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b500 magazine
CONTRIBUTORS MAGNUS WALKER Page 10
ANDY STACEY Page 22
b500 magazine
Cover image shows: Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR full article on page 13. b500 would like to thank @dkengineering and @redshift75
GET IN TOUCH AMY SHORE Page 36
Contact: editor@b500magazine.com Tel: + 44 (0) 7704 503315 www.b500.co.uk @b500magazine
ETIENNE SALOMÉ Page 50
b500 magazine Editor & Publisher: Del Gregory Artwork Production by Graphic Bubble The right of Del Gregory to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the copyright, designs and patents act 1988.
BART KUYKENS Page 58
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The articles as published do not necessarily represent the views of the author or publisher. Copyright: Del Gregory 2021
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b500 magazine
EDITOR Del Gregory
I
t’s exactly a year to the day that I uploaded issue 1 of b500. A lot has happened since then (as we all know), but somehow and maybe against the odds, I managed to get six issues out during 2020 and will now be producing b500 as a quarterly for 2021, alongside a daily magazine style on Instagram. Issue 1 started a year ago with my trip to LA to photograph Magnus Walker for the front cover, closely followed by a global lockdown just after my return to London. I was busy enough though getting the launch issue ready to go. But now here we are a year later with a fresh new cover design, some awesome contributors, (including Magnus), some great new content and some great supporting advertisers. I’m delighted to bring you the Spring issue of 2021, and with a real life Unicorn on the front cover! I spoke with the new owner about his most recent acquisition and as if this particular car is not enough, we also then got talking about the other cars in his garage, which include his Verde Abetone Ferrari F40 acquired from Eugenio Amos, (from whom he has also recently commissioned his ‘Azzuro Stratos’ Futurista), plus his Carrera GT, his Singer and so on… When it comes to photography, there’s myriad of really great people to work with around the world and analog has
been making a slow and steady return to some photographers with some pretty amazing new results. I started my own career using film, and admire photographers who are returning to this great art form. Recently, one great analog photographer caught my eye on Instagram. Johannes Huwe uses very old Leica cameras and lenses and has a real understanding of them and therefore gets superb results as you will see on his pages in this issue. Another really great and naturally talented photographer with a style all her own is Amy Shore and who is now a regular contributor to b500. Amy has recently spent a week with a very special Jaguar E-Type, which has of course recently celebrated it’s 60th birthday, and you can find Amy’s gorgeous photos and story in this issue. I recently got back out there myself with my camera (after what has seemed like forever), for the Aston Martin DB6 shoot in this issue. A visit to the village of Castle Combe with a very beautiful recently restored DB6 was just what I needed and I was soon back in the zone and smiling. I’ve got so much in this issue to show you, so settle back, grab a drink and enjoy the Spring issue of b500. Great to be with you again. Del
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b500 magazine
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CONTENTS
20 24 44
10 13 20 22 24 28 33 36 44 48 50 56 58 61 68
MAGNUS WALKER / Man with a beard FRONT COVER / Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR DESIGN / Dropped Alfa ANDY STACEY / Arkonik OWNER / Lara, ‘That Porsche Girl’ EDITORS’ CHOICE / Johannes Huwe AUCTION NEWS / Silverstone Auctions AMY SHORE / Photographer DESIGN / Auto Fabrica FOR SALE / Classic Motor Hub ETIENNE SALOMÉ / Designer & Artist WANT VERSUS NEED BART KUYKENS / Photographer OWNER / Aston Martin DB6 A LOOK BACK / Magnus Walker
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b500 magazine
MAGNUS WALKER The spirit of AMG -The Silber - Sau
Man with a Beard Builder, Collector, Driver Born in Sheffield -1967 Wrote a letter to Porsche as a 10 year old wanting to be a car Designer Lives in Los Angeles since 1987 Car Enthusiast
M
y relationship with the silver pig began at Pebble Beach back in August of 2019.
The car was on display at the MercedesBenz stand on the lawn of the famous Golf course, where every year car people, celebrity & tourists gather to kick tires, sip champagne, dress up and share stories. For many this is the highlight of the year. I leave my golf clubs at home and occasionally attend these festivities, as there are always some great opportunities to drive some special cars, and the highlight of 2019 was to get behind the wheel of a working class hero; The factory recreation-tribute to the famous ‘Red Pig ‘. The 300 SEL 6.8L AMG, that surprised many by winning its class at SPA -50 years ago back in 1971, before disappearing never to be seen again. The Silber Sau was built for the 2017 50th anniversary of AMG By Mercedes-Benz with a few modern updates, Including suspension,6 speed transmission, a carbureted 6.8L 420 HP V8 Along with 18” wheels and modern sticky rubber.
The short 15 min drive around the narrow crowded streets of Pebble Beach barely getting out of 2nd gear only whetted my appetite for more seat time in the SAU. Thankfully the kind folks at MB reassured me this would be possible at some point. The wait took over a year, but in late November of 2020 I finally got back behind the wheel of the silver dream machine, this time on my favourite empty and uncrowded road - Angeles Crest highway, more commonly know as HWY 2. This time I had a film crew and a MB support team… With bare floors, no carpet or sound insulation, the 300 SEL is loud! It rumbles, spits and makes you feel like you’re in a tumbler with a chain saw. It’s intoxicating, surprisingly nimble and fun to drive. The clutch is easy to modulate, the shifter a joy to move thru the gears and the suspension and tire set up inspires confidence to push harder through the turns. The engine revs quickly and makes power easily in a way that makes you want to keep on driving. Now if I could only talk the folks at Mercedes-Benz into letting me drive this on the Mille Miglia ;)
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FRONT COVER Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe
I
first became aware of the latest custodian of our cover image Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, through his ownership of the ‘Verde Abetone’ Ferrari F40 which if you are an Instagram user you may well have seen already. Known as @redshift75, Gioel has recently taken his innovative digital health company public through the NYSE and during our recent Zoom call explained the CLK GTR was purchased as a celebration of his recent business efforts. I’m delighted to say that b500 has got the first dibs with a photo story on Gioel’s latest acquisition - just literally as it’s being delivered from DK Engineering in the UK, where it’s been going under
some interior work, to its new home in the US, and before its first outing, which will be at Amelia Island.
Singer, another stunning analog car to stir the soul and his finished in ‘Seaglass’ / Downton Blue.
Gioel already has a stable of mostly analog cars which show great consideration and quality of choice, with cars such as his stunning 1990 Verde Abetone F40 which he acquired from Eugenio Amos, (who interestingly also owns a CLK GTR), and is also the founder of the Futurista (Integrale) limited edition series, and perhaps not a surprise that Gioel also has one of these on order for an imminent completion. His in a rather stunning Azzuro Stratos (think sky blue).
There’s also a Carrera GT in the garage as well as one or two other cars to choose from whenever Gioel fancies a blast down the highway.
Aside from Gioel’s F40 and Future Futurista, he also owns the ‘Connecticut’
Gioel’s latest, and some may say greatest acquisition is the subject of our Spring cover story. This example has covered just 6,400 kilometres from new and is presented in the very rare combination of Iridium Silver metallic with Stirling Moss ‘300SLR’ grey-blue heritage plaid. Just three cars left the factory with this interior optioned in homage to that of Sir Stirling’s 300 SLR which took 1st OA at the 1955
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Mille Miglia averaging a staggering 97.96mph average over 1,660kms. This example was supplied to its first private owner, registered in Switzerland. It is understood that Mercedes had two ‘press’ cars, #001 that was born an outand-out race car and was converted to a road car for homologation purposes as well as used in initial press images wearing registration ‘LB:RA100’ in images. After homologation it was converted back to a race car; the interior remained a race car throughout. #003 was the second press car and was used in several articles and reviews at the time of the launch of the car. Tiff Needell tested the car for Top Gear magazine as well as filming a short video review of the car. The car would remain in Switzerland seeing occasional use until its sale in 2016 from leading marque specialists, Kienle Automotive of Germany. SPS was involved in the sale to the current owner and in 2017, the car was returned to them. At this time, the car received a comprehensive and meticulous service with every item being checked and documented. The major service also included the replacement of the fuel bladder and a new fire extinguisher was installed. Having chatted to Gioel for a good hour about cars and watches and business, I thought it would be an idea to set up a few questions. Del: First up. Thanks for taking some time out to be involved with b500’s Spring Issue and many congratulations on your recent business success, and of course your ‘Unicorn’ acquisition! I’m interested in how you met Eugenio Amos? Gioel: I met Eugenio through his Lancia Delta Futurista project and that began the following. Our tastes are similar and I’m a big believer in working and learning from world class people when you are lucky enough to meet them.
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I’m an amateur car guy while Eugenio is a professional and has dedicated himself to his passion and over the years built a real brand and product, with more to come. Del: How did you end up with Eugenio’s F40. What’s the story. Gioel: A few months after meeting in the UK for the Futurista launch he was thinking about adding a Special car. One of our mutual Italian car friends told me his F40 might be for sale so I immediately texted Eugenio and told him I would take it off his hands with a right of first refusal for when he inevitably will want it back. The rest is history. Del: What made you go for an F40, or was it because you wanted Eugenio’s Verde Abetone version? Gioel: I like to maintain a Car Roadmap which is my way of organizing the different types of cars I’m interested and plan / dream. The roadmap has different swimlanes and timelines like “Italian Legends”, “Porsche”, “Racecars” and a few others. So I lay out the next few years of car goals in each lane and update as necessary. The F40 has been on my roadmap for several years as a peak analog driving machine, which is the underlying theme for every car. For various reasons the right car and the right price and time never came together. The verde F40 happened to be the right car at the right time from the right person. Del: Tell us about the Carrera GT. I understand it had an interesting previous owner... Gioel: The CGT is one of my absolute favorite driving machines. This is my second Carrera GT, my first was basalt black and I bought it in 2009 at a low point for CGTs. I sold it in 2016 as I was working on my latest company. I figured I could
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eventually get another CGT given their production numbers. I later found out the car’s first owner was Elon Musk which I had not been aware of. I got my second CGT on my birthday in August 2020 and although it was not owned by Elon Musk it is in even better condition than my first, so it all worked out. Del: How did you make the decision on the Singer. Tell us about that. Gioel: My first exposure to Singer was through their green car on YouTube via Adam Crolla in 2010. They were building their second car at the time and I talked to Rob about his vision and early cars. My first sports car love has always been Porsche and the combination of old and new that
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perfect in my eyes. Plus I can enjoy it with my kids in the back. Del: The CLK GTR is one hell of a car. Has this been a car on your ‘roadmap’ for all time or a more recent consideration. Tell us the story.
Rob had created was entirely new to me and seemed exactly on target with what I wanted in the ultimate sports car. Analog, lightweight, beautifully crafted in every detail and engaging in every sense of the word. I was able to commission my car, which is Singer Connecticut #20 in 2013 and took delivery in 2015. Del: Is there a current favourite in your collection? The one that you would default
to on a Sunday morning to get out and drive on your own for a couple of hours… or maybe that car hasn’t arrived yet? Gioel: The Singer is my favorite. It is the perfect one car solution and delivers all the thrills and feel you need in a street car. The right amount of power to weight so that you can enjoy the full capabilities of the engine and its glorious sound and power band without losing your license. It will never feel slow or outdated and it is aesthetically just
Gioel: The CLK GTR was not on my roadmap as it is so rare and “out there” but came about through fortunate timing. I had my eyes on a different car from the Italian lane but it was sold just before the Christmas holiday last year. Just a few days later DKs catalog came in the mail and there was a spread on the GT1 era showing their McLaren F1, Porsche GT1 and the CLK GTR. The Mercedes had a very unusual tartan interior that I had not seen before and I set about learning more. After a few days of intensive research I was in love and convinced this timeless machine would be the ultimate addition... and even a “value” play compared to the values of the F1! Del: Do you have any plans for this car in the months ahead? I know we discussed Amelia Island. How did that come about? Gioel: We will show the car at Amelia Island Concours in May. It was a last minute entry facilitated by my friend and ultimate car guy Jas Singh. He made the connection with the organizers and lucky enough this year is the first time there will be an 80s and 90s super car section on the field. Excited to show the car and break the pandemic induced drought of events with passionate friends. Del: Gioel it’s been a pleasure, and thanks so much for spending some time and sharing your car passion with b500. Credits: My thanks to James @DK Engineering for use of some words and CLK GTR images. All other images courtesy of @redshift75 Words: DK Engineering, Del Gregory @ b500magazine and Gioel @redshift75
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DESIGN Dropped Alfa
W
e all know the story of the Dropped Alfa don’t we. Don’t we? Well if you have missed the story, here’s a quick replay. I recently caught up with Iliya Bridan who is one half of this project, along with his twin brother Nikita. Born in the Ukraine the brothers first moved with their parents to the East Coast of Canada before eventually after college ending up in LA where
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amongst other things began the Dropped Alfa design project. Both Iliya and Nikita knew from an early age they wanted to be car designers and worked towards their goal and dream destination and now several years later both are working on really innovative projects through their company, ’Oil Stain Lab’. The idea and name Dropped Alfa might not be what you first think, that maybe it was lowered to provide the name. No this was far more complicated and a much better story.
The car itself was in pretty good shape until one day it was literally dropped off the back of a tow truck and totalled. During the insurance claim process the brothers came up with a few ideas for their little Alfa. One was to produce a low crazy race car and the other was to produce a lifted safari Alfa. After a few sketches and taking it to CAD, they decided safari was the way to go. “It just seemed to match the damage on the car, with a kind of battle scar vibe”, Remembers Iliya. The car itself is a 1974 105 GTV 2000 and has been completely reworked with
numerous upgrades, a complete engine rebuild and race springs and shocks to provide what is now the famous safari Dropped Alfa. The Dropped Alfa is still an internet sensation and continues to be used, but now the brothers are onto other things and enter stage left - OilStainLab. Founded in 2019 and led by Iliya and Nikita, OilStainLab is an automotive design studio. Providing services for both brand and individuals with their focus on innovation and bold solutions. A reflection of the brothers professional insights and a no nonsense approach to their product design. These guys offer a full one-stop-shop from concept, research, design and completion. These guys are passionate about what they do and as they put it; “We are described as visionaries, disrupters, dreamers, artists and makers. In the end we are just people with passion. We are Canadian, we love hockey and we put maple syrup on everything, and yes we are also twins. We love humour, goofy ideas and laughter. We are opinionated. We are also design nerds, happy to discuss any subject from architecture to future technologies, and maybe why those wheels just look wrong! For us it started in the Canadian wilderness as kids scribbling cars in our notebooks, this then grew into an obsession with design, a constant chase for perfection, a journey of learning which has taken us across the world. We studied hard in Italy and California, gained new skills and knowledge while working globally and while absorbing automotive culture. We never lost our hunger to stay curious, constantly expanding to our abilities. We never settle and this has been our receipt for success. Our designs have won championships, inspire brand identities, changed the future and have sold in the millions. What is next? We humbly say our next project will be even better. Let us prove it”.
Their latest project is the Half11. “The Half11 started as our vision for a dream project. It serves as a way for us to showcase our creation and branding skills, flash a spotlight on people who work with us and to build a community of like minded enthusiasts. The car is also a real world test of our unique process and approach. Amazingly the response to the car and our services has been extraordinary and it motivates us to build the raddest 911 on the planet. It has also moved the goal posts for what we want to achieve”. “We have been quietly approached by a few people who would like to purchase
one and we have looked into what we would need to make a production run happen. Each car will be unique, with a full race “history”, bespoke bodywork to reflect where it raced and other unique touches. A limited run of 25 will be built to reflect how many were needed to be built for homologation back in 1968”. They are currently developing the first prototype, at the same time they are also in discussions with potential clients on what specs they would like to see developed. If you would like to be part of this early development, get in contact on Instagram with Iliya or Nikita @oilstainlab and of course don’t forget to check out @dropped_alfa
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b500 magazine
ANDY STACEY Creative Brand Manager
Arkonik Brand creator and guardian. Andy joined the Defender specialists five years ago after 20 years agency experience, whereby he gained an enviable portfolio working with brands such as Sony, National Trust and Honda. A petrolhead at heart, Andy loves all genres of automobiles from spectating at grass roots motorsport level to marvelling over automotive exotica on the hallowed turf of Pebble Beach.
021 has started in much the same way as 2020 began…super busy! Our focus back then in the run-up to lockdown one was centered around our relaunch back into the UK market. Using our signature LS-engined build ‘UJO’ we were honoured to attend the Autosport show at the NEC as guests of TAROX® brakes. The rarity of UJO, in amongst a sea of supercars and motorsport thoroughbreds guaranteed we made the headlines and the stand drew admirers from both those in the know and the curious. An extensive programme of events was planned for the remainder of the year, including the Festival of Speed but as we all know now the shape of 2020 took a very different direction to the one we had planned for. However, in amongst lockdowns we did manage to take UJO out on track and at the hands of Abbie Eaton, UJO was given a proper shakedown and was the perfect opportunity for some intensive R&D which was fed into our SVO builds. Fast forward to April 2021 and the order book is full, enquiry is strong and production is in full swing. Both at our HQ in Somerset and our Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division in Charleston, South Carolina. With more and more clients wanting the classic look of Defender mated to a
modern, powerful engine and drivetrain, our Charleston branch is full to capacity converting our heritage Defenders into raucous street ‘sleepers’. With International travel on hold, our N.American hub has also become an essential gateway for our clients to receive their personal handovers. Some, have even chosen to combine the flight with a road trip; electing to drive their newly acquired icon home. With the imminent launch of our merchandise range, we’re very busy creating the marketing material which will offer Arkonik ownership to a completely different audience and an exciting way to increase our brand awareness globally. Behind the scenes we continue to work very closely with Del at b500 and Etienne Salomé to finalise the specification of the B500X Arkonik Etienne special Defender 90 project. Watch these pages as the build progresses and be sure to check our social media channels for regular updates on this very limited edition Defender. With Winter firmly behind us and a brighter year on the horizon, we’re celebrating the advent of spring and embracing 2021 by giving a huge $20k off some seasonal themed builds in our latest promotion, full details can be found on our website.
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OWNER Lara / ‘That Porsche Girl’
I
first noticed Lara through her popular (38k) Instagram page and then again through b500’s friend and regular contributor, Bart Kuykens, who shot Lara in LA for his book series ‘Aflat6loveaffair’. I messaged Lara and we jumped on a phone call and laughed our way through an hour talking about everything from
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@kariblackphotography
LA, Europe trips, accents and of course Porsche. Lara has a great line-up of her own, with a daily-drive 2015 Macan S and a 1982 930 turbo, but it was her 1969 911T I wanted to feature with images. Lara’s ‘Lee Green’ 911T is in fact a custom colour created by herself and her boyfriend Lee. “The colour is our creation”, she confirms. It definitely
fits its landscape exceptionally well and is easily noticed around Newport Beach in California. Lara is a trained precision driver and member of SAG/AFTRA and has doubled for actresses such as Julia Roberts, Mary Louise Parker, Jennifer Connelly, Amanda Pays and Jennifer Coolidge, to name a few.
@kariblackphotography
Lara has been interviewed by Porsche in the multi-page article titled “Lara’s World”, for Porsche Christophorus, issue number 396, has been interviewed by Automobile Magazine, was on the podcasts Overcrest and Cars Yeah! and Femcanic Garage as well as Late Night Playset with J and Nicole multiple times. Aside from Lara’s 1969 911T there’s also a Macan S in the garage for family road trips and also her 1982 930 3.3 Turbo. A great garage combination for sure with the Macan S loaded up for the weekends away, the 930 for exciting power blasts along the coast and the 911T for cruising and taking in the surrounding scenery and highway car spotting of other Porsches.
@linhbergh
Lara is justifiably proud of the 911T which nowadays is sporting her radiant “Lee Green” paint job. Lara explains:“The car was discovered on the East Coast and was in a sad condition when it eventually arrived into sunny California. Lee spent a lot of time in restoring the car, finding more repairs than I’d originally hoped”, but undeterred they continued to complete what is now a seriously beautiful 911T with a unique colour which is just perfect for its new life in sunny California. You can find Lara on Instagram @thatporschegirl
@linhbergh
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O’KANE LAVERS CARS FOR SALE
1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider
2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia
Matching numbers, fully restored, accompanied with Alfa Romeo Heritage certificate and supplied new to the USA.
A UK supplied RHD example, 4,766 miles from new, full Ferrari service history, presented in like new condition, a perfect example for any Ferrari collection.
£115,000
£237,500
1962 Jaguar E-Type II 2+2 FHC
1995 Porsche 993 Carrera RS
USA supplied, professionally converted to right-hand drive, freshly serviced and MOT’d, offered from a private British classic car collection.
C16 UK specification, full service history with 17 stamps, original owners leather pack, an exceptionally well documented and cared for example.
£42,500
£299,500
1957 Jaguar XK150 SE
1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III 2+2 V12 FHC
Matching numbers accompanied with its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, restored in the 90s by a marque specialist, current ownership since 1984 and fitted with rare factory XK140 details.
Original Coventry number plate, fitted with the TT super sport exhaust system, a full book of history and invoices, on the button.
£64,500
£49,500
Email: info@okanelavers.com
www.okanelavers.com RECENTLY SOLD
1964 Porsche 356C
2009 Lamborghini LP670-4 Super Veloce
Restored in 2010 by Maxted Page & Vintage Cars Boutique, matching numbers and original colour combination, offered with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and supplied new to California, USA.
1 of 186 produced, right-hand drive and low mileage, exceptional condition, UK registered with taxes paid.
1976 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
2017 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante
One of only 387 ever built, 1 of only 58 RHD cars, the last 365 Boxer, Ferrari Classiche certified, presented in its original colour combination of Nero over Nero.
No. 6 from a total of 8 created, presented in a one-off colour; Blu Largo, the only Disco Volante with bespoke woodwork - a “Road Yacht.” Offered from a private connoisseur’s collection.
1984 Lancia Delta HF Turbo
2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta
Oldest road-going example, ex UK press car, famous Martini livery, restored in the 90s and certificated by Lancia Classiche.
1 of only 499 produced, 1 of 49 right-hand drive, UK supplied, finished in Azzurro California and exceptionally well optioned.
Telephone: +44 (0) 7725 464009
EDITORS’ CHOICE Johannes Huwe - Analog Photographer
I
first found the analog work of Johannes Huwe through Instagram, which then inspired me to click through to his website and find out more about him and his photography. Turns out there’s a lot to discover and one particular road trip Johannes made in his 1975 Gemini Blue Porsche 911 was to the Mojave Desert.
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The images on this trip were perfectly captured in glorious analog with muted colours and to my mind all the better for being film rather than digital. The area and landscape are almost untouched with the transfer of time, and somehow the pastel shade and light Johannes captures with his Leica and Mamiya cameras show an aesthetic from another time. Add in his 75’ Porsche to images and you could be
looking at images taken from that era or the 60’s Each project Johannes undertakes, whether it’s with his Porsche across America or covering old time races in New Jersey, his work reflects his own passion for a golden past alongside all things vintage and so his work will take you on a wonderful analog journey through time.
In his coffee-table book “The Race of Gentleman” he takes you to Wildwood Beach, New Jersey, where an extraordinary motorsport race takes place every year in the tradition of the “East Coast Hod Rodder.” At this wild event, Johannes captures old automobiles, bizarre drivers, and race girls in a series of fantastic pictures. Johannes loves anything or any object that has outlasted the test of time and therefore has a history. This for Johannes is not a trend but a lifestyle. Therefore this Hanover native lives in an Art Nouveau villa from 1903, and of course drives an UrPorsche from 1954, and photographs with a 60-year-old Leica. With his vintage wardrobe choices, he embodies the symbol of a freedomloving individualist. Johannes lives by the term ‘vintage’ because to him, “a lot of things from the past are more emotional and higherquality than modern products”. He is enthusiastic about analog, mechanical cameras without batteries that, after more than six decades, work more reliably than any modern digital camera and have proven themselves on his travels through extreme situations such as Antarctica.
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At 16, he bought his first analog SLR camera; but his true love of photography developed later on his various photography trips, which in turn awakened the adventurer in him. The digital revolution also left its mark on the trained computer scientist, who is CEO of a successful digital communications agency. However, after various excursions and adventures with digital cameras he realised that the images appeared to be cool and lifeless. “For me, analog film still has an unattainable artistic expression in a photo. It awakens feelings and emotions that digital images cannot”. With analog photography, he confidently occupies a niche that has only recently become more popular again and promises the slow return of analog film. Huwe gives several reasons for this: “First of all, it is a deeply genuine and – without Photoshop – unaltered photograph. On the other hand, in contrast to digital photography, it is a demanding craft. It demands much more expertise from the photographer.” Johannes is a huge supporter of analog photography because, “only through it
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can an intense and direct engagement with one’s current setting take place”. This is a skill that many younger photographers who have perhaps only ever been exposed to digital cameras and Photoshop will find a very different expression of photography as an art form. Many have tried and either failed or just given up. Analog is not for everyone, and is a dedicated art form, which once mastered has a tendency to ‘take you over’. For Johannes this includes picture preparation, lighting, and, “As I am limited to 36 shots along with the lack of control of a screen, I have completely distraction-free access to the object. This creates closeness and a very special relationship.” With his unique combination of camera, lens, and film Johannes has very much developed his own style, all of which carry his DNA. Every press of the shutter through to the resulting picture is celebrated by Johannes and allows him to work much more within the scope of an artist than if perhaps working in digital format, where so much can be altered in camera even before any kind of ‘final’ picture. This of course slows you down as a photographer, but for Johannes it comes almost as an escape from his daily life as CEO of his digital agency. Working as he does with lenses from the 1930’s and 1940’s his images stir hidden memories from photo albums of times-gone-past. All a part of his planning and own vintage style which means Johannes Huwe very much stands out from an often over saturated photographic marketplace. You can find Johannes Huwe on Instagram @johanneshuwe and at www.johanneshuwe.com
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AUCTION NEWS Silverstone Auctions
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ilverstone Auctions have had a busy start to 2021; at the end of last year the Silverstone Auctions Group were recognised as the new, UK market leading classic car auction house. The accolade is in response to the very successful year that they had in 2020, which also appears to be continuing into this year.
Their sister company, Classic Car Auctions (CCA), hosted their sale one day earlier (26 March) and sold an incredible 90% of their cars, equating to £1.7million in sales. The threeday extravaganza for the group was a resounding success, with all bidding taking place from home (online, by phone or via commission) and a combined value of over £10million in sales over the three days!
Their first auction of 2021 was the Race Retro Live Online Auction which took place over two days on Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 March. An incredible £8.7million worth of cars and automobilia were sold over the two-day auction, with 86% of classic cars and 62% of competition cars selling.
Furthermore, the group have just launched a third business which is an additional route to market for their customers. Automotive Auctions is an online only platform, with 7-day auctions and no sellers fees, it is option for those not wanting to wait for a traditional auction with a set date. The
platform is suitable for a diverse range of categories, not just classic cars but supercars, modern cars, electric & hybrid cars, competition cars, motorhomes, motorcycles, automobilia & number plates. For buyers, you’ll be charged just 5% +VAT and the first lots went live on Monday 12 April. The Silverstone Auctions group have a whole team of experts working across all three of their brands and can guide you through the processes of buying and selling, whether it is in a physical auction or online auction. www.silverstoneauctions.com
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URBAN
Start your journey at arkonik.com
Arkonik Ltd. is an independently owned and operated business and is not affiliated in any way with Jaguar Land Rover Limited.
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b500 magazine
AMY SHORE More Purple Haze than Purple Rain
Amy Shore is renowned for her photojournalistic style in the automotive world. Her aim is to portray the love and passion we all have for machines on wheels through rose tinted spectacles, whether that be road trips across Europe, humble workshops or worldwide events such as the Goodwood Revival.
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s I sat, practically licking the windscreen, attempting to squeeze past an 85 year old woman in a Peugeot 107 coming the opposite way down a narrow Dartmoor lane, I must admit that it wasn’t quite what I had envisioned
for my first E-Type experience. After all, almost 60 years to the day previously, Sir William Lyons revealed a car to the world what would later be described by Enzo Ferrari as “The most beautiful car ever made”, and I had imagined my glorious initial encounter to be a little bit more glamorous than
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being buttered up a dry stone wall by a stone faced OAP. But still, even in less-than-perfect circumstances, the long, louvred bonnet wrapped lovingly around Bill Heynes’ XK engine is a profile like no other. The windscreen a little rectangular slice of history itself. And when I eventually managed to untangle myself and find a quiet stretch of road, I discovered the soundtrack to go with the view - because when that engine hits 4,000rpm, it sings. A smile will spread across your face in time with the rise in revs, and you won’t be able to suppress it. In fact, it only falters when traffic appears to spoil the fun. To celebrate this jubilee, Jaguar Classic tasked me with taking one of its collection E-Types - called
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“I found myself on the very top of the Dartmoor National Park at sunset, with long golden rays at my feet, an empty road, and the most beautiful car ever made.ˮ
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‘Purple Haze’ thanks to its Cadbury’s purple hue - for one week to capture a collection of images. And when a brand that you highly respect offers you the opportunity to drive a car as special as this, it’s probably wise not to plan on half measures. Corners were both metaphorically and literally not cut over the week of possessing the keys to the car, we ventured over 800 miles and thankfully most of that was not on complex, tiny Dartmoor lanes but instead on sweeping serpentine roads. It’s safe to say that by the time I returned the car - filthy and with considerably less tyre tread than what I left with - we were well acquainted. None more so than at one particular point, now etched on my brain. There are few moments in my career where I can confidently say that everything came together so perfectly that the shot just appeared in front of me. Usually I’m at risk of being run over by a car in the assembly area at Goodwood, or have a client breathing down my neck frustrated that I can’t Photoshop a sunny blue sky into the miserable English landscape. But on this trip, I found myself on the very top of the Dartmoor National Park at sunset, with long golden rays at my feet, an empty road, and the most beautiful car ever made.
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I couldn’t have asked for more. I shot that car until the sun slipped behind the distant hills and I knew that I’d nailed the brief. It’s a special car, this. In fact, it only really has one downside, and that’s the fact that it’s perfectly capable of galloping along at speeds just above the legal, without apparent strain. Right up until a police car slides up alongside you. Tentatively looking to the right as I lifted from the throttle, I caught the eye of the policeman with a sheepish look on my face. No words were spoken, but instead two gestures from him. Thumbs up. Slow down. Thumbs up. Message received, Officer. All the best, - Amy :)
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DESIGN Auto Fabrica
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ounded in 2013 by brothers Bujar and Gazmend Muharremi, Auto Fabrica is a company specialising in the hand making and coach building of bespoke motorcycles. With all disciplines under one roof,
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based in Southend-on-Sea near London, the Auto Fabrica workshop is setup to design, prototype and manufacture a build from concept to final product. The principles of Auto Fabrica are to harmoniously balance function and form while delivering outstanding and unique products. A meticulous eye for
detail and high levels of craftsmanship are key to its foundations. Auto Fabrica have already produced several one-off motorcycles for clients and the following three caught my eye, but please check out their website for a full run down of their work.
Type 1 The first motorcycle created by Auto Fabrica. The project started as one of passion and a desire to create a motorcycle that both perfectly realised the production of a concept sketch and was able to be ridden. It was always the intention to be creative, learn new processes and prove concepts can become a reality if designed and built in harmony. This motorcycle is still in Auto Fabrica’s ownership and displayed as a bookmark of the company’s history in the AF Headquarters.
Type 6 One of Auto Fabrica’s flagship models, the Type 6 was a self driven project to push the boundaries of the established skills and in-house capabilities; taking a refined version of the Auto Fabrica design language and truly creating a motorcycle that epitomised the company’s DNA. The Type 6 was eventually sold and still resides in London, UK.
Type24 The guys took this commission from friends and previous workshop neighbours Safwat Cars. Sharif approached them to undertake a small but usable, clean build for his low milage Yamaha XJ600 Pre Diversion. This wasn’t a bike they would normally tackle but they took ton he challenge and managed to achieve something they are justifiably proud of. You can find Auto Fabrica on Instagram @auto_fabrica
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1964 Aston Martin DB5 £699,995 Available Now
Contact: Call: + 44 (0) 7765 253413 Email: jonathan@rarecarfinance.com
FOR SALE 1956 Jaguar D-Type – XKD 526
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lthough Jaguar can trace its roots back to the early 1920s, its sporting foundations were really established with its run of success at Le Mans during the 1950s. Having won the 24-hour endurance classic in 1951 and 1953 with its C-type, Jaguar then scored a hat-trick of victories in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the iconic D-type. Only three of the Jaguar D-type were sold new to Australia, and XKD 526 was the first of them. Brisbane dealership Westco was run by the Anderson family and had been a Jaguar agent since 1947. A letter to the Jaguar factory dated 15 April 1955 shows that they were looking forward to taking delivery of the D-type that had been
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allocated to them, but it was September before XKD 526 was tested at MIRA by Les Bottrill, and not until 13 October did it leave Browns Lane, bound for Brisbane via Liverpool docks. It was fitted with engine number E2042-9 and body number 2026. It’s thought that the car was jointly owned by Cyril Anderson and his intrepid wife Doris – known as ‘Geordie’ – plus Bill Pitt and Charles Swinburne. Its earliest competition outings were made in the hands of ‘Geordie’, who had been born in Scotland in 1908. Having moved to Australia and married Cyril, she raced an early XK 120 between 1950 and 1952, then replaced that with another XK 120 in which she won the 24-hour Mount Druitt race along with Pitt and Swinburne. On acquiring the D-type, she was quoted
as saying that, as well as being used as a racing car, ‘sometimes it will come in handy as a hack for doing the shopping.’ Despite offering the car for sale in mid-1958, when it was marketed as ‘Mrs Geordie Anderson’s successful D-type Jaguar’, Pitt continued to race it throughout that year. There was more success at Lowood, and he once again entered the Victorian Tourist Trophy and Melbourne Grand Prix meetings on consecutive weekends at Albert Park. He led the former for the first 12 laps until being passed by Whitehead’s Maserati and then lost second place when he pitted for bodywork repairs after a slight off. The following weekend, he finished sixth in the Melbourne Grand Prix behind Stirling Moss’s winning Cooper.
In July 1959, the D-type was bought by Leaton Motors, which sold used sports cars out of premises in the Sydney suburbs and went racing at the weekend. It had previously run a C-type for one of its salesman – Frank Matich – and then decided to upgrade to XKD 526. The car was repainted pale yellow with a central black stripe, and young Matich – who would go on to have a fine career as a driver as well as a constructor – broke the sports car lap record first time out at Lowood. Matich drove XKD 526 at Longford in March 1960 before handing over to Doug Chivas for the rest of that season. By 1965, XKD 526 was with Michael Crampton – a mechanic based near Sydney – and from him it passed to Keith Russell, who ran a panel repair shop in Campsie. During Russell’s ownership, the Jaguar was painted blue and white, and a 3.8-litre engine block was fitted – although the original cylinder head was retained. Russell entered the occasional race with his new acquisition, his competition outings including a slight off at Hume Weir over the 1966 Easter weekend and – more encouragingly – a third-place finish at Oran Park on 3 July. In January 1967, Keith Berryman bought XKD 526 for $1700 and would end up keeping it for almost 50 years. He was only 26 years old when he acquired the Jaguar, and he drove it the 250 miles from
Sydney to his farm in Stockinbingal, New South Wales. He had the car roadregistered in March 1967 and, at the time he bought it, it was fitted with the 3.8 block, 15x8in wheels, flared rear arches and triple Weber carburettors. It also still had the GT-spec hardtop in place, but later in the year he removed that and replaced the wheels. The D-type was later stored in a barn at Berryman’s farm, and it was still there in 1975 when Ian Cummins visited. Cummins would go on to become a wellknown Australian Jaguar enthusiast and was looking for a car that he could use as a reference during the restoration of XKD 010, which he’d bought the previous year. XKD 526 was therefore stripped and kept alongside XKD 010 while the latter was restored in Sydney. Once that project had been completed, XKD 526 itself was restored to concourswinning condition. During the 1980s and 1990s, it was occasionally used by Jaguar for promotional events and was driven more than once by Stirling Moss. It even competed in two ‘races’ against a Supermarine Spitfire at air shows in Wagga and Temora. When Berryman decided to sell XKD 526 in 2014, it was acquired by Jo Bamford, grandson of the man who’d founded the JCB heavy plant company. The D-type was brought back to England
complete with its original front frame – which had been replaced when Cummins had restored the car – plus the hardtop, and CKL Developments carried out some restoration work. This included rebuilding and refitting the front chassis frame, returning the bodywork to British Racing Green, rebuilding the original cylinder head and repairing some minor suspension damage. It was also noted that XKD 526 was fitted with a ZF limited-slip differential, which was rare outside the factory and Ecurie Ecosse D-types. Once the car was finished, Bamford raced it at the Goodwood Revival. The Jaguar passed to a new owner in 2018, when CKL again carried out some restoration work, during which the body was returned to its original configuration, minus the tail fin. It was eventually decided not to refit the 1960s hardtop, but a frame was constructed so that this intriguing part of its story can be displayed with the car. This Jaguar D-Type is now offered for sale exclusively at The Classic Motor Hub. Not only does XKD 526 boast an extensive period race record, it has a continuous known history and in the past few years has received extensive care in the hands of one of the world’s foremost D-type specialists. It’s a beautiful and impressively original survivor from a golden era of sports car racing.
Words and images courtesy of The Classic Motor Hub 49
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b500 magazine
ETIENNE SALOMÉ Yacht & Supercar Designer / Artist
After working for 12 years on the design of Bugatti Automobiles, Berlin-based Etienne Salomé decided to create his own company: ‘Salome Yachts and Design’, He officially launched with his team the ‘Atlantic Project’ in September 2019 during the Monaco Yacht Show, a 12 meter sport tender, immediately recognisable on the water, a true head-turner. He keeps one foot in the automotive industry as a consultant for various car manufacturers including the supercar/ hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg.
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am very honoured to officially announce my creative partnership with the company Motopark.
The heart of this company is directly based at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, a true playground but also a perfect test bench for their performance cars. Motopark Oschersleben was the third permanent German test and race track after Nürburgring and Hockenheimring. This company has a unique knowhow in creating performance cars for both track and road, but most importantly they are a team of dedicated and passionate people who love what they do! I always look for ideas on how to create more unique cars, reflecting each owner’s personality. Always searching for the best solutions to tailor to their individual requirements. Working together with Motopark’s team, we have created a new program: “Taylormode”, to offer the finest in German craftsmanship. This program is based on the Porsche 964, but is heavily modified. When you look at 70’s Porsche models they look very much like the open worked skeleton movement from mechanical watches. A true no plastic material philosophy, with all parts visible and made to last! Those Porsches are real treasures of our world.
For me as a designer, the possibility to create a car based on a model from the 70’s offers so much freedom, because you have to fulfil the homologation requirements from the same year the model was produced. This allows the proportion of the car to be super compact and special compared to her more modern sisters... and also to have the best sound possible from the flat6! All cars will be made by hand, which means customers will receive a special attention to detail. The authenticity of the materiality plays a huge role in the reason why we fall in love with these automobiles, and one of the reasons of being timeless! It is not a race of what is next, but a love of beauty and performance. It is a luxury beyond fashion! Each 964 that comes to us will already have a past, a soul and we are creating a high-quality process, giving a second life to these used beauties! We are taking it to the extreme with the super sexy wide fender body, necessary in order to house the bigger rims, bigger brakes... bigger engine, a proper upgrade from performance and design specialists. I am very excited to start this new experience and I cannot wait to be behind the wheel of one of these beasts. More to come soon, first car to be launched before end of 2021!
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MOSS AUTOMOTIVE The complete car concierge service
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ince the last issue things have been very busy, despite the lack of use for customers cars but this extra time has been put to very good use. The place is spic and span, all paperwork is up to date and we have installed a new software system for the management of customer vehicles, which came about due to the increased number of collections we are being asked to manage. In addition to storage, we take on the responsibility of all administration, insurance, servicing, repairs, MOT tests etc. The new software was ideal for our purposes as we could make several bespoke additions, all of which has greatly improved efficiency.
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@charlieb.photography
We have also taken in many more cars, this has made a requirement for an additional 14 car lifts which have additional weight and height capacity to the existing lifts and have made valuable space. Much of the increased demand has come since Brexit for our Customs Warehouse Facility, as all E.U cars coming to the U.K are now subject to VAT, however the VAT can be deferred while the cars are stored in a Customs Warehouse. We are one of very few in the country and the only one in the London area. For all enquiries please call, or email customswarehouse@mossauto.co.uk. My own long term Porsche 911 (964) has been away with Neil Bainbridge
for a few months now and what started with a little fettling has turned into a complete re build with its arrival to coincide with the Yaris GR that we have all been hearing so much about. The anticipation of these two cars has given me something to look forward to during lockdown, and more about the Porsche build in the next edition… I have done a fair share of reading over the last year and I managed to track down a copy of A French Kiss With Death, a book about Steve McQueen and the making of Le Mans, so far so good. Until next time ! Michael at Moss Automotive
T H E U LT I M AT E B E S P O K E STO R AG E FAC I L IT Y A N D
OFFICIAL CUSTOMS WAREHOUSE The most exceptional facility, for the most exceptional cars. Situated on the London, Hertfordshire border in a discreet, yet convenient location. A bespoke, temperature, humidity and dust controlled, high security building. We take care of storage, transportation, detailing, finance and we are an official Customs Warehouse.
HMRC AP P ROV ED CUSTOMS WAREHOUSE T 020 3973 1520 E info@mossauto.co.uk W mossauto.co.uk
+44 (0)1242 384092 : GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL7 5NX
THE CLASSIC
MOTOR HUB
1955 JAGUAR D-TYPE XKD 526 We are proud to present The ex-Leaton Motors, Bill Pitt Jaguar D-Type. Recently documented in a dedicated Porter Press book and ooered for sale in superb condition after CKL Developments restoration together with the unique original hard top, fitted for its victorious 1961 GT Championship season
INFO@CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM : WWW.CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM
@THECLASSICMOTORHUB
/THECLASSICMOTORHUB
WANT VERSUS NEED Electric Motor-Bikes, Cameras, Watches & Whisky
CAKE KALK OR The focus here has been off-road performance and innovation. As there wasn’t anything off-the shelf to support the category, every single component had to be developed from an empty sheet, to support the intended level of quality and durability: The sizing, the geometry, and engineering of axles, hubs, rims, the cockpit, and suspension, as well as building and customising the different parts of the drivetrain, together with developing a whole new chassis; has led to numerous patent pending and constitutes the introduction of a new category; the Light Electric Off-Road Motorbikes (L.E.Os). Please note that KalkOR is developed for off-road use only.
The suspension is specifically developed, by Öhlins supporting the category of high-performance at minimum weight. Nothing has been left aside and every part including axles, hubs, cockpit, sprockets and even the tires (to minimise wear and footprint of trails being used), have been explicitly designed and engineered for the ultimate experience. The light and snappy ride, with its focus on trail riding in the outback, means that its main character is about torque and acceleration, while providing a quiet, gliding, and surfy experience. Thanks to its digital presets, serving for 3 different riding modes, it will let anyone fly at their own level. €13,000
LEICA Q2 DANIEL CRAIG X GREG WILLIAMS The creative patrons of this camera require little introduction: awardwinning British actor Daniel Craig and renowned British photographer Greg Williams are connected through their work on the James Bond film series – and their shared passion for photography. Both have long appreciated the discretion, flexibility and outstanding image quality of the Q2. The Leica Q2 Daniel Craig x Greg Williams underlines these strengths with its luxurious yet understated design. All engravings are inlaid with gold paint; even the Leica logo adheres for the first time ever to the colour scheme of black and gold. The name of the
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special edition (which is limited to 750 units worldwide) and the sequential serial number are, also for the first time, shown as a laser engraving under the display glass. The grippy leather trim
of the Leica Q2 Daniel Craig x Greg Williams is textured with an exclusive diamond pattern. $6,995
MB&F LEGACY THUNDERDOME The Legacy Machine Thunderdome is a collaboration between MB&F and two legendary watchmakers: Eric Coudray – a legendary innovator from the Vallée de Joux known for his unorthodox, jaw-dropping complications – and Kari Voutilainen, a famed perfectionist and acclaimed pillar of traditional craft based in Môtiers. Together they created the world’s fastest triple-axis regulating mechanism with 3 axes revolving in record-breaking 8 seconds, 12 seconds and 20 seconds. It also features a unique combination of Potter escapement, hemispherical balance and helical hairspring. Rising above a sea of blue guillochage is a rotating spherical mass of gears, pinions and cages. Somehow, from this chaos of motion, order is extracted. Time is indicated on an inclined dial of stretched lacquer, proving that even the wildest horological whirlwinds can be tamed into the logic of hours and minutes.
BALVENIE 56 YEAR OLD 1962 Balvenie 56yo 1962 #5575 Bottling Note An extraordinarily well-matured whisky from the Balvenie Distillery, released as part of the The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Five. The whole DCS Compendium honours malt master David C. Stewart MBE, and features whisky picked out by the man himself.
The reverse of the LM Thunderdome engine is equally rewarding. The manualwinding, triple-barrel movement may have been technically conceived by Eric Coudray, but its aesthetics are fully Kari Voutilainen. Smoothly rounded bridges, incorporating sharp handbevelled internal angles and mirrored curves suggest a deep, unyielding calm that anchors the turbulent maelstrom on the other side. $280,000
This particular expression was distilled in 1962, the very same year that Stewart started working at William Grant! It was aged in a European oak hogshead for a massive 56 years, before being bottled in 2019 at 42.1% ABV with an outturn of only 90 bottles. Astonishing stuff. Master of Malt: £38,465.03
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b500 magazine
BART KUYKENS Photographer
Belgium-born Bart Kuykens successfully navigated both the art world and commercial photography since the outset of his career. Following the global success of his automotive art books ‘A Flat6 love affair’, he has attracted the attention of world-class actors, musicians, and media personalities who have become subjects of his grainy, visually-rich and powerful black and white portraits.
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elcome to my page in the Spring issue of b500.
What have I been doing since last time? Planning, planning, planning. I’ve been preparing and reorganising for my postponed exhibitions from 2020. This has taken a lot of time as you can imagine and so far I have a few confirmed plans, but as we now live, these plans will have to be tentatively in the diary until we all know for sure we can travel between the countries. I’m hopefully going to have an event in June in the UK, which will be the first of my plans for 2021. I am then due to be in Limassol, Cyprus for an exhibition in September as well as another exhibition of my works in Athens, Greece also currently planned for September. In October I have a large exhibition in my home country of Belgium, which will be held in Brussels. These are my so far
confirmed plans and will all hopefully go ahead, as I have been waiting and replanning these for sometime, and I will provide more information once things are all final. I then have some plans to go back to the States later in the year, or into early 2022 as needs be. There I will be exhibiting pictures from my book series, with three different available print sizes and across several cities. More on this as I begin to plan the tour. Other than this, I have of course been out shooting film wherever I can safely do so in Belgium for different projects and keeping busy throughout the lockdown period. I look forward to bringing you a more comprehensive update in the Summer issue, and meantime please check out my website and book series at the links below. bartkuykens.com and aflat6loveafair.com
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Specialists in Ferrari V12 rebuilds, restoration and servicing All servicing is fixed price and all work guaranteed £85ph
T: 01608 656 366 E: contact@theferrarihouse.com
www.theferrarihouse.com
OWNER Dr. David Williams / Aston Martin DB6 Series 1 All images: Del Gregory
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first met Dr. David Williams a couple of years ago and enjoyed looking around his different barns full of cars. One of my favourites of his collection is his recently fully restored 1968 series 1 Aston Martin DB6 in striking Autumn Gold with an equally striking Ox Blood interior. David, like myself lives in the Cotswolds, so I proposed we met in a village many will already know because of its Motor Racing heritage - Castle Combe. As a trackside photographer (many years ago), I was very nearly ‘taken out’ at Castle Combe Racetrack whilst shooting
a race, when a Ferrari F40 decided to go backwards at around 120mph for what seemed like eternity, whilst managing narrowly to miss everything in its path - (including me) as I managed to dive (camera still in hand) out of its path. A day I will always remember, as I’m sure will the marshals who were also nearly mowed down, and I’m sure the driver will too, who I seem to remember was not actually very flustered. Anyway, as usual I digress and so less reminiscing about antics at Castle Combe Racetrack and more about the more sedate photo shoot of this fabulous DB6 in the village.
To me there’s nothing better than waking up to the dawn chorus of birdsong in the English countryside and making some coffee before setting off on a photo shoot, especially when there’s an Aston Martin DB6 involved! Arriving into Castle Combe I took some time to take some images in the village, before I heard the rumble of the 6 cylinder DB6 breaking the early morning silence as it came down the hill. Arriving right on time at 8am, David brought the sunshine with him as it started to break free of the early morning cloud. I love my job. Although let’s be honest it’s not really a job is it. To me it’s 40 years of doing something I absolutely have loved doing from day one. Add
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in some fabulous cars over the years and what’s not to like. (Apart from the British weather), which is why I ended up working in LA for a number of years where the weather is pretty much always guaranteed, although amusingly it rained on the one day last year when I visited Magnus Walker… Castle Combe is a stunning village which has had its fair share of photoshoots and in normal circumstances would be packed full of tourists walking around, but we are not in normal circumstances due to the pandemic and so it was a slightly eerie and completely empty Castle Combe, which I certainly myself have never witnessed before. Perfect for empty road shots of David’s stunning DB6. Occasionally a car would enter the village, or someone would walk past with a dog, or we’d see a jogger and all would stop and say hello and wanted to know about the car and one or two asked for selfies, such is the rarity and beauty of this car. So let’s tell you a bit about David’s DB6. This particular model was first registered in 1968 and is the more favoured series 1. The colour is fantastic as it seems to change in different light. It’s officially Autumn Gold, but on the day I could see Rose Gold and various other shades. For the interior however there’s no mistaking the richness of the Ox Blood leather. The intention of this restoration was to fully restore the car to as new condition. Additionally, it’s had a number of improvements to enhance its usability, reliability, and safety under the conditions that it is likely to encounter when being used on today’s roads. In order to achieve this, whilst ensuring the finished car retains the maximum possible originality, painstaking effort has been taken at every stage of this six year restoration project. From carefully recording the condition and originality of every component removed from the car during its dis-assembly, to in-depth
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research into the origin of the smallest parts, no stone has been left unturned. Where components were found to be unsuitable for refurbishment they have been replaced with new components that match or exceed the specification of the original component. Similarly, where items have been refurbished this has been carried out to a standard which is as good or in some cases better than when the components were new. The restoration itself was carried out using a combination of both traditional and modern techniques. The bodyshell has been treated to a full body off, bare metal restoration which has resulted in a body shell that has a flawless finish and is resplendent in its Autumn Gold colour. All of the cars brightwork has been restored or renewed contributing to the cars as new appearance. The car further benefits from having new glass and window rubbers throughout. The chassis, suspension and steering components have been completely restored or replaced and the car has the addition of a Harvey Bailey handling kit. Additionally, the back axle is equipped with a limited slip differential. The engine has been totally rebuilt and restored to the enhanced vantage specification. The engine also benefits from being fitted with a modern digital ignition and Jenvey fuel injection all being controlled by a Motech M800 ecu. Whilst these components are not period correct, they substantially enhance both performance and the cars’ ability to be used in modern driving conditions. Should any future owner prefer a more period correct approach to the fuel delivery for the engine, it’s possible to remove the Jenvey fuel injection and fit either; Webber DCOE carburettors, Webber Heritage throttle bodies or the standard equipment SU carburettors. David specified that the gearbox in the car be capable of coping with modern traffic conditions and deliver a seamless
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gear change. In order to facilitate this the car has been equipped with a ZF 4HP automatic gearbox of the type fitted to modern sporting Jaguar cars. Once again, should a new owner prefer to have the car configured with a manual gearbox, the car can be returned to a manual gearbox utilising either a five speed or six speed gearbox. Moving onto the passenger cabin, the car has been treated to a full retrim of the seats and door cards in Ox Blood Connolly leather. The car has also been treated to new carpets throughout the passenger cabin and boot area. All of this work was completed by craftsmen using the original seat covers etc as patterns for the newly crafted seat covers, door cards and carpets. Passenger comfort is enhanced by the fitment of air conditioning and electric windows. The car is also equipped with an in-car entertainment system that has modern capabilities whilst retaining a period correct appearance. The passenger cabin and boot area benefit from extensive high quality sound proofing. Staying within the passenger cabin, all of the cars’ instruments, switchgear and control surfaces have been restored or replaced with new components, contributing to the as new feel that this DB6 imparts when sitting in it. Since completion of the restoration, the car has been rolling road tuned and undergone shakedown road testing. David has also completed some road testing and it’s estimated that the car has completed in the region of just 200 miles since its completion. This DB6 is a truly special restoration and can genuinely be described as a full nut and bolt restoration, with no part or component on the car being left unrestored or renewed and is a credit to its fastidious owner. All images: Del Gregory @b500magazine Photographed on location in Castle Combe Village. With thanks to Dr. David Williams.
Dr. David Williams and his Aston Martin DB6
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Adventure
Start your journey at arkonik.com
Arkonik Ltd. is an independently owned and operated business and is not affiliated in any way with Jaguar Land Rover Limited.
This issue of b500 coincides with the launch issue exactly a year ago. So much has happened since then and through what was a difficult and challenging year we managed to produce six issues between April and December 2020. To celebrate the first year of b500 we have reproduced our first front cover and the full photo editorial feature with Magnus Walker. Here’s to the next year and thanks to everyone who helped and contributed to the first year of b500.
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b500 magazine
Driven by the Art of Cars
Magnus Walker
The Original Urban Outlaw 69
Words & Photos: Del Gregory
Downtown Los Angeles March 2020. Magnus Walker & his 1971 Porsche 911T “277”.
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The b500 INTERVIEW
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05 • THE INTERVIEW
MAGNUS WALKER URBAN OUTLAW
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agnus Walker is not trying to sell anything unless you count information, and even that’s not charged for. He’s not about ‘brand building’, but all about stories. Stories of cars. Some stories about his cars, and some about OPP, (that’s other people’s Porsches). This editorial isn’t about his life history. If you want that, it’s everywhere on the Internet, and some of it is definitely worth reading, but much of it has been written a hundred times. Mine is just a personal review of the guy I emailed and asked to visit for b500 - and just like the man from Del Monte, ‘he said yes’.
He still has a bit of a Yorkshire accent but it’s been softened round the edges into what I would describe as a Southern California drawl. Instantly likeable and welcoming he quickly offered me the “10 cent tour”. His place, (or ‘gaff’), is a pretty big old warehouse in the Arts district of downtown LA, (DTLA), and is a mix of home, garage, workshop, atelier, shop, film studios, office and is most petrolheads’ dream of what we would all like to own or at least have access to. Although these days he tells me he lives just around the corner and hasn’t lived in the building for a few years now, it’s still
very much a home from home and the living spaces are used regularly. To begin I took a few shots of him up on his roof which has great views over LA, and on an unfamiliar grey day I had plenty of colour around from the reds and purples of various free growing plants and flowers, both up on the roof, as well as in his fabulous, colourful courtyard below. As fantastic as his roof, courtyard and several levels of shop, accommodation, chill-out rooms etc are, it’s inside at ground level I had really flown 6,000 miles to see. Magnus has crammed a
LA for me is a bit like going home as I lived on the West Coast for many years, and half my family still live in different spots between San Diego and well across the Canadian border but alas this was no family social call and I was in and out of LA from London in 72 hours! From the moment I met him to the moment I left we started chatting and didn’t stop. Magnus Walker is a very likeable man. Is he a geezer? Not sure, but from where I grew up, which was south of the river, (that’s the Thames in London for all you non Anglophiles) we would just say, he’s a nice bloke. Originally from Sheffield in England, Magnus has been living the slightly more exotic Porsche fuelled lifestyle of LA for over 30 years.
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lot of cars into this space and it’s split into two main areas. One has easy drive in and out access and, depending on his mood, the cars lined up in the front with the easiest access to the road will be his weapons of choice at any given moment. The ones at the back, not so much use, and then there’s the second space. Here he has various iterations of 914, 924, 944, 968 and the most glorious manual 928, which I wanted to crate up and ship home. He has an even rarer 928, which I noticed parked in the front yard, with the easiest access to the road. “I’ve been driving this one a lot lately”, he tells me, and his Instagram shots certainly back that up. Having taken my first hour to attempt to take it all in, I notice many cars of noteworthy mention, (not least of course his ‘277’), but something else grabs my attention. Many of his cars are not pristine or concours. No, these are bought, built or rebuilt and converted for driving. These are not show ponies, and that’s rather special. Take his 1978 rare manual S1 928. It’s a bit scratched and has a few dings and marks, and the interior definitely hasn’t
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been messed about with, such is the state of the drivers’ seat. And I like that. I like that a lot. It’s actually refreshing to find a collection of cars which in the most part, have not been restored. Use the word modified, and with many of his cars that’s a whole new story. In more rarified or gentrified circles, it’s called ‘patina’, but I think it’s just aged and a little bit worn around the edges, and has seen some life. A bit like
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Magnus then? Well yes, and meant in a very complimentary way. Like yours truly, Magnus is a man of a certain age (note 6 years behind me) and that age (just like me), remembers those early Porsches, ‘out the gate’, when they were all shiny and new, and now here we are 30 and 40 years on and the cars like us, are still around and look amazing with their life stories of stone chips and frayed edges. Give me one of these all day any day, rather than a new one.
Don’t ask me why. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s an age thing, I don’t know but they just feel right, smell right and to quote Magnus himself, “Are like a favourite pair of well worn-in shoes”. I get that 100%. We’ve all probably got a Magnus favourite we’d like to take home, and for many it would undoubtedly be car 277. For me, I’d be very, very happy with his 1978 928...
As we walked around and in-between each of the tightly parked cars, my eyes quickly noticed Magnus’s very special 964, sitting patiently for its next outing between his Punk 914 and his 924 Carrera GT. Not to say his custom builds aren’t ALL special, but this one to me was something else. The basic story of his 964 is that it started life as a track car which had left the road backwards, which meant
that Magnus could start with what was essentially a blank canvas. There are many details on this car to mention, (note: you can find some great videos online), but for me not least the 12-inch wide channel that starts on the bonnet, and which then continues over the roof-line and becomes one seamless look right across the tail end. Not an easy thing to have achieved, and gives more than a nod to the GT3 RS’s double-bubble roof.
For the front wings, Magnus turned to Rod Emory and together they created their own die to produce what is quite frankly a gloriously over engineered work of art - just in that one piece on the car. Drilled and turned and carved out, the louvres look sublime. Rear turn signals are inspired by the ‘67 R, and running your fingers along and around the bodywork of this custom
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964, you begin to realise quickly there’s not a square edge anywhere. For this build, Magnus steered away from his now famous three colour paint scheme, and has left the 964 in a single and very subtle colour. Inside it’s more pared back than stripped out, and I particularly like the leather roof lining. Magnus redesigned then rebuilt the front dash, taking out the radio so the only music you will hear will be the 3.8 RS spec engine, which puts out around 300hp. Not only does it look the part, it sounds the part and it drives the part. Running on Magnus’s own Outlaw wheels, with Brembo Club Race brakes, and Pirelli Trofeo R rubber. For me personally, there’s so much to like about this car but the detail and work that’s gone into various parts, like the wing louvres, just beggars belief. A custom built 964 which unlike most that you find out there doesn’t look over worked, and instead has retained its DNA. This car is a beautiful thing to behold and amongst all of his cars did definitely not go unnoticed…
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Magnus uses Instagram to get his message across to his fan base, and has built up quite the following, with currently just short of 730,000 global fans. But what exactly is his message? I think it’s just that he’s passionate about Porsche and therefore wants to share that passion with anyone who might also share a passion for cars, whether old or new. There’s a lot to Magnus Walker, whether that’s his passion, knowledge, life-experiences, coolness, fashion, (and of late whilst on lockdown, his Instagram ‘Cookery show’), or just the way he looks. We ended by sitting down in his garage, chatting of course about cars, and also about photography, and he showed me his new camera. It’s a Fuji, which he can link direct to his iPhone for ‘even better’ off-the-cuff Instagram shots. “They just flow straight in”, he told me, and as demonstrated in a few shots I took of him here. You can find Magnus on Instagram @magnuswalker He’s definitely come a long way since those days as a kid growing up on the streets of England’s Steel City.
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BROAD
SPECIALISM. EXPERIENCE. XK PARTS &
