Dear Friends of The Motor Chain (TMC),
Continental Europe’s classic car season is about to finish, winter is coming, and most of us are experiencing the autumn blues while preparing our cars for their winter sleep. My best remedy against this feeling? Planning big things for 2025.
In September, we concluded our events participation by presenting our Best Documented Car Award at the Luzerne Concours d’Excellence International. The days were challenging due to the awful weather; however, the effort of participants and jury was worthwhile. From pre-war to hypercars, we had a huge range of cars to judge, among which we were privileged to have the 2024 Pebble Beach Best in Show in the contest, the 1934 Bugatti Type 59. It was not an easy decision to make, but our methodology proved once again to be strong, avoiding any subjectiveness when finding the worthy winner. Please refer to the Events Section to find the winner out!
Now, let’s discuss our plans for 2025. Some months ago, I was approached by the team of a new exclusive car event in Madrid. A couple of weeks ago, I visited the location and facilities, and I was very impressed by the quality of the venue and the tone of the event.
I am very happy to announce that we will bring the Best Documented Award to “The Mill Motor Gallery” on May 20th – 21st 2025. It will be a very special occasion for us as this is the first time we are bringing our special award out of Switzerland.
Additionally, we are organizing a top tour starting in north Spain, crossing La Rioja and finishing at The Mill. The tour will include stays at top boutique hotels, featuring the best regional roads in Europe, stopping at local cuisine spots and wineries. Please visit the Events Section to learn more about The Mill and how to participate in the event and tour.
I would like to close this intro with a call to subscribe to our social media channels. Starting this month, we will be publishing small videos covering classic car terminology like “Original vs Authentic,” “Preservation vs Restoration,” “How to approach car’s valuation,” etc. Depending on the topic I will have different guests, classic car restorers, collectors, historians, enthusiast. It will be fun and very enriching.
Follow us, join the conversation and drop a line with the topic you would like to discuss about.
See you all soon on the road!
Kindest Regards,
Julio and the TMC team
Events
Luzerne Concours d’ Excellence International 2024
We love this event because it goes beyond the traditional static exposition of cars. Instead, during the two days, participants can enjoy Lucerne city and its surroundings. The very first edition of this event dates back to 1928, when, in addition to racing events and the International Geneva Motor Show, there were also so-called “automobile beauty contests” in Switzerland.
Meet the 2024 Luzerne Concours d’ Excellence International
“Best Documented Car in Show”
Delivered in March 1938, this SS100 was actively raced by its first owner until WWII interrupted. After resuming the road in 1946, it made its way to the USA in 1957, where it remained untouched until Terry Larson’s find. The car’s complete ownership and history are backed by traceable documents from the period, a rare feat for a pre-war vehicle.
As the last unrestored SS100 in existence, this classic beauty will maintain its original condition. With all mechanics in perfect working order, it stands as an excellent driver.
The owner, just one year older than the car itself, drove both from Zurich to Luzern and back to attend the Concours. A true testament to passion and dedication in preserving automotive history!
We had a super nice surprise when the Best in Show was announced, it ended to be this awesome 1966 Ferrari 330 Series II which is registered and fully documented in The Motor Chain since 2021. That really was a very sweet closing of the event season, don’t you think?
The Mill Motor Gallery. 2025 May 20th-21st.
We are thrilled to announce our participation in an exciting new event taking place next spring, just 45 minutes from downtown Madrid. The venue, Aldea Santillana, boasts a rich history dating back to 1445 when King Juan II granted it to Iñigo López de Mendoza, a renowned Spanish poet and prominent Castilian nobleman, in recognition of his loyalty. Aldea Santillana comprises three historical buildings: the 15th-century Mirabel Castle, the 17th-century Mendoza Chaplaincy, and the 18th-century Santillana Palace. After a period of neglect, these villas have been meticulously restored, masterfully blending history with modernity. The estate is surrounded by expansive woodlands, serene ponds, natural trails, and spacious gardens.
The Mill is an exclusive, private event showcasing 50 super GTs, supercars, and hypercars spanning from the 1950s to the present day. Participants will arrive on the evening of May 20th, joining a gala dinner in the castle before spending the night in their choice of luxurious accommodations.
On May 21st, the cars will be displayed throughout the gardens and patios. Limited to just 600 attendees, including participants and guests, the event offers an all-inclusive day featuring the finest Spanish cuisine and various activities. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony, revealing the “Best in Show,” “The Golden Mill”, “Best Documented”, and “People’s Choice” winners.
Additionally, we are organizing a tour starting from either Bilbao or Santander. Participants from the UK and Switzerland will embark on a four-day journey, driving along the best roads in Western Europe while enjoying a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, and wineries. The package will include transportation from and back the country of origin and participation in The Mill event. More details will be provided in our next newsletter.
In the meanwhile please save the dates and drop us a line to TheMill@themotorchain.com to join the selection of participants.
2024-25 Calendar Update. Meet Us!
November 16th or 17th. “The Last Dance” casual meet up driving to close the season in CH. Zurich.
May 20th-21st. The Mill Motor Gallery. Madrid
August 13th (TBC). Zurich Classic Car Award.
September. Luzerne Concours d’ Excellence.
