Posts made in April 2023

Ticketmaster Controversy

Ticketmaster Crowned the Royal Pain of Coronation: The Controversial Reign of a Ticketing Empire

In the run-up to the much-anticipated British Coronation, Ticketmaster, the global ticketing behemoth, finds itself under fire from the British public. For some, Ticketmaster is a household name and the go-to platform for purchasing event tickets. For others, it is a controversial brand with a love-hate relationship. So, who is Ticketmaster, and what do they do? More importantly, why have they become such a polarizing figure in the entertainment industry?

Ticketmaster was founded in 1976 by Albert Leffler, Peter Gadwa, Gordon Gunn III, and Charles H Hamby Jr. and has since grown to become one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies worldwide. The company provides a platform for event organizers to sell tickets to live events, such as concerts, sporting events, and theatrical productions.

Ticketmaster has been a subject of controversy for various reasons, including:

High service fees: Ticketmaster is infamous for charging customers additional fees on top of the face value of the tickets, sometimes adding up to 30% or more. This practice has left many customers frustrated and looking for alternative ticketing platforms.

Monopolistic practices: Ticketmaster has been accused of monopolizing the ticketing industry, as it controls a significant portion of the market. Critics argue that this has led to a lack of competition, resulting in higher prices and limited consumer choice.

Legal disputes: Ticketmaster has faced numerous legal battles, including lawsuits over their pricing practices and antitrust concerns.

Bots and scalpers: Ticketmaster’s platform has been criticized for its vulnerability to bots and scalpers, who buy large quantities of tickets and resell them at inflated prices. This issue leaves genuine fans struggling to obtain tickets at face value.

Despite the controversies, Ticketmaster remains a go-to choice for many due to its wide range of event offerings and user-friendly platform. However, recent public outcry surrounding the British Coronation ticket sales has rekindled the debate about the company’s practices.

James Collins, CEO of CheapoTicketing, weighed in on the situation, stating, “The public’s frustration with Ticketmaster is understandable, especially during high-profile events like the Coronation. The industry needs to prioritize consumer needs and offer a more transparent, accessible, and fair ticketing experience.”

As the British Coronation approaches, the spotlight on Ticketmaster’s controversial practices intensifies. The question remains whether the company will take steps to address these concerns or continue to rule its ticketing empire amidst ongoing criticism.

About CheapoTicketing:

CheapoTicketing is a premier ticket provider for sports, concerts, and theater events across the United States. With a focus on affordability and customer satisfaction, CheapoTicketing aims to create unforgettable experiences for fans everywhere. For more information, visit HERE.

A Night to Remember w/ Esther Choi

A TOAST FROM ESTHER

Esther Choi brings “Eat streets of South Korea to New York City!”

On May 8, Esther Choi will celebrate her heritage with her latest creation, 163 Seoul St, sponsored by JINRO. Immerse yourself in Korean cuisine, culture, and nightlife at 163 Seoul St @MsYoo.

Esther Choi is an influential chef driven by her Korean roots and is chef/owner of mŏkbar and mŏkbar Brooklyn, as well as chef/partner of Ms. Yoo. Inspired by the age-old technique of her Korean grandmother’s cooking, Chef Esther believes that food is the ultimate expression of a country’s culture. Esther has appeared in numerous Food Network shows such as co-hosting “Beat Bobby Flay” a judge on “Chopped” as well as the show “Money Hungry” and “Throwdown with Michael Symon.” Host on “Chopped 420,” and guest judge on “Battle of the Brothers”. She guest-starred in HBO’s “Selena + Chef” alongside Selena Gomez. Finally, Esther is a challenger chef and finalist in the Netflix hit show “Iron Chef: Quest for the Iron Legend.”

163 Seoul Street immersive activation is an Esther Choi presentation. Ms. Jean Pyo is the creative director and brand designer for the event and says “from all the graphics: logos, color palette, typography to the menus, posters to signages! It was so incredible to see all these ideas and sketches come to life to have everyone enjoy our Korean culture. Because experience has to do with the right visuals, smells, taste, sounds.. everything came together so well!! It was a beautiful night of drinking and eating on the streets of the lower east side celebrating our culture.”

About AAPI Heritage Month

Here are 5 facts you need know about this celebratory month.

May was chosen specifically to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander contributions.
In 2009, former President Obama changed the official name.
Asian Pacific American women served in World War II.
The first large-scale immigration was in 1848.
2017 marked the first year that 3 Asian American women sit on the Senate.

Resource: NYXT

*This event is closed to the general public.

Beverage Director, Haera Shin shares “It was an honor to create cocktails for Esther Choi’s incredible event celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, using all the varieties of Jinro Soju. My goal was to highlight the flavors in all of their different expressions as well as to pull from my Korean heritage. There was no shortage of inspiration because I have always loved Jinro!”

Chef Esther Choi threw an amazing reception for AAPI Heritage Month and Iron Chef announcement at Ms Yoo on the Lower East Side of Manhattan via 360 MAGAZINE. JINRO shots on deck all night in honor of K-Pop.

MIKE BAHÍA – CONTIGO

MIKE BAHÍA
RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM
“CONTIGO”

The album completes the “Navegando Contento Contigo” discographic trilogy that Bahía began in 2019 with “Navegando,” and features the previously released singles “La Falta,” “El Egoísmo,” “De Qué Manera,” and “Mi Pecadito” feat. Greeicy, as well as the Colombian superstar’s latest single “Corazón.”

Stream “Contigo” now on digital platforms.

Following the outstanding success of Amantes Tour: Kai, the incredible U.S. tour he realized with Greeicy, as well as the release of multiple popular singles, today Latin Grammy winner Mike Bahía, one of the most prominent artists in the urban pop scene, returns with his highly anticipated new album “Contigo.” The album is the third and final installment in the discographic trilogy that he initiated in 2019 with the release of “Navegando.”

Featuring the crisp production and co-writing of two-time Grammy nominee and four-time Latin Grammy nominee Keityn, the man who recently brought Karol G and Shakira to the top of the global music charts, as well as the contributions of the team at La Creme, “Contigo” sees Bahía channeling the power of human connection, sharing relatable stories of romance, pain, and heartache that will leave fans yearning for more from their favorite music star.

While “Contigo” without a doubt captures the brilliant positive energy and infectious spirit for which the acclaimed artist has become recognized by both listeners and press around the world, overflowing with intoxicating tropical vibes that echo the refreshing breeze of the Caribbean sea, Bahía also explores the darker side of life and love on this rich 12-track project, demonstrating striking vulnerability especially on his latest single “Corazón.”

“Contigo” also includes the previously released singles “La Falta,” the powerful, statement-making release with regional Mexican star Carin León; the undeniably irresistible “El Egoísmo” featuring Keityn and rising Colombian singer and songwriter Dekko; “De Qué Manera,” the salsa song with which Bahía pays tribute to his hometown of Cali, Colombia; and of course, “Mi Pecadito” featuring Greeicy, the song with which he experiments with the sensual sounds of bachata, fusing the genre with the vibrant tropical rhythms that have come to define his work over the years.

Bahía shares, “‘CONTIGO’ is actually just what it says. I made this album WITH YOU, with who is listening to me…Everything that exists, what I’ve done throughout my career, I’ve done with wonderful people; I haven’t done it alone. From the composition, the song creation, the mixing, the musicians, the promotion, the fans…It’s an energy that’s being transmitted. This isn’t done alone. I have to represent and carry the inertia of the wave, but in the end, this is something that spreads to a team of many people who give me energy, who give it energy, and who give life to this project. That’s why I love it.”

“Contigo” completes the extraordinary discographic trilogy that Bahía began with the release of his first song in 2014 and his first album “Navegando” in 2019, and that he then continued with the release of “Contento” in 2021. Together, the titles of these three albums form the phrase “Navegando Contento Contigo,” a name and concept that serve as a reflection of—and dedication to—the incredible journey that is his musical career and the people who have supported him thus far, including his team, his fans, and his family.

One of the hottest Colombian stars in Latin music today, Mike Bahía’s unique style and charming persona have won him a massive base of dedicated fans that spans the globe. With more than 7 million subscribers on social media, and more than 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, he is becoming a global icon, spreading joy and good vibes through his music. To date, his captivating music videos have collectively attained more than 1 billion views on YouTube, an impressive number that will only continue to rise higher as time goes on.

TRACK LIST

1. De que manera
2. Mi Pecadito
3. Si Dios Fuera Poeta
4. Enfocado
5. La Mia
6. El Egoismo
7. Corazón
8. El que ama sufre
9. ¿Qué Será?
10. La Falta
11. Amor Sincero
12. Nostalgia

WATCH “CORAZÓN” HERE

Lola Brooke – Just Relax

Breakout artist Lola Brooke returns with the unveil of her new single “Just Relax” today via Arista Records/Team Eighty Productions. The preeminent new single from the Brooklyn-born rapper is a dynamic flip of one of Hip Hop’s most revered classic tracks, “The Choice Is Yours” by Black Sheep, and is met with an accompanying music video directed by Shanghaii, out now HERE.

With her latest “Just Relax,” 2023’s artist to watch, Lola Brooke delivers on her natural, undeniable ability to bridge generations jointly in song. With her distinct sound and razor-sharp cadence, Brooke brings a burst of dominance to today’s culture of Hip Hop. “Just Relax” magnifies this notion to a magnitude as she breathes an up-to-minute life into a culture-shifting Hip-Hop classic by Andres “Dres” Vargas Titus and William “Mista Lawnge” McLean, who make up the collective Black Sheep. Dres makes a memorable cameo in the video to “Just Relax,” which blesses the new track in all respects. Known also for her story-telling visuals, Lola leaves no stone unturned as she pays homage to the golden age of Hip Hop with styling contemplative of bamboo earrings remixed into a ready-to-wear piece made for the runway, a timeless denim-on-denim ensemble and classic tracksuit that shows the lasting impact of the culture of Hip Hop. As Hip Hop enters its 50th anniversary, “Just Relax” serves as the quintessential soundtrack for the now in celebration of the world phenomenon genre.

At a high with her first official single for the year, Lola has remained at the top with her single “Don’t Play With It,” which topped the Urban radio charts for two weeks straight at number one via MediaBase. The track debuted on the Billboard Top 100 charts earlier this month and has amassed 100M+ worldwide streams to date. Lola was recently announced as one of the official performers at Hot 97’s Summer Jam this year, which is set to take place on June 4 and UBS Arena for its first year back in New York. The performance will kick off Lola’s next set of festival performances in the U.S. and European markets, including Broccoli Festival in Washington DC, WOO HAH! X ROLLING LOUD Festival in Rotterdam, Rolling Loud Portugal, Rolling Loud Germany, Rolling Loud Miami, Splash Festival in Germany, Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park, London, Openair Festival in Frauenfeld Switzerland, and much more soon-to-be-announced.

FOLLOW LOLA BROOKE

INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TWITTER | TIK TOK

COI LERAY – My Body

Multi-platinum recording artist Coi Leray, has released her new single “My Body” via Uptown Records/Republic Records. Listen to “My Body” HERE, which is available on all major streaming platforms.

“My Body” is a liberating, sex-positive anthem that has Coi unapologetically declare that she and women everywhere can do whatever (and whoever) they want without reservation. Sampling the iconic 1963 classic “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore, Coi throws her own twist to the song while celebrating female empowerment and sexuality, further driving her point that girls can be players too.

“My Body” follows the release of yesterday’s fittingly titled single, “Bops,” which proudly proves her accomplishment as a chart-topping artist and who can crank up a smash hit after hit “Bops” also succeeds an impressive roster of tracks in addition to her most recent collaborations with David Guetta on “Baby Don’t Hurt Me” and Raye’s “Flip A Switch” earlier this month.

The year 2023 is already in full force for Coi due to her chart-topping success of “Players”, bountiful new music releases, as well as major festivals performances such as Rolling Loud California, Summer Jam, Something In The Water and more.

ABOUT COI LERAY:

Coi Leray consistently asserts herself as an elite rapper, dynamite vocalist, massive personality, and boundary-breaking superstar without comparison or rival. Born in Boston, raised in New Jersey, and based in Los Angeles, the multiplatinum force of nature has captivated without compromise. Projecting her attitude just as loudly as her voice, she has served up a string of anthems from her debut album TRENDSETTER, including the double-platinum “No More Parties,” gold-certified “Big Purr (Prrrd)” [feat. Pooh Shiesty], the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit “Blick Blick” [with Nicki Minaj], and the viral “TWINNEM.” Coi has also earned her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 with her highest charting single to date “Players” landing at #9. It’s taking over social media with popular remixes such as ”Players (David Guetta Remix),” “Players (DJ Smallz 732 Jersey Club Remix),” “Players (DJ Saige Remix),” and “Players (DJ Saige Remix)” feat. Busta Rhymes. Together, they set TikTok on fire with a staggering 10 billion views and nearly 3 million video creates as the success simultaneously translated to streaming platforms. It’s also dominating the radio with three consecutive weeks at #1 on Rhythmic Radio, #1 on Urban Radio, #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs Chart, and #6 on Billboard’s Radio Chart. Between generating billions of streams and views, she has infiltrated every corner of culture, appearing on XXL’s coveted Freshman Classcover, performing on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, starring as the face of the SKIMS “Cozy Collection” by Kim Kardashian West, and guesting on Slime Language 2, which bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200. Coi Leray’s reach continues to expand thanks to collaborations with everyone from Calvin Harris to K Pop’s TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Beyond a slew of magazine covers and nominations at the American Music Awards, BET Awards, and iHeartRadioMusic Awards, to name a few, she has incited critical acclaim from New York Times and Billboard to E! Online and more. As a powerhouse performer in her own right, she has shined at Rolling Loud, Lollapalooza Festival, Governors Ball and more. Still, she keeps pushing forward. The crown belongs to Coi as she unveils her anxiously awaited 2023 full-length album and much more to come.

Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Spotify, TikTok

SITW CAPSULE

Walmart is continuing to celebrate the endless potential of the Black community through its Black & Unlimited initiatives. As the proud presenting sponsor of Pharrell Williams’ SOMETHING IN THE WATER (SITW) festival, they’re partnering with NTWRK to release a capsule, featuring unique designs from Virginia-based artist Hampton Boyer. The festival takes place in Virginia Beach on Friday, April 28, to Sunday, April 30.

About Hampton Boyer

Hampton Boyer is a self-taught, figurative painter from Hampton Roads in Virginia. He was tapped to design the Walmart × SOMETHING IN THE WATER festival merch, interpreting it through his resounding aesthetic – complex textures, geometric shapes in colorful collages. Boyer has shown his work in solo exhibitions at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and co-founded 670 Gallery in Hampton, VA.

About NTWRK

Launched in 2018, NTWRK is an expertly curated online market that offers livestream shopping. Deeply rooted in the culture’s art and sneaker ecosystem, it provides buyers with unprecedented access to highly sought-after goods while offering sellers cutting-edge eCommerce tools.

MODERN FARMHOUSE

Decorating and furnishing a house can bring charm, light and life into any home, which is why many Americans will invest a lot of time and care into which style they choose to go for, but which ones are the most popular across the US right now?

The study was conducted by interior design studio Hovia, which analyzed Google Trends data with over 575 search terms relating to 25 interior design styles to reveal the most popular style in each state.

Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse is the top interior design style in the US, with 32 states choosing this style over any other. Searches for this particular style are the most popular in Texas, where searches average 8,647 times per month, followed by Ohio with 3,717 searches and North Carolina with 3,497.

Similar to country-style homes, Modern Farmhouse gives off a cleaner and fresher aesthetic by including white or light colours accompanied by pottery, wooden furnishings, rattan baskets and earth-toned décor.

This modern spin on country style has been popularised through social media, television and movies which helps to aid people in inspiration, giving them platforms to copy as viewers. Vaulted ceilings, large verandas and neutral-coloured deckings are often top picks for those into the style, but not to forget that this particular style loves to draw attention to classic and traditional features which may already be in the home. Americans also cherish the farmhouse element of this style through its representation of family values, hard work and simplicity.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is the second most popular interior design style in the US, with five states searching for it over any other style. Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico are the states which dominate the searches for the style, which is known to focus on making any space organized and natural.

The style originates from Chinese art, which helps to organize any space to result in positive energy and improve overall well-being, as well as making your living space harmonious and balanced. If Feng Shui is done correctly, the balance of yin-yang energies causes a constant flow of balance, improving your life.

Rustic and Coastal

The third most popular design styles are Rustic and Coastal, which both have four states searching for these styles the most.

While Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Wyoming favor Rustic interiors, Delaware, Florida, Rhode Island and South Carolina favor the Coastal style.

The rustic style concentrates on organic textures such as stone, wood and metal, whereas the coastal style of interior design focuses on reflecting elements of the beach, commonly through beach-style decorations and emphasis on light shades of green and blue.

Mid-Century Modern, French Country, Industrial and Eclectic

The fourth most popular interior design styles each have one state favouring over any other interior design style:

Oregon’s most favored interior design style is Mid-Century Modern, which includes graphic shapes alongside a combination of both manufactured and natural decorations in muted tones in vibrant colors. There are normally a lot of outdoor furnishings bought inside the home in this style , hich helps to create an earthy-minimalistic atmosphere.

Mississippi residents tend to opt for the French Country interior style, which can often be mistaken for farmhouse or cottage core styles due to its homey feel. The French Country style encompasses more luxury elements, often expressed through curved regal furniture in golds and creams. Fluted and cabriole chair legs are often used in this style as opposed to the harsher shapes seen in farmhouse-designed homes as well as more polished and finished paint jobs compared to that shabby chic look other styles incorporate.

New York’s most popular interior design style is Industrial which focuses on materials such as utilitarian and solid metals; often, restored furniture is seen in homes decorated in this style as it brings an effortless character to a space. Wood, iron, steel and aluminium are all quintessential elements of this particular style, as well as rich leathers and copper finishings.

Arkansas opts for the Eclectic interior style, essentially a timeless mix-match of décor and furniture. This style tends to incorporate pieces from all different interior design styles, resulting in a more individual and personal feel. This style never goes out of fashion as the decoration stays ambiguous through constant changeups and re-organization when new pieces are added.

An expert from Hovia commented:

“It is exciting to see just how desirable the Modern Farmhouse style of interior design is across the US, with it being the landslide winner in popularity. It is also interesting to notice regionally how many states’ locations have had their design preferences influenced by seasonal trends.

Overall, remembering to surround yourself in a space where you feel the most comfortable and relaxed is the perfect scenario to indulge in a happy and positive life, which is why it is so important to many Americans looking to decorate their homes that they make the right choice for both their home and themselves.”

Photo: 360 MAGAZINE’s interior team (Vaughn Lowery, Armon Hayes, Justin Osborne) set designs 360 MAG podcast in The Bronx, focusing on modern Farmhouse theme.

Custom wallpaper HERE.

PLEASURES × REEBOK

Los Angeles streetwear label PLEASURES, in collaboration with global sportswear brand Reebok, have confirmed a May 5 release for their PLEASURES x Reebok Classic Leather Trail, a utilitarian outdoor-inspired take on the historic Reebok running shoe.

PLEASURES x Reebok Classic Leather Trail, Available May 5

“Classic Leather has received thousands of different iterations over multiple decades,” mentioned PLEASURES Co-Founder Alex James. “We wanted to make a trail version that was vastly different on all angles, focusing on the idea of wearable functionality to go from the street to the trail, seamlessly.”

Design highlights include:

Vibrant Neon Mint/Core Black color execution.
Backside metal lace hook for reinforcement.
Layered CORDURA^® re/cor™ fabric for longevity, paired with high density printed nylon and nubuck across upper.
Rugged rubber outsole with heel guard.
Special PLEASURES logo covering Reebok Union Jack window box.
Custom graphic sock liner.

In closing, James speaks to the enduring PLEASURES x Reebok partnership: “The Reebok team truly understands the PLEASURES ethos and design aesthetic, so much so that each new collaborative concept is a level up from the previous. We love directing our creative energy into such classic styles. This is one of our favorite partnerships to date.”

The PLEASURES x Reebok Classic Leather Trail (H06244, $120) is available May 5 exclusively from Pleasures.com, followed by a May 12 global release via Reebok.com and select retailers.

A British Success Story

£4BN ($5BN) FOR ‘UK PLC’

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS: A BRITISH SUCCESS STORY

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils results of landmark Economic Impact Analysis
Independent study undertaken by London School of Economics (LSE)
Contribution to UK economy since 2003 of more than £4 billion (US$5 billion)
Rolls-Royce is one of the largest employers in West Sussex, supporting 2,500+ full-time equivalent jobs
A further 7,500 jobs are supported in the wider supply chain
Includes training and education, knowledge and skills transfer within supplier companies and support for local charities and social enterprise

As Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marks two decades of production at Goodwood, a landmark survey reveals the company’s extraordinary impact on both the local and national economies. The independent study, the first commissioned by Rolls-Royce in its history, was led by Dr Alexander Grous of the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and includes figures up to and including 2022.

“Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a Great British success story. As we mark 20 years of production at our Home in Goodwood, we do so in the knowledge that not only have we have produced some of the world’s most significant super-luxury products, but we have also made a major economic contribution to the economy in which we are based. Through our rare crafts and craftsmanship, international customer base and products admired and cherished worldwide, we are sustaining thousands of skilled jobs and playing a key role in promoting the UK’s reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

OVERALL ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION

The LSE report shows that since production began at Goodwood in 2003, Rolls-Royce has contributed more than £4 billion to the UK economy, serving as a flagship of the nation’s luxury and automotive sectors and, crucially, ‘UK PLC’. This contribution is long-term and sustainable. Rolls-Royce invests around £10 million every year in its facilities and operations to support its production, reflected in a series of ‘record years’ peaking to date in 2022 at over 6,000 motor cars sold worldwide. Rolls-Royce is also able to confirm its standing as one of the largest employers in West Sussex, England.

SUPPORTING JOBS LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY

More than 2,500 people are employed at the UK Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, including 150 jobs created in 2022 alone. The company also supports more than 7,500 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs within its wider national supply chain. Importantly, Rolls-Royce did not make a single redundancy during the Covid-19 pandemic – one of very few UK manufacturers to maintain its workforce entirely intact.

INDIRECT AND INTANGIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS

Rolls-Royce contributes to the local and national knowledge economies through its leading-edge R&D in fields including hardware, software, electrification, digitalisation, and vehicle connectivity. These activities are growing rapidly in both scale and importance, with Rolls-Royce committed to all-electric propulsion by the end of 2030.

A CONTINUING SUCCESS STORY

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has formally announced proposals to expand the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood. It has acquired land to the east of the current site and planning permission will be sought later this year.

The project’s primary objective is to upgrade the manufacturing plant; some facilities and equipment are now 20 years old and require replacement and upgrading.

The expansion does not, however, signal any shift in the marque’s fundamental approach or values: Rolls-Royce is not, never has been and never will be a volume-driven business.

The new facility will reflect the fact that the marque is no longer simply an automotive manufacturer, but a true luxury house creating the world’s best, most recognised, and highly prized Bespoke products.

Spectre

The company is also looking to increase capacity for its Bespoke and Coachbuild operations, as well as preparing for its new generation of electric vehicles. The first customer deliveries of the all-electric super-coupé, Rolls-Royce Spectre, are due in the fourth quarter of 2023: all new Rolls-Royce models will be electric by the end of 2030.

Maserati Frua Spider

Majestic Ultra-Rare 1950s Maserati Frua Spider to Appear in UK for First Time at September’s Concours of Elegance

Spellbinding 1955 Maserati A6GCS Frua Spider to make UK debut at Concours of Elegance
Among most beautiful sports cars of all-time; first public appearance since 2010
Combines delicate Frua coachwork with motorsport derived mechanicals
One of just three examples built, and two that remain
World’s rarest, most spectacular vehicles will be on display from 1st to 3rd September 2023
The Concours of Elegance remains the UK’s top concours d’elegance and among the top three in the world
Tickets now on sale here: https://concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets/

The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, is delighted to announce that a truly majestic Maserati will grace Hampton Court Palace for 2023’s show: the sensational 1955 A6GCS Frua Spider – appearing on UK soil for the very first time.

The exceptionally rare vehicle, one of just three completed with delightful Frua coachwork, and two that survive, is widely considered to be among the most beautiful and desirable 1950s cars of all. It will star from September 1st-3rd alongside over 70 other privately owned motor cars, drawn from leading collections all over the world. 2023’s event is set to be another jaw dropping automotive celebration, all in the most stunning palace setting.

This wonderful A6GCS Frua Spider was conceived by Gugliemo ‘Mimmo’ Dei, the official Maserati dealer for Rome, who commissioned a small series of exquisitely coachbuilt cars based on the high-performance A6GCS platform. The A6GCS/53 – the ‘CS’ standing for ‘Corsa Sport’ – had originally been developed for the 1953 World Sports Car Championship, and featured motorsport-honed mechanicals. It featured a potent 170bhp in-line six-cylinder engine – initially developed by famed engine builder Columbo for Formula 2 racing – and a similarly race-bred, lightweight tubular chassis by Gilco.

Dei initially commissioned design house Carrozzeria Frua of Turin to build a single spider version; he was intent of combining the A6GCS’s race-car like performance with an elegant open top body. The resulting car was a real work of automotive art, blending impossibly delicate spider styling, delightful handling, and shockingly potent, race-car performance.

Indeed, Dei was so pleased with the results, that he requested two further Frua bodied cars be created, including the car that will be displayed at Hampton Court, chassis number 2110, which was completed in the autumn of 1956. These two cars were even more special; beneath the sensational Frua coachwork lay a specially ordered ultra-high performance dry-sump A6G/54 motor, delivering exceptional power while also revving to some 7,300rpm – remarkable for a road car in the mid-1950s.

After its completion, Chassis 2110 remained in Italy for a time before being shipped to the United States in the late 1950s, where it remained. In the early 2000s it was subject to a painstaking restoration under the supervision of Maserati aficionado Adolfo Orsi – returning it to concours winning condition, quite literally; when Chassis 2110 re-appeared at Villa d’Este in 2010, it won the Coppa d’Oro, or ‘Best in Show.’

The Frua Spider’s appearance at Hampton Court Palace will be the first time it’s been displayed in the UK, and its first public showing since that triumphant appearance on the shores of Lake Como 13 years ago.

2023’s Le Mans Centenary celebration will complement the display of 70 rare and spectacular Concours Cars at next September’s glamourous event. Outside the main display of vehicles, the Concours of Elegance will assemble around 1,000 further cars in a series of special features and displays.

James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured this exceptional Maserati for our event in September. We set ourselves the task of assembling the world’s rarest, most spectacular motor cars – this Frua Spider fits the bill in some style.

“It’s a real tour de force of sports car design and engineering, with supremely elegant 1950s open-top styling that belies true race-bred performance. It’s a real privilege to show such a special car – one of just two in existence – on UK soil for the very first time.”

Further star cars will be announced in the coming months, along with further exciting categories, as we build towards September’s event.

Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance 2023 will again be an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner A. Lange & Söhne will once again showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/concoursofelegance

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ConcoursUK

About the annual Concours of Elegance:

Established in 2012, the inaugural Concours of Elegance was held within Windsor Castle to mark the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. Organised by Thorough Events, the first Concours of Elegance set a new global benchmark for a classic car concours; winning prestigious awards in the process; unheard of for a ‘start-up’ event in its first year. The second Concours of Elegance was held in 2013 to equal fanfare at the historic Royal Palace of St James in London, with the widely acclaimed third Concours set in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace in September 2014, before heading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015. Only cars of the highest calibre are invited to the Concours of Elegance, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours Steering Committee; a respected team of authoritative historic car experts. A key objective of the annual Concours of Elegance is to raise significant sums for charity.

www.concoursofelegance.co.uk

Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that also looks after the Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk.