HUGELY SUCESSFUL CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR – THE LONDON SHOW WELCOMED MORE THAN 15,000 VISITORS TO ALEXANDRA PALACE

 HUGELY SUCESSFUL CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR –
THE LONDON SHOW WELCOMED MORE THAN 15,000 VISITORS TO ALEXANDRA PALACE   

·         First-ever Classic & Sports Car – The London Show has been a huge success with 15,150 visitors through the doors at Alexandra Palace over the weekend event  

·         Crowds were wowed with over 300 of the world’s finest classic cars set to the backdrop of one of London’s most majestic venues

·         Dealers reported a high calibre of visitors with millions of pounds-worth of cars sold

·         Key attractions included the naming of the public-voted
Best British Car Ever, a celebration of Aston Martin, a display of
Sir Stirling Moss single-seaters and an Interview Stage

·         Inaugural show took place from 30^th October to 1^st November, further information at www.classicandsportscarshow.com  

London, 24^th November 2015     

The first-ever Classic & Sports Car – The London Show has been an enormous success with an incredible 15,150 visitors through the doors at Alexandra Palace over the course of the event.  

Held from 30^th October to 1^st November at one of London’s most majestic venues, visitors were treated to a motoring feast, with over 300 of the world’s finest classic cars – and bikes too – thanks to a variety of bespoke displays and stands from world-renowned dealers.

Organised by the world’s best-selling classic car magazine, Classic & Sports Car, and Haymarket Exhibitions, The London Show announced the results of its worldwide poll to find the Best British Car Ever, with all ten finalists celebrated in a special feature sponsored by Autoglym.

The winning car was the Jaguar E-type and a very special example, ’77 RW’, the oldest surviving open E-type, was unveiled by Building Cars Live TV presenter Ant Anstead just after the doors opened to the public on the morning of Friday 30^th October. 

The London Show also included a celebration of Aston Martin in partnership with EFG International, featuring a host of the brand’s most-loved models from its oldest surviving, the amazing A3, to the very latest DB9 GT. Showing the development between the two were a 2-Litre Speed, DB MkIII, DB5, V8, DB7 and Vanquish.

Sir Stirling Moss was honoured with a display that featured some of his most famous British single-seater competition cars. These included the Cooper MKIV Formula Three car which dominated the 1950 season, the Rob Walker-liveried Lotus 18 and the Ferguson P99 in which Moss won the 1961 Oulton Park Gold Cup.

Crowds flocked to a star-studded Interview Stage, held in partnership with Smooth Radio, which featured celebrity guests from the world of motoring and motorsport. Norman Dewis OBE entertained crowds with his amusing anecdotes, including driving Jaguar E-type 77 RW overnight to Geneva for the 1961 Salon while Ross Brawn OBE gave an enthralling insight into the workings of Formula One, such as what it was like to work with the legendary Michael Schumacher. Additional guests to take to the action-packed stage throughout the weekend included presenters Ant Anstead and Alex Riley, Professor Peter Stevens and BMC and Ford rally boss Stuart Turner.

Other features included two picture galleries from LAT Photographic, celebrating Jaguar Land Rover and British F1 respectively, while visitors could pore over a host of stands selling everything from motoring art to clothing and books. In the Panorama Room, 50 British motorcycles ranging from 1909 to the present day were on display, with a pair of barnfind Brough Superiors taking centre stage.

Meanwhile, outside Alexandra Palace there were car parks full of classics, a Pistonheads Sunday Service and period machinery including a vintage mobile cinema, a replica Supermarine Spitfire and a showcase of Lambrettas.

Running alongside these exciting elements were displays from some of the world’s finest dealers. Some truly iconic classics were in attendance including Desmond J Smail’s Aston Martin DB4 GT, Mecaniques Modernes and Classiques’ green Ferrari 275GTS and the first production Triumph TR5, which featured on the Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth stand.

Ferrari was well-represented at the show with desirable models such as the F40, F50 and 288 GT0 across the HR Owen, Graypaul and Maranello Classic Parts stands. Another highlight of the event was the Cobra-liveried Fiat Bartoletti transporter loaded with a 289 and Frua-bodied Willment example which took pride of place on the JD Classics stand. Dealers reported excellent footfall with high calibre visitors throughout the three-day show, resulting in several million-pounds worth of cars sold.

Commenting on the success of the weekend, JD Classics managing director, Derek Hood, said: “Having advertised with Classic and Sports Car for 27 years, I was pleased to be one of the first to sign up to the show. The team at Classic and Sports Car did a great job ensuring the show had an intimate feel. We were very successful on the stand, selling two cars and we look forward to coming back next year.”

Daniel Donovan, founder DD Classics, said: "It was great to be a part of the inaugural Classic and Sports Car - The London Show. We met lots of like-minded classic car enthusiasts and were very happy to find new homes for two of the cars - a Citroën DS and a Daimler Sovereign 420.”

Nick Aaldering, owner of The Gallery Brummen, commented: “Classic & Sports Car - The London Show was a really good event for us and we sold two cars over the course of the weekend - a beautiful Maserati Vignale Spyder and a rare fibreglass Ferrari 308. In addition we generated some great leads and have two appointments confirmed in the next week.”

Mike Biddulph, sales, Vintage and Prestige, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Alexandra Palace show and it turned out to be a great business opportunity for us. We not only sold one of our cars on stand - a 1929 Vauxhall Hurlingham Roadster - but also received numerous positive enquires and met many potential new customers.”

Key sponsors of the inaugural event also shared their experience of the show.

Paul Caller, chief executive, Autoglym, said: “The show was a great opportunity for us to meet enthusiastic car owners in a stunning setting. There were some fantastic features confirmed for the show, but the Best British Car Ever really caught our attention and we were thrilled to sponsor such a great tribute to the British automotive industry and maintain the top ten cars within it.

The diverse selection of cars shortlisted was a focal point at the show, with the reveal of the winning Jaguar E-type a definite show highlight that we were pleased to be a part of."

Keith Gapp, EFG International’s head of strategy and marketing, said: “EFG International was delighted to partner with Classic & Sports Car at its inaugural London Show. Many of our clients and employees are collectors, drivers, or simply admirers of classic cars and we have been an active supporter of historic motoring events for a good number of years now. 

"The Aston Martin display we sponsored was a real highlight of the show which included some of the luxury brand’s most iconic models, from the oldest-surviving to the very latest. It was a great feature to be affiliated with and a fitting celebration of such an influential British marque."

James Elliott, group editor of Classic & Sports Car and show curator, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that our first London show has been such an enormous success. From the displays such as the Best British Car Ever, to the packed stands of some of the world’s most renowned dealers and an interview stage full of big names with even bigger stories, I am so happy that we filled the wonderful venue of Alexandra Palace with the Classic & Sports Car vibe. Seeing crowds queuing for the show to open every day was so satisfying and I am glad we made our visitors and exhibitors very happy. Myself and the rest of the Classic & Sports Car team are already looking forward to next year.”

ENDS 

VSCC Club Stand Honoured at the NEC Classic Motor Show

VSCC Club Stand Honoured at the NEC Classic Motor Show

  

The VSCC enjoyed a spectacular 3-days at the NEC this past weekend for the annual Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, where the Club Stand was honoured with the prestigious ‘Most Interesting Selection of Cars’ award by Classic and Sports Car Magazine.

Led by Club Member, Duncan Pittaway’s celebrated 1911 Fiat S76 ‘Beast of Turin’ – which drew huge crowds throughout the duration of the Show – the Club’s eclectic line-up of Vintage cars was chosen as the best display of the internationally renowned event, widely regarded as the UK’s Biggest & Best Classic Motor Show.

In addition to the Fiat, there was an array of machinery on display, representing just some of the Club’s many other activities, including: a 1927 Delage DIS Tourer, 1911 Talbot Model M Saloon, 1928 Hotchkiss Saloon, the unique 1928 Lafitte Type D, and ‘Gizmo’, Club Director, Tania Brown’s 1930 Austin 7 Ulster Trials Car, complete with obligatory mud ‘fresh’ from the Club’s Welsh Trial.

The Award was accepted on behalf of the Club by long-time Member and VSCC Supporter, Jeremy Holden, who was attending with Holden Vintage & Classic Ltd, his leading business in Classic and Vintage car parts, motoring accessories and clothing.

The Show was hailed as a great success by Club Directors, Ian Ferguson and Roger Ballard, who led the team of volunteers, with much interest in the VSCC, the Club’s activities and several new Club Members signed-up over a busy three days.

CLICK HERE to read more about the winners of the Classic & Sports Car Awards from this year’s Show, including the prestigious ‘Car of Show’ for the Jensen P66 prototype or visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com for more details of this year’s event.  

THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS PRESENT – TICKETS TO THE GREATEST SHOW ON WHEELS

THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS PRESENT – TICKETS TO THE GREATEST SHOW ON WHEELS   Thrill the petrolhead in your family with entry to the high octane London Classic Car Show   If you are struggling to find the ideal Christmas gift for the motoring enthusiast in your life, struggle no more. Tickets for the 2016 London Classic Car Show (18-21 February) are now on sale guaranteeing access to what promises to be the highlight of the car lover’s year. Following the huge success of the inaugural event in 2015, the 2016 London Classic Car Show show is going to be even bigger and even better. Covering 34,000 sq m of London’s ExCel centre it has virtually doubled in size and content… yet tickets remain highly affordable. Prices (all with a booking fee included) start at £23 for single adult entry on Friday, Saturday or Sunday while a child’s ticket (aged 6-16, under 6s go free) costs £17. A Saturday or Sunday family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £65 but the real highlight for the serious enthusiast will be access to the special star-studded VIP preview evening on Thursday 18 February. For just £65, a Premium Preview Evening ticket includes fast track entry, the best views of the unique Grand Avenue for the Turning Circle Viewing Platform, access to the exclusive Premium Lounge, a Show Handbook and even a glass of Joseph Perrier champagne. Can’t make Thursday evening? Then go for a £50 Premium Ticket to enjoy the same benefits on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are available at the click of a mouse from the show’s website atwww.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk – order before 14 December, click the ‘gift ticket’ option at the checkout and the tickets will be dispatched in a special presentation wallet… so you don’t even need wrapping paper. Crammed with innovative features, mouth-watering classic cars and a long list of celebrity visitors, the London Classic Car Show is the one that’s setting the standards. It is staged by Brand Events, the company behind the hugely successful Top Gear Live and CarFest festivals. Among its unique features is The Grand Avenue, a highway running through the centre of the exhibition along which many rare classic cars will be driven throughout its duration. Last year, The Grand Avenue played host to everything from Sixties supercars via London to Brighton veterans to a genuine Lotus F1 car. For 2016, The Grand Avenue will be even grander with a significant increase in track distance. An addition to the Show for 2016 is an entire new hall dedicated to prestige and performance classics with privately owned examples representing the country’s 25 leading car clubs helping to form an entire show within a show. Inspired by a British Motor Show from the 1960s, period entertainment will enhance the hall’s retro vibe and there will also be stands from leading classic car dealers. Another new feature is ‘Classic Corner’, an open forum where guest speakers will talk about classic cars as investments, about the pleasure a classic car can bring and offer advice about buying at auction. More dealers and more trade stands are also promised. More information and ticket bookings can be accessed via the show website –www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2016

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2016   • Weekend ticket prices frozen at 2015 levels • New Family Ticket provides extra savings  • Discounted Early Bird tickets make great Christmas gifts   Tickets for the 2016 Silverstone Classic go on general sale today (Thursday 12 November) with significant discounts for ‘Early Bird’ bookers. After the huge success of this year’s record-breaking Silver Jubilee extravaganza – an event which attracted more than 100,000 visitors for the first time in the Classic’s 25-year history – the 2016 Silverstone Classic (29-31 July) is already gearing up for another massive attendance next summer, not least as many admission prices have been frozen and a great value new Family Ticket has been introduced. With more and more festival-goers finding one day just isn’t enough at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, prices for three-day adult tickets – as well as camping and hospitality – are being held for 2016. What’s more, for those planning ahead – or perhaps purchasing the perfect Christmas gift – discounts of up to 17 per cent are available on Early Bird tickets on sale until 31 March. These discounted Early Bird adult tickets cost £35 for Friday, £59 for Saturday and £49 for Sunday, while a three-day weekend ticket costs just £99. Commenting on the 2016 event, Nick Wigley, CEO of Goose Live Events, the company responsible for Silverstone Classic, said: “We are delighted to offer three-day tickets in 2016 at the same great value as this year. The event is now a firm family favourite and it’s wonderful to see all generations enjoying our celebration of classic motor racing. In recognition of this, we’ve also introduced a special new family ticket for the whole weekend – including camping for two adults and two children (aged 6-16) – which is discounted by over 20 per cent on our advance tickets. We’re looking forward to another great event in July!” As widely-praised tradition dictates, all Classic tickets provide ‘access all areas’ ensuring everyone gets up close to the unrivalled spectacle of priceless racing and glittering classic road cars from bygone halcyon eras. All tickets provide unlimited access to both buzzing race paddocks and covered grandstand seating for great spectating, further enhanced by race commentary and live action on the big screens. Interactive driving activities, access to all the car club displays, live music from top classic rock bands and lots of family entertainment in the infield including a free vintage funfair all guarantee an unforgettable weekend. Tickets are available via the official website www.silverstoneclassic.com. Early Bird ticket sales close at midnight on 31 March, 2016 with advance tickets available from 1 April, 2016. As in recent years, all admittance will be by Early Bird or Advance ticket only – there will be no sales on-the-gate at Silverstone.

NORMAN DEWIS OBE TAKES TO THE STAGE AT CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR – THE LONDON SHOW

I have posted this retrospectively as when it arrived i had a medical issue that sadly did not make it easy to bring things up to date.

  

NORMAN DEWIS OBE TAKES TO THE STAGE AT
CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR – THE LONDON SHOW

·         Legendary Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis OBE has been the star guest at Classic & Sports Car – The London Show today

·         Dewis kept crowds enthralled with tales from his 33-year Jaguar career, including his epic 11-hour drive from Coventry to the 1961 Geneva show in ’77 RW’, now the oldest-surviving E-type roadster

·         The E-type has won Best British Car Ever and ’77 RW’ has been on show in a display all weekend sponsored by Autoglym

·         The Interview Stage, in partnership with Smooth Radio, has today also featured Coys’ Chris Routledge, journalist and commentator Simon Taylor, Tom & Henry Mann from Alan Mann Racing and The Classic Car Show’s Alex Riley

·         Over the last three days, Classic & Sports Car – The London Show has featured 300 of the world’s most prestigious classic cars, with a celebration of Aston Martin in partnership with EFG International and a display of Sir Stirling Moss single-seaters

·         Further information at www.classicandsportscarshow.com

London, 1^st November      

Legendary Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis OBE enthralled crowds at Classic & Sports Car – The London Show today with high-speed tales of his 33-year career at the Coventry firm, including an 11-hour dash to Geneva in one of the first-ever E-types.

Dewis was reunited with the very car he drove to the Swiss show back in 1961, ’77 RW’, which is now the oldest surviving E-type roadster and is currently on display at Alexandra Palace following the E-type being voted the Best British Car Ever [insert link - http://www.newspress.co.uk/ViewPressRelease.aspx?pr=61130].

Dewis was the star guest on the Interview Stage, held in partnership with Smooth Radio, and kept the audience on the edge of their seats for more than an hour, talking to broadcaster Henry Hope-Frost and taking questions from the crowd.

Widely regarded as Britain’s greatest test driver, Dewis set the production car speed record behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK120 in October 1953 and has been responsible for developing many of Jaguar’s most famous models, including the Le Mans-winning D-type, E-type and the XJ13.

Dewis’ driving skills were famously put to the test on a short notice high-speed cross-Europe dash from Coventry to the Geneva Motor Show in 1961. “I left Coventry at 7:45pm and the car had to be on the stand for 10am the next morning,” he told crowds at Alexandra Palace. “I hit every green light on the Edgware Road through London and kept up a high pace – but when I got to Dover, they’d already closed the gates for the boat to Ostend.

“The security guard shone his torch on the car, though, noticed it was the new E-type and stopped the boat from leaving port. I then drove non-stop to Geneva, arriving at 9:48am, having averaged 68mph.”

Greeting him at the motor show was Jaguar founder, Sir William Lyons, who patted him on the back with the words: “I knew you could do it, Dewis”. Celebrations were short-lived though, as despite having not slept, Dewis then went on to give demonstrations to the press that same day.

Dewis also entertained the audience with stories of the XJ13, Jaguar’s prototype V12 Le Mans racer. Dewis was at the wheel in 1971 when, while driving the car for filming at the MIRA test track, he suffered an enormous http://www.newspress.co.uk/ViewPressRelease.aspx?pr=61130].

Dewis was the star guest on the Interview Stage, held in partnership with Smooth Radio, and kept the audience on the edge of their seats for more than an hour, talking to broadcaster Henry Hope-Frost and taking questions from the crowd.

Widely regarded as Britain’s greatest test driver, Dewis set the production car speed record behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK120 in October 1953 and has been responsible for developing many of Jaguar’s most famous models, including the Le Mans-winning D-type, E-type and the XJ13.

Dewis’ driving skills were famously put to the test on a short notice high-speed cross-Europe dash from Coventry to the Geneva Motor Show in 1961. “I left Coventry at 7:45pm and the car had to be on the stand for 10am the next morning,” he told crowds at Alexandra Palace. “I hit every green light on the Edgware Road through London and kept up a high pace – but when I got to Dover, they’d already closed the gates for the boat to Ostend.

“The security guard shone his torch on the car, though, noticed it was the new E-type and stopped the boat from leaving port. I then drove non-stop to Geneva, arriving at 9:48am, having averaged 68mph.”

Greeting him at the motor show was Jaguar founder, Sir William Lyons, who patted him on the back with the words: “I knew you could do it, Dewis”. Celebrations were short-lived though, as despite having not slept, Dewis then went on to give demonstrations to the press that same day.

Dewis also entertained the audience with stories of the XJ13, Jaguar’s prototype V12 Le Mans racer. Dewis was at the wheel in 1971 when, while driving the car for filming at the MIRA test track, he suffered an enormous crash. “At 145mph on the banking something didn’t feel right and the car immediately lurched into the guard rail,” he explained.

“It was then listing at 45 degrees down the straight, still at very high speed. Heading for the infield and with no way to control it, I decided to turn the engine off and, at the last moment, got into the scuttle in the passenger side for protection. It performed three barrel rolls when it dug into the earth.” 

Unsurprisingly, Dewis admits he’s still a great lover of speed and even today, at 95 years old, shows no signs of slowing down. “I’ve only got three points on my licence these days,” he told the crowd with a grin.

The audience was also treated to interviews with Coys’ Chris Routledge, journalist and commentator Simon Taylor, Tom & Henry Mann from Alan Mann Racing and The Classic Car Show’s Alex Riley. Highlights outside of the exhibition halls included a vintage mobile cinema, historic scooters and over 100 Pistonheads members who held one of the website’s famous Sunday Service meetings at Alexandra Palace.

James Elliott, Classic & Sports Car magazine group editor, said: "What a great final day we’ve had here. Norman Dewis OBE was only meant to do 15 minutes but he talked for over an hour – and we hung on his every word. The term ‘legend’ is often overused, but in Norman’s case he completely lives up to it. It was fantastic to see him with ’77 RW’ on our Best British Car Ever display.

“What’s more, we’ve had another packed day of entertainment in the car parks, with a Pistonheads Sunday Service and some incredible vintage vehicles really bringing even more flavour to the event. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved, from the exhibitors who have brought some incredible cars to Alexandra Palace to all the staff on site, but most importantly of all, the many thousands of classic car fans who have visited.”

Classic & Sports Car – The London Show has featured more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious classic cars from world-famous collectors and world-renowned classic car retailers. Organised by Classic & Sports Car, the world’s best-selling classic car magazine, The London Show included a celebration of Aston Martin in partnership with EFG International, an exhibition of Sir Stirling Moss’ most iconic single-seater competition cars and a star-studded Interview Stage featuring Ross Brawn OBE, Ant Anstead and David Brabham among a host of other celebrity guests from the world of motoring and motorsport. 

 

THE SUN SHINES ON THE HISTORIC BONHAMS LONDON TO BRIGHTON VETERAN CAR RUN

THE SUN SHINES ON THE HISTORIC BONHAMS LONDON TO BRIGHTON VETERAN CAR RUN Chris Evans joins hundreds of machines in the magical pilgrimage from London to Brighton More than 380 pioneering veteran cars dating back to very the dawn of motoring enjoyed unseasonably mild conditions to take part in this year’s Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. As tradition dictates, the 119th Anniversary Run set out from Hyde Park at day break and headed 60-miles south through a misty London and onto a sunny Sussex seafront. For only the third time in more than half a century, this year’s route took the intrepid participants – all driving pioneering cars from the pre-1905 era ­– past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall before heading past Big Ben and over Westminster Bridge. The capital’s early morning mist added to the period Victorian atmosphere. The first few cars began to arrive on Maderia Drive shortly after 10am – the 1903 Berliet driven by John Bentley just pipping the 1904 Fiat of Dutchman Jan Bruijn to the honour of being first past the finishing post. Among the others turning back the clock were Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, renowned Formula 1 team principal Ross Brawn and multiple Le Mans winner Jochen Mass. They were joined en route to Brighton by three classic coaches driven by BBC Radio broadcasters Chris Evans, Alex Jones and Ken Bruce raising nearly £350,000 for BBC Children in Need thanks to the generosity of their 40 passengers. Before the start Evans, Jones and Bruce were joined by Natalie Lowe from Strictly Come Dancing and Robert Brooks, Chairman of Bonhams, for the ceremonial tearing up of the red flag (below top left). The symbolic ritual harks back to the original Emancipation Run, held on 14 November 1896, which marked the milestone Locomotives on the Highway Act and raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 to 14mph abolishing the need for a man walking ahead of the cars waving a red flag. The annual Run is now the only event anywhere on Earth where so many veteran cars parade in such numbers. “That was without doubt the best car experience I have ever done,” enthused Evans after crossing the line. “I had absolutely no idea it was such a fantastic event – so wonderfully, wonderfully joyous. It’s like the London Marathon, with so many smiling faces, often ten deep on the roadside cheering you on all the way to Brighton. What’s more, thanks to the generosity of our passengers, we have raised a mega amount of money for BBC Children in Need. It was just an incredible day and one we must do again and again.” Other entries included Genevieve from the eponymous 1953 film, a large number of cars from the US celebrating this year’s American theme and significantly the 1901 Isotta Fraschini – chassis number one – the very first car to wear the famous ‘IF’ badge which was making its VCR debut this year. Mass, Mason and Brawn all made it to Brighton, too. Brawn needing all his engineering skills – and several tie-wraps – to overcome a broken flywheel on his 1904 Wilson Pilcher. “It’s such a fabulous event, we just had to make it to the finish,” he said. Another impressive finisher was the steam-powered 1888 Truchutet driven by Daniel Ward (below top right) – the oldest car on the run – believed to be one of the earliest vehicles to have ever completed the event. In total 342 of the starters managed to complete journey from Hyde Park to the Sussex coast before the 4.30pm deadline, thus receiving a coveted finisher medal. Having been introduced in 2013, the Veteran Car Run now includes a regularity section, where participants have to average a precise speed between two controls. It was the 1900 Georges Richard of Rodney Fowler that claimed the coveted trophy. Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Veteran Car Run Steering Group and speaking on behalf of the Royal Automobile Club said: “This must have been one of the best London To Brighton Runs ever. Once the early morning mist burned off, the sunshine was unbelievably warm – some were even remarking it was too hot! Motoring more than a century ago was never for the faint-hearted but today’s mild conditions were welcomed not just by the participants but also by the hundreds of thousands lining the entire route.  “I would particularly like to extend my thanks to Lodge Coaches for providing Chris with his coaches and all the volunteers and marshals along the 60-mile route who make this wonderfully unique and very, very special event possible.”

HUGE CROWDS TAKEN BACK TO THE FUTURE AT PACKED REGENT STREET MOTOR SHOW

Media release HUGE CROWDS TAKEN BACK TO THE FUTURE AT PACKED REGENT STREET MOTOR SHOW   London's premier shopping destination draws huge numbers to savour more than a 125 years of wonderful automotive history    Supercars are not uncommon in Central London but, even by the capital’s lofty standards, today’s Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday 31 October) was very, very special. The city’s world famous West End shopping street was closed for a very special ‘mile of automotive style’ stretching between Piccadilly and Oxford Circuses as the UK’s largest free-to-view motor show showcased a glittering display of more than 200 cars from past, present and future generations. Savouring the unseasonably warm weather, hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts, shoppers, London residents and even rugby followers bound for the World Cup Fanzone in near-by Trafalgar Square all relished a huge variety of eye-catching machinery. This year’s Show embraced everything from motoring’s early pioneers to the latest plug-in hybrids with the futuristic Aston Martin DB10 from the new James Bond film Spectre drawing huge crowds (below bottom right and middle). Representing the dawn of motoring, and right at the heart of the display, was a remarkable collection of 100 pre-1905 machines. As a curtain raiser to Sunday’s running of the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, these were partaking in the prestigious EFG International Concours d’Elegance. This year’s star-studded judging panel included multiple-title winning F1 team principal Ross Brawn and TV personality Edd China. The remarkable 1901 De Dion Bouton Vis- à-Vis owned by Mr and Mrs Gigi Baulino was awarded with the overall prize (below top left). The outstandingly original machine has been in storage in Italy for nearly a century and is making its VCR debut this year. There was the chance for those present – as well as further afield – to vote online for their own favourite – the Spectators Special Award, sponsored by Renault going to the gleaming 1903 Mors of Mr Bernard Holmes. Further north on the packed street and close to Oxford Circus, the focus was very much on motoring today. A team of four technicians from Caterham created a brand new Seven sports car from a pile of parts and amazingly drove the car off the stand at the end of the show (below middle right). Close by was a special Race Of Champions display promoting the end of season motor sport spectacle, which is back in the UK at the former Olympic Stadium, Stratford on the 20-21 November. The Go Ultra Low campaign together with Transport for London (TfL) were also busy, with a huge line-up of the latest plug-in and fuel cell vehicles including several zero-emission electric and hydrogen cars. Of particular note was the first UK public viewing for the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Toyota’s new hydrogen-powered Mirai. Visitors were also given a great opportunity to test-drive some of these increasing popular cars on a near-by street (below top right). Adding to the entertainment the West End Kids street theatre troop performed some truly scrumptious songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang while motorcycle stunt rider Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley wowed the crowds with his gravity defying displays (below bottom left). Both the Top GearExperience and McLaren Honda F1 Experience simulators were also busy all day. The classic buses due to be driven by Radio 2 DJs Chris Evans and Ken Bruce in the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run were on display, too, fresh from their appearance on the previous evening’s One Show. “Every year the Regent Street Motor Show just gets even bigger and even better,” enthused Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club’s Steering Group for the Veteran Car Run. “It was fantastic to see so many people out in the sunshine enjoying such a wonderful display of amazing cars in such a fabulous setting. The event regularly attracts 400,000 and this year it seemed even busier than ever before. “Staged on the eve of the Veteran Car Run, this truly unique motor show really had something for everyone from the earliest Victorian horseless carriages right up to the zero-emission cars that will be roaming our city centres in the decades to come. Once again the Regent Street Motor Show has been a huge success – a superb start to what’s always a fabulous and historic automotive weekend in London and I’d like to thank all those at the Regent Association for making this possible.”