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To the Manor Born
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Concours d’Elegance
Michael Jackson
12/01/2003
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Photograph by Adam Duckworth
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Louis Vuitton—as a purveyor of custom luggage and expensive bags, and owner of
elite subsidiaries such as Donna Karan, Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon,
Hennessey, Givenchy, and Tag Heuer—is one of Europe’s most profitable groups,
yet is not too proud to maintain links with the concours and retro-rally scene.
 Assembling during Champagne reception, prior to the Evening Parade. Photograph by Adam Duckworth. (Click image to enlarge)
In fact, Vuitton’s internal-combustion connection began in 1906, when
Paris-based Georges Vuitton witnessed a fatality-strewn intercity road race, and
thereafter adapted the family’s line of purpose-made suitcases to the
automobile. Family Vuitton had long supplied nigh indestructible luggage to
nobility on the mandatory Grand Tour, and this reputation gained them entrée to
early-day auto coachbuilders—hence that distinctive LV logo in the trunks of
Bugatti, Delahaye, and Delage.
It was in 1990 that LV London invited a
select group of historic-automobile owners to compete in the first Louis Vuitton
Classic for a raft of coveted prizes. The prestigious event took on an even
greater aura with the announcement that it would “conclude after midnight.”
Motorcycles were added to the menu in 1995.
 Fastidiously rebuilt machines begrace Lord Rothchild’s Renaissance chateau. Photograph by Louis Vuitton Visuals Waddesdon Manor–Motors. (Click image to enlarge)
The Hurlingham Club in Chelsea—40
private acres beside the Thames—evolved as the traditional venue. Although an
ideal location for bright-young-things, space was limited for the running of
high-geared race machinery in the compulsory Evening Parade. But, thanks to the
odd spot of wheelspin and copious blipping, plus a whiff of burnt bean oil,
these less-than-sedate Parades ensured that Clicquot-quaffing black-tie guests
were much amused. The hosts were happy.
However, to duly honor Vuitton’s
150th anniversary in 2004, additional space was essential if full international
status was to be achieved. The Classic was thus moved to Waddesdon Manor, Lord
Rothschild’s 19th-century French-style chateau surrounded by several thousand
landscaped acres in leafy Buckinghamshire. Whilst LV’s sophisticated annual
gathering has latterly kickstarted the UK social season, there was still a
concern that London’s café society revelers might not venture an hour north of
Chelsea. It was an anxiety which proved unfounded. Encouraged, possibly, by
Lionel Ritchie’s widely heralded appearance in the evening cabaret, said
revelers decamped to the countryside en masse. And, for the first time, entrants
had sufficient room to display and parade.
 Who said cricket and bikes don’t mix? Photograph by Adam Duckworth. (Click image to enlarge)
Twenty-five stunning
motorcycles, chosen from more than 70 applicants, duly reposed opposite 60
equally pristine autos along the Manor’s front drive amidst the statues and
fountains. There was no fog, but sunshine was sporadic. The 85-vehicle field,
insured for a cool $75 million over the 24-hour period, was 40 percent British,
60 percent rest-of-the-world, assuring an international flavor.
Motorcycles
comprised three classes: Early Days (pre-1915); American Cousins (machines with
USA connections); and Worldwide Racers (competition models of any type). Three
bikes had sidecars attached, making them magnets for the sprinkling of
fashionista in circulation, all with photographers conveniently in tow. Such
peripherals are anathema to purists, but it didn’t apply here, for many 2004
entrants were also gnarled ex-racers. Comp men, of course, can absorb a soigné
atmosphere without blinking; the racers, needless to say, were unfazed by the
proximity of a few models. And, we hear, several “gnarlies” have since been
purchasing Vogue—checking to see if their pictures were indeed published.
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