Simply French 2012 Round Up - Bealulieu

Last weekend, Beaulieu could have been mistaken for one of its French counterparts, as around 200 French vehicles rolled up into the Beaulieu parkland to create a beautiful display in the grounds of the National Motor Museum for its inaugural Simply French event.

Whilst much of the weekend was cold and wet, Sunday turned out to be fine and dry. All manner of French marques and models could be seen at the event, both classic and modern.

The Brabazon Restaurant joined in with the theme of the event, serving up the very best of French cuisine, including French onion soup and croissants.

Event participants could also enjoy all the features of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum and its exciting one-year-only exhibition BOND IN MOTION with 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

Throughout the day, Beaulieu’s visitors voted for their favourite French vehicles in the People’s Choice Awards. The top 15 vehicles took part in a cavalcade around the attraction, giving visitors ample opportunity to admire the best and brightest French motors.

People's Choice Award Winner Facel Vega

The winner of the People’s Choice Award was a Facel Vega owned by Bob Robinson from London, who has been in possession of the vehicle for 15 years. Bob was presented with a special edition Beaulieu Trophy, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Beaulieu attraction, by The Hon. Ralph Montagu. The runner-up was Mr Kemp from Alton with his blue Panhard, who also received a trophy from Mr Montagu. 

People’s Choice Award Runner-Up Panhard

Simply French is part of a growing calendar of Simply rallies which has expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering many makes and models. All Simply rallies are run and organised by Beaulieu and take place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. The latest additions to the Simply rallies for 2012 are Simply Japanese on 5th August, Simply 4x4 on 12th August and for this year only, a one-off Simply Bond rally on 29th July. For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk.
This event was sponsored by specialist motor insurance broker Adrian Flux.

The provisional date for next year’s Simply French rally is Sunday 7th July 2013. Further information will be available from www.beaulieuevents.co.uk nearer the time.