Georgia Peck is the founder and owner of Aubrey Peck. She, like us, has a passion for classic cars and, through Aubrey Peck, helps other people enjoy classics as much as possible.
We were very excited to ask Georgia some questions to get an insight into her business, her goals, and why she loves classic cars so much.
For those who don’t know, what is Aubrey Peck?
Aubrey Peck is a luxury automotive agency that began predominantly as an events company but has now expanded to provide a range of automotive services including events, travel, content creation, car hire, consulting, and design.
Your Grandfather plays a big part in the heritage of Aubrey Peck, what are the key things about him that drove you to get things started?
I never knew my grandfather as he sadly passed away shortly after I was born, but I absolutely loved, and still do, all the incredible stories my father would tell me about him – in my mind, he was and is my biggest hero.
After many boring years sitting in Central London behind a desk, starting Aubrey Peck was an excuse for me to do more of what I loved in my life, and get to know my grandfather that little bit more by partaking in some of his favourite past times. He was a racing driver, Bristol Beaufighter pilot, car collector, and adventurer – and via Aubrey Peck, I have experienced so much of what he used to do including learning to drive a 4.5-Litre Bentley (like his) at Goodwood with William Medcalfe; working with some incredible vintage aircraft; and travelling around the world in various exciting classic cars. I absolutely love what I do.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Almost everything to be honest, but at present, my favourite thing to do is plan international classic car rallies and tours. I really love driving, I love attention to detail, I absolutely love exploring – especially places off the beaten track – and I love more than anything making guests and clients happy! Unless we’re mapping out tulips, I’ll usually go solo or with my Bull Terrier Rodney on recces, driving 8-10 hours straight per day to find all the best roads, unidentified lanes, restaurants, hotels, coffee and fuel stops.
For each rally we plan, I will design it fully bespoke for each and every client, and the cars and guests that are attending. I’ll be on the ground measuring road humps if I have to to make sure no front splitter leaves one of our events scathed! I really enjoy putting the effort in to make sure everyone enjoys themselves to the fullest, no issues are incurred along the way, and that we create an experience that is really exciting and original, unlike any other company offers.
You’ve been around lots of classic cars – do you have one that stands out to you as a particular favourite?
That’s such a hard question!! I have so many, all for such vastly different reasons. But if I had to pick one, I’d likely go with the Jaguar XKSS that we provided for Gucci’s 100th birthday celebrations at The Savoy last year. For me, it is the embodiment of ‘cool’. Then seeing one drift at a 45-degree angle around a frozen lake at The Ice St Moritz this spring really cemented that. It’s in my dream garage, for sure.
Looking back at how your grandfather’s legacy influenced you, what do you want your legacy to be?
Sadly my grandparents, nor my parents, have ever left or provided me with any kind of financial legacy! Everything thing I have, I’ve earnt it myself. But if we’re metaphorically speaking, then I’d love to inspire others, in particular young women, to do what they love; whether it’s in the male-dominated automotive industry or not. It would be fantastic to have helped people do more of what makes them happy as I have done.
What’s next for Aubrey Peck?
After spending the past four months helping set up a new automobile club in Villars, we’re now working to put together an exciting 2023 events calendar for them that caters to their UHNW and HNW international members, some of which include F1 Grand Prix drivers of past and present years. We’re also in the planning stages of five big international rallies for a select group of Ferraris and Aston Martins, and have a number of large commercial car hire bookings over the next few months.
In addition to that, following a rise in demand from my clients, I’ve just started Aubrey – a sister company of Aubrey Peck – that specialises in car sourcing, restorations, vehicle management, design, and custom-built classic vehicles. We currently have 4 private commissions on the go, and have sourced and sold 3 cars this year, with some cars destined for the mountains in Switzerland, and others for the streets of Chelsea.
What is it that you find interesting about classic cars?
Hands down, my greatest enjoyment is driving them, and learning how to drive them in some cases! Each is so different and unique, and I find the complexity of each and every design fascinating – right down to each individual button and switch. But what I find most interesting of all are the stories and the people behind them. There are only a handful of things in this world that can transverse generations without losing quality, but gaining it: fine architecture, fine jewellery, and fine motor cars. I love being involved in the preservation of special classic vehicles, and I hope that what I do helps them live on and be enjoyed for many more generations to come.
Are there any big events coming up that classic car enthusiasts need to know about?
One of my clients, The Automobile Club Villars, has plans to resurrect a famous winter motorsports festival that was popular with F1 GP racing drivers from around the world back in the ’70s, the Festival de Neiges. Talks are already underway to make it happen in the near future. Think championship drivers, Meyers Manxs, skidoos, and legendary parties in the snow!
We’re also planning Duke’s Hill Climb 2023 – our beloved and highly eclectic hill climb festival – and an Aubrey Peck off-roading event. Stay tuned to our website and social channels for more information.
How do you see classic cars fitting into the future? What changes do you see happening?
I think it’s really important that anyone currently involved in the automotive industry works to inspire the next generation into classic car ownership and occupations too. But it’s more important that we provide them with the means to experience, understand and maintain them too. I believe if dealers, collectors, owners, restorers, and event planners all work harder to inspire the younger crowds, the industry shouldn’t change too much for now! It’s our responsibility, not theirs, to provide a future for our beloved classic cars.
With regard to change, I’m seeing and receiving more and more requests from clients to turn their vehicles electric – shock horror. It’s happening. Not just those in London now, but from all over. I’d say it’s greater than a matter of practicality or expense in cities, but it’s become a trend amongst certain classes and social circles. A luxury electric classic car is ‘the’ item to have.
How can people find out more about Aubrey Peck?
Via our website www.aubreypeck.co.uk or Instagram pages @aubreypeckautomotive @aubreyautomobiles
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