Journal
Notes from the workshop
News, history and the stories behind the motorcars, bicycles and automobilia that pass through Hillsdown Farm.
24 August 2026
A Pebble Beach win
The 1927 Bentley 3 Litre boat-tail we restored took First in Class at the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
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From pedals to pistons
Why bicycles and early motorcars belong together, and why so many great marques began as bicycle makers.
The fabric-bodied Austin Seven
How the dry climate of southern Spain, and Franco’s austerity years, preserved a 1928 fabric-bodied Austin Seven.
The Bentley 3 Litre Speed boat-tail
Nearly four years of research, coachbuilding and conservation on a unique Martin Walter-bodied 1927 Bentley.
Paris to Madrid, 1903: the race of death
The story of the Renault brothers and the 1903 Paris-Madrid road race, stopped at Bordeaux after a day of tragedy.