Friday 28 March 2014

SHELSLEY WALSH - CLASSIC NOSTALGIA WEEKEND

ShelsleywalshSHFRlogo 
 Shelsley Walsh Classic Nostalgia Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th July 2014


Car clubs welcomed and actively encouraged to join the Midland Automobile Club’s Classic Nostalgia at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb on Saturday 19th July and Sunday 20th July 2014.
Concessionary tickets are available for car club groups of 25 people or more, which includes entry tickets, designated car club parking (which you are welcome to brand) and opportunity for your members vehicles to be judged for the Concours. 

“Classic Nostalgia produces some wonderful sights, sounds and magnificent machines from over the years, in a pretty setting amongst the wonderful +Worcestershire hills.”  Sir Stirling Moss

A weekend of 1950's and 1960's Classic Nostalgia awaits you at the Midland Automobile Club's Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb supported by Classic and Sports Car and Peter James Insurance and Stewart Miller Insurance.
This annual event attracts a very wide range of competing cars from the 1950s and 60s, and spectacular vehicle displays in both the paddock and orchard. Visitors are encouraged to wear period dress, with prizes awarded on the Sunday for the best vintage outfits.
The courtyard stage will host entertainment throughout the weekend, including ‘living history’ actors, vintage-inspired musicians, dancers and a ukulele band. The paddock and orchard will be packed with competition cars, trade stands, car clubs, and even a classic car trial. Thrilling the crowds this year, will be an aerobatic display (weather permitting – Sunday only).

Sunday will feature the annual Street Concours for cars built before 1982, the Concours is once again kindly sponsored by Classic & Sports Car magazine and is open to the first 100 entries through the gate before 12 noon. It will be judged by motoring journalist and regular Shelsley Walsh competitor, Simon Taylor. There is no charge to enter the Concours but cars must be driven through the entry gate, no trailers please!
Simon Taylor said, "We have been running the Concours competition for many years and it has become an integral part of the Classic Nostalgia event. 15 of the Concourse cars that we judge and select will have the rare opportunity to take part in a cavalcade up the famous Hill Climb course”.

The overall winner of the Concours will receive a silver salver and be invited to display the vehicle on the Club's stand at the NEC Classic Car Show in November. Other prizes include a 12-month subscription to "Classic & Sports Car" magazine.
Classic Nostalgia also welcomes the return of Peter James Insurance and Stewart Miller Insurance and their guest of honour Sir Stirling Moss OBE on the Sunday. Aside from regular autograph sessions, Sir Stirling will take part in a question and answer session in the courtyard; provide opinions, recollections and humorous anecdotes about his illustrious career in motor racing. 
Classic Nostalgia is a great day out for all the family - what’s more children are free!

This meeting includes:
  • July 19th - NATIONAL B PRE-1980 CLASSIC HILL CLIMB (classic nostalgia)
  • MSA Permit Number T.B.A.
  • The 64th National B event. A round of the Luffield Cars MGCC Speed Championship, the Bugatti Owners' Club Paul Matty Sports Cars Classic Championship, The Bert Hadley Memorial Championship. Also open to competitors from the invited clubs with pre-1980 cars. 
  • Practice on morning of event .
  • Car Club Group Discount Structure:
    25 tickets priced £12 (plus receive an additional 5 free tickets). Total tickets 30, £300
    40 tickets priced £12 (plus receive an additional 10 free tickets). Total tickets 50, £480
    50 tickets priced £12 (plus receive an additional 20 free tickets). Total tickets 70, £600
    60 tickets priced £12 (plus receive an additional 30 free tickets). Total tickets 90, £720
    70 tickets priced £12 (plus receive an additional 35 free tickets). Total tickets 105, £840

    About the Midland Automobile Club and Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb
    The club was established at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham on the 11th January 1901 by a number of prominent members of the early motor industry whilst Queen Victoria was on the throne and as such, is arguably the oldest motor sport club in the world.
    Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb is the oldest motor sport venue in the world still in continuous use. It was first used in 1905 and still uses its original layout, although there are a few close rivals.
    Our first speed event was held in 1901 on the edge of the rolling hills of the Cotswolds at Sun Rising Hill.

    The club has always been innovative. In 1932, the BBC chose Shelsley Walsh for its first ever outside broadcast. Electronic timing was first introduced at Shelsley and in 1998 the club organised the first ever classic trial on the Isle of Man
    The MAC hosts rounds of the British Hill Climb Championship, The Midland Championship and The Leaders Championship, with classes for a variety of cars from road going to full on specialist hill climb cars. The MAC also organises, sprints, sporting trials, classic car, and social events. The Midland Automobile Club features something for every motor sport and motoring enthusiast.

    For further information, or to book car club tickets, please contact Event Manager:
    Rebecca Leppard on T: 01452 260063, M: 07749 852481, e: rebecca@eventspr.co.uk

Tuesday 25 March 2014

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS _ RESTORATION SHOW April 2013

IT might not look much, but this extremely rare 1939 Lagonda V12 Hooper two door saloon that has covered just 40,000 miles from new and, crucially, has been estimated to fetch between £75,000 and £100,000 at the forthcoming Restoration Show Sale, at the NEC, Birmingham on April 12th.
The unique car was built for the wife of the owner of Hooper Bodies Ltd, the most noted coach builder of the era, and first registered in August 1939. With the onset of war just weeks later the car was placed into storage before being sold to a Mr Harry Ellard in 1952.
A highly successful Midlands engineer, Ellard built up a stunning collection of around 40 cars of which this was the centrepiece. Reportedly the largest collection of Lagondas, Ellard owned another five models. Following his death, his famous collection was sold at auction in 1984 with this car taking pride of place on the front cover of the catalogue. The next owner enjoyed the car until 2001 when it changed hands once again. Now offered for auction having been in storage for 13 years, the car requires a complete restoration.
Commenting on the car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “We’re very proud to play a part in the car’s unique history. Lagonda was one of Britain’s finest luxury marques and this model’s fascinating history is sure to raise the interest of potential owners.”
Whale added: “For those looking for a one-off restoration project or rare pre-war model, this car will certainly be of interest.”
To view  more lots goto: www.silverstoneauctions.com

Story copyright by PRESS ASSOCIATION

Monday 24 March 2014

2014 BUDGET GOOD NEWS FOR SOME

Good news for some classic owners in last weeks Budget — the classic car rolling road tax exemption is to be reinstated. From April 2015, the classic car exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty will begin rolling from 40 years, with cars being built before January 1975 eligible for a zero-rated tax disc.
The measure, which was announced by the Chancellor Of The Exchequer, and is in addition to the announcement last year that all vehicles manufactured before 1st January 1974 would qualify for zero duty.

So from April 1, 2015, cars manufactured 40 years ago will be added to the exemption. The exemption cut-off date in Schedule 2 of the Act will be changed to January 1, 1974 to apply from April 1, 2014 as announced in the 2013 Budget, and to January 1, 1975 to apply from April 1, 2015 as announced in the 2014 Budget.
The previous 25-year cut off date for road tax exemption for vehicles was stopped in 1997 by the then Labour Government,

Sunday 23 March 2014

KEEP CLASSICS IN LONDON

Classic & Sportscar Magazine have launched a campaign to protect the use of classic vehicles in London, following the news that an Ultra Low Emissions Zone could spell the end of classics in central London – not just for private owners, but businesses and historic events such as the Brighton Run.
More details can be found by going to: http://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/general-classic-car-news/help-csc-fight-the-london-classic-car-ban?utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=Enews%20Bulletins%20&utm_source=March%2013,%202014&utm_content=read_more_article_1

ROAD - RACE CONSULTATION

After years of lobbying by the MSA (Motor Sports Association) the Government has announced  a public consultation is to take place to facilitate a change in the current law on road-racing.
At present legislation means it is difficult to run motor sport events on closed public roads, as itis Parliament that has to grant a temporary suspension of the Road Traffic Act. The proposal by the MSA would see local councils taking over these powers who could debate issues & pass the required closures a lot quicker.
The consultation runs until April 10th. More details can be found on the MSA website by visiting:
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/newsarticle.asp?chapter=1&nid=1620