Friday 29 January 2016

FREE TESTING FOR SILVERSTONE CLASSIC COMPETITORS

Silverstone Classic

 
FREE TESTING FOR

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

COMPETITORS

• No charge for racers revving up on Silverstone GP Circuit
• Curtain-
 raiser set for Wednesday 27 April 
• Media Accreditation for event and Preview now open

Competitors gearing up for another record-breaking Silverstone Classic (29-31 July) are being offered the welcome opportunity to test their cars in advance for free.
 
Staged at the ‘Home of British Motor Sport’, the Silverstone Classic is not only the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival but also the world’s biggest race meeting full stop. The packed programme features the full spectrum of historic motor sport and always attracts more than 1,000 race entries.
 
All those competing at this summer’s extravaganza are being given the chance to fine-tune their cars and/or familiarise themselves with the full Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit during the Classic’s official annual Media Preview on Wednesday 27 April.
 
“We introduced free testing at the Media Preview last year as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, as we wanted to give something back to all those competitors who play such an important role in making the Classic the huge success it is today,” explained Nick Wigley, CEO of organiser Goose Live Events. “The offer proved so popular that we are repeating it this year.”    
 
Understandably, 12 months ago the free test day was massively oversubscribed and organisers once again are expecting the limited number of available places to be snapped up swiftly – not least as this summer’s programme includes exciting new races for Can-Am sportscars and eighties touring cars, owners of which will be keen for track time.
 
Entries will be accepted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and application forms are available via the official event website at www.silverstoneclassic.com/competitor-zone.
 
Media accreditation is now open for both the Preview at Silverstone on Wednesday 27 April and the event itself in July. Those wishing to attend either – or both – are invited to send their applications toSC2016accreditation@mpacreative.com. Applicants should supply either proof of coverage from past Classics or evidence of 2016 commissions.
 
For the public, Early Bird tickets for the 2016 Silverstone Classic are available offering significant savings of up to 17 per cent. Adult prices start at just £35 and stick to the Classic’s widely praised ‘access all areas’ policy, thus providing admission to both race paddocks, trackside grandstands and the live music concerts.
  
Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website. 

SOURCE: MPA CREATIVE 2016

Thursday 28 January 2016

FRIENDS OF PRESCOTT UPDATE + AUTUMN CLASSIC

FRIENDS OF PRESCOTT ARE PROUD TO PRESENT AN EVENING OF MUSIC & MOTORS on WEDS 30 MARCH 2016 

AN EVENING WITH TOM “SPATS” LANGHAM 
Prescott Clubhouse, Prescott, Gotherington GL52 9RD START – 6.45pm 
An evening of amusing talk and music, by professional musician and vintage car buff, who has travelled the world playing with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Chris Barber and others. 
INTERVIEW BY CLUB CHAIRMAN CHARLES TREVELYAN 

INC: Two course hot and cold buffet, tea and coffee £20 
BOOKINGS [via the Club Office] – Credit Card payments by phone 01242 673136. Cheques (made payable to Exemplar Solutions) by post to the 
Bugatti Owners’ Club Office, Prescott, Gotherington GL52 9RD 
PROCEEDS TO FRIENDS OF PRESCOTT 

Everyone welcome - you don’t have to be a member of the Bugatti Owners Club to come and support Prescott.


   
 
HOLD THE DATE! 
The ever-popular Autumn Classic will once again be all-American Stars and Stripes weekend celebrating the biggest, brightest, and brashest cars this side of the pond. Saturday and Sunday 1 and 2 October 2016 will see special displays by American car clubs alongside USA-themed entertainment. 

Special displays include Pontiacs, Mustangs, Cadillac’s, and Chevys to Flatheads, Hotrods, Cobra, Ford Model T, Indians, Harleys and Custom Choppers, plus a dedicated ‘show n’ shine’ display area. 

We welcome the return of the Demon Drome Wall of Death, Rich Goodwin and his Pitts Special aerobatic display and the popular Stars n’ stripes comedy stiltwalkers. 

New for 2016! 
• The Ding Dong Daddios, providing dance music of the 40’s and 50’s. Swing and Jump Jive is what this band is all about with a hint of early Rock n’ Roll expertly delivered by a 5 piece band that were born to entertain (both days) 
• Music from Vincent Flats Final Drive described by Time Out as "Jack Daniels soaked, ZZ Top/Allman Brothers influenced, Confederate rock, boogie & blues". Their music is best described as American roots music, ranging from the New Orleans swamp of Little Feat and southern growl of Omar & The Howlers through to rockin' Hank Williams, anthemic Lynyrd Skynyrd and West Texas Boogie (sun only) 
• Dance demonstrations and Jive and Lindy Hop beginners lessons by UK Lindy Hop Champions Gary and Sara Boon of Gloster Swing Dance 

THE CLASSIC & SPORTSCAR SHOW 28-30 OCTOBER 2016

Inline images 1

EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER: THE
CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR SHOW RETURNS IN 2016

·         Following last year’s highly successful inaugural Classic & Sports Car Show, the event will return in 2016 even bigger and better
·         Confirmed dates for the three-day motoring celebration of all things historic are Friday 28th October to Sunday 30th October
·         The Show’s home will again be the iconic venue of Alexandra Palace, London, but expanded with even more space devoted to classic cars
·         Full details of the many themes and centerpiece exhibits will be revealed in the coming months
·         Visitors can expect over 300 of the world’s most prestigious classic cars, a host of celebrity guests and the world’s most-renowned classic car dealers


The Classic & Sports Car Show was an enormous success last autumn with 15,150 visitors attending the inaugural event. Now The Show is returning for 2016 – and it will be even bigger and better.

Organised by the world’s best-selling classic car magazine, Classic & Sports Car, and Haymarket Exhibitions, The Show will return to the majestic and iconic venue of Alexandra Palace, running from Friday 28th October to Sunday 30th October.

This year, the Organisers have expanded The Show, giving visitors even more to see and do over the three-day motoring celebration. Full details of the many themes and centerpieces will be announced in the coming months – but visitors can expect over 300 of the world’s most prestigious classic cars, celebrity guests and the world’s most-renowned dealers.

Last year’s event was full to the rafters with amazing features. Visitors were treated to a ten-car display featuring The British Car Ever – as voted for by the public in a global poll – and a tribute to Aston Martin and Sir Stirling Moss’s single seaters. They also got to see a host of motoring royalty on the Interview Stage – guests included Norman Dewis OBE and Ross Brawn OBE – not to mention stands featuring the world’s greatest classic car dealers.

Visitors to the 2016 event can expect even more cars and stars as James Elliott, Group Editor of Classic & Sports Car and Show curator, explained: “I am already so excited about this year’s event; we’ve got a host of centrepieces and themes planned that will really blow people away. Our first Show was such an enormous success, from displays including the Best British Car Ever, to the Interview Stage and its famous faces, and I can’t wait to bring the Classic & Sports Car vibe to Alexandra Palace again. Even bigger and better is certainly one way to describe this autumn’s event!”

The Classic & Sports Car Show in 2016 will feature more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious classic cars from world-famous collectors and world-renowned classic car retailers. Full details of The Show’s content will be revealed over the coming months.


SOURCE: Influence Associates

Shelsley Walsh Classic Nostalgia – 16-17 July 2016

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Shelsley Walsh Classic Nostalgia – 16-17 July 2016

Classic Nostalgia returns once again on 16-17th July 2016, this annual event is rapidly becoming a firm favourite on the racing calendar, with the vintage inspired weekend offering an action packed day out for all the family!
 Classic Nostalgia makes a welcome return to the Midland Automobile Club's Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb on the 16-17 July 2016. The action-packed weekend always attracts a very a wide variety of pre 1980s competition cars competing on the historic hill climb course, plus features spectacular static vehicle displays,  trade stands and vintage-inspired entertainment from musicians, live bands to show dancers and even an aerobatic display (both days weather permitting).
The Courtyard stage plays host to non-stop music throughout the weekend celebrating music and dance from the 1940s, 1950s to modern classics. On the Saturday My Favourite Things, The UK's No.1 Vintage Sister Duo will perform throughout the day music from the vintage era of the 1930s – 1950s. On the Sunday Sam and his Sax will have the whole place Rocking as he belts out 1950s Rock and Roll classics, plus we welcome the return of the glamourous songstress Lola Lamour , often referred to as Britain’s most authentic 1940s singer will have you transfixed as she graces the stage with her ‘Hollywood Screen Siren’ presence.  
 Sunday sees the annual Street Concours open 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 and is judged by motoring journalist and regular Shelsley Walsh competitor, Simon Taylor and James Page from Classic & Sports Car Magazine. There is no charge to enter the Concours but cars must be driven through the entry gate, no trailers please!. The overall winner of the Concours receives a silver salver and is invited to display the vehicle on the Club's stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show in November. 

Visitors are also encouraged to wear period dress; this year the Vintage Fashion Competition will be sponsored by Holden Vintage & Classic,  a gift voucher will be awarded in the Courtyard by Holden on the Sunday at 4pm for the best vintage outfit.

 ·       We will have some exciting announcements shortly in regards to the theme and personalities secured for 2016!
Ticket Prices:
£20 adult on the gate
£17 advance ticket
£12 for visiting car club members, per person, per day 

Under 16’s go free

All prices are per person.

Visiting Car Clubs:
We will be allocating dedicated car club areas and signage onsite, based on 10 cars or more. You would be welcome to erect a gazebo and display flagpoles etc. If for any reason the club doesn’t reach 10 car quota, then there will be a general ‘classic car’ section.
We are currently organising a third parting ticketing company to manage online bookings, which will be set up shortly. It will enable car club visitors to enter a car club reference code provided, which will be dedicated to your club, and enable them to pay and print their own entry tickets out electronically. They can tick a box to obtain a car club parking pass (and will be provided subject to review i.e. they will be checked that it’s genuine). 

ICONIC CARS, RARE RACERS AND MOTORING HEROES GET READY FOR LONDON’S DEFINITIVE CLASSIC CAR SHOW


 ICONIC CARS, RARE RACERS AND MOTORING HEROES GET READY FOR LONDON’S DEFINITIVE CLASSIC CAR SHOW

 
• Stunning Alan Mann Racing Cobra Daytona Coupe to be unveiled
• Series of special Jaguar E-types under the spotlights at ExCeL
• Aston Martin’s racer Group C racing prototype adds to power show   
• Top motoring artist Dexter Brown signing limited edition prints 
 
The famous red and gold colours of Alan Mann Racing, one of the top racing teams of the 1960s and now a leading light in historic motor sport, will be seen for the first time on a dramatic Cobra Daytona Coupé when it is unveiled at the London Classic Car Show (18-21 February at ExCeL, London).

In period, Alan Mann Racing campaigned a variety of cars for the Ford factory – including Cortinas, Falcons, Mustangs and Escorts – on the track and rally stage in the team’s iconic colours.

But although the team also prepared and raced the fastback Daytona at Le Mans and other tracks for the Blue Oval, the cars were never red and gold.

Despite huge success in the 1960s, Alan Mann Racing withdrew from the sport in 1970… but was revived in 2004 as historic motor sport started to really take off.

Today the company is run by the late Alan Mann’s sons Tom and Henry, who are ensuring that AMR will have a major presence at the show – the new Daytona and at least one other red and gold racing Ford will be displayed on the SZ Motorsport stand, run by racer (and AMR Ford GT40 owner) Craig Davies.

Said Henry: “When my father revived the company in 2004 it was done as a hobby but we have taken the decision to run it as a business and are offering our race preparation skills to historic racers – the Daytona has been built to race at Goodwood and elsewhere and it makes sense to finish it in our team colours.

“The London Classic Car Show is an ideal platform to show not only our cars but also to launch the Alan Mann Racing Club and to offer merchandising to fans old and new.”

AMR is not the only company in the classic car world to recognise how significant the London Classic Car Show has become, despite this being only its second year. There are plenty more mouth-watering cars promised…

They include awesome variations on the Jaguar E-type theme, the Eagle Speedster and the Eagle Low Drag GT, both highly praised by Jeremy Clarkson back in his BBC Top Gear era. The pair are modern interpretations of how the E-type might have developed had it stayed in production longer. If you fancy a slightly less flamboyant E-type, Eagle will have some restored road cars for sale with prices starting at £195,000.

Another Jaguar specialist is Evolution E-types, which will be debuting its Low Drag roadster, powered by a 5.0-litre version of the six-cylinder XK engine while auctioneers H&H Classics will be bringing an historic E-type to the show. Registered 9VPD, the 1961 E-type competition roadster was used by legendary Jaguar dealer Coombs as a demonstrator. Due to go under the hammer in April, it is expected to fetch £700,000- £900,000.

It’s not all Jaguars, though. Another historically interesting car on show will be the 1989 Aston Martin AMR/1 Group C racer, which is being offered by Aston Heritage Specialist, Nicholas Mee & Co
One of just four works cars in existence, it is finished in Mobil 1 colours just as it was when raced by legends Brian Redman and David Leslie.

And talking of legends, renowned motoring artist Dexter Brown will be one celebrity visitor to the show on the Friday (19 February). He will be signing prints of his work on the Speedsport stand between 11.00-14.00.

With more highlights still to be announced it just as well the show has doubled in size for its second edition. With more cars, more halls and more features visitors will need to ensure they set aside more time to see it all.

In particular, they won’t want to miss the action on The Grand Avenue. The unique roadway runs through the centre of the show and along which many star cars will be driven, including the 60 top classics representing their countries in the Six Nations contest.

Another top feature is the display dedicated to ‘the greatest supercar of the 20th Century’, the McLaren F1 and its creator Gordon Murray.

Organised by Brand Events, the company behind CarFest and Top Gear Live, show tickets are on sale now and start at £23 (including booking fee) for single adult entry on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and rise to £65 for entry to Thursday’s Premium Preview Evening. This includes fast track entry, the best views of The Grand Avenue at the Turning Circle Viewing Platform, access to the exclusive Premium Lounge, a Show Handbook and even a glass of Joseph Perrier Champagne.

To keep up-to-date with all the news from the London Classic Car Show visit the dedicated website – www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk – or go to the show’s interactive Facebook page. Just search ‘London Classic Car Show’ from your own page and 2016 show news and 2015 highlights are there to be enjoyed.

 

Photo captions Top and above top: Alan Mann Racings famous colours adorn a Cobra Daytona Coupe for this first time at the London Classic Car Show. Above middle left: Jeremy Clarkson with the Eagle Low Drag GT he cherishes. Above middle right: the AMR/1 Le Mans prototype will be among the Aston Martins on the Nick Mee & Co display stand. Bottom left: don’t miss artist Dexter Brown’s and his painting of Jim Clark (Lotus 33) – both will be at ExCeL. Bottom right: one of the first racing E-types is to be auctioned by H&H Classics.

Wednesday 27 January 2016

TIN-TOP SUNDAY AT THE SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Silverstone Classic


 
TIN-TOP SUNDAY AT THE

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC
 
• Biggest ever historic touring car extravaganza
• Bumper-to-bumper race action from Minis to Super Tourers
• Exciting new grid featuring Capris, Rovers and BMW M3s
• Big Bangers return to complete spectacular showcase
 
Next summer’s Silverstone Classic is all set to break yet more records with its biggest ever line-up of spectacular touring car race action.
 
For the first time in history, the packed programme at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival will feature no fewer than four separate touring car grids, providing fans with hitherto unseen levels of epic bumper-to-bumper entertainment. Adding to the appeal, all four grids will be included on the final day’s schedule under the evocative and exciting ‘Tin-Top Sunday’ banner.
 
Both U2TC and Super Touring races are already strong fans’ favourites at the Classic and continue to go from strength-to-strength. The former is for pre-1966 under two-litre cars and features Alfa Romeo GTAs, BMW TiSAs, Lotus Cortinas and hordes of giant-killing Mini Coopers. The latter is from a more recent era, putting the spotlight on the high-tech tourers from the nineties when, for many, saloon car racing reached its absolute zenith.
 
Adding some Yankee V8 thunder to the bill, the Big Engined Touring Cars also make a welcome comeback. The mighty American muscle cars from the sixties were last out in 2014 as part of the Ford Mustang’s memorable 50th birthday celebrations.
 
While these three grids return by popular demand, the fourth is a never-before-seen new addition, ensuring the full spectrum of dazzling touring car history is included on the unprecedented Tin-Top Sunday racecard.
 
The Historic Touring Car Challenge (HTCC) was launched back in 2011 by Motor Racing Legends (MRL) and revives the heydays of the British and European Touring Car Championships from the seventies and early eighties. It was the golden Group 1, Group 2 and Group A era that spawned such racing icons as the TWR Jaguar XJS, Rover Vitesse, BMW CSL and Dolomite Sprint – not forgetting the evergreen Ford Capri which dominated the BTCC between 1976 and 1981. Such was the interest in the new series that entries were quickly extended to include further cars from the late sixties.
 
Now, as the HTCC prepares to make its eagerly anticipated Silverstone Classic debut in 2016, the regulations have been widened still further to include non-turbo cars right up to 1990. While not catering for the fearsome Sierra Cosworths which will remain among the Super Tourers, newcomers such as the BMW M3, Golf GTi and Astra GTE will be permitted to enter the fray.
 
“Featuring so many great cars from such a great era, the HTCC has already gained a huge fan base among both competitors and spectators,” said MRL Chairman, Duncan Wiltshire. “Its arrival on the coveted Silverstone Classic programme is yet more proof of its spiralling popularity, and the further widening of eligibility is certain to produce an incredible grid well worthy of this landmark occasion.”
 
The HTCC’s debut on Tin-Top Sunday at the Silverstone Classic will come in the guise of a 40-minute showdown on the full Grand Prix circuit with a compulsory pit-stop and optional driver change adding to the retro drama.
 
“Right from its very early days, touring car racing has always been a massive hit with the British public and that’s why we have created this very special Tin-Top Sunday,” explained Nick Wigley, CEO of Goose Live Events, the company responsible for the Silverstone Classic. “By adding the flourishing HTCC to our more familiar U2TC, Big Banger and Super Touring grids, Tin-Top Sunday will live up to its star billing as the biggest and best celebration of touring car history ever seen at the Classic. There really will be something for everyone.”
 
Fans wanting to experience Tin-Top Sunday can take advantage of Early Bird tickets now on sale for the 2016 Classic, offering significant savings of up to 17 per cent. There is also the all-new Family Ticket available for 2016 – this includes camping for two adults and two children across the whole weekend and gives a discount of more than 20 per cent on advance tickets if bought individually.
 
Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the event website at: www.silverstoneclassic.com




Photo captions Top and above top row: With Jaguars, Rovers and Capris, the HTCC will make its Silverstone Classic debut on Tin Top Sunday this summer. Above second row: Super Touring is a well established crowd-pleaser at the Silverstone Classic. Above third row: American muscle cars from the sixties return with two spectacular showdowns for the Big Bangers. Above bottom: With Lotus Cortinas, Alfas, Minis and BMW, the U2TC pit-stop race moves to Tin Top Sunday in 2016.

Thursday 21 January 2016

VSCC Members Conquer Annual Overnight Measham Challenge


VSCC Members Conquer Annual Overnight Measham Challenge


This past weekend saw the Vintage Sports-Car Club host another successful edition of its Measham Rally – an event first held in 1950 – with an impressive ninety percent of the entry successfully completing the overnight navigational winter challenge over Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January.

On Saturday evening, thirty Pre-war cars set off from 9.00pm to take on the testing 180 mile route through North Yorkshire before returning to the welcoming start/finish venue at the Thirsk Auction Mart located to the south-west of the town from 5.30am, having battled through both spells of heavy localised snowfall and treacherously icy country roads through the night.

A total of thirty-two Time Controls and a further twenty-three coded Route Boards lined the route, the former manned by a team of over 70 volunteer Marshals, both Club Members and Non-Members alike, who again proved to be the real heroes as they stood out in the elements for the duration to ensure a safe and enjoyable Rally for our crews.

With the Club’s reigning Champion Navigator, Annabel Jones in the passenger seat, it was little surprise to see William Ainscough atop the standings in the ‘relative’ comfort of his Frazer-Nash/BMW 319 Saloon, just a handful of points ahead of the similar 319/55 open Sports model of VSCC stalwarts, Mark Garfitt and Dood Pearce, to claim the Richard Dames-Longworth Trophy.

Competing in one of the oldest cars on the day, another of the Club’s top Co-Drivers, Robert Ellis also triumphed as he guided Chris Leach home in the 1924 Alvis 12/50 Ducksback to win the Measham Trophy as the top-placed Pre-1931 Vintage finisher. It was double success for the famous Coventry-based Pre-war manufacturer as Nicholas Wright and Rob Rhodes led home the Speed Category 2 cars to win the Jeddere-Fisher Trophy in their Alvis 12/50 Tourer.

More regularly seen behind the wheel of an ERA, VSCC Hill Climb Champion, James Baxter regularly takes on the annual navigation challenge, successfully completing this year’s event in his 1929 Chrysler 70 Sports Coupe. Philip Tillyard ensured further Intermarque Trophy points for Frazer Nash, winning the Novice Class with Keith Banks in his TT Replica whilst father/son team, Ron and Matthew Birkett guided the family’s Ford Model A Trials car to victory in the Champagne Class.

THE ITALIAN JOB LAMBORGHINI MIURA HEADS ITALIAN TEAM FOR CLASSIC SIX NATIONS SHOOTOUT


THE ITALIAN JOB LAMBORGHINI MIURA HEADS ITALIAN TEAM FOR CLASSIC SIX NATIONS SHOOTOUT

 
Which car producing country will win as The Grand Avenue prepares for motoring’s ultimate contest? National pride is at stake…

A vivid orange Lamborghini Miura – arguably the most famous Lamborghini in the world, no less – is making a bid for Italian glory as teams of classic cars line up for a unique Six Nations contest at the London Classic Car Show (18-21 February) to find the world’s leading car producing country.

The Miura, chassis number 3586, is the actual car used in the opening scene to 1969’s The Italian Job film. Although apparently written off in an Alpine tunnel, the car in fact was undamaged and sold to a customer after filming… the actual wreck that was pushed down the mountainside in the movie by the mafia-controlled bulldozer in fact was another Miura that had already been badly damaged in a crash.

The legendary Lamborghini will join Ferraris and Fiats, Lancias and Maseratis in the Italian squad as they take on teams from Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan and America. The winning team will be decided by the hearts and minds of visitors to the show, to be held at the ExCeL centre in London’s Docklands.

With all six teams fielding ten cars each, there will be 60 iconic cars in total… and the Miura marks the half way point as the 30th Six Nations car to be announced.

As 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the Miura and the centenary of the birth of company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, its appearance for the Italian squad is highly appropriate.

But the competition is fierce!

Heading the home team will be cars from famous marques like AC, Aston Martin, Lotus, Jensen and Jaguar. The team’s older statesman is the very first official Le Mans entry from Bentley – a glorious 1925 3-litre finished, naturally, in British Racing Green. Among the other cars it will be scrumming down with are a Jaguar E-type, a Jensen FF, an AC Ace, a Lotus Esprit and an Aston Martin Lagonda.

In the blue corner, among those representing France will be a couple of mid-engined pocket rockets – the Renault 5 Turbo and rally-inspired Peugeot 205 T16 – while Germany’s line-up includes the original Audi quattro, Porsche 356 Speedster and, fittingly in the company’s centenary year, a host of BMWs, including the CSL ‘Batmobile’, an original 328 and an M1.

As well as the Miura, the Italian squad so far also includes an early Lamborghini Countach LP400 Periscopio, a Fiat Dino, a Ferrari 250 Lusso and the only non-red Ferrari F40 in existence… appropriately for The Six Nations it’s wearing Azzuri blue.

From the Far East comes a host of iconic sporting saloons and coupés, many seldom seen in the UK. Joining the Datsun 240Z there will be an original Skyline GT-R saloon from 1972 plus the rare Toyota 2000GT (just 351 were made). Seldom seen on these shores is the 2000GT’s baby brother, the Sports 800, the first car to feature a targa top.

Meanwhile, the very Prodrive developed Subaru Impreza that Colin McRae took to RAC Rally GB victory back in 1997 will underline Britain’s contribution to Japan’s World Rally Championship supremacy in the 1990s.

And finally comes the USA team with cars like an original Ford Thunderbird and the vast Cadillac Coupe Series 62… if fins meant wins, the US team would have it.

More cars are being added in the movie and being announced via the show’s social media platforms. When the show opens its doors on Thursday, 18 February, a total of 60 cars – ten from each nation – will line up on the extended Grand Avenue, the show’s unique live roadway that runs through its centre allowing visitors not only to see but also hear the glorious selection cars in action.

“The Six Nations on The Grand Avenue started as a bit of fun, but as we have been curating each nation’s representatives it has developed more of a serious edge,” said show director Bas Bungish.

“Each country has some serious metal ready to uphold their national pride so it’s really hard to decide which one might come out on top by the time the show closes. Ultimately the decision lies with the visitors to the show.”

The Grand Avenue will be in action throughout the four days of the show and will also be used by other road and competition classics, including the exceptional McLaren F1, hailed as the greatest supercar of the 20th Century. The London Classic Car Show has a special display devoted to the McLaren and its creator, Gordon Murray.

Organised by Brand Events, the company behind CarFest and Top Gear Live, show tickets are on sale now and start at £23 (including booking fee) for single adult entry on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and rise to £65 for entry to Thursday’s Premium Preview Evening. This includes fast track entry, the best views of The Grand Avenue at the Turning Circle Viewing Platform, access to the exclusive Premium Lounge, a Show Handbook and even a glass of Joseph Perrier champagne.

To keep up-to-date with all the news from the London Classic Car Show visit the dedicated website – www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk – or go to the show’s interactive Facebook page. Just search ‘London Classic Car Show’ from your own page and 2016 show news and 2015 highlights are there to be enjoyed.

 


Photo captions Top: Movie star Miura will be representing Lamborghini and the Italian car industry on The Grand Avenue. Above clockwise from top left: Bentley’s first-ever Le Mans entry will add kudos to the British team in The Six Nations, as will this evocative red E-Type roadster. The German line-up will boast both BMW M1 and Porsche Carrera 911 RS sportscars. With its epic tail fins the Cadillac Coupe Series 62 will add substance and style to Team USA. The Group B inspired Peugeot 205 T16 will be in the French equipe at ExCeL. Colin McRae’s RAC Rally winning Subaru Impreza WRC will be among the Japanese contenders. This patriotically painted F40 will be among a number of wonderful Ferraris in the Italian corner.