Great cars, good company, and the Master’s first official engagement

Pictured above from left: Master Julian Leach, Bentley Azure, Ann & Nick Lyford, Jaguar XK120, Rob Jones, Ferrari 458, Simon Gurney, Jaguar E Type, Jenny Barzilay, Christopher Tate, Jaguar XK, and David Barzilay DB9

Sunday 4th September saw the 10th anniversary of the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court, with the new Master of the Coachmakers, Julian Leach, carrying out his first official engagement.

The Livery Company’s team had been organised by Christopher Tate and saw six cars turn up at the marshalling area of the outskirts of Hampton Court, to be driven in convey to go on display near the front of the royal palace.

The Master explains who the Coachmakers are

But not before, from a capacious boot in his Bentley Azure, the Master produced orange juice and croissants for those who had driven to the event – Ann & Nick Lyford in their Jaguar 1954 XK 120, Rob Jones in his Ferrari 458, Simon Gurney in his Jaguar E Type, Jenny and David Barzilay in their Gulf liveried DB9, and Christopher Tate in his Jaguar XK.

Once the Coachmakers’ cars were lined up, an impromptu picnic area was set up opposite the cars where they could be observed. As the Master put it. “It was one of those days where Coachmakers meet and have a relaxed time chatting and looking at amazing motor cars.”

Nick Lyford provided the photographs for this article and an easel and signage which alerted visitors to the fact that the cars were owned by members of the livery company

Christopher Tate summed up the day: “It was a wonderful day out. A fun group of cars which drew suitable attention to the Coachmakers Company and the cars themselves.”

He added: “I hope this was a fun start to the Master’s year, his car looked suitably impressive, as did his badge of honour. I am sure there will be many enjoyable automotive moments in the year to come.”

The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, held over three days at Hampton Court Palace in west London welcomed a record number of guests to the immaculate palace gardens, for the most spectacular display of rare and significant motorcars yet, cementing the event’s reputation as the UK’s top Concours d’Elegance event.

The Best in Show winner – chosen by the Concours’ car owners themselves – was the truly exceptional 1938 Delage D8-120 ‘de Villars’, which enchanted the voters with its elegance, beauty and 1930s’ flair.