TOP 10 REASONS NOT TO MISS THE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR SHOW THIS WEEKEND

TOP 10 REASONS NOT TO MISS
THE CLASSIC & SPORTS CAR SHOW THIS WEEKEND

• Alexandra Palace to host London show on October 28th-30th
• ‘Century of Supercars’ to inspire stunning centrepiece
• Live Parades led by six-wheeled Tyrrell Formula 1 car
• Surtees and Dewis head stars for Live Interview Stage
• To buy tickets, go to http://www.classicandsportscarshow.com

  

Alexandra Palace in north London hosts The Classic & Sports Car Show this weekend (October 28th-30th). Here are 10 reasons not to miss one of the highlights of the classic car calendar.

1.  Century of Supercars

The central theme celebrates the ‘top end’ of the classic scene. The most exotic sports cars in the history of motoring will be celebrated, with 10 mouth-watering models from 10 decades forming what promises to be an unforgettable centrepiece display, estimated at a collective value of £40 million. The term ‘Supercar’ is often considered to be a relatively modern one, but can actually be traced back to the pioneering years of the automobile – which prompted Classic & Sports Car to run a global online poll to challenge the public to choose which great cars should represent each decade. The list was whittled down to a final 10, and now the votes are in to decide the single greatest supercar of the past century. The winner will be revealed at the show on Friday morning.

2. Live Parades

The Classic & Sports Car Show has more than just halls of static displays. This year, for the first time, live parades of cars will be run in the picturesque grounds of Alexandra Palace. The runs, which will take place twice a day over the course of the three-day show, will begin in the Grove area and then accelerate past the Palm Court entrance along the south terrace, in front of a stunning London cityscape. Leading the way will be an iconic six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 Formula 1 car, which will create unforgettable sights and sounds at the north London landmark. It will appear thanks to sponsor Elf, a brand of Total, and its new range of engine oil known as HTX Classic Cars.

3. Live Interview Stage

Great figures from the world of classic motoring will make guest appearances at the show. The Live Interview Stage, presented by Goodwood Road & Racing, will feature legends such as John Surtees CBE – the only man to have won world championships on two and four wheels. Legendary Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis, OBE is also lined up and will open the show on the first day.

4. Jaguar XJ13 on display

A faulty tyre led Dewis to famously wreck the original XJ13 in a MIRA proving ground crash in 1971, but the recreation of this racing car that never actually raced is always a draw wherever it appears. At Alexandra Palace, the XJ13 will greet visitors in the Palm Court area as they enter the show. Its sleek aerodynamic styling made it an instant classic when Jaguar built it in the mid-60s, but in the era of the Ford GT40 it was outdated before it even turned a wheel and the project never went beyond the test track. Still, somehow its lack of racing pedigree hasn’t stopped it from becoming a cult hero of motoring’s golden era.

5. The cream of classic dealers

Complementing the supercar display and the Jaguar XJ13, a selection of Britain and Europe’s finest classic car dealers and restorers will show off their masterpieces. The rarest Aston Martins, Ferraris and Porsches will line up beside the finest Jaguars, Mercedes and both pre- and post-war Bentleys and Rolls-Royces.

6. ‘Lost’ Jaguar restoration

A novel feature will be a display documenting the restoration of a rare Jaguar once considered lost. A team of specialists from Classic Motor Cars (CMC) will be on-stand throughout the weekend to show in great detail how they are bringing this one-of-a-kind model back to its former glory. As part of the feature, presented in association with Total, visitors will be able to view progress on the restoration, with the XK120 making its first public appearance for 40 years as the focal point of the display. The unique 1954 Jaguar XK120 features bodywork from renowned Italian design house Pininfarina and is believed to have been created for US importer Max Hoffman. It made its debut at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show and as the only XK120 produced by Pininfarina, it remains one of the rarest Jaguars in existence.

7. Fabulous motoring art

Beautiful cars have long inspired artists to create great works of varying styles, and a wide array will be on display at Alexandra Palace. Tim Layzell is one of the best known artists in the motoring world and his striking ‘pop art’ style features on the show posters this year. Other exhibitors include silk-screen printer Ella Freire who will display her collection of limited edition classic car prints, Unique & Limited with its stunning recreations of historic moments in time, Paul Pennell of Artistry in Aluminium and his handmade repoussé in metalwork pieces, and Silent Autos Diecast Model Cars with its beautifully detailed recreations of great cars.

8. Coys classic car auction

This will be dangerously tempting for show visitors. Coys will host an auction of fine classic cars on the Saturday to lure enthusiasts who might have an empty space to fill in a garage at home. Consignments include a Lamborghini Miura P400 S once owned by newly knighted singer Sir Rod Stewart and a Lamborghini Ghibli 4.9 SS that was formerly the pride and joy of U2 bassist Adam Clayton.

9. Fine Dining Restaurant

Introduced due to overwhelming demand from last year’s show visitors, the Casablanca-themed Fine Dining Restaurant is a premium eatery within the Great Hall, located underneath the historic and iconic Grand Willis Organ. Diners will also be greeted by classical music performances to set the ambiance in the surroundings.

10. Alexandra Palace itself

Completing our top 10 highlights of the Classic & Sports Car Show has to be the venue itself. Alexandra Palace remains the jewel of north London venues, offering a stunning setting and fantastic views of the city to complement the wonderful displays.

For further information about the show, and to buy tickets, please visit www.classicandsportscarshow.com