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Bertone bankruptcy auction begins September 14

Larry Edsall
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Bertone bankruptcy auction begins September 14

Count Mario Revelli de Beaumont. Giovanni Michelotti. Franco Scaglione. Giorgetto Giugiaro. Marcello Gandini. Marc Deschamps.

Yes, that list reads like a Who’s Who or an all-star team of European automotive designers of the 20th Century. What they have in common is that each worked with or for Nuccio Bertone, whose genius wasn’t in designing cars but in identifying talented young stylists and letting their genius develop in the studios of Carrozzeria and later Stile Bertone.

Some of the cars from the Bertone collection going to Italian bankruptcy auction
Some of the cars from the Bertone collection going to Italian bankruptcy auction

And now many of their creations, cars from Bertone’s own collection, cars declared an Italian national treasure, are going to a bankruptcy auction.

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From amazing concepts to beautiful vehicles for series production, Bertone, launched by Nuccio’s father in 1912 and led through its post-war glory years by Nuccio, was at the pinnacle of Italian automotive design.

Nuccio was in his early 80s when he died in 1997. He made his two-decades-younger wife promise that after his death she would keep the company going long enough to have a centennial anniversary.

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Stile Bertone had its anniversary, but it did not flourish without Nuccio. There were periodic rallies that produced cutting-edge concept vehicles, but the Bertone business group entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2014. And now, beginning September 14, the company’s name and what remains of its car collection are to be sold at an online auction that will run for two weeks.

“This collection represents an important piece of the car design history,” carbodydesign.com said in reporting on the upcoming auction. “We hope that the collection is going to be acquired by someone who is not just interested in a financial investment, but also willing to restore and maintain it and – possibly – display it to the public.”

For many years, the collection has been on display only to visitors to Stile Bertone’s studios tucked into the Valle di Susa at the foot of a Piedmont mountain west of Turin in the village of Caprie. I’m among those fortunate enough to have toured the collection when it was intact and I was working on the Masters of Car Design book.

Fallimento Bertone. Nella foto le auto che saranno messe all'asta giudiziaria

It was “intact” because six concepts from the collection — the Lamborghini Marzal, Lancia Stratos HF Zero, Chevrolet Testudo, Lamborghini Bravo and Athlon and Lancia Sibilo — are owned by Nuccio’s widow; two of them were sold earlier this year at RM Sotheby’s auction at Lake Como.

The remaining 76 vehicles have been declared an Italian national treasure and will be sold at the online auction as a single lot with a surprisingly low minimum opening bid of €1.5 million ($1.7 million). As a national treasure, the cars are required to stay together and to stay within the borders of Italy.

Also being sold are rights to the Bertone name and trademark. The opening bid for those rights is €3 million ($3.4 million).

The auctions run until 3 p.m. (Italian time) on September 28. For more information (albeit in Italian), see the websites established for the Bertone name and car collection auctions.

Photos from the Instituto Vendite Giudiziarie del Tribunale di Milanocars

Auctions America Auburn sale pushes $20 million

Larry Edsall
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Auctions America Auburn sale pushes $20 million

Murphy-bodied 1929 Duesenberg Model J leads the way at $1.4 million | Larry Edsall photos
Murphy-bodied 1929 Duesenberg Model J leads the way at $1.4 million | Larry Edsall photos

The 45th anniversary Auburn Fall Collector Car Weekend, an auction held at the same time as the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival in northeastern Indiana, produced nearly $20 million in sales and record attendance for Auctions America.

Auctions America, a division of RM Sotheby’s, took over the sale after RM purchased the expansive Auburn Auction Park from Dean Kruse, who had built the facility for Kruse Auctions.

On the block
On the block

“Each year, our aim is to make Auburn Fall bigger and better, and I’m proud to share that was certainly the case for 2015,” Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America, said in a news release. “It was our greatest attended event to date, comfortably surpassing 2014 crowds with one less day.

“From an auction perspective, the fact that 35 percent of bidders represented first-time clients is also great news and reflects Auctions America’s proven ability to reach and attract new audiences through not only our targeted marketing and client outreach, but by offering diverse, quality product.”

The diversity of the consignments shows in hammer prices that ranged from four to seven figures. Bidders represented 45 states and 13 countries, and the car corral and swap meet area drew more than 6.8 miles of vendor booths and vehicles for sale. Total attendance was more than 85,000.

More than 870 cars crossed the side-by-side auction blocks with 73 percent selling. Total sales for the auction were $19,684,914, Auctions America reported.

As expected, a 1929 Duesenberg Model J convertible coupe with Murphy bodywork was the top-seller of the Labor Day weekend. The car, in glowing silver paint, sold for $1,402,500.

Two other cars topped $300,000 — a 1959 Costin Jaguar sports racer bringing $363,000 and a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 going for $315,000. All prices include buyer’s premium.

Another car of particular interest, a No. 24 stock car raced by Jeff Gordon, sold for $110,000.

A 2005 Ford GT from the Steve Ramsey collection sold for $266,750. The Ramsey collection included some 40 vehicles as well as automobilia.

'72 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
’72 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

“I’ve been attending Auburn Fall for more than 15 years, and for me, the weekend is not just about the action on the block,” Ramsey told Auctions America. “Add in the car corral, swap meet and all the other activities and it’s a complete hobby experience that everyone I meet really enjoys.

“Auburn has a style all its own that I’m proud to be a part of. I look forward to seeing it continue to grow for years to come.”

He added that, “When deciding to sell a part of my collection, Auctions America was a natural choice
 the incredible crowds, excitement, and results enjoyed this past weekend prove that I made the right decision.

Of the nearly $20 million in weekend auction sales, automobilia contributed some $614,000 with 97 percent of the lots selling. The $614,000 figure was more than $100,000 greater than automobilia sales at the same event in 2014. Highlights this year included a Duesenberg Model J engine that sold for $57,500, a Chris Craft boat bar that went for $32,775, and a Texaco Air Tower sign that brought $29,000.

“We’re very pleased with our results,” said Kurt Forry, Auctions America’s new director of automobilia. “Our strong sell-through rate, spirited bidding and a few record prices achieved for collectibles offered as part of the Steve Ramsey Collection, brought increased interest from both local and international bidders.”

Auctions America Auburn Fall 2015 — Top 10 sales
1. 1929 Duesenberg Model J convertible coupe, $1,402,500
2. 1959 Costin Jaguar Sports Racer, $363,000
3. 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4, $315,000
4. 2005 Ford GT, $266,750
5. 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible, $209,000
6. 1955 Jaguar XK 140MC, $181,500
7. 1960 AC Aceca-Bristol, $176,000
8. 1930 Packard Deluxe Eight, $176,000
9. 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo, $159,500
9. 1964 Jaguar E-type Series I 3.8, $159,500
9. 1968 Intermeccanica Torino, $159,500

Auctions American ends its 2015 season October 31 with its inaugural sale at the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d’Elegance.

 

Death of ‘Route 66’ star rekindles blacktop memories

Bob Golfen
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Death of ‘Route 66’ star rekindles blacktop memories

Martin Milner (right) as Tod and George Maharis as Bud with the Corvette driven in ‘Route 66’ | CBS TV

Martin Milner, who played Tod Stiles in the 1960s TV drama “Route 66” and helped raise the Mother Road to iconic status, died Sunday at 83 of heart failure at his home in Carlsbad, California.

Milner’s career was launched behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Corvette in which he and his traveling buddy, Buz Murdock, played by George Maharis, drove across the western United States in search of adventure, which they inevitably found each week.

The show played from 1960 through 1964 and was shot entirely on locations all over the country. A movie remake of “Route 66” is reportedly in the works.

The stylish “Route 66” also served to put the rural highway and Chevy Corvette on the map for millions of Americans while taking up many social issues of the day. In every program, the handsome Corvette roadster appeared front and center, no doubt helping to boost recognition and sales for Chevrolet.

The Corvette was as much a leading character in ‘Route 66’ as the actors

Before the TV show, most people associated Route 66 with the western migration of hordes of people to California during the 1930s Dust Bowl era, immortalized in John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, or else the 1940s pop song “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” The TV show helped change the perception of the famed highway, imbuing it with glamour and a spirit of adventure.

Part of the credit for the show’s basic plot line of two rootless buddies and their endless wanderlust can be traced to Jack Kerouac and his landmark book On the Road, which inspired a generation to shuck the bounds of convention and head out to search for freedom and self discovery. Beatniks, hippies and motorcycle gangs all find common ground on the highway, and while the adventures of Buz and Tod were far less radical, they were nonetheless part of the foundation .

The image of Route 66 has become powerfully connected with the collector-car culture, especially among those who favor post-war American iron, hot rods and custom cars. Pilgrimages to drive on the surviving segments of the highway are popular outings for car clubs and rallies, and the Route 66 highway marker sign – reproduced millions of times – immediately conjures up impressions of driving great old cars on the open road.

There is a nostalgic flavor of longing for a time before modern interstates rolled past old Route 66, and the small towns along the way dried up as traveling folks no longer stopped off for a piece of pie and a homespun place to stay overnight. Pixar’s landmark animated film Cars dwells on that theme, so that even those far too young to remember the heyday of cross-country blacktops could relate to that sense of loss.

Those of us at a certain age can easily remember the sweeping theme song of “Route 66” as Buz and Tod wheeled away in the Corvette

Before landing his part as Tod in “Route 66,” Milner played minor roles in films and early TV shows, including “Dragnet” and “The Lone Ranger.” Afterward, he went on to play his popular role as Officer Pete Malloy in “Adam-12,” as well as making guest appearances in a number of subsequent TV shows. His clean-cut looks and earnest expression made him a natural as a good-guy protagonist.

Just recently, a dusty drive across central California with a buddy on less-traveled back roads – not in a vintage Corvette, unfortunately, but a modern SUV – rekindled some of that sense of windswept freedom away from the crowded interstate and the pressure of high-speed driving.

We cruised through small towns and past local landmarks, and visited a shrine-like homage to the late James Dean. Sadly, Buz and Tod were nowhere in sight.bob sig-2

1997 BMW Z3

Nicole James
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1997 BMW Z3

1997 BMW Z3 listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Mazda Miata took over the early ’90’s as a moderately priced two-seater sports car and had huge success in the U.S. So much so that other automakers were quick to respond with their own versions of the two-seater roadster. BMW developed the Z3 to satisfy the demand, and the cars were produced from 1996 through 2002.

The BMW Z3 is widely accepted as a combination of retro appeal and modern performance, securing it as a future classic and our Pick of the Day. Prior to its debut, the Z3 appeared in Goldeneye, a James Bond film that led to more than 15,000 of the roadsters sold before the car was even available, as the movie sat at number one in the box office for several weeks.

When the Z3 did come out, it was initially limited by a four-cylinder engine that produced 113 horsepower , but that was quickly upgraded to various inline-6-cylinder engines pushing out 193 horsepower for the 2.8-liter option and 231 horsepower for the 3.0-liter.

This BMW Z3 is in excellent original condition after only 42,000 miles of driving and is all-original.

The 2.8 liter inline-six is featured in this 1997 BMW Z3 listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Omaha, Nebraska.

According to the listing, this BMW Z3 is in excellent original condition after only 42,000 miles of driving and is all-original. The car has a manual transmission and features cruise control, power brakes, power locks, power and heated leather seats, power steering and power windows. ABS and traction control complete the luxury sport coupe.

The car comes with six high-performance audio speakers hooked up with a 120-watt amplifier and Dolby C stereo system. Halogen headlights and fog lights help give the Z3 its classic look.

According to the listing, this car also comes with a clean Carfax, but is in need of new tires and some service.

The 1997 BMW Z3 is being offered for $11,900 on ClassicCars.com

Classic Profile: 1928 Packard 443 custom roadster

Steve Evans
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Classic Profile: 1928 Packard 443 custom roadster

Hollywood actor Richard Dix poses with the Packard in front of a movie facade | Courtesy of the author
Hollywood actor Richard Dix poses with the rakish Packard in front of a movie facade | Courtesy of the author

From the beginning, the stars born of the Hollywood movie industry have wanted to be seen in the best cars available. Richard Dix, seen here posing with a 1928 Packard 443 custom eight roadster, was just such a leading man.

Born Ernest Brimmer, he studied to be a surgeon, but his talent for acting blossomed in drama club at school. Dix went on to become one of the few stars to transition successfully from silent pictures to the “talkies.”

This picture is dated February 25, 1930, and the featured Packard would already have been a used car. The shot is clearly taken on the set of a movie lot; if you look carefully, you can see the backdrop is a prop. I suspect that the Packard may actually belong to Dix – check out the custom figurine that’s been added to the motometer – and that the image might be taken at the RKO lot in Los Angles. Dix had just left Paramount to sign with RKO in 1929.

Packard introduced the fourth series cars (443) in July of 1927. The custom eights were offered in nine standard body styles – all on the 143-inch chassis. This Packard runabout, style number 312, is one of those standard body styles. The car has a 385 cid straight-8 engine developing 109 horsepower. Packard produced 7,800 model 443’s in 1928, and this car would have sold new for $3,975.

Although Packard had dealers in both Beverly Hills and Hollywood, the most prolific dealer was Earle C. Anthony, Packard’s West Coast distributor. Today, one can only imagine what it must have been like to see cars like this Packard roadster rolling through the streets of Hollywood.

Ferraris set pace as RM Sotheby’s does $25.4 million in London

Larry Edsall
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Ferraris set pace as RM Sotheby’s does $25.4 million in London

Diana Dors' Maserati sells for nearly $850,000 at London auction | RM Sotheby's photos
Diana Dors’ Maserati sells for nearly $850,000 at London auction | RM Sotheby’s photos

A pair of 250 GT Ferraris and a more recent F40 topped the sales chart at RM Sotheby’s London auction Monday. Led by a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione “Tour de France” that sold for more than $7.6 million, the four-hour auction in Battersea Park generated more than $25.4 million in sales.

“Last night represented our ninth consecutive sale in Battersea Park and it turned out to be another great success,” Max Girardo, auctioneer and managing director of RM Sotheby’s European division, said in a post-sale news release.

“The market is seeing that real quality is still commanding strong money, and it doesn’t come much better than the Ferrari 250 Tour de France which headlined Monday’s sale. To achieve in excess of £16.6 million in sales demonstrates that the market still has a lot to offer.”

Girado added that, “We welcomed bidders from 26 countries, of which 23 percent were new clients to RM Sotheby’s.”

Fifty-five of 75 vehicles were sold, a 73.3 percent sell-through rate. One item of “nostalgia” was offered at the auction, a 2004 Ferrari F131B engine that brought $37,469.25, pushing the overall sales result to $25,404,075.25. (Prices reported include buyer’s premium and are expressed in dollars and cents due to the pound/dollar conversion.)

Tour de France Ferrari
Tour de France Ferrari

The Tour de France Ferrari was one of only 36 built with the single-louver body design and covered headlamps, and it has an extensive racing history and a recently rebuilt V12 engine.

Following the TdF Ferrari on the top-10 sales list for the auction were a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta “Lusso” that brought nearly $2 million and a 1992 Ferrari F40 that sold for more than $1.36 million.

Also of note was that a Maserati Mistral 3.7 Spyder formerly owned by actress Diana Dors, the so-called British Marilyn Monroe, sold for $847,915.25. The actress bought the car immediately after its debut at the 1964 Earls Court Motor Show. It is one of only 20 right-hand-drive Spyders produced.

Also interesting and informative regarding the pulse of the collector car marketplace are the top bids that didn’t reach the seller’s reserve price. They included $2.5925 million for a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider; $915,000 for a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL roadster; $640,500 for a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC; and $579,500 for a 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 touring.

Top 10 sales, RM Sotheby’s London 2015

  1. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione ‘Tour de France,’ $7,667,318.75
  2. 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta ‘Lusso,’ $1,984,482.50
  3. 1992 Ferrari F40, $1,362,076.63
  4. 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, $1,262,852,50
  5. 1995 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport, $1,010,282.00
  6. 1964 Maserati Mistral 3.7 Spyder, $847,915.25
  7. 2006 Porsche Carrera GT, $721,630.00
  8. 1929 Bentley 41/2-litre Tourer, $676,528.13
  9. 1962 Porsche 356 Carrera 2 coupe, $622,405.88
  10. 1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT, 559,263.25

 

RM Sotheby’s next sale is October 8-9 at Hershey, Pennsylvania. The auction house ends its 2015 calendar with the Art Automobile sale November 18 in New York City.

 

Cobra Dragonsnake nails $1.3 million sale at Worldwide auction

Bob Golfen
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Cobra Dragonsnake nails $1.3 million sale at Worldwide auction

The 1965 Cobra 289 Dragonsnake is one of just four built by Shelby | Larry Edsall
The 1965 Cobra 289 Dragonsnake is one of just four built by Shelby | Larry Edsall

A rare 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnake, one of just four built, was the top seller at Worldwide Auctioneers’ sale held Saturday in Auburn, Indiana.

The purpose-built Shelby factory drag racer with the jutting fender flares reached $1.3 million, including buyer’s fee, in an auction that saw 49 cars sold out of 62 offered for a total of $4,840,000, including fees, and a 79 percent sell-through rate. The auction, held at the National Auto & Truck Museum, capped off the weeklong Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival.

The sale of the Dragonsnake, serial number CSX2472, came after what Worldwide described as a “bidding frenzy” of contenders both on the phone and in the room. The Cobra is in largely original condition with low mileage, a known history of four owners and an impressive competition record.

The 1923 Stutz Speedway Speedster was an Amelia Island Concours winner | Worldwide
The 1923 Stutz Speedway Speedster was an Amelia Island Concours winner | Worldwide

Classic cars from the 1920s and ’30s made up the next five highest sales, with a 1933 Lincoln KB Convertible Victoria with coachwork by Brunn – one of just three known to exist – sold for $324,500, and a 1935 Packard 1208 Convertible Sedan with styling by Dietrich that went for $253,000.

Another interesting classic result was that of a 1923 Stutz Speedway Roadster that won a class award at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance award winner, and sold Saturday for $209,000.

“We were fortunate to have a diverse selection of very high quality cars again at this year’s auction,” Rod Egan, Worldwide partner and auctioneer, said in a news release. “The room was packed with bidders and you could feel it in the air; you kind of knew it was going to be a fun evening.”

On Friday, Worldwide hosted the second annual Next Gen Education Program, a four-hour workshop for students and at-risk youth from the Auburn area. The program uses the vintage automobiles and the auction setting as a forum to inspire students and help them pursue personal growth, the auction house said. Many of the students helped judge at the ACD Club annual meet Saturday morning at Eckhart Park alongside the ACD judges.

The Top-10 sales at the Worldwide auction were:

‱ 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Dragonsnake, $1.3 million
‱ 1933 Lincoln KB Convertible Victoria, $324,500
‱ 1935 Packard 1208 Convertible Sedan, $253,000
‱ 1930 Cadillac V16 Transformable Limousine Brougham , $220,000
‱ 1923 Stutz Speedway Roadster, $209,000
‱ 1936 Cadillac V-12 Series 85 Convertible Sedan, $198,000
‱ 1991 Ferrari Testarossa Spider, $148,000
‱ 1970 Buick GS Stage 1 Convertible, $143,000
‱ 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A, $134,750
‱ 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 396/425 Roadster, $115,000

(All results include auction fees)

Worldwide’s next auction takes place October 23 and 24 in Fredericksburg, Texas, featuring the estate of Ron Brown with 101 vehicles as well as automobilia.

1971 Fiat 500L

Andy Reid
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1971 Fiat 500L

The little Fiat 500 is an important piece of Italian motoring history
The little Fiat 500 is an important piece of Italian motoring history

Not all Italian classic cars are megabuck speed demons. The Fiat 500 is a car that is very definitely Italian and while not the fastest car, it exudes charm and is remarkably fun to drive, even if it does top out at around 65 mph in standard trim.

The  Pick of the Day is this quaint 1971 Fiat 500L located in Flushing, New York, priced at a reasonable $18,000 for what the private seller describes as a fully restored car in excellent condition.

No, it’s not a Ferrari or Maserati, but the Fiat 500 has just as important a place in the history of Italian cars; it is the car that put Italy back on wheels after World War II. When introduced in 1957, it was the right car for the right time, inexpensive, economical, simple to service and with room enough for full-size people.

The Fiat boasts a sunroof with a checkerboard cover
The Fiat boasts a sunroof with a checkerboard cover

With microcars being one of the hottest commodities in the classic car world in the past few years, we think that the asking price seems fair for a solid and mechanically sorted example, as the seller describes it. And unlike most microcars, the Fiat 500, or Cinquecento as they are called in Italian, is a car that you can actually use.

According to the Classiccars.com listing, this Cinquecento has had two-cylinder, air-cooled engine upgraded to 650cc from 500cc. A five-speed gearbox replaces the four speed from the original. Though not original, both upgrades increase the value and usability of the tiny car, making it capable of more than 70 mph.

If solid and free of rust, this little Italian jewel would be a fun car that would be welcomed and admired at every car show you attend, from your local cruise in to Concorso Italiano in Monterey.

The Cinquecento is an affordable classic that’s worth considering, an iconic Italian car that delivers more smiles per gallon than just about anything else we could think of.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, view Pick of the Day.

Beaulieu stages its 49th annual autojumble

Larry Edsall
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Beaulieu stages its 49th annual autojumble

An autojumble is the British version of what we know as an automotive swap meet | Beaulieu photos
An autojumble is the British version of what we know as an automotive swap meet | Beaulieu photos

More than 37,000 people from the British Isles and far beyond attended the 49th International Autojumble, held in the parkland of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, England. More than 2,300 venders took part in what Americans would recognize as a swap meet.

“While, in accordance with the late Lord Montagu’s wishes, it was ‘business as usual’, there was a sense of underlying sadness at his absence from the event and we missed the familiar sight of him around the event fields,” Judith Maddox, Beaulieu events manager, was quoted in a news release.

Museum and Autojumble founder Lord Montagu died last week at the age of 88.

“However,” Maddox continued, “we could imagine him looking down with satisfaction as stall holders and visitors enjoyed another successful show.”

In addition to the usual swap meet fare, some 244 cars were for sale in the Beaulieu Arena and in the Dealermart classic car sales area.

Attendance was off some from 2014 numbers, organizers believe primarily because the event was moved forward a week to avoid conflict with the annual Goodwood Revival. However, that move put the Autojumble on the same weekend as another major local event, the Dorset Steam Fair.

“This did cause difficulties,” the news release noted, “particularly for some of our exhibitors who traditionally attend both shows.”

The last day of the “jumble” features Trunk Traders, a day in which “amateur jumblers” bring their stock for sale.

Salon PrivĂ© 2015 — Celebrating 10 Years

Dirk de Jager
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Salon PrivĂ© 2015 — Celebrating 10 Years

Salon Prive entrants parade through the park | Photos by Dirk De Jager
Salon Prive entrants parade through the park | Photos by Dirk De Jager

Salon Privé has established itself as the leading luxury-lifestyle concours event in Great Britain. Founded by the Bagley brothers, Andrew and David, Salon Prive mixes a traditional concours with restoration shops, classic car dealers, modern supercars, art dealers and luxury brands.

What started out as a smaller upscale event at the private Hurlingham Club next to the River Thames, later migrated to Syon Park on the outskirts of London and this year moved to the prestigious grounds of Blenheim Palace to become a full-fledged top-scale event.

As in the past few years, the event starts the day before for the willing participants at the RAC Club in Epsom, where they depart for a 120-mile driving tour through the British countryside before arriving at the palace grounds for the evening’s gala dinner.

It’s pretty hard to resist the change of dining inside an actual palace while a string quartet is playing 10 meters above you.

The event itself spans three days:

  • The first day being the actual day that judging commences and the Best of Show winner is revealed — a 1952 Jaguar XK120 Jabbeke.
  • The second day is Ladies Day, which in proper English fashion means dress to impress. To motivate the finery, main sponsor Boodles, creator of fine jewelry for over 200 years, donates one of their rings for the lucky lady that gets chosen as Best Dressed.
  • The final day is Supercar day and i’s basically a second concours in its own right held at the front of the Palace.

 

I felt that while the GT and sporting cars were well represented, there could have been more pre-war classics. But at least while it was chilly, there was very little rain despite the threatening clouds.

Besides, Salon Prive really is more of a luxurious garden party where they serve Pommery and Pimms all day. Did we also mention the barbecue lobster for lunch? And naturally there’s high-noon tea with scones, cream and jam.

Photography by Dirk De Jager

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