Huge congratulations to George Rombouts-Howitt whose pristine 1939 Derby 4¼ drophead coupe (pictured), clothed in eye-catching Vanvooren bodywork, was named as the overall Concours winner at the BDC's 77th Summer Concours.
The event was held yesterday in the charming rural surroundings of the 65-acre Walton Hall country estate in Warwickshire.
George, who was unfortunately absent on the day but later daid he was "very pleased" to have triumphed, won the prestigious WO Bentley Memorial Foundation Trophy. His top prize was collected on his behalf by representative Steve Taylor of Alpine Eagle (classic car restoration specialists), who received the accolade from Board Director and chief Concours organiser Barbara Haig in front of the Grade II-listed, 16th century mansion.
Well done, too, to George’s fellow Club Member Andrew Johnston whose superb 2016 Mulsanne Speed won the coveted Bentley Motors Trophy, also presented by Barbara, as the overall Patina class winner.
In all, 16 awards were presented in the various Concours, Patina and other classes along with the Inter-Regional Team Challenge accolade (see list of winners, below). Apart from Barbara, Emma Crickmay handed out the Frank Dale & Stepsons award.
Aside from the Best in Show prize, George also claimed the WAL Cook Trophy (best Derby) and Andrew, in addition to the Patina accolade, took home the Varley Trophy (best Crewe Group Three).
Oliver Eaton enjoyed the distinction of claiming three awards, with two different cars: the Ivor Gordon Trophy (best Crewe 1 & 2 groups) and Frank Dale & Stepsons Trophy (best R or S Type Continental) for his 1958 S1 Continental Flying Spur (4 light) and the Daks Trophy (Master Class) for his 2003 Azure.
Elsewhere, the Scottish Region secured the Kensington Gardens Trophy (Inter-Regional Team Challenge), with Club Chairman Mike Warner, who acted as Awards MC, paying tribute to the Region's "variety and endeavour".
Just over 30 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.
Complementing the judged cars was an eye-catching and extensive display of Members’ Continentals of all ages, including R Series, S Series, Rs and GTs, which was curated by Club Director Bernard Walker. Club Member Malcolm Hobbs conducted an informative commentary and interviewed a selection of owners about their cherished steeds.
Concours day was generally overcast but fairly hot and humid, with the sun making a welcome appearance in time for the awards presentation in mid afternoon. The event attracted an excellent turnout of around 180 Bentleys, carrying Club Members, their families, friends and guests.
To take a break from the serious business of looking over all the fantastic Bentleys lined up in the main field, Members and guests were able to take in the many delights offered by the opulent estate, with several enjoying a delicious hot buffet lunch in the Hall.
The day provided, as it always does, a wonderful opportunity for friends to catch up and socialise within a quintessentially English garden-party atmosphere – the ambience greatly enhanced by the yesteryear sounds of The Swingettes vintage singing trio.
Adding extra touches to the event was a display of vintage motorcycles (brought along by Board Director Terry Cooper) along with live demonstrations by artist Dawn Bosley and sculptor Tim Potts, each creating a particular Continental. The WOBMF marquee featured a display celebrating the 60th anniversary of the T Series, with Trevor Jasper’s well preserved 1970 T1 on display, while the Club Shop was busy as always.
The Club was also pleased to welcome sponsors RH Insurance (primary sponsor) along with Bentley specialists P&A Wood and Frank Dale & Stepsons plus leading fashion jewellery brand Say It With. A number of concessionary stands added further value to the day.
The weekend’s activities kicked off with Tom Commander’s enjoyable 80-mile driving tour, starting at Walton Hall and including a lunch stop in Stratford upon Avon, followed by a sumptuous black-tie gala dinner (preceded by a champagne drinks reception on the Walton Hall terrace) for 125 Members and guests held in the Hall’s Moncrieffe Room. British Eventing at the nearby Offchurch Bury Estate was also on the agenda.
AWARD WINNERS
Best in Show – WO Bentley Memorial Foundation Trophy: George Rombouts-Howitt (1939 Derby 4¼ drophead coupe by Vanvooren)
Patina Class overall winner – Bentley Motors Trophy: Andrew Johnston (2016 Mulsanne Speed)
Concours class
President’s Trophy – Vintage: David Morris (1929 4½ Litre by Vanden Plas)
WAL Cook Trophy – Derby 3½ and 4¼: George Rombouts-Howitt (1939 Derby 4¼ drophead coupe by Vanvooren)
Ivor Gordon Trophy – Crewe Mk VI, R Type and S Type: Oliver Eaton (1958 S1 Continental Flying Spur [4 light] by HJ Mulliner)
RA Parker Trophy – Crewe T Type, Turbo, Brooklands, Eight and Continental: Gavin Chapman (2006 Azure)
HR Owen Trophy – Crewe modern: Harvey Bailey (2008 Continental GTC)
Daks Trophy (Master class) – Concours class winner in past three years: Oliver Eaton (2003 Azure)
P&A Wood Trophy – amateur-owner restored: Not awarded
Patina class
Vintage Spares Scheme Trophy – open and saloon Vintage: Charles Teall (1926 6½ Litre Landaulette by Connaught)
Derby Technical Scheme Trophy – open and saloon Derby: Suzanne Finch (1937 4¼ by Park Ward)
Crewe Spares Scheme Trophy – open and saloon Crewe 1 (early period): Jack Sandall (1953 R Type Continental by HJ Mulliner)
Britannia Motors Trophy – open and saloon Crewe 2 (later period): Robert Newman (2008 Brooklands)
Varley Trophy – open and saloon Crewe 3 (most modern): Andrew Johnston (2016 Mulsanne Speed)
Specials Trophy: Not awarded
Other
Frank Dale & Stepsons Trophy – R Type or S Type Continental: Oliver Eaton (1958 S1 Continental Flying Spur [4 light] by HJ Mulliner)
John Ayers Trophy – Mk VI or R Type coachbuilt body: Hansjoerg Mueller (1953 R Type Continental by HJ Mulliner)
Kensington Gardens Trophy (Inter-Regional Team Challenge) – best three-car team: Scottish Region (1929 4½ Litre by T&H Gill – Carl Hamill, 1964 S3 by Mulliner Park Ward – Derek Mowat, 1951 Mk VI 6¾ Special – Fraser Ewart)
• Full report with images in August's Review
Image: Courtesy of Steve Shelley