Those Extravagant Edwardians!
These limousines and landaulettes, curated by the Club, represent the most expensive, decadent and crazy motor cars you could buy in the years from the dawn of the Edwardian era to the First World War. With large engines, substantial chassis, and magnificent coachwork, we aim to display some of these rolling palaces, including such names as Daimler, Napier, Delaunay Belleville, Lanchester, Cadillac, Rolls-Royce and Wolseley, with coachwork by craft-masters like Barker, Hooper and Arthur Mulliner. We expect to see silver, leather, cabinetwork and fabrics abounding and impressing.
The Adventurous Segrave
British adventurer Sir Henry Segrave is a key figure in the Club’s heritage, and as he was born in 1896 this year marks his 130th anniversary. He was first to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously, and first to travel at over 200mph in a land vehicle at Daytona Beach in Florida; later he increased the world record to 231mph. His quest for speed and accomplishment lives on in the Club’s Segrave Trophy which is awarded regularly to daring Brits of a similar spirit. In this feature we will recognise his indomitable spirit with several of his key cars alongside, of course, the fabled Segrave Trophy itself.
Grand Prix of the Royal Automobile Club
It is 100 years since the very first British Grand Prix was held at Brooklands. In fact, it was officially known as the Grand Prix Of The Royal Automobile Club, and although the event would only be staged in 1926 and ’27 it helped put Britain on the global motorsport map – a start to making this country the pre-eminent centre of the global motor racing industry. So, one hundred years later, we will have our British Grand Prix Trophy on display alongside one of the original cars that took part, plus an example of the very latest Formula 1 cars for which the UK is largely responsible.
Centenary of Mercedes-Benz
When Daimler and Benz came together in 1926, the most successful motor industry merger of all time was cemented. It was a partnership of the true pioneers of internal combustion engine power, together with all the four-wheeled applications imaginable. And over the intervening 100 years some of the world’s most advanced road and racing cars have delighted customers and fanatics alike, with numerous technological word firsts – everything from fuel injection and gullwing doors to airbags and crumple zones! Our special display highlights significant cars from the enormous Mercedes-Benz canon, in partnership with the company’s own, incredible Museum collection.
An 'L' of a Display
A double celebration of historic marques, one from Turin, Italy and the other hailing from Staines in Middlesex – Lancia and Lagonda are each 120 years old this year. The many wonderful cars they have made are fan-favourites among enthusiasts and both marques have significant motor sporting heritage. This is a compare-and-contrast line-up, with five beautiful models from each company to illustrate early years, 1930s, post-war, historic motor racing, and 1970s style. You’ll be able to admire a Lancia Astura alongside a Lagonda Rapide, or a Stratos next to a ‘wedge’ Lagonda, and really rejoice in the diversity.
130 Years of Daimler
The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust is the organisation charged with guarding the history of two of the most important marques in British motoring history. As well as Jaguar, it cherishes Daimler, which can trace its roots as far back as 1896. In fact, in 1900 the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was the first member of the Royal family to buy a car, and indeed a Daimler it was. The marque built some impressive cars from the 1920s to the ‘50s before becoming part of Jaguar in 1960. Here the Trust presents a selection of Daimlers from its collection, vehicles that rarely, if ever, leave the confines of its vaults.