Foversta's report on the 2016 Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille event captures the enduring appeal of this prestigious gathering. His detailed account, despite challenging weather, showcases the blend of classic cars, luxury lifestyle, and Richard Mille's strategic involvement, offering readers a vibrant perspective on a major automotive and horological spectacle.
The 2016 edition of the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille event has just closed its doors and once again, it was successful. Actually, it is a kind of tradition in our schedule in the back to school period: this event is a very elegant way to close the summer period and I can't imagine to miss it. It is the proof that in three years, thanks to the perfect organization, the beautiful scenery and the impressive gathering of classic cars, the Chantilly Concours d'Elegance has become a major event for any classic cars lover.
In this context, the involvement of the Richard Mille brand from the very beginning is very clever. Richard Mille is much more than a partner. It contributed to its creation along with Patrick Peter and I do believe that I can't regret this decision! Richard Mille has a special flair which allows him to detect the successful projects and once again, he didn't miss an opportunity.
Sadly, this year, there was an important part which was missing when I compared this edition to the two previous ones: the sun was hidden behind some very threatening dark clouds and I couldn't escape from a quite hard shower in the morning! Fortunately, the weather improved during the afternoon.
As you know, the event is not only a classic Concours d'Elegance. A lot of animations are organized within the perimeter of the Chateau de Chantilly and beyond the cars which participate to the Concours, the visitors have the ability to see the gatherings of the Clubs without forgetting the latest prototypes & concept cars from several main brands.
I propose you to accompany me in my wandering in the gardens of the Chateau and to discover the latest Richard Mille piece which was unveiled in the context of the event.
One of the most beautiful radiator mascots!
This BMW Concept Coupé Mille Miglia perfectly matches the outfit by Balmain of the lovely lady... or is it the opposite?
The Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge:
A large part of the exhibition in the gardens was dedicated to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of BMW:
A BMW 328 Coupé Touring:
German beauties:
This BMW Turbo 1972 features a very luminescent paintwork!
The spectacular scenery of the event:
A Renault NM 40CV Découvrable (1927):
A Citroën DS 19 Chapron Majesty (1965):
I always have a soft love for these Facel Vega. Here is a HK II (1964):
Even the drops of water couldn't spoil the pleasure to closely observe these Post War cars:
A Bentley Type R Continental Coupé Franay (1955):
A beautiful Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport Coupé Saoutchik (1950):
The Hispano-Suiza stork:
An Osca 1600 GTZ (1965) by Zagato:
These Lancia and Aston-Martin were also designed by Zagato. A focus on the famous italian coachbuilder was organized during the event.
Maybe my fav car of the day, the Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (1955):
Another period, another style:
Back to the roots with the steam cars!
This Panhard & Levassor X19 Skiff Torpedo (1912) features a very unusual body:
One of the stars of the show was obviously the Concept-Car Vision Mercedes - Maybach 6:
It may look like a shark but I don't know why, I find in it some vintage details:
With this view, the Concept-Car makes me think about some daring bodies of the 30s:
German beauties (again):
The most stylish mirrors ever!
But time was coming to discover some different machines, the Richard Mille watches.
It is a kind of coincidence. The week Felipe Massa announces his future retirement, Richard Mille offers a makeover of his iconic RM 11 after 10 years of presence in the collection.
I will come back on this watch with a full review and with more pics but I can already tell you that I was very positively impressed by this chronograph despite its large case thickness.
The way the movement is designed is totally consistent with the front side:
The frequency is 4hz and the power reserve is around 55 hours. The skeletonized approach makes it very nice to observe and reinforces the motorsports context of the timepiece.
With the official pictures, I was not convinced by the oversized crown. But I found it well integrated into the overall design and it brings character to the watch.
The 50x44,5mm dimensions are of course large but I never felt that the RM11-03 was bulky. It is due to the comfort on the wrist, the efficient folding clasp and of course the case design which "removes" the lugs.
A very happy guest could do this double wristshot!
I took the opportunity to handle this RM033 which remains my fav round Richard Mille. Don't need to be complicated... I love its slender style which makes it very elegant.
A lady was wearing a set version of the RM67
A lovely couple!
With all these efforts, it was important for me to enjoy the picnic! Fortunately, the rain stopped at the right moment!
A lot of collectors from several continents came with their cars at the event. This worldtimer watch reminds us the international impact of this Concours d'Elegance.
The RM63-02 on the wrist:
I will also prepare a review of this watch which is one of the key novelties from Richard Mille:
The latest (and biggest) surprise was my encounter with John Malkovich. I knew that he was one of the Richard Mille guests but I couldn't imagine to meet him so easily in the gardens of the Chateau. This picture at the end is like a symbol: the happiness of the visitors and the stars of the show!
I would like to thank the Peter Auto team for the perfect organization, the Richard Mille team for the warm welcome at the lounge area.
Stay tuned for the review of the RM11-03!
Fx
This message has been edited by foversta on 2016-09-06 14:27:11 
