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Tag: Derek Bell

UPON REFLECTION: Jaguar at Mille Miglia 2015

(Coventry – 29 May 2015).  Following a hugely successful Mille Miglia in 2015, Jaguar Heritage has released a film of this year’s rally, giving viewers an in-depth look at an event once described as ‘The most beautiful race in the world’.

In the year that Jaguar celebrates its 80th anniversary, the official Jaguar Heritage team headed to the start in Brescia with three C-types, three D-types, two XK120s and an XK140 driven by famous faces from the world of motorsport, TV and music. Following the Jaguar Heritage cavalcade were a group of media guests driving various examples of new Jaguar XE and latest generation of F-TYPE sports cars.

Supported by an expert crew of Jaguar Heritage technicians, the nine Jaguar entries ran smoothly throughout the gruelling four-day event. Driven by the likes of supermodel David Gandy, model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd, and musician Elliot Gleave – better known as Example – the Jaguar Heritage team finished strongly in the Mille Miglia’s regularity trial rankings, too.

Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum, who was driving an Ecurie Ecosse D-type said: “It’s a huge privilege to be part of that car’s history – because it’s made even more history now, being part of the Mille Miglia. This year’s drive was pure enjoyment for me, pure exhilaration. This event is amazing – it gives you a unique feeling for what the car is about. It underlines exactly what the Jaguar brand is all about.”

TV chef and renowned car collector James Martin – who drove a Jaguar Heritage D-type with adventurer Charley Boorman – said of the event:  “You feel elated at the end. It’s just the most amazing feeling. I’ve been through the turmoil and the heartache of not finishing the Mille Miglia so to be able to cross that line…I’m a tough Yorkshire farmer, but I had tears in my eyes!”

 

IN THE NEWS: Derek Bell to Lead Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elegance Cavalcade in Jay Kay’s Bentley Embiricos Recreation

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There is only one Bentley Embiricos in the world and that sits in California! However, there is a faithful recreation of Georges Paulin’s one-off design which is owned by Jay Kay of Jamiroquai and proudly loaned to 5 times Le Mans winner, Derek Bell MBE to lead a host of rare and unique cars through the Wiltshire countryside for The Chubb Insurance Tour d’Elégance.

The exacting recreation is based on the 1939 example and is the result of an eight year project by Devon-based Bentley restorer Bob Peterson. 

The original car history: –

During the 1930s a Greek businessman and avid race car driver named André Embiricos was looking to have a custom car built. Living in Paris at the time, Embiricos contacted a local Bentley representative by the name of Walter Sleator, who then put him in touch with Georges Paulin, a designer working for coachbuilder Pourtout Carrossier. Under Paulin’s guidance, Pourtout produced a strikingly sleek, aerodynamic body for a 4¼-Litre Derby Bentley that would be ideal for racing. With the support of the Bentley factory back in Crewe, owned at the time by Rolls-Royce, a car combining the Derby Bentley with Pourtout’s design was built and from then on was known as the 4 1/4 Liter ‘Embiricos’ Special.

Open only to Concours entrants, the Steering Committee and Concours Judges of which Derek Bell MBE is chief judge, the Tour d’Elégance returns for the 3rd consecutive year, bigger and better than ever before. Starting at the Royal Automobile Club for breakfast with the chance to say hello to fellow drivers, co-pilots and their vehicles alike, the tour will then depart for a 3hr drive to the historic and beautiful Wiltshire home of The Earl of Pembroke, Wilton House.

Wilton House dates back to 1544, when the buildings and land were granted by Henry VIII to Sir William Herbert. It has been a family home for over 450 years now and plays host to a feast of events throughout the year.  

Leaving Wilton, the cars will depart in cavalcade for the slightly shorter journey back to London and the Concours Show Field of Salon Privé.  Having arrived and with all of the entries safely parked and registered, the owners and their guests will enjoy a fabulous dinner in one of London’s most magical surroundings – the Duke of Northumberland’s Great Conservatory at Syon House.

Other fantastic cars that are taking part in the tour include a Delahaye Type 235MS Coupe, a Delage D8 S, an Aston Martin DB4 GT and a Jaguar D-Type.

The three day Salon Privé spectacular includes the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance (Wednesday), Boodles Ladies’ Day and The Salon Privé Sale (Thursday), The Royal College of Art ‘Concours of the Future’ design exhibition (Thursday), The British Supercar Show (Friday), EFG Art & Memorabilia Fair (every day), Luxury Retail Village (every day). 

Salon Privé is a boutique automotive Garden Party which opens on Wednesday 3rd September with the crème de la crème of classic cars from around the world competing in the internationally-renowned Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance.

Afternoon Tickets to Salon Privé 2014 costing just £75 are available now and can be purchased either by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205 or online at  www.salonprivelondon.com.  Full hospitality tickets are also available from £195 and include Pommery champagne, lobster luncheon, complimentary bar, English afternoon tea and full access to all areas. 

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