2008   The Auto TourThe CarsThe Gallery

Sat around the fire of the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu back in January 2008, Justin, Mark, Tony and Toby were talking about the year ahead. It quickly became apparent that the year was going to be extremely busy with the launch of Amnesia and a healthy portfolio of projects, all requiring constant attention and involvement. To be in this position was a huge privilege which was due to a number people who had trusted RWD to help with their projects, from owners to yard principles, from associates to friends. It was time to give something back to say thank you and to go beyond what was expected. 

The idea of “enjoying the journey” was something that was often discussed in terms of the design process. With the constant hustle and bustle of airports, taxis and hire cars there was a thought that the majesty of travel was ironically lost in the creation of what must be the ultimate in journeying, a custom super yacht.

The idea eventually hatched that the excitement, adventure and pioneering spirit should be reignited and the RWD AUTO TOUR was born. That September the inaugural tour was waved off by Lord Montagu from Beaulieu Palace House. 

August had seen an amusing frenzy of action as Toby and Anna’s Sunbeam underwent a thorough overhaul converting her to run on unleaded fuel, replacing everything that might possibly go wrong and investing in a new set of tyres. Justin’s 1972 Porsche was transported off to Oxfordshire for a quick check over, returning several weeks later with a sparkling, completely rebuilt engine to a bewildered and now penniless owner. Meanwhile Mark was quietly smug that the extent of his pre tour prep was to change the oil in his Ferrari Dino. Tony was faced with an agonizing dilemma of exactly which soundtrack he would choose to glide down to Monaco in his new Porsche 911, tough times. Also joining us was the son of a very special client, he was raising the bar and bringing his splendid brand new Ferrari 430. 

The 2008 tour took a westerly route through France which we attempted to do in two days. Taking the fast ferry from Poole to Caen, it immediately became obvious that despite the convenience, the ferry was not really hitting the right buttons in terms of quality and enjoyment. Dropping in at the legendary 24hr Le Mans Circuit, all the cars seemed to be doing well. Howard our roving mechanic did a quick check over the cars and declared them all well and ready for the next leg. Arriving late at what must be the Hardest-to-find-Chateaux in France for our first night stop, the drivers and co-pilots dined handsomely on a beautifully prepared, cooked and presented feast, washed down with magnums of fine Bordeaux. 

Leaving early the following morning in thick fog, the fabled “beauty of France” was a mystery, when suddenly as we descended our first major climb, out of the clouds Lyon and Provence beyond lay before us in a breathtaking vista.

Cutting across from Orange, the tour called into Crillon le Brave, which immediately sold its self as the definite must stay destination for the next tour. Its beautiful setting, relaxed ambiance and attention to detail were absolutely right.  After an extended lunch looking across Provence and Mont Ventoux the tour pushed on to Monaco. Any low points were immediately overwhelmed by the sheer excitement of passing signs for Cannes, Antibes, Nice and the roar of the fantastic cars, as they dropped a gear zooming through the long tunnels. Re-grouping at the Monaco exit of the motorway, the end was almost insight with an enormously fun drive down into Monte Carlo to go. With smoke pouring from the Sunbeams brakes the tour rolled into Casino Square at 22.00 - the first tour completed. All cars had done incredibly well, the Dino had been perfect, the Porsches’ engine sounded great, the Alpine had gone top down the entire route and hadn’t missed a beat. The 430 and new 911 felt perfectly at home, doing what they do best in their natural habitat.

There was definitely room for improvement and many chances to expand, however the idea worked and the RWD AUTO TOUR was a real living journey waiting to be taken again.