Classic Driver's Steve Wakefield, in his report on the Goodwood Festival of Speed, refers to rock star Brian Ferry's wish to be driven home in one of the five Bugatti Royales that appeared in the Cartier Style et Luxe. Wow! Did that ever take me back to my years as an advertising ex-pat! In the early 70's I'd invested my few available pounds in the lease of a church hall in Putney, a London inner-suburb where my wife and I hoped to open a restaurant specialising in pork ribs, American-style. Our co-leaseholders were car photographer's reps who'd planned on using the primary space as studios.

One evening a University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne educated musician approached me with the suggestion that there was a demand for rehearsal space in London and our Putney church hall might offer an ideal solution. His little-known group was called Roxy Music and would eventually become rich and famous. Two things happened as a result of Ferry's suggestion. First, I abandoned the restaurant concept and began sound-proofing my section of the building for use as a rehearsal hall. Second, I took a musician's agent friend to a Roxy Music concert, for the group was seeking representation. My friend failed to recognise Roxy Music's potential and with his denial went my share of an agent's percentage. The rehearsal studio attracted some of London's biggest names (Brian Ferry was right) but my photographer associates hated the music and eventually drove me out. I had to sue to get my investment returned. Ah, well, nice to know Brian Ferry appreciates fine automobiles, much as I now appreciate his music.

[photo credit: Bob Masters]