THE TRIVETT BESPOKE COLLECTION SUMMER 2013
A MESSAGE FROM GREG DUNCAN Welcome once again to our publication and a brand new year. The team at Trivett are looking ahead to an exciting 2013 with some very special models being released across our bespoke range, which I am sure you too will enjoy. ‘The Trivett Bespoke Collection’ is not just another newsletter. The design, content and variety are intended to provide interest and information across a range of topics relevant to our bespoke clients. Not only will you find quality motoring stories, but also very interesting lifestyle features on: • • • • • •
Boucher & Co. Seppeltsfield Wine Bang & Olufsen The beautiful Otahuna Lodge near Banks Peninsula NZ British Airways First Class Victor Churchill
We invite you to stop by our showrooms at any time to experience our facilities and the world-class brands we represent.
Greg Duncan Executive Chairman
THE TRIVETT BESPOKE COLLECTION SUMMER 2013 FEATURE STORIES Bentley Continental GT Speed
LIFESTYLE 6
Boucher & Co
4 8
Living with the McLaren MP4-12C
12
Seppeltsfield Wine
Rolls-Royce Phantom CoupĂŠ Aviator Collection
16
Bang & Olufsen
10
Rolls-Royce & Art Deco
17
British Airways First Class
20
Aston Martin - Celebrating 100 Years
22
Victor Churchill
26
BMW Festival of M
24
Celebrating 50 Years of McLaren
30
FOOD Summer Recipes
TRAVEL 32
Otahuna Lodge, New Zealand
14
LIFESTYLE
BOUCHER & CO
MASTERS OF BESPOKE FURNITURE
Creative genius, exceptional craftsmanship and the rarest of materials combined to create some of the most amazing pieces of fine art furniture and objet d’art seen in modern times. The master crafts - men and women of BOUCHER & CO, under the artistic guidance of David Boucher - are today creating masterpieces that are to be seen in the finest homes and private museums around the world.
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hirty five years ago, David Boucher made a life-changing decision. He quit his job as backhoe operatorand, without any previous experience in design or manufacture, started a furniture business. Boucher, a self-taught designer /maker, describes the journey as long and challenging. A lifelong passion for beauty, surprise and fine detail has led to the creation of the many beautiful and delightful pieces you can purchase from BOUCHER & CO. Today the business has workrooms in Toowoomba Queensland, where the masters work. The masterpieces are painstakingly created from the initial sketch, and, in most cases, every component down to the metal hardware is handmade to incredible tolerances and beautiful detail. Worldwide sales are handled from a “by appointment only” gallery in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. Work can be made to a level to suit your budget, with more detail and rarer materials being used as the budget increases.
These creative masters and their extraordinary bespoke work can be hard to discover, but finding them is definitely worth the effort. Boucher and his team will source the rarest and finest materials in the world just for you. His network of master craftsmen extend their hard-won skills into every art form. Jewellery, fabrics, painting, secret compartments and superb handmade decorative hardware. All can be incorporated into your own special piece. Every detail is carefully designed to fulfil your functional requirements, often concealing the latest in electronic and audio visual equipment. The Boucher touch is to be found in the homes of royalty, movie stars and passionate collectors homes in Europe, Asia, Australia and the US. And all of this has happened purely by word of mouth. Some call it the “exclusive Boucher Club”. As you experience the bespoke design process, you may be amazed to discover that you have your very own design talent.
It appears this is something Boucher is expert in drawing out of you without you ever really noticing. The bespoke experience has been called almost therapeutic, and many of Boucher’s clients find this intensely rewarding. If the design process has been described as a joyful, enriching and exciting experience, it is surpassed only by enjoying the actual making of the piece, a process which can take many months, but which you will be fully involved in, with wonderful photographic reports coming to you each month and the opportunity to visit the workshop personally if you wish. To walk into the workshop is an amazing experience full of the sights and sounds of a bygone era. The latest in equipment is used to cut and shape, but then it comes down to sharp hand tools and a keen experienced eye, as the dovetail joints on the drawers are carefully hand cut with a fine hand saw and small exquisitely sharp chisels. Precious veneers are hand laid over amazingly complex shapes. Up to 30 coats of hand-laid lacquer are carefully applied and buffed to a rich lustre. This process alone can take up to three months on the grand dining tables Boucher is famous for. The materials used are always the finest, rarest and most beautiful. Everything has its own story. A lustrous creamy Ash Burr that came from a tree that fell in the Palace of Versace gardens. Shagreen (tanned Stingray leather) recovered from stingrays taken for food in the islands to the north of Australia. Perfectly finished hand-carved and cast metal trim detail in nickel or rhodium, gold or silver that has taken days and weeks to create. Some rich dark brown and gold North Queensland butt maple flashes in the sunlight. Recovered from a tree that fell in a cyclone in 1901, this was recently used to make a beautiful writing compendium. This piece was presented by the Governor General on behalf of the people of Australia to Queen Elizabeth for her Diamond Jubilee gift. Special and rare are words used in this establishment on a very consistent basis. Looking at the handles and hardware, you suddenly realise the detail, passion and love that has been poured into custom designing and painstakingly handmaking each item to suit each piece.
It is so extraordinary to see such careful dedication to old-school principles in this modern age of the quickest and cheapest! Boucher describes the delivery of your masterpiece as a very exciting time. A time when you and your loved ones come together to enjoy the fruits of your design collaboration. He warns that it will take time for you discover all the little nuances and secrets that have been lovingly worked into your special piece. Of course your piece will be individually signed and numbered, and comes with a formal certificate of authenticity, all done to international auction house standards. These exceptional pieces of fine-art furniture and objet d’art are likely to grow substantially in value over the coming years. Rarity and beauty, combined with delightfully fine form and very clever function, brings with it an inherent value, that’s well regarded in these times of cheap fixes and instant gratification. What a difference to be involved in the design and creation of your own bespoke pieces. Imagine the rich reward of investing just a little of your time to allow these masters of their craft to invest their time and years of knowledge, passion and expertise to create a special and substantial piece just for you. Surely this must be the ultimate definition of true luxury. Perhaps a commission with these “Masters of Bespoke Furniture” will be your opportunity to start a tradition and create a legacy for your family. A decision that will be richly rewarded by the generations to come. Contact David Boucher at BOUCHER & CO and let your bespoke experience begin now. Why should the Europeans and Americans have all the fun?
BOUCHER & CO 12 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Ph (02) 9363 4341 | M 0418 100 009 mail@boucherandco.com | www.boucherandco.com
F E AT U R E S TO R Y
THE NEW
CONTINENTAL GT SPEED A COUPÉ CALLED SPEED.
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he name says it all. And from your first glimpse of the fastest, most powerful two-door coupé that Bentley makes, you know it’s the perfect description. With 21” wheels and lowered suspension, darkened grille and front bumper intakes glinting in the light, the Continental GT Speed makes no secret of its intent. If you love to drive far and fast, if the exhilaration of a 625PS, 800Nm engine and eight-speed close-ratio transmission makes your heart race, this is your car. And yet this exceptional sports coupé, the newest, most powerful addition to the Continental stable, still displays the refinement that makes a Bentley unique. Its all-wheel-drive transmission, biased 60:40 in favour of the rear, offers reassuring stability all yearround, come rain or shine. Its hand-crafted interior, which can be trimmed in a variety of materials from Burr Walnut to Dark Tint Aluminium, is supremely comfortable over long distances. Bentley’s new Continental GT Speed coupé is capable of fast lap times, but it’s a real-world supercar, not a track special. Distinctive it may be, but it’s also the latest in a long line of devastatingly fast, smooth and rewarding Bentley grand tourers.
616 BHP. HARNESSED. With peak power of 625PS, the new Continental GT Speed is the most powerful model in the current two-door Bentley Continental family. A full throttle standing start sees 100km/h flash past in just 4.0 seconds. Top speed, should you have the opportunity to explore it, is 330 kiliometers an hour. Yet Bentley’s engineering team has ensured that the new GT Speed W12 engine and powertrain is just as fuel-efficient as the new Continental GT. The latest engine management system, a new eight-speed transmission and careful refinement of the
ROLLS-ROYCE
PHANTOM SERIES II turbocharger settings have seen an overall improvement of 13% in fuel economy, with a commensurate increase in tank range. A revised Electronic Stability Programme calibration gives the driver free rein to explore the limits with safety, while the new chassis tune and lowered suspension accentuates the glued-to-the-road sensation during high-speed cornering.
THE POWER TO ENTERTAIN. The GT Speed’s touch screen infotainment system both entertains and informs. At its heart is a 30 Gigiabytes hard drive, which offers up to 15 Gigabytes of storage space for music as well as a continent’s-worth of mapping data. For the new GT Speed, the infotainment system features Bentley’s latest software upgrades, including refinements such as point-of-interest mapping, optional satellite landscape imagery, live traffic data and, where supported, digital radio. As you drive, it provides real time monitoring of your tyre pressures, access to your phone contacts (either via Bluetooth or by inserting your SIM card) and the opportunity to zoom in or out of mapping at the touch of a finger. It is, in short, a system that’s well up to all the latest advances for in-car technology. While the 15 Gigabytes of available music space is enough to last you on a round-the-world tour without hearing the same track twice, you can also play music via an iPod, MP3 player, the car’s own six-disc CD changer or even an SD card. Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) speakers, which combine the functions of separate tweeter and midrange speakers in one unit, direct the sound with accuracy and provide greater clarity across the audible spectrum. Nothing compares with the sound of a Bentley engine in full cry, but the GT Speed’s infotainment system provides plenty of alternatives.
GRAND TOURER COMFORT. The sumptuous Continental GT cabin is given a more sporting twist on the Speed model. A new engine spin option in Dark Tint Aluminium is available, unique to the Continental GT Speed, and available for the fascias, console and roof console. Alternatively you might choose the Carbon Fibre option, its satin finish specially developed to reduce unwelcome reflections. With these new options and a wide range of Bentley veneers to choose from, the sporting intent of your Continental GT Speed can find its true reflection in the cockpit. As a final confirmation of this car’s performance focus, the Mulliner Driving Specification becomes standard. As in every Bentley, the choice of interior colours is almost endless. Seventeen different hide colours are available, but you also have the choice of single or two-colour hide upholstery with darker colours, recommended for surfaces such as the fascia top roll to prevent unwelcome reflections. Needless to say, the choice of carpet and seat belt colours is just as extensive. So whether you want your seat belts to match the main hide or the secondary hide, whether your carpet overmats have contrast binding or single colour, your Continental GT Speed will be crafted to your specifications. For the Continental GT Speed, duo-tone seats are now available as a no-cost option. And after you have made your choice of primary and secondary hide colours, there’s the hand-stitching to consider. Choose contrast stitching, and thread of a contrasting colour will be used for the stitching on the seats, doors, rear quarter panels, centre console and all armrests. You can, if you wish, also specify contrast stitching on the steering wheel. Or for the ultimate in hand-craftsmanship, you can choose hand cross-stitching on all four seats and outer armrests. From steering wheel to gearlever, seat and armrest, every soft-touch surface in the cockpit is covered with soft, flawless leather. No wonder no other car feels quite like a Bentley.
LIFESTYLE
PERFECT SCORE 6 PERFECT SCORES IN A ROW FOR SEPPELTSFIELD
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ustralia’s most iconic wine estate, Seppeltsfield is celebrating a remarkable record for its renowned ‘Para’ 100-Year-Old Vintage Tawny, receiving its sixth perfect score in a row from industry doyen James Halliday. In his recently released 2013 Wine Companion, Mr Halliday rated the Seppeltsfield 1912 Para 100 Year Old Vintage Tawny 100/100 points - the only wine in Australia to receive the prestigious perfect rating. The exemplary Seppeltsfield 1912 Para joins the 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910 and 1911 vintages, which have each achieved 100 points. The unprecedented series of perfect scores justifies the status of Seppeltsfield 100-Year-Old Para Vintage Tawny as Australia’s most illustrious fortified wine. As an annual 100%, 100-year-old commercial release, it is utterly unique across the globe. The full-bodied tawny is a landmark Australian style, certainly one of the most valuable wines in the world. It is awesome in its power and concentration, every drop holding the promise of an exquisite, life-enriching experience.
cements the status of the 100-year-old Para as one of country’s true national wine treasures,” says Randall. Randall highlights the dedication and patience required to produce such a wine, with over 80% of the prized liquid lost to evaporation, or the ‘Angel’s Share’ as it matures in barrel. Seppeltsfield is also celebrating a 5 ‘Red’ Star rating and a suite of high scores for its debut table wine range, placing it in the top 4% of Halliday-rated Australian wineries. This follows a significant investment from Seppeltsfield to restore its original 1888 Gravity Flow winery, specifically for the crafting of premium table wines. Tastings of Seppeltsfield 1912 100-Year-Old Para Vintage Tawny are available at the cellar door for $30, with 100ml and 375ml bottles available for purchase at $330 and $990 respectively. They are superbly packaged and presented in luxury gift boxes with certificates of authenticity, which can be personalised with the recipient’s name.
Seppeltsfield Managing Director, Warren Randall is thrilled with the result and the endorsement provided from Australia’s most influential wine critic.
Seppeltsfield will now release a limited number of ‘100 point sets’, comprising of one bottle each of vintages from 1907 - 1912.
“To have the 1912 vintage continue a remarkable legacy of perfect scores is very exciting. Importantly, James’ review
Orders can be placed at the historic Seppeltsfield cellar door, online at seppeltsfield.com.au or telephone (08) 8568 6217.
Phantom Drophead Coupé A New World Rolls-Royce Motor Cars introduces Phantom Series II. The new generation of Phantom Drophead Coupé epitomises relaxed open-top motoring. Each hood is tailored by hand, and when raised offers a whisper-quiet intimate cabin. At the touch of a button it retracts, embracing the elements for an exhilarating ride. Contact us to experience a car with endless possibilities; a car built for today and designed for tomorrow.
The new Phantom family starting from $855,000 drive away.
Trivett Classic Rolls-Royce Sydney 75 - 85 O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW 2015 Alan Hind Tel: (02) 8338 3998 | 0414 602 602
Trivett Classic Rolls-Royce Melbourne Eureka Tower, 80 City Road, Melbourne VIC 3006 James Denney Tel: (03) 8866 3145 | 0412 565 503
www.rolls-roycemotorcars-sydney.com.au
www.rolls-roycemotorcars-melbourne.com.au
© Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2012.The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.
LIFESTYLE
BANG & OLUFSEN A MASTERPIECE OF SOUND, PICTURE & DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT
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ang & Olufsen’s new BeoVision 11 is the company’s most inclusive and ambitious TV to date. Beyond the Smart TV’s luxuriously understated aesthetics await not only spectacular sound and best-in-class video, but also convenient access to a complete range of online possibilities. Seamless connection has never been this simple – or exquisitely designed. BeoVision 11 sets new standards as the all-in-one entertainment and information hub for the entire family. Beneath the elegant design, Bang & Olufsen has created a signature balance of form, function and technology. BeoVision 11 was conceived to provide the entire family with a comprehensive array of up-to-date digital entertainment of the highest calibre – without compromising the timeless aesthetics, intuitive controls and high-quality sound that Bang & Olufsen is famous for. CEO Tue Mantoni explains, “We want to provide our customers the same premium experience no matter whether they are watching TV, downloading a film, using the internet or trying out the latest video game. BeoVision 11 has been designed to keep up with everyone in the family – and to keep them amazed, with nothing between them and their content – as technology continues to evolve in new directions.” OUTSTANDING SOUND & ARRESTING PICTURE QUALITY Producing high-quality and powerful sound from the limited physical volume of a flat-screen cabinet is a contradiction in terms for most producers. Not for Bang & Olufsen, which packs no fewer than six speakers into BeoVision 11’s slim interior, and powers each of them with its own amplifier. The result is startlingly responsive sound right out of the box – and unlike anything you have ever heard from a television. A complete surround sound module is also built in, ready to connect to the full range of flexible Bang & Olufsen speakers. In crystal-clear 2D and 3D, BeoVision 11 introduces a wealth of the latest technologies for optimal viewing, including a unique sensor developed by Bang & Olufsen that continuously adjusts brightness and contrast for optimal viewing comfort. And to keep up with the many different types of content used by families today – be it film, sports, gaming or news – BeoVision 11 seamlessly adapts its picture
mode to a variety of video inputs to deliver optimal performance no matter who is watching what. EASY ACCESS TO CONTENT & CONVENIENT CONTROL BeoVision 11 is the first television to feature Bang & Olufsen Smart TV, a new platform that lets you switch easily between television channels, the internet and other interactive content. Just connect your set to the internet and start enjoying web-based content on the big screen in seconds. Choose between popular apps such as YouTube and Facebook, or surf wherever else you want to go. BeoVision 11 comes with a remote that lets you control all of the many features simply and intuitively, and is also ready for the BeoRemote app on your tablet. FLEXIBLE DECORATING OPTIONS – AND CONTENT FOR ALL BeoVision 11 makes it easy to decorate with a television, and offers a wealth of colour choices to match almost any décor. You can choose between six front fabric colours, a front frame in silver or black and rear cabinet in black or white. And with four stand options, it is easy to place the Bang & Olufsen Smart TV where it best fits into the family’s home and lifestyle. Nothing beats the everyday luxury of the motorised floor stand or the new motorised wall bracket: just grab the remote to turn the TV out from the wall in any angle up to 90 degrees and turn it back – and out of the way – when you are done. A wall bracket with manual turn and an easel stand are also available.
BeoVision 11 is available in 40”, 46” and 55”. On sale exclusively at Bang & Olufsen stores. Prices start at $8,845. www.bang-olufsen.com
F E AT U R E S TO R Y
LIVING WITH THE MCLAREN MP4-12C 6 MONTHS IN...
WORDS BY LUKE O’NEILL
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t’s six months almost to the day since I met up with Chris Crea and Matthew Tunstall at Trivett Bespoke in Alexandria to receive the keys to ‘my’ McLaren MP4-12C. As the newly appointed McLaren Brand Ambassador in Australia, my duties were to include using the car as my daily driver and becoming a mobile representative for the car and the McLaren brand. In return, I was given free rein to introduce my clients to the car and to showcase it at our track days and other automotive events run by my company. Not a bad arrangement, I’m sure you’ll agree! I was intrigued by this car long before its Australian release, as I am an unabashed fan of the 1992 McLaren F1 road car. The F1 stood at the absolute pinnacle of what a group of cutting edge engineers could produce with the technology of the time. I’m clearly not alone here, as it is one of the few road cars to have gone up in value. Much like the original F1, the MP4-12C has drawn on some of the best minds in the business. Love or hate the McLaren ethos, you cannot question their uncompromising determination to be the best at everything they do. Combine this with a healthy dose of common sense, and you end up with a car that has been thought through to the Nth degree. Having visited the McLaren Technology Centre, its no surprise how focused this car is. Some have commented that the car’s styling is subdued, controlledor even boring. I must admit that when I first saw the pictures of the car I was a little disappointed. Visually, it wasn’t what I was expecting off the back of the F1. But put the car on the road amongst the flotsam and jetsam of everyday motoring, and it stands out like a beacon, regardless of what colour you might have chosen. I’ve learned the best way into the 12C now too; left leg in, rotate to butt first, a short drop to the seat and you’re in. And herein lies first evidence of why this car for me is the best on the market; the driving position. Loud exhausts, massive horsepower and supermodel looks are great, but if you truly love driving, nothing beats a perfect driving position. Driving position is everything. It gives you better vision, better control and consequently more confidence to exploit a car at speed, whilst keeping you fresh on long journeys. If race car drivers spend countless hours getting their seats and position just right, why shouldn’t we expect the same in our road cars? From here it only gets better. The steering wheel has plenty of reach adjustment so that my (almost) 6’2” frame can be seated pretty much straight-legged with the wheel high and close - just as I like it. Visibility is phenomenal thanks to the very low-cut windscreen and placement of the front guards; the highest point of which represent the dead centre of the front wheels. It really is like sitting in a big go-kart. This perfect position relates well to both road and track driving, the former being made so easy that long-distance travel in this car is a doddle. On the track, a slight adjustment (a little more forward for me) immediately
changes your approach to the car; you feel even more in control and your brain switches into ‘race mode,’ wanting to bang out a few quick precise lap times that the 12C is perfect for. I really am such a fan of the driving position of this car that I could finish here and say, hand on my heart, this is the reason I would buy this car over anything else in its category at the moment; but there’s more… Richard Porter writes for my favourite car magazine EVO, in a recent edition of EVO he’s written an article asking a big question; ‘do we want our supercars to be easy to drive?’ In my opinion, what a stupid bloody question, of course we do! The reality of supercars, old and new, is that the majority of people who buy them do not have F1 level driving skills. They are car enthusiasts who want to experience the best their favourite brand has to offer. If you’re going to shell out for a supercar you must be able to enjoy it more when you’re mooching around town than when you’re driving super-fast, because driving slow is how we spend most of our time in a car. So it’s easy pootling around town but what’s it like pressing on? Seeing the core of our business is running track days I can also provide some insight on what the 12C is like on track being pushed. Different; is the first thing I would say. The raft of supercars that have come before this have, for the most, been naturally aspirated. The 12C has a twin-turbo V8 meaning the way it delivers its power is different to its non force-fed brethren. And whilst there is nothing like the howl of a performance orientated naturally aspirated engine, there is also nothing like turbo charged acceleration! The level of grip – even on the OEM road tyres – is nothing short of amazing. The front end points like an excited slack-jawed yokel at a family beauty contest, darting the car into the apex no matter how hard you push. Understeer does factor on track, but surprisingly it’s on corner exit when you get back on the gas early because the car is just so hooked up. The back end grips the tarmac and the turbo’s spool up delivering all 620 odd bhp, but unfortunately the narrow sectioned front tyres can’t handle the grunt and the car pushes wide. It’s a shame as I think corner exit speed is where this car excels once the brake steer, monumental grip and driver confidence due to the perfect driving position have done their jobs. So how to sum up my last six months with the MP4-12C? On road the McLaren is the most civilised supercar I have ever driven. It does suburban trawling and your favourite twisty mountain road equally well, all with the setting of a few dials. It’s so easy and comfortable to drive, you want to drive it every day. After six months with this car, I can honestly say that if my numbers came up and I could afford a supercar, the McLaren would be my choice. It’s not a Ferrari, or a Lambo, or anything else; it’s a McLaren, and this is what we should all be grateful for. In my book, it is the answer to the perennial question “if you could only have one supercar, what would it be?”
OPEN
TOP
VERSION 134
TO JOIN THE TEAM
We know a thing or two about building open cockpit performance cars at McLaren. After all, we’ve been making them and winning in them since 1963. And the 12C Spider is the 134th model in that long line.
McLaren Sydney 75-85 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015
The McLaren 12C Spider. Every part tells a story.
T/ +61 2 8338 2180 E/ information@mclarensydney.com.au www.sydney.mclaren.com
The official fuel consumption figures for the McLaren MP4-12C in mpg (l/100km) : Urban 15.3 (18.5), E x tra Urban 36.3 (7.8), Combined 24.2(11.7); CO2 emissions: combined 279 g/km. Fuel consumption in accordance with EU Directive RL 80/1268/EEC.
W W W.McL ARENAUTOMOTIVE.COM
TRAVEL
OTAHUNA LODGE THIS IS NEW ZEALAND AT ITS FINEST
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itting atop a small hill between the rocky outcrops of the Banks Peninsula with commanding view of the gardens and across the plains to the Southern Alps, Otahuna Lodge is a place of replenishment and refinement. Built in 1895 for Sir Heaton Rhodes, Otahuna is New Zealand’s largest historic homestead and considered one of the best examples of unspoiled Queen Anne architecture in Australasia, an enduring testament to his love for the finer things in life. The spectacular 110-year-old gardens of Otahuna, recognised as “A Garden of National Significance” by the New Zealand Gardens Trust, were laid out and cultivated under the direction of A.E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens, London. Wide vistas over lawn and lake contrast beautifully with intimate walks which wind through heavily wooded areas. The seven generous suites (five suites and two master suites) retain grand architectural features from the 19th century such as open fireplaces, carved inglenooks and stained glass windows and all feature super-king beds, fine custom-made linens, toiletries by Penhaligon’s of London, deep bathtubs and separate rain showers. Celebrating the best of seasonal New Zealand produce the cuisine at Otahuna has an emphasis on fresh Otahuna estategrown offerings; honest, uncluttered flavours, the finest local ingredients and elegantly restrained presentation are the hallmarks of the Otahuna table. Dinner is a five-course chef ’s degustation menu which changes daily, making us of the fresh produce sourced from the property’s own
own potager garden and orchard. Should this pique one’s taste buds, many culinary experiences may be pursued on the property including cooking classes and seasonal mushroom foraging. Private tours of local, artisanal food providers are arranged upon request. Activities at Otahuna Lodge range from thoroughly relaxing to highly energetic. The swimming pool draws guests on warm summer afternoons while the outdoor hot tub is the perfect place to unwind on a chilly evening; the gardens offer a range of guest amenities and activities including swimming, tennis, croquet and petanque among others. Strolling through woodlands , cycling and horseback riding are all possible, and bicycles can be borrowed to explore the country estate and neighbouring scenic lanes. Further afield, there are numerous day trips to enjoy. Favoured choices include a visit to the harbour town of Akaroa, a trip into the city centre of Christchurch or a heliflight across the Canterbury Plains or into the Southern Alps. Horseback riding, touring local vineyards or visiting specialist local cheese makers is also popular. “Many of our guests come expressly for Otahuna,” owner Hall Cannon says. “Houses can be like that. When they capture your imagination, you’re done for – as we know better than anyone else.”
F E AT U R E S TO R Y
ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS PHANTOM COUPÉ AVIATOR COLLECTION
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nspired by Charles Stewart Rolls and the legend of the Schneider Trophy-winning Supermarine S6B (powered by a Rolls-Royce R Type engine), Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly present the Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection. The collection celebrates the spirit of human endeavour that drove a very British hero and subsequently led Rolls-Royce to simultaneous world speed records on land, air and in the water. The first in the collection of 35 Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection models – which feature a suite of exclusive design concepts, colour combinations and new materials – debuts today at the Pebble Beach Quail gathering in the United States. “Our founding forefather Charles Stewart Rolls was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of motoring and aviation to the limit,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, RollsRoyce CEO. “With our exclusive Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection we celebrate this great British hero, presenting a car which hints at experiments in early flight married to the best engineering, modern design and exquisitely crafted materials. The collection takes Rolls-Royce Bespoke to new levels of subtle, yet beautiful detailing.” Finished in Aviator Grey, the Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection features a contrasting matt bonnet, window and grille surround while inside, the interplay of wood and metal hint strongly at a cockpit theme. A Thommen, aviation-grade clock with blood orange needle tips is embedded in the metal foil upper fascia, complemented by matt black dials for power reserve, speedometer and fuel gauges. The lower fascia is veneered in mahogany, painstakingly shaped by craftspeople just as the early record-setting propellers were fashioned and features Sapele contrast. Polished stainless steel veneer ‘onlays’ with bullet-shaped ends are designed to match floor mat fixings.
Between 1931 and 1933 the Schneider Trophy was held in the South of England, soaring over the Solent and the Witterings in West Sussex, a location no more than 10 miles from the current Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Goodwood, England. Collection cars celebrate the victorious S6B aircraft with transmission tunnel in anodised aluminium with exposed torx fixings and swage lines that echo the oil cooling veins on the S6B fuselage side. These highlights are repeated on collection car armrests. The leather-lined glove compartment includes an embossed Charles Rolls quote following his first flight with the Wright Brothers in 1908: “The power of flight is as a fresh gift from the Creator, the greatest treasure yet given to man.” A centre console chrome plaque describes Rolls – only the second man in Britain to hold a pilot’s licence – simply as Pioneer Aviator, below a representation of his sweeping signature. Fitted with leather floor mats, Aviator Collection cars have also been designed to incorporate the Rolls-Royce of cup holders. Beautifully engineered in highly polished aluminium, the designer’s aim was to deliver functionality, but with that special combination of theatre and jewellery, both of which are expected by every Rolls-Royce client. Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection models are now available for client orders.
F E AT U R E S TO R Y
ROLLS-ROYCE & ART DECO T
he famous Rolls-Royce mascot ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ is one example that might be described as a prequel to the Art Deco movement. Born in 1911, the graceful little Goddess has now adorned the prow of Rolls-Royce motor cars for more than a century. The influence of this genuine icon can be seen in famous Art Deco designs several decades later. Marcel Bouraine’s (1928) Papillion, a winged-figurine in translucent green glass created in the powered glass pâte-de-cristal technique, hints at the original Rolls-Royce design. The Spirit of Ecstasy’s flowing lines pre-empted the Art Deco movement. And the beautiful Phantom I, II and III models of the 1920s/1930s, wearing fine bespoke coachwork, certainly embody some of the high points in Rolls-Royce design of the last century. High Art Deco also embraced the sheer luxury of natural materials, the use of the exotic and experimental and celebrated the march of technology. The clean lines of aluminium – a material used to such success in bringing to life the original Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost - cool stainless steel and the luxurious feel of lacquer; all were to feature prominently in Art Deco design. Though Rolls-Royce cars hold a timeless quality, the visual history of the marque illustrates that something can always be traced of the era in which the cars were designed. In creating a Rolls-Royce for the 21st Century, designers rose to the challenge of expressing the marque’s heritage and language of one of the most celebrated aesthetics in automotive history without straying into pastiche. Features referencing the marque’s heritage such as the Pantheon grille adorned with Spirit of Ecstasy, wheels proportionally half the height of the car and interior furnished with classic detailing including eyeball vents operated by organ-stop controls, found
their home in a thoroughly modern masterpiece. The spirit of movements such as Art Deco can be seen in every modern Rolls-Royce. The evolutionary updates to the pinnacle Phantom Series II family are an elegant example. It is a car built in the context of the world we live in today that retains the true essence of what has gone before. Detailed interior touches in Phantom include quarter mirrors behind the c-pillar that reflect ambient light. Finished in greenfrosted glass, these are reminiscent of the pâte-de-cristal pieces so prevalent in Art Deco glassware classics. Today, echoes of Art Deco can be found in Ghost too. Its overarching design theme - the power of simplicity – reveals clean sweeping lines and proportions evoking the understated grandeur of the period. The form and section of hand-crafted, lacquered and highly polished wood veneers for example evoke the structure of fine furniture. Rolls-Royce veneers are chosen for their richness, iridescence and complexity of grain, often enhanced by inlays adorned with silver or mother of pearl and cross banding, so reminiscent of fine cabinet making in the Art Deco era. In celebration of the Art Deco period and the relevance of the Paris Exhibition to the movement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has created a series of highly bespoke Art Deco inspired Phantom and Ghost models which will debut at the Paris Motor Show 2012. The Phantom Saloon, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Ghost models feature a suite of design detailing inspired by the period. The Phantom Saloon for example includes a black and arctic white interior featuring a stainless steel inlay in the telephone drawer, door cappings and in-rear picnic table backs. These feature a geometric pattern first used by Rolls-Royce in early 20th century motor show stand designs.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU LIVE BETWEEN HEARTBEATS? THE NEW CONTINENTAL GT SPEED
As powerful as it is refined, as breathtaking as it is sophisticated. The new Continental GT Speed is the pinnacle of luxury and performance.
Bentley Sydney 75-85 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 Tel +61 2 8338 3988 www.bentleymotors.com/sydney
LIFESTYLE
BRITISH AIRWAYS ALWAYS FIRST CLASS Drawing on its rich heritage of impeccable service, specialist knowledge and understated sophistication, the first-class offering from British Airways provides discerning and highly accomplished travellers with an exclusive, quintessentially British experience.
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aunched to great acclaim in February 2010, the First class cabin from British Airways marks a milestone in the airline’s 90-year heritage of bringing luxury and glamour to the skies. Developed with a vision of providing an end-to-end experience dedicated to exclusivity, British Airways’ First class encompasses a premium cabin, impeccable service and catering, and a seamless ground experience. The First cabin has a sophisticated and timeless look, drawing on the colours and fabrics of senior ranking British naval officers’ uniforms, known as Naval Barathea. Taking inspiration from the private jet industry, every feature in the cabin has been carefully considered and researched to ensure that travellers have an enhanced sense of ownership and control over the space, while avoiding ostentatious gadgets and gimmicks. “British Airways has long been the leader in innovation when it comes to aircraft experiences, and our First class continues this strong heritage,” explains Nicole Backo, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager – South West Pacific. “We have contemporised First and created an intimate private jet experience onboard, with a focus on simplicity and quality. Every feature has been carefully considered and researched to ensure we are giving our customers what they want.”
GRAND DESIGNS When designing the cabin, the British Airways in-house team of design experts collaborated with two of Britain’s premier design consultancies, Tangerine and Forpeople, to produce a distinct First class experience. Forpeople have an impressive legacy in the luxury travel sector, having worked with Aston Martin and Jaguar in the past, and the agency was able to draw design inspiration from these famous automotive brands when helping to design the First cabin. Similarly, Tangerine has a proven track record in award-winning, intelligent design, having produced the patented British Airways Club World seat.
provide travellers with the versatility to dine or work in comfort. A control unit provides travellers with complete control over the suite, and the 15-inch television screen offers hours of entertainment.
Guided by a principle of ‘premium simplicity’, the design team worked to deliver a cabin that accommodates 14 premium customers in ultimate luxury for up to 24 hours, allowing each person to work, sleep, eat and be entertained in a way that matches their lifestyles and expectations.
SERVICE A CLASS ABOVE The cabin crew is the first to set the scene and bring British style to life. All crew that serve in the First class cabin have been through British Airways’ premium service training, delivering consistently exceptional levels of service parallel with that of the industry leaders in hospitality. Their attention to detail, attentiveness and intuitive service style has the power to make the in-flight experience second to none. Each cabin crew member is equipped with the ability to prepare and present the meal service at its best and to have a knowledge of the food and wines they are serving to the level of a top restaurant. The ability for customers to eat what they want, when they want, remains a key principle for the First Class food and beverages service, and a-la-carte dining allows customers to enjoy formal meals. White linen tablecloths and fine bone china set the scene for a menu of British classics and regional dishes on specific routings. For travellers who only want a snack, there is a more informal a-la-carte service, plus a bistro selection. Other elegant touches - such as an Anya Hindmarch designed washbag, the popular ‘sleeper suit’ and a Turndown Service on long-haul flights - all come together to produce a feeling of comfort and exclusivity.
SUPERIOR FROM START TO FINISH THE FIRST CLASS SUITE The British Airways First class cabin draws on the airline’s heritage and contemporary service style to provide balanced privacy and comfort. The suite features a herringbone layout, which gives customers the ability to move around the cabin and interact with other travellers if they so wish, without being in the direct eye-line of other passengers. At 31 inches in width and at a length of 6ft 6” when fully flat, the First class bed uses the latest technology with a sprung diaphragm, rather than the traditional layer of foam on a metal base, significantly increasing levels of comfort. Comfort extends beyond the physical seat with lighting that changes throughout the flight to create a different mood depending on the time of day. Passengers are given their own wardrobe for easy storage of clothes and belongings, and the main and side tables
Recognising that the travel experience extends beyond the aircraft, British Airways has worked to provide a superior level of service to First customers on the ground, both before and after flights. First class customers can enjoy dedicated check-in and Fast Track security, then relax before their flight in one of over 60 dedicated British Airways lounges and 90 partner lounges worldwide, none more luxurious than the Galleries First Lounge and The Concorde Room at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5. The Galleries First Lounge includes ‘The Gold Bar’, ‘The Wine Gallery’ and ‘The Champagne Bar’, all of which offer a wide selection of prestigious wines, champagnes, and spirits, as well as some fantastic dining options. The Concorde Room boasts a fully serviced ‘Concorde Bar’ serving wines and spirits from across the world, as well as a restaurant that offers a selection of freshly prepared refreshments and meals throughout the day. Customers can also enjoy complete relaxation in the Concorde Room’s private cabanas that offer a comfortable day bed and en suite.
F E AT U R E S TO R Y
ASTON MARTIN A CELEBRATION 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING
CENTENARY LAUNCH & CENTENARY WEEK
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anuary 15, 2013 marked the official incorporation of Aston Martin 100 years ago. To commemorate the historic occasion, the oldest surviving Aston Martin – A3 – and a stunning new Vanquish - the brand’s ultimate GT - will take their places at a photo call at Henniker Mews in Chelsea – the original home of Aston Martin – where a commemorative plaque was unveiled. In the evening of January 15, the Aston Martin Heritage Trust Walter Hayes Memorial Lecture took place in central London with A3 and Vanquish again guest starring alongside actor Sir John Standing as Lionel Martin, telling the story of his early days and his experience of making the first Aston Martin in Lionel Martin’s own words. The centrepiece of the celebrations will be a weeklong festival of all things Aston Martin that is set to
take place from July 15 to July 21 next year. Designed to appeal to owners and enthusiasts of the brand, the Centenary Week will include open-house activities at Aston Martin’s exclusive Gaydon headquarters, including factory-based events and driving tours. The week will culminate in a 1,000-guest ‘birthday party’ on Saturday July 20 and a spectacular Centenary event in central London on Sunday July 21. This highlight of the centenary celebrations will be held in central London in partnership with the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Aston Martin Owners Club. It will feature the 100 most iconic cars in a timeline display and one of the largest gatherings of Aston Martins in the 100-year history of the great British marque.
CENTENARY DRIVES A number of centenary drives will also be held to coincide with the birthday party and the concours event. These will include a James Bond-themed route around England and Wales taking in a number of the iconic Bond film locations, a drive through the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and a rally through six European
countries in six days. In America, the Pebble Beach centenary drive programme offers an opportunity to visit some of California’s most scenic regions before spending the weekend at the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
CENTENARY LOGO To mark its first century in business, Aston Martin has created a special centenary logo: a dynamic spiralling design derived from the nautilus shell, one of the most perfectly proportioned and mathematically precise objects found in nature. Ninety nine points arranged in an elegant helix spiral out from the Aston Martin logo and culminate in a red ‘100’ to mark the celebration year. The logo has been designed to express forward motion while also acknowledging the importance of the past.
1913 TO 2013 On 15 January 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded a new automotive venture. They called their company Bamford & Martin which later became Aston Martin, acknowledging Lionel Martin’s success at the Aston Clinton Hillclimb in Buckinghamshire, where he had successfully raced their very first cars. Bamford and Martin began their business in Chelsea’s Henniker Mews in London, becoming well known as providers of sporting machines to enthusiastic racers and discerning enthusiasts. In the century that followed, Aston Martin has come to represent many things, from sporting prowess through to technical innovation, beautiful design, fine craftsmanship and superior performance. In Aston Martin’s first 90 years, the company built fewer than 15,000 cars. The open bodied two-seater sports specials of the pre-war years gave way to the David Brown era of the 1950s and beyond which saw the introduction of the legendary DB2/4, DB4, DB5, DB6 and DBS, before the V8 Vantage and Virage led Aston Martin to the DB7, original Vanquish and on into the modern era.
A second celebration sees Aston Martin mark its first decade at Gaydon, in Warwickshire, moving in to its purpose-built premises on January 3 2003. Since that date Aston Martin, overseen by CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, has produced 45,000 cars to huge critical and commercial acclaim. The original DB9 and Vantage were joined by the Rapide, DBS, Virage and now the timeless new DB9 and ultimate GT, the Vanquish – Aston Martin’s latest flagship sports car. Aston Martin is, too, no longer focused on the domestic market but an international player, exporting 75% of its annual production around the world to 146 dealerships in 41 countries.
F E AT U R E S TO R Y
BMW M SPORT MODELS LIMITED EDITION
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MW Australia today announced the introduction of a Limited Edition M Sport version of Australia’s top-selling large luxury SAV, the X5 M Sport Limited Edition. Priced from $99,900 drive away, the BMW X5 M Sport Limited Edition adds the M Sport exterior body kit, 20” M double spoke Alloy wheels, M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and chrome tail pipe finisher from the M Sport range. Additionally, features such as Navigation Professional, voice control, rear view camera with top view, electric seat adjustment, automatic tailgate operation, Bi-Xenon headlights including headlight washers and High Beam Assist with Antidazzle exterior mirrors add to the already high standard specification of the BMW X5 xDrive 30d. This represents more than $15,000 of additional value to customers. As part of the ‘Festival of M’ promotion*, BMW is also offering its highly–popular M Sport package at no cost on its 5 Series and Z4 models, as well as the M Sport ‘Plus’ package at no cost on its 1 and 3 Series Coupe and Convertible range representing additional customer value of between $2500 to $7900. The M Sport Plus package for the 1 and 3 Series models boasts M Sport suspension, M Leather Steering wheel, M
Aerodynamics package, BMW Individual High Gloss shadow line and anthracite roof liner (Coupé variants) all familiar from the existing M Sport package. In addition, this offering now includes features such as unique 18” M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey, door sill finishers with Chrome-plated “edition” designation and Royal Blue contrast stitching in the upholstery when ordered in Dakota leather black which combines with velour floor mats with blue leather piping. Model specific content for the 1 Series Coupé and Convertible includes Aluminium Glacier Silver interior trim, kidney grille bars in high-gloss black and blackline rear lights coupled with an extended range of paint colours (metallic at additional cost) including Vermillion Red and Carbon Black to further highlight the sporty nature of this package. The 3 Series Coupé / Convertible M Sport Plus package is differentiated by Interior trim in Aluminium Silver Dark, Kidney Grille bars and frame in Chrome, Sports Seats, Stainless Steel foot pedals and exterior mirror caps in black as well as Metallic paint being included in the package. The popularity of the M Sports packages is such that nearly 50 percent of all BMW’s sold in Australia are equipped with this option.
The BMW Festival of M promotion is running until 31st March 2013. For more information, contact Trivett Classic BMW on 02 9841 8880 or visit trivettclassic.bmw.com.au *Offers apply to new BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible, 3 Series Coupé and Convertible, 5 Series Sedan, Z4 and X5 xDrive30d M Sport Limited Edition ordered and delivered between 1 February and 31 March 2013, while stocks last and cannot be combined with any other offer. ^Recommended promotional drive away price for a new BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport Limited Edition with no optional extras ordered and delivered between 1 February and 31 March 2013, while stocks last at participating authorised BMW dealers. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers.
LIFESTYLE
VICTOR CHURCHILL
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THE PRADA OF THE BUTCHERY WORLD
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In Sydney last month, a city that’s having a dribbly, bloody affair with steak, I found Victor Churchill’s, a butcher that looks like a Tom Ford boutique: sides of beef revolve in glass ageing rooms, steaks are displayed in glass cabinets. The quality and the care are way beyond anything I’ve seen anywhere else. It isn’t just organic gimmicks, it’s an amazing professional concern for breeds, feed, ageing, preparation, storage and the techniques of butchery. Anthony Bourdain said it was the best food shop he’d ever been in. AA Gill, The Sunday Times, 26 June 2011
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ictor Churchill is a new concept in the old tradition of butchering. The realisation of father and son team Victor and Anthony Puharich, this boutique butchery offers the whole package; extraordinary design, exceptional meat and charcuterie, knowledgeable staff and a profound sense of hospitality. The pedigree is certainly there. The store, located on Queen St Woollahra, is Australia’s oldest continuously run butchery. Three years ago they became the fourth owners of the butchery in its 133-year history. The pair come from a long line of butchers. “While I hold strongly to the traditional values and methods of the industry,” says Anthony, “my goal is to always approach it from a more unconventional, innovative angle. Victor Churchill is the perfect example of this. I promised myself that if I was to ever do a retail butcher’s shop it would be unlike anything else in the world.” Exposed sandstone walls serve as a reminder of years gone by, but the refrigerated, parsley lined counters have long since disappeared. Instead, butchers work at beautiful hand-
rafted timber butcher’s blocks on ‘stage’ behind floor-to-ceiling glass. It’s a mélange of old and new.
The changes are not simply aesthetic. “We removed the traditional counter that was a boundary between the butcher and the customer,” says Anthony “We created the glass butchery, so there was no ducking ‘out-the-back’.” Elements of the theatre, art gallery and luxury boutique work together. The enormous Calacatta marble slab was cut into mosaic tiles and re-laid to follow the original grain, the walls are lined in cow-hide. In the coolroom specialty cuts of meat and carcasses hang from a cog gear and metal chain rack, that slowly passes as customers look on, creating a distinctly Damien Hirst effect. A Himalayan rock salt brick wall (which infuses the hanging meat with flavour and sterilizes the air) lends the store an extraordinary glow. The custom cast in solid amalgamation couture with a
made ‘sausage’ door handles were copper, using real sausages. It’s an of the very best European hauteuniquely Australian sense of character.
French butcheries also played muse, not just to the design, but to the product range. Stepping beyond the bounds of a traditional Australian butchery, Victor Churchill offers goods in the style of traiteur (ready-made meals), charcuterie and roasted meats from their rotisserie, as well as a full range of specialty smallgoods and condiments. “We have a brilliant chef and charcutier, Romeo Baudouin, on the team,” explains Anthony, “to ensure that the charcuterie, traiteur, rotisserie and meals are the best they can be.” Romeo, a native Frenchman, has more than two decades of experience in the art of charcuterie. The copper fridges are stocked with the very best Australian meat and produce, the likes of which has previously only been available to top tier restaurants. The family’s wholesale business, Vic’s Premium Quality Meat, operates as a meat purveyor to some of Australia’s finest kitchens. The relationships with producers across the country go back over a decade. It is evident in the laden cabinets. Since the store opened three years ago, it has introduced an exciting array of seasonal and rare product; everything from the highest grade Wagyu available in Australia, to chestnut fed
Oberon beef, O’Connor grass-fed beef from Victoria, rare Berkshire black pork breeds, Wagyu bresaola (a Victor Churchill innovation) and duck prosciutto. At the heart of all this innovation, nevertheless, lies some very traditional concepts of service. Both Victor and Anthony aimed to recreate the sense of trust and knowledge and camaraderie that distinguishes the traditional butcher shop. At Victor Churchill, it takes the form of a ‘panel’ of knowledgeable sales‐assistants on the floor, trained to support and advise customers’ selection, providing meat to order and portioned by a butcher to the customers’ exact specifications. Australia is now taking her food very seriously, and if Victor Churchill is a taste of what’s to come, we can’t wait.
Victor Churchill 132 Queen Street, Woolahra, NSW (02) 9328 0402 www.victorchurchill.com
The Spirit of Vanquish. The Art of Aston Martin.
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Aston Martin Vanquish: urban 13.2 (21.4); extra-urban
n 27.7 (10.2); combined 19.6 (14.4). CO2 emissions 335g/km
The pinnacle of the Aston Martin range, the new Vanquish is everything we know expressed in one exceptional car. The result is a unique blend of art, technology, craftsmanship and pure adrenalin - a V12 engined, carbon fibre-bodied masterpiece that defines a new breed of Super Grand Tourer. Please contact us to arrange a test drive Trivett Aston Martin Sydney 75/85 O’Riordan Street Alexandria NSW 2015 +61 2 8338 2137 www.astonmartinsydney.com.au Trivett Aston Martin Melbourne Eureka Tower, 80 City Road Southbank VIC 3006 +61 3 8866 3111 www.astonmartinmelbourne.com.au
F E AT U R E S TO R Y
‘LIFE IS MEA SURED IN ACHIEVEMENT, NOT IN YEARS ALONE.’
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hen a 27-year-old Bruce McLaren penned those words in 1964, his new company, Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd, was less than a year old.
In those days, Bruce’s vision was shared by fewer than half a dozen loyal souls, who slogged across the world to race his self-made cars. Nowadays, the McLaren Group employs more than 2000 people, all of whom still share Bruce’s ideals of combining sportsmanship with solid engineering practice and cutting-edge technical expertise. On September 2nd 2013, the McLaren Group will celebrate its 50th anniversary. If we were to follow Bruce’s words to the letter, there’d be little time for recollection, but on the eve of our half-century there’s surely time for the briefest of breaths and the opportunity to take a look behind us at the sweeping vista built up in the indelible shadow of our founder:
The Formula 1 team has become a global household name; since our arrival in the sport, at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, we have won more races (182) than any other constructor, started from pole position 155 times and scored 151 fastest laps. In 2012, we achieved the fastest-ever time for a Formula 1 pitstop (2.31s at Hockenheim), recorded our 58th consecutive points-scoring finish (an all-time record) and have now led more than 10,000 racing laps.
The exploits of our greatest world champions will always bring F1 to life: Emerson Fittipaldi ignited the passion of his native Brazil; James Hunt created as many headlines on the front pages as on the back; Niki Lauda and Alain Prost turned sport to science; the burning intensity of Ayrton Senna will live on for ever, while Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton will always be remembered for their raw speed and fearless aggression. Our legacy in North American sportscar racing is writ equally large: in the heyday of the mighty CanAm series, we steamrollered the opposition, lifting five successive championship trophies (1967-1971) and winning an incredible 43 races in our iconic, thundering V8-engined sportscars. We went to the Indy 500 for the first time in 1970, returning with greater strength until we won the USA’s most famous motor race in 1974 with Johnny Rutherford. We repeated the feat with Rutherford in 1976, too.
Today, every single car in Formula 1, the Indycar Series and NASCAR relies upon McLaren Electronics’ standardised ECUs to control their engines and feed data back to the garage.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS McLAREN IN 2013
Introduced back in 1993, the McLaren F1 road car has lost none of its unique appeal and is still considered by many to be automotive world’s definitive supercar. To this day, it remains the fastest naturally aspirated production car in the world. In GTR racing guise, it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also scooping third, fourth and fifth places on its debut in 1995. The next road car project was with German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, and saw the successful build of the MercedesBenz SLR McLaren, which became the best-selling carbonbased car ever. Since its launch in 2010, McLaren Automotive has developed into a world-class road car manufacturer, successfully developing and building the 12C and the 12C Spider high-performance sports cars. Both models exploit our unparalleled understanding of carbon fibre and electronic driver systems to create a groundbreaking product of unequalled weight, strength, performance and driveability.
In a return to our sportscar roots, the debut of the 12C GT3 was an unqualified success, scoring 19 victories on its competitive debut in 2012. In September, as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes crossed the flag to win in Monza, McLaren’s GT cars also took top spot at races in British, French and Spanish championships – an incredible achievement. Fittingly, this year, McLaren Automotive stands poised to open its 50th global dealership ahead of the worldwide launch of the P1™ – our newest model and a machine that’s set to rewrite the definition of the modern supercar.
It’s all a long way from that small south London lock-up back in 1963. But Bruce wouldn’t wish for us to merely look backwards without looking forwards, too. Accordingly, echoes of our past will reverberate throughout a series of unique events and celebrations to be held across our anniversary year. From the McLaren 50 logos we’ll proudly sport on our team shirts, through our specially commissioned heritage video features, to the launch of our new MP4-28 Formula 1 car with Jenson Button and Sergio Perez on January 31st, every lap, every corner, every mile and every road we take will be an opportunity to revel in McLaren’s present while recalling our 50-year past. Ron Dennis CBE, executive chairman, McLaren Group and McLaren Automotive, said: “McLaren’s history is long and storied, but McLaren’s legacy is harder to define – and that’s because it’s still being vividly written every day by the dedicated men and women who work at the McLaren Technology Centre. “Bruce McLaren wrote the beginning of the story, and the legend is going to continue for many years to come. I’m only a chapter, not the book, and I want other people to come in and write their own chapters as time goes by. “This is a book that’s still being written, and that, perhaps, is the greatest legacy of McLaren.” Somewhere up there, we hope Bruce is smiling down on us, still gunning that throttle… Please join us via sydney.mclaren.com to share the path of this journey. It’ll be fun and it’ll be fast.
FOOD
GRILLED CHICKEN WITH PICKLED WATERMELON SALAD This dish has all the elements of a perfect summer dish: vibrant, crisp watermelon, fresh herbs and sweet and sour pickled rind. You’ll need to begin this recipe a day ahead. Serves 10 Prep time 25 mins, cooking time 1 hr 20 mins (plus cooling, pickling, marinating, resting)
INGREDIENTS 2 250ml (1 cup) 250 ml (1 cup) 160 gm 150 gm (1 cup) 600 gm 2 cups (loosely packed) 1 cup each (loosely packed)
chickens (about 1.8kg each), butterflied, backbone removed fish sauce lime juice light palm sugar, crushed spelt (see note) watermelon, thickly sliced (reserve rind for pickle) mint coriander, Thai basil and Vietnamese mint
Pickled Watermelon Rind 100 gm 250 ml (1 cup) 165 gm (¾ cup) 1 5 gm (1cm piece)
watermelon rind, thinly sliced on a mandolin rice wine vinegar caster sugar long red chilli, split ginger, thinly sliced
Crisp Shallots and Garlic For deep-frying: 10 5
vegetable oil golden shallots, thinly sliced on a mandolin garlic cloves, thinly sliced on a mandolin
METHOD 1. For pickled watermelon rind, place rind in a non-reactive container and set aside. Stir rice wine vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, set aside to cool, then add remaining ingredients and pour over watermelon rind. Cover and refrigerate overnight to pickle. 2. Place chickens in a non-reactive dish and set aside. Pound fish sauce, lime juice and palm sugar in a large mortar and pestle to combine, pour half over chicken and refrigerate to marinate (1 hour). Refrigerate remaining dressing until required. 3. Meanwhile, cook spelt in boiling salted water until tender (30-40 minutes). Drain well, spread on a tray and set aside to cool. 4. Meanwhile, for crisp shallots and garlic, heat oil in a deep saucepan to 160C, add shallots and deep-fry in batches, stirring frequently, until crisp and golden (1-2 minutes; be careful as hot oil will spit), remove with a slotted spoon and drain on absorbent paper. Deep-fry garlic, stirring frequently, until crisp and golden (1-2 minutes; be careful as hot oil will spit), remove and drain on absorbent paper. Store in an airtight container until required. 5. Heat a char-grill pan (or barbecue) over medium-high heat. Drain chicken from marinade, char-grill skin-side down until crisp (10-15 minutes), turn, char-grill until cooked through (10-15 minutes). Set aside to rest. 6. Combine watermelon wedges, spelt, herbs and pickled watermelon rind in a bowl, drizzle with reserved dressing and toss to combine. Scatter chicken with crisp shallots and garlic and serve with pickled watermelon salad. Note: Spelt is a grain, similar to barley, available from health-food shops and select delicatessens. If it’s unavailable, substitute freekah or farro perlato (you may need to adjust cooking times and quantities). This recipe is from the December 2011 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller. RECIPE EMMA KNOWLES & ALICE STOREY PHOTOGRAPHY WILLIAM MEPPEM STYLING EMMA KNOWLES, ALICE STOREY & VANESSA AUSTIN
FOOD
SUMMER PUDDING The juices of berries give natural sweetness and a pretty crimson stain to this fruity bread pudding. Serves 8 Prep time 30 mins, cooking time 10 mins (plus setting)
INGREDIENTS 500 gm 300 gm 250 gm 250 gm 350 gm For greasing: 12 200 gm Seeds
strawberries (about 2 punnets), halved, hulled, plus extra to serve mulberries (about 1½ punnets), stems removed, plus extra to serve raspberries (about 2 punnets), plus extra to serve blueberries (about 2 punnets), plus extra to serve caster sugar, plus extra for sugaring mould butter slices of soft white square bread (about 1 loaf), crusts removed double cream scraped from 1 vanilla bean
To serve:
pure icing sugar (optional)
METHOD 1. Combine berries and caster sugar in a large saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until juices are released and sugar is dissolved (5-6 minutes). Strain through a sieve into a bowl and reserve berries and liquid separately. 2. Butter and sugar a 2-litre pudding bowl. From one bread slice, cut out a round large enough to fit pudding bowl base, brush with berry liquid and place brushed-side down in bowl. Cut 8 bread slices in half diagonally to form triangles and cut remaining slices in half vertically to form rectangles. Brush one side of each slice with berry liquid. Snugly line side of bowl with slices, brushed-side down, starting with a rectangle and 2 triangles. Repeat with remaining bread, overlapping to fit and fill gaps (reserve 8 triangles for the top; there may be some bread slices left over). Spoon berries into centre and press gently down to level, then spoon half the remaining berry liquid over, ensuring bread edges are soaked. Arrange reserved bread triangles on top, overlapping to cover. Pour remaining berry liquid over, weight with a small plate and refrigerate until firm and flavours develop (overnight). 3. Whisk cream and vanilla seeds in a bowl to combine and set aside. Turn out pudding onto a serving plate, top with remaining berries, dust with icing sugar and serve with vanilla cream. Note: You’ll need to begin this recipe a day ahead. This recipe is from the January 2013 issue of Australian Gourmet Traveller.
RECIPE EMMA KNOWLES & ALICE STOREY PHOTOGRAPHY WILLIAM MEPPEM STYLING EMMA KNOWLES, ALICE STOREY & VANESSA AUSTIN
“So this is what it’s like to buy a Rolls-Royce” Robyn Gorton New Volkswagen Golf owner
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