Chris Evans Ferrari Extravaganza Roars Into Longleat
1st July 2011
BBC Radio 2 DJ, Chris Evans roared into Longleat yesterday as part of the ‘Children in Need Drive and Dine extravaganza’ with seven lucky couples who had the chance to drive seven Ferraris.
The convoy of cars set off from Chris' home in Berkshire, stopping off at various locations along the way including Longleat Safari & Adventure Park before winding up at a luxury hotel in the New Forest.
Last November, seven generous souls (and their co-drivers) donated over half a million pounds to Children in Need, in exchange for the ride of their lives in seven magnificent Ferrari's. The intrepid travellers set off in convoy from chez Evans - and went on to drive around some of the most picturesque country lanes in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset.
First official stop of the day was at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park where Chris Evans along with his 7 auction-winning drivers parked up outside the front steps of Longleat House for a short picnic and a chance to take in the beauty of the 900-acre estate. The Radio 2 breakfast host was the first to pull up at Longleat House in his £12 million 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO and was greeted at the steps of the house by Lord Bath.
Queen Elizabeth I who regularly welcomes visitors and visited Longleat House herself back in 1574 was also on hand to pose for photos alongside the famous cars as well as talking with the guests.
Among the convoy of cars which turned up at Longleat were five Ferraris from Chris Evan’s own collection including a 1969 365 GTC, a 1992 F40, a 2010 599 GTO and a 2011 SA Aperta.
Three other cars – a 1963 250 GT Lusso, a 1966 275 GTB 4 Cam and the back up car a 1964 250 Lusso had been loaned especially for the event.