Members took advantage of the lovely weather on the sunny Saturday, to take a drive down to Beaulieu and join fellow members with their stunning cars.

Around 20 cars were on show at Palace House, with members happily catching up with each other and sharing details about their cars.

A big thank you to the staff who made the day such a success and especially to Lord Montagu for sharing his home with us on such a beautiful day.

With such a positive response from everyone the next day – this is definitely an event that will happen again!

Charles White gallantly took up his pen to record the day below.

On a fine sunny afternoon in July, about 40 members and guests, including chairpersons of the Beaulieu One Hundred – Kaye Crouch, and the National Motor Museum – Christopher Macgowan, arrived in an eclectic range of classic and modern vehicles to park outside Palace House.         

Although the actual event was scheduled to commence around 6, those arriving earlier were free to see all of the attractions that the estate has to offer. In addition to the National Motor Museum, Palace House and the Abbey, there was a last chance to view the amazing Sculpture display of over 300 unique sculptures fashioned by more than 55 talented sculptors and due to end this weekend. Also, upstairs in Palace House is the fascinating exhibition and display of Belinda, Lady Montagu’s work.

The evening agenda was actually quite laid back which gave members the chance to admire the vehicles in which fellow members had arrived and talk about the cars and other motoring topics; whilst enjoying a selection of tasty canapés accompanied with some Pimm’s and other refreshments, served by friendly Palace staff.

Lord Montagu gave a short welcome speech in which he touched upon the important work of the Beaulieu One Hundred and the National Motor Museum Trust, now and in a dramatically changing automotive future. Everyone was also made aware of who were members on the B100 council.

The wide range of vehicles was the talking point of the evening and included:

Auburn Cabriolet, 1935 [belongs to Museum]
Aston Martin V12 Vantage – Jonnie Rockingham-Smith
Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Kaye and Gary Crouch
Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Volante – John and Helen Smith all the way from Yorkshire
Opal 2 seater tourer, 1935 – Lord Simon Rickaby and Aruoriwo Avro
MGB Roadster, 1971 – Leslie and Julie Hamilton-Green
BMW i8, – Peter and Kim Novani
MGA, 1955 – David and Barbara Marklew
Honda NSX – Mike Timmins and Lindsey Park
Mini Equinox, 1996 – Matthew Eatough
BMW m135i, 2013 – Charles and Pamela White
Jaguar E-Type, 3.8 – Steve and Charlotte Evans
Jaguar F-Type, 3.2 V6, 2017 – Brian and Jane Galvin
Austin Mini Cooper S – Jon and Karen Horsley
Austin Mini – Saffron and Amelia Cable
Lotus Elise S1 ‘T’ registration – Paul Cable
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti – Richard and Charlotte Fuller
Bristol Teardrop 1955, a splendid model with an original chassis – Michael and Gay Waller
Mercedes Benz 230S Fintail Endurance Rally Car, 1966 – Michael and Jane Eatough – The Mercedes Benz 230S arrived at Beaulieu hotfoot after successfully competing in and completing the seventh running of the Peking to Paris endurance adventure rally. Michael had many interesting tales to tell.

Part of the Museum collection was on show too, with the Auburn made available to ferry members on a brief tour of the Beaulieu estate. This was very popular and thanks go to Mitch Caws for all the driving!

Thanks go to Penny Wade and Ian Nicolls for the fabulous pictures!