Navigating the inner-city streets of England’s capital generally is a daunting job, particularly when you’re behind the wheel. However in West London, automobile lovers have a haven on the Duke of London.
Throughout my current go to to the UK for the 2024 Goodwood Pageant of Pace, I used to be excited to take a look at this famend London automobile spot.
Situated in Brentford, close to the historic Brentford Docks, the Duke of London is a novel basic and collectable automobile hub. Established by Merlin McCormack in 2014, it has grown in measurement and recognition, lately relocating to a brand new facility. Whereas some areas are nonetheless underneath development, the showroom and epic rooftop are already open.
My go to coincided with a particular occasion showcasing Oilstainlab’s ‘Half11,’ which had competed on the Pageant of Pace the earlier week. Speedhunters took its first take a look at this creation whereas it was nonetheless underneath development in 2021. It’s now full, and I’ve shot a full function – look out for that quickly!
Arriving round 7:00pm, I used to be instantly drawn to a Lamborghini Countach, basking in the summertime night solar. I’d be again up right here quickly sufficient, however first I needed to take a look at the indoor shows beginning a number of ranges down.
On Stage 6, you’ll discover a mixture of vehicles, each on the market and being saved. These automobiles won’t be the Duke of London’s crown jewels however they’re nonetheless spectacular.
One flooring up, on Stage 7, the house is enclosed and homes some distinctive vehicles, together with the in-house café. Right here, I noticed a Bullitt Mustang, a Morgan, a pair of old-school Vary Rovers, and a number of other basic BMWs.
The choice additionally included a wide range of bikes and a unusual Barbie-themed three-wheeler. When did you final see a kind of?
My favorite automobile on this flooring? That may be the groovy (sure, that’s the solely phrase to explain it) Meyers Manx.
Shifting as much as Stage 7.5, you’ll discover vehicles encased in climate-controlled plastic bubbles to make sure their safety from the weather. The Duke of London has plans to finally maintain all its saved vehicles like this.
After exploring the decrease ranges, I made my method to the rooftop. By now, it was crammed with attendees, lots of who had arrived in their very own vehicles. Unsurprisingly, the house was teeming with Porsches, from classic 911s to trendy variants, together with less-celebrated however equally-cool-in-my-mind fashions just like the 944.
If I might’ve chosen one automobile to take dwelling although, it might be this beautiful 964 Carrera 2 with simply the correct quantity of modification.
Whereas all this was occurring, the workforce at Tico’s had been onsite cooking up some scrumptious sizzling canines for everybody. It could have been impolite to not indulge.
One of the best half about this occasion was the outstanding number of vehicles, significantly the basic gems like this mint Volvo P1800S, an E38 BMW, and an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The adage ‘they don’t make them like they used to’ nonetheless rings true.
Assembly fellow lovers is among the joys of automobile tradition. Few hobbies carry collectively such a various group of individuals, and the environment at this occasion was good for that.
Spending my final night time in England surrounded by beautiful machines was the best farewell earlier than heading dwelling to South Africa.
If you happen to’re a Londoner or simply visiting the town and on the lookout for a cool place to hang around, you would possibly wish to put the Duke of London in your to-do checklist.
Stefan Kotzé
Instagram: stefankotzemedia
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www.stefankotzemedia.com
