Supercars go for gold
Author: Chris Barker
Published: 26 August 2008
With a gold Porsche 911 Turbo convertible hitting the headlines recently, we’ve done a bit of undercover work to see what company would physically engage in such an automotive crime against humanity. And we’ve found one in the UK. And it didn’t take much flushing out.The name will remain a secret to protect the guilty – and our own backs for legal reasons – but Alchemist of London tell us it’s going to turn up – along with its gold-primed airbrush – at this year’s MPH automotive shindig at Birmingham’s NEC between 13 – 16 November.So if you’ve got an aversion to tackiness we suggest you make alternative arrangements that weekend. Or just steer clear of its stall.The artisan company regularly turns its cultured hand to applying a lustrous coat of 24-carat gold leaf to the roof of any car to give it that ‘special’ feel and look. For ‘any’ car obviously read ‘supercar’. And for ‘supercar’ clearly read ‘stupidly rich owner of’. Or Russian parentage.Adapting an innovative new patent to proceedings, Alchemist says the secret to its success is rooted very much in the past. And remains a secret.Jacques Blanc commented; “Gold-leafing vehicles isn’t a new luxury. The Egyptians mastered the technique more than 3000 years ago and Tutankhamun’s chariot was decorated with gold leaves. We are simply continuing this ancient and opulent tradition.” Alchemist isn’t exactly short of customers queuing up to indulge their every supercar fantasy, and since the company’s launch in February this year has been inundated with orders to add a gold-top to a plethora of automotive royalty.Bentley’s, Porsches, Mercedes and Aston Martin have all been under the airbrush – whilst their owners were possibly under the influence – and emerged sporting a new customized roof, complete with a certificate of authenticity to proudly wave in front of none-believers.
With prices starting from £12,500 upwards you might think would-be customers would flinch, but no such thing. Although that may have something to do with Alchemist’s prime location in affluent Kensington, London, a postcode that the trappings of wealth seems to magnetise to.Alchemist can also embed precious gemstones into the gold leaf for drivers after lavish sparkling bodywork.Fronted by French art director Jaques Blanc, Alchemist plans to take his gold show on the road to MPH ’08 and notably to create what he calls the ultimate James Bond vehicle. By completely gilding a new Aston Martin DBS – star of Quantum of Solace – in 24-carat gold and platinum. Is there no beginning to this man’s talents?
See Also:
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