Combining a mix of society's last word and both wit and wisdom, The Steeple Times covers food, drink and fine dining as well as luxury, travel, the arts, individuals of influence and current affairs in the United Kingdom, America and elsewhere. We are best described as being akin to "a cross between The Huffington Post and Private Eye".
The magazine's following is affluent, engaged and international. With 41% of readers coming from the UK and 38% from America, The Steeple Times also has strong presence within Canadian, Italian, German and Australian territories.
April 1, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
1967 Mercedes ‘Dictator Car’ limousine owned until 1993 by the first President of Ivory Coast to be auctioned after being restored at vast expense Félix Houphouët-Boigny (whom claimed to be born in 1908, but was more likely born in 1905, and died in 1993) was known variously as ‘Papa Houphouët’ (‘The Old One’), the ‘Sage … Continue reading “A Grand Old Man’s Grand Old Merc”
March 22, 2020
by Matthew Steeples
With paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged madam Ghislaine Maxwell still missing, knicker flasher Lizzie Cundy steps into the breach in the forthcoming Cash & Rocket rally Last year, prior to disappearing in the wake of the death of her personal cash point, the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the shameless disgrace that is Ghislaine Maxwell joined the likes … Continue reading “Lustful Lizzie Replaces Gruesome Ghislaine”
February 22, 2020
by Theodora Ong
New contributor and classic cars enthusiast Theodora Ong covets roadsters with wings, curves and chrome at the London Classic Car Show 2020 If you dashed over to this year’s London Classic Car Show (LCCS) at Olympia, you may soon be planning to sell-up your everyday new car, to snap up a new-old motor for weekend … Continue reading “Change From £100k”
December 3, 2018
by Matthew Steeples
Superb example of the “world’s ultimate limousine” to be auctioned; the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman was the favourite of dictators across the globe Produced from 1963 to 1981 with a run of 2,677 units made, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman – also known as the ‘Grosser’ or ‘Grand Mercedes’ – is undoubtedly a star amongst cars. … Continue reading “A Dictator Rides”
September 30, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Limousine, convertible and off-roader combined created by Mercedes-Maybach to be sold for charity One of just ninety-nine examples made, a brand new Mercedes-Maybach G650 V12 landaulet is to be auctioned in October. Offered to benefit the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and given by Daimler AG, the 17.5-foot long, four-seater vehicle is intended … Continue reading “A Mammoth Merc”
August 8, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
One-off 1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI cabriolet to be auctioned; originally commissioned by a British playboy turned jailbird with connections to Princess Margaret but only actually completed in 1993 A 1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI all-weather cabriolet with bodywork by the renowned Italian automotive stylist Frua is to be auctioned this month. Offered with an … Continue reading “A Con and A Cabriolet”
August 6, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Up-armoured Rolls-Royce used by the late Diana, Princess of Wales to be auctioned in Auburn, Indiana A 1987 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur I commissioned by the British Foreign Office as part of the British Embassy vehicle pool in Washington D.C. that was used by Diana, Princess of Wales on two occasions is to be sold … Continue reading “Diana’s Drive”
July 23, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Rare “ugly duckling” seven-seat 1967 Mercedes-Benz shooting brake to be offered at auction; it will generate the same reaction as Marmite An extremely rare yet somewhat ugly 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S ‘Universal’ is to be sold at auction this month with an estimate of £35,000 to £40,000 ($45,000 to $52,000, €39,000 to €45,000 or درهم167,000 … Continue reading “An Ugly Brake”
July 16, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
After a Chelsea chef who came out of nowhere named Michael Riemenschneider is revealed to be a “conman” in the ‘Mail on Sunday’, readers tell of his past form As can only be expected of a paper that loves a bit of sensationalism this week’s Mail on Sunday’s ‘YOU’ got rather carried away in … Continue reading “Canvassing a Con”
by Matthew Steeples
A selection of five cars owned and previously owned by ‘personalities’ to be auctioned at the Silverstone Classic Sale in July On the 29th and 30th July, Silverstone Auctions will sell both classic and contemporary cars at their Silverstone Classic Sale in Northamptonshire. Amongst them are five cars owned or previously owned by the … Continue reading “Five of the Best – ‘Star Cars’ at Silverstone”
June 1, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
A 20-question interview with criminal justice expert, former police officer and Liberal Democrat candidate for Kensington Annabel Mullin The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? To live every moment to the fullest and make the biggest difference to people’s lives that I can. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, … Continue reading “Annabel Mullin – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
May 9, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Ex-President Josip Broz Tito 1964 Fiat 500 Jolly by Ghia to be sold at auction in London Josip Broz Tito liked cars. It appears he didn’t care if they were little or large and someone without the means to purchase his £2.5 million ($3.1 million, €2.9 million or درهم11.4 million) 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman … Continue reading “Tito’s Toy”
April 20, 2017
by General
A 20-question interview with self-made businessman and star of ‘My Fat Gypsy Fortune’ Alfie Best The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? For a man to know where he is going, he must remember where he is from. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a … Continue reading “Alfie Best – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
April 10, 2017
by Matthew Steeples
Ex-Marshal Tito Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet for sale for staggering sum 1,598% higher than similar examples owned by other dictators “Benevolent communist dictator” Marshal Josip Tito, 1st President of Yugoslavia (1892 – 1980) had use of a Boeing 727 plane, a private train and a 55-foot yacht but now the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman … Continue reading “Taking the Tito”
by Matthew Steeples
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500 that has been driven just 81 miles and stored in a Knightsbridge garage since new to be auctioned for 1,000% more than a normal example of its age A Mercedes-Benz with a difference is to be auctioned on its twenty-first birthday on 12th April. The car to be offered is an … Continue reading “81 Miles From New”
by General
A tenacious Romany Gypsy turned multi-millionaire businessman, Mayfair and Hertfordshire based Alfie Best overcame “many obstacles and prejudices” to make his fortune in cars, mobile phone stores and mobile home parks. The owner of Wyldecrest Parks also produces his own gin and claims his life philosophy is “90% perspiration and 10% inspiration”. His equally entrepreneurial … Continue reading “Alfie Best II”
by Matthew Steeples
Insensitive showoffs wreak havoc in Parliament Square with their gaudy supercars; they claimed to be honouring the dead and injured of the Westminster attack but simply caused annoyance Though five people died and around fifty others were injured as a result of Khalid Masood smashing his rented 4×4 into them on Westminster Bridge on … Continue reading “Morons of the Moment – Piccadilly Boy Racers”
August 26, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
The perfect gift for your parents – A pair of Mercedes-Benz cars with plates for mum and dad A 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL would typically set you back around £15,000 whilst a 1988 420SL could cost you anything upto £65,000. Now, for the extraordinary figure of £250,000, someone devoted to their parents could get both … Continue reading “One for Mum and one for Dad”
July 20, 2016
by General
A 20-question interview with executive chef Nuno Goncalves of 12 Hay Hill in London’s Mayfair The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? I am as stubborn as you can get. If I set my mind to something, I won’t stop until I achieve it. It’s what keeps me going. … Continue reading “Nuno Goncalves – What’s on your mantelpiece?”
May 22, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 originally owned by a classier forerunner to James Stunt for sale
April 22, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Remembering one of London’s great ladies, Marisa Masters
March 28, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Gold cars appear to be all the rage with London’s visiting Arabs this season
February 9, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
Muscular 1990 Mercedes-Benz offered for sale for a higher price than when new
January 18, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
A 20-question interview with Atlanta based interior designer Robert Brown
January 1, 2016
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times wishes readers a prosperous 2016 and reviews some of our favourite stories from 2015
November 16, 2015
by General
Massachusetts born and Boston based billionaire businessman Herb Chambers loves fast cars and mammoth yachts.
August 20, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks former jockey turned racehorse trainer Victoria Haigh: What’s on your mantelpiece?
June 17, 2015
by General
The second son of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
April 27, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks realtor and star of ‘Million Dollar Listing San Francisco’ Justin Fichelson: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
January 11, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
Plated X: 15 more of the best plates spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’
January 2, 2015
by Matthew Steeples
A wooden Ferrari is the only car allowed in Venice Weighing 2,000 pounds, a wooden model of a Ferrari F50 is the only “car” allowed in Venice.
October 18, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Britain’s tackiest car, a crystal covered Mercedes, sells for just under £155,000 A previous Wally of the Week, Daria Radionova, might not be such a fool after all given that she has just sold her Swarovski crystal covered Mercedes CLS 350 for the astonishing figure of £154,600.
September 23, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Russian student spends £20,000 covering her £25,000 Mercedes in Swarovski crystals and then wonders why she is mocked
September 5, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Arnold Schwarzenegger puts his Mercedes-Benz Unimog up for sale after replacing it with a Bugatti Veyron Arnold ‘The Governator’ Schwarzenegger is a man who does it ‘large’. Aside from being built like a tank himself, this Austrian actor turned politician likes large cars and in putting his Mercedes-Benz Unimog up for sale and being spotted in … Continue reading “Governing a Merc”
July 24, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
15 more of the best plates spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Continuing our series, below we feature 15 more unusual, laughable and entertaining number plates
July 4, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman once owed by Communist Party commander Chen Yi goes to auction Communist and dictators are amongst the well-known to have purchased Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman limousines and one fine example is about to go to auction with Bonhams on 12th July
April 30, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
EXCLUSIVE: Antonio Carluccio involved in car crash in Walton Street, Chelsea At 5.30pm today, the well-known chef Antonio Carluccio was involved in a car crash in London’s Walton Street in his Mercedes-Benz.
April 28, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
15 more of the best plates spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Continuing our series, below we feature 15 more unusual, laughable and entertaining number plates
April 1, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
15 more of the best plates spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Continuing our series, below we feature 15 more unusual, laughable and entertaining number plates
February 15, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with Jamie Hazeel and Lalie Jacout, the duo behind The Wandering Chef The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? J: I set myself mad challenges and put myself in ridiculous positions so I don’t get lazy or complacent. Working with Lalie seems pretty true to form. L: Professionally … Continue reading “Jamie Hazeel and Lalie Jacout: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
February 14, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
15 more of the best plates spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ Continuing our series, below we feature 15 more unusual, laughable and entertaining number plates
January 24, 2014
by Matthew Steeples
A Mercedes-Benz driver comes to regret taking on an old lady Our Video of the Week had to be of an old lady who dealt with an aggressive driver appropriately.
October 8, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Losses of £34.1 million follow in the wake of Aston Martin’s Cygnet’s failure Aston Martin makes wonderful sports cars. Given reports that the company lost £34.1 million in 2012, they should perhaps stick to that.
October 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with New York based fashion entrepreneur Byron Bradshaw The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? I’d rather be dead than boring.
September 7, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with Graham Seed, best known for having played Nigel Pargetter in BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Archers’ The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My wife, of course. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Success and failure are irrelevant. … Continue reading “Graham Seed: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
August 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
‘Diana’ looks set to take the title of “Clanger of the Year” Films based on the lives of the royal family rarely work. The trailer of the latest, Diana, starring Naomi Watts proves this point perfectly.
July 14, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with chocolatier Amelia Rope The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? Drive and determination. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? Keep it simple, remain focused and go for it.
July 13, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 racing car becomes the most valuable motor car ever sold at auction Yesterday at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale, automotive history was made when a Formula 1 racing car was sold for £19,601,500 including premium.
July 10, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
20 questions with businessman and luxury brands guru Zak Tyler The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? I’m guided simply by the love of my son. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Life is what happens whilst you are busy … Continue reading “Zak Tyler: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
May 31, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
Former billionaire Halsey Minor files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Last October we featured the story of the $25 million Koshland Mansion in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights. The price of the property has now been slashed to $21 million and today its former owner, Halsey Minor, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with liabilities of … Continue reading “A Minor problem”
May 25, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
An Iraqi medical student and an aspiring actor from Abu Dhabi battle it out for the title “the most beautiful face ever” Regular readers will recall our having added Omar Borkan Al Gala to our roll call some time ago. He was deported from Saudi Arabia as authorities there deemed him “too sexy” and … Continue reading “The battle of the vanities”
May 20, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The Steeple Times asks The Palm’s supervisor Ezio Arceri: “What’s on your mantelpiece?” The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force? My family and girlfriend. “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours? “Let’s do it”. Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in … Continue reading “Ezio Arceri: “What’s on your mantelpiece?””
May 11, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
30 of the best number plates sighted by Matthew Steeples Our readers and followers love the number plates spotted by our editor Matthew Steeples.
March 24, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
A self-made mogul and former champion boxer who cannot read or write fluently. He thinks “differently” and built a £400 million fortune by creating and then selling a buy-to-let empire of almost 6,000 rental properties. Panayiotou takes the view that it is “moral[ly]” right to pay taxes in Britain and of those who call Heath … Continue reading “Andreas Panayiotou”
March 1, 2013
by Matthew Steeples
The revival of the shooting brake The 2012/2013 shooting season may well be over, but one of Italy’s finest automotive design houses, Bertone, are about to showcase a shooting brake they have created to coincide with Aston Martin’s centenary and their having worked with the English brand for 60 years at the 2013 Geneva … Continue reading “Rapid brakes”
November 1, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
This billionaire former president of the Bank of Moscow lives in exile in London and is on the Interpol Red Notices wanted list as a suspect in a £136 million (13 billion rouble) fraud.
October 31, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The ultimate souvenir of the 2012 Olympics? On Friday 27th July, a boat sped up the Thames that was watched by an estimated 900 million people across the globe. That craft, a Bladerunner BR RIB 35, was piloted by David Beckham and also carried Bladerunner’s managing director Jeremy Watts and the Olympic torch. … Continue reading “Boat it like Beckham”
August 29, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
The early demise of Maybach Last week, Damiler AG closed down the Maybach brand earlier than expected. Having lost $1 billion on a brand that failed to steal market share from Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the company plainly realised waiting until 2013 would not help recoup a single dollar of their investment. Priced between … Continue reading “Picture of the Week: Another luxury car brand bites the dust”
April 27, 2012
by Matthew Steeples
Former restaurateur whose family are city legends. His pride and joy is a classic Mercedes-Benz Grosser and he’s often to be found propping up the bar at La Brasserie teaching Cockney rhyming slang. A maestro in the kitchen, feasts by him are hugely sought after.
