Exotic Fours Gather In Chelsea

EXOTIC FOURS GATHER IN CHELSEA

ROUNDUP

LOUIS VUITTON, PURVEYORS of exquisite luggage to the gentry, recently hosted its annual concours d'elegance at London's exclusive Hurling ham Club. On 40 acres of greenwood beside the Thames,

53 automobiles and 19 motorcycles competed for awards donated by Connolly Leather, Sotheby’s and Christies auctior houses, Veuve Clicquot champagne and Parfums Givenchy.

The two-wheeled classes included Ladies Models dating between 1913-49 and Exotic Fours stretching 'twixt 1910-38: the latter Britain’s biggest-ever multi-marque fourcylinder gathering. In attendance to help evaluate the bikes were former stuntman and multitime ISDT gold medalist Bud Ekins, ex-500cc World Champion Barry Sheene and Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon. The Sotheby’s Cup for Best Motorcycle was awarded to a superbly original 1938 Ariel Square Four,

while the Veuve Clicquot’s runner-up trophy went to a 1910 Pierce Arrow.

With its famous vehicles and high-profile judges, the Vuitton Classic always generates loads of media coverage. This year, the Times °.f London chose Ekins as its feature subject. All of which leaves one to ask: What price motorcycles at Pebble Beach?

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