Connoisseur Ep 111

Welcome Connoisseur.A Connoisseur is a person who has a great deal of knowledge and expertise in a particular field, especially in matters of culture, art, food, or drink. A connoisseur has developed a refined taste, and can appreciate and evaluate the quality and subtleties of something based on their extensive knowledge and experience in that field.

That is why every week we look at the latest luxury or supercars, and coverage of F1. We also regularly explore a mix of motorcycles, jets, art, fashion, watches, homes, and whisky. Living the high life is hard, but we have got you! Because you are a Connoisseur!

Join us on a trip around the world of 'cool'.

Bentley Continental GT - Le Mans Collection

This year marks the centenary of the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race, an iconic competition famous for creating legendary manufacturers and drivers in the world of motorsport. Bentley has a long-standing and proud association with the event, having previously competed and set the fastest lap at the inaugural race. To celebrate the event, Bentley has unveiled a new Le Mans Collection version of its Continental GT, which also commemorates the brand's last overall victory at the competition in 2003.

Bentley will produce 48 units of the Continental GT Le Mans Collection, with each car having bespoke add-ons from Bentley's in-house Mulliner personalisation program. The Le Mans Collection cars will be powered by the iconic twin-turbocharged 6-litre W12 engine, which produces 650bhp and 900Nm of torque. The car will have an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an active all-wheel drive system, allowing it to reach 62mph in just 3.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 208mph.

Bentley has not revealed the price, but with only 48 units available and its direct link to the iconic endurance race, it is expected to cost significantly more than the Continental GT Speed's base price of nearly £220,000.

I have had this bookmarked for a few weeks so it seems like a great time to mention that as the 48 units of the Le Mans Collection are likely to be spoken for, why not check this 2019 W12 No.9 I think it is brutishly elegant.

Air Jordan XIII - Sold at $2.2m USD

A pair of Michael Jordan's game-worn and signed Air Jordan XIIIs, famously worn during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals, also known as 'The Last Dance,' have sold for £1.8 million or $2.2 million USD. While the final price only surpassed the low estimate by £161,000, it was still enough to secure a spot in footwear history.

Sotheby's says Michael Jordan gifted his game-worn and signed Air Jordan XII sneakers to a ball-boy who had returned his lost jacket during an earlier practice. Remembering that the same ball-boy had received pairs of his sneakers on prior visits, Michael obliged and signed each sneaker before giving them to him as a token of appreciation for his services. This gesture demonstrated Michael's generosity and willingness to show gratitude towards those who had helped him, even in small ways.

Previously, the record was held by a pair of Kanye West's Nike Air Yeezy 1 trainers, which sold for approximately £1.5 million through Sotheby's in 2021. Another previous auction record was set by a pair of Michael Jordan's game-worn Nike Air Ships, which sold for £1.2 million at Sotheby's in 2021.

85' Numarine 26XP Yacht

Introducing the brand new 2023 Numarine 26XP - the epitome of luxury and performance. The semi-displacement model boasts upgraded MAN 1800hp engines, providing a top speed of 31 knots and a cruise speed of 23 knots. Impressively, at economical speeds, she has a range of 1,800nm, making her perfect for long journeys.

She comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 lavish cabins, including a spacious full beam master cabin and VIP suite. The crew also enjoys first-class accommodations in 2 cabins that can sleep up to 3 crew members.

This exquisite yacht boasts a range of features, including an extended hard top, hydraulic swim platform, zero speed stabilizers, and a custom interior decor. The extended hard top is a game-changer, providing ample shade and shelter for you and your guests to relax and unwind.

Step inside to the earth tones and dark hardwood floors throughout the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The 85' (25.89m) Numarine 26XP is the perfect combination of functionality and luxury, designed to cater to your every need.

The Numarine 26XP was built to offer the same capabilities as larger yachts in the Numarine explorer fleet, with the added convenience of being able to berth in shallow harbours. With her spacious and refined interior, versatile flybridge, and excellent accommodations, the Numarine 26XP is a true testament to her Numarine pedigree.

Expertly designed and crafted, the Numarine 26XP is one of the most desirable sub-30 meter yachts on the market. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this exceptional yacht that promises to surpass your expectations. Contact us now to arrange a viewing. Approximate price is $7 Million USD

Whisky Cocktails

Not everyone likes whisky straight, so I've compiled a few of the best whisky based cocktails that I could remember. As a whisky Connoisseur I would only recommend using good, but massed produced whisky for these, please keep the cap on any whisky bottle over 15 years old.

Old Fashioned: A timeless classic that combines bourbon or rye whisky with sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. Served on the rocks with a garnish of orange peel, this cocktail is simple yet sophisticated.

Whisky Sour: This refreshing cocktail combines whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup to create a sweet and sour sensation. Served in a rocks glass with a cherry and an orange slice, it's perfect for warm weather or as an after-dinner drink. Try air with a Laphroaig, smokey whisky.

Manhattan: Made with whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters, the Manhattan is a smooth and sophisticated cocktail that is best served straight up in a chilled glass with a cherry garnish.

Rob Roy: Similar to the Manhattan, the Rob Roy combines whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters, but with the addition of a dash of Angostura bitters for extra flavour. Served in a rocks glass with a cherry garnish, it's a perfect cocktail for any occasion.

Rusty Nail: A popular Scotch-based cocktail that combines whisky and Drambuie, a honey and herb-flavoured liqueur. Served over ice with a twist of lemon, it's a perfect drink for those who enjoy a sweeter, more flavourful cocktail.

McLaren MP4/4 Drama

The McLaren MP4/4 is a legendary Formula One racing car that was designed and built by McLaren for the 1988 F1 season. It was driven by the famous duo of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, and it is widely regarded as one of the most dominant and successful F1 cars in history.

The MP4/4 was designed by a team led by Gordon Murray, and it was powered by a Honda V6 turbo engine. The car was incredibly light and aerodynamic, which made it very fast and agile on the track. The MP4/4 also featured advanced electronics, including traction control and active suspension, which gave Senna and Prost an even greater advantage over their rivals.

In recent years there has been a spat between Steve Nichols, Head Designer and the incoming Gordon Murray, Technical Director about who can lay claim to being the designer who had the most influence on the MP4/4. The video below is rather lengthy but for F1 geeks it is a great step back in time to the glory days of McLaren. There is a much shorter version below by Autosport that l covers the top points...but if you have the time and like F1 the long version is a great watch.

Formula One

Ferrari Drama

F1 is always full of drama no matter the era, and never more so than with the red car. Ferrari are often at the heart of F1's greatest dramas, but right now that drama is fully and only about them. If you understand anything about motorsport the Italian Tifosi are some of the most passionate fans, that is in part because Ferrari are one of the founders of F1 and also because Ferrari strangely is attached to national pride unlike many other teams.

At the heart of the current drama is mainly down to the poor start Ferrari have made to this seasons, this obviously stems from the cars development last year under Mattia Binotto. With Binotto now replaced with Fred Vassuer the team had hoped to turn a corner this season, but it has not happened that way. 

This video below details some of the most recent information on the subject.

And the following video gives a great look back over the history of why they are in the current state.

Next Race - Azerbaijan Grand Prix - 28th Apr - 30th Apr

28th Apr Practice 1

28th Apr Qualifying

29th Apr Sprint Qualifying

29th Apr Sprint

30th Apr Grand Prix

Whats-The-Fuss

Other dates for your diary

Silverstone Grand Prix - Fri 7– Sun 9 July 

Goodwood Festival of Speed - Thu 13 – Sun 16 July

Goodwood Revival - Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sept

The Atlantic Road Trip

Looking for the ultimate luxury road trip experience? Look no further than the journey from Stockholm, Sweden to North Cape, Norway. This trip is the pinnacle of road trips, featuring breathtaking scenery, perfect driving roads, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories that will last forever.

This is not your average road trip – it’s a bucket list moment that will only be done once. You will travel the road less travelled, experiencing some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in Scandinavia. For nine days, you will witness epic scenery that will take your breath away. 

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