Ten Highlights of Aston Martin’s History to Feature at Auto Royale
UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / April 08, 2021 / Long seen as one of the quintessentially “British” sports cars, Aston Martin is one marque that will uniquely feature across almost every class in this year’s concours d’elegance at Auto Royale.
Gathering ten of the most interesting and valuable Astons spanning 65 years has been no small task but Event Director, Paul Mathers notes in understatement: “I believe we have a few that are quite special !”
He added: “ The oldest is a newly-restored, 1924 1 ½ litre side valve example with four-seater bodywork by Albany, and at the other end of the spectrum, both age and aesthetics wise, is a 1985 V8 Vantage Zagato prototype.”
Paul said: “ In the middle are two jewels of the Feltham and Newport Pagnell output, coming from arguably the first “Glory Years” of the marque, in the 1950s, the second decade of David Brown ownership.
“ From 1954 is the unique DB2/4 Coupe by Vignale. Originally styled for his Majesty King Baudouin of Belgium, the eldest son of King Leopold, this was the late King’s transport of choice throughout his reign. King Baudouin reigned from the time of his father King Leopold’s abdication in 1951 until his death in the early 1990s. This one-of-a-kind example has been the subject of an exacting restoration at County Durham’s “Aston Workshop” whose proprietor, Bob Fountain notes, ‘This is one that I have always taken a great deal of pride in, both in carrying out the restoration and in sharing the result with others who appreciate such motor car excellence.’”
He added: “ Joining the DB 2/4 to showcase the 1950s is a competition bred DB3S Coupe. The factory fielded two such coupes at Le Mans in 1954, but they had serious aerodynamic flaws, and both crashed at high speed, even though the drivers of the Coupes were such aces as Prince Bira, Peter Collins, Ian Stewart and Graham Whitehead.
“The glorious example attending Auto Royale is DB3S/120 – David Brown’s personal car, never raced by him, but campaigned in period by Jean Bloxham and Peter Sutcliffe. Later owners of 120 have included Paul Vestey, Frank Sytner, Lord Bamford, William Loughran, Victor Gauntlett and Paul Michaels. The car has starred at Pebble Beach and joins Auto Royale as a celebrated and unique example.”
List of Aston Martins that will be on display:
1924: 1.5L Side valve open four-seater by Albany
1930: International by James Young
1954: DB2/4 Coupe by Vignale
1955: DB3S Coupe #113
1956: DB2/4 Mk11 Coupe
1959: DB2/4 Mk III Convertible
1960: DB4GT Coupe
1963: DB4 Series 5 Vantage SS
1985: V8 Vantage prototype by Zagato
1989: V8 Vantage Volante
DB3S Coupe - David Brown’s personal car
DB3S Coupes in period at Le Mans courtesy Douglas Loveridge Publications
DB2/4 Vignale Coupe. 1-off Vignale bodied, ex-King of Belgium
About Us
Auto Royale
More than two years in the making, Auto Royale is a modern reimagining of what the traditional Concours d’Elegance can be. An exciting new event concept where modern British culture meets world-class automotive machinery in a luxurious yet accessible setting with a feast of fine food, exciting entertainment and engaging retailing.
Auto Royale is not like any other British car event. Powered by the vision of its founders, it sets out to become a globally recognised and admired Concours with a distinctly modern twist. It is as welcoming as it is exclusive; premium without being elitist.
More than 100 cars will feature in the inaugural British International Concours d’Elegance on the front lawns of the same venue which hosted the Louis Vuitton 150th Anniversary Classic concours back in 2004. Special classes for this year only include the Maharaja Cars, Jagua XK, Scaglietti and Drogo, while the remaining 60 cars will compete in traditional age classes, and in accordance with ICJAG rules.
Up to 70 exhibitors will showcase their latest models and services with early participants including Alpine, Polestar, Girardo & Co, Aston Engineering, Everrati and Meguiars, while three large public hospitality areas will feature a selection of bars alongside award-winning street food vendors, and live music entertainment. For those seeking a special experience, the exclusive VIP Lounge will serve up lunch by multiple-Michelin starred chef, Jean Christophe Novelli. Ex-Le Mans racer and raconteur, Alain de Cadenet will act as Master of Ceremonies for the weekend proceedings.
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