Our journey began with a 362-mile round trip, starting from my home near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, as mapped out by the algorithmic geniuses at Waze. I couldn’t help but ponder how my journalistic predecessor from 1933 would have planned this route without the luxury of modern technology, motorways, or service areas. How long would it have taken with the limited capabilities of cars from that era?
The decision of which car to take was a tough one. The Scribe, known for his love of luxury and comfort, would have likely opted for a contemporary vehicle. A Rolls-Royce Phantom II 40/50hp advertisement in the newspaper provided a hint, but acquiring one at short notice was out of the question.
After much contemplation, we settled on a modern car to stay in line with The Scribe’s preferences. This ruled out a smooth Bentley from the classic collection generously offered to us. None of my own cars – the Alpine A110, Dacia Duster, or Ford Ranger Raptor – seemed suitable. In today’s world, modern often means electric, so we decided on a Mercedes-Benz EQS, the sleek all-electric S-Class that exuded sophistication and elegance.
Mercedes promptly delivered the car to my doorstep the day before our journey. Joining me on this adventure was John Bradshaw, our esteemed chief photographer who possessed a deep knowledge of the country akin to The Scribe.
Our itinerary included a trip north to Shipton, a short 26-mile drive, followed by a westward journey to The Paddocks, spanning 59 miles. This would lead us to an Exeter charging station for a late lunch, and eventually to The Osborne’s doorstep – a 137-mile/150-minute drive away – before daylight dwindled. This strategic plan allowed us to capture essential photographs and return in darkness with all the images we needed.
In this age where visuals are as crucial as written content, our journey in the Mercedes-Benz EQS promised a blend of comfort, silence, and efficiency. Just as The Scribe would have appreciated.
