Classic cars converge in central France

The first of a number of vintage and classic car events was held at Chateau D’Arnac, near Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, central France, last week (Friday 22nd May). Some fifteen outstanding examples of the E-type Jaguar were on display. These ranged from a superb example of a Series 1 car, powered by the famous XK engine, through to Series 2 and Series 3 versions of the famed sports car.

The star of the event was the red E-type 848 CRY owned by Philip Porter, the Jaguar E-type Club (e-typeclub.com ) founder, motoring historian and author of ‘The Most Famous Car in the World’ and ‘ The Jaguar E-type: The Definitive History’. This car was used in the original 1969 version of the Italian Job, the cult movie starring Michael Caine as East End villain Charlie Croker: theitalianjob.com/index.htm

The chateau provided a beautiful backdrop to these magnificent classic cars on display and was an ideal destination for the rally, more of which are planned for summer and autumn 2009. There is also a large area of parkland for parking at rallies which is ideal for picnics and presentations.

The owner of Chateau D’Arnac, Lady Sarah Tetley Hall, comments: “As a car enthusiast myself, it was a real pleasure to see these beautiful cars in front of the chateau. The rally was a great success; the weather was wonderful and so we were able to have the luncheon in the park in front of the Chateau, sitting under the apple trees and parasols”.

Classic and vintage car owners clubs and associations are invited to contact Chateau D’Arnac about rallies to the chateau. Accommodation can be arranged or is available at the Gatehouse or at Les Noyers in the nearby village of Curemonte.

For more information, visit chateauarnac.co.uk.