Held at Prescott Hill, the home of the Bugatti Owners’ Club and the Bugatti Trust study centre, the annual Concours and Garden Party attracted an interesting and varied gathering of Molsheim’s finest, ranging from Grand Prix race cars to Brescias, town cars and tourers. It was a day to chill out, partake of Pimms and picnics, then enjoy the superb singing voice of Kevin Mack with his renditions from the 1940’s big bands and Sinatra style easy listening music. For those who wished, they could take their cars for an un-timed run up the hill, but above all it was a day to enjoy with family and friends in the delightful setting of Prescott.

Huge Wace’s 1928 Type 44 was exported to Spain when new and used by the Spanish Royal Family. It came to the UK in 1998 and the original hood was still stowed in the back and unused. The tool kit is located behind the door card on the rear nearside door. Derek Howard-Orchard’s Type 51 is a car that was rebuilt by Chris Warman in the mid 1980’s. ‘I’m not a great polisher, but prefer to get out on the road and drive my car’, enthused Derek. ‘I think it’s great for other people to see these Bugattis being driven on the road.'

Henry Whittaker was driving John Missen’s 1926 Type 37 for the day. It’s quite an original example with a Brooklands racing history and was once raced by John Appleton for a brief period. Several Brescias were entered for the concours, including a 1922 Type 22. This car was originally registered in Ireland and owned by a wealthy tobacco importer. It was heavily modified and used for racing in Ireland. More recently it has been restored and sports a new body - One that’s more suitable for touring than racing. The BOC is possibly unique in have a Next Generation section that is represented by sons and daughters of members who enjoy driving their parents Bugattis on rallies. Indeed, many were arriving at Prescott after enjoying a camping weekend event based at Minsterworth, Glos that was organised by Mike Preston and Louise Treutlein. A ‘pop-up’ tent can be very well stowed behind the spare wheel of a Type 37A, as discovered by Edward Townsend!