A stunning 1958 Alvis TC 108G Graber Coupé was the star of the show at this year’s Warren Classic and Supercar show, delighting attendees who braved the elements at the Essex event.
Torrential rain and high winds may have lashed the entrants at times, but the die-hards’ commitment was rewarded as the sun broke through to shine on the deserved winner, owned by Steve Horne.
The beautiful machine is one of just 37 created by Swiss coachbuilder Graber between 1956-’58, and it was in Switzerland that Horne found his car, purchasing it from its fifth owner.
The car topped the British late category, edging the 1962 Austin Seven Mini of Adrian Livesey.
Winners of the Best of British and Aston Martin classes were also shortlisted for the top award, and were gathered among a crowd of hardy visitors for the final announcement to be made.
Simon Bibby’s 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Kellner was a true rarity, standing out for its gorgeous purple paintwork and delicately embroidered rear seat – it beat Peter Cobbold’s 1989 Bentley Continental Mulliner Drophead to class honours.
Chris Lawrence’s Aston, meanwhile, finished its class ahead of the similar car of Philip Torr. In a hard-fought class, there was very little to choose between them.
Other winners included the 1960 Gordon Keeble of Roy Dowding and the 1966 Ferrari 275GTB Longnose of Charles Chadwyck-Healey, both of which featured heavily in the judges’ final deliberations.
Marcus Holland’s 1961 Jaguar E-type Series I also drew plenty of attention after winning the Jaguar class – it was a truly immaculate car – while unlikely winner in the British Icons category went to James Clough’s V8-engined 1986 Land Rover 90.
The off-roader, though lacking perhaps in the style and elegance stakes, was nonetheless impeccable and with fantastic history.
