The Midsummer Classic scores maximum points

Attended by over 400 enthusiasts, the inaugural Midsummer Classic and ThunderBall, attracted the crème de la crème of Aston Martin cars, owners and enthusiasts to the magnificent grounds of the Stoke Park Club on Saturday 26th June.

Among more than fifty Aston Martin and Lagondas on display in the warm sunshine was the world’s most famous car, the actual Aston Martin DB5 used in the making of the movies Goldfinger and Thunderball. Returning to Stoke Park after 45 years this car is to be auctioned by RM Auctions on October 27th in London. Also on show was the James Bond Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the Vanquish from Die Another Day and the V8 Volante from The Living Daylights.

The Concours judging panel, which included TV chef James Martin and retired England rugby star Will Greenwood, had its work cut out, inspecting the line up of extremely well presented cars. Taking both its class and overall Concours d’Elegance honours, was the famous Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’. Class winners included a one-off 1930 1.5-litre International Fixed Head Coupé, an immaculate 1987 V8 Vantage Volante and a unique 2007 Vanquish S with a glass roof. Staged in partnership with Aston Martin Lagonda, the works LMP1 Aston Martin racer no. 007, fresh from its recent 6th place finish at Le Mans was also on display.

At the evening’s James Bond-themed ThunderBall dinner and dance entrants and guests enjoyed a superb dinner before a spirited Bonhams auction of Aston Martin, James Bond and luxury lots raised funds in support of Help for Heroes. Guests were then entertained by Maxine Barrie who rounded off a fabulous summer’s day by starting her thrilling live set with the Shirley Bassey classic Diamonds are Forever.

Nicholas Mee of organisers CTR Events said, “The sun shone on the first Midsummer Classic in more ways than one as the event attracted a particularly impressive line up of stunning Aston Martin cars as well as a healthy number enthusiasts, many of whom delighted in having their photograph taken with the Bond DB5 and our very own Sean Connery, OddJob and Jaws lookalike characters’. Our thanks go to Aston Martin for its unstinting support, and to our sponsors Jaeger-LeCoultre, Louis Roederer and Levison Meltzer Piggott. Also to Bonhams, our entrants and generous guests for supporting Help for Heroes, and of course to the Stoke Park Club for playing host in our inaugural year.”

2010 Midsummer Classic Concours d’Elegance results:

Class Winner Car

True Greats Keith Piper 1930 International FHC

La Dolce Vita David Eyles 1961 DB4GT Zagato

Kings of the Road Nick Hewitt 1987 V8 Vantage Volante

State of the Art Gleb Stepanov/ 2007 Vanquish S
Steve Pickering

Living Legends Aston Martin Racing 2010 LMP1 Coupe Overall winner

David Eyles 1961 DB4GT Zagato

For full information and image gallery, please visit www.midsummerclassic.co.uk