Bund Classic, the latest event created by China Rendez-vous, is everything about glamour and legendary automobiles with a display of exclusive and exceptional historic cars. The first international level Concours d’Elegance in China will be held in Shanghai Oct.18-20, 2013 and will take place on the lawn of the iconic No. 1 Waitanyuan, the former English Consulate on the Bund. It has been developed around a networking garden party concept in order to bring together China’s high society and automobile aficionados.
The Bund in Shanghai, China
The Concours is an internationally acclaimed event with unique cars coming from different parts of the world and across China, all telling the story of a time when cars where more than just a transportation tool but a real haute couture design contest. Represented at this year’s event are Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Ford, Lincoln, Rolls-Royce etc. Entry is by invitation only.
A high calibre judging panel, including Sandra Button, Chairwoman of the world-renowned Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach (USA), Iain Tyrell from the pilot family and a renowned classic car restorer, James Knight from Bonhams, John Lawler, Trevor Worthington from Ford, Miao Jun from Car and Driver magazine, representative from Legacy magazine as well as other key judges from the automobile industry will judge the participating vehicles. Awards to be presented include Elegance Award, Chairperson’s Award and Best of Show, people’s choice award.
Guests will be treated to a staggering display of vintage Luxury Cars, all beautifully and openly displayed on the lawns of this privately-owned state house, No. 1 Waitanyuan. The rarity and exclusivity of many of these historic vehicles further endorses the organisers’ claim to it being the principal and most significant Concours d’Elégance in China. With its high profile guests and mixture of live performances and innovative activities, Bund Classic has secured its place as an event of great magnitude on the Chinese Social Calendar.
Collectors are coming from China and overseas to share their passion in the best environment possible. Several seminars, a Forum, Private dinners, cocktails and activities will be organized during the 3-day event with partners such as Citibank, Faconnable, Taittinger,Bonhams, Ford and more.
As a glimpse of what to expect, Bund Classic reveals 4 of the iconic automobiles to be on display.
1963 Porsche 356 Super 90
The Porsche 356 is a much sought after collectors car, and the higher performance Super 90 version is the most desirable model, in part due to its rarity, but also because of the Super 90’s successes in the Le Mans 24 hours, Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and other famous international races.
The 356 at the upcoming Bund Classic was owned by only one person, a Californian lady, from the time it left the factory all the way until 2007. In 2011 it was imported to the UK, where the new owners restored its original colours. No engine or body parts needed changing, however, as the car has been kept in remarkably original and rust-free condition.
1962 Aston Martin DB4
With its unique Italian-designed body and powerful new 3.7-litre engine, the DB4 caused quite a stir when it was unveiled at the 1958 London Motor Show. The car was able to reach 100 miles per hour (160 kilometres / hour) in 21 seconds, faster than any other production vehicle at the time, with a maximum speed of 139 miles per hour. The arrival of this iconic supercar marked a new era for Aston Martin, elevating the brand to the level of other top sports car makers of the day.
The model that will appear at the Bund Classic is a Series 4 DB4, of which there were only 310 made. This particular car, moreover, is one of only 30 series 4 cars that were fitted with a more efficient Special Series engine, making it even rarer still.
The Lobby at the Radisson Blu in Pudong, Shanghai
1939 Rolls-Royce – the Wraith
Breaking from the tradition crafted from the 20/25 and 25/30, Rolls-Royce gave their new vehicle a more elegant name – the Wraith. Rolls-Royce produced the Wraith at their Derby factory from 1938 to 1939. The company produced the vehicle as a rolling chassis and supplied the vehicle to independent coachbuilders. Production of the Wraith was curtailed by the outbreak of WW2 after just 491 examples had been produced. In 1938, a typical touring Wraith would cost ￡1700, which included the chassis cost of ￡1100. Just like its predecessor, the design and construction was done to high standards of silence and smoothness.
1935 AUBURN
The Auburn 851 designed for the rich and celebrities, was the most expensive car in America at that time with its delicate body style and luxurious seating design. The newly-appointed president Harold Ames invited a well-known body designer Gordon Buehrig to make the car a new “nose”—the radiator grille, which is a real improvement compared to earlier models. The body design of this speedster was widely praised, and Auburn 851 is, by far, taken as one of the greatest automobile designs. The production of this model was quite limited, making it one of the most valuable cars for collection in the world. Many other auto companies have replicated this model later.
About Bund Classic
2013 Bund Classic will be held from Oct 18th to 20th. Bund Classic is a yearly time to come together and share passion of the classic car in a beautiful environment. China Rendez-Vous has already found a significant number of car collectors in China and overseas. Therefore, Bund Classic offers a unique networking platform to develop this growing community. Seminars, Gala Dinner, Private Tour, everything is set in place to offer an exclusive experience revolving around classic car. www.bundclassic.com
About China Rendez-Vous
China Rendez-Vous Ltd was founded by Ms. Delphine Lignieres in year 2009, China Rendez-Vous Ltd is an organiser of acclaimed luxury lifestyle events in China and work throughout the whole country on comprehensive projects that bring together way of life concepts and business opportunities and creating the perfect networking platform. Dedicated to and specialized in the China high end market for several years, China Rendez-Vous has a targeted database and accumulated knowledge, contributing to meet the goals and needs of each of its partners and participants and creating the perfect platform for exhibitors to meet high-end Chinese customers. Its reputation has been growing in China and overseas, gaining the trust of world’s leading luxury brands with great success. www.chinarendezvous.com
