Huge congratulations to Michael Dacre whose beautiful 1936 Derby 4¼ Three-Position Drophead Coupe (pictured), clothed in stunning Veth & Zoon bodywork, was named as the overall Concours winner at the BDC's 74th Summer Concours & Party.
The event – title sponsored by Glenfarclas, the esteemed Scotch whisky producer – was held over the weekend in the idyllic surroundings of the 100-acre Cubberley House Estate in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, owned by Club Members Dean & Sabine Kronsbein.
Michael was presented with the prestigious WO Bentley Memorial Foundation Trophy by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, the Club's guest of honour for the weekend.
Well done, too, to the superb 1928 4½ Litre Vanden Plas-bodied four-door saloon of Michael's fellow Club Member Robert Hase, which was presented with the coveted Bentley Motors Trophy, also by Prince Michael, as the overall Patina class winner.
In all, 15 awards were presented, mainly by Club President Duncan Wiltshire, in the various Concours and Patina classes plus the Inter-Regional Team Challenge accolade (see list of winners, below).
Following the rain of the previous day, when several activities took place, Concours day itself was mercifully dry and attracted a turnout of around 200 Bentleys, carrying Club Members, their families, friends and guests.
The event provided a wonderful and long-overdue opportunity for friends to catch up and socialise, after the 2020 and 2021 Concours had been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Twenty-one beautiful Bentleys of all ages were judged in the myriad Concours categories and visitors were able to take a close look at these to decide which were their favourites.
Aside from the judged cars, the Bentley Motors Heritage Collection showcased 10 superb models from across the first 90 years of the company’s history, and a special display of R Types commemorated this iconic model’s 70th anniversary.
And fans of TV dramas Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders were well served by a small line-up of cars, including the illustrious Grey Lady, put together by Past President Jimmy Medcalf.
Adding a welcome historic touch to the day, and the skies, was an evocative World War II Supermarine Spitfire fly-past, the iconic aircraft appearing courtesy of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flights team.
Concours day is known for its garden party atmosphere, and helping provide the perfect ambience, to enthusiastic applause, was entertainment provided by the Daisy Belles female harmony trio, Podilya traditional Ukrainian folk dancers, Ross-on-Wye Town Band and Hereford Rail Male Choir.
Visitors were also able to explore the many delights of the Cubberley House estate with a tour of the ornate gardens, which features an eye-catching waterlily and Koi-carp pond centrepiece.
To thank Dean & Sabine for kindly hosting the event, Prince Michael, accompanied by Club President Duncan Wiltshire and Club Chairman Phillip Hine, planted a special flowering cherry tree in the gardens.
Aside from Prince Michael, other invited guests on Concours day included the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Councillor Ed O’Driscoll, and the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Pippa Mills.
The weekend’s activities kicked off with a hog roast on the Friday evening followed on the Saturday by a choice of activities for Members to enjoy: Tom’s Tour, a visit to the Morgan car factory in Malvern, and a tour and tasting experience at the Wythall Estate vineyard in Ross on Wye.
The day’s activities were capped by a champagne reception and gala dinner, featuring a delicious three-course menu accompanied by fine wines, attended by around 100 Members and guests, divided across various tables, each named after a different Bentley model. Among the special guests were Prince Michael and TV celebrity Richard Hammond, who had spent the day promoting his The Smallest Cog classic-car restoration workshop.
Raffle tickets were sold during the weekend for a host for magnificent prizes. The winners will be announced below in due course.
This year’s Summer Concours & Party supported the RAF Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes charities.
AWARD WINNERS
Best in Show – WO Bentley Memorial Foundation trophy: Michael Dacre (1936 Derby 4¼ Three-Position Drophead Coupe)
Patina Class overall winner – Bentley Motors trophy: Robert Hase (1928 4½ Litre)
Concours class
WAL Cook trophy – Derby 3½ and 4¼: Michael Dacre (as above)
Ivor Gordon trophy – Crewe Mk VI, R Type and S Type: Richard Harwood (1956 S1)
HR Owen trophy – Crewe modern: Peter Hood (2011 Flying Spur Speed)
P&A Wood trophy – amateur-owner restored: Jimmy Medcalf (1924 3/4½ Litre)
Daks trophy (Master class) – Concours class winner in past three years: Harvey Bailey (2008 Continental GTC)
Patina class
Vintage Spares Scheme trophy – open and saloon Vintage: Robert Hase (as above)
Derby Technical Scheme trophy – open and saloon Derby: Richard Drabble (1937 4¼)
Crewe Spares Scheme trophy – open and saloon Crewe 1 (early period): Chris Kallis (1961 S2 Continental)
Britannia Motors trophy – open and saloon Crewe 2 (later period): John Pettifor (1998 Azure)
Varley trophy – open and saloon Crewe 3 (most modern): Alan Irwin (2014 Continental GTC)
Other
Ayres trophy – Mk VI or R Type coachbuilt body: Jack Henley (1948 Mk VI 4¼ Mulliner Drophead)
Frank Dale & Stepsons trophy – R Type or S Type Continental: Richard Harwood (as above)
Kensington Gardens trophy (Inter-Regional Team Challenge) – best three-car team: Mid-West Region (George Klepp – 1929 4½ Litre, Paul Hoddinott – 1954 R Type, Alan Cartwright – 1997 Continental R)
- Full report with images in August's Review