BENTLEY DRIVERS CLUB MAKES NEC CLASSIC DEBUT

BENTLEY DRIVERS CLUB MAKES NEC CLASSIC DEBUT

This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, marks the debut of The Bentley Drivers Club, and visitors are assured of a very special display that represents both the fine cars and the marque’s aviation history at Birmingham’s NEC from 9-11 November.

A star of the stand, and of television, will be the 1929 4½ Litre saloon that carries the name ‘The Grey Lady’. With styling that manages to be both elegant and imposing it perfectly embodies the Bentley ethos, and it will also be familiar to fans of hit shows such as Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders having made appearances in both.

Catering for enthusiasts of more recent models is the striking 2008 Bentley Continental GT Zagato. One of only nine made - and one of only two in the UK - it was the first collaboration between the legendary Italian coachbuilder and this most British of car makers, and the result is undoubtedly striking.  

For fans of aviation and wartime history, there is another great reason to visit the Club’s stand as it will be an opportunity to get a close look at an historic aircraft engine. In recognition of the centenary of the end of World War 1 visitors will be able to see a genuine BR2 aero engine. The BR stands for Bentley Rotary and the engine was fitted to the Sopwith Camel and Sopwith Snipe fighter aircraft. An incredible piece of engineering, it is a fascinating reminder of the skills of company founder, WO Bentley.

“We are extremely proud to welcome the Bentley Drivers Club to this year’s show,” says Event Director Lee Masters. “Displaying examples of the fine engineering that characterise this great British marque, we are sure that visitors will be thrilled to see this new addition.”

The Bentley Drivers Club, which takes pride of place in Hall 1, was founded more than 80 years ago and caters for all models from the earliest Cricklewood cars to those built at Crewe.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, is the World’s largest gathering of classic motoring clubs with around 300 in attendance over the three-day show and 3,000 vehicles on display.

For more information as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com

YASMIN LE BON GEARS UP FOR MOVEMBER ON LONON TO BRIGHTON

YASMIN LE BON GEARS UP FOR MOVEMBER ON LONON TO BRIGHTON

Global icon furthers her whole-hearted passions for old cars and great causes 

World-renowned supermodel Yasmin Le Bon will combine her love of cars and resolve to support good causes by representing the Movember Foundation in this weekend’s Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox (4 November).

Le Bon, one of the most famous faces in the fashion industry over the past 30 years, will drive a 1901 Wolseley on the world’s longest running and most revered motoring event.

On the hallowed 60-mile route from the capital’s Hyde Park to Madeira Drive on the Sussex coast she will be joined by more than 400 other pre-1905 pioneering horseless carriages. As always it will be a remarkable voyage for all those celebrating the dawn of the motoring era.

In preparation for the start, which tradition dictates comes at a chilly daybreak on Sunday morning, Le Bon visited the British Motor Museum at Gaydon to take a short familiarisation test drive in the Wolseley.

Yasmin Le Bon said, “It’s been a true honour to have a chance to drive the Wolseley as part of the Veteran Car Run. It’s made me realise we have so many creature comforts that we take for granted when driving around in such modern, technological cars today, that it’s easy to forget what a huge challenge motoring was back at the start of the last century. I’m now relishing my drive from London to Brighton on the famous Veteran Car Run and even more so, as I’m helping to raise awareness for the Movember Foundation, a great organisation addressing male health issues and to help stop men dying too young.”
 
Ever since she was a young girl, Le Bon has been fascinated by cars and jumping aboard the venerable Wolseley for the celebrated trip from London to Brighton has certainly caught her imagination.
 
"My father has always loved cars, not only aesthetically and mechanically, but also for the simple reason that cars enable you to go on adventures," she explained.
 
In addition to the spirit of adventure offered by driving, two other qualities Le Bon admires about vintage cars are their unique design and evocation of a bygone era, when life moved at a more leisurely pace and people held onto their cherished cars for generations – both major virtues enjoyed by all those in the veteran car world.
 
Learning about Wolseley’s history further fuelled Le Bon’s interest and intrigue. The company was originally in the business of producing sheep shearing machines but grabbed the opportunity to move into burgeoning car production right at the start of the 20^th century.
 
It set up a plant in Birmingham and quickly established itself as one of the biggest and most important British manufacturers – a position it held until being acquired by Morris and eventually absorbed into what finally became British Leyland. The 1901 model Le Bon will be piloting on the road to Brighton is propelled by a 10 horsepower, twin-cylinder Austin engine giving it a top speed of around 20mph. When new it came with a £360 price tag.
 
Today, the Wolseley is exhibited at the newly refurbished British Motor Museum – the world’s largest display of historic British cars. At the last count, the Trust’s collection totals more than 300 vehicles spanning classic and vintage as well as veteran eras a handful of which are regulars on the Veteran Car Run.
 
Le Bon is no stranger to world’s premier motoring events. Over recent years she has been a judge at the Louis Vuitton Classic, Cartier Style et Luxe Concours d'Elégance at Goodwood and shared a Jaguar with David Gandy on the Mille Miglia, in which she was one of the few women to participate.
 
The Movember Foundation is the official charity partner of the 2018 Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and, with Le Bon’s enthusiastic support, will be raising awareness for men’s health issues such as the causes of prostate cancer and testicular cancer as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
 
Further details of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox and ways to support the charity can be found via the event’s official website: www.veterancarrun.com. For more information on the Movember Foundation visit www.movember.com.
 
As in recent years, the Bonhams Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox provides a fitting finale to the Royal Automobile Club’s busy London Motor Week – during which the Club presents an array of functions and events, another highlight being the free-to-view Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show, this year held on Saturday 3 November.

SECOND-OLDEST SURVIVING VAUXHALL TO TAKE ON LONDON TO BRIGHTON

SECOND-OLDEST SURVIVING VAUXHALL TO TAKE ON LONDON TO BRIGHTON

Proving that Vauxhall’s slogan, ‘British Brand since 1903’, runs more than skin-deep, two of the company’s oldest vehicles – one of which was built in the year Vauxhall was founded as a car manufacturer – will be taking on next Sunday’s Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Acknowledged as the world’s second-oldest surviving Vauxhall, the 1903 ‘5HP’ will be taking on the 60-mile long Run for the first time since 2015, co-driven by Vauxhall’s Managing Director, Steve Norman, and former Communications Director, Denis Chick.

Vauxhall’s 5HP is the 45th vehicle built by the company. It’s a rare four-seat model, with passengers sitting over the engine, in front of the driver. Vauxhall Heritage purchased and restored the car, registered BS8213, 20 years ago and it has completed the Run on many occasions since. Originally bought for £154 3s 3d by as Scottish shipbuilder, 5HP has a water-cooled 983cc engine powering its rear wheels through an epicyclic gearbox and chain drive. Top speed is 20mph and fuel consumption around 38mpg.

Joining 5hp is Vauxhall’s 6HP model. Registered JNM 400, it was one of 70 cars produced in 1904 at Vauxhall’s original factory in South London. Making its 56th appearance on the Run, 6HP also features a one-litre, water-cooled single-cylinder engine, along with tiller steering and similar performance and economy to the 5HP. Vauxhall Heritage has owned the car for more than 40 years. Journalist, Steve Fowler, will co-drive 6HP with Vauxhall PR’s Simon Hucknall.

Vauxhall is the only surviving British car brand eligible to enter Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which is only open to cars built before 1905. Celebrating over a century of continuous vehicle production in London and Luton (its base since 1905), Vauxhall has produced over 14 million vehicles in its 115-year history.

The 2018 Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run marks the 122th anniversary of the first run in 1896, which celebrated the passing of the Locomotives on Highways Act the same year, giving road-going vehicles the right to travel at up to 14mph, instead of the previous 2mph in towns led by an escort carrying a red flag. The next event didn’t happen until 1927, and has been owned and organised by the Royal Automobile Club since 1930, with only the onset of the Second World War and fuel rationing stopping it being an annual fixture right up to date. Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is now the world’s longest running motoring event.

For more information about this year’s Bonhams London to Brighton Run, which takes place on Sunday, November 4, please go to https://www.veterancarrun.com/event-info.

MO-MENTOUS ROADSIDE SUPPORT FOR MOVEMBER!

MO-MENTOUS ROADSIDE SUPPORT FOR MOVEMBER!

Popular hostelries lining the route from London to Brighton will raise awareness for men’s health issues

Wayside inns have been offering shelter and subsistence to travellers for many centuries dating back to bygone eras well before the dawn of motoring.

The advent of the car in the late nineteenth century, though, created new opportunities as more and more intrepid motorists took to the roads. Today that century-old picture-book history is bought back to life by the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox when hundreds of primitive cars make their annual pilgrimage from a capital to coast passing – and sometimes stopping at – numerous roadside hostelries on their merry way to the Sussex shoreline.

Joining in the spirit of the world’s longest running automotive celebration, many of these taverns open early and are packed with enthusiastic patrons all eager to contribute to the remarkable event’s unique atmosphere. Never more so than this year when on Sunday 4 November many of these welcome roadhouses along the route will be more actively involved than ever before by additionally supporting the Run’s official charity partner, the Movember Foundation.

Pubs will not only be fund-raising but also helping to raise awareness for men’s health issues such as the causes of prostate cancer and testicular cancer as well as mental health and suicide prevention.

And it is not only local watering holes which are playing an important part in supporting Movember right at the start of the foundation’s main month of campaigning, all those involved in the Run – drivers, passengers, marshals, support crews, followers, visitors, friends and family members – are being encouraged to grow moustaches and join the movement.

To help all-comers get involved, an online community of fundraisers has been created where members can post photos and share ideas. All those joining the community are also eligible for prizes and incentives including the once-in-a-lifetime chance to partake in the coveted ‘tearing the flag’ ceremony – an act performed by Movember supporters Damon Hill and Charley Boorman last November.

Furthermore, entrants are able to show their support, and simultaneously generate yet more recognition for the cause, via the purchase of an exclusive ‘carstache’ which will be displayed proudly on all participating veteran cars with all funds raised going directly to the charity.

Further details of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and ways to support the charity can be found via the event’s official website: www.veterancarrun.com. For more information on the Movember Foundation visit www.movember.com.

As in recent years, the Bonhams Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox provides a fitting finale to the Royal Automobile Club’s busy London Motor Week – during which the Club presents an array of functions and events, another highlight being the free-to-view Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show, this year held on Saturday 3 November.

Veteran Car Run Pubs Supporting The Movember Foundation

The Feathers, 42 High Street, Merstham, Redhill, RH1 3EA

The Black Swan, Old Brighton Road, Pease Pottage, Crawley, RH11 9AJ

Red Lion Inn, Handcross, Haywards Heath, RH17 6BP

The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield, Haywards Heath, RH17 6EF

Victory Inn, Warninglid Road, Staplefield, Haywards Heath, RH17 6EU

Rose & Crown, London Road, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, RH17 5BS

White Harte Inn, South Street, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, RH17 5LB

The Potter, 129 Station Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9ED

Burgess Hill Inn, Keymer Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 0AD

Friars Oak, London Road, Hassocks, BN6 9NA

Jack & Jill, Brighton Road, Clayton, Hassocks, BN6 9PD

FINAL LINE-UP REVEALED FOR LANCASTER INSURANCE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP AUTUMN AWARDS

FINAL LINE-UP REVEALED FOR LANCASTER INSURANCE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP AUTUMN AWARDS

Keith Hudson Maserati 

With a fantastic selection of classics already announced, the final six cars have now been chosen to compete for the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership autumn title.

Representing cars from across the globe, deciding on a winner from the 20 finalists is going to be harder than ever for visitors to the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery at Birmingham’s NEC from 9-11 November.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “We’ve seen more entries than ever this year and once again, we’ve got a fantastic selection on show. It’s an emotive display with some amazing cars, owners and stories to inspire you. For many of you it’s the highlight of the show so I can’t wait to see you there and help announce your chosen winner - it’s a special moment. Good luck to all!”

For lovers of Italian classics, two very special cars have made it into the group of finalists. The first is a 1964 Fiat 2300S Coupe owned by Doug Martin since December 2017, an example that spent the first 23 years of its life in the South of France. In superb condition and enjoyed on a regular basis by its proud owner. “She is as delightful to drive as she is glamorous” says Doug.

Keith Hudson’s 1961 Maserati 3500GT is equally eye-catching and was the subject of a challenging three-year restoration. At the very beginning it took the owner two days just organising the various parts into boxes, so the Best in Show award at the 2018 Maserati Club concours was a fitting tribute to the hard work.

Classic rallying enthusiasts will certainly appreciate Nish Khambhaita’s 1971 Datsun 510. This rare model was bought in June 2017 after a long search, and as his father was once a competitor in the tough East African Safari Rally in a similar car Nish has chosen a retro rally car theme for his example.

The resurgence of the TVR brand has renewed interest in the much-loved Blackpool marque, so Scott Walker’s 1979 TVR 3000M is a terrific addition to this year’s awards. Juggling his job in the RAF and postings abroad with a huge amount of restoration work has been a challenge but the results speak for themselves. 

Representing American classics is the stunning 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe owned by Luke Greenwood. “I bought it as just a rotten shell and have spent two years restoring it,” Luke explained. “I love vibrant colours, so I think the orange that I chose is perfect!”

The list of finalists wouldn’t be complete without a Porsche, and we are sure that Norman Shum’s 1991 ‘964’ will attract plenty of attention. Subject of a three-year nut-and-bolt rebuild it evokes the lightweight ethos of past Porsche 911s and is a car of which the owner is rightly proud.

Visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite car and story, with the winner announced on Sunday 11th November by Wheeler Dealers’ Ant Anstead. For more information, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com

IF YOU PLAN TO MOTOR WEST.. - Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show

IF YOU PLAN TO MOTOR WEST..

• So much for all ages to enjoy at the Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show 
• Introduction of the new Kids Zone adds extra youth appeal to the UK’s favorite car show
• Junior karts, Top Gear Experience, dance routines plus movie star car 
• More than 500,000 visitors expected in Regent Street on Saturday 3 November

As the great rock and roll classic song recommends, more than half a million visitors will be ‘getting their kicks’ at the Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show in central London on Saturday 3 November. Open from 10:30 to 16:00 the annual event set on the capital’s premier shopping destination is a highlight of the week-long London Motor Week organised by the Royal Automobile Club.
 
Firmly established as the country’s most popular free-to-view car-themed event, last year’s show attracted a record crowd of more than 520,000 and, once again, huge numbers of visitors are expected to savour a spectacle that features the full spectrum of automotive history, backed by the US state of Illinois.
 
From the dawn of motoring come more than 100 of the extraordinary pioneers that will be participating in the following day’s famous Bonhams London to Brighton Run Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox. Dating back to pre-1905 and bursting with period innovations, these amazing machines are always a huge draw on Regent Street which is pedestrianised between Piccadilly and Oxford Circuses especially for the occasion.
 
Adding yet more interest and sparkle, many of the owners attend in period Victorian or Edwardian dress – what’s more, the amazing collection of horseless carriages are entered into a Concours d’Elegance judged by a panel of well-known personalities and renowned experts. This year’s awards ceremony will be presented by well-known television gardener, author and classic car lover Alan Titchmarsh MBE.
 
While the rarely-seen numbers of eye-catching veterans are always a huge crowd-pleaser, they are just one of the dazzling show’s countless attractions. Bringing the story right up-to-date, manufacturers such as Renault and Triumph will be displaying their latest creations on four and two wheels while a stunning collection of supercars is certain to be another huge draw. The roster of 200+mph rocket-ships includes a Pagani Zonda, Ford GT and no fewer than three lush Lamborghinis.
 
Classic cars, too, will be on show with a pride of much-loved Jaguars lining-up alongside a posse of equally evocative Volkswagen Beetles while, for retro motor sport fans, the Silverstone Classic will be out in force displaying golden age F1 and Le Mans racers that will be on track at next summer’s fun-fuelled festival.
 
Motor sport fans will also be stirred by the special one-off presence of competition cars celebrating the 60^th anniversaries of both premier MSA British Rally and MSA British Touring Car Championships – the latter represented by Colin Turkington’s recent title-winning BMW 125i M Sport.
 
The new Kids’ Zone is gearing up to be another popular addition offering children a chance to experience the excitement of electric karts plus a ride in the Top Gear Experience simulator as well as a host of other interactive entertainments.
 
The event’s charity partner – the Movember Foundation – will also be exhibiting again this year with lots of moustache-friendly activities throughout the day, including a pop-up barbershop and themed games as well as lots of ‘mo-merch’ up for grabs such as a collection of limited-edition motoring pin badges which will be available to purchase.
 
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, to ensure that all those attending really do ‘get their kicks’, event title partner Illinois will be paying homage to the fabled Route 66. America’s celebrated ‘Mother Road’ starts in Chicago and travels its first 300-miles through the mid-west State – a route that is steeped in legend, nostalgic eats, quirky museums and more kitsch than you can shake a restored 1940’s gas pump at!    
 
Giving visitors to Regent Street an insight into what remains one of the greatest road trips on Earth, the Visit Illinois display features a number of iconic US street machines including a Ford Thunderbird, Dodge Charger, Pontiac Trans-Am, 1957 Chevy Pick-up plus, of course, a pair of charismatic Harley Davidson Sportsters.
 
“There really is something for all ages and interests at this year’s Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show,” enthused Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “Those with a passion for cars will love the incredible variety of machinery on display while there’s so many other attractions for more casual visitors of all ages to enjoy. Moreover, all Regent Street’s eminent stores are open, providing all-comers with a great opportunity to start their Christmas shopping.”
 
Nick Wigley, CEO of event organisers, Goose Live Events, added: “We are thrilled to be bringing more content to the Show this year than ever before. Each year it just gets better and better. Last year visitors told us they’d like to see more family-friendly activities on the Street and we’re delighted to have such a packed line-up for all ages to enjoy!”

PORSCHE GB BRINGS 20 STUNNING RESTORATIONS TO NEC CLASSIC AS PART OF 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL DISPLAY

PORSCHE GB BRINGS 20 STUNNING RESTORATIONS TO NEC CLASSIC AS PART OF 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL DISPLAY

For enthusiasts of classic Porsches, this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, promises to be one of the most exciting yet thanks to the announcement of two special displays featuring 20 stunning restorations never seen before.

The first display by Porsche Cars Great Britain, shown at Birmingham’s NEC from 9-11 November, features special edition models that were created to celebrate the 70thanniversary of the legendary German marque.

Twenty special edition restorations were commissioned including ten examples of the first generation Boxster model, along with air-cooled, water-cooled, and transaxle cars. The restorations were undertaken in conjunction with Porsche Centres and Porsche Recommended Repairers.

Featuring a bespoke interior and a ’70 years of Porsche’ commemorative plaque, each was also finished in ‘Liquid Metal’ silver paint that up to now had only been seen on the stunning Porsche 918 Spyder. The meticulous restorations used Porsche Classic Genuine Parts as well as accessories from the Porsche Classic range including navigation and vehicle tracking systems.

The special edition restorations will be sold towards the end of this year and visitors are able to register their interest at the show.

The second display celebrates the success of the ‘Restoracing’ competition that consisted of three rounds and six races at the Silverstone and Brands Hatch circuits. Having already held three successful restoration competitions for Porsche Centres, for 2018 it was decided to mark twenty years of the Porsche Boxster.

Each centre was challenged to not only restore a ‘986’ Boxster S but to also prepare it to race specification. Each car was also to be finished in a livery inspired by Porsche’s racing history, from the Le Mans-winning ‘Salzburg’ livery to the famous ‘Pink Pig’. The cars were driven by a member of staff with no previous racing experience and the 2018 championship was won by Porsche Centre Bolton. Held in partnership with Porsche Club Great Britain the success of Restoracing will see a second series run in 2019.

The Porsche stand will feature a grid display of Restoracing cars, providing a great opportunity to both inspect the much-admired Boxster model and talk to the people that restored and raced them.

As if these displays aren’t enticing enough, Porsche is also bringing the ‘Project 70’ race car to the NEC. Based on a 1965 short-wheelbase 911 fitted with a 2.0-litre engine, the car was prepared and managed by the four Porsche Classic Partners in conjunction with Road & Road Restorations, a Porsche Recommended Repairer. During 2018 the car was raced by legendary drivers including Richard Attwood, Derek Bell, and Anthony Reid and appeared at events such as the Silverstone Classic, Le Mans Classic, and the Nurburgring’s Oldtimer Grand Prix.

See this epic Porsche GB display in Hall 1 of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery. For more information as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com

REGENT STREET OFFERS EVEN MORE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

REGENT STREET OFFERS EVEN MORE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Next month’s Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show in central London on Saturday 3 November really will have something for all-comers of all ages and all interests.

To entertain a younger audience now comes the addition of a special Kids’ Zone. The country’s most popular free-to-view motor show has always included many children’s pursuits but never before have these been positioned together to create a dedicated attraction. Bringing extra excitement, the newly created Kids Zone will be home to even more activities and amusements than ever before.

TrackStars is one of several new additions offering those aged between four- and ten-years-old some highly enjoyable and safe karting action. What’s more, the battery-powered karts are environmentally friendly, near silent in operation and, being easy to drive, loved by children.

A 1930’s red fire engine and crew will be at hand to provide a perfect photo opportunity.

Aimed at a slightly more mature audience – those aged nine- to 25-years-old – Greenpower challenges young people to design, build and, ultimately, race an electric car. Events are held up and down the country engaging 10,000 students studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. Sparking further interest, a number of these inspirational Greenpower racers will be providing show-goers with a great insight into the initiative, while a pit-stop challenge provides an extra interactive element to the display.

For movie lovers and selfie seekers, the Kids Zone will also star a modified DeLorean ‘time machine’ straight from the Back to the Future film-set complete with gull-wing doors, flux capacitor and, who knows, perhaps even a plutonium-powered engine. Other eye-catching attractions in the Kids’ Zone include the always popular Top Gear Experience simulator and regular appearances by the West End Kids elite song and dance troupe.

Scalextric will be demonstrating an impressive layout for racers of all ages to play for free. It will feature aspects of their latest technology in ARC AIR, with state-of-the-art gameplay which presents drivers with the option of recreating adverse weather conditions and race incidents with the added ease of wireless controllers. The racing system will be set up outside Hamleys, the world’s oldest and largest toy shop – one of the many flagship stores located on Regent Street.

Meanwhile, more venerable visitors with a natural love for nostalgia will be able to savour dazzling collections of much-loved classic cars plus the super-evocative veteran car Concours d’Elegance featuring more than 100 of the pioneering horseless carriages that are participating in the following day’s annual Bonhams London to Brighton Run supported by Hiscox.

“Offering totally free admission and set right in the busy heart of London, the Regent Street Motor Show never fails to attract a massive family audience,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “The creation of this wonderful new Kids’ Zone will not only give children their very own entertainment area but fuel their imaginations. It’s all set to become yet another highly popular component of what’s already the country’s best-attendedcar-themed event.”

With the world famous shopping destination closed to through traffic from Piccadilly to Oxford Circuses, Regent Street provides the perfect pedestrianised setting for families to enjoy the show. Many of the 500,000+ visitors will also take the opportunity to enjoy some pre-Christmas retail therapy in many of the celebrated street’s famous stores.

The Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show – open from 10:30 to 16:00 – is a key event in the week-long London Motor Week run by the Royal Automobile Club.

Source: Regent Street Motor

FAST LONDON START TO 2019 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

FAST LONDON START TO 2019 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Next summer’s Silverstone Classic is already off to a superfast start nine months ahead of the fun-fuelled festival’s eagerly-anticipated return over the weekend of 26-28 July in 2019.

A full range of Super Early Bird tickets went on sale today (Thursday) supported by the launch of a refreshed, new-look silverstoneclassic.com website.

Keeping the pedal to the metal and further whetting appetites, a special Silverstone Classic display will be wowing upward of 500,000 visitors to next weekend’s Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday 3 November).

With London’s flagship shopping destination closed to through traffic all the way from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus, the wide pedestrianised thoroughfare is reserved for a unique automotive showcase, making it the perfect free-to-view shop window to promote all the wonderful entertainment the annual Classic has to offer both on and off the famous Grand Prix circuit.

The on-track action in 2019 will again feature an unrivalled feast of retro races starring the full-spectrum of magical motor sport history and, as ever, the packed racing programme is just one of the major attractions at the three-day festival of Rocking and Racing that promises flat out fun for all the family.

Further fuelling petrol-head passions will be more than 10,000 privately owned classic cars, displayed on the infield by over 120 car clubs as well as a host of interactive driving experiences.

For those with less high-octane blood running through their veins, there are eye-catching air displays, fun-fair rides, stunt shows, an adrenaline zone, a shopping village, live music concerts plus a host of other family entertainment… most of which is included absolutely free in the ticket price.

As well as savouring a handful of the great cars that will be competing at the 2019 Classic, all those attending the Regent Street Motor Show will be able to find out more about what to expect from this year’s event. Icons on display in central London include an imposing Bentley Blower from the 1930s, a racy Mini Cooper S from the Swinging Sixties, a stunning Ligier-Ford JS11 from F1’s fabled DFV era, a mighty V8 propelled De Tomaso Pantera and a sensational Aston Martin DBR9 as raced at Le Mans in 2009.

All those inspired by what they see on Regent Street can take advantage of a full range of Super Early Bird tickets that are now available for those purchasing before the end of the year.

Offering savings of up to 22 per cent on Standard tickets, Super Early Bird adult admission starts at just £35 with the price of the three-day weekend ticket frozen at £99. Full details of all ticket prices – including Parc Fermé and Clubhouse hospitality packages, the RetroRun and camping – can be found on the recharged silverstoneclassic.com website.

SUN SEA AND SIZZLING EXCITEMENT IN PORTUGAL

SUN SEA AND SIZZLING EXCITEMENT IN PORTUGAL
  

Motor Racing Legends wrapped up their 2018 season at last weekend’s Algarve Classic Festival with two exciting battles which saw James Cottingham and Max Girado put on a faultless performance in their Tojeiro Jaguar to convert pole position to a win in the dusk-to-dark two hours 50s Sports Car race and the Mk2 Ford Escort of Mark Freemantle and Tony Paxman led home the Historic Touring Car Challengers earlier in the day.

In Saturday morning’s Historic Touring Car Challenge, Ric Wood and BTCC driver, Adam Morgan dominated the qualifying session, posting a pole time of 2.02.46 in Ric’s Ford Capri. They started the two-hour race five seconds clear of Mark Freemantle and Tony Paxman’s Mk 2 Escort with Malcolm Harding’s Zakspeed Escort Mk2 in P3. 

In the race, the mighty Ford Capri of Wood and Morgan pulled out a healthy lead, dominating the race before retiring 25 minutes from the flag. This left Tony Paxman and Mark Freemantle a clear path for victory in the Ford Escort, as Harding’s Escort suffered fuel pump issues on lap one from which they never fully recovered. The Rover SD1 of Fred Wakeman /Patrick Blakeney-Edwards/Mike Grant-Peterkin was nursed over the line to finish in second place, down to its last few drops of fuel and third home, the first of the Tony Dron Trophy competitors was the mighty Volkswagen Golf Mk1 GTi of Jim Morris and Tom Shephard.

Paul Mensley and Chris Eaton were fourth home in the Ford RS500 and Patrick Watts sharing his Ford Capri with Steve Soper, rounded out the top five, (second on the Tony Dron podium) - despite breaking their gearbox in qualifying and making a dash to Lisbon to pick up and fix a replacement.

The 50s Sports Car qualifying session, saw the Cottingham/Girado Tojeiro Jaguar secure pole position two seconds clear of the pack, ahead of the Cooper Monaco of Justin Maeers and Charlie Martin, with Patrick Blakeney-Edwards and Fred Wakeman in third in the Cooper T38, the first of the Woodcoters.  

In Saturday’s race, Chris Ward – who shared the drive with John Young -  took the lead on the first lap in the Lister Knobbly from 5^th position on the grid and over the following laps, continued to ease ahead.  Early retirements came from the Frazer Nash of Martyn Corfield with a poorly sounding engine and the Jaguar D-type of Steve Brooks and Martin O’Connell was retired on lap 12 with gearbox failure. 

As the light faded, the order changed. A surprise pit stop by the leading Lister Knobbly of Young/Ward dropped them down the order. Young was sent back out, only to pit again a short while later - collecting a pit lane speeding penalty in the process. This saw the Lister drop to third behind the Cottingham/Girado Tojeiro and the now race leaders - the Cooper Monaco of Martin/Maeers.

With just twenty minutes of the race to run, the Martin/Maeers Cooper Monaco had eked out a healthy lead, but a late driver change and fuel stop left them exiting the pit lane just seconds behind the Tojeiro Jaguar of Cottingham/Girado which went on to take the win. The Cooper Monaco finished second and in the final laps, a hard-charging Chris Ward caught up - to finish on the podium in third place in the Lister Knobbly.  

It was a double podium result for Patrick Blakeney-Edwards who co-drove Fred Wakeman’s Cooper finishing fourth overall and on top of the Woodcote podium, as well as 6^th overall and second step of the Woodcote podium sharing Martin Hunt’s HWM. The Maserati 250S of Martin Stretton and Richard Wilson overcame a lack of headlights to finish third overall.

Thus the curtain falls on the 2018 Motor Racing Legends’ year. We hope you have enjoyed all the events and look forward to crowning the season’s winners in January in the usual style at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall in January.

Full results and photos are all now posted on our Website Click Here

Source Motor Racing Legends Ltd

DANNY HOPKINS AND THE PRACTICAL CLASSICS HARD AT WORK ON THE RILEY - WILL IT GET DONE?

DANNY HOPKINS AND THE PRACTICAL CLASSICS HARD AT WORK ON THE RILEY - WILL IT GET DONE?

Talk to any RM restoration veteran and the subject of the vinyl roof will produce a knowing look. Fitting a new roof covering and the drip moulding (guttering) to an RM Riley looks like a difficult task and guess what, it is! Getting it right is the proof of the resto pudding, a badge of honour worn proudly on top of the car… or not.

There are many different theories as to the most effective method. Most agree, however - use quality materials and do it on a hot day – the roof has to be hot, and this is why it needs doing before November and the live stage build.

I bought my kit from the RM club. The vinyl roof is attached to the body around the edges and the back window aperture. Stupidly, I removed the original roof covering ages ago. I say stupidly actually it wasn’t a bad idea… I needed to see if the wood under the metal honeycomb was sound. It was, but I lost the ability to use the original vinyl as a template. The book says that the seams should both be 20 inches from the centre line of the car. In the real world, I used my judgement by standing away from the car and squinting a bit.

First, the wadding was cut and glued on then trimmed. Then we spread the bedsheet over the top. This serves as a barrier between the wadding and the vinyl, helping the vinyl slide more easily as we pulled it tight and adjusted the fit. We had already prepared the roof (see previous sagas) so we knew were working over a sound base.

We cut the blanket or wadding just above the line of nail holes which held the old outer cover on. By the time we finished on day 1, the blanket/wadding was smooth with no lumps, bumps or dips – although my fat fingers were fatter and more bruised than they were in the morning.

Next day was hot… we laid the new cover over the roof and got it into position – then we rolled the RMA outside to ‘bake’ in the sun. We tacked it loosely in place with a few nails half knocked in and the seams as close to perfect as we could manage. The heat in the material made it ever so slightly pliable, which meant we could pull it and get the wrinkles out.

The hardest place to get crease-free was around the rear quarter curves especially along the creases (imaging a bathing cap with a seam… that is where the wrinkles happen). David Gough’s suggestion that we clamp the vinyl with two pieces of wood at each seam end worked wonders. We could pull hard enough to take the wrinkles out. It took several hours of nail removal and refixing but before the end of the day, we were happy. The roof was on… now we needed to fix it.

On day three we fitted the new drip moulding which came in three sections. I can’t lie, the corners were tough, leaving me with semi-arthritic fingers and thumbs. Two sides done the third piece of moulding was fitted across the back of the roof under the rear window. The following hours were spent masking, sealing and paint the sections… at the end of which, we had a watertight RMA… ready for the NEC.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE SHOW AND TO BUY TICKETS 

VIST https://www.necclassicmotorshow.com/