14 August, 2014
At Footman James there’s nothing we like more than getting close to the action at the biggest events on the motoring calendar.
So you can understand we were counting down the days until the weekend of August 9-10 with not just one, but two to attend - The Wilton Classic Supercar Show and JDC’s National Day!
Windy Wilton delivers again
As partners of the prestigious Wilton get-together we were able to brave the bustling weather on Sunday and join thousands in getting a first-hand look at some of the most powerful machines around.
And despite the best efforts of the weather, our trusty stand remained intact - so we were on hand to discuss all things classic car insurance; lending a friendly ear to hordes of enthusiasts… some who just stopped by for a chat!
Many thanks have to go out to a Footman James customer, who helped us stand out from the crowd - loaning us his hugely impressive 1951 Lancia Aurelia convertible for display at our stand.
This breath-taking motor has previously taken the Best in Class gong at Pebble Beach Concours (2005) and provided a real talking point throughout the day.
This year’s event cemented Wilton’s place among the most impressive classic events in the country. Nowhere more so than with one particularly thrilling addition;
Head-to head: Old vs New
Only at Wilton are modern supercars pit against their predecessors and made to duel in a war of performance.
As you can imagine, we were spoiled with demonstrations of vintage clashes, such as:
- Jaguar E type vs F Type
- McLaren F1 vs P1
- Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing vs SLS
- Lamborghini Miura vs Huracan
Amongst all this though it would be wrong to overlook what was our undisputed highlight of the day - the incredible Bugatti EB110, which truly took our breath away.
Special guest
There was more than just four-wheeled royalty in attendance.
Staged around the stunning grounds of the ancestral home of the Earl of Pembroke, the man himself came out to lead the parade, making good time too in a Bugatti Veyron!
Furthermore, we were treated to Elo King - the founder of London Motor Museum - who too arrived in trademark style; his 'tattooed' Gumpert Apollo.
Masters of ceremony Bonhams Auctions were also in on the act, completing a true ‘who’s who’ of the classic car world.
Add all this to just a selection of the models on display - the only Aston Martin Bertone Jet in the world; a McLaren P1; an array of Ferrari 250 SWBs; a 1957 250 Testa Rossa - and you can rest assured we had a pretty special Sunday!
JDC National Day
Also taking place on Sunday at the gorgeous setting of the Horwood House Hotel was JDC’s main event of the year - and we weren’t going to let the small matter of some pretty torrential weather put us off!
Yes, it has to be said - the conditions were pretty awful, with rain and huge gusts of wind threatening once again to uproot our poor stand.
But you can’t dampen the enthusiasm of classic car fans.
Spirits were high amongst those of us who braved the elements, and whether checking out the hugely popular Jaguar MKII and XKR models or simply chilling in the members lounge area enjoying the view - it’s fair to say the persistence paid off.
A special mention goes to the Lutterworth Town Brass Band who entertained the masses with uplifting tunes, on what was another day to remember.
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