Hedley - At the Intersection of Art Collector & Car Afficianado
You'll find devotees of Ben Hedley's creations at the intersection of the art collector with the classic car afficionado. Hedley Studios, based in Oxfordshire, England, creates fully brand-licensed scaled vehicles celebrating iconic cars of the past. Yet these are not just any brands, they are in fact Bugattis, Aston Martins, Ferraris and Bentleys.
The resulting limited editions are equal parts history and modernity. Hedley works hand in hand with the original manufacturers throughout the design process to assure each piece’s authenticity. What brings them in to the 21st century is their state of the art electric power trains. The approach comes as no surprise from a renaissance man who is equal parts engineer, artist, entrepreneur and world class athlete. Few people know that Ben spent eight years on the British ski team as a speed skier. He describes the sport as downhill drag racing, providing a window onto his love of high-performance velocity and exhilaration.
The adventure began in 2018 when Bugatti first invited Hedley to commemorate their 110th anniversary by creating a scaled edition of their famed Type 35. It was a tremendous honor, if not a challenge to recreate the 1924 original, one of the most successful race cars of its day. In 1926, Ettore Bugatti had actually created a 50% scaled version for his son to drive. When it came to envisioning the special anniversary edition to be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show, together Hedley and Bugatti decided on 75% scale. Thus Hedley's electric models were born. Today there is a special Tri-Colour Bugatti Baby II, of which only 30 pieces will be hand crafted. The numbered chassis plaque, turned aluminum dashboard and signature solid silver Bugatti macaron speak to their authenticity and the close relationship Ben has forged with Bugatti.
When Aston Martin came knocking at Ben Hedley's door, they had an even more renowned automotive legend in mind. The result is the DB5 J. The collection includes a "No Time To Die" edition, made in a limited run of only 125 pieces. Sean Connery would certainly approve of the "007" features including cycling digital license plates, Gatling guns, concealed gadget panels, an exhaust smoke screen and even an enhanced skid mode setting. Think electric cars aren’t fun? Ben Hedley is determined to prove you wrong.
As no self respecting collector would be without a Ferrari in his stable, not surprisingly, Ben was also invited to recreate the 1957 250 Testa Rossa, one of the most iconic models in Ferrari and racing history. Together Ferrari and Hedley’s master artisans delved into the Ferrari Classiche archive so that this new edition could be built entirely from original drawings. At a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, its performance pays tribute to the Testa Rossa’s historic victories and courageous drivers.
His quest for attention to historic detail was soon combined with the enduring appeal of luxury when Bentley called on Hedley to bring to life an electric edition of the Bentley Blower, their famed 1929 race car. At 85% scale it is Hedley’s largest model to date. The 48 volt electric power train translates to a top speed of 72 kilometers per hour, and Hedley’s first model made to be driven on public roads. We’re told there are more to follow.
What lies on the road ahead for Hedley? Watch for a growing presence of Hedley Galleries popping up around the world from Manhattan, Miami and Monaco to Beverly Hills and Aspen This follows on a successful victory lap around the Hamptons this past summer, where Hedleys made an appearance at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, The Hampton Classic Horse Show and The Bridge where collectors show the best of their post-war sports and competition cars. Is that a Hedley Studios piece we saw being lifted on to the aft deck of a super yacht? It just may be the ultimate “tender on wheels” for an owner who wants to drive off in a style on par with the boat he sailed in on. When it comes to drivable art on wheels, Hedley seems destined for the place where art, craftsmanship, sport and high performance cross paths. What tribute would you like to see Hedley take on next?
To make an appointment or schedule a test drive contact concierge@HedleyGalleries.com Tel (888)979-8005 www.hedleygalleries.com.