a u t u mn
autumn 2016 Volume #15
2 0 1 6 v ol u me # 1 5 THE MAGAZINE FROM H.R. OWEN PLC
T H E
M A G A Z I N E
F R O M
H . R .
O W E N
P L C
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C1000 Typhoon – Cockpit Edition
WELCOME
T
he trouble with motor shows, especially the Geneva Salon, is that manufacturers use them to proudly show off their latest heavy metal… and then force us to wait months before we can get behind the wheel. Patience, though, is a virtue and this issue is packed with drives of some
awesome machinery first revealed in Switzerland back in March. Aston-owning Andrew English samples the ‘terrific’ DB11 while Jason Barlow discovers that a raft of changes has transformed the Rolls-Royce Wraith into the edgy Black Badge, the world’s most unlikely trackday special. Bugatti also used Geneva to launch the new Chiron and while we have yet to drive it, we’ve found a man who has – Le Mans winner Andy Wallace. He reports from Goodwood while we’ve had a look around the new H. R. Owen Bugatti showroom in Mayfair. We’ve grabbed precious time with recently retired Italian design guru Lorenzo Ramaciotti who looks back at more than 40 years of designing iconic Maseratis and Ferraris. We’ve also travelled to Maranello to join a couple of customers creating their own Tailor-Made Ferraris. And then there’s the Lamborghini Miura, the original mid-engined supercar. Unbelievably it was launched 50 years ago and Jeremy Taylor was lucky enough to be invited to its birthday party in Italy. Dynamically it might be showing its age – we’ve come a long way in those five decades – but those stunning Gandini lines still have the ability to turn heads like no other. Imagine the reception given to 25 examples travelling in convoy. We’ve a new regular feature, too. I Was There is just that, an eye-witness account of a major motoring happening: this time Simon Arron remembers when Brazil nearly had a fourth World Champion to follow in the wheeltracks of Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna. Sadly, no amount of waiting has brought Felipe Massa F1’s ultimate accolade. If you have any comments on this issue, don’t hesitate to drop me an e-mail at the address below.
CONTACTS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS DRIVE Magazine is published on behalf of H.R. Owen PLC by RWMG Bespoke. For all publishing and advertising enquiries please contact: RWMG Bespoke 6th Floor, One Canada Square Canary Wharf London, E14 5AX T: +44 (0)20 7987 4320 E: info@rwmg.co.uk www.rwmg.co.uk DRIVE EDITORIAL TEAM Tom King: Marketing Director Matthew Carter: Editor-at-Large Tiffany Eastland: Deputy Editor H.R. Owen Plc Melton Court Old Brompton Road London SW7 3TD T: +44 (0)20 7245 1122 F: +44 (0)20 7245 1123 E: enquiries@hrowen.co.uk www.hrowen.co.uk RWMG Bespoke Giles Ellwood: Publisher Alan Cooke: Managing Director Laura Marshall: Creative Director Joe Ross: Senior Designer Adam Garwood: Project Manager PUBLSIHING ENQUIRIES Call Alan Cooke on +44 (0)20 7987 4320 or email a.cooke@rwmgbespoke.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call Rachel Eden on +44 (0)7793 380 012 or email r.eden@hrowenmagazine.co.uk
MATTHEW CARTER Editor drive@hrowen.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS Words: Jason Barlow, Simon Arron, Chris Hall, Alex Doak, Jeremy Taylor, Andrew English, Images: Sven Eselgroth, Drew Gibson, Matt Howell, Lee Brimble, GF Williams
RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP
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©Copyright 2016 H.R.Owen PLC 2016 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor H.R. Owen PLC nor any of its subsidiary or affiliated companies can accept, and hereby disclaim to the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability for any loss or damage that may be caused by any errors or omissions this publication may contain. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written permission of the publisher. Information correct at time of going to press. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or H.R. Owen PLC. Every effort has been made to trace the copyright holders of material used in this publication. If any copyright holder has been overlooked, we should be pleased to make any necessary arrangements.
10
autumn 2016
|
volume #15
CONTENTS
54
COVER STORY ROLLS-ROYCE BLACK BADGE Too young for a Rolls-Royce? Black Badge will make you think again, says Jason Barlow. He got to drive the beast in Las Vegas while we introduced a Black Badge Wraith to London after dark
18 FRONT SEAT NEWS, REVIEWS, CULTURE Upfront this issue we look at Bentley’s latest offerings; talk to Freddie Hunt, son of the late, great James; offer three of the best high-end holdalls; discover how the Ferrari F1 team goes racing and investigate the Aston Martin Owners Club
MID ENGINE Regulars 40
Grab the last few rays of the summer
ROAD TRIP: COASTAL DRIVES
32
IRST DRIVE: ASTON MARTIN F DB11
49
with a drive along Dorset’s Jurassic
‘Gorgeous to look at, stable, fast and
Now fully reopened after a $90 million
coast or, now that the kids are back at
terrific fun…’ That’s the verdict on the
refurb, the Petersen collection is one
school, discover hidden peaceful gems
new DB11 from Andrew English
of the must-see places in Los Angeles with an eclectic mix of cars and bikes
in Norfolk
44 92
12
NDER LOCK & KEY: PETERSEN U AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM
I NTERVIEW: LORENZO RAMACIOTTI
T YOUR SERVICE: A H. R. OWEN ECURIE
The design guru behind cars such
81
ART + CRAFT: URBAN JÜRGENSEN The company is owned by the Danes,
Meet the team behind H. R. Owen’s
as the Ferrari 456 GT and Maserati
guided by a Finn, inspired by an
latest venture, Ecurie, which offers
GranTurismo talks to Matthew
Englishman and built in Switzerland:
the very best pre-owned luxury and
Carter about his long and
Alex Doak finds out what makes Urban
performance cars from all marques
illustrious career
Jürgensen watches tick
c o n t e n ts
74
feature TAILOR MADE: FERRARI Off the peg or bespoke? We’re talking Ferraris here not suits, as we join two customers who have opted to personalise their new cars at Ferrari Tailor-Made
100
Features 63
HOME OF OUR OWN: A BUGATTI H.R. Owen is Europe’s leading
REAR VIEW
Bugatti sales operation, even though it used not to have a dedicated Carter reports from Mayfair’s
96
ODERN CLASSIC: M BUGATTI EB110
Bruton Street
Father of the modern Bugatti, the
have joined us at Hurlingham and
EB110 arrived in 1991 and was named
Goodwood, watched top class polo
to honour the 110th anniversary of
and welcomed back the Bentley Boys on a Le Mans raid
showroom. It does now. Matthew
66
AKING THE BEST EVEN M BETTER: CHIRON
On the cover:
Ettore Bugatti’s birth. Technically
If the Veyron re-wrote the hypercar
Rolls Royce Wraith
advanced and purchased by the likes
rulebook, the new Chiron rips it up
Black Badge.
of Michael Schumacher, examples are
and starts again. We get under the
Photography: Lee Brimble
eagerly sought by collectors today
98 AUTUMN 2016 VOLUME #15
MIGHTY MIURA: LAMBORGHINI
UTURE CLASSICS: F ASTON BY RED BULL
Incredibly, the Lamborghini Miura
According to Aston boss Andy Palmer,
was born half a century ago but
the track version of the AM RB 001 will
instantly defined the term
lap Silverstone as quickly as a Grand
‘supercar’. Jeremy Taylor joined the birthday celebrations
This quarter, H. R. Owen customers
101 I WAS THERE… Simon Arron recalls the moment Felipe Massa claimed the F1 world
skin of the latest Bugatti
85
100 CHEQUERED FLAG
crown in a Ferrari… ‘moment’ being the operative word
Prix car. But then it has been created T H E
M A G A Z I N E
F R O M
H . R .
O W E N
P L C
by Red Bull legend Adrian Newey
13
THE THE ETTORE ETTORE BUGATTI BUGATTI COLLECTION COLLECTION ETTORE ETTORE ETTORE BUGATTI BUGATTI BUGATTI BOUTIQUE BOUTIQUE BOUTIQUE 24-26 24-26 24-26 BROMPTON BROMPTON BROMPTON ROAD, ROAD, ROAD, LONDON LONDON LONDON MONTE-CARLO MONTE-CARLO MONTE-CARLO MUNICH MUNICH MUNICH TOKYO TOKYO TOKYO MILAN MILAN MILAN SHOWROOM SHOWROOM SHOWROOM
Drive DRIVE_Eb_Bugatti_May2016_v1.indd 14 DRIVE_Eb_Bugatti_May2016_v1.indd Eb_Bugatti Ad P6-7.indd 6 1 1
12/06/2016 14:58
Driv
INFO@LIFEST YLE-BUGATTI.COM INFO@LIFEST YLE-BUGATTI.COM
INFO@LIFEST YLE-BUGATTI.COM
LIFESTYLE-BUGATTI.COM LIFESTYLE-BUGATTI.COM
14:58
Drive 14 Eb_Bugatti Ad P6-7.indd 7
20/05/16 12/06/2016 20/05/16 17:56 17:56 14:59
Drive 14 Bentley_Infinite Ad P21.indd 21
12/06/2016 15:17
FRO NT SEAT
This is a different kind of personalisation; a new approach to acquiring a car. And you are only limited by your own imagination
Chapter 01
FRONT SEAT 17
15:17
F R O NT SEAT
2017 MODEL YEAR
MULSANNE STRAIGHT, NO CHASER named after Le Mans’ famous 6km stretch, the mulsanne is dominant in all three of its new guises – and the possibilities for personalisation, courtesy of Mulliner Coachworks, appear endless The first thing you notice is that front end.
palette of 24 exquisite hide colours. A new
The wings, bonnet, radiator shell, grilles,
touchscreen infotainment system has even
lights – and bumpers fore and aft – have
been developed, with haptic controls, classic
all been updated, giving the car what
analogue gauges and a 60GB hard drive for
Bentley refers to as “a more modern and
every Disney film your children will ever want
airline-style extending legrests and a rear-
integrated appearance”. But what we’re all
to watch in the back.
compartment sunroof all combine to create
thinking is that the Mulsanne, whose raised
There’s a lot more going on under your
what must rank as one of the most relaxing
CLUB CLASS
headlamps once looked a bit cross-eyed,
seats too. All-new chassis hardware includes
now looks devilishly handsome, plain and
active engine mounts and suspension
simple. With that slightly squashed front
bushes. To further enhance the trademark
the driving seat than the passenger seat,
Wheelbase has aircraft-
grille planting Bentley’s flagship firmly
hushed ride, Bentley has integrated the latest
however, Mulsanne now boasts a formidable
style extending leg rests
on the road, it all adds up to a brawny yet
noise absorption technology directly into
“Speed” varietal. Featuring a more powerful
to maximise the extra
distinguished stance.
the Mulsanne’s tyres. This advanced foam
version of Bentley’s mighty 6¾-litre twin-
250mm of rear legroom
architecture reduces interior cabin noise by
turbo V8 engine, this is a limo tailored to the
of course. Being Bentley, the car has been
up to 4 dBA and provides an unmatched level
“enthusiastic” driver who values sportiness
comprehensively re-thought, inside and
of ride refinement.
as much as the luxuriousness in which he
It’s certainly not style over substance,
out. On the inside, occupants will of course find the world’s finest handcrafted wood, leather and metal fittings, and the new Mulsanne also boasts redesigned
18
automotive environments on the market. For Bentley owners who’d rather be in
The Mulsanne Extended
But the biggest news for potential
sports, with 530bhp developing 1,100Nm
1500RPM
Mulsanne owners has to be the family’s
of torque, and a 0–60 mph time of just 4.8
Is all that the Mulsanne
two new members. For a start, there’s the
seconds. Oh, and a top speed of 190mph.
Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, designed
That’s genuine supercar performance in
engine is pulling at the 70mph UK speed limit,
seats, unique glass switchgear
with the rear-seat passenger in mind.
a car that’s over 5 metres long and weighs
making noise almost
and an industry-leading
An additional 250mm of rear legroom,
over 3 tonnes.
imperceptible
f ro n t s e at
CUSTOM BUILT
MULL IT OVER If you can dream it up, chances are that
by 1,000mm, as well as adding 79mm
Bentley’s bespoke coachworks, Mulliner can
in headroom in the rear. Perhaps most
make it a reality
remarkable of all is the elegant profile of the
The talk of the Bentley stand at March’s Geneva Motor Show was undoubtedly the
car itself. Unlike traditional “stretched” limousines,
phenomenal new Bentayga SUV. But there
it has been carefully designed to preserve
was another, even bigger car that dominated
the Mulsanne’s effortless lines and aesthetic
conversation, not to mention podium space:
purity – something that could only be
the Mulsanne Grand Limousine.
realised by the Mulliner craftsmen’s peerless
Designed and built entirely by hand
skillset, including traditional panel-beating
for a private customer, this extraordinary
techniques, for example – a rare craft that
vehicles as a badge of rare prestige – yet
one-off is a rare example of a modern
takes years of apprenticeship.
none are as personal as those with bespoke
coachbuilt car, made by Bentley’s very own,
What this car represents is the limitless
bodywork and design. This is a different
in-house bespoke coachbuilder, Mulliner.
opportunities you and your Mulsanne are
kind of personalisation; a new approach to
The car’s creation involved extending the
afforded by Bentley’s coachworks. The
acquiring a car. And you are only limited by
wheelbase and body of the original Mulsanne
Mulliner name appears on many Bentley
your own imagination.
ULTIMATE OPTION
FISHING, WITH COMPLIMENTS Continued from page 17
The Bentayga SUV was launched earlier this
Four rods are stored in special tubes
year with what seemed to be the ultimate
under the parcel shelf. A pair of landing nets
accessory for the discerning outdoorsman – a
in matching leather bags are stored in a
three-piece picnic hamper installed across
bespoke, carpet-trimmed hard pocket built
the boot, complete with diamond-quilted
into the side of the boot. But at the heart of
leather and champagne chiller, all hand-
Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner are three
crafted by Viscount Linley’s cabinetmakers.
individual, Saddle-leather-trimmed units: a
This now seems positively tame compared
slide-out master tackle station with fly-tying
to the latest option for considerably more
vice, a refreshment case, and – particularly
adventurous Bentley owners. Dubbed
practical, this – a waterproof wader-
“Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner” is an
stowage boot.
unapologetically lavish installation housing
Of course, all three units can be removed
all the equipment required for a successful
from the Bentayga’s boot whenever maximum
day by the river. (And believe us, the Bentayga
luggage space is required, but who would
is more than capable of reaching the banks
want to with such a wonderful conversation
of most rivers in the UK, regardless of
piece to show off? It’s enough to distract
surrounding terrain.)
anyone from your disappointing catch…
19
F R O NT SEAT
KNOWLEDGE = POWER
FORMULA 1 PIT GARAGE
Usually situated directly beneath the hospitality paddock, the garages lining the pitlane of a Grand Prix circuit look sleek and fully integrated to the naïve television spectator. But every race weekend, each F1 team arrives to a bare concrete shell – literally an empty garage. It is a vast logistical challenge setting up two operating-theatre-worthy car ports, adjacent engine, drivetrain and telemetry rooms, safe tyre and fuel storage, not to mention the three articulated trucks out back, which expand into a veritable village of hospitality areas, meeting rooms, working garages and car storage.
ENGINEERING THE RACE The Friday of race weekend is the busiest day of the week. Two practice sessions give the Scuderia Ferrari engineers a chance to assess the correct acceleration point between gears in relation to the track and establish the ratios required. Telemetry screens show data beamed from the engine and chassis, to monitor the behaviour of the car, as well as the driver.
CYBER SECURITY Hugely important in this digital age are the secure data links that enable telemetry and other data to be sent directly back to base in Maranello and analysed during race weekend.
LONDON’S TOP FIVE
2. Old Church Street
PROPERTIES FOR PETROLHEADS
Chelsea, SW3
As driving in central London
10m wide, which
becomes ever more congested,
was constructed
it’s important that back at
approximately 10
home at least, owning a car is
years ago with an
a pleasurable and effortless
interior by Candy &
A stunning property, almost
experience. Perish the idea of
Candy. The property
resident’s parking permits and
1. Park Lodge
panel installed in the
is made up of a main
uncertain expiry dates! Step
Ennismore Street, SW7
basement study, your
house that fronts on
forward these five spectacular
At this renovated five-storey
current steed can be
to the street, a studio
family homes currently on the
house in Knightsbridge,
revealed at the flick of a
house and a large
market, where not only is parking
the garage is brought as
switch (the developers
underground car park
decidedly in situ, but in some
close to home as possible
used a Jaguar XKSS to
that extends to over
instances en vogue, showcasing
by a tucked-away lift facing
demonstrate).
1,000 sq ft.
your pride and joy with the
the courtyard. Located
£13,750,000,
£19,500,000,
grandeur of an art gallery.
behind a translucent glazed
beauchamp.com
knightfrank.co.uk
20
FRO NT SEAT
FUELLING FERRARI Shell’s “Carlotta” travels with the rest of Scuderia Ferrari to every race, delivering up to 40,000 litres of fuel over a season. Strict FIA regulations put heavy pressure on Shell’s fuel testing precision to reassure Scuderia Ferrari that the fuel is contaminant free and legally compliant – which is why Shell set up a minilaboratory in the garage to analyse V-Power
on the road
Tyres, fuel and certain other
fuel and oil samples.
TRAVELLING CIRCUS
equipment are brought separately by technical partners and local contractors.
The logistics behind a season
For the non-European
The FIA allocate garages and an area in
of Formula 1 racing has been
‘flyaway’ races the logistical
LIE OF THE LAND the pit lane to the teams on a strictly equal
described, only half-jokingly, as
effort is considerably more
basis. Within these designated garage
being not dissimilar to that of a
complicated (all Formula 1 teams
areas is one position – or pit box – where
medium-sized military campaign…
being resident in Europe at the
There’s a reason why Formula
moment) as equipment has to
pit stops may be carried out during practice sessions, qualifying and the race.
1, unlike so many global sports,
be flown out on transport planes
has DHL as its very own “Official
– all chartered by Formula One
Logistics Partner” – each team
Management (FOM) from London
competing in the Championship
or Munich. Rather than use
must now travel something like
conventional aircraft containers,
Ferrari’s 2016 model, the SF16-H, was
100,000 miles a year between
teams have created their own
described by Chief Designer Simone
races and test sessions.
specially designed cargo crates,
PRANCING AMBITION
Resta as ‘something quite different’.
For the European rounds,
designed to fill all available
More compact with a shorter nose and
most of a team’s equipment will
space in the planes’ holds. In the
tightly packaged rear end, the chassis is
travel by road, in the liveried
case of successive “flyaways”,
articulated lorries so familiar
there is insufficient time to allow
from race paddocks. All of the
equipment to be brought “home”,
the power unit has been completely re-
race equipment required for the
meaning considerably more
designed to continue pushing Ferrari to
weekend will be loaded in these:
components have to be packed.
the front of the grid.
cars, spare parts and tools.
straighter and higher, altering air flow and aerodynamics. The gearbox has been narrowed, suspension altered and
It’s mind-boggling stuff.
4. Pembridge Square
5. Asquith House
Notting Hill, W2
Coombe Hill Estate,
An exceptional Grade
Kingston-on-Thames,
II-listed mansion,
KT2
comprehensively
An outstanding new-
refurbished and
build family home
commanding a glorious
only 30 minutes from
corner spot overlooking
central London, whose
Notting Hill’s most
landscaped setting does
prestigious residential
away with such inner-city
3. Tower Cross
are given over to a
garden squares. The
gimmickry as car lifts,
St Georges Hill,
spectacular underground
interior is a remarkable
opting instead for a
Weybridge, KT13
entertainment space,
fusion of traditional and
grand, sweeping driveway
An imposing new
where you can admire up
contemporary, while
and not a double but
residence in a leafy
to five of your supercars
the basement car park
triple garage, with a study
location on the
while sampling your wine
(served by a car lift) is
or guestroom perched
outskirts of southwest
cellar or playing pool.
decidedly futuristic.
above.
London, some of its
£10,500,000,
£POA,
£8,950,000,
11,100 square feet
knightfrank.co.uk
knightfrank.co.uk
harrodsestates.com
21
INSIDE TH E OWNER S CLUB
RUN AMOK WITH AMOc The Aston Martin Owners Club is one of the most inclusive out there, welcoming thousands of owners and non-owners alike to join their award-winning programme of driving events and concours throughout the year and across the globe
E
stablished as far back as 1935, not only
on 25 May also agreed with Sammy and Mort,
is the Aston Martin Owners Club
elected a committee, and the rest is history.
(AMOC) one of the oldest one-make
The Club and sister organisation the
car enthusiast clubs, but it is one of the
Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) now
largest with national outposts spanning the
share joint headquarters in a beautifully
world, comprising over 5,000 members in
restored 15th-century, Grade II-listed barn
40 countries.
in Oxfordshire, its ancient oak beams
It was the late Mortimer Morris-Goodall,
towering over a small but highly important
or “Mort” to his friends, who started it all.
museum of cars and automobilia. Up in
Having been fired with enthusiasm by
the rafters on a purpose-built mezzanine
winning an automobile race aged 20 and
you’ll find AMHT’s equally important and
by his first meeting with Aston boss “Bert”
comprehensively curated archive, available
In 1935...
Bertelli shortly afterwards, his success led to
as a valuable resource to all.
The 20 or 30 people
on the 25th September at Compton Verney in Warwickshire.
September and AMOC’s biggest annual event, the Autumn Concours, held this year
the purchase of the team car, “LM7” and an
Unlike so many clubs out there AMOC is
who turned up on 25
invitation to drive “under works control’’ at
one of the most welcoming and inclusive,
May also agreed with
Le Mans in 1933. His ensuing reverence for
catering for the owners of the earliest pre-
Sammy and Mort, elected
world-class events and leading technical
“Bert and his Astons” prompted the thought
war models through to the David Brown
a committee, and the
advice on tap wasn’t enough (including
that almost everyone else who had had the
era and the Gaydon-era models of today.
rest is history. Unlike so
member-only access to a spares register
good fortune to own an Aston must surely
However, you do not have to be an Aston
many clubs out there,
and vehicle history database) a monthly AM
feel the same. He then wondered, “how nice
Martin car owner to be a member of the
AMOC is one of the most
News newsletter and lavishly published AM
it would be to meet some of these people.”
Club – everyone is welcome. Members have
welcoming and inclusive.
Quarterly magazine will both grace your
And if membership to AMHT, access to
doormat throughout the year.
S.C.H. “Sammy” Davis, sports editor of
the opportunity to participate in events
The Autocar agreed with Mort and placed a
ranging from local gatherings to full-scale
If you’re an Aston fan, the benefits of
race meetings at Silverstone and well-
AMOC make it a no-brainer. Especially when
note in the magazine calling a meeting of like-minded Aston enthusiasts. The 20 or 30 people who turned up
22
attended concours d’elegance, such as Windsor Castle on the 3rd
it’s just £99 per year. amoc.org
Stores Nationwide
snowandrock.com
F R O NT SEAT
HIGH CONCEPT LUGGAGE AFT Compartment opens automatically on arrival and departure presenting two Grand Tourer cases
28 INCH Tall but narrow wheels are comprised of 65 individual, hand crafted aluminium pieces
ROLLS ON TOMORROW The Spirit of Ecstasy could be adorning something closer to a spacecraft than a car in the not-so-distant future
RED CARPET
Do not adjust your sets: this really is a
Goodwood, led by Director of Design Giles
options before they leave their residence,
Rolls-Royce – albeit a daringly conceptual
Taylor, asked themselves the questions
reminding
vision of luxury mobility in the near future.
“How can we recast luxury for the next 100
tasks and making suggestions to ease any
Codenamed 103EX, it has been brought
years?”, “what will a Rolls-Royce owner
anticipated impediments. All the while, her
light is projected from
to life after many months of study and
expect of his or her Rolls-Royce in the
passengers are cocooned in a futuristic but
the undercarriage to
consultation with current patrons of
coming decades?” and “how do we at Rolls-
handcrafted lounge atmosphere, encircled
ensure guests arrive
the brand. The car is one of four “Vision
Royce today envision how we meet those
by the most modern handcrafted fine-line
in style
Vehicles” announced by the BMW Group
expectations?”.
Macassar wood paneling – in turn, inspired
about
appointments
and
in March and is designed to provide an
Digitally connected to every aspect of
by the early regal Rolls-Royces, but also by
assurance to its valued customers, both
her owners’ lives and her surrounding
the groundbreaking work executed on the
present and future; a bold and definitive
environment,
2015 Phantom Serenity.
statement of confidence in a future
“Eleanor” will free them of all effort and
It’s bold, but beautiful in a rather surreal
where Rolls-Royce “rejects the notion of
encumbrance. Imbued with her own
way. And it’s only this sort of ambitious
anonymous, utilitarian and bland future
artificial
modes of mobility.”
intuitively to advise her owners
In creating 103EX, the design team at
24
virtual
intelligence,
she
on itineraries, schedules and
chauffeur
works
thought exercise that will keep the car industry
constantly
questioning
itself and constantly innovating.
A single beam of red
0% Emissions are a thing of the past with the futuristic, no emission drive-train
FRO NT SEAT
Aston Martin
WATERWINGS
THREE OF THE BEST
Wheelie Bags
Licensing agreements with luxury car
technologies such as interactive voice
Perfect for a week abroad, or even two if you’re a
marques usually extend no further than
control and activation, a fully HD-
scientific packer, you may think that cabin-baggage
leather jackets, watches or teddy bears,
integrated touch screen with navigation
wheels are superfluous when it comes to holidaying in
but a recent announcement from Dutch
and multimedia system, and remote
your actual wheels, but sling these in your boot rather
boatbuilder Quintessence takes things to a
controlled functions create true one-of-a-
than an overhead compartment, and you’ll soon be
whole new level.
kind powerboats.
grateful for the improved mobility once you reach your
April’s unveiling of the “AM37” speedboat
“Beauty is a universal language,” notes
destination, be it a hotel with miles of corridors, or a remote cottage at the end of long winding path.
via computer-generated renderings provides
Aston’s design director Marek Reichman,
a tantalising glimpse of the first model,
who has played an integral role in the
and precedes a series of exclusive pre-
AM37’s realization, “and we all like to look
launch events that will start with a media
at beautiful objects. This principle is at the
TUMI
and customer prospect activity at Aston
core of Aston Martin and all of the products
International Carry-On V3 (£475)
Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon,
in which we are involved. And it’s the core of
Thirty-six litres of tough-as-old-boots
Warwickshire, prior to the boat’s official
the AM37, which offers the perfect balance
polycarbonate weighing in at just 2.9kg,
debut later this year.
of design with engineering, performance
while also scoring serious fashion
with comfort, luxury with functionality.”
points? It can only be America’s
include a hi-tech composite structure
Contact H.R. Owen at Aston Martin
seasoned traveller Tumi, whose
allied to luxury sports car-like handling,
Cheltenham or Aston Martin Reading for
hardside travel collection is lighter
performance and comfort. Advanced
more details
than ever with this four-wheeler – silky
Key features of the 37-foot “7 series”
smooth to manoeuvre and no sharp edges to chip the paintwork as you squeeze it into the boot. tumi.com
RIMOWA Electronic Tag (£460) Germany’s ever-innovative lightweight-aluminium luggage brand is pushing the envelope again with a new integrated “e-ink” display. Once you check into your flight online, the Rimowa app sends your info to the case via Bluetooth and your luggage tag is displayed instantly, ready for dropoff. No more sticky paper tags. rimowa.com
HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. Parcel Luggage (£202) Every hipster’s favourite bag brand is, like its clientele, growing up. The retro leatherstrapped knapsacks are being supplanted by proper luggage with room for infinitely more than a MacBook Air and some cans of craft beer. Which isn’t to say things can’t continue to be playful. All you need say to any detractor of this natty two-wheeler is that Lapo Elkann drives a camouflaged Ferrari, so why not a camo’ed case? herschelsupply.com
25
F R O NT SEAT
5 MINUTES WITH…
FREDDIE HUNT
DRIVE caught up with the ex-polo player,
he only had 90% throttle, but he was still a
current European NASCAR driver and son
second quicker than everyone else. So he
of F1 legend James Hunt at the Goodwood
never made it – just too much personality.
Festival of Speed A bit like your father then? You’re doing a steady job in a V8. Where are
He’d drink and party, like Dad, but just
you aiming for eventually?
too much. Dad did that but he was very
My goal is Le Mans. To start in a GT3 car,
controlled – he wouldn’t touch a drop a
progressing up LMP2. It’s obviously more of
week before the race. As much as he came
a challenge, but I don’t want to be driving a
across as a hedonist, he wasn’t at all. Very
lawnmower about the place.
professional, very meticulous. Tommy could have been one of the greatest, but he was
You’re late to the motor racing world.
all over the place.
Before becoming a driver, were you a fan? I was never that excited about watching
How would you describe your style and
racing until I’d actually driven a race car. It
demeanour as a driver?
looks from an outsider’s point of view like
Unrefined at the moment. I know I’m fast,
they’re just going round and round in circles,
and people have even likened my style to
but you don’t realise that they’re making it
Dad’s. I can’t compare, because there’s no
look easy, a bit like Ronnie O’Sullivan can
data or telemetry from his day. However,
make a 147 break look like a piece of piss…
Dad had phenomenal self discipline, when
And they’re doing it with zero room for error.
I struggle with that. I’m a very emotional person, and so was he, but he learned
Which drivers other than your father do you
to control his emotions better. If I get
look up to?
pissed off in a race I let that get to me. Or
Gilles Villeneuve. He’s phenomenally fast – a
conversely, I’ll start from 12th and go to
flat-out nutcase; a born racer. Another one
sixth after the first lap, then get over-
is Tommy Byrne. No one knew about him. By
excited and crash it.
winning the F3 championship, he got a test with McLaren for F1, and he was a second
Surely that discipline comes from racing
TIME, HONOUR, FASHION
faster than all the other drivers. He didn’t
experience though?
get the drive because Ron Dennis hated
Well it’s a chicken and egg situation. I can’t
It doesn’t stop at their remarkable likeness – James
him – his personality just wasn’t compatible.
learn without the money, but the money
Hunt’s son Freddie is also a talented racing driver
Fifteen years later, he bumped into one of
won’t come without experience. To progress
blessed with irresistible charisma; and 23 years on
the mechanics, who said: ‘Do you know
I need that egg – I can’t hatch into a chicken
from his untimely death, TAG Heuer is helping Freddie
they turned down your throttle by 10%?’ So
without the egg!
WATCH WATCH
celebrate his father’s remarkable legacy in some style. The legacy of James Hunt – a maverick of his era whose rivalry with Niki Lauda was immortalised by Ron Howard’s recent film Rush – continues with the launch of a special edition of TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 sports watch (appropriate, given that Hunt won the F1 championship 40 years ago, in 1976). It’s the result of a newly forged partnership with the Estate of James Hunt and a creative collaboration with Hunt’s son Freddie. The two polished-steel chronographs are available with the option of a fabric NATO strap (£1,150), or full steel bracelet (£1,300) and both feature Hunt Senior’s (and now Hunt Junior’s) signature helmet tricolour of red, blue and yellow; derived from the colours of James’s beloved alma mater, Wellington College and featured on his victorious 1976 racing kit.
26
FRO NT SEAT
How to... button it down
While not quite up there with modern F1’s Mission Control of a steering wheel, the cockpit of a production Ferrari is still bristling with switches, paddles and buttons. So what exactly is going on at the wheel of the 488 gtb?
DUAL Infotainment pods either side of the wheel are controlled by six functionalities
“Manettino” control:
underneath the wheel at
WET - maximum safety driving mode. Recommended
your finger tips for easy
in lowgrip conditions. SPORT - ideal setting for vehicle
navigation of bluetooth,
performance recommended for everyday driving.RACE
sat nav and audio control
- maximum performance and stability in high-grip track conditions. CT OFF - F1-Trac traction control system is disabled whereas stability control remains active. Used on the racing track. ESC OFF - complete freedom and control of the vehicle for track use. No electronic system other than the E-Diff controls vehicle stability.
Suspension damping delink button:
661BHP
Allows the driver to separate the suspension damping
WINDSCREEN WASHER LEVER
Horse power, 3.9 litre
control from the logic of the “Manettino” driving-mode
AUTO - rain sensor adjusts the windscreen wiper
twin turbo V8 engine is
control switch.
timing to the intensity of the rain.
only a touch away with
1 - slow continuous operation.
the wheel mounted
2 - fast continuous operation.
ignition button
BEST of bugatti
TRY ON THE CHIRON
As if things weren’t luxe enough, Ettore Bugatti’s exquisite clothing line is moving up a gear this year, with a special capsule collection dedicated to the new Chiron super sports car. Just 12 carefully crafted pieces, including a gilet, gloves and sunglasses, were unveiled alongside the Veyron’s 1,500hp successor during the 86th Geneva International Motor Show in March. Through its printed motifs, workmanship and finishing touches, the dozen garments evoke the unmistakable, swooping, crimped lines of the Chiron, and are crowned by the leather jacket pictured (€3,600). It’s made from sturdy calf leather in Bugatti’s iconic blue duotone, with stitching on the back depicting the Chiron’s upholstery, and is extremely soft to the touch. Look out for it at Ettore Bugatti’s beautiful new boutique on Brompton Road – but be careful trying it on; you may well find a purchase irresistible.
27
pre-driven
PRE-DRIVEN The approved-used side of H.R. Owen’s business is growing fast, with as broad a cross-section of luxury cars as you could imagine – all in “as-new” condition. What’s more, it isn’t just a one-way street: H.R. Owen are always looking for high specification cars to buy, and as a reader of DRIVE magazine it’s likely your car may be just what we are looking for. So get in touch if you’re selling, and we may well be buying from you instead. www.hrowen.co.uk/approved-used
|
www.hrowen.co.uk/sell-my-car
2015 ASTON MARTIN V12 VANTAGE S COUPE SPORTSHIFT III Flugplatz Blue with Obsidian Black interior 10,750 miles
2014 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT 6.0 W12 SPEED 2DR AUTO Onyx with Beluga Hide interior 12,050 miles
2015 LAMBORGHINI HURACAN LAMBORGHINI HURACAN LP610-4 Green with Nero Ade Black interior 8,300 Miles
2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS 63 AMG AUTO White with Leather interior 9,500 miles
£109,950
£99,950
£181,950
£192,950
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM EXTENDED WHEELBASE Obsidian with Seashell & Dark Spice interior 7,166 miles
FERRARI 458 SPECIALE 2014/14 Giallo Triplo Strato with Nero Alcantara interior 14,251 miles
2016 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE GT12 Gulf Blue with Argento Grey interior 850 miles
2016 MASERATI GHIBLI DIESEL 16/16 Bianco with Nero interior 4,400 miles
£285,950
£329,950
£439,950
£48,950
2016 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC 4.0 V8 S MULLINER DRIVING SPEc Monaco Yellow with Beluga interior 3,150 miles
2015 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 3.0 TDV6 VOGUE 4DR AUTO Beige with Ivory interior 10,116 miles
2015 PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS 15/65 GT Silver with Black interior 350 miles
FERRARI CALIFORNIA T 2016/16 Rosso Corsa/Nero with Nero interior 2000 miles
£139,950
£66,950
£234,950
£195,950
2012 LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR LP 700-4 2012/12 Arancio Argos with Nero interior 9,447 miles
2015 ROLLS-ROYCE WRAITH Gunmetal with Hotspur Red with Black interior 6,091 miles
2012 MASERATI GRANCABRIO SPORT AUTO 12/61 Bianco Eldorado with Rosso Corallo interior 3,750 miles
2016 BENTLEY MULSANNE 6.8 V8 MULLINER DRIVING SPEC AUTO Fountain Blue with Linen interior 65 miles
£227,950
£219,950
£74,950
£174,950
28
Rolls-Royce perfect the Art of Arrival with Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Smythson London is one of the most enchanting, varied and exciting cities in the world. Whilst we all love to drive, it’s perhaps the one place where it’s better to sit back and take in the sights while someone else plots a course through the traffic. Now you can explore the UK’s capital from the unruffled calm of a Rolls-Royce rear compartment whilst staying at one of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ flagship London hotels for two nights and upon arrival you will be presented with an iconic Smythson currency case which can be personalised for you at a Smythson boutique. Step out of the hotel and straight into your chauffeured Rolls-Royce Ghost for a night in the West End or a day exploring London’s top boutiques. You have the choice of four exceptional London locations; the glorious Art Deco of The Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair, The Wellesley in Knightsbridge, ME London, the Foster & Partners boutique hotel in the heart of theatreland or The Franklin in Knightsbridge.
For reservations, please call Preferred Hotels & Resorts on 00800 7123 1030 or visit www.preferredhotels.com/rollsroyce. *Terms & Conditions Validity: from 27 May to 31 December 2016 • Available for Suite bookings only, with two people sharing including breakfast, minimum of two-night stay • Three consecutive hours’ use of chauffeur driven Rolls-Royce Ghost within M25 radius. Additional hours, if required, need to be booked in advance and will be charged at an additional hourly rate • One Smythson Currency Case will be offered per suite with the option to add complimentary personalisation of up to three initials at any Smythson boutique. Terms & conditions apply • Reservations to be made at least 48 hours in advance • Offer cannot be combined with other promotions and is non-refundable • Promotion is subject to availability, blackout dates may apply.
THE CHAPAR LOV E C L OTHES HATE SHOPPI N G
S IG N U P | STYL I ST CONSULTATI ON | H A N D - P IC K ED C L OTHES | TRUNK D EL I VERED
W WW.THEC HAPAR.COM
Drive 11_p16_The Chapar V2 BA2.indd 16
14/09/2015 09:22
MID ENGINE
Ferraris were traditionally red, Maserati’s were blue. Lamborghini had no problem with painting his cars every colour under the sun
Chapter 02
MID ENGINE 31
09:22
ASTO N MA RTIN DB 1 1
THE
FUTURE STARTS HERE 32
F i r s t Dr i v e
Aston Martin reckons its new DB11 is the most important car in the company’s 103-year existence. In that case, there’s a great deal riding on its shoulders‌
T
here's a tradition at Aston Martin going back to the 1980s, when Victor Gauntlett ran the company. Each allnew Aston Martin prototype would
be tape recorded while bellowing fire and brimstone in the hands of the test and development department, usually at
WORDS: ANDREW ENGLISH
high speed on what Gauntlett would have
Images: Dom Fr azer and Max Earey
termed 'The Continent'. A venerable tape recorder would be painstakingly set up in the company's boardroom
ready
for
the
weekly
management meeting and when all were sat down and furnished with strong tea and a digestive biscuit, the engine's song would be replayed, filling the room with its bombast. We never did find out whether the new DB11 received its boardroom debut in such manner, but in virtually all other respects, this car is back to the future at 'The Aston'. And that includes the claim from Andy Palmer, Aston's chief executive, that it is "not only the most important car that Aston Martin has launched in recent history, but also in its 103-year existence." Palmer, the tough former Nissan
40mm
executive, has a point. DB11 is the basis of not just a recovery plan for Aston Martin,
The length of the
but also a shot at genuine sustainability
aeroblade flap that
with the self funding of no fewer than
emerges at speeds
seven
over 100mph to increase downforce with minimal drag
new
models
including
the
forthcoming Vantage, the Vanquish replacement and the exciting DBX sport utility.
>
33
ASTO N MA RTIN DB 1 1
34
F i r s t Dr i v e
the shape manages the difficult trick of appearing like a thuggish GT from some angles and the quintessence of elegance from others.
14,000
DBX will be built in the company's
The number of cars
new, second production site in Wales,
There's some neat aero tricks, too, with
The heart is a brand new 5.2-litre
Aston Martin will build
alongside what is hoped to be the
'Curlique' wing vents, jetting air out of
V12, boosted by a pair of twin-scroll
annually when DBX and
successful relaunch of the Lagonda
the front wheelarches to reduce drag, and
turbochargers with water-to-air inlet-
the new Lagonda come
marque. Palmer talks of a total capacity
a boot spoiler which takes high pressure
charge coolers. It punches out 600bhp at
on stream
of 14,000 Aston Martin and Lagonda cars
air from the back of the rear window,
6,500rpm and 516 pounds feet of torque
a year and annual sales easily surpassing
pushing it through the rear of the trunk
from 1,500rpm. It is the most powerful
Aston's best-ever 7,000 cars in 2007. In
to reduce rear lift… although there's
production
over a century Aston has produced a total
also a 1.8-inch-high Gurney flap which
expect, the engine is built in-house. It
of about 70,000 cars and Palmer reckons
deploys at 96mph.
incorporates the latest emission lowering
quintessence of elegance from others.
stabilize the car through the turns.
DB
ever
and,
as
you'd
The all-new body is 30mm longer on
and fuel saving techniques, such as
Ambitious, yes, but it's what Palmer
a wheelbase extended by 65mm, achieved
intelligent bank activation and stop/start.
told The City when he sought and
by moving the front wheels forward. Like
Maximum speed is claimed at 200mph
received an extra £200 million of funding
the old VH chassis, the DB11 is made of
with 0-62mph acceleration in 3.9sec
to add to the £500 million from the
pressed and extruded, glued and riveted
and we managed 17mpg on test. The
company's Italian and Kuwaiti investors.
aluminium and is 20kg lighter and
new engine drives the rear wheels via a
much stiffer.
rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic
he can double that figure by 2020.
So make no mistake, there's a fair bit riding on the £154,900 DB11, the tenth DB model since the 1948 DB1.
New suspension has unequal length front wishbones and a new multi-link
transmission and a mechanical limitedslip differential.
A first glance confirms this is a
rear with adjustable Bilstein dampers
Inside there's been a complete and much
seriously good-looking car, although it's a
along with steel brake rotors and Brembo
needed update/redesign on the old DB9,
busy design compared with the simplicity
aluminium calipers. Steering is a Bosch
with a new facia, revised seats, better trim and
of previous DB models. The proportions
electronic system (a first for Aston), the
a new dashboard binnacle, incorporating
are sound, though and the shape manages
tyres are specially developed 20-inch
the difficult trick of appearing like a
diameter Bridgestones and torque
thuggish GT from some angles and the
steer by braking is used to
a much needed new sat nav system. Another benefit comes courtesy the
longer
doors
which
>
35
ASTO N MA RTIN DB 1 1
Gorgeous to look at, stable, fast and terrific fun, it felt as though we could be on the Cote D'Azur for supper
Three
impressively
control is first rate except in extremes
The variety of engine
controllable even if tail-out oversteer was
over crests and through dips where the
speedometer/rev counter (depending on
modes the DB11 provides
available with just a squeeze of the right foot.
soft springing/damping allows too much
which of three separate chassis modes and
(GT, Sport and Sport-
The engine is magnificent, pulling like
movement, thumping down hard or
engine/transmission modes are selected)
Plus) but there's also
an oat-fuelled shire horse at all points of
modelled on James Bond's last Aston, the
a 'Quiet Start' option
the rev counter and leaving your tummy
The new electronic steering boasts the
DB10. Gear changing is done via tactile
so you don't wake the
behind after 2,000rpm. Low-speed throttle
fastest-ratio rack ever fitted to a road-
aluminium paddles at the back of the
neighbours
response is slightly slower than the outgoing
going Aston Martin. It is direct rather than
V12, but it's more than quick enough in the
darty and is well-weighted. That’s thanks,
Overall the redesign is successful and
mid range and then the charge all the way to
in part to the efforts of ex-Lotus set-up
though there might be a few raised eyebrows
the red line feels as exhilarating as a
genius, Matt Becker, who is now chief
at the though of an electronic handbrake,
fairground ride.
engineer of vehicle attributes at Aston.
provide easier access to the front seats. The
dashboard
uses
the
central
wheel rim.
Yet
the
DB11
was
corkscrewing.
That glorious engine is mated to a ZF
Indeed, so confident is Aston of the car’s
eight-speed; such a good transmission,
chassis dynamics that Andy Palmer – no
Another positive touch is the 360 deg
with fast but refined changes, that you
mean peddler himself – has promised to
birds-eye view camera to help slow speed
seriously wonder what is the point of a
personally sign-off the first 1,000 cars. That
manoeuvres – the last thing an owner
manual. Thanks to electronic control of
promise reveals the most salient measure
would want to do is damage that glorious
the exhaust valves, the engine sounds
of how far Aston has come, for in the Sixties
coachwork while parking.
docile and powerful at low revs and,
it produced just 1,059 examples of its iconic
So much for the nuts and bolts. The real
with both quiet and loud starts available,
DB5 model. In total.
question is 'what's it like to drive?' For our
your neighbours will thank you on early
And when the roads opened onto dry,
First Drive, Aston took us to Italy and found
morning getaways. Get it on, however and
smooth Tarmac that afternoon, the GT
a driving route that was, well... the word that
the DB11 sounds like an enraged bear.
nature of this big Aston shone. Gorgeous to
there can be no denying that the interior is roomy and less cluttered as a result.
Refinement on bumpy Chiantishire
look at, stable, fast and terrific fun, it felt as
The route traversed tiny Tuscan roads
roads was exemplary and while feedback
though we could be on the Cote D'Azur for
with uneven surfaces which were further
through the steering isn't quite that of
supper and after that take on the midnight
compromised by rain. Bumpy, wet roads and
some British and Italian rivals, it's
a 600bhp, 4.74-metre-long rear drive sports
entirely appropriate for a gran
car are not easy bedfellows.
turismo of this nature. Body
springs to mind is brave.
haul up through France to the Channel Ports, barely breaking a sweat. It really is that kind of car...
36
Harr
HARRODS BULLION BUY ONLINE AT HARRODSBANK.CO.UK HARRODS BANK LIMITED • 87-135 BROMPTON ROAD, KNIGHTSBRIDGE, LONDON SW1X 7 XL • TEL: +4 4 (0)20 7225 6789 • FA X: +4 4 (0)20 7225 3712 REGISTERED IN ENGL AND AND WALES UNDER COMPANY REGISTR ATION NUMBER 0955491. AUTHORISED BY THE PRUDENTIAL REGUL ATION AUTHORIT Y AND REGUL ATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUC T AUTHORIT Y AND THE PRUDENTIAL REGUL ATION AUTHORIT Y (FRN 204 479)
HarrodsBullionAd_DriveMag_2.indd 1
19/05/2016 14:00
roa d t r i p
It might look a little different, but we can assure you the premise of Road Trip remains very much the same - extolling the virtues of an impromptu jaunt to the great British countryside. If you’re keen to eke the last of the Summer sun look no further than our Eastern and Southern quadrants; serene, temperate and primed for a drive
ROAD TRIP COASTAL BOLTHOLES
1
2
N O R T H N O R F O LK
D O R SET C O AST
BU R Y
ST
EDMUNDS ,
N O R WIC H , C R O ME R ,
H O R SEY , H O LK H AM
A143 > B111 > A11 > A47 > A149
SANDBANKS , C O VE ,
LULW O R T H
ABB O TSBU R Y ,
LYME
R EGIS
A338 > B3070 > B3157 > A35
39
FR O NT SE AT
north norfolk NORFOLK IS NOTHING LIKE THE ALAN PArTRIDGE STEREOTYPE. IT HAS SOME DEMANDING ROADS AND PLENTY OF SURPRISES INCLUDING VINEYARDS AND MICHELIN-STARRED CUISINE
O
ften and affectionately known as ‘Big
the snickers cake.
Sky Country’, Norfolk’s county bounds
Norfolk’s temperate climes not only
stretch more than 2000 square miles
lend themselves to an enjoyable drive, but
making it the fifth largest in England.
also to conditions for some outstanding
This, combined with it being one of the
vine growing and if you find yourself with
country’s lowest counties, not to mention
time to spare we’d suggest a quick stop-
extraordinarily flat, makes it an idyllic,
off to pick up some of Blighty’s finest and
quaint and bounding weekend excursion
increasingly world renowned wines at the
that's steeped in character and less than two
Winbirri Vineyard, only two miles out of
hours from the capital.
the city on the Kirby Road. Otherwise, it’s
Although you’d struggle to find a car better suited to inner city travel, the Rolls-
RESTAURANT Morston Hall
HOTEL
time to press on to the coast, both boot and belly filled.
Two miles along the road
Originally built in 1452, the site
Angel Hotel
Royce Ghost sits comfortably alongside
Head onto the A47 and up to Horsey,
from Blakeney (or a pleasant
of the Angel Hotel sits upon one
most GTs these days and should be treated
taking in the sights of Norfolk’s famed
evening’s walk along the many
of the UK’s prettiest squares and
as so. Thunder out of London up the M11 to
broads at the Hickling National Park,
coastal walkways), lies Morston
opposite Bury St Edmunds Abbey.
Suffolk and Bury St Edmunds and settle in
dropping slightly inland along the A149
Hall, the only restaurant within
The hotel’s Georgian façade is
for the night at the centrally located Angel
to Cromer before hugging the coastline
a 50-mile radius that’s won both
a contrast to the eclectic and
Hotel, a unique and contemporary boutique
to Blakeney for your evening stopover.
3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin
slick interior, the walls decked
establishment with a decadent cocktail bar
Characterful and picturesque, Blakeney’s
Star award. This Jacobean
with modern art and the rooms
located in the 12th century cellar vault and
raised promenades and coastal paths lead
country house is highly rated
filled with refined and designer
suites equipped with period copper baths
on to Morston Hall, home of Michelin
by locals and guests who come
furniture. The refurbished hotel
in each bedroom.
garnered chef Galton Blackiston and
from far and wide to sample
Eaterie has been awarded two
Very much still a market town, Bury St
some of the finest fare in East Anglia.
Blackiston’s locally sourced and
AA Rosettes while the decadent
Edmunds' half-kilometre long stall fronts
The longshore cod and pork crackling
daily refreshed menu, served at
Wingspan Bar has furniture
appear on Wednesdays and Saturdays and
is bettered only by the mix of period and
8pm. Expect a formal but cosy
crafted from aeroplane doors and
date back to pre-Norman times. Stock up
contemporary decor and remote setting of
atmosphere and gamey, refined
aircraft engines for yet another
on local fare early before heading north
this intriguing manor house.
British fare of the highest order.
twist to this intriguing retreat.
morstonhall.com
theangel.co.uk
onto the A143, onto the B111 and through
With time left for one final cavort along
the wonderfully named Garboldisham,
Norfolk’s coast, fully working your steed’s
before hitting the B113 one of Norfolk’s
ample power and surprisingly nimble
countless challenging B roads flanked by
handling, stop off at Holkham Hall and
rolling arable farmland. Your mid-morning
take in the sights of its four mile long,
jaunt is likely to have worked up an appetite
white, sandy beaches. There’s no better
and we’d suggest a stop-off in Norwich,
sight to part with before the uphill drive
Norfolk’s county town. Find your way into
back down to London.
the lanes and discover Pandora’s Kitchen –
morstonhall.com; winbirri.com;
a charming sustenance bolthole, don’t miss
pandoraskitchens.com; theangel.co.uk
40
HOLKHAM
A149
BEST STRETCH
roa d t r i p
MORSTON HALL
CROMER
A149
N 50.7252° N
HORSEY
2.9366° W
BEST STRETCH?
the county trend. A number of sharp turns into and out
A149 Weybourne to Salthouse
of steep, dune-founded
Although known on the
particular stretch one of
whole for its low lying
the most entertaining on
topography, Norfolk’s A149
the bracing and stunning
seems determined to buck
eastern coast.
PANDORA’S KITCHEN
inclines make this
BANHAM
A47
A11
DRIVEN BY
joann Khatib
B111
WHICH CAR? ROLLS-ROYCE 6.5L V12 GHOST SERIES II The original, and still very much ‘the driver’s’ Rolls, the Ghost is a masterpiece of simplicity.
A143
Its potent 563bhp befits its 1920’s Silver Ghost namesake, providing linear but seemingly endless power and the sound of the 6.5 litre V12 can be heard with a pleasantly muffled growl
BURY ST EDMUNDS
from the comfort of the rear seats which will adjust automatically to the terrain and passenger in order to give the smoothest ride possible. The substantial 480 litre boot is also big enough for you and a friend to squeeze your clubs in for a round at Sheringham’s championship links course with a case of wine stowed safely too. hrowen.co.uk/rolls-royce
41
F R O NT SEAT
DORSET COAST
DRIVEN BY
joann Khatib
credit: visit england
exchange the bustling city with a weekend drive, seafood like no other and well-needed fresh air by the dazzling jurassic coast
D
orset is one of only five counties in
until you hit Shore Road and then travel on to
England without a motorway. Long
Sandbanks Terminal. Ferry across to Shell Bay
GOLDEN CAP
straight roads where the roads and fields
Terminal and head up Ferry Road until you
The Golden Cap cliffs
the A352, followed by the A37 and make your
all mesh into one are non-existent, and
reach B3351. The green winding roads will lead
are the highest point
way to Relais et Chateaux’s Summer Lodge
in their place are good old efficient A-roads,
you to your first stop, Corfe Castle. Built by
on the south coast of
country house hotel, restaurant and spa.
slower, winding B-roads and long stretches by
William the Conqueror, the castle dates back
Great Britain, standing
Book yourself in for a massage at the hotel
the coast where you can put the hood down
to the 11th Century.
at 627 ft high. Offering
spa or turn in for the night.
miss the world’s first ever tank – Little Willie. Once you’ve had your fill, get yourself onto
of your new Continental GT V8 S Convertible
On your way to the next stop, take a little
and feel the wind in the hair you may or
detour down Blue Pool Lane. Blue Pool, a
cliffs are visible for
the hotel, hit the road for day two, following
may not have. Recognised as one of the
clay pit where the water reflects shades of
tens of miles along the
the A37, A35 and the B3157 until you reach the
wonders of the world and the first natural
grey, green and turquoise, is almost always
Jurassic coastline
Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden. Enjoy a great
site in England to make it onto UNESCO’s
deserted; you can walk around and not meet
escape in, what seems like, a different world
World Heritage List, the Jurassic Coast drive
another soul. Once you’re back on the road,
before getting back on the road and back on
offers unparalleled coastal views, a little
venture down B3070 and follow it all the way
the B3157. Stop at Golden Cap and prepare
bit of history, and scenes that were created
to Lulworth Cove. But before you go exploring
to be blown away by the prospect, especially
back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, 185
like a modern day Christopher Columbus,
from the designated viewing point. Carry on
million years ago.
settle your stomach with an appetizing fresh
to the A35, and then the B3157 towards Lyme
Start your day the right way, with the Surf 's
lobster lunch at Bishop’s. Slowly stroll along
Regis, grab a spot of lunch at The Millside
Up grilled full English breakfast from Urban
the cove, or hit the SW Coast Path to check out
Restaurant and see the coast by blasting along
Reef Restaurant on Boscombe promenade.
Durdle Door, a naturally made limestone arch
the water on a high speed RIB Charter boat
The outstanding offering of international
that is quite a sight to behold.
for your second Bond moment.
sensational views, the
After a sound night's sleep and breakfast at
cuisine at Urban Reef is only rivalled by the sea
Before making your way to the hotel for
Before you start the last leg of your journey
views that will have you contemplating early
the night, stop by the Tank Museum, and
home, grab some dinner at HIX Oyster and
retirement to the coast. When you’re ready to
come face-to-face with vehicles from all the
Fish House, and let the food do the talking
jump behind the wheel, follow Sea Road and
20th Century major wars. Listen to first-
while you enjoy the panoramic views as the
the directions to Overcliff Drive. As you cruise
hand accounts from those who fought, and
sun sets over the English Channel.
along the coastal road, enjoy a Bond moment,
peruse the more than 300 vehicles that make
urbanreef.com; tankmuseum.org;
with or without the Aston Martin. Continue
this collection the best in the world. Don't
bishopslulworth.co.uk; themillside.co.uk
42
roa d t r i p
SUMMER LODGE
A37
LYME REGIS
BEST STRETCH
A35
GOLDEN CAP
B3157
THE TANK MUSEUM
B3157
ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS
SANDBANKS TERMINAL
URBAN REEF RESTAURANT
A338
B3070
CORFE CASTLE LULWORTH COVE
50.7252° N
N
2.9366° W
RESTAURANT
HOTEL
BEST STRETCH?
The HIX Oyster and Fish House
The Summer Lodge Country
The B3157 along the
boasts the most incredible
House Hotel is a Georgian,
Jurassic Coast Road is
panoramic views across the
listed building and sits in the
extraordinarily scenic and
Jurassic Coast and Lyme Regis.
picturesque village of Evershot,
the best as far as coastal
The spacious outdoor terrace
West Dorset.
roads go.The stretch between
grants the perfect setting for
Quintessentially British, the
Abbotsbury and Lyme Regis
enjoying your food al fresco ,
Summer Lodge is the crème
is particularly charming and
and although likely to book up
de la crème when it comes to
as you reach the B-road,
early, is complimented superbly
luxury and was voted No. 1 hotel
the splendour of this route
by the indoor dining space. . The
in the UK, and No. 2 Best hotel
becomes apparent. With
WHICH CAR?
daily changing menu serves up
in Europe in the 2015 Condé
unforgettable views of the
BENTLEY Continental GT V8 S
fresh seafood and locally foraged
Nast Traveler Readers' Choice
blue Dorset coast as far as
Convertible
produce, salmon that is cured or
Awards. With a 3-rosette fine
the eye can see on your left,
Perfect for a drive along the stunning Jurassic
smoked on site and home-grown
dining restaurant, heated indoor
and the endless greenery
Coast, this supercar has an outstanding
herbs as well as tempting meat
pool, tennis courts, croquet lawn
of the countryside's rolling
performance and a roar of an engine (4.0
dishes and tasty vegetarian
and a spa facility, it makes for the
hills on your right, the 40mph
litre twin-turbocharged) like no other. The
options too.
perfect escape from the big city.
speed limit is just perfect to
GT V8 S Convertible doesn’t compromise
hixrestaurants.co.uk
relaischateaux.com
whizz past and take it all in.
on comfort, easily seating up to four people
HIX Oyster and fish house
summer lodge
B3157
and offering 260 litres/9.1 cu ft for luggage, to ensure the good few hours of driving are easy and relaxed. The car is sleek and sexy, complete with a re-designed front spoiler and rear diffuser as well as a new dynamicallystyled fender badge. The Bentley’s retractable roof comes down with the flick of a switch, completing the perfect little package. hrowen.co.uk/bentley
43
mid engine
44
i n t e rv i e w
WORDS BY
images BY
Matthew Carter
Matt Howell
Lorenzo Ramaciotti
THE MAN WHO SHAPED MASERATI His name might not be as familiar as those of some of Italy’s great car designers, but Lorenzo Ramaciotti’s portfolio includes iconic Maseratis, Ferraris, AlfaS… and even the occasional Peugeot
W
e can all name a few Italian car designers
–
Giugiaro,
Bertone,
Zagato, Pininfarina, Gandini, for example. Some of us with longer
memories might also mention Michelotti, Frua and Scaglietti. How many, though, would immediately think of Lorenzo Ramaciotti? Yet for the best part of 43 years, Ramaciotti has been a central figure in Italy’s car design industry and is as worthy of ‘legend’ status as any of them. Newly retired, we meet on the Maserati stand at the Earls Court Motor Show sometime in the mid-1960s, courtesy of Lord March’s Goodwood time machine. The softly-spoken Ramaciotti, now 68, is a huge fan of the Revival Meeting and tries to make >
45
mid engine
sure he attends every year. “Only you British
is credited with a number of notable cars,
But then, in 2007, came an offer he couldn’t
could do this,” he says in admiration. “You
including many close to the heart of DRIVE
refuse. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne head-
have had a long affinity with classic cars, it’s
readers – how about the Ferrari 456GT, 550
hunted Ramaciotti to be Chief of Design for
a tradition…”
Maranello, 360 Modena, F430 and the 612
the Fiat Group.
An avid motoring enthusiast as a child,
Scaglietti. But he is equally proud of the
“Maybe I realised I’d retired too early,
Ramaciotti initially thought his career might
Peugeot 406 Coupé, a car that showed that
but the task to reset the design of the whole
involve racing cars: “My hero was Colin
good design need not be exclusive to the top
Fiat Group was very interesting. It didn’t
Chapman who was an engineering genius.”
marques.
include Ferrari, of course, but then I’d
But although he graduated from Turin
In 1998 he was appointed Head of Design,
with a first-class degree in mechanical
and in 2002 became Managing Director and
“It was a chance for me to sit at the other
engineering, Ramaciotti’s chose to become a
CEO of Pininfarina, a post he held until 2005.
side of the table. At Pininfarina we were
designer and started his career at Carrozzeria
Then, aged just 57, he decided to retire.
consultants, given a theme to create a project
Pininfarina in 1973.
already done that!
“I wasn’t motivated anymore and, in any
one at a time.
He started working in the studio at a
case, everything was changing,” he says, “so
“By working for Fiat, I would become
time when everything was done by hand.
I decided it was time to enjoy a new pace of
involved in the decision processes and be
“We had to produce full-scale drawings
life. There were personal reasons too. My
able to take a long-term view on projects. I
and prototypes, and concept cars were built
father retired at 59 but died just one year
decided it would be good to work on more
using wood and plaster clothed in metal. We
later. I wanted to make sure I could enjoy
employed many highly skilled panel beaters
more time after work than he had.
in those days. “What takes a couple of hours to produce on a tablet today would take weeks back then.” During his time at Pininfarina, Ramaciotti
46
“So I closed one door and opened another.
250 GT SWB
stable programmes and projects.” But despite Italy’s long tradition of
If forced to pick, the
automotive design excellence, Ramaciotti
Ferrari is the one car
was surprised to find that design wasn’t
Ramaciotti would
held with quite the high esteem you might
to writing, producing books on motoring
drive home from the
have expected.
topics, including a history of the Fiat 500.
Goodwood Revival in
I’m not someone who looks back.” For two years, Ramaciotti turned his hand
“Italy has been the leader in car design
i n t e rv i e w
My first car at Pininfarina was a concept, the Ferrari Mythos, so it was great to be able to complete the circle with my last car there, another concept, the Maserati Birdcage 75th
since the war because, well, we were better
“I always thought that I would like
of other Maseratis to his portfolio with
than everyone else. Italian designers were
to work for Maserati, but then Maserati
both the Ghibli and Levante created
the best at interpreting the change from,
was bought by Citroën and, in any case, I
under his watch. But they are all behind
for example, separate wings and bodies
started to work at Pininfarina where we
him now. This time he has retired
to unibody designs. And they were the
created Ferraris.
for good and is more than happy with
first to appreciate new techniques like steel stamping.
his decision: “I am very much at ease
“It was very far into my career, around
with myself.”
the year 2000, when I got my wish. By
“But when I arrived at Fiat I found it ironic
this time Maserati was owned by Ferrari
Retirement also gives him more time
that despite this heritage, design was taken
and Pininfarina was asked to design the
to enjoy his small car collection. He uses
for granted and held within the engineering
new Quattroporte. This was the car that
a Fiat 500X as his everyday driver, while
department with no link to the CEO. That
appeared in 2003 and, in my opinion,
his wife uses a Panda 4x4 – both designs
was the first thing I changed. I wanted to
is the car that defined the modern
he oversaw.
give design at Fiat the level of dignity it
Maserati. Every Maserati since has taken
was lacking.”
inspiration from that Quattroporte.
When he left Pininfarina he gave himself a present, one of his own
While there were a few high points in the
“We were also involved with the
designs – a Ferrari F430. The Ferrari
1990s-2000s, there’s little doubt that cars
GranTurismo. Another design house was
has gone, but it has been replaced
from the Fiat group – which now includes
initially contracted to style that car but
by another car with a personal link.
Chrysler and Jeep – has rediscovered its
it wasn’t working, so Maserati came to
“I
design mojo thanks to Ramaciotti.
us. This was around Christmas 2003 and
the Alfa 4C, so I have a 4C Spider for fun.”
The same can be said of Maserati.
we produced some very quick sketches,
Ramaciotti’s links to Il Tridente go back
and amongst those was one very strong
to when he was a small boy. “I was born
proposal. This was chosen.”
oversaw
the
development
of
He also has a 1976 Mercedes 280SL and a rare 1956 750 Abarth Zagato, a car that
in Modena, the home of both Ferrari and
There’s one final Maserati that holds a
Omer Orsi
Maserati, two fierce rivals living on the
special place in Ramaciotti’s heart. “My
Father of Italian
Zagato also inspired a one-off small sports
same road.
first car at Pininfarina was a concept, the
industrialist and Maserati
car that Ramaciotti and a Japanese friend
“I was drawn to Maserati, though, because
Ferrari Mythos, so it was great to be able
company owner, Adolfo,
built around Mazda mechanicals. The
my father was great friends with Omer
to complete the circle with my last car
was a close family friend
mid-engined coupé has gullwing doors
Orsi who owned the company. They would
there, another concept, the Maserati
of Ramaciotti's father and
and an Abarth-style streamliner
go skiing together, or to a football match on
Birdcage 75th.”
influenced his passion
body, but no name. Ramaciotti
for Il Tridente
has a certain ring…
a Saturday.
Today, of course, he can add a number
has been in the family for 30 years. The
47
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Petersen Museum
WHERE THE CAR’S THE STAR
Heading to Hollywood and got a few hours free? Forget the trip to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and don’t even consider shopping – instead make a bee-line for the newly revamped Petersen Automotive Museum… you won’t regret it
Under lock & key
Right: 2004 Pontiac Aztec, 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSI, 1989 Batmobile, 2016 Aston Martin DB10, 2015 Jaguar C-X75, 1951 Below: 1953 Hirohata Mercury Coupe
Words: Matthew Carter Images: Kahn Media
W
e’ve got hot rods to thank for the Petersen
Automotive
Museum.
Just after the Second World War, its founder Robert E Petersen (always
known as Pete) was working as a publicist in Hollywood and was tasked with promoting an exhibition about the new craze of hot-rodding. He instantly realised there was no specialist media serving the hot-rodding world so he started one: Hot Rod magazine. And from this grew a publishing empire. By the time he sold the business in 1996, Petersen was publishing many other automotive titles including Car Craft, Rod & Custom, Motor Trend and Sports Car Graphic as well as other magazines such as Guns and Ammo, Hunting, Teen and, er, Tiger Beat. But cars were where his heart lay and two years earlier, in 1994, he and his wife Margie opened the Petersen Automotive Museum. One of the world’s largest car museums, it is a non-profit organisation specialising in the history of the
>
49
U n d e r lo c k a n d k e y LEFT: Want to see where Bugatti’s designers got their inspiration for the new Chiron? Look no further than the stunning Type 57C Atlantic, Jean Bugatti’s masterpiece
RIGHT: In 1935, the French Voisin C25 Aerodyne was seen as the car of the future… faired wings, wheel spats and an aerodynamic silhouette were all considered highly avant garde
car
(and
motorbike)
and
related
educational programmes.
the available display space, so there’s plenty of opportunity to ring the changes.
But the real glory of the place is that the
ABOVE: Well, you
fabulous and the forgotten, the mighty
won’t miss it. The
Situated on Wilshire Boulevard along
If you must see everything in one visit
and the mundane can sit there rubbing
newly revamped
‘Museum Row’, the museum is housed in
though, a trip to The Vault is a must. It’s the
shoulders. Where else could you see Steve
Petersen Museum is
a former department store and has just
world’s most exciting underground car park
McQueen’s Jaguar XKSS and a VW Camper
covered in a dramatic
undergone a $90 million renovation. The
with all sorts of machinery waiting patiently
van under the same roof ? Or a 1961
stainless steel ribbon.
exterior is now enveloped by a startling
for a chance to make it to the main museum.
Honda 50 sharing space with a 1948 Vincent
stainless steel ribbon assembly… it’s made of
Current
special
exhibitions
include
Black Shadow?
100 tons of 14-gauge type 304 steel seeing as
Precious Metal, with silver Ferraris, Mercedes
Nor does the collection forget its roots.
you asked.
and Corvettes to the fore; Alternative Power,
Nestling amongst the Delahayes, Bugattis
The interior reconfiguration makes it easy
with technical displays of EV and hybrids;
and Horchs are plenty of examples of the
to accommodate changing exhibits and the
BMW and the Art of the Automobile
hot-rodder’s art.
chances are that every time you visit you’ll see
with some of the famous BMW Art Cars;
Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060
different machinery on show: the museum’s
and (fittingly given this is Hollywood)
Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
collection of cars and bikes easily outnumbers
Automobiles in the Movies.
90036. petersen.org
50
Petersen Museum
ABOVE: Grandfather and grandson. On the left, a road going Ford GT40 Mk III from 1967 meets, on the right, the road version of the latest Ford GT. Their respective racing cousins have both won at Le Mans RIGHT: Rare metal – this is the only Ferrari 375MM Spyder bodied by Vignale. It finished second in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana road race driven by Phil Hill and Ritchie Ginther LEFT: It’s not all cars as this display of motorcycles, showing the progress from the earliest days of the motorised bicycle to the latest superbikes, proves FAR LEFT: Tesla unclothed. The current Alternative Fuels exhibition shows what a typical modern electric vehicle looks like under the skin LEFT: This was once a 1948 Cadillac Sedanette. But then ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons got his hands on it to create the 500 cu inch V8-powered CadZZilla lowrider
51
TCC
U n d e r lo c k a n d k e y LEFT: A car that needs little introduction: it’s an Aston DB5 as driven by James Bond in Goldfinger and comes complete with wheel-destroying spikes and revolving number plates
Where else could you see Steve McQueen’s Jaguar XKSS and a VW Camper van under the same roof?
BELOW LEFT: You want hot rods? Petersen has got them by the score, though these currently reside in The Vault RIGHT: It’s a long way from Only Fools and Horses. This is the 1947 Davis Divan, an aerodynamic threewheeler with four abreast seating and concealed headlights. Just 16 examples were ever made
ABOVE: In 1932 Horch, DKW, Wanderer and Audi merged to form the Auto Union, hence the emblem which is now used exclusively by Audi. This is a Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet from 1937 LEFT: It’s not all exotics. The yellow VW Transporter is one of five identical vehicles used in the filming of Little Miss Sunshine, the 2006 comedy that took the dysfunctional Hoover family to California
52
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R O LLS - R OYCE
54
sin city
to se1
BLACK BADGE
When the ROLLSROYCE Black Badge was introduced to the Press, the venue was the louder-thanlife city of Las Vegas… this, then, is clearly a new generation of Rolls-Royce, equally at home on the vegas strip as it is after midnight in London > Words: Jason Barlow Images: Lee Brimble
55
R O LLS - R OYCE
N
ight has fallen in the desert south
Now we’re hermetically sealed from the
of Las Vegas. The neon of Sin City’s
real world (if you can call Las Vegas real),
main drag is muted to a distant,
and its uncommonly high temperature.
pulsing glow. But there’s a still a
We’re actually in the pit-lane of a
ferocious light show playing out behind
recently completed track called Speed
us, as an electrical storm rages across the
Vegas. The city’s 24/7 party rep now
sky. It’s a natural special effect of awesome
extends to booking a flood-lit track day,
magnitude, and suits the purpose of our
and the organisers have a fleet of Ferraris
visit perfectly.
and Lamborghinis on hand. It’s fair to
In the foreground, half a dozen Rolls-
say that a Rolls-Royce is an interloper in
Royce Black Badge models sit, engines idling
52lb ft
in its original form, so the power output
Of additional torque
of its 6.6-litre, twin-turbo V12 engine
this context, but then the Black Badge is
on the Black Badge,
remains the same; with 624bhp, it’s
suitably
a different sort of Rolls-Royce. It speaks
giving a significant
already the most powerful production
saturnine. The temperature in Vegas
volumes for the company’s confidence
642lb ft in total
car the company has ever made. There’s
was an energy-sapping 46°C when we
in the BB’s reworked set-up that they’re
an additional 52lb ft of torque, though,
arrived earlier today; even under cover of
happy to let us loose on a track we’ve only
which
darkness, it’s still 33°C. Repelling this wall
just clapped eyes on, at night, while it’s
than-adequate 642lb ft. The eight-speed
of heat is a test even for the mighty air
hot enough to boil the bugs in the desert.
gearbox is new, and receives a bespoke
conditioning in the Rolls, but the chilled
Now back in the cool of a late summer
software map in Black Badge form. The
atmosphere inside – always an experience
London evening - let’s go over what’s
transmission now shifts higher up in the
in these cars – is more welcome than ever.
changed... Well, the Wraith is no slouch
rev range, depending which gear you’re
56
inaudibly,
looking
delivers
a
significantly-more-
R OAD TRIP | YORK S HIRE MOORS
The eight-speed gearbox is new, and receives a bespoke software map in Black Badge form. The transmission now shifts higher up in the rev range, depending which gear you’re in
in. If you’re giving it full beans, it’ll rev out
and the minutiae of chassis tuning all
to the 6000rpm limiter, and does so in a
conspire to make the experience a lot less
slightly more strident manner (this being
fun than it should be. Now factor in the
a Rolls, the extra volume is more of a
Wraith’s size and weight. So imagine my
cultured, operatic roar than a full-blooded
surprise as the Black Badge smothers the
heavy metal war cry). There are new drive
city’s best attempts at catching best attempts
shafts, and a reworked suspension and
at catching me out as we take the Limehouse
steering set-up promises greater body
Link tunnel from Canary Wharf, heading
control and more agile responses.
out towards Rotherhithe.
In truth, it’s rare for any road car – even
The physics involved in hurling 2.5
a well-sorted, high performance one – to
tonnes around means that the car still
deliver on a circuit. Tyres, tyre pressures,
moves on its suspension, but its body >
57
R O LLS - R OYCE
miraculous
Perhaps it shouldn’t be too much
nonetheless. The Wraith BB’s front brake
of a surprise. After all, it was a Wraith
discs are an inch larger than before,
control is little short of
PAINT IT BLACK
After the excesses of Vegas, we introduced
Exterior chrome and
the Wraith to the dark side of our capital
Black Badge that managed to be sixth
even the Spirit of
city and it was instantly at home. You
and they do an amazingly fussless job
fastest in the supercar run during the
Ecstasy mascot are
won’t take it to its limits when negotiating
of shedding speed on the approach to
Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this
now coated in black.
Canary Wharf or the back street of SE1, of
corners. You might expect a car like this
year (eclipsing the Jaguar F-type SVR,
The dashboard and
course, but you will be reassured knowing
to heave like a medieval galleon during a
McLaren 675 LT, P1 GTR and Aston
door-tops feature an
what’s in reserve.
Force 10 storm, but get it right, and the
Martin Vantage GT8 in the process – all
intricate aluminium-
big black beast scythes through the turns
credit to RR’S FOS expert, racing driver
threaded carbon fibre
the Black Badge is just as much a symbol
with barely a chirp from its enormous
Justin Law, who’s presumably equally
composite
of where the company sees itself going.
tyres. Accomplished circuit drivers know
good when it comes to threading the eye
Like many other famous prestige names,
to keep a car ‘within itself ’, and the BB is
of a needle).
Rolls-Royce is adapting to change. The
a positive enabler in this respect. Provoke it, and it’s still amazingly poised.
58
Of course, the BB’s dynamic capability is destined to remain mainly theoretical.
For, although very much a real thing,
entire car industry is concerned about the
so-called
‘Millennials’
rejection
BLACK BADGE
Aerospace-grade aluminium-threaded carbon fibre composite surfacing Left: Starlight Headliner, fibre optic roof lining
of the automobile as a desirable or even necessary commodity. This is a generation of urbanites for whom a bicycle is the only affordable bet, or a subscription to a car-sharing scheme at
Sports stars, music moguls and digital entrepreneurs: the Rolls-Royce client ethos is expanding
a push. Like Ferrari, Rolls-Royce may be a dream, but the gentlemen and ladies in the company’s stunning Chichester HQ are working very hard indeed to ensure that it remains a relevant dream. Fascinatingly,
the average age of
a Rolls-Royce customer is now just 43, down from 55 a decade ago. The youthfulness of Chinese luxury car >
59
R O LLS - R OYCE
Lightweight
by Rolls-Royce over four years and featuring 22 layers of carbon fibre
Black leather combines with vibrant Cobalto Blue in the cabin
60
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Black Badge has composite carbon fibre
BLACK BADGE
After all, it was a Wraith Black Badge that managed to be sixth fastest in the supercar run during the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year
buyers plays a part in this changing
lieutenants also couldn’t help but notice
demographic, but the Vegas drive also
the number of customised Rolls cars
nods to the party-loving, EDM scene,
in hotspots like LA, London and the
where superstar DJs like Skrillex and
UAE, many of which fell short of the
Scottish expat Calvin Harris play to
company’s standards.
massive crowds, and hedonism happens
The Black Badge shows how it should
24/7. Sports stars, music moguls and
be done. The name is a slight misnomer:
digital entrepreneurs: the Rolls-Royce
you can actually have any colour you like.
client ethos is expanding and the
The exterior chrome is now a gloss black
English countryside or Mayfair demi-
(apart from the window surround to keep
monde is no longer its only milieu.
some definition in the shape), and even
‘The Black Badge is for young men
the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot is now coated
in a hurry,’ Rolls clarifies, tongue only
in black. The car’s wheels are made of a
slightly wedged in cheek. The company’s
22-layer carbon fibre composite, with
design director is the urbane, brilliant
an intriguing square cut design. Inside,
Englishman Giles Taylor whose grasp
the dashboard and door-tops use an
of the big picture is matched only by
absurdly intricate aluminium-threaded
his forensic attention to detail. Turns
carbon fibre composite, while the air
out that the Black Badge programme
vents are darkened using a technique
was fuelled by a whole different set
called
of influences. Taylor cites Yves Saint
(PVD), which prevents discoloration
Laurent, Keith Moon and Sir Malcolm
over time. It’s up to you how much to
Campbell as Rolls-owning figureheads,
play with the interior configuration, and
confirming that this is a car for the
the Goodwood HQ has become expert
road, if not less travelled, then certainly
at satisfying customer whim. Whatever
more eccentrically.
your taste, though, the quality of these
Physical
Vapour
Deposition
homogenised
cars is unsurpassed in any sector of the
world, true luxury demands something
luxury goods industry. And even the
different, and experiential. Nothing else
bold blue leather interior works…
In
an
increasingly
on four wheels moves with the powerful
The automotive world is changing
nonchalance of a contemporary Rolls-
and Rolls-Royce is changing with it. The
Royce; the Black Badge incarnation
Black Badge, whether Wraith or Ghost, is
sees Rolls become its own modifier
a singular achievement, as satisfying on
to
an emotional level as it is an exemplar
dramatise
the
experience.
Rolls
boss Torsten Müller-Otvos and his
of engineering.
61
Drive 14 Parmigiani Ad P63.indd 63
13/06/2016 19:34
2016 19:34
BRUTON S TREET
BUGATTI IN BRUTON STREET
Bugatti now has its own dedicated UK showroom, ready just in time for the arrival of the extraordinary Chiron > Words: Matthew Carter Images: Sven ESELGROTH
63
063-69 Drive - Bugatti PLUS ADVERT.indd 63
13/09/2016 14:19:27
BUGATTI
OPENING TIME H. R. Owen Bugatti Brand Director Anita Krizsan and Bugatti board member Dr Stefan Brungs (also pictured left) cut the ribbon to open the showroom (right)
T
Granted that was a pretty special
area complete with a dedicated entrance
the
showroom – the famous Jack Barclay
and a new Bruton Street address. It has been
turbo
building in London’s Berkeley Square –
created by reconfiguring two areas of the
16-cylinder that, in Super Sports guise,
but, all the same, for Brand Director Anita
Jack Barclay operation – the boardroom and
Krizsan to become Bugatti’s top sales person
Bentley configurator – into one light and
globally without a dedicated stage was some
modern Bugatti zone: the boardroom and
achievement.
configurator have been moved elsewhere
he incredible Bugatti Veyron is a statistician’s
dream.
There’s
engine,
8.0-litre
quad
an
produced 1,200hp. That helped push the car top a top speed of more than 267mph, making Veyron the world’s fastest production car.
It’s not a problem (if, indeed, it ever was
within the building.
It was also one of the most expensive
one) that she will have to deal with in the
Like Chiron, the Bruton Street showroom
production cars on sale, too, with a price tag
future. For as Chiron, Veyron’s successor,
combines modernity with the tradition
of more than €1.9 million (plus local taxes)
arrives Bugatti has its own dedicated
and heritage of the Bugatti brand. The
for the Super Sports.
showroom in the UK.
predominant colours are Bugatti blue and white and the Bugatti theme of Art, Form
But there’s one statistic that is often
At the end of July, a lavish launch party
overlooked. Of the 450 examples built, 65
was staged with VIP guests, Veyron owners
were sold here in the UK, making our little
and future prospects invited to walk
The look and feel is high tech – seats are
island the biggest Veyron market in Europe
along the blue (rather than red) carpet to
made from leather and carbon fibre and
and number two in the world behind Dubai.
see the showroom and the new Chiron
there’s plenty of glass and dramatic lighting
for themselves.
in the showroom. And of course there’s a car
What’s all the more remarkable is that every one of the 65 cars was sold from a corner of someone else’s showroom.
The showroom remains linked to the Jack Barclay site, but now has its own separate
and Technique is to the fore.
on display. At the time of writing it’s a new Chiron
TOP PERFORMER Despite not having had a dedicated showroom in the past, H.R. Owen Bugatti was Europe’s top sales outlet for Veyron. Left: Dr. Brungs provides the press briefing from the seclusion of the Bruton Street showroom
64
BR UTON STR EET
“(CUSTOMERS) ARE NOT JUST BUYING A CAR, BUT BECOMING MEMBERS OF A SMALL FAMILY”
looking menacing in an all-black finish, but
STAR CAR
the car on show in the future could be any
significant part of her relationship with
safe bet. The very early owners of Veyron
customers old and new, she will now be
bought into something that was new, at
able to introduce them to every significant
a time when it was not clear that it would
aspect of the brand, including its heritage,
work, either from an engineering point of
in London.
view or from a commercial one.
“It’s like a little piece of the factory here.
“We quickly showed Veyron’s engineering
We have created a private environment for
was world leading and now we see that
our customers so that we can make the
values
right impression from the outset. They
bought a Veyron, especially a Vitesse or a
are not just buying a car but becoming
Super Sport, made a very good commercial
members of a small family. So it’s not just
decision, too."
are
appreciating. Anyone
who
about the car… though a Bugatti, old or
“Customers interested in Chiron – so far
new, will always form the centrepiece of the
half are existing owners and half are new to
showroom,” says Anita.
the brand – know they are buying not just
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show
the best car in the world but one which will
The showroom car won’t
in March, the new Chiron is already well
also be an appreciating asset. In fact, anyone
type of Bugatti from a Veyron to a pre-war
always be a Chiron. Plans
on the way to being a sell-out. Just 500
trying to buy a Veyron now – if they can find
racer… how cool would a patinated Type 51
are in place to rotate the
examples will be built over the next seven or
one – will have to pay much more than they
look in these surroundings?
display with Bugattis
eight years and future variants will embrace
would have spent had they bought it new.”
from the pre-war days to
a T-top and something with a little more
the recent past
power in case 1,500hp isn’t enough.
“Yes, it’s a huge change for us,” says Anita Krizsan, revelling in her new ‘office’. “This
So why restrict Chiron production to just 500 examples? Surely Bugatti could
Of those 500, deposits have already
sell twice that number with little difficulty.
been taken for 200 cars, with 15 of those
“Exclusivity” says Dr Brungs, as quick
“We started talking about this project
initial sales earmarked for the UK. The first
as a flash. “Part of the car’s appeal is its
about 18 months ago and work started in
deliveries are due towards the end of the
exclusivity and if we were to make more we
January. We worked very closely with the
year, with the first UK customer getting his
would lose that key asset.”
factory about the design to ensure it met
or her machine early in 2017.
is the first – and only – Bugatti showroom in the UK.
Despite the stratospheric price, Chiron
all the Bugatti requirements. So this really
Clearly, despite a higher price – a pre-tax
will never be an only car. “Most of our
is a joint effort and reflects the quality
€2.4 million – there’s even more interest in
customers are car collectors with as many as
and sophistication of both HR Owen and
Chiron from customers than there was in
40 cars in their collection,” says Anita.
Bugatti. We are very happy with it.”
Veyron at the same stage of its life.
“They drive their Bugattis, too,” adds Dr
Although there was always a car on
“It could be the design, which is more
Brungs. “On average our customers cover
display within the Bentley showroom, Anita
futuristic and aggressive,” says Dr Stefan
1,600kms a year in their car… which is quite
was restricted in exactly how much she was
Brungs,
with
a lot when you have 39 other cars in the
able to do for a new customer there. In fact,
responsibilities for sales, marketing and
collection to drive, not to mention private
most of her work was undertaken at the
customer service.
jets and so on."
factory at Molsheim. While factory visits will still form a
Bugatti
board
member
“But in fact I think sales are already so strong because customers see Chiron as a
“But they all say that their Bugatti is the cherry on the top,” says Anita.
65
BUGAT T I
MAKING THE BEST A EVEN BETTER
66
s far as Bugatti is concerned it was the best car in the world. So how do you follow Veyron? The answer is simple. According to
Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobile: “We have made the best even better.” So welcome, please, the Bugatti Chiron – ‘The world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production
Thought Veyron was as good as it could ever get? Be prepared for a surprise… Bugatti Chiron moves the game on even further
super sports car.’ Claims don’t get any
Words: Matthew Carter
Chiron is the world’s first production
bolder than that. But the claims are backed up by facts.
CHIRON
car with 1,500hp; top speed is limited to
two-tone finishes (though the car on display in
reinforced plastic engine cradle at the rear.
420km/h (that’s 261mph to you and me),
the new Bugatti showroom in Bruton Street is
This adds stiffness and reduces weight – at
but there’s the potential for much more: the
stunning in an all-black finish).
1995kg it is just 150kgs heavier than the original
But it is at the rear where the biggest
Veyron 16.4 and the car is said to have the
Although clearly blood relatives (Le pur
changes can be found. The tail has a bold
rigidity of a modern Le Mans LMP1 prototype.
sang, of course) Chiron apparently borrows
central strake over the back window inspired
Chiron is more aerodynamically efficient
little from Veyron. The new car is longer, taller
by the styling of the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
than Veyron, too, having spent more than
and wider and although the looks are similar,
from 1935, while all the tail-lights are housed
300 hours in the wind tunnel. The design
Chiron’s nose has four piercing square LEDs
in a single full width LED light band. The rear
and engineering teams worked in close
each side of the horseshoe grille in place of the
also has a huge diffuser and large centrally
collaboration during the car’s development
single rectangular units of Veyron.
mounted exhaust pipes.
programme to ensure maximum efficiency
speedo goes up to 310mph.
In profile, Chiron is dominated by a flowing
The chassis tub is all new, the monocoque
with no loss of visual impact.
‘C’ shape, linking the roof line with the sills
now
sandwich
Although sharing the same displacement
and also acting as a neat demarcation zone for
construction for the floor and a carbon fibre
and layout as the Veyron unit, the 8.0-litre >
having
a
carbon
fibre
67
BUGATTI
tech specs 1500 HP
420 kmh
at 6700rpm
Maximum speed
500 units
0-100kmh
limited production
in less than 2.5 seconds
30 football pitches of air per minute are pushed through the engine
2.4m euros basic price
W12 quad turbo petrol engine has been
that same minute, 800 litres of water are
extensively revised for Chiron. It has larger
circulated through the W16 and no fewer
and more powerful turbochargers with two-
than ten radiators keep it cool.
The central strake over
basic price
60,000 litres of air per minute are pushed through the engine
standard trim colours. More statistics. Bugatti builds around
the rear of the Chiron
one a week and total production will be
stage operation for a more linear power
As well as that headline V-Max figure,
was inspired by one of
500. Of that 200 have already been sold (or
delivery: just two turbos are in operation
Bugatti claims Chiron will hit 62mph in
the most iconic Bugattis
at least deposits taken) including six to one
when the car moves off the line, with the
less than 2.5 seconds and will go from
of the past: the Type
customer. It will be in production for six or
second pair chiming in once the engine has
0-186mph in less than 13.6 seconds. The
57SC Atlantic
seven years.
reached 3,800rpm.
‘normal’ top speed is 236mph, but 261mph
The message? If you are in the market for
There have also been extensive changes
can be reached by selecting Top Speed on
the ultimate super sports car you’d better get
to the titanium exhaust system which has
the driving mode control, using a Speed
down to Bruton Street quickly before they all
no fewer than six catalytic converters. The
Key, which alters the engine management
go. As Ettore Bugatti once said: ”Nothing is
two main cats are six times larger than the
system. A new production car World Speed
too beautiful, nothing is too expensive.”The
unit fitted to a conventional family car,
Record will be attempted in due course.
Chiron name is a nod to Bugatti heritage:
while the active surface area of all six is said
Other driving modes are Lift, Auto,
Monégasque racing driver Louis Chiron
the
raced for Bugatti at Le Mans and in Grands
As well as that remarkable power output,
chassis is a development of Veyron’s and
Prix, winning the 1931 French GP, held at
the new engine produces an incredible
now features adaptive suspension which
Montlhéry near Paris.
1,600Nm of torque which is why the seven-
automatically varies the damper settings
He continued competing after the war,
speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
and ride height depending on how the car
winning the 1954 Monte Carlo Rally and
has the largest, highest performance clutch
is being driven.
finishing sixth in the 1955 Monaco GP. He
to be larger than 30 football pitches.
Autobahn
and
Handling,
while
fitted to any production car. Such is the
Four-wheel drive is standard, naturally,
power developed by the engine that a
but Chiron has an electronically controlled
bespoke test bed had to be built – existing
differential
facilities simply couldn’t cope with the
function that can vary the amount of torque
W16’s 1,500 horses.
sent to each rear wheel making the car ‘easy
The brakes are drilled carbon ceramic
with
a
torque
vectoring
to drift’. Yes, you read that right.
discs that are larger than your average
The interior is brand new and slightly
dinner plate while the braking system
roomier than Veyron: leather, carbon
has been developed using Formula 1
fibre and brushed aluminium are the key
technology. The tyres, meanwhile, have
materials used. Matching the exterior
been specially developed at an aerospace
styling, an illuminated 1.6m long C-bar
facility and more than 200 sets were used
inside the cabin is said to be the longest
during the 500,000km testing programme.
LED strip currently used in the automobile
Time for a few more ‘Top Trumps’
68
INSPIRATION
2.4m euros
industry.
figures: more than 60,000 litres of air is
Naturally there’s a top level sound
gulped by the engine every minute. In
system, Wi-Fi on the go and a choice of 31
died in 1979, aged 79.
FI R ST D RIVE - ANDY WALLACE
PRESSURE? WHAT PRESSURE? A narrow, muddy track; 1,500 horse power; an audience of thousands… what was going through Andy Wallace’s mind as he gunned the new Bugatti Chiron up the Goodwood Hill Words: Matthew Carter
T
700-8OOHP
he Goodwood Hill is daunting enough
“When I won Le Mans in 1988 with
at the best of times but when you’re
Jaguar, we had between 700-800hp in the
charged with giving a brand new car its
XJR-9 in race trim and perhaps 1,100hp
1988 Le Mans XJR-9,
off the line is staggering – no wheelspin,
dynamic debut in front of thousands
for qualifying.
although this was closer
no tyre smoke – and the power is breath-
to 1,100hp for qualifying
taking. Its delivery is totally linear with no
The power of Wallace’s
in almost every respect. “But it really is a big jump. The grip
– and that car is worth a cool €2.4 million
“To set a grid time, we would bolt on
plus – it’s enough to give even the most
super sticky tyres, which lasted about
steps, and the new transmission is also
accomplished driver a few butterflies.
nine corners, while the special qualifying
exceptionally smooth.
Unless you are Le Mans and multiple
engine would manage two laps after which
“But there’s much more to the Chiron.
Daytona 24 Hours winner Andy Wallace.
the head bolts would have stretched and it
There’s a massive improvement in ride
Since he stopped racing in 2012, Wallace
would have lost most of its coolant. It was
quality, in noise suppression and in
has been a Bugatti Pilote Officiel, giving
scary, too.
general refinement.”
demonstration rides for customers, media
“OK, that was more than 25 years ago,
“Of course, I was unable to use full
and VIPs, driver coaching and exhibition
but I still find it incredible that we have
throttle or get anywhere near the car’s top
drives such as this one at the 2016
progressed to the point where 1,500hp can
speed along Lord March’s garden path, but
Goodwood Festival of Speed.
be so calm. The first time I drove the Veyron
the car really did feel fantastic. It’s quite
“Yes, it was a bit muddy up the Hill this
Vitesse, I was blown away by its capabilities
easy to make a real porridge of the
year but even with 1,500hp on tap, I was
so I must admit I was a little sceptical when I
Hill, but not in the Chiron. It really
never worried.
learned that the Chiron had been improved
is quite extraordinary.”
69
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HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates
ja m e s h a l l Ch a n d e l i e r s
LEADING THE LIGHTS
- JAMES HALL
PASSION, PROFICIENCY AND PERSONAL TOUCH ARE THREE THINGS THAT CHANDELIER EXPERT JAMES HALL INSISTS ON WHEN IT COMES TO HIS WORK
W
James
designs
and
manufactures
ith more than 50 years in the
privilege of growing up surrounded by it
industry – he first visited his
and have been able to work on the some of
chandeliers and fine lighting pieces,
father’s chandelier factory when he
the world’s most amazing buildings; from
restores heritages fixtures as well as
was just three days old – James has
St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle and
crafting exceptional pieces of bespoke
had a life dedicated to lighting. “I’m second
Buckingham Palace, right through to super
metal furniture. “I take the client’s ideas or
generation. My father was in the industry
high-end mega
properties, high calibre
inspirations and draw up designs, whether
for 60 years and my mother worked in the
hotels such as the Dorchester and the Ritz
it’s based on something the clients want, or
industry too,” James says. “I’ve had the
as well as luxury super yachts.”
from scratch. I then present our ideas >
71
s p o n s or e d c o n t e n t
in either CAD form with 3D rendering or
As well as working with the Foreign
to work in places such as New York, Tokyo
freehand, manufacture it, install it and then
and Commonwealth office on British
and Moscow, Monaco and Dubai, and
care for it for years to come,” James explains.
Ambassadorial
the
is currently consulting at King Salman
“We can also do all sorts of architectural
world, James advises and works with many
of Saudi Arabia’s Palace in Jeddah. “My
metal work. If it’s metal, bespoke and high
livery companies and the Bank of England
clients know they can call me, anytime,
quality, we can make it and guarantee it won’t
on their historic chandeliers. His reputation
anywhere and I’ll fly to wherever I need to
be something you can get anywhere else. We
has developed throughout the years and
be. I like to conduct a very personal service,
encourage clients to come to our workshops
he is considered an historical expert,
face-to-face. So if you do business with
all the time during the process, to see it all
often called upon to give opinions and
happening and be a part of it.”
valuations on chandeliers, writing official
residencies
around
If clients are in need of re-finishing their
historical reports on lighting and regularly
current chandeliers James can arrange it,
advising clients on what they can and can’t
with almost any specification accommodated, including 24 carat gold leaf. Weather proofing and IP rating work can also be carried out for external lighting and lanterns.
72
STATE OF THE ART
my company, you’re doing business with me,” James says. Using the latest technology for designing
Casting techniques
and manufacturing lighting and metal
do with a heritage chandelier, without
enable James Hall to
furniture, James and his team are able
compromising the value.
produce flawless results
to create custom-made 3D moulds and
replicating skills of
patterns, on top of the vast archive of
ages past
decorative mouldings and archive designs
With the ability and flexibility to work worldwide, James has had the opportunity
ja m e s h a l l Ch a n d e l i e r s
I like to conduct a very personal service, face-to-face. So if you do business with my company, you’re doing business with me
3D RENDERED IMAGES CAD designs and hand
that were passed down to his father and
producing and achieving perfection, and
drawings are all used to
now down to him. With aims to keep almost
sustaining a certain level of excellence
develop a client’s initial
everything in house, the team also specialise
in everything he or his team do. “I have
concept
in doing all the finishing and wiring in
enormous passion for what I do and I love
the factory. “I have a small, tight-knit team
everything about working in this industry.
with a lot of talent. It’s a good mixture of
It’s in my blood,” James proudly states. “If
ultra-skilled, long-term craftsman who
you drive a Bentley, an Aston Martin or any
have been in the business for decades, and
car of that stature, then you clearly have an
younger, adept designers with fresh ideas, ”
appreciation of beautiful things and expect
James says.
the very best; that’s exactly what I give with
One thing that is never lacking with
my chandeliers.”
James Hall is passion and anyone who
jameshallchandeliers.com;
meets him will clearly see his devotion to
madsonblack.com; +44 (0)20 7856 2083
73
F R O NT SEAT
Ferrari Tailor Made
SOME PEOPLE SPEND THEIR MONEY ON PROPERTY, SOME ON ART. FOR CHRIS FROGGATT IT’S CARS AND HIS GARAGE ELOQUENTLY REFLECTS HIS PASSION
Words: Matthew Carter Images: G.F. Williams
74
TAILO R MADE – MA R ANELLO
I
n fact, he’s already got an example of
of patience too. For we are not at HR
almost every desirable sports car currently
Owen Ferrari in Brompton Road but at the
available – Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren,
Ferrari factory in Maranello, where Chris
Aston… you name it, Chris has one or two
is not merely buying his new cars but
examples of each marque (and more when it comes to the Prancing Horse).
creating them. Instead of simply ticking a few boxes on
But no collection stays static and today
the options list and choosing a standard
he is in the process of upgrading the Ferrari
colour, Chris is taking part in the Tailor Made
element, ordering not one, not two, but three
programme and developing a trio of unique
new cars. There’s a 488GTB to replace his
machines, built to his exact specification.
existing example, a California T (ditto) and a
Tailor Made was started in 2012 when just
GTC4 Lusso, which isn’t replacing anything.
30 cars were produced. Today, more than 100
This is a man not just with pockets deep
Tailor Made cars are produced each year and
enough to indulge is his passion, but, as we will see later, one with a certain amount
the number is rising. The main reason Chris has chosen to
>
75
TAILO R MADE – MA R ANELLO
WE ARE ALL IN A SPECIAL PART OF THE FACTORY COMPLEX WHICH IS DEVOTED TO TAILOR MADE. THERE’S AN ENTRANCE AREA FLANKED BY A LARGE ROOM HOLDING A VAST RANGE OF COLOUR SAMPLES, MANY REPLICATING FERRARI COLOURS FROM THE PAST
76
TAILO R MADE – MA R ANELLO
specify his cars at Maranello is down to
detract from Ferrari’s image,” she said.
choice. With a ‘standard’ Ferrari there’s
Not that Chris has any intention of
already a wide variety of fabrics, colours and
creating a mobile monster. Chris and an
finishes available… but with Tailor Made the
old school friend Olisa Okwuosa – who is
sky is the limit.
also at Maranello to develop his own Tailor
An expanded range of fabrics, including
Made GTC4 Lusso – plus chaperone Owen
cashmere, denim and corduroy, is just the
Rothwell, HR Owen Ferrari’s Marketing
start. The colour palette is virtually limitless
Manager, have already been here for a day.
and it is possible to change not just hues and
Day two is to be spent fine tuning the
finishes but the materials themselves, with
creations made yesterday, finishing the
carbon fibre being a popular alternative to
GTC4 Lusso and developing a unique
the standard offerings.
California T for Chris.
Special luggage can be created while
We are all in a special part of the factory
exterior mods embrace pinstripes, bold
complex which is devoted to Tailor Made.
stripes, different coloured calipers, inserts
There’s an entrance area flanked by a
and highlights. In fact, just about the only
large room holding a vast range of colour
things that can’t be changed are areas of the
samples, many replicating Ferrari colours
car, such as the airbags, which are subject to
from the past, plus leather samples and seat
Type Approval.
and trim finishes.
“Although there is a wide choice of colours
But the main area is where the significant
and fabrics via Atelier meaning that virtually
work is done. This room houses three
every Ferrari we build is different, the Tailor
specific themed areas designed to give
Made programme allows each customer
customers inspiration as they embark on
to create the exact car they want. A Tailor
the serious business of creating their Tailor
Made car is a genuine creative collaboration
Made car.
between the new owner and Ferrari.” The speaker is Elena Fontana, the
The most obvious, perhaps, is called Scuderia
and
underscores
Ferrari’s
A HELPING HAND
The other two themed areas are called Classica and Inedita. The first, as the name suggests, refers to the elegance and luxury of the great Ferrari Gran Turismo
Experts offer advice
cars from the past while Inedita, which
about what works
means new or novel, looks to the future.
and what doesn’t,
Classica is full of rich tan leathers,
Commercial and Marketing Director for
passion for motor racing. Here there’s
but also protect the
examples of intricate cross stitching
Ferrari’s
programmes.
lots of red and yellow leather and fabric
Ferrari brand from any
and plenty of different fabrics including
And it is Elena who guides, advises and
Personalisation
samples and acres of carbon fibre parts
creation that might
sample books from luxury fashion houses
sometimes forbids, the choices made by
designed to enhance a Ferrari’s sporting
detract from its image
and textile designers such as Loro Piano
customers: if you want, say, a pink California
image.
and Kvadrat. There’s even a sample seat
T with green furry seats and yellow
Over these elements is the body of a
wheels, Elena will refuse your request,
Ferrari F1 racer which is hung on the
politely but firmly.
wall as a piece of art. And beneath are a
Inedita, meanwhile, looks ahead with
“As well as helping customers to create
series of drawers, each of which contain
more technical fabrics, denim and bold
their perfect car, it is my job to protect the
more parts and samples to be looked at,
leathers. Aluminium and carbon fibre –
Ferrari brand. We can do nothing that will
touched and even sniffed.
the latter available in different shades
back which evokes the quilted duo tone finish of a Daytona.
>
77
TAILO R MADE – MA R ANELLO
– also feature here along with dramatic
been upgraded with a series of subtle and
colours and finishes.
stealthy fabric and colour changes.
And it’s the Inedita theme that holds the
The California T, meanwhile, will
most influence when Chris starts to create
have a white exterior with a dark blue
his cars.
interior. But the outside colour will also be
Chris and Elena stare at a giant TV
reflected within, with white stitching and
screen while members of Elena’s team
inlays on the seats while twin dark blue
show an impressive ability with Photoshop software as a large image of a standard car is changed in line with Chris’s requirements.
TAKE THREE THEMES
Elena’s unerring eye for what looks right – she’s been with Ferrari for most of her working life and with Atelier and Special Projects for the last 12 years. She knows what works and what doesn’t. At no time are any costs mentioned
Classic quilted leathers,
(if you’re worried about the difference
stripes running over the body will bring
futuristic coloured carbon
the choice of a cashmere interior will
the inside colour out.
fibre or racing reds and
make to the overall bill, you probably
blacks help provide
shouldn’t be here) but HRO’s Rothwell
It’s at this point that Chris’s patience is
colours,
tested to the max. There are eight people
inspiration for Tailor
confirms that depending on the choices
wheels and fabrics are tried, each iteration
in that room and most find themselves
Made customers
made, the additional cost of a Tailor Made
being quickly created on screen… and
tempted to make suggestions – one or
equally quickly trashed as a new variation
two even have the temerity to call them
At the end of Day Two, Chris, who
is developed.
‘improvements’. The width, number and
works in property development, is more
Different combinations of
programme can be as much as £100,000.
After a couple of hours of work on the
position of those stripes suddenly become
than happy with his creations. “The
desktop, a final choice has been made.
public property and suggestions are flying
choice and opportunity here is so wide
His GTC4 Lusso is to have a matt grigio
thick and fast.
that it can be quite daunting, to be honest,
scuro (dark grey) finish with carbon fibre
Chris politely listens to them all, nods
but with expert help from Elena and her
elements and subtle red pinstripes – or
sagely… and then ignores them. He turns
team I’m confident that I’ve achieved what
dream lines as they are called here – on
back to Elena and simply continues to
I set out to do.”
the body and wheels. The interior has also
discuss his various options, relying on
78
What if he has second thoughts about
TAILO R MADE – MA R ANELLO
A TAILOR MADE PROGRAMME ADDS AROUND THREE MONTHS TO THE EXISTING BUILD TIME OF A NEW CAR, SO NEITHER CHRIS NOR OLISA WILL BE SEEING THEIR CREATIONS UNTIL SOMETIME IN 2017
custom built
Ferrari three ways Essentially there are three ways of buying a new Ferrari. The first is the easiest – Atelier Ferrari. In the calm and sophisticated surroundings of the Brompton Road showroom or at the
some of his choices? That’s been thought
special HR Owen Atelier Ferrari boutique
of too. At the end of the session both men
within the Berkeley Hotel in London’s
are given USB sticks containing images and
Knightsbridge you can see colours, touch
every last detail of their new creation. These
fabrics and gaze at the different wheel
can be looked at again at home to make sure
options available for your chosen car.
everything is perfect. If not, it’s a trip back
You can also tick as many (or as few) option
to Maranello to implement further changes
boxes as you want and then get to see
before the car is put into build.
your chosen combination on screen as the
And then there’s the wait: a Tailor Made
digital configurator does its work.
programme adds around three months
At the other end of the scale there’s Ferrari
to the existing build time of a new car, so
One-Off. As the name implies, One-Off
neither Chris nor Olisa will be seeing their
creates a unique Ferrari, a standard car
creations until sometime in 2017.
that’s been visually re-imagined to make
Not that either man will be suffering
it look more dramatic or make it even
from Ferrari withdrawal symptoms in
more aerodynamically efficient. Created by
that time. Both are due back at Maranello
Ferrari’s Special Projects division, a One-
in a matter of days to take part in a Pilota
Off car is a genuinely unique machine. And
Course at the nearby Fiorano track, with a
one that’s exceedingly rare: Ferrari makes
view to sharing a 458 Challenge car in the
just three every couple of years.
famous European One-Make racing series.
The middle route, Ferrari Tailor Made as
You could say it’s a series that’s tailor made for the two young Ferraristi.
chosen by Chris Froggatt, goes beyond Atelier but not as far as One-Off.
79
T H E B E A U T Y I S I N E V E RY D E TA I L
This is The Ritz 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR +44 (0) 20 7493 8181 | enquire@theritzlondon.com | www.theritzlondon.com
RITZ_Mayfair_Dec_2.indd 1
06/11/2015 16:17
U R BAN J ü RGENSEN
THE GREAT DANE There’s a smorgasbord of Scandinavian watchmaking running through the horological history books, says Alex Doak, and Urban Jürgensen is one of the greatest – NOW BACK IN DANISH HANDS AND GUIDED BY A FINNISH GENIUS, ITS WATCHES ARE HAND-CRAFTED IN SWITZERLAND AND OWE THEIR MODERN PROWESS TO A BRITON WITH AN OBSESSION FOR ROTARY-ENGINED MAZDaS >
81
A RT & CR AFT
Y
ou’ll have had to be living under
Linde Werdelin. What’s more, unlike
& Sønner sprang up in 1773, providing salty
THE FUTURE
a
foraged
the venerable brand names that have
seadogs with their marine chronometers
The Reference 2340
horseradish and rye bread to have
been revived in Switzerland, these new
– massive clocks mounted horizontally on
WG from Urban
missed the recent Nordic invasion. We
faces aren’t hung up on their respective
gimbals to protect the delicate mechanism
Jürgensen & Sønner’s
all want to dine at René Redzepi’s Noma,
country’s horological repute – that ship has
from uneasy ocean going.
more “accessible” Jules
we’ve rediscovered rollmop herrings, worn
long sailed.
considerable
pile
of
UJS went from strength to strength
collection is a particularly
twee Christmas knits without an ounce of
Quite literally. Like Britain, the coastal
as a chronometer maker, passing from
handsome signpost to
irony and enjoyed bleak cop show after
nations of Holland, Denmark, Sweden and
generation to generation, becoming royal
the future, powered by
bleak cop…
Finland were all ocean going economies
clockmaker to the court of King Frederick
the brand’s new in-house
with strong navies. And to run a global
VI of Denmark in the process. All along,
“P4” movement. With
navy – military, merchant or otherwise –
honing its handsome style of perfectly
typical grace, the dial is
Proving it isn’t just the Swiss wielding
you need a decent ship’s chronometer to
proportioned
hand-lacquered.
tweezers and an eyeglass, there are
ascertain your longitude at sea. Which is
engraved “guilloché” dials, all painstakingly
Finnish indie stars Stepan Sarpaneva
why Yorkshire’s John Harrison invented
hand-finished to perfection.
and Kari Voutilainen, now supplemented
one first in the 18th century, winning the
by the Grönefeld brothers down in
famed Longitude Prize and why, across the
watchmakers at the time, things took a turn
The
North Sea, Copenhagen’s Urban Jürgensen
for the worse come the Seventies, when
And all along, it transpires, the world of watchmaking was way ahead of us.
Netherlands,
and
Denmark’s
In 1797...
Son of Jürgen Jürgensen, Urban travelled to the
Jura Mountains to learn from Swiss chronometer maker, Houriet.
82
As
with
hands
so
and
many
intricately
traditional
U R BAN J ü RGENSEN
It took Swiss antiques dealer Peter Baumberger to dig the company out of the doldrums in 1981
cheap quartz technology from the Far East
DEREK PRATT
for a rotary-engined Mazda. He owned two
of a notoriously tricksy but highly accurate
started to edge out expensive, traditional
The ex-pat Briton (1938-
RX-7’s. One of his first bits of innovation
regulating mechanism called the “detent”
mechanics. It took Swiss antiques dealer
2009) is considered a
for Urban Jürgensen was a mechanism that
from its traditional marine-chronometer
Peter Baumberger to dig the company out
modern-day genius
guaranteed a consistent pulse of energy
setting, where it is protected from shocks,
of the doldrums in 1981 – which he did
of traditionally
to the ticking escapement from a spring
to the wristwatch with all its daily knocks
by purchasing the name and recruiting a
hand-crafted, yet
charged every second by a cam shaped as
and bumps. The resulting watch not only
relatively unknown watchmaker to finish
highly innovative
a rounded triangle, or “Reuleaux” triangle.
earned a prestigious “chronometer” rating,
a job lot of 90 historic movement kits to
Swiss watchmaking.
As Pratt notes in his paper for the
but it won “Best Men’s Watch” at Geneva’s
sell to a tight-knit, underground clientele
His greatest legacy
Horological Journal in 1990: “A similar
Grand Prix of Horology in 2014, effectively
of wealthy collectors.
to Urban Jürgensen
shape is used for the rotor of the Wankel
securing the future of Urban Jürgensen.
was the successful
rotary engine… Perhaps the fact I have
Briton living in Switzerland, by the name
translation of the
been driving a Wankel-engined car for the
couldn’t look or feel healthier, which
of Derek Pratt. Much is spoken of his
marine chronometer’s
last 12 years has had some effect!”
undoubtedly has something to do with the
contemporary, George Daniels (1926–2011),
(below) delicate
who was one of the few watchmakers to ever master the 30-or-so individual crafts
That watchmaker was a genial, bearded
The
brand’s
current
incarnation
The similarities between cars and
fact that, with the death of Baumberger in
“Detent” mechanism to
watches is forced by all too many brands
2010, UJS remains, mercifully, in Danish
a wristwatch.
keen
hook.
hands: a consortium of investors, all with
required to make a watch from the bare
However, Pratt’s stroke of genius is
a keen passion for watches. Judging by the
metal. But Pratt, who died in 2009, is
likely to be no coincidence. Just as it’s no
recent proliferation of classically styled
always overlooked as a genius who could do
coincidence that, away from his Isle of
collections – including a new, entry-level
the same, using lathes, mills and turning
Man workbench, George Daniels liked to
“Jules” range – it was a blessed investment.
engines all dating from the 19th and early
restore old Bentleys.
The
to
justify
a
marketing
legacy of
Denmark’s
finest-ever
Pratt pioneered one more slice of
watchmaker is safe, not to mention the
Like so many watchmakers, Pratt was
brilliance for the Danish brand shortly
lasting memory of Britain’s quietest genius
also a petrolhead, with a particular passion
before his untimely death: the migration
of watchmaking.
20th centuries.
83
ALT1-C CLASSIC
TH E BR EMONT ALT 1- C WILL L AST YOU A LIFETIME. POSSIBLY LONGER . The Bremont ALT1-C is a mechanical aviation chronometer that’s 99.998% accurate. It’s painstakingly built by hand at our workshops in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England. But if the inside of the ALT1-C is delicate, the outside is anything but. The case is made from steel that’s seven times harder than you’ll find in ordinary watches. (We bombard it with electrons to toughen it up.) The crystal is sapphire and scratch-resistant. (We know, we’ve tried.) And the whole thing is water resistant to 100 metres. We hope you enjoy the ALT1-C. After all, you’ll be together a long time.
MIG H TY MIU R A
Mighty Miura The most beautiful car in the world? Jeremy Taylor fulfils a dream and drives the iconic Lamborghini Miura‌ >
85
LAMB O R G H INI MIU R A
I
CRAZY
n 1963, three young Italian designers
The Miura was unveiled at Brussels
designer on the project. “There were a lot
began a secret project to build a sports
Motor Show in 1966 to rapturous acclaim.
of wealthy people in Bologna who drove
car. They worked late into the night at a
Lamborghini’s in-house designers may
around the city in a Ferrari. Once our
every psychedelic colour
workshop near Bologna, determined to
have created the mechanics but it was left
car appeared, everybody sold the 275 to
imaginable – orange,
create a machine that would rival their all-
to Bertone designer, Marcello Gandini, to
buy a Miura!”
lime green, yellow – to
conquering neighbours at Ferrari.
add the stunning bodywork.
Not
even
their
boss,
The Miura proved so successful that
Miuras were painted in
make it stand out from
Ferruccio
Miura was a two-seat, high performance
Lamborghini could barely keep up with
the established supercar
Lamborghini, knew exactly what his team
sports car that placed the engine behind the
demand. Frank Sinatra owned a bright
set. Well, it was the 1960s
was up to in their spare time. At one point,
cabin. It afforded better weight distribution
orange example, fitted with carpets to
the engine from a Mini was bolted to the
and crucially improved the handling. Rivals
match those in his bathroom at home.
middle of the P400 prototype to calculate
like the front-engined Ferrari 275 and
the weight distribution.
Jaguar E-Type just couldn’t compete.
Elton
John,
Nicholas
Cage
and
Jamiroquai all own Miuras too, but the car’s
company
Not only that, Lamborghini fitted a
most famous moment came in 1969, when
already manufactured one car – the 350
3.9-litre V12 engine that gave its flagship car
it was filmed for the opening credits of The
GT. It was a relaxed grand tourer that sold
a startling turn of speed. Back in 1966, the
Italian Job. The three-minute scene was
well enough to keep the business afloat.
Miura was the fastest production car in the
backed up by a Matt Monro soundtrack.
But what Ferruccio’s team was building
world. It was also the blueprint for pretty
From that moment on, the car’s iconic
out of hours was going to change supercar
much every supercar that followed.
status had been rubber stamped.
Lamborghini’s
design forever.
86
fledgling
Gian Dallara was Lamborghini’s chief
Dallara, now 79, went on to design racing
MIG H TY MIU R A
FIFTY YEARS ON, THE MIURA IS A HANDFUL TO DRIVE. BOTH THE BRAKES AND STEERING ARE WOEFULLY INADEQUATE, WHILE THE CABIN IS A GREENHOUSE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING
cars for Frank Williams and several other
the final and most powerful production
DALLARA
F1 teams. In June, he was guest of honour
model that dates back to 1971. Miuras were
Gian Dallara,
on the first ever Miura Tour – a gathering
painted in a range of psychedelic colours
Lamborghini chief
of 25 cars on a four-day extravaganza across
because owners wanted to personalise their
designer, is the father
northern Italy.
cars to make them stand out.
Driving a Miura should be on every
Dallara
explained:
“Ferraris
of the Miura. His
were
creation established
car enthusiast’s bucket list. Sadly, with a
traditionally red, Maseratis were blue.
the blueprint for every
restoration project costing from £800,000
Lamborghini
supercar that followed
upwards,
people
painting his cars every colour under
will have the opportunity. So when an
the sun. It made the Miura look even
invitation arrived to travel to Italy and
more different.”
it’s
unlikely
many
drive Lamborghini’s own example, I was already packing my bag.
had
no
problem
with
Fifty years on and the Miura is quite
Dream Machine
Lamborghini Miura SV Current guide price: £800,000-1.2
a handful to drive. Both the brakes
million
Twenty-five Miuras may not sound like
and steering are woefully inadequate,
Engine: V12
many but then Lamborghini built less than
while the cabin is a greenhouse without
Horsepower: 385bhp
800 of these legendary coupés between
air conditioning.
Torque: 295 @ 5750rpm Displacement: 3929cc
1966 and 1973. Just 400 are still believed to
Then there’s the overheating issue.
be in existence – if you own one then you
Lamborghini fitted the Miura with two
0-60: 5.7 secs
are probably a millionaire.
cooling fans – one had to be manually
Top speed: 170mph
I’m at the wheel of a yellow Miura SV,
operated via a switch on the roof >
87
LAMB O R G H INI MIU R A
ORANGE CRUSH The original Miura was produced in a variety of hityou-between-the-eyes colours… so it’s only fitting that the Aventador Miura Homage, celebrating the icon’s 50th birthday, is finished in equally dramatic shades. Just 50 Homage models will be built, with colours including Rosso Arancio Miura plus contrasting gold sills and wheels.
FILM STAR
Chris Wood, from London. “An aunt left
Miura is probably most
me some money to invest and I bought a
famous for its role in the
Lamborghini – I was almost disowned by
opening credits of The
the family.
Italian Job. Don’t worry,
“The Miura is a very special car because
it wasn’t really crashed
it’s so beautiful and was the blueprint
down the mountain
for all mid-engined supercars. I own an uprated E-Type too. The Lamborghini is my wife and the Jaguar is my mistress.” Iain Tyrrell, from Chester, buys and sells classics. One of his “several” Miuras was filmed in the opening scenes of The Italian Job and is currently for sale at £3 million. “I’ve been passionate about cars since I was ten years old. “I heard the sound of a V12 Espada driving past and I was hooked on Lamborghinis. I still get as much of a buzz
when that V12 engine got all hot and
grumbling and there’s enough air passing
from the Miura today as the first time I
bothered in traffic.
around the engine bay to keep it cool.
drove it. It left everything for dead – it was
I’m
consequently
driving
the
SV
Gandini’s
low-slung
bodywork
was
so far ahead of its time.”
temperature
an aerodynamic masterclass too. The
Miura prices lulled in the doldrums for
gauge, rather than the speedo. I’ve been
car stands just over 41 inches tall and
decades but have soared in recent years,
told to pull over quick if we hit heavy
wind noise is minimal. Open a window
mirroring a rise in Lamborghini’s renewed
traffic, which may explain why our
and there’s hardly any buffeting. They’re
popularity. Sir Rod Stewart’s Miura has
police escort is so keen to clear a path at
electric windows too!
recently been on the market at £1.2 million.
monitoring
the
water
Don’t expect much seat adjustment, the
Tyrrell explains: “Miuras have to be
Fortunately, the Miura has a sweet spot
clutch action is high and all Miuras are
driven or they start to fester. It’s not a car
at around 75mph when everything comes
incredibly noisy. So what is the appeal?
that appreciates being left in a garage as
together. The five-speed gearbox isn’t
“I’ve owned mine for 38 years,” explains
an asset.”
every junction.
88
H.R. OWEN ECURIE
AHEAD OF THE GAME
TOM HAGUES INVESTIGATES H.R. OWEN ECURIE, THE GROUP’S NEW BUSINESS SUPPLYING PRE-OWNED LUXURY PERFORMANCE CARS OF ALL MARQUES
E
curie is the French word for stable and
veins. This is matched with boundless
behind the service, there’s a sense of
is often associated with motor racing
enthusiasm for what H.R. Owen Ecurie can
confidence that anything can be achieved.
teams. Now, thanks to a new business
offer its clients.
There’s also the fact that Stephan won last
based in Cheltenham that’s dedicated
Stephan began his career with Audi and
year’s Sales Manager of the Year award –
to the very best exotica from the world’s
BMW in 1996 and now sits at the head
the months-old venture is clearly in safe
most desirable automotive brands, clients
of both H.R. Owen Ecurie and the Aston
and capable hands.
might soon find themselves in possession
Martin dealership next door.
As
Stephan
chats,
his
excitement
for both the company’s new endeavour
of an ecurie exceptionnel. The person
H.R. Owen Ecurie fits into the luxury
tasked with leading this impressive facility
car market in a very special way. Finding
and extraordinary cars is apparent.
is General Manager Stephan Plant – a
luxury performance vehicles for exacting
“It’s exciting,” he says. “It’s not
man who has a knowledge of, and passion
clients is a huge task, but with the
prescriptive in that there’s no
for, luxury motors coursing through his
outreach and experience of H.R. Owen
manufacturer dictating what >
89
at yo u r s e rv i c e
ECURIE IS BASED IN THE FOOTPRINT LEFT BEHIND BY BROUGHTON’S BENTLEY DEALERSHIP WHICH OPERATED IN CHELTENHAM FROM 1947 UNTIL H.R.OWEN TOOK IT OVER IN 2011
we can and can’t do. To put it simply, I am
operated in Cheltenham from 1947 until
VARIETY
tasked with bringing together the finest
H.R. Owen took it over in 2011. This has
There are plenty of
collection of pre-owned performance
given the business a large number of regular
previously owned
and luxury cars to satisfy our UK and
clients who return time and again thanks to
Bentleys at Ecurie, but
international customers – while some are
Stephan’s ambition to ensure it remained a
also the unexpected with
bought to order, most will be bought to
perfect place to purchase a Bentley.
BMWs, Lamborghinis
be displayed here in Cheltenham.”
and Mercs rubbing
While there are many Bentleys in the
brand, in terms of new car sales at least, a
shoulders under the
showroom, there’s an enticing mix of
whole new avenue for H.R. Owen opened
showroom lights
new acquisitions too. “The variety in the
up, allowing Stephan to take the site, its
collection of cars is exciting, and I think
fantastic facilities and enviable heritage
that’s what it’s all about. Having a vehicle
in a different direction. “We wanted to
that’s slightly different and extremely
achieve a one-stop shop for customers in
desirable certainly gives you a buzz.” The
and around this area,” he says.
showroom is evidence of this, with a
“Our clients come here because they
Mercedes SLS and Lamborghini Gallardo
expect professionalism, honesty and a
Performante rubbing shoulders under the
friendly atmosphere. We want people to be relaxed – if someone wants to pop in
showroom lights. Ecurie is based in the footprint left
behind
by
Broughton’s
Bentley dealership, which
90
But with the departure of the Bentley
for a cup of coffee and a chat for an hour, then we welcome that,” Stephan says. With music playing throughout the
H.R. OWEN ECURIE
showroom, accompanied by the general
but having the H.R. Owen name attached
SERVICE
buzz of chatter and laughter, it certainly
to it helps greatly.
The Ecurie operation in
feels incredibly welcoming. Stephan
How much does Stephan and his team
Cheltenham is not just
explains further: “It can be extremely
need to know about a client in order to
a showroom crammed
daunting walking into a Lamborghini or
find their exact car?
with exotica, but is
Ferrari showroom, but if customers want
“Some clients can be very descriptive
to come here and show friends and family
about what they are looking for and what
service centre with all the
around, then we will welcome them.
they want to achieve. Others will only
latest Crewe-approved
For example, we recently had a BMW
take a specific colour combination, so it’s
diagnostic equipment
Z3 coupe, a McLaren and Ferrari in one
about educating the sales team.”
line up – the variety makes it an exciting place to be.”
Not that everything is cast in stone. Customers who might appear to have
Walking through some of the vehicles
very particular requirements can still
on display, Stephan explains the process
change their minds. “That happened to
of having a car sourced through H.R.
me recently – I had a very clear colour
Owen Ecurie. You might expect that most
requirement for a car but when I went
of the cars come through auctions, but
to see it, I saw something completely
Stephan says otherwise. “Because I’ve
different and decided to go for that
been in the motor trade for more than
instead. You
20 years, I’ve got a significant number of
when you can actually see and touch
personal contacts to get in touch with.
something, regardless of what you have
There’s also the pull of the H.R. Owen
in your mind’s eye.”
brand, and we’ll always find cars through our website.”
also an official Bentley
It’s
that
take
a
different view
personalised
detail
that
makes Stephan and Ecurie stand out
Referrals are a helpful resource for
in terms of service – the knowledge
Ecurie to tap into, with people passing on
and understanding of how customers
potential sellers to Stephan and there’s
think is invaluable.
also the part-exchange pool. There are
H.R. Owen Ecurie, Rutherford Way,
many ways that Ecurie can source cars,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 9SQ
91
SP O NS O R ED C O NTENT
MEET V MANAGEMENT embracing a 360 degree approach to looking after its clients, V Management is dedicated to providing a five star service from its state-of-the-art berkshire facility
WORDS: joann khatib
W
hen it comes to storing and managing
remarkable
cars, V
Management know exactly what they’re talking about. With some of
the industry’s most respected consultants in tow Chris Bucknall, managing director, set up a unique business concept that addresses a significant gap at the top of the car collector and owner market. Boasting 36,000sq ft of storage with capacity for 150 cars, each with its own dedicated bay, V Management operates from a truly five-star facility. Split into three fundamental divisions; storage, management and events, “V Management was set up to provide the very best storage, a concierge-style management service and top end, tours
Classiche consultant, five-time Le Mans
of the facility. “As values have risen”
and track days for owners to enjoy their
winner and two-time World Sports Car
explains Bucknall, “so have the security
beautiful cars” Bucknall explains. “It’s
Champion Derek Bell MBE who will host
demands of the insurance companies”.
become increasingly time-consuming and
track days and tours and Robert Dean,
V Management’s security specifications
complicated for owners to manage their
one of the world’s leading collection
were designed with their insurers, and
growing collections. They simply don’t
managers.
as a result several of their clients are now
have time for the admin that’s involved in
consultants is the equally talented V
multi-car ownership and their assistants
Management
rarely have the required expertise”.
we do is the very best, and to achieve
of all DVLA paperwork as well as car
that we need the very best people”
movements at a moment’s notice, if
Bucknall insists.
required. Bucknall explains “We offer a
Bucknall assembled a dream team of
accomplished
consultants
and
partners, including Tony Willis, Ferrari’s
92
North
Europe
Security
Working team:
was
a
alongside
these
“Everything
priority,
both
that
enjoying reductions in their premiums. The
management
team
take
care
in
full range of logistics, from overseeing
choosing the location and in the design
the simple stuff like annual MOTs and
V MANAGEMENT
CARE PACKAGE The facility features
servicing, right through to importation, registration, plate changes and shipping, along with all the necessary paperwork for entry into different territories”. Bucknall has been arranging luxury
a fully equipped
motoring tours throughout Europe for
workshop and detailing
over twenty years, and V Management
ramp. Battery levels
now organise an annual tour for HR
are monitored and
Owen. “Our events are bespoke and can
maintained, along with
range from long weekends in Andalusia
tyre pressures and fluid
and ice driving in Finland, to private
levels to ensure clients'
track days at iconic Grand Prix circuits
cars are ready at a
and two-week European tours. Routes
moment's notice
are key to our planning, and we know the very best places to enjoy great scenery and spectacular driving.” Bucknall sums up V Management’s approach, adding “Whether it’s storage, management or events, attention to detail is the key to everything we do. Our goal is always to exceed the expectations of our clients, all of whom have exceedingly high expectations.” v-management.com; 01635 8607705
93
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rear view
That’s the secret we’re trying to put into this car - the technology that allows it to be docile and comfortable, but with immense outright capabilities
Chapter 03
REAR VIEW 95
modern classic
BUGATTI EB110 The fastest of its time, stunning looks, impeccable pedigree, rare as hen’s teeth… and yet still without the recognition it deserves Words by Chris Hall
W
hat a conundrum this car is. It’s
Except… the world has slipped into
and technicians, many nabbed from
an oddity; a misfit even, destined
recession and the market for a £281,000
Formula 1. The car was spectacularly
now to always be the bridesmaid
Italian V12 is shrinking by the day. The
audacious - the first to feature a carbon
ONE OF A KIND
to the Veyron’s bride. It is the
company ploughs on for four years
tub
sole product of an abrupt chapter in
before caving under financial pressure;
drive with a quad-turbo engine (oh
The EB110 was the only
the history of one of the great marques,
three years later VW picks up the
hi, Veyron) and a luxurious interior.
production model
a curio for collectors and concours that
pieces, relocates the whole shebang to
Tested at the Nürburgring before that
made by Romano
could have been a contender.
Molsheim and once again the world’s
was de rigeuer for a Ford Fiesta, it had
Artioli’s Italian
most ambitious car has a Bugatti badge
custom
incarnation of Bugatti
on the nose – only this one is a success.
Benetton’s F1 engine lubricant and had
And yet without it, there very likely would never have been a Veyron. The
chassis,
tyres
it
matched
from
four-wheel
Michelin,
used
short version of the story goes as follows:
Why doesn’t the EB110 get the place
highly successful Ferrari dealer and
in history it deserves? It was the world’s
None of this came cheap; plus, the
vintage Bugatti collector, buoyed up by
fastest car for a time, clocking at least
factory was as high-end as its output. Big
the heady prosperity of the late eighties,
213mph. By all accounts (driving one is
names – Marcello “Countach” Gandini
67%
buys the Bugatti name from the French
a very rare experience indeed) it handled
among them – came and went during
Although technically four-
government and sets about building a
smartly and had just the right level of
its production (the looks suffering as a
wheel drive, the EB110’s
state-of-the-art supercar. Four years later
eccentricity to make it desirable.
result). Amazingly the car was also sold
power is unevenly
with a three year blank cheque for all
distributed with just
servicing, including tyres and brakes.
over two thirds going to
it launches, on the auspicious date of
To some extent, the EB110 was a victim
what would have been Ettore Bugatti’s
of its own success. It had impeccable
110th birthday (hence the name) with expectations of being crowned the world’s best car.
parentage – founder Romano Artioli staffed
Bugatti
an electric rear wing.
If you believe Artioli, he was the
Automobili
victim of a Mafia-esque operation by
SpA with the best designers
Italy’s established carmakers to run him out of business (he names no names, but alleges as much in a documentary aired earlier this year). Others may look at the economic background, the lavish upbringing given to the EB110, the arrival of the McLaren F1 in 1994 as the undisputed “Best Car in the World”, the ill-fated acquisition by Artioli of Lotus in 1993 and the not-quite-there looks as factors in the EB110’s underachievement. Certainly it deserves more. Michael Schumacher
bought
one,
in
canary
yellow, and one was raced at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Its performance Running Gear: The EB110 has a 60-valve, quad-turbo V12 fed through 12 individual
figures would shame cars 20 years its
throttle bodies, powering all four wheels through a six-speed gearbox. As a result,
junior, and its mere existence paved the
acceleration to 62mph is just 3.2 seconds.
way for one of the greatest stories in modern motoring.
96
the rear
b u g at t i e b 110
EB110
Bugatti
1991-1995
PRODUCED
3.5-litre quad turbo V12
ENGINE
560hp (610 for the SS)
MAX POWER
213mph
TOP SPEED TRIGGER FINGER: The chassis was built by aircraft company Aérospatiale from carbon fibre – still a highly exotic material at the time. Equipped with Gandini’s famous scissor doors (first seen on the
RAREST VERSION
The SuperSport, or SS for short. Only 34 were produced
Lamborghini Countach) the EB110 also boasted a speed-sensitive electronic rear wing that could be raised at the flick of a switch.
139
NUMBER PRODUCED
10/10
EXOTICA FACTOR
LIGHTWEIGHT: Aluminium alloy was used to save weight on the body, the majority of which were painted in the
X4: Turbo’s are complemented
traditional Bugatti blue
by four catalytic converters and oil vapor collectors to
HERITAGE: Bugatti’s iconic
combat emissions
horseshoe radiator opening was retained, harking back to the marque’s racing glory days
DOUBLE: Wishbone suspension is flanked either side by twin shocks
97
FUTU R E F O R EC O U RT
Aston gets its wings Aston Martin’s tie up with Red Bull Racing has gone a little further than a sticker on an F1 car So here’s the proof – the AM-RB 001 hypercar, a collaboration between the two
harvest kinetic energy from braking. Although
Aston
boss
Andy
Palmer
companies led by Aston’s Marek Reichman
claims the track version of the car will lap
and David King and Red Bull’s design legend
Silverstone as quickly as an F1 racer, most
Adrian Newey.
of the production run (99 out of 123) will be
The AM-RB 001 will be powered by a mid-mounted,
naturally
aspirated
pure road cars.
V12
The first examples are expected to reach
that’s been created specifically for the car.
owners in 2018 and Aston says that more
F1 techniques, especially when it comes
than 300 ‘expressions of interest’ have been
to aerodynamics, have been used in its
received, some wanting both road and
conception and it will also have an F1-
track versions. Price? Somewhere between
inspired energy recovery system (ERS) to
£2-3 million.
GTC4Lusso
Lusso lands in London
Arguably the most versatile Ferrari yet created has arrived – the GTC4Lusso is here. With four seats, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, the GTC4Lusso is equally at home on the city street as it is on a windy country road, on the autobahn or on a snowy mountain pass. Power comes from a 6.3-litre V12 developing 690hp for a top speed of 208mph, but perhaps the most interesting technical aspect is the car’s patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system. This is linked to the latest evolution of Ferrari’s Slip Slide Control system which uses an electronic differential to provide unbelievably high levels of grip, stability and control no matter how slippery the conditions. The name references classic Ferraris like the 330 GTC and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, while the ‘4’ is a nod to those four seats.
98
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12/09/2016 16:06:11
chequered flag
H . R . O W E N G R O U P
N E W S
C h e q uered F lag It’s been an unbelievably busy summer for us and our customers. H.R. Owen had a major presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Group Drive Day at the nearby circuit, while we’ve been involved in other sporting events such as tennis at the Hurlingham Club and polo at Watership Down. We opened the new Bugatti showroom in Bruton Street and welcomed back the Bentley Boys from Le Mans at Berkeley Square while Maserati went to Media City. Get in touch with your local H.R. Owen business to join us on an event this autumn.
Ja c k B a r c l ay
L e M ans C lassic party // 12 t h J u ly
H . R . Ow e n
G oodwood F estival of S peed // 23-26 J u n e
100
chequered flag
R o l l s - R oyc e
T ennis C lassic at H urlingham // 21-24 J u n e
H . R . Ow e n
B ugatti showroom opening // J u ly 2 6
H . R . Ow e n
G roup D rive day G oodwood circuit // 12 t h J u ly
M a s e r at i
M anchester S outh pop- up media city // J u ly
Aston Martin
The Tiffany & Co. Charity Polo Cup // 16 July
101
I WA S T HE R E . . .
I was there... WHEN FELIPE MASSA BECAME WORLD CHAMPION Words: Simon Arron
Veteran Grand Prix reporter Simon Arron witnessed the ultimate triumph and tragedy for the Ferrari driver as he held the title for just eight seconds, at the end of a dramatic F1 season. It was as close as the Brazilian, who’s retiring at the end of this season, would ever get to the crown
Hamilton’s McLaren, and controlled the race
were given a good kicking, after which there
from the start, which was delayed following
was mostly stunned silence.
a cloudburst. That – and the likelihood of
There were all sorts of conspiracy theories
further meteorological mischief – simply
about Glock doing Hamilton a favour, but
added to the tension.
they were nonsense. On that final lap, Glock
With fewer than 10 laps remaining, the
and team-mate Jarno Trulli circulated in 1m
rain returned and drivers began to pit for wet-
44.731s and 1m 44.800s respectively – that’s
weather rubber. Massa continued to lead, with
how quickly you could go in a Toyota on dry
Hamilton fifth… but then BMW driver Robert
tyres in a deluge. And besides, Toyota had
Kubica – a lap down – passed Hamilton, who
made the correct call: by not changing tyres,
lost sufficient momentum to become easy
Glock had gained one position and scored
prey for the following Sebastian Vettel.
an extra point.
Now he was sixth. Advantage Massa.
34% The percentage
T
he arithmetic was simple. If Felipe Massa won the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, he would be world champion so long as lone
Massa greeted the chequered flag with
Hamilton commenced the final lap
a cautious wave – and then awaited radio
trailing Vettel’s Toro Rosso and Timo Glock’s
messages from engineer Rob Smedley. Long
Toyota by 0.754s and 13.144s respectively. He
before he returned to the pits, he knew he’d
needed to pass one of them – and Glock was
lost the title by a solitary point and the
still on dry tyres, with the circuit becoming
podium ceremony featured a cocktail of
ever wetter. When Massa crossed the line to
champagne bubbles and tears.
There are always explanations for what happens in life. If things worked out like this today, it’s just the way it was meant to be
rival Lewis Hamilton finished lower than
fifth. This son of São Paulo knew the odds
take his sixth win of the season, more than
“I’ve been through completely mixed
were probably stacked against him: he could
any other driver, Interlagos erupted. I was in
emotions,” Massa said. “When I crossed the
but do his best. And he did.
the media room and local journalists were too
line the positions meant I was going to be
busy dancing to pay heed to those still racing,
champion, but Rob was on the radio keeping
but my eyes remained glued to the screen.
me informed. By Turn Three he told me
One year earlier, Hamilton – a mixed-
of polesitters that
race kid visiting a predominantly mixed-race
have won the GP at
city – had been the darling of the Interlagos
Down at Junçao – Turn 12, the final corner
Lewis had passed Glock, but then I had to wait
Interlagos - the lowest
circuit crowd, but now he was head-to-head
of the season – Hamilton arrived on Glock’s
for confirmation… That’s racing, though, and
of any circuit on the
against one of their own. During the pre-race
tail and had vastly superior traction as the pair
I’m still happy about the way I drove. There
current calendar.
build-up he had been jeered almost every time
accelerated up the long hill that morphs into
are always explanations for what happens in
he left the pits, but the mood was closer to
the finishing straight. A number of us spotted
life. If things worked out like this today, it’s
pantomime than menace. It created the kind
the pass straight away, but the Brazilians were
just the way it was meant to be.”
of atmosphere that should accompany all
too busy celebrating… until Hamilton’s
major motor races, but rarely does.
name popped up to fifth place on the
Massa took pole position for Ferrari, almost half a second clear of fourth-fastest
102
timing screen as he crossed the line. At that point a few waste bins
In more than 35 years of writing about
motor
sport,
I’ve
never
witnessed such grace and dignity in defeat.
R
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