WORLD CLASS CARS DRAW CROWDS AT BICESTER HERITAGE SUPER SCRAMBLE

WORLD CLASS CARS DRAW CROWDS AT BICESTER HERITAGE SUPER SCRAMBLE

Over 6000 avid car enthusiasts attended the inaugural Super Scramble at Bicester Heritage proving that the sell-out event was a firm favourite of the UK’s 2019 motoring calendar. With the usual welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Historic Motoring, the beautiful location opened its doors to the public for its standout event of the year.

More than 100 carefully selected vehicles were invited from around the world to take part and crowds were treated to display laps from more than 80 of these as well as to the noise and drama of several other exceptional cars being started and run-up throughout the day.

Daniel Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage commented ’The combination of some of the world's most important motor-cars being displayed and demonstrated against the cinematic backdrop of Bicester Heritage proved irresistible. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, we have been inundated with positive comments in producing an event which was inclusive yet of the highest quality.'

The unique 1939 Delage D8-120 of Peter and Merle Mullin took centre stage on the Main Drive. An imposing and graceful machine, this Chapron-bodied roadster appeared in the 1951 Hollywood blockbuster An American in Paris starring Gene Kelly and it was surrounded by admirers throughout the day.

Nearby, Ten Tenths Racing’s 1953 Carerra Panamericana Ferrari 250 MM, its red and white livery emblazoned with its racing number of 1.2.3, drew equal crowds. Campaigned in period by Mexican racer Efrain Ruiz Echeverria, this one of a kind Ferrari 250 MM proved a bold and popular edition to the line up.

Tiggy Atkinson, Bespoke Events Manager of Bicester Heritage, said:

‘The Super Scramble was a highlight in the Bicester Heritage events diary offering a great day out for motoring enthusiasts and their families. We were delighted that owners of such prestigious, exciting vehicles were keen to display their cars on the Technical Site and more than half of them to run on the Demo Course. It is always such a delight to see and hear these vehicles in motion. We hope that regular ‘Scramblers’ and new followers alike enjoyed the day.’

On the demonstration track at Bicester Heritage, the famous 1933 Barnato-Hassan Brooklands racer was expertly driven by owner, David Ayre.

The MK2 Escort of Rob Smith of the Vintage Radiator Company was expertly piloted around the corners with just three wheels touching the tarmac for most of its lap.

Also enjoying several parade laps was the 1953 Le Mans Rover-BRM. With a noise unlike any other car on the track, this gas turbine-powered racer was demonstrated by the British Motor Museum and was just as jaw-dropping for spectators in 2019 as it must have been in 1953.

A tribute to the late legend Norman Dewis was represented by a wonderful display of historic Jaguars including an XKSS from Jaguar’s own collections and Richard Frankel’s Jaguar C Type, driven in period by Sir Stirling Moss.

Mercedes-AMG F1 drew huge crowds as they repeatedly fired up the 2013 Lewis Hamilton F1 car - its screaming engine proving a rallying cry for the many that flocked to it throughout the event.

On the Main Drive of the site, the Bicester Heritage based apprenticeship scheme, Heritage Skills Academy, teamed up with the Association of Heritage Engineers and Brooklands Museum to fire up the cast 24-litre Napier-Railton for runs up and down the central avenue.

Daniel Geoghegan concluded. ’The Super Scramble! exceeded our expectations and will be remembered for sharing the fun and passion of our automotive culture with enthusiasts and their families. We were delighted to have the support of our 40 specialist companies and their customers, not to mention Brooklands Museum and The British Motor Museum, each of whom demonstrated motoring rarities rarely seen in action by the public’.

BICESTER HERITAGE SUPER SCRAMBLE CARS INCLUDE 2013 LEWIS HAMILTON’S MERCEDES F1 CAR AND ENDURANCE RECORD NAPIER RAILTON

BICESTER HERITAGE SUPER SCRAMBLE CARS INCLUDE 2013 LEWIS HAMILTON’S MERCEDES F1 CAR AND ENDURANCE RECORD NAPIER RAILTON

Sunday 23rd June: Lewis Hamilton’s 2013 F1 car and the endurance record 1933, 24 litre Napier Railton are set to be stars of the show at the inaugural Bicester Heritage Super Scramble on Sunday 23rd June.

The event, which will be held at the Oxfordshire-based automotive hub, is expected to attract around 6,000 visitors, with the first run of tickets already sold out.

It promises to be a must-attend for enthusiasts with more than 80 truly special motor cars making demonstration runs on the Bicester Heritage Test Track throughout the day. A further selection of around 40 historic cars will be on display including Hamilton’s 2013 Mercedes-AMG F1 V8 from the Mercedes-AMG F1 Collection and the Brooklands Napier Railton. An eclectic mix of rare cars from private collections will be shown, from famous hill-climb and rally cars to hot-rod sand racers, European coach-built classics and manufacturer prototypes. Visitors can also expect to see and hear some dramatic fire-ups throughout the event.

The entire Technical Site will form the paddock area for the demonstration track and guests can wander freely through the display vehicles to get a close-up experience of the preparation and warm-up of vehicles before they take to the circuit.

Set within the grounds of the UK’s best-preserved WW2 bomber station and attached to an active airfield, the Super Scramble will combine live action displays of historic machinery with the relaxed, access-all-areas ethos of the campus.

The first Bicester Autojumble will be held inside the Exhibition Hangar 113, alongside the inaugural Art of Transport exhibition. This live and interactive installation of automotive artists’ studios inside the hangar will allow attendees to explore the rich and varied artistic endeavours that surround transport in the UK, with workshops and seminars taking place throughout the day.

Daniel Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, commented: “The Super Scramble will celebrate the heritage of our rich automotive culture, offering sights and sounds to enthusiasts young and old. Bicester Heritage’s philosophy of inclusivity and family appeal has shaped this Super Scramble and we look forward to what promises to be a memorable feast for the eyes and ears alike.”

To buy tickets online, follow this link HERE

Tickets are available to purchase in advance only and will not be available on the gates on the day. They are strictly limited to 6,000 and expected to sell out before the event.

 Photo credit: Tom Horna - AutoHouse London

ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE RACING READY FOR ACTION AT SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE RACING READY FOR ACTION AT SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

With less than two months to go until Silverstone Classic, it is a timely moment to update you on the latest developments regarding Aston Martin Heritage Racing’s participation in the world’s largest historic racing weekend.

Front and centre is the AMHR Festival Series race. Created as a home for Aston Martin Racing’s back-catalogue of GT racers, this exclusive grid encompasses everything from the iconic Le Mans-winning GT1 DRB9 first raced in 2005 to the equally successful first generation V8 Vantage GTE, which rounds-out its top-flight racing career at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.

With the DBRS9, Vantage GT2, V12 Vantage GT3 and pre-2018 Vantage GT4 also eligible to race - plus a varied Invitation class for ‘specials‘ - such as the Aston Martin Vulcan - and selected Aston Martin competition cars that pre-date the AMR era, it promises to be the best-looking (and sounding!) race of the Silverstone Classic weekend.

As an official automotive partner of both Masters Historic Racing and the Silverstone Classic meeting itself, Aston Martin’s involvement in the race weekend extends well beyond Sunday’s Festival Series race. Another highlight of the weekend’s racing will be the Aston Martin Masters Endurance Legends races. Featuring a sensational array of LMP1 and LMP2 sports prototypes, including stunning Audi R8s, V12 diesel-engined Peugeots and the wailing Gulf-livered Lola-Aston Martin DBR1-2, Saturday evening’s AMMEL race starts at dusk and runs into the darkness for an evocative taste of endurance racing.

Further limelight will be stolen by a pair of specially prepared Aston Martin Vantage Safety Cars, which will be on duty throughout the race weekend as part of Aston Martin’s official automotive partnership with Silverstone Classic. Leading every grid around the track at speed prior to a dramatic rolling start, the Safety Cars then remain poised for deployment by Race Control in the event of an on-track incident. In addition to the Vantage Safety Cars, a pair of Rapide AMRs will be serving as Course Cars, shuttling circuit officials around the circuit between races.

The full AMHR experience isn’t restricted to competitors, with truly exceptional hospitality available for all Aston Martin enthusiasts. At Silverstone, the exclusive AMHR suite is situated in the spectacular ‘Wing’ building in the International paddock. Directly overlooking the pit lane and start-finish straight, this relaxed, comfortable space provides guests and Festival Series competitors with a sanctuary in the heart of the action. With fabulous food, drink and entertainment served throughout the day it’s the perfect way to enjoy one of the highlights of the historic racing season.

Full details of AMHR’s Silverstone Classic Driver Packages, plus full-weekend and individual day Hospitality Packages can be found at www.astonmartinheritageracing.com. 

For more information about Silverstone Classic and how to buy tickets (entry is strictly by advanced ticket only) visit www.silverstoneclassic.com.

Source: Aston Martin

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A CELEBRATION WORTHY OF AN ICON LAND ROVER LEGENDS AT BICESTER HERITAGE

A CELEBRATION WORTHY OF AN ICON LAND ROVER LEGENDS AT BICESTER HERITAGE

A fascinating and diverse collection of several hundred Land Rovers amassed at Bicester Heritage last weekend (May 25/26), making the immaculately-preserved former WW2 bomber station the place to be for fans of this iconic marque. Land Rover Legends was a Land Rover event like no other, showcasing the very best examples, from original vehicles to renovated and restored cars, including prototype and pre-production vehicles, production models, rare conversions, military derivatives, bespoke conversions and much more, from the 1948 Series 1 to the very latest models.

The event broke several records, including that for the largest-ever gathering of the SAS ‘Pink Panthers’ (Land Rovers converted to SAS desert duty specification for MOD special ops missions) and the largest-ever gathering of the ultra-rare 100-inch wheelbase Land Rovers. It also showcased the enormous affection in which the marque is held by people of all ages, with thousands of visitors young and old and from around the globe travelling to Bicester Heritage to immerse themselves in all-things Land Rover. Many arrived in their own Land Rovers, and became part of the show by parking in special dedicated display areas, while many opted to camp on site, with the camping ground forming an impromptu display of the suitability of the marque for al fresco sleeping, with everything from Land Rovers converted into motorhomes to some splendid roof tents perched atop Land Rovers of all ages.

The world’s leading Land Rover collection, the Dunsfold Collection, brought a range of very special vehicles for display and, in addition to the main exhibits and demonstration vehicles, 20 major Land Rover Clubs booked space for the event.

With special anniversary and club displays, daily parades celebrating four key Land Rover anniversaries and even period dancing displays to music provided by - what else? - a Land Rover-based DJ, it really was a festival to remember. This was also the first year in which dogs were allowed to attend the event and, judging by the number of wagging tails, Land Rover ownership and dog ownership often seem to go hand in paw!

National Land Rover Awards

During Land Rover Legends a panel of experts were inspecting the finalists in the National Land Rover Awards, and the results were announced at the show on Sunday afternoon.

Martin Port’s 1959 Series II took the award for Most Original Vehicle. The vehicle has a fascinating history; from 1959-63 it was driven from Cape Town to London and was sign-written along the way, detailing the route taken. Much of the sign-writing survives. Charles Whitaker’s 1989 Discovery Prototype - the only surviving Discovery prototype in private hands - was Highly Commended.

Rupert Baron’s immaculate 1958 Series II won the award for Best Restored Vehicle. Rupert only acquired the vehicle late last year in a farm clearance sale; it had spent its entire 60-year life on the farm and was almost completely original, a quality Rupert has striven to maintain in a careful restoration. James Clough’s 1987 Land Rover 90 V8 - which he has owned from new- was Highly Commended.

The award for Best Bespoke Vehicle went to the glamorous 1981 Range Rover Classic Convertible. Now owned by David Barker it was commissioned by Roger Taylor of Queen at a cost of more than double the list price of the standard model. Adrian Thompson’s splendid 1963 88" Forward Control Fire Appliance, which has served with Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade, was Highly Commended.

The show award for Best Club Display (sponsored by Land Rover Monthly magazine) went to the SAS Pink Panther Register, with the Land Rover Series 2 Club Highly Commended. Dedicated Land Rover enthusiast and collector Barry Pocock won the Brian Bashall Memorial Award, in memory of the founder of the Dunsfold Collection, and Sebastien Conté, Pink Panther enthusiast and owner, received the Spirit of the Festival Award. While bringing several Pink Panthers across from France for the event he was first faced with having his trailer impounded by the authorities and then suffered punctures on his car transporter. However, in true Land Rover (and SAS!) spirit he didn’t give up, and he - and the Pink Panthers - made it to the event.

Land Rover Legends also brought the people behind the vehicles to Bicester Heritage, with on-stage discussions led by TV presenter, self-confessed petrol head and serious Land Rover enthusiast Mark Evans in the magnificent main exhibition hangar at Bicester Heritage. Each discussion focussed on one of four star cars, each representing a very special milestone in the history of Land Rover.

To discuss the 50th anniversary of the entry into service with the SAS of the Series IIa ‘Pink Panther’, Roger Jones MBE, who spent much of his Army career with the vehicles and is now Curator (Vehicles) at the REME Corps Museum, and Alan Bucknell (Land Rover researcher and enthusiast) were brought to the stage. George Thomson, David Evans and Michael Jones (all ex-Land Rover Design Studio, and involved with the creation of the P38A Range Rover and the first Discovery), Bob Allsopp (retired engineer who worked on the P38A) and Discovery and P38A enthusiast and preservationist Julian Lamb came on stage for discussions centred around the 25th anniversary of the P38A and the 30th anniversary of the Discovery. And Arnold Biber, who was involved in the evaluation trials of the 100-inch Land Rover by the Swiss military in the 1970s came from Switzerland to attend the show, and appeared on stage to discuss the 40thanniversary of the 100-inch prototypes with Paul Butterworth (recently retired from Land Rover) and Emrys Kirby (writer and journalist, dedicated Land Rover fan, and expert on the history of the 100-inch).

For more information please visit: www.landroverlegends.com.

KINGSLEY CARS ATTENDS LAND ROVER LEGENDS AT BICESTER HERITAGE

KINGSLEY CARS ATTENDS LAND ROVER LEGENDS AT BICESTER HERITAGE 

Kingsley Cars Headquarters

Leading Range Rover engineering and restoration specialist Kingsley Cars is exhibiting at the Land Rover Legends Festival with four special examples that beautifully illustrate its restoration capabilities.

The four classic Range Rovers on display have been carefully chosen to reflect all aspects of Kingsley Cars’ expertise, which extends from concours restorations and bespoke restoration modifications through to the engineering of performance parts and upgrades.

Two examples, however, are set to draw crowds for the event held on the May weekend (25^th and 26^th) at the Bicester Heritage automotive hub in Oxfordshire. The 1977 Suffix D two-door example in Bahama Gold is a total restoration to factory specification, featuring a correct Palomino PVC interior and has graced the lawns of the UK’s most exclusive concours events.

In contrast to the 70s two-door, the other main draw will be the 1994 Overfinch 630R that was subject to extensive restoration and development work by Kingsley Cars and is now a showcase of its performance engineering capabilities. This rare car was one of 12 when new, but it is now truly a unique example that produces a certified 425bhp and enjoys the ultimate ride and handling thanks to the Kingsley Cars Fast Road Suspension upgrades.

Performance upgrade kits developed by Kingsley Cars for classic Range Rovers will also form part of the display. The Fast Road Suspension Kit and Performance Brake Kit (which can also be fitted to Defenders) are designed to transform the handling and braking of Range Rovers without changing the outward appearance of the vehicle, both kits can be purchased online and are simple direct fitment parts in place of OEM components.

A further great example of Kingsley Cars restorations, a 1994 ‘soft dash’ four door SE will be displayed, featuring a hand trimmed interior. A fully stripped and repaired bodyshell in its bare metal state will also be on display.

The Kingsley Cars team will be on site throughout the event to showcase the vehicles on display and to discuss the company’s capabilities with all Range Rover models.

Owner and chairman of Kingsley Cars, Damon Oorloff, said: “Kingsley Cars have been specialists in Range Rovers for more than 25 years, and we are proud to offer a complete service for all Range Rover owners. We offer everything from concours restorations, through to specialist parts and upgrades. We work hard to remain the one-stop shop for all owners of Range Rover vehicles.”

For more information and interviews, please contact Ian Wallace.

ENDS

A CELEBRATION OF LAND ROVERS PAST AND PRESENT

A CELEBRATION OF LAND ROVERS PAST AND PRESENT

Hundreds of Land Rovers of all ages and permutations will converge on atmospheric Bicester Heritage this weekend (May 25/26) when Land Rover Legends pays homage to that most British of marques. From post-War beginnings to present-day technology, the development of the vehicles and the vast number of roles they have played - and continue to play - in private, commercial and military use will be celebrated at this family-friendly event.

The event sets out to showcase the very best examples, from original vehicles to renovated and restored cars, including prototype and pre-production vehicles, production models, rare conversions, military derivatives, bespoke conversions and much more, from the 1948 Series 1 to the very latest models. With camping also available, a trade village, food court and bars, Saturday evening entertainment, and well-behaved dogs on leads welcome, it’s a fabulous weekend of family entertainment at a unique venue. There’s even the chance to take flight in a vintage Tiger Moth aircraft!

Land Rover Legends is an event for all Land Rovers. The world’s leading Land Rover collection, the Dunsfold Collection, is bringing a range of very special vehicles for display and, in addition to the main exhibits and demonstration vehicles, 20 major Land Rover Clubs have booked display space for the event. Every Land Rover attending - whether with a club or not - will become a part of the show by being displayed in the dedicated forward-parking area that will be set aside to showcase representatives of the marque.

In addition to the fantastic range of very special vehicles on show, Land Rover lovers will find a host of other things to fascinate and tempt them, with top Land Rover restorers, specialists and associated suppliers, plus carefully-selected exhibitors and traders all positioned in and around Bicester Heritage’s magnificent main exhibition hangar - and those who fancy getting a bird’s eye view of all the Land Rover action can take to the skies with a Tiger Moth flying lesson experience.

Advance online discount tickets are still available. Saturday and Two-Day tickets come off sale at 10pm on Friday 24th May. Sunday tickets come off sale at 10pm on Saturday 25th May. Camping packages are available in advance only and come off sale on Thursday 23rd May. Adult advance one-day tickets cost £16 each (£20 on the gate) and advance two-day tickets cost £25 each (£30 on the gate). Each adult ticket to the event also includes a free souvenir programme. Children aged 15 and under are admitted for free.

Star cars on stage

Television presenter, self-confessed petrol head and serious Land Rover enthusiast Mark Evans will take to the stage in the main exhibition hangar at Bicester Heritage to celebrate four Star Cars, each representing a very special milestone in the history of Land Rover. The event places great emphasis on authenticity and originality, and Mark will interview the people behind the star cars’ history. In addition, dozens of vehicles will take part in daily parades to celebrate the Land Rover anniversaries.

National award-winners revealed

The ultimate show for Land Rover connoisseurs, preservationists, restorers and enthusiasts will also see the announcement of the results of the National Land Rover Awards 2019, the winners of which will be chosen at Land Rover Legends. Shortlisted vehicles will be displayed as part of a dedicated indoor exhibition at the Bicester Heritage event where, on Sunday 26 May, a panel of expert judges will select the Winner and Highly Commended entry in each category.

A real family affair - and dogs are invited too!

A love of Land Rovers often seems to run in a family, and Land Rover Legends welcomes all ages of Land Rover fans. There’s plenty to keep younger visitors occupied when they're not making a mental list of the Land Rovers they want to own in the future, with family entertainment including a mobile climbing wall, archery, air rifle shooting and axe throwing. This year, for the first time, canine companions are welcome to attend the event (regardless of whether or not they arrive in a Land Rover!). So there’s no need to leave well-behaved four-legged friends at home; just pop them on a lead and bring them along.

Make a weekend of it

There is still some availability for on-site camping. Campers shouldn’t miss the Saturday evening entertainment in the Airfield Marquee from Beat N Trak DJ Landrover with period dance routines from Old School Rovers and liquid refreshment from The Wriggly Monkey Brewery, which is based at Bicester Heritage.

For more information or to book tickets please visit: www.landroverlegends.com.

BICESTER HERITAGE TO HOLD FIRST-EVER ‘SUPER SCRAMBLE’ FOLLOWING CONTINUED GROWTH OF MUCH-LOVED SUNDAY SCRAMBLES

BICESTER HERITAGE TO HOLD FIRST-EVER ‘SUPER SCRAMBLE’ FOLLOWING CONTINUED GROWTH OF MUCH-LOVED SUNDAY SCRAMBLES

Bicester, 20th May 2019 – Building on the tremendous success of the Sunday Scramble events, the latest of which welcomed over 7,000 guests to the former WW2 RAF Bomber Station, Bicester Heritage will host the first ‘Super Scramble’ on Sunday 23rdJune.

An extension of the traditional Sunday Scramble format, the Super Scramble will see a carefully curated selection of 100 vehicles from a variety of eras on display in the surroundings of the Technical Site. Furthermore, owners will have the chance to take to the track for demonstration laps, allowing guests to not only witness these cars in a fitting static environment but also at pace around the twists and turns of the Bicester Heritage test track.

In typical Sunday Scramble fashion, the 40 specialists on-site at former RAF Bicester will open their doors and showcase not only exceptional vehicles but also the incredible skills housed in the Grade II listed wartime buildings around the site.

Another new addition to the traditional Scramble format will be housed within Exhibition Hangar 113. This 45,000 square foot 1936 C-type hangar turned exhibition hall will be home to a classic market place, including a Classic Trader Village and the very first Autojumble at Bicester Heritage. With an assembled audience of several thousand enthusiasts, this area is sure to prove a popular new addition.

A superb selection of vintage aircraft will also be on display on the airfield, with Scramble partners Bremont bringing select aircraft from their Great War Display Team and the Vintage Aircraft Club in attendance also.

Hagerty will be hosting the Valuation Arena offering guests the chance to have their car valued by industry leading experts. As always, the £15 fee for this will go entirely to charity and each owner will be presented with a valuation certificate following their assessment.

Guests are encouraged to bring along their own pride and joy to the Super Scramble. Forward parking is available for pre-1990 vehicles and, as always, there is bountiful parking for other vehicles.

Dan Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, commented: “Bicester Heritage is all about inclusive historic car community, skills and dynamic activity.  The Super Scramble will combine all of these, and our first Autojumble will be launched, too, in a WW2 hangar offering an acre of covered space."

The inaugural Super Scramble will take place on Sunday 23rd June, running from 10am until 5pm. Tickets will be available for advanced purchase only, not on the gates, and are now available on the Bicester Heritage website.

THE WORLD’S FIRST EVER PETROLICIOUS DRIVERS’ MEETING TAKES PLACE AT BICESTER HERITAGE TO GREAT SUCCESS

THE WORLD’S FIRST EVER PETROLICIOUS DRIVERS’ MEETING TAKES PLACE AT BICESTER HERITAGE TO GREAT SUCCESS

Photography credit: White Wall Media / Petrolicious

Video Edit By Stumpy Media @ Classic Chatter

More than 4000 visitors attended the first ever Petrolicious Drivers’ Meeting from the renowned Petrolicious website at Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire, on Sunday May 12.

The now-­ubiquitous Petrolicious #DriveTastefully motto was made real by the new event, which saw over curated 200 cars placed artfully around the restored former RAF buildings of the Bicester Heritage Technical Site and outside the huge events hangar.

Inside the hangar, the Petrolicious Drivers’ Meeting broke new ground for a Bicester Heritage car show by kitting out the 50,000 sq ft space with motoring artists’ area, trade stands and a cinema showcasing Petrolicious films. Next to the screen were the cars that starred in the films being shown – including a Ferrari Daytona, ‘The Rusty 911’ Porsche, a Golf GTI Mk2, NSU Ro80, Mercedes­-Benz 280SE, Lancia Delta Integrale and Bentley 4 ½ Litre.

Sponsors Jaguar Landrover SVO, Morgan and Aston Martin Works all had stands in the hangar showing new cars and old, while Bremont used the event to launch its new Jaguar D­typewatch, complete with not one but two D­types on display, as well as a Jaguar Project 7.

In the paddock area outside the hangar, it was impossible to miss the restored black and red­liveried Ford truck that served as Frank Williams’ first ever purpose-­built race transporter. Alongside were two historic F1 cars – the 1979 FW07 and 1987 FW11B – from Williams Heritage. The display marked the 50th anniversary of Frank Williams’s first Formula 1 race.

Elsewhere in the paddock were special displays from:

• The Slowly Sideways rally group, showcasing Group B and other rally cars of the 1980s­-onwards
• The Endurance Racing Legends group, with Le Mans and endurance race cars of the 1990s and 2000s, including Aston Martin DBR9, Jaguar XJR15 and TVR T400R
• The Singer Design and Lightweighting Study (DLS) 911 test mule, delivered by racer and Singer development driver Marino Franchitti
• A genuine Brumos team Porsche 911 RSR
• Multi­-million pound Ferrari display that included F40, Daytona, 330GT, 275 GTB and blogger Mr JWW’s F12 TDF
• XJ220 and Project 8 from sponsors Jaguar Land Rover SVO

On the tree-­lined avenues and amongst the evocative Grade 2 listed buildings of the Bicester Heritage site, some of the highlights included:

• Four ex­-Works Subaru rally cars, including ex­-Colin McRae and Kenneth Eriksson Imprezas
• Genuine Alan Mann Lotus Cortina Mk1 and Autodelta Alfa Romeo GTA, reunited 53 years after they last raced together
• Aston Martin DBR4 with Land Rover Series 2 tow vehicle
• Three hot rods, including a replica of the Two-­Lane Blacktop movie ’55 Chevy
• Zagato centenary display with Zagato versions of Lancias, Alfas, the latest Aston Martin Zagato from sponsor Aston Martin Works and a Porsche 356 Zagato owned by Coldplay’s Guy Berryman
• ‘Alfa Romeo Avenue’ with Alfas from the 1960s through to an 8C Competizione supercar
• Four homologation­-derived road cars: Ford RS200, Audi Quattro, Renault 5 Turbo 1 and Porsche 924 Carrera GT
• The rarely­seen 1966 Vauxhall XVR concept car from the Vauxhall Heritage Centre
• Cars from TV’s Wheeler Dealers presenters, Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead – Mike’s restored MGA, the Dowsetts Comet built by Ant’s company, and an Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato recreation built by Ant and owned by
• Plus 4 Works 110 and new Aero GT from sponsors Morgan Motor Company
• Rare Aston Martins including one of only 15 2­Litre Sports ‘DB1’ models built and a stunning black One-­77

Visitors were also able to book in professional photoshoots on their cars with Petrolicious photographers, in the Footman James Photographic Studio in a quiet but evocative corner of the Technical Site. Every single studio slot was taken, with cars as diverse as Alfa Romeo 1750GTV, Cobra 289, BMW i8 and Fiat Dino photographed there.

Adding to the mix, many of the specialists based at Bicester Heritage opened their doors to the visitors. These included specialist car dealers Pendine, Robert Glover and Legends Automotive, pre­war Riley and MG specialists Blue Diamond Services, Bentley specialists Kingsbury Racing, Classic Oils and training course provider Heritage Skills Academy.

Even the car park was stunning, with visitors in classic and interesting modern cars directed to the ‘#DriveTastefully’ parking area, resulting in a fascinating show of its own, with everything from lowriders to a road­legal Group C Jaguar race car.

More Petrolicious Drivers’ Meetings will be announced in the near future. Photography credit: White Wall Media / Petrolicious

VAUXHALL HERITAGE CENTRE OPEN DAY ALL SET FOR JUNE 9

VAUXHALL HERITAGE CENTRE OPEN DAY ALL SET FOR JUNE 9

A brace of high-profile transport events will come together on one day this summer, as Vauxhall’s Heritage Centre Open Day joins with the Luton Festival of Transport to create a motor-vehicle spectacular with an audience of well over 5,000 people.

On Sunday, June 9, both events will open their doors to the public between 10am and 4pm, with an exclusive transfer service linking the two via a free, five-minute classic coach ride.

This is the only day of the year that Vauxhall’s 75-vehicle Heritage Collection is open to the public. It’s the largest of its kind in the world, and features:

• ‘5HP’, the world’s second-oldest Vauxhall
• The earliest ‘Prince Henry’ model – known as the world’s first sports car
• One of only two surviving WW1 D-Type Staff Cars
• The most original 30-98 model – Britain’s first 100mph production car
• A 1930 2-Ton, one of the first Bedford trucks to be built
• Three stunning concept cars, spanning the Sixties to the Noughties
• Rare, fully restored examples of the Firenza HP ‘Droopsnoot’ & Viva GT
• Three Vx super-saloons, from the 176mph Lotus Carlton to the 600hp VXR8 GTS-R
• Continuous model lines of Viva, Victor, Cavalier, Vectra, Corsa and Astra, including powerful VXR and GSi variants.

And since Vauxhall is celebrating two significant anniversaries this year - 50 years since the launch of the Bedford CF van, and 40 years since the first appearance of the British-built Astra, a model that’s now in its seventh generation - both vehicles will have pride of place at the Open Day, which will be held at Vauxhall Heritage Centre, Park Street, Luton, LU1 3HG.

Admission is free, and as well as the Collection vehicles, a variety of Vauxhall clubs will be displaying their members’ cars and vans. There will also be catering facilities, a chance for kids to try their hand at being a racing star in a video-equipped BTCC Vectra, a full line-up of Vauxhall’s modern vehicle range, and memorabilia and merchandise to see and buy.

But the day needn’t end there for enthusiasts and families, because a five-minute coach ride (with free fare) will take them to Luton Festival of Transport in Luton’s Stockwood Park.

Now in its 28th year, LFoT is expecting around 1,000 classic vehicles to be on display, vying for a total of 12 awards to be judged during the day.

For classic-car owning visitors, finding that elusive part will be so much easier, too, with over 40 autojumble stores on site to choose from.

The Luton Festival of Transport caters for all tastes, though. Among the shiny metal can be found an array of craft and collector stores, a food court with licenced bar, children’s entertainment, and even a dog show. Live music will also feature throughout the day.

Admission for the Luton Festival of Transport is £5.00 for adults and £1.00 for children, with a family ticket (two adults, two children) available for £10.00.

Further information about Luton Festival of Transport can be found either on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/1949726711728118/) or online (http://www.cvpg.net/luton-festival-of-transport/)

MARK EVANS TO PUT STAR CARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT LAND ROVER LEGENDS

MARK EVANS TO PUT STAR CARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT LAND ROVER LEGENDS

Television presenter, and self-confessed petrol head and serious Land Rover enthusiast Mark Evans will take to the stage at Land Rover Legends on 25 & 26 May to celebrate four Star Cars, each representing a very special milestone in the history of Land Rover.

The former Chief Veterinary Advisor to the RSPCA, BAFTA-winning presenter of ‘Inside Nature’s Giants’ and star of such popular programmes as ‘A 4x4 is born’, ‘A Car is Reborn’ and ‘Inside Jaguar’ will present two sessions per day in the main exhibition hangar at Bicester Heritage, focusing on two Star Cars each time and hosting a discussion with the people behind the cars’ history in a fascinating and personal element of Land Rover Legends.

12.00 Saturday 25 May and Sunday 26 May: Discovery One & SAS Pink Panther

The launch of the Discovery in 1989 was a masterstroke by Land Rover to meet the challenge from new 4x4 vehicles such as the Isuzu Trooper and Mitsubishi Shogun. Land Rover Legends will celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘the vehicle that saved Land Rover’ through Star Car G457 WAC, owned by Julian Lamb. It is one of only a handful of surviving vehicles from the press launch fleet and was used extensively at the press launch in Plymouth during the late autumn of 1989 and as a test car for a number of magazines.

The 50th anniversary of the entry into service with the SAS of the Series IIa ‘Pink Panther’ will be marked by what is believed to be the largest-ever gathering of these fascinating vehicles, including a Star Car from The Dunsfold Collection. In the late 1960s, the MOD acquired 72 Series IIa 109 Land Rovers for special ops missions and long-distance reconnaissance. Marshalls of Cambridge converted them to SAS desert duty specification, with modifications including heavy-duty springs and chassis, additional fuel tanks to carry 100 gallons, smoke grenade launcher, rifles, machine guns, hand grenades and an anti-tank rocket launcher. They were delivered to the SAS in standard green livery but the SAS had many of them repainted in pink, the perfect colour for camouflage in the desert.

15.00 Saturday 25 May and Sunday 26 May: Range Rover P38A & Land Rover 100-inch

In September 1994 Land Rover launched the second-generation Range Rover, 24 years after the original was introduced. The new car was developed in building P38a of the Solihull factory, and so became known as the P38a. This was undeniably a luxury vehicle, with leather upholstery, premium trim and burr walnut rivalling the interiors of upmarket saloon cars, putting the four-wheel drive in front of a new audience. The Star Car appearing at Land Rover Legends is part of The Dunsfold Collection and is the oldest P38A in existence, a rare survivor from among the batch of pre-production vehicles.

In the late-1970s, Land Rover built around 36 100-inch wheelbase prototypes for evaluation by the French - and later the Swiss - military. Although these vehicles never went into production, the 100-inch wheelbase was felt by many to be the perfect dimension for a Land Rover and enthusiasts went on to create their own ‘hybrids’ based on modified Range Rover chassis and Land Rover panels. Land Rover Legends will celebrate the 40th anniversary of these exceptionally rare prototypes with what is expected to be the largest-ever gathering. Part of The Dunsfold Collection, the Star Car is powered by a prototype 2.25 petrol engine with five main bearings. The gearbox is a prototype 5-speed manual. The middle doors are custom-made and shaped to fit around the rear wheel arch.

In addition to the fantastic range of very special vehicles on show, Land Rover lovers will find a host of other things to fascinate and tempt them, with top Land Rover restorers, specialists and associated suppliers, plus carefully-selected exhibitors and traders, all positioned in and around Bicester Heritage’s magnificent main exhibition hangar.

National Land Rover Awards

The ultimate show for Land Rover connoisseurs, preservationists, restorers and enthusiasts will also see the announcement of the results of the National Land Rover Awards 2019, the winners of which will be chosen at Land Rover Legends. Shortlisted vehicles will be displayed as part of a dedicated indoor exhibition at the Bicester Heritage event where, on Sunday 26 May, a panel of expert judges will select the Winner and Highly Commended entry in each category.

All Land Rovers welcome

Land Rover Legends is an event for all Land Rovers. In addition to the main exhibits and demonstration vehicles, 20 major Land Rover Clubs have booked display space for the event and every Land Rover attending - whether with a club or not - will become a part of the show by being displayed in the dedicated forward-parking area that will be set aside to showcase representatives of the marque.

Dogs welcome too!

This year, for the first time, canine companions are welcome to attend the event (regardless of whether or not they arrive in a Land Rover!). So, there’s no need to leave well-behaved four-legged friends at home; just pop them on a lead and bring them along.

On-site camping and Saturday evening entertainment

Other new features for 2019 include on-site camping and Saturday evening entertainment. Camping bookings are coming in thick and fast, and Land Rover fans are advised to book early if they want to make a weekend of it in the atmospheric setting of Bicester Heritage.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.landroverlegends.com.