The Judges
The world class international expert judges for the 2024 Valletta Concours
Chief Judge
JEREMY JACKSON-SYTNER
UK
In 2012, after some 30 years as an award-winning advertising agency creative, Jeremy Jackson-Sytner conceived the ‘royal’ concours at Windsor Castle. An event so spectacular that in its first year it won both ‘Best Concours’ and a Personal Achievement Award at the Octane International Historic Motoring Awards. In one giant leap the UK had a world-class concours to equal the very best—alongside Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este. The Concours of Elegance moved on circus-like year by year from Royal Palace to Royal Castle, on a journey from St James’s Palace in London, to Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, to Hampton Court Palace in Surrey and back to Windsor Castle again. As curator of the Concours Jeremy had the privilege of travelling the globe visiting remarkable concours, gaining a unique insight into the world of concours. Along with the privilege to be an Honorary Judge at concours in Delhi, Valletta, Amsterdam and Essex. Early in 2021 Jeremy left the Concours of Elegance to launch ‘Mr. Concours’, a consultancy established to help oil the wheels of gaining entry to and partaking in concours d’elegance. As well as providing strategic advice and planning to those people wanting to start their concours events—mainly what not to do! With his other hat on, Jeremy has been organising exclusive motoring adventures since 1985—tours for great people with great cars. Everything from Grand Tours, to bespoke family European tours, to driving weekends in France. Their signature event, the annual Grand Tour is now in its 36th year. In 2015 he organised the Highland Tour, a two day adventure through the breathtaking Scottish countryside which was awarded Best Tour of 2015 at the Octane International Historic Motoring Awards. In 2021, Jeremy moved palaces and became Concours Curator of the Salon Privé Concours d’Élegance at Blenheim Palace.
Judge
GARY AXON
UK
Gary Axon has more than 25 years experience working at a senior level in the international automotive sector. His experience includes brand and product strategy, as well as managing the PR and media operations of a major European premium-segment car brand, plus heading-up Goodwood’s Motorsport Press, PR and Communications division for many seasons. In addition to substantially growing Goodwood’s media awareness, reputation and editorial coverage around the world, he has also successfully targeted new global audiences, including lifestyle, digital and luxury press. Gary has introduced new initiatives and attractions to Goodwood’s key motorsport events – the Festival of Speed and Revival – in order to positively broaden the Brand’s international standing, with increased sponsor, media and public appeal. Today he remains a senior motorsport content consultant to Goodwood, defining its concours and road car content, as well as managing the communication strategy and PR promotional programmes for a number of global brands and events in the automotive and related luxury sectors. Gary also regularly writes for a number of leading specialist classic car and motor racing titles in the UK and Europe, assists some luxury vehicle makers and classic car specialists with their communication strategy, and is a content advisor and judge for a number of historic motor racing and concours d’elegance events.
Judge
PETER STEVENS
UK
During last 30 years Peter Stevens has worked both as a consultant designer and as an ‘in-house’ design director, among Peter’s best known designs are the McLaren F1 road car, the 1999 Le Mans-winning BMW, the Lotus Elan, the 1988 Lotus Esprit and X300, Jaguar’s XJR-15, and the 2003 Subaru Impreza, P1 road car and Legacy Outback, Isuzu’s 4200R concept car, and the MG ‘Z’ car, sporting saloons. Peter was also responsible for the MG TF and SV-R composite bodied MG high performance sports car. During his career, Peter has worked with many of the world’s leading automotive companies, including Aston Martin, Automobili Lamborghini, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Rivian Automotive, Subaru, TATA and many others. As a past Visiting Professor to the vehicle design department at the Royal College of Art (RCA), Peter continued a lifetime commitment to the college. He was one of the first two students on the vehicle design course at the RCA, and graduated as a master of design in 1972. His contribution to the course has been consistent since 1976, although he has changed his roles, first becoming visiting lecturer, then outside assessor then Visiting Professor and now occasional lecturer. Working with the Brabham F1 team, Peter was responsible for the graphics and later the upper body shape of the Formula One cars for a number of years. The look of the BT49, 50 and 52 was his responsibility. Peter was consultant designer for interior, exterior, upper-surface aerodynamics, and homologation, on the 1999 Le Mans-winning BMW LM99 sports prototype. Peter worked with Prodrive as a consultant on presentation, design and aerodynamics. He was responsible for aerodynamics and exterior design for the rally series-winning Subaru Impreza WRCs. He worked as a consultant for Toyota on their GT1 Le Mans project where he was responsible for the cockpit ergonomics and road car design and homologation. Peter project managed the record breaking MG ZT-T estate car’s 226.509 mph run at Bonneville in 2003. More recently he has been involved in a number of electric and hybrid vehicle projects, funicular railways, advanced cable car design. Peter’s own choice of cars is very much ‘blue collar’; quite possibly his close association with the high-end of high performance vehicles has caused him to be more interested in the simplicity and inclusivity of more basic and less flamboyant cars. There is a 1928 Ford Model ‘A’ Roadster Pickup, a classic original ‘Hot Rod’ 1928 Model ‘A’ Ford chassis with a 1925 Ford ‘T’ roadster body and period tuning parts, probably built in 1935, a class record holder at Pendine Sands at 84.7 mph, a 1961 Citroen 2CV AZU Fourgonnette, a 1972 Fiat 500R, and, one a designed earlier, a Subaru Legacy 3.0 liter Outback.
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Judge
TONI COBUCCI
ITALY
Toni Cobucci, President of the Old Car Club Molise di Campobasso for the last seven years. A fanatic of vintage and classic cars, 30 years ago he started his first restoration on his first car, which he still owns, a FIAT 500 multipla.
Judge
PHILIP PORTER
UK
Philip Porter is the author of more than 30 motoring and motor racing books, including a number on Jaguars. He has owned his classic Jaguar XKs for nearly 50 years and his two historic E-types - 9600 HP, the oldest E-type in existence which was a prototype and the press launch car at Geneva, and 848 CRY, the 12th RHD Roadster which was raced in ‘61 and in the film The Italian Job - for 40+ years. He was the co-founder of The International Jaguar XK Club and The Jaguar E-type Club. He also founded and runs Porter Press International, one of the world’s leading motoring book publishers.
Judge
ALLAN WINN
NEW ZEALAND
A New Zealander by birth, he holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a post-graduate diploma in journalism. In a 29-year career in publishing, he spent 9 years as Editor of Flight International, and a further 5 years as Publisher of that magazine and Airline Business. From 2003 to March 2018, he was Director and CEO of Brooklands Museum in Surrey, where he was responsible for a collection of 35 aircraft ranging from early pioneers up to Concorde (and the world’s only operational Concorde simulator). He gave particular attention to celebrating Brooklands’ role as the most productive aircraft manufacturing site in Europe, expanding its already substantial education service aimed at inspiring youngsters to study science, technology and engineering subjects, and highlighting its wealth of motor-racing heritage. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach Harness Makers. He is a past Chairman of the Aviation Club of the UK. His spare time is taken up with being a competitor and official in vintage motorsport: he and his wife Jacqui and their 1929 3-litre Bentley live in Surrey.
Judge
JOHN MAYHEAD
UK
John Mayhead is a journalist and commentator specialising in the classic and vintage car market. Well known within the industry and an experienced concours judge, he has been the UK editor of the Hagerty Price Guide for the past seven years, developing it into the country’s primary source of classic car values. John’s love of classic motoring started with Alfa Romeos, owning, driving and restoring models of many different types. Porsches are another passion, as are early MGs and this season he will be hillclimbing his 1946 MG TC. He is also a keen historian of the pre-war racing and record-breaking scene. His job allows him to experience some of the most exclusive cars in the world, but John is always engaged more by a fascinating story and a car that proudly displays its history rather than an expensive, immaculate restoration. Photo credit: Amy Shore
Judge
JAMES ELLIOT
UK
James Elliott has been writing for and editing classic car magazines for more than 20 years. The Octane editor-in-chief is a lifelong enthusiast who, among the 50 or so classics that he has owned, has bought everything from stately Rover P5B Coupé to racy Lancia Delta Integrale and outrageous Piper P2. In the course of his work he has driven many of the most desirable road and race cars ever created including an original Le Mans Bentley, Jaguar D-type and Ferrari 250GTO. Especially knowledgable about the Lotus and Triumph marques, he has previously been a judge at some of the world's leading concours d'elegance.
Judge
PETER A. RUSSELL
UK
Peters enthusiasm for restoring and driving vintage cars has gone hand in hand with a business restoring period oak framed buildings. Attention to detail, authenticity and history have always been key for both. With the advent of Goodwood Revival in 1998, the motoring interest evolved into its own business, designing and building period garages, racing pits and film sets. Consultancy work and judging has followed for Pebble Beach, Goodwood, Brooklands and Cartier , plus participation in various concours. He still owns his first car...an Austin7 of course
Judge
MARK GRENSIDE
UK
Mark Grenside has spent far too much time and money on cars and regrets nothing! He has owned a wonderful selection, most of which he now could not afford or had he kept them all he could have retired! These include a Cobra 289, Porsche 911 RS, 964RS, 928GT, Eagle Lightweight E-Type, Ferraris Dino, 575, 308,456, Lancia Evo Integrale, Fulvia 1600HF, Lotus, Elan Sprint, BMW Z8 and for Malta a manual Pagoda 280 SL. He has been a member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club since it started, raced in that and other tracks and attended nearly every Club member and Revival Event. He has judged events both in the UK and abroad. He and his wife have completed in over 16 Grand Tour Events as well as a two-week race around New Zealand. Originally working in TV ( he began his career with The Muppets) he has moved through nearly every aspect of media from music, films to eventually being an owner in a worldwide TV channel.
Judge
JAMES NICHOLLS
UK / ITALY
Anglo-Italian James Nicholls is a writer, photographer, auctioneer, and broadcaster living in Sydney, Australia. A member of The Guild of Motoring Writers and the International Association of Press Photographers, his stories and images have appeared in magazines around the world including Motorsport, Octane, Robb Report, The Spectator, and Magneto for which he is the Australian Editor. He is the writer, presenter, and executive producer of ‘Car Chronicles’ on Discovery Turbo Channel, and ‘Overdrive’ on YouTube. He is the founder of the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance (a finalist at the International Historic Motoring Awards in London in November 2022 and 2021 and 2019), and, has been a regular member of the Jury at Chantilly Arts & Elegance in France, the Zoute GP in Belgium, the ASINautic Show in Trieste, The 21 Gun Salute in Delhi where he is also the M/C, as well as at the official Ferrari 70th Anniversary Concorso d’Eleganza at Maranello. Amongst other engagements he has been a guest speaker at the Dubai International Motor Show, is an International Ambassador for the Bernina-Gran Turismo, part of the International St Moritz Automobile Week, and Suixtil the heritage motoring clothing brand, and is a Delegate for the Riva Historical Society. He has recently completed a book on the Bristol 408 to be published in 2023 by Amberley Publishing in the UK. He is an expert on popular culture particularly related to classic cars and spies, brought to fruition in his novel Signed, Sealed and Delivered published in 2018. A certified member of the Auctioneers & Valuers Association of Australia, he is the founder of Halcyon Auctions having previously acted as an adviser to Australia’s leading international and domestic auction houses including Sotheby’s Australia, Bonhams & Goodman, Mossgreen, and Theodore Bruce founded in 1878. His achievements at auction include the most successful classic car public auction by dollar value outside of Europe or the USA; the highest price for a road going car at public sale in the Southern Hemisphere; and numerous record prices including world records for the Lamborghini Miura P400, Riley Imp, Holden, and an Australian Race Car.
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Judge
MICHAEL QUINN LYONS
UK
His grandfather was Sir William Lyons, the founder of Jaguar Cars. He is a Patron of the Jaguar/Daimler Heritage Trust; member of the Royal Automobile Club, and on the Steering Group for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run; Honorary Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers; Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach-Harness Makers; member of the IMI and FMI; and chairs the Sir William Lyons Charitable Trust. His mother, Pat, was at once married to Ian Appleyard and as husband/wife team they won the first ever Alpine Rally ‘Coup des Alps’ as they finished un-penalized three times in a row between 1950 and 1952. They drove to victory in the 1952 Tulip Rally, won the RAC Rally in 1951 and 1953, and in 1953 they finished 2nd overall in the inaugural European Rally Championship. Their car is still probably the most famous Jaguar XK120 of all time, registered NUB 120, which now resides in the Jaguar Heritage Trust Museum at Gaydon. He says “I have been fortunate enough to represent my grandfather and Jaguar on many occasions; deputising for him at Le Mans in 1983; accepting my grandfather’s induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Geneva in 2001, and in 2005 in Detroit; driving in the Alpine Rally in NUB 120; driving in the Mille Miglia for Jaguar Heritage in a C-type; demonstrating XJ13 around Le Mans (and through Windsor Castle!); several new-product launches; and twice organising 50-year celebrations of the Le Mans wins.” Owns several classic cars and motorcycles and competes in historic motorsport, most recently racing his E-type in the pre-’63 category at the Goodwood Revival & Members Meetings, Le Mans Classic and others, and prior to that an F3 Ralt RT1, C Type, D Type, XK140, and a Lister Jaguar. Michael worked for many years at the Kensington Jaguar main dealer RA Creamer & Son, which had three Royal Warrants for Services to the Royal Household, before setting up in business in 2019 with his own specialist Jaguar operation ‘Quinn Lyons’ located in north London.
Judge
CHRISTOPHER HANCOCK
UK
Christopher Hancock a self-confessed ‘Petrol Head’ living in the UK. Starting at the age of 10 helping to build Ford ten Buckler Specials. His first Classic Car was a 1936 Morgan, bought as a box of bits in 1965. He has owned a series of Vintage Cars specialising in Daimlers. He officiated for the Daimler Owners Club as the world registrar for sleeve valved cars, owning three dated from 1924 to 1927. He has competed in Vintage Sports Car Club trials and now officiates as a scrutineer for Trial and Rally cars. He currently owns a 1927 2 litre Lagonda and a 1934 Austin 7.
Judge
TONY CALLAS
USA
Tony Callas grew up in his father’s shop, Targa Porsche Workshop, in Austin, Texas and demonstrated mechanical talent at a very young age. At 10, he worked alongside his father, servicing Porsches; at 16, he rebuilt his first engine; at 18, he went to the Porsche Factory School and began working on race cars on weekends. As Tony will attest, at age 12, he set a goal to open his own shop by the time he was 30. In Los Angeles, Tony mentored under Adrian Gang at Edelweiss Porsche, Alwin Springer of Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA), and the renowned Vasek Polak. Then, in February of 1992, the dream of Callas Rennsport became a reality with the opening of a one-bay shop in Torrance, California. Quickly outgrowing this location, Callas expanded to his current location in Torrance, where the shop continues to thrive today. The Callas legacy includes an international racing history with Roock Racing, Seikel Motorsport, Champion Racing, Peterson White-Lightning, and wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans, where Tony was Mechanic of the Year for Porsche in 2001.
Judge
HANS EMEREN
SWEDEN
Judge
RUBA WIGHT
UK
In 2012, Ruba established her own rally company, Rally Royale, as a means to engage with the automotive world. This lead to her fulfilling dreams and participating in some of the most celebrated classic rallies and events in the world. From 2011 to 2017, she was founder of Connexxions Media & Marketing where she used her journalistic and film-making experience to promote events, notably Switzerland’s famous Concourse D’Elegance, Goodwood, and rallies in Australia, New Zealand, across Europe and in the Middle East. Ruba is a Member of Automobile Club de Monaco. Ultimately though, for Ruba the essence of classic car heritage lies in the cherished moments spent driving on open roads, wind in her hair, through picturesque countryside, and savouring time spent with friends. Ruba's keen eye extends far beyond the metal and mechanics. It encompasses the magic and romance that happens when she enters these magnificent vehicles. It’s that feeling of being ready to go. The smell of leather. The touch of the steering wheel. The smooth rumbling rhythm of the engine. And then it’s the sleek design, it’s curves and shades, elements that evoke memories of a bygone era, a time when the world was more expansive and travel evoked a sense of freedom. In an era increasingly characterized by urbanization and automation, classic cars serve as a profound reminder of greater possibilities. Ruba's personal experience and unique perspective as a woman infuse her perception of these remarkable machines, shaping her role as a discerning judge. Her journey, marked by a deep appreciation for the artistry and emotion of classic cars, positions her as an invaluable arbiter of automotive excellence.
Judge
HARM LAGAAIJ
NETHERLANDS
Born in Den Haag, Netherlands. Raised in Equador, Venezuela, Brunei and Netherlands. Studied Automotive Business and Design at the Institute for Automobiltechnik (IVA), Netherlands. His automotive design career started at Porsche AG in 1971, where he was involved in the design of the 911 and 928. He was responsible for the design of the 924. In 1977 he moved to Ford(Cologne,Germany) and became design-manager for the advanced design studio. The projects he worked on were Fiesta, Escort, Sierra and Scorpio. Together with the Motorsport Division he got in touch with their racing cars and in particular the Sierra Cosworth RS. In 1985 he became Chief Designer of BMW Technik GmbH – a special innovation subsidiary of BMW AG – and played a leading role in the design of the Z 1. From 1989 onwards he became Director of Design “Style Porsche”, the Design Studio of Porsche AG in Weissach, which has the responsibility for the design of all the Porsche models. With his team he went through the succesfull evolution of the 993, 996 and 997 and all their derivatives. The Boxster showcar and its production version were also important design achievements for Porsche as are the Cayenne and Cayman. His career culminated with the Carrera GT. Since 2005 he is an automotive design consultant for one of the brands within the VW Group. He has been an active racing driver and historic racecar restorer for 30 years on both sides of the Atlantic. He has also been a judge at many Concours d’Elegance such as: Louis Vuitton, Amelia Island, Villa d’Este and at the dutch palace Concours (‘t Loo and Soestdijk).
Judge
TERESA GALATI
ITALY
2020 Ottobre - Ambasciatrice al IV Trofeo La Dolce Vita -Circuito Storico Santa Marinella ( Roma) 2021 Luglio - Staff al Circuito di Avezzano Settembre - Ambasciatrice V Trofeo La Dolce Vita - Circuito Storico Santa Marinella ( Roma) Settembre - Staff al Tour Raduno Old Motor Club Malta Settembre- Staff, Foto e cura dei Social alla XXXII Rievocazione "Coppa V. Florio Anno 2022 Aprile -Staff, foto e cura dei Social al 1° Etrurian Cup Circuito Storico Santa Marinella ( Roma) Aprile - Foto e cura dei social al 5° Trofeo Lago Di Bracciano Maggio - Staff e cura dei Social al Giro di Sicilia By Vcc Panormus Giugno - Staff, foto e cura social alla Speciale Edizione Tour dell'Etna Old Motors Club Malta Luglio- Staff al Circuito di Avezzano Settembre Staff all'evento " Via col Vento"a Perugia Settembre- Ambasciatrice al VI Trofeo La Dolce Vita, Circuito Storico Santa Marinella (Roma) Settembre - Partecipazione alla XXV Edizione Autogiro Provincia Ragusa Ottobre - Staff, foto e cura dei social MG Car Club Regione Sicilia Novembre - Partecipazione al Club Lions Nebrodi 4x4 Raduno Nazionale FIF Anno 2023 Gennaio - Staff, foto e cura dei Social alla Befana dell'ASI con il Circolo " V.Florio" Aprile - Staff all'MG Car Club Italia Centro Regionale Sicilia Aprile - Staff 6° Trofeo Lago di Bracciano Maggio - Staff e partecipazione come equipaggio alla Coppa della Perugina Maggio - Ambasciatrice al VII Trofeo La Dolce Vita, Circuito Storico Santa Marinella Giugno - Staff, foto e cura dei Social al Circuito Città di Collecchio Luglio - Staff al Circuito di Avezzano Luglio - Inizio Collaborazione con il Club ADEAM - Auto Moto d'Epoca Antichi Motori Nino Vaccarella Settembre - Staff MG by The Sea - Driving Sicily - MG Car Club Regione Italia Settembre - Staff Club ADEAM alla Giornata del Motorismo D'epoca Ottobre - Rappresentante del Club ADEAM al Gran Premio La Motta Ottobre - Partecipazione con il team assistenza alla Targa Florio
Judge
PIETER-JAN VAN ZANTEN
NETHERLANDS
Pieter-Jan van Zanten (1962) grew up in a non-automotive family. Nevertheless, he was fascinated by technique and craftmanship. In his tens and twenties, he studied mechanical engineering and developed a fascination for vintage and classic cars in general and especially of Italian origin. His professional career however took another exit and he worked as a general manager, consultant and civil servant on topics as organization development and implementation of European environmental law. In parallel Pieter-Jan got involved in restoration and purchasing of classic Alfa Romeo’s for both his own collection and relations. He did road tests of new and classic cars and published in several Dutch classic car magazines over the years. He acted also as chief editor for the quarterly magazine ‘Duemila’ of a large Dutch Alfa Romeo club. In the meantime, he developed a passion for (inter)national rallying and took successfully part in many events with his classic Lancia Fulvia HF and Alfa Romeo Giulia Super. That didn’t stop him to act as board member of several general and thematic automobile clubs to preserve and promote the ownership and use of classic cars. About a decade ago he got involved in several concourses over the country and was asked to enter the jury team of our Dutch national concours d’elegance at the premises of Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn. Five years ago this event was moved to the Palace Soestdijk and he was by then asked to take over the role of chief judge, also amongst others assigned with admission of cars to the event.