JUST PERFECT – THE WORLD’S TOP CLASSIC CARS LINE UP IN LONDON • Top classics in 10 categories to form the Perfect 10 • Chosen by bodystyle from single-seaters and streamliners to shooting brakes and saloons… and more • Six cars in each category – 60 in all – will be driven along The Grand Avenue ‘Perfect 10’ means different things to different people. For some it will conjure up images of Bo Derek running along the beach in the Dudley Moore film ‘10’.  Others will be taken back to 1998 when The Beautiful South sang about dress sizes, while sports fans will remember the 1976 Summer Olympics when Romanian Nadia Comaneci became the first gymnast ever to score a Perfect 10. But for visitors to the 2017 London Classic Car Show (23-26 February at ExCeL, London), Perfect 10 will take on a new meaning… for the best examples of classic cars in 10 different body styles will be paraded on the show’s ‘catwalk’ which, last year, was home the automotive The Six Nations. With three months to go before the show opens its doors, the event organisers are scouring the globe to find the world’s most desirable classics under the 10 headings: saloon, coupé, convertible, sports car, supercar, hatchback, shooting brake or woodie, sports racer, single-seater and aerodynamic pioneer or streamliner. At selected times during all four days of the capital’s premier classic car event, stand-out examples in each category will be driven along The Grand Avenue, the innovative roadway that runs through the centre of the show, allowing visitors to see and hear their favourite classics in action. Heightening both the spectacle and decibel levels, each category will include at least one competition car. What’s more, in 2017 the Grand Avenue will boast a new open paddock allowing visitors back stage access to get even closer to their favourite cars at no extra expense. “Everyone has their own ideas about their favourite classic and I’m sure there will be plenty of debate during the show about what constitutes the Perfect 10,” said event director Bas Bungish. “But visitors can be sure that the cars we put forward in each of the 10 categories will be outstanding examples of each body style. Choosing the Perfect 10 from those is not going to be easy!” Other highlights of the expanded 2017 London Classic Car Show include a celebration of 70 years of Ferrari road cars, Car Club Square with displays from the UK’s leading one-make clubs, and the country’s leading classic car dealers with hundreds of hugely desirable classic cars for sale. The 2017 London Classic Car Show is certain to attract many celebrities from the motoring world. The roll-call from previous years includes the likes of James May, Arian Newey, David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Sir Stirling Moss, Ari Vatanen and Gordon Murray: more big names are promised for 2017. Entry to the show also permits entry to  our sister exhibition, the inaugural Historic Motorsport International (HMI), which is being held in an adjacent hall at ExCeL. Devoted to all aspects of historic racing and rallying, among the celebrations at HMI will be the 50th anniversaries of both the all-conquering Ford Cosworth DFV Grand Prix engine and the birth of Formula Ford. The London Classic Car Show and HMI will be held at ExCeL London, on 23-26 February, with access to both shows included in the entry price. Historic Motorsport International will open its doors at 12.00pm on Thursday 23 February, while the London Classic Car Show will burst into life at 3pm that afternoon. • Tickets are now available from the show website – thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk ­ and start at £24 for single adult entry (£27 on the door on the day).

GOLDEN GRIDS TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF FORMULA FORD

GOLDEN GRIDS TO CELEBRATE  50 YEARS OF FORMULA FORD Special races at 2017 Silverstone Classic to mark major milestone    Record 54-car grids to celebrate 50 years of Formula Ford Entry-level formula which launched future World Champions Early Bird tickets now on sale with significant savings   The world’s most famous proving ground for future champions, Formula Ford, turns 50 in 2017  a golden milestone that will be celebrated in record-breaking style at next summer’s Silverstone Classic (21-23 July).   To mark this prominent 50th anniversary, the packed programme at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival will include two special showdowns for Historic Formula Fords in 2017. It’s the first time the hugely popular, entry-level single-seaters have featured on the Classic bill since 2013 and a pair of unsurpassed, full-capacity 54-car grids are expected to serve up a feast of close and exciting racing, a hallmark of the junior formula ever since its game-changing introduction in July 1967.   Back then, the combination of low-cost, lightweight tubular chassis powered by a 1600cc Ford Cortina GT engine made an immediate impact both with rival constructors and the next generation of young drivers eager to impress.   Formula Ford quickly became the first stepping-stone in the early careers of many prospective Formula One drivers. World Champions such as James Hunt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jody Scheckter, Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Jenson Button all cut their formative teeth in the super-competitive world of Formula Ford.   Over the past 50 years, Silverstone has witnessed hundreds of spectacular Formula Ford showdowns, with the circuit’s high-speed layout producing some epic slipstreaming duels between young protagonists. Next summer, the Silverstone Classic will recreate some of those memorable battles when Historic Formula Fords will be among the many on-track highlights.   “We are thrilled to be bringing Formula Ford back to the Classic in 2017 for what will be its biggest 50thanniversary celebration,” said Nick Wigley, CEO of event organiser Goose Live Events. “Formula Ford has played such a major role, in both global motor sport history and the careers of just about every young racing driver, that it has earned its place in history. What’s more, it’s going to be another real crowd-pleaser, with lots of incredible wheel-to-wheel action – something for which Formula Ford racing has always been renowned.”   The two Formula Ford showdowns will line-up alongside those races already confirmed on the 2017 Silverstone Classic bill: Group C prototypes; FIA Masters Historic Formula One and FIA Masters Historic Sports Cars; the International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre ’66); the Stirling Moss Trophy for Pre ’61 Sportscars; the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for Pre ’56 Sportscars; the JET Super Touring Car Trophy; the Maserati Trophy for HGPCA Pre ’66 Grand Prix Cars and, of course, the recently announced HRDC Austin A35 Celebrity Race.   In addition, organisers are pleased to announce the return of the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for Historic Cars (Pre ‘63 GT), Under 2-Litre Touring Cars and Formula Junior to next year’s race programme with more exciting races still to be announced.   Ensuring all visitors can savour the spectacle, the Formula Ford contests will be staged across both Saturday and Sunday and will star cars built and raced before 1972, as featured in the HSCC’s popular Historic FF1600 Championship.    “These are cars from the glorious early years of Formula Ford and they never fail to deliver timeless and thrilling single-seater racing,” said Grahame White, CEO of the HSCC. “Even though we are permitted to start grids of 54 cars on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, we are still expecting to be over-subscribed, such will be the demand to be part of these wonderful races to acclaim 50 years of famed Formula Ford.”   Early Bird tickets for the 2017 Silverstone Classic are now on sale with  prices for adults starting from £35 and the cost of the three-day weekend ticket remaining at £99 making tickets a great Christmas gift option. Details of all 2017 ticket prices, as well as hospitality and camping options are now available on the silverstoneclassic.com website.   Full information of the 2017 Silverstone Classic entertainment programme – including more exciting new races, special car club celebrations and live music performers – will be announced in the coming weeks. All the latest news will be available at silverstoneclassic.com and via its social media platforms.

KARMANN’S UNKNOWN TREASURES Special Exhibition at the Bremen Classic Motorshow 2017

KARMANN’S UNKNOWN TREASURES

Special Exhibition at the Bremen Classic Motorshow 2017

The elegant Karmann-Ghia, a Volkswagen designed to appeal to women. The original Golf, called the “strawberry basket”. And, of course, a perennial favourite: the Beetle convertible. This is what comes to mind when we think of the name Karmann. A connoisseur would add that the body factory, headquartered in Osnabrück, also manufactured the quirky Porsche 914, dubbed the “People’s Porsche” in addition to BMW’s outstanding 70s era CS coupés. And that was about it – if you follow the general way of thinking. “The Bremen Classic Motor-show, from Friday to Sunday, 3 to 5 February at the Bremen Fair, will add new insights”, promises project manager Frank Ruge.

The fact that the company, which went bankrupt in 2009, was Germany’s most important in-dependent think tank for developing the vehicle bodies of the future. Karmann’s creativity was second to none, not even the major luxury designers working in the medium of sheet metal, such as Pininfarina or Bertone. Above all, Karmann avoided distributing its rare and unique creations, prized as highly as the family silver, among the general population. In fact, this is why the collection of the former family company, the majority of which was taken over by Volkswagen in 2010, is still intact today – and, with its wealth of one-of-a-kind pieces, is one of the most spectacular automotive treasure troves in the world.

The Bremen Classic Motorshow, traditionally seen as the opening event for each new classic car season, gives visitors an up close and personal look at this treasure trove. In addition to exhibits from the Karmann collection, some of which have never before been available for public viewing, the special exhibition will be presenting other rare automobiles by the Osna-brück manufacturer.

Their history stretches back 115 years – back to the year 1901, when Wilhelm Karmann took over a coach and wagon building company. He manufactured his first motor vehicle body one year later. One of the very few surviving artifacts from this era is the Dürkopp 8/18 HP double phaeton from 1910, the oldest automobile in the special exhibition.

Many car brands were among Karmann’s clientele at the time, such as the Adler plant in Frankfurt am Main. Starting in 1936, the top model was the stately Adler Diplomat, with Kar-mann producing the body for the gorgeous convertible version. The special exhibition consid-ers it an honour to display this fascinating luxury vehicle. A few steps down on the modesty scale, but all the more charming for it, is the 1939 Ford Eifel Roadster with Karmann body, which will be featured in Bremen in early February.

The post-war years rung in a true legend: the Hanomag Partner, a highly modern car the commercial vehicle manufacturer planned to use to get back into passenger car construction in 1951. The project was scrapped, along with all 20 of the prototypes made by Karmann … at least, that’s what people believed for decades. Actually, one single model escaped the crusher – and will be on display in Bremen as a one-of-a-kind original piece.

In the era that followed, custom bodies for Volkswagen filled the Osnabrück manufacturer’s portfolio. Series production models are well known. The studies and prototypes that the spe-cial exhibition will be spotlighting, however, are less so. The formal archetype of the VW Kar-mann-Ghia from 1953, the “bug coupé” (1962), discarded at the concept stage, the “big Kar-mann” type 34, a one-of-a-kind piece from 1965, 1600 TL with hatchback, the exotic sports car stylistic study type 1 convertible from 1965. These and other little-known conceptual models Karmann originally created for its major customers are finally going to be on display on the Weser.

In addition, a couple of vehicles will offer surprises of a different sort; who knew that Karmann once also worked for Opel, Volkswagen’s largest competitor? Witnesses of this era include convertible prototypes of the Opel Commodore (1967) and Manta (1970) – in addition to the car that was once the fastest German series production vehicle, the extremely rare Opel Diplomat coupé from 1965, that also bears the distinction of being “Made in Osnabrück”. The “Pik As”, the vision of a racy Audi sports coupé designed in 1973, serves as the chronological finale of the show.

The Bremen Classic Motorshow runs from Friday to Sunday, 3 to 5 February 2017 in all halls at Bremen Fair plus the Hall 8 modular unit. The halls are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A day pass costs 16 Euro. More info at www.classicmotorshow.de.

VSCC NEWS: PRICE GOES CLEAR TO TRIUMPH AT THE VSCC COTSWOLD TRIAL

PRICE GOES CLEAR TO TRIUMPH AT THE VSCC COTSWOLD TRIAL 

An expert display saw Simon Price score a perfect round to take the Harold Powell Plate for overall victory at the Vintage Sports-Car Club’s annual Cotswold Trial, based at the Prescott Speed Hill Climb in Gloucestershire on Saturday 19 November.

 Powys-based Price and ‘bouncer’ Karen Davies were the undoubted standout crew of a capacity entry of over 100 Pre-war cars, scoring the maximum total of 385 in their 1930 Ford Model A Trials Special across the day’s fourteen off-road sections located at Prescott, home of the Bugatti Owners’ Club, and on private estates in the neighbouring Gloucestershire countryside.

 Heavy rainfall across the preceding couple of days ensured sections would provide a slippery, muddy challenge for Competitors – although thankfully the day itself proved a cold, crisp but mainly dry backdrop for proceedings. 

 And it was Price that led the way, powering to the top of each and every Hill, including a number of tricky sections that were catching out many of his nearest challengers in the early goings. The familiar trio of Johnston, Skelton (both Austin 7) and Golightly (Ford) were closely matched throughout but ultimately could not match the Welshman’s dominant performance. 

 Unsurprisingly the long wheelbase cars were finding the going difficult with John Higgs delivering a surprise class victory in his Morris Cowley, whilst Ben Collings gave perhaps the day’s other top performance as he piloted the mighty 1903 Mercedes 60hp – the oldest competing car of the event – to an incredible fourth place amongst the larger cars. 

Those cars classified as ‘Standard’ by the Club also enjoyed a demanding competition as Mike Littlewood topped a Ford Model A-dominated long wheelbase class in his 1930 example ahead of perennial leader, Dennis Bingham in his similar model. Matthew Blake was a worthy winner amongst short wheelbase entrants in his 1922 GN Vitesse, claiming the Inderwick Cup as top Standard Pre-1931 Vintage performer.

 A unique feature of the VSCC Cotswold Trial is the inclusion of a Novice Class, which saw a popular Cotswold Cup victory for 21-year old Hughie Walker, enjoying a debut Trial for his 1930 Austin VAT 69 – a Vintage Trials Special based on an Austin 7 chassis, powered by a 1923 ABC Scorpion 1200cc Flat Twin engine.

 A fantastic turnout of Spectators was on hand to watch the action at Prescott throughout the afternoon, where Competitors put on an exciting display as they completed the final four sections before the day’s results were announced in front of a packed gathering in the welcoming surroundings of the Clubhouse.     

 The Vintage Sports-Car Club would like to thank the organising team for a fantastic Trial, led by Clerk of the Course, Derek Howard-Orchard, as well as the army of volunteer Marshals, who braved the wintry conditions to oversee the successful competition

Simon Price and bouncer approach a Stop-Restart in the 1930 Ford Model A Trial Special, 

on their way to successfully clearing another section towards victory at the VSCC Cotswold Trial.  

Photo: John Hallett

THE YOUNGTIMERS SET TO MAKE THE HEADLINES OF THE NEXT RETROMOBILE TRADESHOW WITH RENAULT AND ITS TURBO YEARS

Click Here To Visit the Show Website

THE YOUNGTIMERS SET TO MAKE THE HEADLINES OF THE NEXT RETROMOBILE TRADESHOW WITH RENAULT AND ITS TURBO YEARS 

The youngtimers? These are the 80’s and 90’s cars with atypical design, sometimes visionary, which have sweetened the 30-40 years olds’ childhood. Genuine collectors, these old cars, different from the others, will be at the heart of the next Retromobile tradeshow, with an exhibition dedicated to the French constructor’s superstar: Renault and its famous sport cars! A true opportunity to go back in time and review the story of our sweet child memories.

IT WAS FOURTY YEARS AGO ! 

It was forty years ago, on 16 July 1977 at the British Formula One Grand Prix in Silverstone, that the 1.5 L V6 turbo engine Renault RS 01 made its first official appearance, driven by Jean-Pierre Jabouille. This was a first for Formula One – at the time, car manufacturers used 3 L atmospheric V8 and V12 engines. To begin with, the car was chronically unreliable, earning it the nickname «the yellow teapot» – a reference to its colour and the numerous mechanical problems which would often result in it blowing up in a cloud of white smoke. Yet Renault believed in it and two years later it won its first Grand Prix in France! In the wake of this win, turbocompressors were incorporated into its current line. At the 1978 Paris Motor Show, for example, a prototype of the R8820 type was unveiled to the public. Although it did not yet have an engine, the car’s design had practically been finalised. This sports car – featuring a mid-mounted rear engine and made to comply with the Group 4 racing class for world championship rally driving – was to give birth to the famous Renault 5 Turbo, launched at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980. Production commenced on 20 May, with the first cars going on sale on 20 July. Shortly afterwards, all of Renault’s lines started to include Turbo versions: R5 Alpine Turbo, R5 GT Turbo, R9 and R11 Turbo, R18 Turbo, R21 2 L. Turbo, R25 V6 Turbo, Alpine V6 Turbo, etc. These cars left their mark on a whole generation of drivers. And today, they are a source of joy for many an enthusiast. The Youngtimers magazine and Rétromobile want to pay tribute to them by bringing them together on a special podium.

RENAULT 5 TURBO 

The generous forms of this R5 usually have quite an effect on the male libido! Even if the Spiderman-type disguise and the hole-effect dashboard of the first Turbo might cause a few smiles. But then the raucous voice, the thrust of the Garrett T3 turbocharger and the sporty driving experience delivered by this mid-mounted 160 hp engine prove that it’s not just there to entertain. The Turbo 2 is barely more tame – it just has an R5 Alpine interior, a roof and sheet steel doors (they used to be made of aluminium).

RENAULT 18 TURBO The bar is forever being raised when it comes to family sports cars. In 1980, 110 hp was enough for the Renault 18 Turbo – the first French car of its type – to be in this very select club. Later on, it gained an additional 15 hp, rear disc brakes and a plethora of other improvements (1984). Nowadays, the «18» is considered a good road car: it’s comfortable, well-equipped (power steering, electric windows, etc.) and is relatively fast. But forget about it as a sports car: it understeers and rolls too much.

RENAULT 18 TURBO 

The bar is forever being raised when it comes to family sports cars. In 1980, 110 hp was enough for the Renault 18 Turbo – the first French car of its type – to be in this very select club. Later on, it gained an additional 15 hp, rear disc brakes and a plethora of other improvements (1984). Nowadays, the «18» is considered a good road car: it’s comfortable, well-equipped (power steering, electric windows, etc.) and is relatively fast. But forget about it as a sports car: it understeers and rolls too much.

RENAULT 9/11 TURBO 

The turbo version of the three-door R11 was the scoop in March 1984 (a five-door version was unveiled in March 1985), while the R9 made its appearance in June 1985, featuring the Supercinq GT turbo’s fourbar rear suspension system which until now had only been used on the R11 Zender (a limited series launched in May 1985). In October 1986, it was restyled and the power increased to 115 hp. It was then that the R11 got its famous rear suspension system. Two extremely appealing sports cars that can be used as family vehicles. To rediscover and preserve. 

RENAULT 5 GT TURBO 

After the cinq, make way for the Supercinq! In March 1985, the GT turbo was released, armed with a C1J-C782 Cléon-built 1.397 cc carburettor engine. Boosted by a Garrett T2 turbo compressor, it delivered 115 hp and let the world know it with its flashy appearance. In July 1987, in a bid to head off the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9, the phase II version of the GT Turbo delivered an increased 120 hp and featured some adjustments to the axles. Limited Alain Oreille series in December 1989 (2000 units), relatively prized. In January 1991, it was replaced by the Clio 16S.

 RENAULT 25 V6 TURBO 

“Le fabuleux vaisseau”, or «the fabulous vessel» is how Renault marketed it in television adverts in June 1985. As part of Renault’s line-up of large sporty road cars, the 25 V6 Turbo was among an elite selection of vehicles, matching the fearsome Audi 200 Turbo in power. A number of variants of the Renault 25 V6 Turbo were released between 1985 and 1992. Phase 1 was on sale from March 1985 until June 1988. Phase 2 made its appearance the following month for the 1989 vintage. In March 1990, a new 205 hp engine was released with a luxurious Baccara trim version. On 13 February 1992, the last 25 rolled off the production line in Sandouville. 

RENAULT ALPINE V6 TURBO 

Compared with the A 310, the Alpine GTA was a significant improvement, particularly in terms of power and aerodynamics. And changes had been made to the PRV engine: the Turbo version featured an offset crankpin crankshaft and delivered a swift 200 hp. The passenger compartment was also more luxurious, and the car as a whole handled better. The range also included a 160 hp V6 GT, while the engine power of the last Turbos was reduced to 185 hp (starting in July 1989, although French tuner Danielson created an upgraded 210 hp version). Limited Mille Milles series (100 units, 1989) red with leather and ABS. 

RENAULT 21 2L. TURBO

A tad loud, the 21 2 L. Turbo is a model of its kind. And that isn’t just down to its high-quality suspension system which combines efficiency and extremely high-level comfort. Because with its 175 hp (162 on the final versions, catalysed), its four-cylinder engine could also put other considerably more posh cars in their place. Visitors can decide if they prefer the phase 1 version (1987-1989) or the phase 2 version (1989- 1993). Cars in the phase 2 line-up had a slightly more refined finish (more elegant dashboard, smoked rear lights). They were available in a Quadra four-wheel-drive version, which was safe but did not handle lightly. Renault 11 Turbo Renault 5 GT Turbo Renault 25 V6 Turbo Renault Alpine V6 Turbo Renault 21 Turbo 

RENAULT SAFRANE BITURBO 

A four-wheel-drive vehicle delivering 268 hp, this was a unique identikit version of the French car! This Safrane was rare (only 806 were made) and also featured an adjustable shock absorber system and luxury on-board equipment (an over-abundance of features and functions on the Baccara model). The one that we recommend to you, as a priority compared with the RXE: if there is no discomfort, they can be no pleasure. The Biturbo also performs extremely well and is surprisingly efficient – despite a difficult-to-handle and poorly-tuned gearbox.

FULL SPEED AHEAD AS HISTORIC MOTORSPORT INTERNATIONAL 2017 ADDS MORE SPACE FOR EXHIBITORS

• Expansion for HMI as huge support means more exhibition space is required• Leading names from historic motorsport back new show

• Entry tickets also give access to London Classic Car Show
• Show aimed at competitors, officials and enthusiasts alike
• HMI to sponsor category at 2016 International Historic Motoring Awards

Historic Motorsport International (HMI) is racing towards a hugely successful first year… even though the starting lights have yet to go out.
 
Such is the interest in the UK’s newest event devoted to historic racing and rallying that fully three months before it opens its doors for the first time, the show has increased in size to accommodate a rapidly growing list of exhibitors.

To date, more than 30 leading companies and organisations involved in the sport have taken space at the show, which is to be staged alongside the London Classic Car Show at ExCeL, London, from 23-26 February 2017.
 
Joining specialist companies such as Dunlop Motorsport, Cosworth, Duncan Hamilton, Taylor & Crawley, Motor Racing Legends and FORCE plus clubs like the Historic Sports Car Club and the Classic Sports Car Club are a growing number of other major companies from within this thriving sector. These include Anglo American Oil, DC Electronics, Lista, PRG Trailers, Equipe GTS and preparation specialists Quinntech (photo, credit: PhotoClassicRacing.com).
 
Robert Quinn of Quinntech commented: “HMI 2017 will be the first show at which we’ve ever exhibited and we’re looking forward to using the event to grow our portfolio of projects. With our experience of running highly competitive cars in Peter Auto, Masters, Motor Racing Legends and the Spa Six Hours we are eager to embrace some new challenges in 2017 and HMI will connect us with potential new clients and opportunities.”
 
Martin Dewey, General Manager (UK) at DC Electronics is equally upbeat about the potential presented. He said: “The historic motorsport market is becoming increasingly relevant for us, as it is evident that many owners and preparation companies are now looking to modern-day solutions, whether it be for wiring or hardware. Our electric power steering is also particularly suited to these customers, so having a presence at Historic Motorsport International seemed the obvious thing for us to do.”
 
Amongst the content will be a special celebration marking 50 years of Formula Ford along with Cosworth which will be celebrating the golden anniversary of the all-conquering Cosworth DFV F1 engine.
 
Another special feature is the new Historic Motorsport Conference Programme which, in a public forum on Thursday and Friday, will examine a wide variety of topics including technical compliance in historic competition, safety and the promotion of historic motorsport events.

“We are absolutely blown away by the positive response we have had to HMI,” said Ian France, Show Director. “Both the quantity and quality of the exhibitors who have taken space at what is, remember, a brand new exhibition, which forms a dedicated extension to the highly successful London Classic Car Show, is astounding. With three months still to go and more companies signing up every week, when HMI opens its doors next February we are confident it will truly reflect the UK’s leading role in the world of historic motor racing and rallying.”
 
The show will gain further exposure as a category sponsor at the 2016 International Historic Motoring Awards, to be held at London’s Guildhall on Thursday, 17 November.
 
The award is for the Rally or Tour of the Year and shortlisted nominees include the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run; the Endurance Rally Association’s Peking to Paris Motor Challenge and the Royal Automobile Club’s 1,000 Mile Trial.
 
 • Historic Motorsport International will be held alongside the London Classic Car Show, now in its third year and looking to build on the record 33,000 visitors who visited the 2016 event. Both shows are staged by Brand Events, the company behind a raft of successful motoring events including CarFest, Top Gear Live and the recent IGNITION Festival of Motoring.
 
HMI and LCCS will be held at ExCeL London, on 23-26 February, with access to both shows included in the entry price. Historic Motorsport International will open its doors at  2.00pm on Thursday 23 February, while the London Classic Car Show will burst into life at 3pm that afternoon.
  
Tickets to Historic Motorsport International 2017 are now available from the show website – historicmotorsportinternational.co.uk – and start at £24 for single adult entry (£27 on the door on the day)

LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW SETS A NEW RECORD FOR 2016

LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW

SETS A NEW RECORD FOR 2016

Motoring enthusiasts flocked to the NEC, Birmingham at the weekend for the UK’s biggest indoor classic motoring celebration, setting a new record as around 71,000 people attended this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show.

With 2,500 classic cars and motorcycles spanning one million square feet, there was plenty to see, ranging from a 1869 Tasker B2 ‘Little Giant’ engine to the enormous BLOODHOUND SSC show car that welcomed visitors to the premium hall. From Penny Farthings to a Jet-powered boat, the line-up of vehicles was the most diverse ever as the 273 exhibiting clubs celebrated the show’s Heroes and Heroines theme.

Event Director Daniel Nwaokolo said: “Another amazing year. The clubs continue to astound us with their valued dedication to creating the best displays year after year. Our new features proved extremely popular, especially the Drive a Classic Car Experience, and we have early reports of excellent sales from our traders and dealers. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and support, and the visitors for making this year’s show the best season finale ever."

The Meguiar’s Club Showcase gathered 16 stunning cars from club events held across the UK for its grand finale. With an amazing mixture of marques displayed, it was Andy Nash from Dover in the beautifully restored 1966 Mini Traveller who took the coveted title for 2016.

On the Wheeler Dealers Live Stage with Discovery Channel, host Mike Brewer was joined by Edd China, Ant Anstead, and Fuzz Townshend. There were also appearances by British Racing icon Sir Stirling Moss, Engine Addicts’ Jimmy De Ville, US reality star Jesse McClure, and Richard Noble OBE.

The Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership saw 20 finalists battle it out in a public vote. The eventual winner was James Cribb from Winsford in the 1989 Austin Metro City; second place went Stuart Turp from Barnsley in the 1969 Ford Capri Mk1, whilst Mark McClelland from Kilmarnock, Scotland, in the 1984 Vauxhall Astra GTE took third.

Richard Morley, Divisional Head for Lancaster Insurance, said: “This year's show has once again blown us away and shows the dedication, pride and passion of our industry. There have been so many highlights this weekend, from having an amazing and eclectic array of British classics on our stand, seeing James and his '89 Austin Metro City 'Gerty' take the top honour in the Pride of Ownership competition and of course Margo finding a new home through Silverstone Auctions. We’re so proud and delighted to have raised awareness of prostate cancer within the community, as well an incredible amount for Prostate Cancer UK, what a way to end the year!”  

Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale delivered an 80% sale rate and total sales of £5.8million which is its best ever NEC sale if not best ever sale. The biggest seller of the auction was a 1957 Porsche 365A T1 Speedster sold for £306,563. The 1958 Lotus Elise restored by Ant Anstead for a ‘For the Love of Cars’ special to be aired on Sunday 20th November sold for £121,500, while Lancaster Insurance’s restored Mini called 'Margo’ sold for £12,938, with all proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK. 

There were big reveals with Vauxhall presenting a stunning Viva GT that has been a two-year labour of love for the restoration team, whilst Corgi UK unveiled a new model of a Sunbeam Alpine for 2017. Both the Porsche Cars UK and Jaguar Land Rover Classic stands were brimming with breath-taking restorations to delight car fans.

Sporting Bears raised £45,000, which is set to rise once they have counted all the coins. Additional to the ‘Dream Rides’, they also raffled a ride in a £2million Pagani Huayra on Saturday and Sunday. US TV star Jesse McClure also auctioned Dream Rides in his TransAm called Lilly raising £500 towards the Sporting Bears total. 

The 2017 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will take place from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November. For more information, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.

SOURCE: POPPY SEED MEDIA

 

Images - Copyright Sian@ClassicChatter

MODENA CENTO ORE: the only Italian event at the Historic Motoring Awards In the Rally of the Year section.

MODENA CENTO ORE: The Only Italian Event at the Historic Motoring Awards In the Rally of the Year Section

We’re proud to announce that Modena Cento Ore was the only Italian event to receive a nomination for Rally of the Year at the 2016 

International Historic Motoring Awards, the awards dedicated to the best historic motoring events in the world! For the second year in a row, the Cento Ore has joined the shortlist of the most beautiful events in the world. The awards ceremony will be held on November 17th in London. This year, Modena Cento Ore 2017 will take place from June 6th to 11th.

 Pre-registrations are confirming the great enthusiasm for this event, which is already going to sell out while still in the early booking phase, with multiple applicants from all over the world. Once again, the team of Scuderia Tricolore and Terre di Canossa is preparing a unique programme, which will see the crews challenge each other for four days on the most beautiful roads of Emilia-Romagna Tuscany, from Rimini to Florence and from Forte dei Marmi to Modena.

Three races on the legendary tracks of Imola, Misano and Mugello, and 12 hillclimbs special stages on roads closed to the public: a winning mix of rallying and racing, made even more exciting by the starting grids. 

Modena Cento Ore is not just a race. More importantly, it is an opportunity for gentlemen drivers from all over the world to experience Italy in a special way, combining beautiful cars and exciting challenges with the pleasures of the Italian cuisine and discovering the lands included in the route, which will cross Italy from east to west.

 “Modena Cento Ore has established itself as one of the most important races in the world, and as a gathering place for the biggest names in this business”, says Luigi Orlandini, Chairman of the Scuderia Tricolore and ingenious founder of Canossa Events. “This has been proven by our nomination at the International Historic Motoring Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of historic motoring – for the second year in a row, where Italy’s only representative among the finalists was the Cento Ore. Our success is the result of the participants’ enthusiasm and the dedication of our tight-knit team, who works harder each year for 12 months to surpass the previous edition.