9 minute read
1000 MILE UAE / JD Classics
from B500 Notable
by b500magazine
J D CLASSICS
The relaunch of an iconic brand
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Much has been written about JD Classics over the last few years, but with the new owners of Woodham Mortimer has come the decision to relaunch this most iconic of car brands.
JD Classics represents 35 years of outstanding levels of craftsmanship in automotive heritage restoration and classic support and racing. Back in June at The 2022 Mille Miglia we witnessed the relaunch of one of the most iconic brands in the classic and performance car industry. JD Classics was formed in 1987 and based in Maldon, Essex in the United Kingdom. Over time the company became known for classic car restorations of the very highest calibre, ranking as one of the best in the world. JD Classics cars were regularly entered by both their owners and by the company in classic car Concours d’Elegance competitions from Pebble Beach in California and Amelia Island in Florida to Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, England and the Villa d’Este in Italy.
Each time JD Classics prepared cars they would win trophies, adding to their provenance value. JD Classics also race-prepared and raced classic cars for their owners in their Competition Department, as well as entering the company’s own cars in races such as the RAC Tourist Trophy race at Goodwood Revival and at the Le Mans Classic. Again, JD Classics would demonstrate their exceptional quality by winning trophies and podium places cementing the JD Classics brand as the leading classic car restoration and racing team worldwide.
Due to difficulties off track, the company faced administrators in 2018 resulting in Woodham Mortimer being created and today, under new management, Woodham Mortimer has relaunched the best of British, the iconic global classic car brand that is JD Classics. Determined to open a
new chapter in the story of JD Classics, Woodham Mortimer has committed to building on the great heritage, and revive the brand, having kept alive the operations and skilled staff.
“When we bought Woodham Mortimer, we found trophy cabinets full of awards given to the restoration and Competition Departments of JD Classics over many years,” said Nico Consari from ZCC Investments, owners of Woodham Mortimer.“Classic car enthusiasts the world over are aware of the history of JD classics and its amazingly rich pedigree over many decades. We are totally committed to building on this heritage and that is why we have strengthened and diversified our Board to ensure we have the kind of leadership and strategic vision that will be instrumental in building on these great foundations and successes. As classic car restorers and classic racing specialists, JD Classics was and will be again, the best in the world.”
“As custodians of such an emblematic company, we felt there was no better time than at the iconic 2022 Mille Miglia, to relaunch a brand which has for decades represented British excellence across the globe,” Consari continues. “Our ambition for JD Classics is nothing less than becoming the pre-eminent company for service delivery and customer care in the global classic car industry.”
JD Classics is now a division of Woodham Mortimer specialising in classic restoration, sales, events, racing and race support. All the quality standards and expertise of the original business have been maintained by Woodham Mortimer and customers will receive the very highest levels of perfection synonymous with the JD Classics name. The ‘new’ brand will have multiple facets within the automotive industry from classics restorations, servicing, engineering, classic car sales and racing competition, which is why the re-launch took place at the Mille Miglia.
Now JD Classics has been appointed as ‘exclusive technical & engineering partner’ for the inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience UAE.
JD Classics is proud to extend its partnership with the most storied event in classic motorsport, as it recently confirmed it has been appointed the ‘Exclusive Technical and Engineering Partner’ for the first 1000 Miglia Experience UAE by Octanium Experiences LLC, the exclusive rights holder for 1000 Miglia events in the region.
This extraordinary gathering of the world’s finest classic automobiles will coincide with the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the United Arab Emirates, which was formally formed on December 2nd, 1971. The staging of the first 1000 Miglia Experience UAE represents yet another proud achievement for this young nation, which has accomplished global fame as a centre for both business excellence and exotic luxury travel.
Packages for the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE are limited to just 100 participants from all over the world, with most entry packages sold in advance. In addition to being the exclusive Technical and Engineering Partner, JD Classics has also been allocated a limited number of the exclusive 100 entry packages for its special VIP clients.
This first staging of the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE introduces the most famous historic race in the world to a region renowned for its deep love of high-octane machinery and beautiful automobiles. With the near-century of experience of 1000 Miglia, the expertise of Octanium in classic events, and the world-famous reputation of the United Arab Emirates for hospitality, quality, and natural splendour, this event is expected to be a tremendous success. On the confirmation of JD Classics as a Partner, the Chairman of Woodham Mortimer (parent of JD Classics) and the UK’s First Muslim Government Minister, Shahid Malik said:“We are thrilled to have been appointed as the exclusive ‘Technical & Engineering Partner’ of this inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience UAE.”
“It is an honour to bring our brand, JD Classics, which represents UK excellence globally, to the UAE, and to be working alongside Octanium Experiences. We have for many years partnered with 1000 Miglia in Italy, and are proud to continue our relationship with Octanium, whose pioneering efforts have resulted in this historic event.”
“The UAE is the global leader in attracting tourists by building amazing infrastructure and providing perfect experiences, and
I have no doubt that was one of the key reasons the Italians broke with 95 years of tradition. We look forward to continuing our long-term involvement with 1000 Miglia, as it expands its footprint across the globe.”
Octanium Founder and CEO Martin Halder commented on the appointment of JD Classics: “We are extremely proud to announce the appointment of JD Classics as our Exclusive Technical and Engineering Partner for the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE”.
“This world-class leader in automotive restoration brings close to four decades of experience from its home base in the UK and will be joining our event with both technical teams and participants from its own exclusive customer lists”. “With JD Classics on board, we are confident that our esteemed participants will have available to them the finest level of technical support and expertise in the region for classic automobiles for this inaugural 1000 Miglia Experience UAE this December.”
UAE - DUBAI DECEMBER 2022
ITALY JUNE 2023
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PHONE: + +44 (0)1621 879579 WWW.JDCLASSICS.COM
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Photography by Tim Scott
URBAN OUTLAW
Magnus Walker X Petersen Museum
The launch issue of b500 back in March 2020 was all about Magnus Walker. After two years and 12 issues it remains our most viewed issue.
We’ve kept in contact since then and every now and again we fire an Email or two back and forth between us. It was one such Email that hit my desk from Magnus, which announced he is set to become the first private Porsche builder and collector with a solo show at the Petersen Museum.
For the first time ever, 10 of Magnus Walker’s outlaw art cars will be on public display at the world famous Petersen Museum in Los Angeles.
Saturday, October 15th, celebrates 10 years since the debut of Tamir Moscovici’s award-winning 32-minute short documentary film, Urban Outlaw.
Chronicling Magnus Walker’s journey from the mean streets of Sheffield, England, to the glitzy streets of Los Angeles, Urban Outlaw shows how Walker went from rock n roll trend-setting fashion designer to real estate magnate to notorious car builder, driver and filmmaker. The film set a precedent for raw, guerrilla-style automotive filmmaking, with nighttime driving and bridge shots that have since become de rigueur for many car films since.
To celebrate Urban Outlaw’s 10th anniversary, Walker will showcase 10 of his custom-built art outlaw Porsche cars at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. The exhibition will include front-, mid- and rear-engined, air- and water-cooled examples of Walker’s favourite Porsches from his own collection. Some of the vehicles planned for display are Walker’s 924 Carrera GT, the “barnfind” Porsche 914, and his 993 art car. He will also show the highly tuned, oneof-one Porsche 964 street racer, multiple 1960s short-wheelbase sport-purpose 911s, and the famous red, white, and blue Porsche 277 that inspired its own line of Hot Wheels models, Nike SB Dunk shoes, and a character in the Need for Speed video game, among countless other works of art.
The Magnus Walker x Petersen Museum exhibit will run from October 15th 2022, to January 31st 2023. To coincide with the show opening, Walker will host one of his famous outlaw gatherings on October 15th at the Petersen Museum. The event will be free and open to the public; all cars are welcome.
Logo courtesy of Magnus Walker. Photo: Del Gregory for B500 launch issue front cover.
ART
Chloë Holt
Chloë Holt Aqua Hydria oil and gesso on panel 60 x 40cm
‘Chloë Holt: Semper Hortus’ 1 - 31 October at David Simon Contemporary 37 High Street Castle Cary Somerset BA7 7AW
www.davidsimoncontemporary.com
