with everyone our upcoming design for the 70^th anniversary – I promise it won’t be one to miss out on!”

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® will take place on Sunday, August 15, 2021, and will celebrate its 70 anniversary.

100% handmade in Italy

The Outlierman company was formed with a mission to handcraft a range of accessories inspired by the breath-taking beauty, supreme quality, and timeless appeal of the world’s most iconic cars.

Pre-orders of the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® tie can be made here.

The latest Outlierman products can be found here.