Automotive

Volvo S60 T5

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It’s 2019: the end of the decade. And I, too, am driving home for Christmas. Except I’m not. I’m driving to the Netherlands to my partner’s home for Christmas. But that doesn’t have the same Rea ring to it. I spent most of December tying up loose ends and trying to avoid any sort of hellish retail environment. The light on the horizon was 2020, and a winter break that would draw a firm line in the sand of what has been an annus horribilis. Even the Queen acknowledged what a thoroughly fucking terrible year it’s been. ‘Bumpy’ puts it mildly ma’am, but I’m glad we’re both staring out of a large window, plotting the demise of so many this decade.

Morgan Plus 6

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We arrived at the Morgan factory to find the hallowed grounds shrouded in thick Autumnal fog, the modest structures that form the iconic Malvern Wells site appearing from the misty abyss like anchored galleons; conditions that served to amplify the profound sense of mystique that envelopes what is one of the oldest and arguably most illustrious automotive complexes on the planet. Truly a day of Great British weather in which to experience one of Britain’s greatest automotive institutions. One hears about Morgan’s factory, the vivid preconceived mental image often formulated is one of mustachioed, pipe-toking ex-airmen in begrimed period coveralls, laboring over original jigs within traditional workshops, steeped in history…

Concours of Elegance

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As the sun rose on Saturday the 7t​h​ of September after an up and down year in the classic car world I was interested to see what the turnout and appetite would be for prestigious events such as the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. For the uninitiated; these events consist of horribly wealthy older gentlemen with Panama hats and considerably younger partners. There appears to be an unspoken and unofficial competition each year for depth of tan, size of wristwatch and age gap betwixt partners. I quietly judged this year’s winner to be an American fellow in his eighties who was a deeply nurtured shade of mahogany whilst…

Jack Barclay & Huntsman Bentley Bentayga

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It has been proclaimed in many instances throughout history that when two worlds collide, a star is born. Whilst the physicist in me knows that this statement is not scientifically accurate, there couldn’t be a more suitable description for a project of this nature coming to fruition – enter the Jack Barclay and Huntsman Bentley Bentayga. Jack Barclay shouldn’t require an introduction. The iconic dealership in Mayfair can even afford to drop the automotive brand name without ever worrying about ambiguity. Regardless, their showroom designs continue to evolve as they constantly seek to improve the patron experience; such is the commitment to customer service from the oldest Bentley showroom on…