A classic, crafted interior to match
Working with Bill Amberg Studio to design the leather interiors as well as a pair of unique, made-to-measure weekend bags has been a genuine meeting of minds.
“Bill is a real car enthusiast,” says Chedeen. “He has a passionate opinion on what a classic car should look like, so this project has been a developing partnership. Bill’s aesthetic: luxury but understated, modern but classic, demonstrating the expertise of traditional British craftwork, perfectly matches our own at Helm.”
For his part, Amberg was enthused by the shared vision of updating a classic design with sensitivity and flair.
“Usually with a renovation project, you’re dealing with a flashy upgrade or a faithful recreation of what it looked like when it first came out on the factory floor,” says Amberg. “The idea was to create an interior for how the E-type could have been if the same attention was paid to the inside detailing, in order to match the iconic shape of the exterior. We’re trying to produce something that reflects the spirit of the car.”
Amberg was keen to introduce classic English racing detail in the leatherwork, using a combination of the finest suede and leathers previously used only in luxury residential interiors, playing up the textural differences between the two materials. The use of vegetable-tanned black leather adds a feel of discreet luxury and was created alongside the chassis build, with constant checks to ensure the bespoke design fits seamlessly.
The Roadster comes complete with its own set of purpose-built Bill Amberg luggage, too. ‘We thought it would be much better to have a more casual, spur-of-the-moment travel bag,’ Amberg explains. Made from soft, lightweight black Italian calf skin, the pair of bags are held neatly in place with handmade leather straps: the ultimate in weekend escapism.
