Bristol Owners’ Club

t h e o f f i c i a l m a g a z i n e o f t h e b r i s t o l o w n e r s ’ c l u b Autumn 2016, No. 155

Inside: Bristols triumph on the Beaujolais Run, p12 Peking to Paris Rally, p32 2016 BOC Events, Trips & Tours, SIX-PAGE SPECIAL members’ survey Bristol Cars results, p34 unveiled Bullet PLUS, News, Views, from Ian Wallace at BCL, p22 Letters & More FORMERLY THE CAR DIVISION OF THE BRISTOL AEROPLANE COMPANY

BRISTOL CARS SERVICE, PARTS AND RESTORATION

Bristol Cars is committed to preserving the heritage of our proud marque. Our team have over one hundred years of combined experience, exclusive to our models. We are determined to ensure that only the highest standards of service are upheld and are pleased to offer the following from our West London workshops: • Servicing • Restoration • Parts manufacture and supply • Classic upgrades and modernisation • Paintwork and trimming • Technical advice

400 to Fighter, direct from the manufacturer. Collection and delivery by arrangement.

Bristol Cars Services Ltd Unit 17-19 Shield Drive, Great West Road, Brentford TW8 9EX [email protected] / [email protected] 020 8560 3300 • www.bristolcars.co.uk

BOC_152_May 2015.indd 2 29/06/2015 14:52 Service Dept BOC Bulletin A4 FPG.indd 1 15/05/2015 16:30 Bristol Owners’ Club

Autumn 2016, No. 155

Contents 3 From the Editor 32 BOC Australia Dear members Peking to Paris Rally 4 From the Chair A Peking-to-Paris first and a Another busy season celebratory lunch By Mark Alford 34 The BOC’s Events, 7 London Classic Car Show Trips and Tours A summary of the 2016 8 The BOC Concours 2016 - survey findings Shelsley Walsh by Geoffrey Herdman 41 Le Mans Classic Car Show 2016 12 Bristols triumph on the The clock is turned back in Beaujolais Run time By Dr Hannah Goodman 42 BOC Heritage Trust 19 The Concorso d’Eleganza Heritage Trust Update at the Villa d’Este Progress on the BOCHT A letter from the concorso 5-year plan By Stefano Pasini 46 Club Information 20 The Schloss Dyck Weekend Schloss Dyck goes from strength to strength 22 From the Manufacturer Bristol Cars unveiled Bullet 28 FHVBC Report An update from the FBHVC

FEATURE Bullet unveiled At long last, the wait is over. On July 28th, Bristol Cars unveiled BULLET. p22 4 From the Editor

ny telephone conversation with the Chairman its management and staff have been extremely helpful which begins “Anthony, you know you said in the production of this current edition. Marc was Ayou’d be happy to help the BOC in any way instrumental in deciding the new layout and design you could...” is bound to raise an instantaneous and formats for the Bulletin, in conjunction with Quorum, profound sense of suspicion. And so it was a couple so his legacy continues. of weeks ago when Mark Alford rang to ask if I’d Needless to say, BCL’s recent Bullet announcement take on the temporary editorship of the Bulletin. features strongly in this edition. Everyone within the The Chairman explained the difficult time that Bristol Owners’ Club wishes the company well with editor Marc Atkinson is currently going through and, its current initiative and with the alternative-engine appealing to my better nature, asked me to help out. vehicle planned for the future. We all benefit if the manufacturer succeeds and we wish them well with As many of you may know, Marc Atkinson has recently this endeavour. A number of recent and high-profile experienced some severe spinal problems. Whilst he club events are also described in this current Bulletin looks incredibly fit and healthy (indeed he appears and I’m grateful to all the members who have written bronzed, slim, chiselled and toned!) the reality is that his hands and fingers in particular are causing him and contributed articles recently and over the past acute problems. The result is that he has become few months. The Bulletin only succeeds if there are increasingly unable to use that everyday staple of sufficient articles of general interest for the members modern commercial life: the computer keyboard. It to enjoy - so do not be surprised if a future Editor goes without saying that Marc remains positive and should get in touch with you and asks for a write-up or upbeat, as always, but is frustrated that he has not been photographs or an article of some sort! able recently to produce a Bulletin for the Club. I suspect that, along with most other members, The Club owes an enormous debt of gratitude to I really look forward to receiving my copy of the Marc. Over the years the BOC has been blessed with Bulletin and to catching up with the major events, Bulletin and Newsletter editors who have ensured news and goings-on of the BOC. I view the Bulletin as quality, variety and substance in our publications. a reflection of the BOC membership itself and thus the Marc, during his time at the helm, has moved the priorities, values and traditions of our fine Club. Long Bulletin to the point where it regularly ends in the may it so remain. top three of the Car Club magazine awards each year. Finally, if the content, layout, graphics and general His eye for detail and design has set the editorial editing quality of this edition are not up to Marc’s bar very high and Club members, I’m sure, will join exacting standards, you must put all this down to me me in thanking Marc for his contributions to date and the haste with which this copy has been created. and in wishing him a speedy and full recovery from his current travails. This edition of the Bulletin has We have been most anxious to get a Bulletin out to the been pulled together in a short couple of weeks with membership as quickly as we could. Notwithstanding the invaluable help of the Chairman, the President, the circumstances under which I have come to this task a number of members both here in the UK and - the unfortunate medical condition of the Bulletin overseas and by Marc Atkinson himself. This is the editor and the Machiavellian arm-twisting tactics of first edition we have created with our new publication our esteemed Chairman - I have enjoyed putting this partner, Quorum Print Services Ltd. Quorum has an edition together and sincerely hope you enjoy it too. excellent reputation within the car club fraternity and Anthony Spooner, temporary Editor From the Chair 5 ANOTHER BUSY season

Firstly, an apology: you should by now have had two Bulletin’s already this year but I am afraid that, due to illness (see Anthony’s editorial), this has not happened.

e now have plans in place to rectify this for attended the Concours will now have seen it in the the future however and I am hopeful that flesh (as it were). Let’s hope it’s a success, as its success Wwe will get at least one more edition to you can only reflect well on the brand as a whole, and of between now and the end of the year. course on our cars. Finally, there will be a number of changes taking It has been a busy year in the club and there are still place in the Committee over the coming months, more events to come. One of these events is new and and I will detail these to the membership in due not in the calendar - a “Chairman’s Dinner” in the course. Suffice to say we have recruited some new North. This is currently in the planning stages, but blood and have expanded the committee to give us will take place in the Leeds/Harrogate area in late November and, subject to the response this year, we the opportunity to split current roles, and indeed to would like to make it a fixture for future years. This create a couple of the new roles which we now need. event will be in addition to the regular Chairman’s These changes again are taking place as part of the Dinner held each year at the RAC in Pall Mall, with the Futures Project and are a response to feedback from aim of giving members a choice of venue. the membership on what you want from the club in You will all be pleased to hear that work has the future. finally started on the development of the new website. So it’s all positive news. We have now appointed and are working with a Mark Alford, Chairman Manchester-based web development company called Adapt Studios. It is planned to have the “public” pages up and running before Christmas, along with the renewals section of the membership pages, and then with other functions to follow in the New Year. I would like to mention here the hard work that Christopher Smithies has put into the club’s website over the years, and his continued support and help now that the site is being redeveloped. His knowledge of how the club functions has been invaluable to the new developers. Due to financial constraints we will be continuing the development of the site over the next couple of years, gradually adding additional functionality. This will allow us to spread the cost over three years rather than absorbing it all into one. Adapt Studios will also be taking over the day to day running of the website and will deal with any maintenance and software updates as required. Of course the big news this year has been the launch by Bristol Cars of the new car, the “Bullet”. The launch seems to have gone well and those who BOOK The Bristol badge BOOK sat proudly on a succession of fast, reliable and expensive 6-, 8- and 10- cylinder cars since 1946.

Though it was initially BY revered by the motoring Geoffrey & Hilary Herdman press, an air of mystery descended over the marque throughout the 80s and 90s. Now under new ownership, When Hilary and Geoffrey told their daughter that Bristol is to be reborn with new state of the they were planning to drive round the world in their art models proposed. As a compliment to the 1956 convertible Bristol she replied that she thought revival, this book celebrates the rich diversity of each they would kill each other within three months. model from Bristol Cars' production catalogue. Round the World with 10DPG is the day by day account of what actually happened… An amusing account of their adventure, BRISTOL CARS MODEL BY MODEL interspersed with historical and cultural provides a history of the development and production facts, including a wealth of photographs. of each of the cars, including coachbuilt and racing models, and full specifi cations. Paperback Full colour photos 309 pages £37 + p&p

R cly rte t vr 400 h ogrs!h ogrs! HOW TO You can order direct from » Available direct from the publisher: ORDER Geoffrey & Hilary Herdman: Crowood Press (www.crowood.com), Call: 07836 210 719 or through Amazon (www.amazon.com) or via any good bookshops, such as Foyles and Chaters. Email: [email protected]

Book - Round the world.indd 1 12/09/2016 17:39 7

The Excel London 19th – 21st February 2016 LONDON CLASSIC Car Show Last year the Bristol Owners’ Club were one of only three classic car clubs to be invited to exhibit at the London Classic Car show at the ExCel in Docklands.

Our stand had a consistently high number of or 2016 the organisers clearly saw the benefit visitors throughout the three days and the cars were of adding a separate hall for classic car clubs very much admired with, of course, the usual stories to the event and, as a result, we were provided F of “my dad had one of those” or “the first car I ever with a large stand for very little cost. This offer was drove in was a Bristol”. Some of the stories were really impossible to refuse and made attending the event very interesting indeed and it’s always good to hear of unavoidable, even though it was a bit of a last minute people’s experiences and history with these great cars. offer. We also had quite a few enthusiastic club members A very big thank you is due to Turplin Dixon and to come to the stand and a number of Bristol owners who Mike Thatcher for taking hold of the opportunity and were not yet in the club visited us as well. So, all in all, for making it all happen for the club - and also to those the event was very worthwhile and, subject to cost, we who volunteered to display their cars. We had five plan on attending the ExCel again in 2017. beauties on the stand: a Cooper Bristol, a 402, a 403, a 404 and a 412 - each of which had had huge amounts of polish applied so that each look simply stunning. We were on the far right-hand side of the Classic Car Club Hall, which included the Jaguar Club, Jensen Club and a few others. In the main hall were all the classic car trade stands, including cars for sale, and also the runway where cars were driven on display. It’s really not clear if the organisers quite have the mix right yet for the event, but this is all still quite new and the organisers are planning another for next year, so we shall see how this all develops. BRISTOL OWNERS’ CLUB CONCOURS SHELSLEY WALSH 21 AUGUST 2016 The auguries from fair Hibernia on the eve of the Concours were dire. A Bristol drive through the Wicklow mountains had had to be postponed by 24 hours due to high winds and torrential rain. The augurs foretold that in 24 hours Shelsley Walsh would be subject to the same conditions. Report and Photographs from the President 9

“So incredibly loud cars, with incredibly powerful engines were climbing the 1,000 yards in incredibly fast times, topping out at over 140 mph, with a large and enthusiastic audience in attendance.”

he Concours weekend started well with an excellent dinner at the “Cottage in the Wood” in Malvern, as always, ably organised by Liz Alford. 25 cars Tand 50 guests negotiated the terrifying hairpin, which is the point of access, and we ate most satisfactorily, if noisily.

Much the same could be said of the Concours itself! With great generosity, Bristol Cars Ltd laid on a Shelsley were holding a hill climb competition in the lavish lunch for the members. For a chap with a sweet background. So incredibly loud cars, with incredibly tooth the puddings were a delight! BCL also brought powerful engines were climbing the 1,000 yards in along the Bullet, which had pride of place under its incredibly fast times, topping out at over 140 mph, own gazebo and looked very fetching. Needless to say with a large and enthusiastic audience in attendance. it drew admiring glances throughout the day. They had allocated the BOC pole position for parking It was an absolute pleasure to have Syd Lovesey and unusually, although mostly all together, we were with us. I believe he will be 97 in October, but what a surrounded by a huge array of other cars of every trouper he is and present on the day to award the “Syd shape and hue, including a gold Rolls Royce. Lovesey Trophy”. As always, it was also a tremendous pleasure to have our patron Sir George and his effervescent wife Lady White with us. Joanna White presented the Lady White Trophy to the car with the “Most Travelled Bristol Dust” (Jon Dyke’s 401). As sometimes happens, even at Delphi, the augurs were a little out in their timing. Just as we were leaving there was some slight drizzle, not even enough to put the top up for, but otherwise the day held fair and warm. A huge thank you to Turps and Geof and their team for the Concours organisation and to Jim McPhee and his team for their judging. Without them of course the Concours could not happen. It is a sometimes thankless task but believe me one which is greatly appreciated.

Left: Syd Lovesey with Lady White 10

Class Trophy Name Type Reg.no. 1 Gandalph Trophy Jim G Roland 400 HDF 86 2 Anthony Crook Robert Mann 403 926 XUF 3 Filton Chris Sherwood 405DH YJH 3 4 Ralph Hewitt - - - 5 Levine Guy Hinchley 408 KBD 40C 6 Dudley Rylett Memorial Ian Warrener 411s2 HMT 93K 7 Bristol Nigel Wulco Beaufighter PPJ 274W 8 Dudley Hobbs David John Kilduff Blenheim 3 V428 EYB 9 Elite Mike Wilcox 401 MFF 938 10 Brian May Trophy - - - 11 Members Andrew Mitchell Special 16 APM 12 Colonel Grey Andrew Blatherwick 401 GEA 727 Treasurer's David Jones 405 273 KOF Syd Lovesey Chris Sherwood 405DH YJH 3 Lady White Trophy Jon Dyke 401 JUK 960 11

Concours 2016 Members present Concours 2016 Members present Reg.No. Type Owner Reg.No. Type Owner HDF46 400 Rowland YLA544G 410 Simpson LBH448 400 Sherwood DYH897J 411 Leigh MSV168 400 Speed GLF418J 411s2 Billington SMG117 400 Sir G White HMT93K 411s2 Warrener THX383 400 Schofield LYY180K 411s2 Smith TMH182 400 Cembrowicz UMD42L 411s3 Brown FF8495 401 Blackwood CTC242M 411s4 Rouse GEA727 401 Blatherwick VLO737M 411s4 Bernard JUK960 401 Dyke WLX762M 411s4 Reynolds MFF938 401 Wilcox LLB95P 411s5 Unknown SPF11 401 Campbell MAE790P 411s5 Blackham UML548 401 Taylor NYF813P 411s5 Svensson WXY891 403 Campion SSC229P 411s5 Brooks 138UYS 403 Boyes FJK22X 412 Alford 926XUF 403 Mann ARF898T 412s2 Kent VPC880 404 Saddler WWB682S 412s2 Greenleaf UHT405 405 Hughes DLW4T 603 Dixon 273KOF 405 Jones 4981H 603 Kingston YJH3 405DH Sherwood 603EOW 603 Unknown 10DPG 405DH Herdman 603LOJ 603 Smithies VTK722 406 Wilks PPJ274W Beaufighter Wulcko 406HAR 406 Russell MSV806 Blenheim Howse 668SPA 406 Scott-Hayward V428EYB Blenheim Kilduff 138WPJ 406Z Hamshere W174PHW Blenheim May 348YUP 406Z Underwood 99LXY Blenheim Levine KBD40C 408 Hinchley B32YOU Brigand Taylor XUY102G 410 Lawson A166VYF Britannia Montgomery LCT315F 410 Horton LJ65TTX Bullet BCL SPG602F 410 Hathaway 16APM Mitchell Special Mitchell BRISTOLS TRIUMPH ON THE BEAUJOLAIS RUN

Dr Hannah Goodman reports on four Bristols lined up at the RAC Epsom ready to undertake the Beaujolais Run on Monday 16 November. Three of the Bristols were novices, one had previous experience. Photographs by Hannah Goodman and Adrian Berry. 13

ach team had to provide a team name for their car – so Ewe had Electric Blue from the McGarveys (in keeping with the colour of their car), Blue Streak from our illustrious chairman (guess the colour of his car), Team Spooner from you- know-who and the Bouncing Bristol Bunnies from the Berrys (this is what happens if you let your husband be creative).

So how did this all come about? Well, on the 18th November 1970, at the Hotel Maritonnes in Romanèche-Thorins, just north of Lyons, Joseph Berkmann and Clement Freud were sharing a dinner of ‘Coq au Vin’. Owner of eight London restaurants, Berkmann also ran his own wine distribution company and wrote a weekly column for The Sunday Times. Clement Freud was a director of the London Playboy Club, a respected Member of Parliament and the wine correspondent for The Sun. As bottle succeeded bottle that night the germ of an idea took shape. Sometime after midnight, they roared away from Romanèche with several cases of Beaujolais in the back of each car - having challenged each other to be the first to get their cases to London. That year and the next, the race was a purely private affair between Berkmann and Freud. Berkmann won on both occasions. Having taken potshots at each other, through their respective wine columns, word got around that something interesting was going on. Others subsequently rushed to join in and The Beaujolais Run was born. In 1973 Alan Hall, columnist for The Sunday Times, published an article that threw down the 14

gauntlet to Fleet Street to “Bring Back would have translated into various the Beaujolais”, offering a prize of Naploeons, Josephines, Welligtons and Champagne for the first to deliver a the members of Abba running around bottle of the new Beaujolais vintage to towns between Rheims and Macon trying his desk. At that time the object of the to find specific locations! Rob took the exercise was speed - but this was brought decision that fancy dress should not be to an end by the RAF, who later took up worn throughout the navigation day, but the challenge in a Harrier jump jet and, could be worn at the last night’s black-tie needless to say, broke all records! dinner. Some of us were very grateful. The Beaujolais Run has subsequently So, to go back to the beginning. The evolved to become an enjoyable 2015 run began at the RAC Club, Epsom navigational shootout through a cryptic on Monday 16 November, where we checkpoint course which begins at a were warmly welcomed by the organiser location in the UK and ends in deepest and our Patron, John Surtees, with Burgundy. This format showcases the bacon butties and bucks fizz. We also best the UK and France has to offer and received a limited edition car coat by ensures that Austin and Aston Martin, John Partridge & Co, to keep us warm Jaguar and Jalpa, Maserati, Morris, and dry and cosy on the trip. Following Bristol and Bentley can all compete on a a minute’s silence to honour the dead in level playing field. Paris, we were joined by a film crew from Maps, sat navs and laptops are all Channel 4 who were filming a new food acceptable modes of navigation on the programme and had made delicious event. truffle and potato canapes especially for The primary aim of the Beaujolais us. We were waved away by John Surtees Run these days is to raise money for to follow a route to the Channel Tunnel the Air Ambulance Service through the via the Captains Hill at the RAC, which Henry Surtees Foundation, a UK charity had been opened up specifically for us. inspired by the memory of John Surtees’ Some tackled the hill with gusto, others late son Henry who was tragically killed were more circumspect. The dropheads in an accident at Brands Hatch in 2009. even had their roofs down for the The Beaujolais Run attracts an journey as it was a nice bright day. impressive array of teams piloting classic An uneventful journey to Folkestone cars, 4x4s, kit cars, specialist cars, daily followed and all made it with plenty drives and touring motorcycles. Whilst of time to spare. The Channel Tunnel the Run celebrates a marque each year, terminal, however, was almost deserted. teams do not have to own or drive Rob had arranged for all of us to be that marque to enter. Last year the transported in the high vehicle carriages. celebrated marque was Bristol. It was a delightful surprise when he Each year there is also a theme and, as this was 2015, the appeared with a glass of Taittinger year’s theme was Waterloo and the bicentenary of the famous battle. Rob Bellinger, the Beaujolais Run Director, sent out a series of wonderful missives in tune with the theme. The Run was to go from England to Antwerp (Napoleon’s favourite Belgian City), through to Waterloo, Rheims, Macon for the night of the Beaujolais Nouveau launch, back to Rheims and then to home. Teams compete for the honour of achieving P1 on the grid the following year (highest fundraising team) and P2 (the team that covers the shortest distance on the navigational trial). Whilst not giving too much away too early in this article your Bristol contingent did the marque proud! The tragic events of Friday 13 November in Paris last year did have some bearing on the ‘Run. The participants are traditionally encouraged to don fancy dress for the day of the cryptic checkpoint competition and with the theme of the event being Waterloo this

Left: Enjoying a glass or two of Taittinger champagne. 15 champagne for each of us – suffice to say this navigator From Waterloo we experienced a leisurely journey (pictured on previous page) also had their driver’s through the Ardennes to Rheims and a delightful visit share. It soon became apparent that the Beaujolais to the Taittinger caves, a tour of their cellars and a Run might actually involve more champagne drinking tasting of their champagne. that Beaujolais Nouveau drinking! Champagne Taittinger is in Place Saint-Nicaise, Calais to Antwerp is never the best journey in but only houses 2m of their 25m bottles of champagne the world and our experience was no exception. An - but it was well worth the visit. The cellars are accident in the Kennedy Tunnel held up traffic for over constructed on the remains of one of the many old an hour, and those of us in old classic cars had to find Roman chalk quarries. As we were guided through an alternative route order in to keep the temperature the vast cellars the process of making the champagne needle below the danger point. Skilful re-organising was explained, in particular the turning of the bottles of the timetable meant that we were still able to enjoy towards the end of their maturing process to release a wonderful meal in a local restaurant. The wine the sediment into the neck of the bottle. At the caves in flowed, the frites kept coming and all was well with the Saint-Nicaise this is still done manually! world - until some of us got hopelessly lost walking the Following the tour we had a delightful tasting 5 minutes back to the hotel. Tuesday dawned bright session and then the opportunity to purchase some of and clear and we all made our way to Waterloo and the product. Suffice it to say the opportunity was not the Butte de Lion. Well almost all of us; a Ferrari got missed. We were also given the first clue for the next lost and had to be given directions over the phone. day’s navigational challenge. All the clues would have For those of you who have not visited the sight of the a connection with Napoleon e.g. his favourite wine, his Battle of Waterloo it is well worth the visit. Mark Alford favourite cheese etc. had taken some of the Bristols earlier in the year whilst On to the Novotel in Rheims for R&R and more on the Luxembourg trip, but since then a new visitor drinking of champagne at the bar. Some ventured into centre has been built and they have really tarted up the the town, others stayed and took the opportunity of an place. Some (but by no means all) of us even ventured early night. up the top of the Butte to look at the tapestry of fields Wednesday saw us all back at Taittinger early in that made up the historic battleground. the morning (before 08:00) where, having solved the first clue, we lined up “sans fancy dress” to go forth to find our first rendezvous: a hill with a giant bottle of champagne and a glass in a town called Avizé ... but not before we had been given some more vintage Taittinger to sample. Bouncing Bristol Bunnies had opted for the map category in the challenge, rather than our other colleagues from the BOC who chose the Sat Nav option. The only trouble with the map option was knowing which road we were on to begin with, as the French are not known for advertising their road numbers except at roundabouts. Luckily the driver knew his south from his north and over-ruled the navigator to ensure we were heading in the right direction. On arriving in the small town of Avizé we had to try to find the giant bottle of champagne. Spotting hills Above: Visiting the site of the Battle of Waterloo. Below: A tour of to the west we ventured forth and after only one false Taittinger caves and their cellars finishing off with a tasting of their move managed to find a road to the top of the hill, and champagne. there on our left was the giant bottle and glass. There could be no mistake. So, as instructed, the driver did his best Napoleon impression, complete with hat. Whilst we were lining up for the shot we were joined by the Spooners who had taken a slightly different route to Avizé courtesy of their sat nav. Open next clue, solve it and head for wine tasting in Chablis. The route from Avizé to Chablis was wonderful, with long sweeping French Roads and no traffic. We appeared to make good progress as we arrived at the premises of Simmonet Fevbre some 45 mins before anyone else and from an entirely different direction; this enabled the navigator to take the requisite picture i.e. pretending to be a wine expert and, more 16

Left: The driver doing his best Napoleon impression, complete with hat. Above: Adrian dutifully donning his blonde ABBA wig, posed as a “Dancing Queen”.

importantly, taste the Crémant in advance of the cellar Burgundian tiled roof in the background. Getting tour and purchase a case before anyone else turned up. to Nuit St George was easy, finding the church of St From Chablis the clues took us to Époisses, along Denis was not, as although we could see a church with yet more wonderful French roads and the turret of the a wonderful tiled roof, we had no way of knowing chateau where the driver had to do his interpretation if this was St Denis. After we had driven round the of Abba. Luckily my Abba outfit included a blonde wig town twice we parked up and headed for the Tourist so Adrian dutifully donned it and posed as a “Dancing Information office before trying to take the obligatory Queen”. picture in front of the correct church. Next stop was Gevrey Chambertin and the journey And so to Macon on the motorway to get ready for was breathtaking in the scenery. Our only issue was the evening celebrations of the Beaujolais Nouveau the low winter sun which made reading the map and in the town of Beaujeu. Beaujeu is the first of the navigating the roads very difficult at times. Early Beaujolais towns to celebrate the new vintage, and Farina sun visors are not made for such weather. Once does this by releasing the new wine at midnight on in Gevrey Chambertin we had to find the entrance the third Thursday in November, a day before anyone to the Domaine de Chateau where the navigator had else. Having been bussed to Beaujeu, we joined the to do their best impression of Wellington leading mayor of the town and partook of food and wine whilst the charge at Waterloo. Napoleon’s hat was draped being entertained by an amazing cabaret. Singers, on one of the trees and a stick waved at it by yours dancers, acrobats and conjurors; it had to be seen to be truly. Luckily Rob and his team arrived just as we had believed. The most bizarre of the acts was the conjuror finished making fools of ourselves, but we gave much who kept producing animals from a small cardboard amusement to the locals. box. A dove, cats and dogs of varying shapes and sizes, The last of the clues took us to Nuit St George and ducks and even a goat. the church of St Denis to photograph the navigator Just when we thought it couldn’t get any more pretending to be a pigeon, with the magnificent weird, a group took to the stage dressed all in white 17 and lit by luminous strip lighting – this was the signal spoke about some of the stranger things he had for the start of the main Beaujolais Nouveau activity. auctioned, and also some of the most exclusive. Patron This group, including three on stilts, toured the John Surtees waxed lyrical about his time at Ferrari marquee playing their instruments like a New Orleans and his love of Champagne. The attention then turned jazz band. They then led the entire audience on a to the charity auction where some amazing lots fell torch-lit procession to the local Domaine Chateau under Malcolm Barber’s gavel. and we all joined in, holding wax torches and walking It was then time for the prize giving. Considering under a magnificent laser display that we had arrived at at least two of the checkpoints Once we arrived at the square we were treated from entirely different directions to everyone else, and to yet more cabaret as the minutes counted down driven round Nuits St George twice, Bouncing Bristol to midnight and the introduction of the winners of Bunnies was expecting to get the wooden spoon for a competition. The competition runner-up won his the team who took the longest route. It came as a weight in Nouveau Beaujolais, but we have no idea major surprise to come out as the winners of the Map what the competition was nor what was the first prize! category and apparently to have also beaten the Sat Just before midnight, a tap on a giant barrel of wine Nav guys on the mileage count. was opened and the local “President” was asked to But the success of the Bristols did not end there. taste the wine. “C’est vin, c’est rouge, c’est Beaujolais!”, Team Spooner won the P1 Sponsorship award for was his verdict. The bells chimed midnight and raising the most money for charity. fireworks exploded. Electric Blue (the McGarveys) won the Spirit of the Nouveau Beaujolais was then available to Run award. The Bristols had well and truly taken on the masses. We spent the next hour taking in the the Beaujolais Run and had won! atmosphere and sampling the local wines (and water). Friday dawned grey and damp which was a shame It was an experience that we were very pleased to as a trip to the Reims-Gueux race course (or what have taken part in, and one which had to be seen to be remains of it) had been arranged. We manfully made believed. The pictures do not do it justice! our way there and did a circuit in the wet before Following the late night, or more precisely turning to the motorway and making our way back to early morning, we made a leisurely journey on Blighty. the Thursday from Macon back to Rheims for a The Beaujolais Run is certainly an event that can sumptuous dinner at Tailltinger’s Chateau De La be enjoyed by any member of the club regardless of Marquetterie. Here we were plied with 5 different your car provenance or your own rally experience. champagnes (an aperitif of Comtes de Champagne There was no stress in driving (and a lot of champagne was followed by Prelude, Folie de La Marquetterie, drinking) and for those using the sat nav option, very Domaine Carneros and Nocturne Rose) accompanying few marital disputes. We recommend that if you want a different course of the meal. to have some fun, see how the French celebrate the Competitors were able to wear their fancy dress for Beaujolais, go to places and do things that “money dinner if they so wished, and there were some amazing can’t buy” then sign up and have fun! sights to behold. The McGarveys ensured that the Bristols were well represented and had made an effort to reproduce a Josephine and Napoleon which will be forever remembered. Bottom left to right: The bizarre conjuror who kept conjouring up animals To our surprise and delight, Rob had arranged of various sizes from a small cardboard box; Things gets even more wierd with Bristol Cars Ltd to reward all the Bristol when a group take to the stage dressed all in white and lit by luminous contingent with a gift, as a “thank you” for bringing strip lighting; Torch-lit procession to the local Domaine Chateau; shocked our vehicles in celebration of the marque. and surprised to win the Map category; Team Spooner win the P1 During dinner Malcolm Barber from Bonhams Sponsorship award for raising the most money for charity. Longstone Tyres half page.indd 1 14/09/2016 14:19

4 Newopaul Way, Warminster Business Park, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 8RY Telephone: 01985 847133 Email: [email protected] www.Spencer-LJ.com 19

THE CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA AT THE Villa d’Este

As you surely know, the Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este was held during the weekend of 20-22 May. I was honoured to be invited this year to join the Jury. Letter from Stefano Pasini

he jury is composed of nine members - malfunctioning of the eight permanent judges like me, plus one windscreen wipers. As I had THonorary Judge - this year it was Mr Patrick driven the 403 until now in Rollet, the President of FIVA. We are split in three more or less sunny and dry groups for the judging of three Classes each. My two conditions, I hadn’t really teammates in the Jury for our three Classes were tested the wipers yet. When Harm Lagaaj and Lord Charles March. BTW we had it began to rain during the Thursday trip to Cernobbio, a good time with all the Judges also when the Jury and rain rapidly turned into duties were finished! heavy downpours, my wipers proved absolutely not up to the task of cleaning the 403’s flat windscreen. The passenger’s side wiper gave up completely after a while, due to the arm disengaging itself from its pin. Another strange trouble is the no.2 spark plug getting very dirty and thus not firing, making the car go on 5 cylinders. It was dirty before beginning the journey and the mechanics cleaned it swapping it anyway with no.1 plug; it worked perfectly for the 350 miles round trip, then when I took the 403 out again it There was a Bristol-engined car taking part in the fouled again. The oil consumption is negligible, so we Concorso, a very nice AC Aceca modified by Aigle in are wondering why it happens ... the 403 has electronic Switzerland. Lord March, on seeing my 403, made ignition and new cables, so an electrical trouble in this some complimentary remarks about her and said that respect is unlikely. They will do a compression check his grandfather always drove Bristols! I found this today, so we’ll see what they found, but having no oil quite charming. At the end, the ‘Best in Show’, the consumption during the 350 miles trip I would not most important prize of the Concorso, was awarded expect big surprises (fingers crossed). by the Jury on Sunday evening to a gorgeous 1954 Maserati A6GCS Pininfarina coupé. Obviously I drove the 403 to and from Villa d’Este and it was a nice journey as we didn’t experience any serious problems apart from some fogging issue while queuing for fuel under heavy rain Monday morning in Cernobbio (there were other free pumps but I wanted the 100-octane fuel...), and the annoying

Above: Stefano Pasini spot on the Jury seating. Top right: Stefano Pasini’s 403 at Villa d’Este. Right: The stunning location of the Villa d’Este. 20 5TH-7TH AUGUST THE SCHLOSS DYCK WEEKEND It’s August, so it must be time for our annual trip to Schloss Dyck! We have now attended this German rally for three years running and it’s been noticeable how the quality of the event has improved each year. Report and photographs from Thomas Alford

his year we had close to twenty Bristols in we found ourselves behind a very hot Fiat Abarth. attendance including day visitors. These It performed like a jet-propelled roller skate and, Bristol beauties came from as far afield as although we could keep up with it, we couldn’t get Switzerland and Sweden, in addition to past on the winding roads. The Abarth driver had, Tthose from the relatively close-by Germany, Belgium, however, decided to answer all the questions set in the Netherlands and the UK. This diversity of European German instructions, so as soon as he slowed down to check out a clue we flew past and were gone! representation is one of the great aspects of this event. Adrian and Hannah Berry were behind us in their This is a very relaxed affair overall, and every year 400 Farina, and I think we can safely say they were we have had great weather. This year was a little as committed to getting first to the finish line as we cooler than last, which was actually quite pleasant. were. Indeed, when pulling out of one junction there Three days in 35+ degrees can get uncomfortable, was a dramatic squeal of tyres as Adrian aimed to get notwithstanding the potential suntan possibility. ahead of a tractor with a long queue of traffic already The event officially starts at Schloss Dyck on behind it. Oh well, I’m sure their 400 can cope, having Saturday, but there is a prologue rally on the Friday attended the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio already this and we had signed up for this in our 405DH. The rally year! this year was somewhat longer than last year’s, and It was, as ever, a great fun weekend and we greatly took us across some great driving roads around the enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, good food, good German/Dutch border. company, wonderful cars - and great German beer. The only real issues were that all instructions The location is exceptional and easy to reach, and the were in German and the organisers had decided to number of fine classic cars on display from all over introduce cryptic clues (treasure hunt style) this year. Europe is truly remarkable. We are already planning Well of course if you don’t speak or read a word of on attending next year too. German then this can be a bit of a handicap. This has become increasingly popular as a Bristol- We decided therefore that if we couldn’t win the related event with BOC members, and we very much Prologue then at the very least we would be first on hope we can continue this excellent trend over the the road. So, having quickly overtaken about six cars next few years. 21 THE SCHLOSS DYCK WEEKEND 22 From the manufacturer

BRISTOL CARS UNVEILED BULLET At long last, the wait is over. On July 28th, Bristol Cars unveiled BULLET. We unveiled the prototype in full at Coworth Park, to a select group of the world’s motoring media – the response was immediate and the interest was strong, as the covers came off, the message was clear, Bristol is back. From Ian Wallace of BCL, and photos by Tim Scott, Classic Driver and Bristol Cars From the manufacturer 23

“... the wings, bonnet scoop BRISTOL CARS UNVEILED and front grill are all instantly BULLET recognisable in their lineage”

ULLET is a reintroduction of the Bristol brand to the marketplace after a ten year hiatus and very much a Bristol for the modern age. A bold, Brapid, unique and yet understated vehicle, it showcases our heritage as a company whilst paving the way for models to come.

The design draws heavily on some of the more iconic models from our past; the wings, bonnet scoop and front grill are all instantly recognisable in their lineage, whilst the finely sculpted rear wings not only reference the more recognisable two litre models of the past, but also add a visual clue to our roots as an aeroplane manufacturer for those less familiar with the brand. Whilst the design is a clear reference to our history, it is blended with modern twists, designed to instil a visual tension. The deep swage lines that dissect the flanks, sit against the flowing forms of the tapered rear, creating a sense of drama and motion, even when the car is stationary. Faithful to our tradition of hand construction, and yet in a departure from our traditional material of aluminium, BULLET is clothed in carbon fibre. Where once aluminium was the material of choice for light weight, high-strength structures, now the use of bespoke carbon composites has allowed the designers to create forms and shapes that would be impossible in performance, with effortless cruising. As our last petrol metal. Where metals are used, high grade aluminium powered car, what better way to celebrate our long is preferred, only the roll-hoop structures are made history of strong power plants than such a glorious in steel. As is the Bristol way, a separate chassis and free revving unit. Described as having near atomic construction has been used for BULLET, rather than a levels of power, we have christened it “Hercules”, in monocoque. The bonded aluminium and carbon fibre reference to the radial engines of old. hybrid structure chassis, bespoke to Bristol Cars and With such power on tap, it was clear to the developed by a traditional aluminium manufacturer designers that, as was always the case with Bristol, in the UK, has been tuned to allow a high degree of the driver should have a cosseting and well laid sporting agility, driver feedback and above all, comfort out environment from which to enjoy the car. The at speed. iconic Bristol instrument binnacle remains, and in We are delighted to have rekindled a marriage a nod to the past, an engine hours meter has been with BMW, and have chosen the 4.8 litre V8 engine included. The deep doors and high waist line of the as the power plant for BULLET. This naturally car keep the environment calm, even at speed, and aspirated unit, which is finished in house and mated the sports seating has been contoured for support to a bespoke exhaust system, develops over 370 BHP, and comfort over long distances. Most surfaces are and 490 Nm of torque, which makes for staggering hand trimmed in the finest British hides, and for 24 From the manufacturer BULLET From the manufacturer 25 BULLET 26 From the manufacturer

the dashboard, a choice of carbon fibres, metals and wooden veneers is available. Whilst maintainging a traditional feel and look, BULLET is at the forefront of infotainment technology. A discrete touch screen set into the dashboard offers digital radio and smart phone connectivity, the BULLET application gives the car both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, with screen mirroring from permitted devices allowing the driver and passenger seamless use of their preferred navigation and audio sources. A concierge service is offered with the car. With the order books now open, we have scheduled production to begin in early 2017, from our new production facility on the south coast. Deposits are being taken to reserve one of the 70 limited chassis, and we will be looking to deliver the first completed cars by the spring. Whilst BULLET is already fully specified, leaving only the merest few possible options to add, the owners will be invited to attend the build process at various key stages, should they so wish. BULLET has been shown already at Salon Prive, and will soon be on show at the RAC clubhouse on Pall Mall in London, however the showroom in Kensington remains open as ever for viewings at all other times, and Bristol Owners Club members are invited to view the car at their convenience. From the manufacturer 27 28 FHBVC Newser FHBVC Report

BOC representative to the FHBVC Adrian Berry brings us up to speed with the latest legislation affecting historic cars.

UK LEGISLATION the vehicle and that the chassis consists not only of the frame but also front and rear axles, gears, steering and Registration Matters transmission units. [A] change of body... does not by There has continued to be an impasse with the DVLA itself constitute a change of identity.’ Paragraph 303 (5) continuing to take body styling into account when makes clear that this is not the case with a monocoque deciding to reject requests via the V765 for requests bodyshell so the distinction between the two is clear. for a “date related” registration mark. While this does The FBHVC has now marshalled all of the not in general affect the Bristol world, some of us may evidence that it has found and has set it all out in a find ourselves in the happy situation of discovering a detailed Policy Paper which has been submitted to the barn find that has lain undetected for many years, and Ministry and the DVLA for their consideration. then because it is no longer on the DVLA’s database, having to apply to get it re-registered. Insurance Values and Write-offs A Consultation document from 2005 issued by the The little lamented Vehicle Identity Check process has DVLA refers in several places to ‘chassis/monocoque now come to an end. First initiated at the request of bodyshell’. Sometimes the reference is also to the enthusiastic policemen who thought it would expose ‘frame’ of a motorcycle. It is obvious from the context many stolen and ‘cut and shut’ vehicles, it has proved that these are regarded as alternatives. In each case remarkably unsuccessful. It is a justified victim of the a vehicle under consideration will have a chassis Government’s war on Red Tape. But a little known (which in all but early cases will be numbered), or a consequence is that DVLA has announced that any monocoque bodyshell, (which will essentially always be vehicle which is a Category A or B write-off under numbered) or, if it is a motorcycle it will have a frame the Insurance Industry’s Code of Practice will never (which will usually have a number). It can’t have more be able to be re-registered. You can understand why, than one. One, and only one, of these three alternative on safety grounds, they might decide to do so. The components, constitutes the identity of the vehicle. problem for us is that the Code somewhat confuses That is why it is regarded as vital. This important point safety and cost of repairs. It is all too easy to find seems to have got lost. In respect of vehicles other than that the cost of repairs of a cherished vehicle could motorcycles, it rather looks as if the significance of the exceed by some margin the actual market value of the words ‘monocoque’ and ‘shell’ has not been recognised vehicle. As we know, this might be not only a matter and assessments are being made on the basis of the of love and affection for the vehicle, but have a real body. Nothing in the consultation justifies examination relationship to the perceived historic value of the of the body style or construction of a vehicle whose vehicle now, or in the future. We have been looking identity is contained in its chassis. into this issue with DVLA and the Department for It is mechanical components which are supposed to Transport. It is early days yet, but one simple piece of be identified. After much toing and froing, with the advice seems apt. DVLA continuing to state that nothing has changed Until you agree a settlement with the insurance in the DVLA process, the FBHVC has eventually company, the vehicle is yours. It is your property been able to unearth the Ministry of Transport’s and they cannot scrap it without your consent. Many ‘Handbook regarding the Taxation and Registration specialist insurance policies allow for the return of of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles the Licensing of the vehicle remains (which may in fact be very little Drivers and Related Matters’. This is the instruction damaged). It is important to ensure, if you intend to to local authorities as to how they should handle their rebuild the vehicle at your own cost, or at a cost above registration and licensing responsibilities. Paragraph the insurance company’s valuation, that it does not 303 (2) deserves to be quoted at length: ‘The most nevertheless get involved in being ‘written-off ’. Not reasonable assumption is that the chassis constitutes all inspection engineers are ‘historic aware’ and they FHBVC News 29

do sometimes wrongly apply modern and inapplicable problems should check if the tester has followed the approaches to their inspections. You might be left with recommended procedure. a bag of bits you can’t use again as a vehicle. Insurance The FBHVC are awaiting the Government companies and brokers are picking up on this problem proposals to support the Roadworthiness Directive. and the best of them should not fall into the trap. The Federation view is obviously going to be But sometimes the solution for a damaged vehicle dependent upon the extent of changes to the MoT. might actually be to refuse the settlement and let the Our basic principle will continue to be that no historic insurance company walk, while you keep your beloved vehicle, which is roadworthy in the terms of the vehicle and fix it entirely at your cost. Not easy, but standards at the time it was manufactured, should be be aware it is a possibility. Some insurance companies banned from use on the road by reason of a test which seem to be a little unclear as to their freedom of it cannot pass. considering all aspects prior to the decision to write off a vehicle and are assuming a higher level of legal REACH obligation than is exactly the case. Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Meanwhile, there is a potential issue that you Restriction of Chemicals. should be aware of. There is a presumption that a vehicle which is inundated in a flood must be written Chromium Trioxide off. While this probably makes complete sense for FIVA has been in dialogue with a consortium of a contemporary vehicle stuffed full of electronics, it chromium trioxide producers and formulators who is questionable in the case of older vehicles, which are making an application to the European Chemicals may be little affected. Please be aware of this in Agency to allow the continued use of chromium any communications with your insurers if you are trioxide (for the purpose of chrome plating) under unfortunate enough to suffer this fate. The FBHVC the REACH regulations. FIVA has agreed to overtly will continue to monitor the situation. support the application because if it is successful, it will Roadworthiness Testing Directive (MoT) help ensure that chrome plating services will continue The FBHVC have received a few reports of difficulty to be able to be provided by garages who buy their being experienced with the new MoT test online chromium trioxide from a consortium member (who system if the chassis/frame number of the vehicle cover at least 95% of the market). In parallel, FIVA is contained characters other than alpha/numeric(e.g. continuing to work with the European Commission ‘/’ and ‘-’). Whilst it took some time for DVSA to to ensure that a practicable simplified application respond to the FBHVC, they have now told us that procedure is developed to allow the continued use of the correct procedure is for the tester to enter the substances covered by the REACH Regulation used for chassis/frame number omitting the non-alpha/numeric legacy parts (which include historic vehicles) or which symbols. DVSA claim to have tested this procedure and are used in very small volumes. confirm that it does work. Anyone still experiencing

Heritage. Everybody has now bought into the plan and TRADE AND SKILLS the Engine Test Shed at Bicester Heritage is now going to be the new home for the Bicester College Classic Vehicle Apprenticeship Scheme. Exciting times and with plans Vehicle Restoration Apprenticeship Scheme to increase the student numbers to 100, a look at block is one year old! release and short adult courses the future for Bicester looks The second year at Bicester College has seen a step very good. change in numbers with a further 10 apprentices starting If you know any restorers that are still concerned about the Level 2 course and 20 new full time students being employing an apprentice then think again. These are young taught the course. With a total of 40 students the issue people who bring portfolios of their work to the interview and now is space, as the classic course shares the facility with just want the chance to work on their passion - classic cars. Motorsport. With a further year’s intake and those in Many work alongside family on their classic car and many the last year of Level 2 going on to Level 3, where they have already got a vehicle of their own to work on. As P & specialise, it has become obvious that new premises will A Wood found when they advertised for eight apprentices, be necessary. The plan is to run the course from a new they had over 70 applications and the apprentices they facility in the heart of Bicester Heritage. Students taught have are outstanding. The college can help with the classic vehicle restoration surrounded by restorers and recruitment of an apprentice so what about training your classic cars has got to be the best possible combination replacement and making sure your skills live on? and the concept fitted perfectly with the vision of Bicester

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Footman James Full Page.indd 1 15/09/2016 15:18 32 BOC Australia Peking to Paris Rally

The Peking to Paris Rally 2016 - and a Celebratory lunch at the RAC in Pall Mall. Report and London photographs from Geoffrey Herdman

or the first time in its history, a Bristol took part in the 2016 Peking to Paris Rally. Not only Fdid it take part, but it came 1st in its Class and 11th out of 57 starters in the post-1941 category. To put this into perspective a Porsche 911 was 40th and a DB6 46th. The Bristol team was made up of Paul Hickman, the owner, and Sebastian Gross as co- driver and mechanic extraordinaire. Although both now living in Australia, both are originally from the UK and Paul has the good sense to be a member of both the BOCA and the BOC. Hilary and I met Paul and his wonderful wife Dorothy in Sydney in April, just after 10DPG had been shipped back home following our Australian tour. We were treated to a most memorable meal on that day and the offer of a 405 saloon for next year’s Tour of Tasmania. What a star! Sebastian’s credentials include a total restoration of a desert-find 406 Zagato, complete with miniature wine cellar in the boot, having prepared the car mechanically over an 18 month period. Paul, despite his huge business commitments was in charge of “The Look” and, boy, did he succeed! He had spent around 1,000 hours removing every trace of paint, so the finish you see in the photographs is not BOC Australia 33

a lacquer. In Paul’s opinion lacquers tarnish and peel. be interested. Thus it was that we managed to park This finish is simply polish on bare metal. 53632–H (a New South Wales historic registration) The total rally distance was 8,510 miles, which had outside the RAC in Pall Mall on Sunday 24th July to be driven in 36 days. 236 miles a day doesn’t sound and arranged a lunch for 8 Australians and 21 BOC a lot until: members and wives. a) You do them day after day, and: As an aside, one of those attending, Nigel b) For large parts of the route the roads are either Wills, had his Talbot on display in the Rotunda, mud tracks or non-existent. which he had but 2 weeks previously driven from Often they would finish a day at around 10 pm, Northamptonshire to Classic Le Mans. when Paul confessed to being wrecked, but Sebastian The frontal photo shows Paul on the left and would then go and help other cars, usually working Sebastian on the right with their deserved haul of through the night. At the awards trophy Sebastian trophies. was given the prize for the most helpful mechanic, an Neither Paul nor Sebastian had ever done award voted on by all the other competitors. (A typical anything like this before. The car took rather longer to diary extract for the rally is shown within this article - prepare than they originally anticipated – have I ever it was written for BOCA members by their President) heard that story before? And their only shakedown was Paul and Sebastian’s plan, having completed the a 1,000kms night drive home from a BOCA rally. rally, was to drive from Paris to the UK so that Paul What a fantastic achievement. Many, many could show the car to his father in Anglesey, and congratulations! Sebastian to show his family in Whitby. They had asked if it would be possible to show the car in London to any BOC members who might

A typical extract from the rally diary prepared for BOCA members by

BOCA’s President, Steven Rossen: NRing, a multifunctional and testing tarmac fter two nights in Kazan on Thursday circuit and two at a dilapidated military base and Friday, Paul and Bas report in a town called Nami - one on dirt and the that the car was washed, and in the other a hill. As usual, there were wildly differing A levels of driving ability on display and some workshop with two Russian mechanics. There could best be described as an exercise in hope was lots of pointing, no English but all jobs over experience. According to Bas, “there were completed including alloy welding! They was enough adrenalin to know you’re alive”. finished with vodka and the company of lovely The rally sped through acres of beautiful dense people. birch and pine forests, full of villages and It was a fine warm day on Saturday so shorts settlements but soon enough hit modern Russia were the go. No time trials, just steady driving in the form of the M7 motorway, one of the along the mighty Volga River - the longest main highways into Russia’s capital city, where in Europe - to Nizhny Novgorod, formerly the density of traffic led to delays for some, but known as Gorki, which lies at the confluence the tests in the afternoon made the effort of of the Volga and Oka Rivers, 260 miles (420 getting to them all the more worthwhile. kilometres) east of Moscow. The crews found the roads were generally a little better, but there Crews are now staying in Zavidovo at were still occasional sections of badly broken tar a beautiful hotel overlooking the lakes. In where cars wandered everywhere trying the miss Zavidovo a hunting ground was established in the worst of it. the 1960s for use by VIPs, including heads of After an easy day on Saturday, the clock state. Since 1996, Zavidovo has the status of started ticking and the pressure ramps were one of the official residences of the President of up again early yesterday morning for the Russia. 613-kilometre drive to the village of Zavidovo, located approximately 120 kilometres north- Today, the Rally will take the 461-kilometre west of Moscow. It was a scorching hot day with journey to Smolensk.... three equally heated time trial tests - one at the 34 THE BOC’S EVENTS, Trips and Tours MEMBERS HAVE THEIR SAY

Earlier this year we asked the UK and European membership to let us have their views on the events and trips and tours that the club currently has on offer. Importantly, we also asked the membership what they would like to see offered for the future. Survey summary from Anthony Spooner

29 members completed the online survey, Qs 2, Overall, how would you rate the organisation, submitting over 400 individual comments 3 & 4 the locations and the value for money of these 2and suggestions along the way. Thank you to events? all the members who contributed - your guidance BOC The overwhelming response from those that had in helping us plan ahead for the club is greatly attended was extremely positive, a testament appreciated. to the hard work of the many members who The survey was comprised of 20 questions. The volunteer to arrange, host or marshal the club’s following paragraphs summarise the findings and events throughout the year. comments against each. While there were a lot of compliments posted against these questions (for which we are Q1 How many BOC events have you attended very grateful), some members did point out a in the past 2 years? (e.g. Concours, AGMs, decidedly South Eastern bias to many of the dinners, lunches etc) current UK offerings. Even though a sizeable proportion of the UK membership resides in BOC We were heartened to find that close to two- the South East, the committee recognises this as thirds of all respondents had attended at an issue and is working to increase the number least one event during the period. More than 20% had attended four or more events and a and quality of events held in other parts of the handful of hardy souls recorded 10 or more country too (see also Qs 13 and 14 below). attendances. A few members also noted that events could be quite expensive - and this issue appears again when we look at trips and tours too. Mem “Nice atmosphere between individuals of all ages and different walks of life”, “Would like to see better use of website for organising events”, “Always very sociable events and well organised”, “fine dining is wasted on me!”, “Mostly good value, However the RAC dinner costly”, “Like the selection of venues”, “We attended the Chelsea Arts Club lunch. Wonderful location”, “At the last concours the marshalling was poor”, “signage could be improved long before reaching the destination” We are currently working on guidelines to help those volunteers who assist at events to ensure that members always get the best possible experience. 35

Organisation the club’s major annual events and with the recent initiative of holding a dinner the night before an event. Some pointed out, however, that more could perhaps be done to welcome new members attending club events for the first time. Members generally believe the club to be very welcoming and good for couples, but the need to ensure a better welcome for new members crops up occasionally throughout the survey and the committee is particularly concerned that this will be addressed in future. Mem “My wife loves meeting old friends and making new ones”, “New members’ lunch was good”, “I think generally it would be nice to meet members more regularly and more informally”, “New members’ lunch Locations every year?”

Value for Money

“My wife loves meeting old friends and making new ones”

Q6 How friendly were the events for your family (if applicable)? BOC While less than 30% of respondents answered this question (and their views are largely Q5 How friendly were the events for your spouse supportive of our current efforts) the response or partner? rate does imply that over 200 UK and European members may have family that could BOC Just over half the respondents replied to accompany them to BOC events from time to this question and, while their responses are time. We recognise, of course, that we are first generally positive, we recognise this as an area and foremost a car club, but we will ensure that we must continue to work upon. in future we advertise well in advance any event Members expressed pleasure with the use of (or trip or tour) that has features which might National Trust or historic house locations for appeal to younger folk. 36

Organisation

Locations Q7 How many BOC trips or tours have you attended in the past 2 years? (e.g. local day trips, weekend trips, UK or European tours etc) BOC We were delighted to find that over a quarter of all respondents had attended at least one BOC trip or tour during the period, with 12 members attending 4 or more. Getting this take-up figure above the 25% level is a very real objective for the committee.

Value for Money

Qs 8, How would you rate these trips and tours, the 9 & 10 locations chosen and the value for money? MEM “I suggest more lunchtime meets or weekending, regionally based”, “have loved past tours and BOC The ratings from those members who have am always looking to join another”, “Brilliant attended the trips and tours are, again, organisation, great venues. Worried it can’t be supportive. Some members do query the bettered”, “I would like to have hotel details confirmed expense and location of the offerings to date, much sooner than they are now”, “Can’t quite but the overall view is certainly positive. remember date of Antwerp. It was an excellent trip” We were delighted to find that over a quarter of all respondents had attended at least one BOC trip 37

Q11 How friendly were these trips or tours for BOC The responses here are enormously helpful in your spouse or partner? the club’s future event planning. In addition to the club’s major annual set pieces and car BOC Just over a quarter of respondents answered shows, the popularity of informal gatherings this question and they report positively. and events (i.e. regional meetings, pub lunches and the like) is fully understood and appreciated. We are working hard to identify and contact members across the country and within Europe to bolster the current offerings. Don’t be surprised if the Chairman should get in touch with you!

MEM “Would enjoy rallies organized by the club with proper road book and stages”, “More regional events”, “These events if less than 100 miles distant”, “Golf!”, “ What about a BYO picnic at a NT or similar venue?”

MEM “It’s the people you meet that matter, as long as the club continues to offer events that appeal to a broad church it should do well”, “That’s what keeps us coming back”, “My wife likes meeting up with old friends and new and exploring new areas” Q12 How were the trips or tours for your family (if applicable)? BOC Perhaps not surprisingly, only a 10% response rate here, but the members who did respond expressed satisfaction. The comment in Q6 above about the future advertising of features that might appeal to younger family members clearly applies here also.

MEM “Teenage daughter came on one European trip and Q14 In what ways could we make future events was made very welcome”, “our boys have always been more appealing? made to feel welcome” BOC We mention above the intention to spread club events more widely across the country and Q13 Now looking to the future, which of the to make them less South East centric. With following club events will you be interested in this in mind, the Chairman will be hosting attending? a Chairman’s Dinner in a different location 38

around the country each year. This will be in enjoy the one/two week club trips and tours addition to the annual year-end event at the and we will continue to ensure that their needs Royal Automobile Club in London. And, for are fully catered for. But in addition, we will those members who are based in the South now look to offer more shorter duration trips East - do not despair, we will be enhancing your as well. Our aim of course is to involve as many event offerings as well! members as possible in the Bristol Owners’ MEM “As many different venues as possible to shorten Club experience. distances for each local cluster of members”, MEM “A week tour is too long but would really enjoy tours “Hands-on maintenance demonstrations”, and rallies up to 4 days long”, “tours would have to “ Local Sunday pub lunches”, “Lectures be to places where it would make sense to bring the and knowledge sharing on the cars and a Bristols”, “Shorter trips within the UK would be more proper spares table”, “ Focus on driving or applicable”, “A great deal depends on where. New maintenance of cars”, “Hold one-day runs/ Zealand, no thanks; India, yes please”, “time is the trips, as time is always at a premium”, “Keep problem. Another 2 or 3 days in each week would it simple! Fewer dinners, more pub lunches”, help!”, “...something of interest to me as a Bristol/ “we enjoy local get togethers, eg treasure hunt motoring nut! Food, wine, cars, sport, fashion plus type rallies”, “Tie-ins with bigger events/ things of a topical nature” other marques. Eg Goodwood breakfast club or revival”, “I think everyone does an excellent job”, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, “Good events do not need to be over-sophisticated. A gathering at a local pub can be all that is The BOC is recognised needed for a successful occasion”, “Visits to car manufacturers such as Bentley, Aston Martin as an inclusive and etc” BOC In response to some of your suggestions, we welcoming club and we are launching a series of technical seminars for members, drawing upon the extensive experience of the many suppliers and service will ensure this outlook is organisations used by club members. maintained. Q15 For the future, what duration/types of trips or tours might appeal to you? Q16 How could we make these future trips or tours more appealing?

BOC Needless to say, we are keen to avoid the view that club trips and tours are closed shops for wealthy and/or retired members only! The BOC is recognised as an inclusive and welcoming club and we will ensure this outlook is maintained. As before, your comments and observations are enormously helpful in helping us plan for the future.

MEM “Would be interested to take part in an organised rally type tour”, “Previous UK trips have been good, and inclusive. Less concentration on the ‘Grand Tours’ and more on the UK”, “Attract the younger members - we are not all old buffers with 6s!”, “Perhaps a few cheaper trips/outings”, “Price plays a big part”, “A few more weekend trips in the UK rather than so many in Europe - European trips can be rather expensive”, “Please communicate travel details well BOC The obvious favourites here are for short-break, ahead (min 6 mths) in order to organise oneself”, one day or weekend local or European trips. “Selecting rallies in the Spring or Autumn”, “Make There is clearly a cadre of members who greatly them more friendly for non owners in ‘ordinary non 39

Bristol’ vehicles, so that they could enjoy the ambiance and camaraderie alongside owners”, “happy with the trips/tours as they are”, “I would like to drive on new or unknown roads not travel from one lunch/dinner to the next”, “Additional cultural events, concerts, art, music, theatre, opera etc to coincide with tours”, “The ideal mixture, (as well as the pleasure of meeting BOC members), is driving, having good food and wine and visiting some cultural places, history, architecture, arts, music” Qs17 Demographics - where broadly are you based & 18 and how long have you been a member of the club? BOC The demographics of the 229 respondents closely mirror the spread of the UK and European membership - lending credibility to the responses and suggestions we have received.

Q20 Do you have any final thoughts, questions or concerns? MEM Here’s a representative sample from the many responses we received: “Try to cater for all - do not exclude those who still want techie/mechanical support”, “Really enjoyed pub lunch at Duke of Cumberland which had a very good turn out”, “I would like to see more events aimed at the younger membership and drawing more young(er) people into the club and the brand”, “We should have a judging class that rewards originality”, “for the 2nd or possibly 3rd year running the calendar has not a single 603 to Blenheim photo”, “the website when ready will be a great addition and could promote a greater level of information sharing”, “The BOC has a reputation where all members, regardless of wealth, are equal as are their cars, long may it remain so”, “let’s not follow the current trend of becoming an on-line correspondence group”, “More technical articles in the publications”, “I would like to see the Wiki much more active, sending automatic emails out for a new item and much easier to add new items too”, “A great car club and proud to be a member”, “I am relatively new to the BOC and so far have been very happy and believe it to be a very well organised and friendly club. I have been to a few Chairman dinners, Summer Dinners and a couple of long weekend trips to Europe and have enjoyed them all”, In conclusion A enormous final “thank you” to all the members who took the Q19 How likely are you to recommend the BOC...? time to respond to the questionnaire and to provide their detailed (0=not at all, 10=definitely) comments and suggestions. Over the coming months and years BOC Close to 60% of all respondents give the club a you will see the fruits of your efforts appearing within the club’s resounding 10/10. This rises to over 90% when events, trips and tours calendar. And, as mentioned previously, don’t all the 7, 8 and 9 out of 10s are added in as be surprised if the Chairman should want to involve you in their well. Thank you everyone! organisation! Mitchell Letterhead FINAL PRINT.pdf 1 22/02/2013 11:44

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Every other July the clock is turned back in spectacular style as classic cars from the great history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans compete in a series of races on the historic track. Report and Photographs by Thomas Alford

or the second time in a month, a British invasion force - including six Bristols - headed Ffor France and the home of the world’s most famous motor race. This time it was for the Le Mans Classic, an event which was to attract more than 120,000 spectators over the three days of July 8th- 10th this year. On arrival at our accommodation, we were welcomed into a beautifully converted farmhouse in the French countryside. This splendid location was to be enjoyed to the full by all the Bristol owners.

1920s Talbot, which has originally taken part in the Le Mans race back in its heyday. Those of us who were able to stay awake until the late hours of the morning were rewarded with fantastic images of night racing - including red hot brakes, belching flames, beer, hotdogs and the endless noise of wonderfully-tuned classic engines. A big “thank you” goes to the 96 Club for inviting the Bristol entourage to join them for dinner on Saturday night. The 96 Club are a delightful group of Once again the weather didn’t disappoint, with London-based car enthusiasts and a great deal of fun temperatures reaching a little over 35 degrees around to boot (www.96club.co.uk). the track, even though this had made for a hot car So we report another successful BOC trip to Le journey across France. Even with these temperatures, Mans, with sincere thanks to our Chairman and to we were delighted to find there were no reported Grandstand Motorsport for the organisation of the major breakdowns or problems for the Bristols on the trip. Join us in 2018, perhaps...? trip. Always a good start.... Unfortunately for one Bristol owner, however, a slight misunderstanding about the application of sun cream versus the application of after-sun resulted in the rather red face of one driver … much to the amusement of the others, needless to say. Regrettably there is no photographic evidence of this unhappy occurrence (much to the owner’s relief!) There are many highlights to a wonderful weekend, with cars spanning from the pre-war years up to the 1980s. It was a tremendous privilege to watch a fellow Bristol Owners’ Club member race his 42 BOC Heritage Trust Heritage Trust Update

Nobody can read the future, and you are making yourself a hostage to fortune if you try to. With this caveat in mind, I unearthed the Heritage Trust’s rather Stalinist sounding 10-point Five Year Plan for 2010. How do you think we got on? Report by Stefan Cembrowicz

owards the start of the BOCHT, the initial spare 2 litre parts cluttering up your shed (or money Trustees stood back and took a long hard cluttering up your bank account) and please get in look at the task ahead of them. They came up touch if you like to find out more. T Our archives will also be securely stored there with the following series of objectives, summarised as “where we’d like the Heritage Trust to be in 5 years under museum conditions, giving access for research time: (as at October 2010) and information. Personnel: Archivist funded who has been Premises: Suitable museum premises 2 through the archives, catalogued and 1 accessible for visitors and research. rationalised the whole collection. After several false starts, red herrings and cul de sacs, The archives have massively increased in size during we are delighted to have space in the forthcoming, this time thanks to an active acquisition programme brand spanking new Bristol Aerospace Centre, and a large bequest of thousands of items of Bristol currently being built at the foot of the Filton runway. memorabilia – including our Holy Grail, his 1940s This will be the home of Concorde, as well as every racing helmet, from the estate of Tony Crook himself. imaginable product of Bristol Aeroplane Company It took a convoy of fully laden estate cars to and its many successors and derivatives. transfer the archives into their present home, in the The Collection ranges from the sublime to the Brabazon Hangar. The small collection we started with frankly terrifying. Somewhere between the two – has now grown almost out of recognition. geographically and conceptually - will be our dissected Students have been employed for cataloguing Bristol 403 rolling chassis display, for which we are and data entry, and as I write we are completely up-to- collecting parts and funds right now. Think about any date. 43

Besides our brochures (into the thousands), photos Shows: Regularly organised erudite lectures and glass slides (also into the thousands) and some 5 and events, though complementary to BOC priceless correspondence, we have over 500 original activities and within the aims of the Trust. magazines with Bristol related articles, going back to We have run annual lecture days at Gaydon, the 1940s. Sparkford, the Shuttleworth collection, Woodhall Spa, Income: Sales of posters, prints, DVDs, Bicester Heritage, and Brooklands, where possible 3 publications and other printed matter and dovetailing with events from BOC. collectibles based on HT material up and We try to include a speaker from an aero- running, bringing healthy income to HT. engineering background to celebrate our Bristol cars’ fine aero-heritage. Audience sizes range from 50 to We have now catalogued sundry duplicate pamphlets 70, and DVDs are available of some of these events – and brochures, and it will be helpful to our fundraising please contact the Regalia Secretary for stock details. drive to sort through and offer the supernumerary The Heritage Trust has also arranged Autumn ones for sale. We hope to make a start on this soon. Classic days at Castle Combe circuit, where we were Copyright has needed sorting out before we can copy able to watch trustee Peter Campbell circulating at some of our material. high speed amidst the field of 1950s competitors, Stabilised income from the BOC and BOCA, deftly avoiding some very expensive smashes. enabling 1 and 2 above. Supporters have enjoyed guided 3-hour visits to the 4 remarkable contents of the Brabazon Hangar, at its It is not possible for a legally-registered charity such time the largest building of its kind, with a volume of as the BOC Heritage Trust to be run by another body, 1,000,000m³, where our archives are safely stored. e.g. a club. In view of this, it was agreed last year that This is not open to the public, but is a working we should become financially independent from BOC. collection where volunteer Bristol Aero Collection This does mean that we need to replace our £5 engineers are preparing many “Large Objects” for per BOC member income with individual Standing exhibit in the Bristol Aerospace Centre next year. Orders. We have made a good start with this, but more These tours have ceased for now, as the Collection annual donations are needed. Please get in touch if prepares itself to move into the new Bristol Aerospace you would like to become a Supporter. Centre, though I can still arrange visits to our archives 44 45

for those interested. Member Matt Wenner, a professional video editor, has nearly finished this very big editing job for us. No Donations: Paypal used for online payment success quite yet with a TV feature, but our archived and donations, with Giftaid built in. 6 interviews may be made available on AV display in the We are now able to accept payments online via PayPal. Bristol Aerospace Centre or via the website. All donations are Giftaided. Our multi-authored wiki And you are all shortly to be sent a free DVD of website - which is in an advanced stage of gestation - Sir George White describing his family’s involvement will be able to accept donations directly. with planes and cars (and even boats..) Legacies: Well established and publicised flow Clearly established and generally 7 of legacies, gifts, donations to fund larger- 10 understood position, independent from other scale activities. clubs and bodies but on good terms with all. Our most major donation of material has of course You, the reader, are the best judge of this! been very kindly made by Tony Crook’s executors, to Please get in touch with your suggestions, whom we are most grateful. And our rolling chassis contributions for the website, spare parts for the presentation project has been very well kickstarted display chassis project, and not least of all, that little by splendid donations of £3000 and £2500 and large Standing Order. Just contact your bank to set one up, sums from other generous donors. payable to the BOC Heritage Trust account. Cars: Interesting or historic Bristols accessible Our Bank details are: for public viewing, attracting more of 6 and 7 8 CAF Cash Account 00027340 from all sides. Sort Code 40-52-40 We have a display space for one car in the Bristol And – I wonder what you would like us to put in Aerospace Centre. Initially we had hoped to display our next 5 Year Plan? a rotating series of borrowed Bristols, perhaps for six months or so at a time. However, the internal Yours in Bristol architecture of the 1911 Belfast Hangar where the Stefan Cembrowicz timeline of the Bristol Aeroplane Co is being displayed does not permit “large objects” to be easily wheeled in The photographs accompanying this BOCHT article and out, without a couple of days work dismantling are of a number of the treasures currently being held internal structures. in the Brabazon Hangar. So our rolling chassis will now lie in goodly company, alongside such elegant 50s Bristol specialities as the Sycamore helicopter, Bloodhound missile, and Harrier jumpjet. Interviews: A good body of interview work 9 completed, resulting in several DVDs, “The Bristol Story” and a feature on TV. We now have c.20 video recordings of key people associated with Bristol cars right from the start. The list includes Sir George White, Tony Crook, Syd Lovesy, Richard Hackett, Brian Morelli, Jeff Marsh, a racing engine line fitter, paint shop crew, an electrician, apprentices, racing drivers, a 450 team member, the first Spares Handbook’s industrial artist, and others. 46 Club information

President Spares & Services Oxford Section 411 – all series Geoffrey Herdman Co-ordinator Andy Bernard C P K Smithies Perrymead, Dilwyn Turplin Dixon Greenways, Perrott’s Brook, 18 Pine Road, Corfe Mullen, Herefordshire HR4 8HN 64 Deyncourt Gardens, Cirencester, Glos GL7 7BN Wimborne BH21 3DW T 07836 210719 (mobile) Upminster RM14 1DG T 01258 831 273 T 01202 841 070 01544 319256 (home) T 01708 223 701 E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] Wessex Section 412 Reprints Peter Campbell Philippa Bensley Club Officials Robert Hathaway Barnfield House, 24 Branksome Avenue, Bell End Farm, Belbroughton, Bremeridge Farm, Westbury, Upper Shirley, Nr. Stourbridge, Wiltshire BA13 4ED Southampton SO15 5NY Committee Chairman West Midlands DY9 9UJ T 01373 823 943 T 07710 064 563 Mark Alford T 01562 730 906 E [email protected] E [email protected] 17 Ferndene Road, E [email protected] London SE24 0AQ Irish Section 603 – all series T 07973 798 172 (mobile) Regalia Sales Simon Healy M I Greensmith Esq E [email protected] Vacant 76 Haytesbury Street, Woodlands, Milton of Cushnie, Dublin 8, Republic of Ireland Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8LA General Secretary FBHVC T 353 1 453 7667 T 01975 581 318 Geoff Hawkins Adrian Berry E [email protected] E [email protected] The Manse, 57 Chequer Street, Armiger House, Bowmans Dr., Fenstanton, Huntingdon, Battle, East Sussex TN33 OLT Europe Cambs. PE28 9JQ T 01424 773 661 T. E. B. Marius Bristol Contacts T 01480 462 001 E [email protected] Gemeentebroek 1, E [email protected] 6231 RV Meerssen, Webmaster The Netherlands Trustee of BOC Heritage Trust Membership Secretary C P K Smithies T 31 43 785 0290 Stefan Cembrowicz Ruth Atkinson 18 Pine Road, Corfe Mullen, E [email protected] BOC Heritage Trust, 3 Sion Hill, Mill Cottage, South Farm Wimborne BH21 3DW Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BA East Meon, Petersfield, GU32 1EZ T 01202 841 070 Netherlands T 0117 973 7205 T 01730 823 921 E [email protected] Ingrid Dammer E [email protected] Rooijsestraat 57, Treasurer: David Firth 6621 AJ Dreumel, North American Registrar Owl’s Barn, 59 Sandown Park Section Secretaries The Netherlands Peter McGough Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4RT E [email protected] 1428 Roxbury Road, T 01892 822 178 North Vancouver, E [email protected] Chiltern Section British Columbia, POSITION VACANT Registrars V7G 1X7, CANADA Events Co-ordinator T 604 971 4364 Turplin Dixon East Anglia Section 64 Deyncourt Gardens, POSITION VACANT General Registrar Arnolt-Bristol Registrar Upminster RM14 1DG Geoffrey Herdman To be advised T 01708 223 701 Midland Section Perrymead, Dilwyn E [email protected] POSITION VACANT Herefordshire HR4 8HN Bristol Registrar T 07836 210 719 (mobile) of New Zealand Technical Officer North East Section 01544 319 256 (home) Stuart Smith To be advised Greg Lowe E [email protected] PO Box 60-525 Titirangi PO, 9 Dearne Croft, Wetherby, Auckland 0642, West Yorkshire LS22 7UP 401-403 New Zealand Officers T 01937 586 804 POSITION VACANT T +64 9 811 8990 E [email protected] F +64 9 811 8993 400 E [email protected] Temporary Bulletin Editor North West Section (joint registrars) Anthony Spooner David Taylor Andrew Blow Bristol Owners Club 21 Hollymead Road 2 Slaidburn Drive, Lowercroft, T 01672 539 689 of Australia Chipstead, Surrey CR5 3LQ Bury, Lancs Bl8 3DG E [email protected] President: Steven Rosten T 01737 552 531 T 0161 764 1421 Geoff Dowdle PO Box 581, Camberwell E [email protected] E [email protected] (or) T +61 2 9873 2911 Victoria 3124, Australia [email protected] E [email protected] T +61 39 882 6410 Newsletter Editor +61 41 737 6067 (mobile) Sam Frost South East Section 410 E [email protected] Orchard House, Ogbourne, Rodney Watney Geoff Hawkins St George, Marlborough, 7 St Lukes Avenue The Manse, 57 Chequer Street Wiltshire SN8 1SU London Fenstanton, Huntingdon T 01672 841 523 SW4 7LG Cambs., PE28 9JQ E [email protected] T 020 7720 6387 T 01480 462 001 E [email protected] E [email protected] Spencer Lane-Jones Ltd and Richard Hackett are delighted to announce the launch of SLJ Hackett – retailers of historic thoroughbred cars.

Our new website www.sljhackett.co.uk is coming soon. In the meantime please visit www.historiccars.co to see our current range of motorcars for sale.

To speak to a member of the team please contact 01985 219551 or email us on [email protected] The Bulletin is published by the Bristol Owners’ Club, an independent, unincorporated association or body of individual members recognised by the Royal Automobile Club. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Bristol Owners’ Club nor are they to be considered as being representative of those of Bristol Cars Ltd. Any advice given by the Club or its officers is expressly made without prejudice and no liability can be accepted for subsequent loss or difficulties.

Patron: Sir George White Temporary Editor: Anthony Spooner, email: [email protected] Front and rear cover photo: courtesy of Alex Lawrence of Classic Driver AG.

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