1957 Bentley S1 Hooper Saloon wins inaugural Bristol, RI Concours

Is there room in the June calendar for one more car event in New England? The organizers of the well-established British Invasion in Stowe, Vermont, believe that there is. Their new event, the British Motorcar Festival, was held June 12-14 in Bristol, Rhode Island, with the Concours d’Elegance taking place on Saturday, June 13, in Colt State Park. The Best of Concours award went to a 1957 Bentley S1 Hooper-bodied saloon owned by James Dutton of St. Augustine, Florida. One of just nine built to this design, the Bentley was the subject of an 8 1/2-year restoration.

As with the British Invasion, there were two components to the show: the judged concours field, and the people’s-choice Bristol British Classic. Chosen Best of Show by popular ballot was this 1956 Jaguar XK140 DHC owned by Stanley and Myra Piasczyk of Warren, Maine.

These two concours entries, David Silberkleit’s 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite, left, and George Baxter’s 1960 Austin-Healey 3000, have both graced the cover of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car.

The concours judges speak with Malcolm Appleton, in tie, about his 1932 MG F1 Magna.

Tom Larsen’s 1960 Aston Martin DB4 obligingly had its hood open, so we could get a long look at its marvelous DOHC straight-six.

Ed and Paula Collins evidently enjoy displaying their 1957 MG Magnette ZB, judging by the whimsical teddy bear tea party and vintage advertisements spread out on the lawn.

John D. Winslett and Sheri St. Germain took first place in the motorcycle class with their 1967 BSA Spitfire Mk III Special.

A nearly matched pair of MGAs were David Wilmarth’s 1957 roadster and Angus and Amy Ross’s 1958 1500 coupe. “Please excuse my appearance,” read a sign in the coupe’s windshield, “being restored while driven. Trouble is, driving is just too much fun!”

Land Rovers were well represented. This lineup includes Chris Quinn’s 1965 88, Mike Capozza’s 1963 Series IIA, Rodney Brooks’ Series III and Tom Marantz’s 1971 88.

The 25th British Invasion returns to Stowe, Vermont, from September 18-20. Featured marques are Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Austin-Healey. See you there!