During 2016, famed Aston Martin specialists Ecurie Bertelli celebrated 40 years in business. From 1976, when Morntane founders Nick Mason, Derrick Edwards and Judy Hogg saw the need to preserve history, as well as enjoy their passion and create a legacy, pre-war Aston Martins were in safe hands. Joined in 1977 by Andy Bell who has become the “go-to” person for knowledge on all things pre-war Aston and, indeed, much more. Morntane emerged as Ecurie Bertelli and now Andy Bell, the Technical Director, and the team of highly skilled craftsmen on the team have more than a 100 years of experience working with these historic beauties, and almost every marque will have been through their hands at one point or another.
Ecurie’s 40th birthday was greeted with excitement by the 170 guests who gathered in Olney to see significant Aston history assembled together in one place, possibly for the first time ever in this format. Special Astons included Buzzbox, Razorblade, Monoposto, A3, CMC 614, the LM team cars, the world’s first and the world’s last Aston-Martin Ulster, in addition to many other examples of pre-war Aston Martins. Ecurie Bertelli simply opened its home to guests, welcomed them in, fed and watered them and made all who attended feel excited about the future, while honoring the past.
Guests from across Europe attended and it was quite simply a spectacle for all motoring enthusiasts to behold. All this prior to a rally through the Buckinghamshire countryside to The Claydon Estate where guests were given an exclusive tour behind the scenes of the estate by the Verney family, owners since 1620, followed by a sumptuous dinner in their newly refurbished restaurant. A day of firsts, a day of excitement, enjoyment, good conversation and friendship was the feedback Ecurie Bertelli received, which allows the company to look forward to the next 40 years.
Robert Blakemore, the Managing Director, commented, “We have an incredible platform of 40 years on which to build. We want to ensure that these vehicles are maintained, used, raced and treasured for many decades to come. With only some 450 left in the world, it is our mission to engage with all owners in order to create this legacy.” In 2017, Ecurie Bertelli will officially launch its “Arrive and Drive” experience. Tutored by Ecurie Bertelli’s very own team of experts, clients who aspire to own one of these amazing vehicles, or who simply love the sound of the purring engines, will be able to get behind the wheel at some of Europe’s best-attended historic events.
