Exclusive: Richard Hammond on life’s true luxuries – from Blower Bentleys to Bilbury gin

Think of something on wheels, and chances are Richard Hammond has probably driven it – but these days his passions extend beyond the garage. Speaking exclusively to The Luxe Review as he steps into his role judging the world’s finest cars at Salon Privé, Richard reveals to us that luxury is about more than shiny metal – it’s about legacy, intricate detail and the stories behind our favourite pieces. 

From the elegant engineering of a Blower Bentley to the botanicals in his own new Lake District gin, The Grand Tour and Top Gear star believes life’s real luxuries are found in craftsmanship that delights the senses, he reveals to us when we sit down together to discuss the finer things in life.

Here, the motoring legend gets real about life’s luxuries – whether they’re on four wheels or in a glass… 

You’re judging Salon Privé this year. What will you be looking for when you’re assessing the cars?

Richard Hammond: I think judging any kind of cars, I’ll take guidance from fellow judges and the rest of the team, because every event has its own specific wants and needs. But my approach is: the condition, whether the car is loved and treasured, and breathtaking beauty – which is in the eye of the beholder. Functionality matters too, and the story. That might be the story around a specific example of a car, or the actual car itself: the evolution of it, the cause of its existence.

Are you more of a vintage motor or modern supercar fan?

RH: I’m across the board – I always have been! Any car of whatever era has a story to tell. They’re the second most expensive purchase beyond a house, so they’re significant. 

If money was no object, what’s the dream car you’d love to own?

RH: Oh, I’d never get through them all. I’d like to pick from different eras. I’d love a Blower Bentley. And the Vauxhall 30-98, which is magnificent. As for later cars… the Lamborghini Miura was a breathtaking car in its day. But then more humble stuff too – so many of the hot Fords and fast Fords, because they brought performance to a completely different market. Every car is storied.

Is there an upgrade or accessory you’d recommend that makes any ride more luxe?

RH: If it’s an older car, the best thing you can do is get it rebushed. Bushes are nylon parts that sit between moving components. As they get old, the car feels baggy. Replacing them isn’t expensive, and it changes the way the car feels.

What are your thoughts on self-driving cars? Would you ever own one?

RH: No. I don’t see the point of owning one. Cars are the most important thing we’ve ever created. Whenever we need anything – food, company, resources – we move to get it. It’s no surprise we devised a machine to help us. Yes, there will be anonymous autonomous boxes you order from your phone, but we’ll never step away from our love of machines that transport us. It’s too fundamental.

The internal combustion engine never damaged anything – it was the petrol. But we can now synthesise fuel renewably, so that problem’s solved. Electric cars have a role too. I drove the new Renault 5 – it’s a brilliant car. It doesn’t fit my life, but if it did, I’d want one. 

They’re just one part of a vibrant kaleidoscope of choices we’ll engineer for ourselves. That’s what events like Salon Privé celebrate: field after field of tempting, beautiful, sculptural machines.

You’re also unveiling your own spirits at Salon Privé! Tell us about them…

RH: I was drinking gin long before the current resurgence – I like to think I’m a fashion leader! I love its subtlety and complexity. Designing mine, Hammond’s Ratio London Dry Gin, I wanted to bring elements of my favourite place, into it, the Lake District. So I introduced bilberries, gorse petals and nettles for an earthiness. The best way to drink it is with a slice of grapefruit. It brings out the citrus notes, the bitterness of the bilberries and the earthiness of the nettles. I’m so proud of it.

The whisky, Iron Ridge English Single Malt Whisky, is finished in bourbon casks. I was a whisky drinker before I was a gin drinker. It’s a proper ‘sit down, take your time’ drink. Leave it for twenty minutes in the glass, go back, and it opens up  – with the drink, and with conversation. I’m delighted to launch them at Blenheim. Like cars, fine spirits and watches – they’re all tied together. That’s why I chose to do it. It all fits so well.

Richard Hammond will judge the 20th Anniversary Salon Privé Concours de Vente and Lifestyle Club Trophy at Blenheim Palace on Sunday 31st August. Find out more at salonpriveconcours.com.