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The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, is delighted to welcome an exquisite array of the rarest and most desirable Bugattis to Hampton Court Palace from Sept 1-3. These cars from the thoroughbred French marque – considered to be ‘le pur-sang des automobiles’ – will grace the 11th annual Concours of Elegance from Sept 1-3 in an homage to the legacy of the master of style and innovation, Ettore Bugatti. He founded his eponymous company in 1909, yet his genius stretched back even further, to the twin-engined racing tricycle he created while a teenage apprentice with Italian company Prinetti & Stucchi.

Having masterminded what remain to this day some of the world’s most high-end, sought-after models, Automobiles Ettore Bugatti’s golden era came to an end in 1952, but the name was resurrected as Bugatti Automobili SpA in 1987 by Italian businessman Romano Artioli, resulting in the introduction of the astounding EB110 GT hypercar. The story continued with the Volkswagen Group’s acquisition of the brand in 1998 – and each of the marque’s chapters will be represented at the Concours of Elegance.

Here are just some of the Bugattis that will grace the Royal lawns of Hampton Court Palace.

1897 Prinetti & Stucchi Tricycle

This unlikely-looking steed is in fact a highly significant and historic vehicle, for it was this tuned-up period racing machine that set a teenaged Ettore Bugatti on the path to iconic automotive status. The then-apprentice’s employer Prinetti & Stucchi produced licenced DeDion tricycles, and at the behest of the Automobile Club of Italy young Ettore was charged with developing a twin-engined racing version.

This he did, with astounding success. Exhibiting innovation and mechanical skill beyond his tender years, his Bugatti Type 1 went on to win its first race in the 1899 Reggio Emili, against very stiff competition indeed. In doing so, it established a world-record average speed of 64kp/h over 90km – a remarkable feat at the time, setting the tone for the many incredible cars and motor sport victories that would follow for Ettore.

1934 Bugatti Type 59

The 1934 Type 59 – part of Switzerland’s Pearl Collection – was developed in answer to increasing motor sport competition from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo. It was, and still is, considered to be both a technical marvel and a masterpiece of industrial art, with remarkable ‘piano-wire’ wheels, dropped body – and thus lower centre of gravity – longer wheelbase and supercharged straight-eight. As Bugatti’s final GP machine, the T59 is widely held to be the most elegant pre-war competition machine of all. Just six were built, and this particular example went on to take third at the Monaco Grand Prix and overall victory in Belgium.

Its chassis and bodywork were subsequently heavily revised, its supercharger removed and a dry-sump gearbox installed, in preparation for sports car racing. A series of successes saw it become France’s fastest sports car, and it even spent some time in the stable of King Leopold III of Belgium. Presented in very original condition, this endlessly fascinating, historic and singular machine embodies the Bugatti marque’s ineffable magic.

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio

Bugatti’s Type 57 grand tourer was in production from 1934 until 1940 and the Second World War. It was a brand-new design by Jean Bugatti, Ettore’s son, who by now worked for the company. It shared its 3.3-litre engine with the Type 59 GP cars, but as was typical of the marque, the T57 underwent various technical evolutions throughout its lifetime, and was made available in numerous bodystyles both with and without a roof – many of them bespoke.

The T57 had a relatively high production run of 710, in both original and lowered (Surbaissé) T57S and SC (Compresseur – supercharged) guises. It is the Stelvio cabriolet – named for a pass in the Eastern Alps – that will be on show at Hampton Court Palace.

1936 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante

One of only 17 Bugatti Type 57S models built wearing two-seater Atalante coupé coachwork, chassis no. 57502 was delivered new to Earl Howe – co-founder of the British Racing Drivers’ Club – via UK Bugatti agent Sorel of London. The car then changed hands several times before being bought by a Dr Harold Carr from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1955. He put the 57S into storage in 1960, and there it remained, untouched, until his death in 2007. It was then rediscovered and fully restored, before joining the Pearl Collection, where it has remained ever since.

1994 Bugatti EB110 GT 

Romano Artioli had a dream – and with the help of former Lamborghini Miura engineers, as well as automotive luminaries such as Paolo Stanzani and Nicola Materazzi, the ambitious Italian entrepreneur achieved it. For several years in the 1990s, his all-new EB110 GT hypercar project sat atop the supercar tree, thanks to its remarkable 553bhp quad-turbo 3.5-litre V12 and four-wheel-drive system. The even more powerful, track-focused Super Sport variant kicked out a then-stupendous 602bhp.

Artioli’s revival of the Bugatti name was ultimately short-lived, however. Financial difficulties eventually forced the firm’s closure in 1995, after just 139 EB110s had left the Campogalliano factory in Modena – including one bought by Michael Schumacher. The example on show at the Concours of Elegance, chassis 39065, is one of the 84 road-biased GT variants built. From new it was finished in Grigio Chiaro with a dual-tone grey leather interior, and fitted with the Super Sport’s lightweight wheels and carbonfibre front bumper.

2022 Bugatti Centodieci

Upon Bugatti’s 110th anniversary in 2019 the venerable French marque, by now owned by Volkswagen Group, created a limited-edition machine to celebrate this landmark in its history of exceptional performance and design. The Centodieci went into production in 2022. The Pearl Collection’s example – one of only ten to be built – represents the apex of modern-day Bugatti, and took inspiration from its EB110 forebear.

Its 1577bhp 8.0-litre W16 engine enables it accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.4 seconds and reach a (limited) top speed of 236mph; virtually peerless performance. Many cars from Bugatti’s history represented the limits of what was technologically possible at the time they were built, so it’s fitting that the marque’s newest model showcased at the Concours of Elegance does just the same thing.

These exquisite Bugattis will sit alongside yet more exciting machinery at September’s Concours of Elegance, with an array of rare and spectacular concours vehicles and special features including further exhibits from Switzerland’s Pearl Collection, Thirty Under 30, the all-female Levitt Concours and Junior Concours. In addition to the main displays, the event will assemble around 1000 additional vehicles in a series of glamorous features.

James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “Bugatti was – and remains – truly le pur-sang des automobiles, a thoroughbred marque like no other. The Concours of Elegance is absolutely delighted to host such a comprehensive display of exquisite motor cars from throughout the brand’s history. From a teenage Ettore Bugatti’s very earliest creation – the 1897 Prinetti & Stucchi Tricycle, or Bugatti Type 1 – through to the Centodieci, masterminded by the modern-day Bugatti company in 2019 to celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary, the cars on display represent the pinnacle of engineering brilliance, breath-taking design and technical innovation.”

The Concours of Elegance, presented by A.

Quailors, the first LGBTQIA+ group for people in the tailoring industry, is  hosting its first ever PRIDE event on Savile Row on Friday, June 30. The group is inviting its community to come together to celebrate PRIDE and join the members ahead of them marching in the London parade on Saturday,  July 1 for the first time as a collective. Founded in 2020, the Quailors co-founders Andrew Johnson and James MacAuslan wanted to build a social community for LGBTQIA+ people who work in and support the tailoring industry in London and across the UK where they can feel safe, as well as to encourage a younger generation of tailors to join the trade. In three years, the community has gained over 50 active members who gather regularly to network and share ideas and opportunities among their peers, as well as over 600 followers on social media.

This year the Quailors are officially marching in the PRIDE parade in London for the second time, following the monumental and historic moment in the 2022 parade where the tailoring trade had a presence in London PRIDE’s march for the first time. James MacAuslan, co-founder of Quailors, says: “After the success of last year, we have big plans for PRIDE 2023. We are hosting both a pre-PRIDE celebration on Savile Row and an after party in Soho because everyone is welcome to work, walk down or shop on ‘The Row’ – regardless of their sexual identity.”

Photography by Luke Alland                            Instagram @quailors

Quailors Pre-Pride event is taking place on Savile Row on  June 30 from 5.30pm at The Deck London, 32 Savile Row, London, W1F. 

Special thanks to the following companies and organisations that are supporting Quailors this year: Huntsman, Kathryn Sargent, Anderson & Sheppard, The Deck, Lock & Co. Hatters, Dugdale Bros & Co, Richard James, The Pollen Estate

Food & drink sponsors: Savile Row Gin, The Hummingbird Bakery

 

Quailors, the first LGBTQIA+ group for people

The Chinawhite Group and Christabel’s Private Members’ Club are collaborating at this year’s Henley Royal Regatta. Building on Chinawhite‘s nine years of hosting an enclosure at the Henley Regatta, this year marks a new partnership with the cult members’ club Christabel’s. A collaboration in between the established legacy brand and controversial new upstart Christabel’s –  Christabel’s @ Henley ’23 – is set to deliver a fresh take on traditions old with the dress code marked as “a touch of The Riot Club vs. St Trinian’s”.

Christabel’s at Henley ’23 ticket bearers will have access to the secretive inner sanctum within Henley, where they can indulge in classic “Live and Debauched” entertainment, red carpet photography, a private bar, and lavish lavatories. The ticket also grants guests Access All Access to the prestigious Chinawhite enclosure which includes prime riverside viewing of the historic boat races, five bars offering an array of libations, gourmet street food, beauty parlours to ensure guests look their best, and a thrilling lineup of dancing and DJ performances, including  DJ JOJO.

Founded in 2020 during the London lockdown, Christabel’s has become known as the naughty new kid on the block, with its infamous tagline, ‘Good girls go to Annabel’s, Bad girls go to Christabel’s‘. Since its establishment in 1998, Chinawhite has been synonymous with high-profile nightlife. The nightclub has attracted A-listers such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Kate Moss, and Tom Cruise. Notable for introducing Ibiza vibes and hedonism to the British Summer Season, Chinawhite’s 2-acre enclosure at the Cartier Polo has become a legend in itself. For nine years, Chinawhite have also added their trademark spice to the Henley Royal Regatta. Last year’s Henley enclosure attracted the likes of Made In Chelsea’s Sophie Hermann, Hum Fleming, Daisy Lewis, Jamie Winston, Noelle Reno and Martha Sitwell.

Christabel’s @ Henley ’23

Friday, June 30 at the Chinawhite Enclosure, located at Temple Island Meadows, Remenham Lane, Remenham, Henley-on-Thames RG9 3DB, UK

Tickets cost £75. Tables available upon request.

Ticket link: www.christabels.uk/henleyregatta

Instagram: www.instagram.com/christabels.uk

The Chinawhite Group and Christabel's Private Members'

David Gandy with some fans on Savile Row today

Patrick Grant and David Gandy were top of the bill when the second Concours on Savile Row kicked off in style today. After a successful debut last year, initial signs are that the second edition will be even more popular. Patrick Grant, the man in charge at Norton & Sons, talked animatedly about his enthusiasm for Made in Britain and David Gandy entertained the crowds with his love of motor cars and the success of his Wellwear clothing business. The two-day event, which continues tomorrow, brings together the world of luxury tailoring and the finest collector cars you could hope to see. With Savile Row closed to traffic, the public are free to stroll among the cars on display as well as enjoy the craftsmanship from the expert tailors. More than 40 world-class cars are on display, from pre-war thoroughbreds to the latest electric hypercars. The event starts at 10am and finishes at 8pm on each day and there will be tours of tailors available. Several big names in the car design and tailoring worlds will be speaking on the main stage, and there will be live music too.

Gallery of fun on Day One

Schedule for Thursday, May 25

10:00: Concours on Savile Row opens to all visitors
11:00: Keeping Heritage Skills Alive, with Dominic Taylor-Lane, Association of Heritage Engineers
11:20: In discussion with Jonathan Wells, Morgan Motor Company
12:00: In discussion with Jacky Ickx
12:20: In discussion with Simon Cundey, Henry Poole
1:00: In discussion with Steve Waddington, Aston Martin historian
1:20: In discussion with Paul and Simon Owen, and Tony Southgate, BRM
2:00: In discussion with Drew Pritchard, antiques dealer and restorer
2:20: In discussion with Michael Mallock, managing director, RML
3:00: The Golden Age of Savile Row, with Joe Morgan, Chittleborough & Morgan
3:20: Electrifying the Classics, with Justin Lunny, Everrati
4:00: Classic Cuvee and Classic Cars, with Eric Heerema, owner, Nyetimber
4:20: Ready to Wear, with Oliver Mumby, head of design, Cad & The Dandy
5:00: In discussion with Seb Inglis-Jones, co-founder, Maeving
5:20: Creating the Concours on Savile Row, with Geoff Love and David Lillywhite
6:00: Electric Bentley – Sacrilege or the Future? with Lunaz Design
6:20: Swinging Ninjas Swing Band
8:00: Concours on Savile Row closes

[caption id="attachment_6085" align="alignleft" width="252"] David Gandy with

By Daniel Evans

As the sun beats down on Savile Row, bouncing off the prestige and classic cars on display outside Britain’s finest tailoring establishments, Patrick Grant, director of Norton & Sons, is very much in his element. He is delighted to see the Row packed with enthusiasts of both fine clothing and exotic cars as the second Savile Row Concours gets underway and he feels the future is looking good for the home of high-class tailoring. “I started at Norton’s in 2005 and, back then, the number of young people looking for apprenticeships on this street was pretty low,” he says. “We probably got one person a month coming in to ask about apprenticeships. I was then involved with a BBC documentary about Savile Row which sparked a lot of interest. After it went out, the phone was ringing off the hook. Making things is becoming cool again and I think, for many young people, a job with your hands where you are using your skill and your brain to produce something of exquisite quality is now seen as a cool job to have in a way for a long time it wasn’t.

“After we made that documentary, there was an immediate change in the number of people who were coming to apply for jobs here. We went from about one a month to two or three a week. Now, happily for Savile Row, the position with apprenticeships is very buoyant. There are far more people applying for apprenticeships than we have places to teach.”

Patrick is certainly one of the more high profile tailors on the Row. As well as his involvement with Norton & Sons, he fronted a TV documentary about military uniforms ahead of the Coronation, has been presenting The Great British Sewing Bee since 2013 and is currently doing some work with King Charles (about which more later).

First, Patrick tells how he became involved with Norton & Sons. “I was finishing off my post grad and I happened to be reading the Financial Times and there it was, at the back in the businesses for sale section,” he recalls. “I couldn’t believe it! There was this little advert – For Sale, tailors to emperors, kings and presidents. I thought this can’t be real but it was. I flogged everything I could find to sell, including my house and my car.

“This year, we are 202 years old which makes us one of the oldest tailors on the street. We have always done tailoring. It’s a wonderful business. We’ve never been one of the big, shouty ones. It’s always been the one that connoisseurs will track down. We’ve enjoyed being almost under the radar but not quite. We were big on making clothes for people who travelled and explored. Even today we have some customers who are polar explorers and people who do mad things like take pianos to tribes in the middle of the Amazon.

“Lord Carnarvon was a customer so Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened by a man wearing a lightweight suit – although it didn’t look that lightweight, to be honest. It looks like it’s about 25 ounces from the photographs. We’ve always made lightweight, unstructured stuff. Everyone thinks the Italians were the only people to do lightweight tailoring but Brits, for good reason and for bad, spent a lot of time in hot places and they needed clothes to wear too and Norton’s was one of the houses that specialised in lightweight, unstructured stuff that you could wear in countries where it was 40 degrees all the time. We still have those skills in-house today.”

Patrick knows the fashion industry does not have a good reputation when it comes to green credentials and is aware that sustainability has shot up the agenda. “We need to buy fewer things,” he says. “We need to consume less and we need to consume better things that are going to last longer and are not going to have any damaging effects on the environment on the way in and certainly aren’t going to have any damaging effects on the environment on the way out.

“We need to get out of the habit of buying lots of inexpensive things. The inexpensive stuff has got so cheap. You can go and buy a pair of shoes for a tenner – polyurethane top glued on to a plastic bottom. Horrible stuff that’s doing terrible things to the environment at every stage of its production then when the sole falls off, which it will do after you’ve worn it about three times, it goes in the bin and ends up in landfill and never biodegrades. Instead of that, you could get a pair of shoes that are made out of something that’s a by-product of our food industry, that’s totally natural and biodegradable and will last you for ages and every time it needs repairing, you can take it to somebody who can fix it for you. So, you’re putting more money into the economy.

“I still have a dinner suit of my dad’s which was made in the 1930s by a tailor in Edinburgh. It’s a bit agricultural but it is bombproof. I wore it all through university, both under grad and post grad, I’ve crawled through hedges backwards in it but you give it a brush and it looks as good as new. It’s coming up for its 90th birthday and it’s still in perfect nick. I’ve got a couple of other pieces from my dad which were made in the 1930s and jackets from my grandad made in the 1950s which are still great. It’s not just that the clothes are good but the more you wear these things, they pick up history and become part of the story of your life, your interactions with your friends. We can remember wearing things at a particular occasion and that gives them value too. Every time you repair something, it adds to its value.”

Patrick saw a great example of longevity while he was making the programme about uniforms for the BBC ahead of the Coronation. “As part of that documentary, we went to a firm in Birmingham called Firmin which makes buttons. It’s the most incredible place on earth. There is equipment in that factory which dates back to the 1650s. They help make the Household Cavalry helmets and they have an old blacksmith’s elm that was there when the business was formed in 1655 and they still use it. After seeing it on TV, a lot of people got in touch, all saying the same thing: ‘Isn’t all of this craft wonderful and shouldn’t we all do more to preserve it?’ Of course we should, but that means putting your money where your mouth is. Don’t buy ten cheap things, buy one good thing and care for it. Make it last and enjoy it because you will enjoy wearing that one good thing so much more than ten inexpensive things.”

More recently, Patrick has talked about working with King Charles. “I’ve met him on many occasions,” says Patrick. “He is a lover of beautiful things – a lover of clothes and a lover of craftsmanship. He is a great example of how to live with stuff for a very long time. He was having some new dress shoes made by Tricker’s (in Northampton) but he loved the ribbon on his old dress shoes so he asked Tricker’s to take the ribbon off the old shoes (which were probably around 50 years old) and put them on his new shoes. It was the connection with the past, with everywhere those old shoes would have been. There’s something intangible there that adds to the value of our clothes – the more we wear them, the more we keep them.”

In 2018, Patrick became co-chair of the Prince of Wales’ charity Future Textiles, an organisation that works towards creating jobs in the UK’s garment making industry. “It’s an amazing charity,” explains Patrick. “It teaches young people to sew. The main sewing school is in Dumfries House up in Ayrshire. So far, we’ve taught more than 6,000 kids how to sew. They come for a day or they come for a week and they learn how to sew with some brilliant people. We’ve also got a sewing school at Trinity Buoy Wharf in east London and now we have a school in the King’s home at Highgrove in Gloucestershire. The King believes we should all know how to fix our clothes and do these basic things so he set up a school to teach people to do it.”

As the crowds continue to teem up and down, Patrick’s words of optimism regarding the future health of the Row sound well founded. “Savile Row is unique because everyone understands that what we do here is incredibly special. People are prepared to pay for the skill of those who are making your suit,” he says. “Everyone who is a customer on Savile Row appreciates what that is worth – it is the skill of the human beings who crafted that suit, the skill of the weavers who have created that cloth, and the finishers and the spinners, and the famers who have raised the sheep or have grown the cotton. All of that stuff we need to value in a very different way. We’re lucky on Savile Row because people already do value it but we need to learn to have that same respect for craftsmanship and materials in everything we buy and ensure that Savile Row remains the absolute pinnacle of hand tailoring anywhere on the planet.”

By Daniel Evans As the sun beats down