REGENT STREET MOTOR SHOW HEADLINED BY ILLINOIS ROUTE 66 HELPS CELEBRATE MILESTONE 200 YEARS     • The UK’s biggest free-to-view car show helps Regent Street mark its 200th anniversary in style • Full-spectrum of motoring past, present and future to honour one of the world’s most-illustrious thoroughfares • Illinois Route 66 renews partnership with the UK’s most popular car-themed showcase • Traditional date on the eve of Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run: Saturday 2 November Already established as the country’s biggest free-to-view car-themed spectacle enjoyed by more than 500,000 visitors, this year’s glittering Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday 2 November) will also serve as one of the stand-out events marking Regent Street’s distinguished 200thanniversary. Adding to the excitement, the Show is teaming up with Illinois Route 66 for the third year in succession.  It was back in 1819 that Regent Street took its name from Prince Regent who had instructed celebrated architect John Nash to build London’s first purpose-built shopping street, and what is today a world-famous global destination set right in the heart of the capital city.  To mark this momentous milestone, several stylish celebrations are planned along the length of Nash’s iconic curve throughout the forthcoming months including, of course, the Regent Street Motor Show. As tradition dictates, the crowd-pleasing attraction will be staged on the eve of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and will feature a magical mix of motoring past, present and future.  Though Regent Street precedes the introduction of Karl Benz’s game-changing 1885 Motorwagen, its hallowed facades have witnessed the full evolution of motoring from those early days of self-propelled horseless carriages right up to the latest city-friendly electric cars – an amazing journey through time, echoes of which will be reflected in the landmark 2019 Show. As ever the formative early days will be wonderfully represented by more than a hundred extraordinary pre-1905 pioneers taking part in the annual Veteran Car Concours d’Elegance before heading off on their route to Brighton at first light the following morning. The unique Concours is always a huge attraction – even more so as many of the intrepid time-travellers, who come from all over the world to be part of the occasion, are dressed in eye-catching period costumes. At the other end of the spectrum, the Motor Show always provides a glimpse into the next 200 years of powered personal transportation with thought-provoking displays of futuristic vehicles, many propelled by the latest innovative generation of low carbon drivetrains.  Equally arresting collections of evocative classic and desirable contemporary cars bridge the decades between the dawn and impending eras of motoring and take on even more significance this year with Regent Street honouring its full history both as a major thoroughfare and as an internationally renowned shopping destination. Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said “Putting the spotlight on the timeline of the automobile, the Regent Street Motor Show is now one of this country’s top motoring spectacles. This captivating journey through the automobile’s history never fails to capture the imagination of the public; part of its charm is its universal appeal which draws in both the lifelong car enthusiast and the interested passer-by. We are delighted to welcome back Illinois Route 66 as headline partner, and with Regent Street itself celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2019, this year’s show will take on added significance.” Now entering its third year, the event’s title partnership with Illinois Route 66 – another of the world’s most historic and famous highways – continues to go from strength-to-strength. The city of Chicago, Illinois' most popular gateway, is home to the start of what is often called the ‘Main Street of America’ or the ‘Mother Road’. Jan Kemmerling, Acting Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Regent Street Motor Show for the third consecutive year. We know a significant number of UK visitors enjoy travelling to Chicago each year to experience Route 66 in Illinois, where the journey officially begins. This premier motoring event is the perfect opportunity to inspire more travellers to visit Illinois and travel back in time along the 'Mother Road' - featuring world-famous historical landmarks and must-see sites, from Chicago to Springfield to Alton and many stops in-between. We look forward to promoting Illinois Route 66 road trips to car enthusiasts attending this year's Regent Street Motor Show." The first 100 miles of the epic 2,448-mile journey to the West coast is situated between Lake Michigan and the Illinois River, a region filled with miles of trails and waterways that stretch from suburban Chicago all the way to Starved Rock State Park. The next stretch of Route 66 is also peppered with iconic landmarks taking travellers through the Springfield region, renowned for its extensive and authentic collection of historic Abraham Lincoln sites, and then into Illinois’ Great Rivers & Routes region, home to another of America’s legendary automotive arteries, the Great River Road along the Mississippi River, stretching north-south from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Whether it is a road trip on Route 66 or a visit to Regent Street in its 200thyear, there is lots to savour in 2019. Further details of the not-to-be-missed Show will be revealed in the coming months.

TOP TRUMPS! LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW, WITH DISCOVERY, REVEALS ICONIC CARD GAME AS SHOW THEME

TOP TRUMPS!

LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW, WITH DISCOVERY, REVEALS ICONIC CARD GAME AS SHOW THEME

The theme of the 35^th anniversary Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, has been revealed as ‘Top Trumps’, the iconic card game that has been played across the world for over 40 years and is now more popular than ever!

In a show first, the organisers, along with headline sponsors Lancaster Insurance, are working in partnership with Winning Moves, owners of the Top Trumps brand, to bring the game to life. Motoring enthusiasts of all generations will be able to enjoy the game in a variety of ways as they explore the various displays.

Plus, to celebrate Lancaster Insurance also reaching its 35^th year, the insurance specialist is creating a special edition pack of Top Trumps that will be launched at the three-day show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 8-10 November. The pack will include 30 cards, each featuring a carefully selected classic car that reflects the 3,000 vehicles on display at the show.

Show Director Lee Masters explains: “Top Trumps has been on our wish list of show themes for years, but we were saving it for a special occasion and sharing our 35^th anniversary with Lancaster Insurance is the perfect opportunity. It is a game many in our community would have played as a kid and may have passed on to their own children. We’re hoping everyone involved in the show, but especially the vehicle clubs will be just as excited as we are.”

As part of the show theme, the clubs and exhibitors will have the opportunity to create a ‘Top Trumps’ card to act as the vehicle’s info board displaying five key facts. Not only will this create the biggest pack of Top Trumps ever but will also give visitors a potential 15,000 motoring facts presented in a fun way so they can play as they enjoy their visit to the UK’s biggest indoor motoring event.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “2019 is a milestone year for both the show and Lancaster Insurance, so it’s fitting that the theme this year is extra special. Many enthusiasts will have fond memories of playing Top Trumps as a youngster, I know I certainly do, and we’re excited to help bring this to life for show attendees!”

There will also be the opportunity to play Top Trumps on both the Lancaster Insurance stand and on the Discovery Live Stage throughout the weekend. Special displays dedicated to the theme will also feature in the halls.

Over the years, Top Trumps has evolved from just being about cars. Packs now cover a whole range of topics including aircraft and battleships, cats and dogs, Harry Potter, football stars, Marvel Superheroes and Dinosaurs!

For those who have forgotten how to play here is a quick recap: Each Top Trumps card contains a list of numerical data. The aim of the game is to compare these values to try to trump your opponent by having a higher number, so you win their card. The winner is the player with all the cards at the end.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery. The special edition packs of Top Trumps can also be added when booking tickets and be collected from Lancaster Insurance’s stand at the show.

For more information including ticket options and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.

THE ANNUAL GREAT NORTH CLASSIC CAR SHOW

THE ANNUAL GREAT NORTH CLASSIC CAR SHOW

The Annual Great North Classic Car Show is fast approaching bringing you even more events and more cars for enthusiasts of all ages. To be held at Beamish Valley’s premier festival site, Black Horse Beamish, located in the picturesque Beamish Valley conservation area, this year’s event takes place on Saturday, July 6th. Featuring a host of historic high-performance cars and motorcycles, this family day out will for the first time boast a dedicated auction of cars and lifestyle automobilia

. This event is the brainchild of Aston Workshop’s Bob Fountain who says “This has been a long-held ambition of mine, to come up with an event to which families can come and enjoy a day out, with cars, entertainment and FUN in the North East. We had a grand day last year but, by moving the date from April to the summer, we are anticipating a far more spectacular event”. Along with the car show and Concours de’elegance competition, there will be a Gala Dinner in the famous Orchard Marquee featuring a Charity Auction, live music and five-course dinner, hosted by former Top Gear presenter and motoring journalist Steve Berry. Steve will be in attendance all day to answer those Top Gear questions that you have always wanted to ask.

 Hi-lights of the day will include:- 1) After last year’s success, this year’s event more than doubles the number of exhibitors featuring over 400 cars. 2) Featured for the first time will be an on-site auction sale of prestige, classic, collectors and high-performance motor cars and automobilia. Entries are still open for this event

. Contact Aston Workshop to be sure you don’t miss out on this unique event. 3) A new feature will be “Concours d’elegance” featuring prestige cars competing for trophies and awards in special categories. Well known industry judges will preside. 4) The second annual Gala Dinner this year features popular guest speaker Steve Berry, formerly of Top Gear. The chosen charity this year is JPC Community Farm. Full details are available at http://www.greatnorthclassiccarshow.com With advance tickets already selling fast, please contact to reserve your tickets at : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-north-classic-car-show-2019-tickets-53249480630

THE ANNUAL GREAT NORTH CLASSIC CAR SHOW IS FAST APPROACHING

THE ANNUAL GREAT NORTH CLASSIC CAR SHOW IS FAST APPROACHING

A view of the show in 2018

The Annual Great North Classic Car Show is fast approaching bringing you even more events and more cars for enthusiasts of all ages. To be held at Beamish Valley’s premier festival site, Black Horse Beamish, located in the picturesque Beamish Valley conservation area, this year’s event takes place on Saturday, July 6th.

Featuring a host of historic high-performance cars and motorcycles, this family day out will for the first time boast a dedicated auction of cars and lifestyle automobilia. This event is the brainchild of Aston Workshop’s Bob Fountain who says “This has been a long-held ambition of mine, to come up with an event to which families can come and enjoy a day out, with cars, entertainment and FUN in the North East. We had a grand day last year but, by moving the date from April to the summer, we are anticipating a far more spectacular event”.

Along with the car show and Concours de’elegance competition, there will be a Gala Dinner in the famous Orchard Marquee featuring a Charity Auction, live music and five-course dinner, hosted by former Top Gear presenter and motoring journalist Steve Berry. Steve will be in attendance all day to answer those Top Gear questions that you have always wanted to ask.

Hi-lights of the day will include:-

1) After last year’s success, this year’s event more than doubles the number of exhibitors featuring over 400 cars.

2) Featured for the first time will be an on-site auction sale of prestige, classic, collectors and high-performance motor cars and automobilia. Entries are still open for this event. Contact Aston Workshop to be sure you don’t miss out on this unique event.

3) A new feature will be “Concours d’elegance” featuring prestige cars competing for trophies and awards in special categories. Well known industry judges will preside.

4) The second annual Gala Dinner this year features popular guest speaker Steve Berry, formerly of Top Gear. The chosen charity this year is JPC Community Farm.

Full details are available at http://www.greatnorthclassiccarshow.com 

With advance tickets already selling fast, please contact to reserve your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-north-classic-car-show-2019-tickets-53249480630 

CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW RETURNS TO CATTON HALL FOR MAY BANK HOLIDAY MOTORING CELEBRATION

CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW RETURNS TO CATTON HALL FOR MAY BANK HOLIDAY MOTORING CELEBRATION

The popular Classic Motor Show will return to Alrewas’ Catton Hall on Sunday 5^th May with up to 700 vehicles on two and four wheels for enthusiasts to enjoy including pre and post war vehicles, American cars, classic motorcycles and modified motors.

Gemini Events Director Stephen Smith said: “The stunning grounds of Catton Hall create a fantastic backdrop to our annual Classic Motor Show. To see hundreds of classics all lined-up alongside the River Trent in front of Catton Hall is amazing and we can’t wait for the May Bank Holiday to arrive.”

The Classic Motor Show, sponsored by ClassicLine, will welcome 30 motoring clubs with a fantastic mix of marques from the Alfa Romeo Owners Club to Your Ford. Local groups represented including the BMW Car Club Shropshire and Mid-Wales, Derby & District MG Owners Club, Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club North Staffs, Midland Retro Car Club, and the North Staffs RS Owners.

Three clubs represent the Potteries with the Capri & Classic Ford Club, Potteries MMOC, and Potteries Vintage Classic Car Club. They’re joined by the M6 Junction 16 Motoring Club, Stoke on Trent Classic Car Club and West Midlands Mitsubishi 4x4 to name a few.

Private entries range from John Heath’s 1926 Austin Clifton to Colin Bailey’s 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. All decades in between are represented with a fantastic mix of marques including David Cowley’s 1993 Renault Alpine GTA Turbo, David Cook’s 1987 Sierra Cosworth 500, Gregory Styles’ 1974 Saab 96V4, and Paul Fawlk’s 1966 Pontiac Bonneville.

The Live Arena will include car parades, including Tamworth Tired Tractors, and family games as well as the popular ‘Decibel Duel’, a competition to find the loudest engine. There will also be Daily Driver and Pride of Ownership competitions, with the overall winner receiving a year’s free car insurance from ClassicLine. The annual Concours also culminates in the ‘Best in Show’ award at 4pm.

The Motor Museum in Miniature returns with its unique display of model cars in its own museum layout along with trader and autojumble stands for all those after a May Day Bank Holiday bargain. There’s also free face painting for the children attending as well as vintage rides and entertainment.

Gates open at 10am until 4pm. Admission starts from £6.40 for adults, £3.20 for children (4-16 years), with a family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) for £16 when booked in advance. Tickets also available on the gate. Free parking for all visitors. For more information, visit www.classicmotorshows.co.uk.

THE RODEO DRIVE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE OPENS ENTRIES FOR ITS 2019 FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW

THE RODEO DRIVE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE OPENS ENTRIES FOR ITS 2019 FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW

The 26th annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance will showcase more than 100 rare and exotic cars this Father’s Day, June 16, 2019, with a free event hosted on the most elegant shopping boulevard in America. Local shops and restaurants will be open throughout the event giving visitors even more to enjoy.                                                                   

Beverly Hills, Calif. (April 9, 2019) – The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance will return to Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, June 16, 2019 celebrating 26 years as the must-attend Father’s Day event in Los Angeles. The event, which welcomes all, will present fathers and their families an up-close look at some of the world’s most prestigious vehicles against the luxurious backdrop of designer boutiques that line the city’s most famous street. Entries are now being accepted for show cars including the flagship class celebrating a century of Bentley Motors. 

The 2019 Rodeo Drive Concours will be headlined by the featured class celebrating 100 years of legendary British marque Bentley. The class will line the entire 200 block of Rodeo Drive with a selection of the rarest, most historic Bentley vehicles alongside the latest creations from the brand’s headquarters in Crewe, England. Further along Rodeo Drive, the 300 and 400 blocks will host curated classes including European classics, American muscle cars, pre-war cars, race cars and the latest luxury and exotic offerings from around the world.

“This year’s event will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bentley, a marque defined by the elegance and excellence that surrounds you on Rodeo Drive,” said Bruce Meyer, Chairman of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. “We’re proud to celebrate the history and craftsmanship of Bentley on its 100th anniversary. As one of the world’s most respected luxury and performance brands, there is a natural link between Bentley and the iconic Rodeo Drive. Our Father’s Day event will showcase the best of the best from around the world.”

Bentley is renowned today as one of the world’s foremost builders of luxury grand tourers and SUVs, and the marque’s 100-year history includes a litany of successes to add to that resume. From its dominance in racing including six overall victories at the 24 hours of Le Mans to its timeless designs and revolutionary engineering achievements – Bentley has reshaped the auto industry over the last century and has earned its place on Rodeo Drive on June 16.

In the 26 years since its beginnings at Beverly Hills High School, the Rodeo Drive Concours has become one of the most eagerly awaited annual events in Los Angeles. Considered a Father’s Day tradition for many Angelinos, the show offers a unique blend for car lovers and their families. Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance invites car owners of all types to submit their cars for consideration in 2019. Entries are now being accepted at http://rodeodrive-bh.com/26th-annual-rodeo-drive-concours-delegance-application-2019-2/.

The event benefits the Beverly Hills Police Foundation, a non-profit charity raising funds for officers and their families. Parking for the event is available at local parking garages and entry to the event is free.

LONDON CONCOURS TO HOST SHOW-STOPPING LAMBORGHINI MIURA DISPLAY

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LONDON CONCOURS TO HOST SHOW-STOPPING LAMBORGHINI MIURA DISPLAY

The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has announced the first of its exceptional special features; a show-stopping gathering of iconic Lamborghini Miuras. Once the world’s fastest production car, and hailed as one of the greatest automotive designs of all time, as many as eight examples will be on display at the London Concoursthis June

In the forthcoming, definitive book on the model, The Lamborghini Miura, to be published by Kidston SA this summer, the outrageous Italian supercar is celebrated as the one that set the template for almost every great automotive performance icon since. First revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1966, its revolutionary rear mid-engined layout quickly became de rigueur for the many supercar pretenders that followed. 

As if that wasn’t reason enough to celebrate the Miura, this year marks 50 years since the premiere of The Italian Job, and although the Minis secured their place in pop culture history, it was the Miura in the opening scene that captured the imagination of petrolheads the world over. Accompanied by a spine-tingling V12 soundtrack, the Miura was driven up Italy’s beautiful Gran San Bernardo pass, in one of cinema’s greatest ever automotive scenes.

That particular car was finished in lurid Arancia Miura, and the London Concours will bring together a world-class collection of up to eight variants – including one in Arancia Miura – showcasing the gamut of outlandish shades offered by the factory. Among them, London Concours visitors will also see Miuras finished in Giallo Sole, Bianco and Azzuro Cielo.

In total, nearly 100 automotive greats of all eras will be on display on the idyllic lawns of the Honourable Artillery Company HQ when the London Concours rolls into the City from 5-6 June. Curated across seven distinct classes, including ‘The Icons’ and ‘The Innovators’, London Concours is the ultimate automotive summer garden party.

Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “If any single model deserves to be celebrated at the London Concours, it’s the Lamborghini Miura. Not only is it a silver screen star, but it was the posterchild for a generation and arguably the provided the spark for the whole supercar scene as we know it. In a spectacular event showcasing nearly 100 automotive icons from the Ferrari F40 to the Bugatti Veyron, this colourful slice of supercar history is set to be a real highlight.”

The London Concours 2019 takes place from 5-6 June. Tickets are available to buy now from www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets

EVOLUTION E-TYPES ROADSTER TO DEBUT AT LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHO

EVOLUTION E-TYPES ROADSTER TO DEBUT AT LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Evolution E-Types is all set to steal the show at this week’s London Classic Car Show, with the unveiling of a brand new all aluminium bodied E-Type Roadster. The new Roadster is the first of its kind to come out of the Evolution workshop and is due to be unveiled by its creator, engineer and E-Type guru Uryk Dmyterko and the Evolution team at the London Classic Car Show when it opens to the public this Thursday 14-17 February at London’s Excel.

Evolution are not just another Jaguar E-Type restorer, E-Type Fabs is already recognised as the World’s leading supplier of E-Type parts with their; High Strength Chassis Frames; Solid Billet Machined Aluminium Cam Covers; and the most recent development their Aluminium 5 Speed Gearbox, to name just a few. Now the world’s leading parts supplier has taken a major step forward to create a brand new range of Jaguar E-type models with modern day comforts, handling and engineering developments, offering customers all the sixties style, look and feel of an iconic classic, but with twenty-first-century handling, reliability and comfort.

Evolution Creator Uryk Dmyterko explains “This is a Jaguar E-Type like no other, we don’t cut corners on our builds, we don’t count the hours, if something isn’t absolutely perfect, we reject it and start again. I personally check everything and we take enormous pride in manufacturing as much as possible on site here at our workshops in Darlington.”

“Our aim is to create a car, which doesn’t just look great, it is engineered to be fun to drive offering excitement and speed but also to be reliable and comfortable enough to be your everyday drive.”

Evolution’s on-site manufacturing facility in Darlington builds just three Evolution E-Types a year and with a full order book for 2019, Evolution will be offering visitors to the London Classic Car show the opportunity to book build slots for 2020. Customers can choose from the Jaguar E-Spec Fixed Head Coupe (also on show in London) or opt for a Roadster or a Low Drag Coupe. All Evolution cars come with the option of a steel or aluminium body and a range of engine sizes, as well as a paint colour of your choice, prices start from £350,000.00.

If you are visiting the London Classic Car Show 14-17 February at London’s Excel. Make sure you swing by the Evolution E-Type stand and see their stunning Roadster. Jaguar will be very much in the spotlight at the show, where Jaguar’s Director of Design Ian Callum opens his exhibit and receives the Icon Award for his career-defining design work at Jaguar and Aston Martin.

For more information on the Evolution E-Type visit: https://evolutionetypes.com/

For more information about visiting the show visit: https://www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk/

CARS FROM THE ITALIAN JOB REUNITED TO MARK It's 50th ANNIVERSARY AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

CARS FROM THE ITALIAN JOB REUNITED TO MARK It's 50th ANNIVERSARY AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Actress Hazel Collinson, who appeared in The Italian Job and is the widow of its director Peter Collinson, to be a guest of honour alongside surviving classic cars from the iconic film

Surviving cars from epic chase movie The Italian Job will be reunited in a special exhibit to mark the iconic film’s 50th anniversary at the London Classic Car Show, taking place on 14-17 February 2019 at ExCeL London.  

The 1969 British heist film, which stars Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill amongst others, is famed for its incredible chase scenes through Turin, Italy, with the cars being the real stars of the movie. The London Classic Car Show and Octane Magazine have curated this special celebratory feature, bringing together three original cars alongside replicas to mark the film’s half-century.  

Jaguar E-Type red 3.8L Roadster (848 CRY), image credit: Philip Porter & Abigail Humphries

The highlight of the surviving models will be the film’s pair of Jaguar E-Types – the dark blue Fixed Head Coupe (619 DXX) and red 3.8L Roadster (848 CRY). The Coupe was in the owner’s possession for almost 20 years before a friend spotted that it could be the car featured in the film. Further investigation proved positive and it has now been painstakingly restored by Tester Engineering to its original factory specification. 

The red Roadster will also be on display. Originally a demonstrator and raced in 1961, it was sold to model Richard Essame in 1962 who landed a part in the film as one of the Mini Cooper drivers. Essame drove the car to a location in Italy, where the production team saw it and thought it would be ideal for the film and purchased it from him. 

Hazel Collinson appears in the movie with Michael Caine and the Aston Martin DB4 Convertible (163 ELT). 

Rounding out the three originals from the film is the Aston Martin DB4 Convertible (163 ELT) that was supposedly tipped over a cliff by a bulldozer. Despite its apparent demise, this 1961 convertible was switched for a Lancia Flaminia during filming, allowing the DB4 to survive the cliff scene.

Unfortunately, the iconic red, white and blue Minis made so famous by the production no longer exist, but identical replicas will be featured to celebrate the film’s anniversary.

Hazel Collinson, actress, director and widow of the film’s director Peter Collinson, will be a guest of honour at the London Classic Car Show and will share her memories from the making of the film. 

Appearing in the film cast as “blonde scrubber”, Mrs Collinson said: “Little did Peter and I think when the film was first made that it would become the cult that it has. My husband was a great director and this is a film that really got under his skin. He had specific ideas about how the film should be shot. He makes an appearance as the person directing cars at the back of the motor coach because even the stunt men felt it was too dangerous a task. I am delighted to be visiting the show and it is always a pleasure to meet Italian Job fans and share with them some of the amazing stories about the film and what happened on set.”

Alongside the original cars presented at the show there will be a Lamborghini Miura identical to that appearing in the film, along with a reproduction of the OM Furgonato Sicurezza ‘Bullion’ Van. Convincingly converted by the film’s production crew into a security van, the attempt to blow its doors off led to the film’s famous line delivered by Caine, but also the destruction of the original. 

It is also hoped that the restoration of a Harrington Legionnaire coach will be finished in time for the event. The original was converted especially for the film but after its starring appearance it went back to being used as a coach and was scrapped in the 1990s after service in Scotland.  

“Bringing together and reuniting these original iconic cars from such a classic piece of automotive film history is a real honour,” said James Elliott, editor in chief at Octane. “We’re thrilled to present such a special feature to the visitors of the London Classic Car Show and we can’t wait for the unique opportunity to see these cars up close.”

Alongside The Italian Job exhibit, the London Classic Car Show will bring together an incredible collection of classic vehicles at ExCeL London. One of the event’s highlights will be the Grand Avenue, an indoor live runway that will showcase an array of rare and valuable models. There will be a celebration of the career of car designer Ian Callum, who will receive the show’s Icon Award, while TV presenter and engineer Edd China has curated a special showcase of aero-engined vehicles. Leading classics dealers from throughout the UK will be present, along with manufacturers, car clubs and restorers, making it a must-attend event for any discerning classic car owner, collector, expert or enthusiast.

Advance ticket prices for the London Classic Car Show start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show. 

For further information and to purchase tickets for the London Classic Car Show, visit www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk. 

 

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CITROEN AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CITROEN AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

2019 marks the 100-year anniversary of French automobile manufacturer Citroën. The daring brand will celebrate its centenary at the London Classic Car Show on 14-17 February with a showcase of vehicles that have made the boldest marks on the automotive industry since its launch in June 1919.

Having produced more than 300 models during its rich history, ten of its prominent vehicles will be shown at ExCeL London at the London Classic Car Show, from the 1920s Citroën B12 through to its new 2019 Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, including:

Citroën B12 Taxi

The only surviving example of its kind in the UK and one of the very few left in the world, this 1926 Citroën B12 Taxi was found in 2002 in a chicken shed on a farm just outside Paris. The barn find was transported to Kent where a complete restoration was undertaken. The B12 was manufactured using mass production technologies, which were still unique to Citroën in the 1920s.

Citroën Traction Avant
Although criticised at launch on 19 April 1934, the Citroën Traction 7 was the first of the Traction Avant (front-wheel drive) line that eventually ran all the way through to 1957. It was deemed revolutionary for its many innovations, including being the first mass-produced car with a monocoque chassis and the first car in the world to lose the running board, which changed the way you got into a car – rather than ‘mounting’ it, you descended into its cabin. The specific example at the London Classic Car Show was built in 1939 and registered 15 days after the outbreak of the Second World War, making it one of the last cars to leave the factory.

Citroën Type H Van

The first front-wheel drive van in wide circulation, the Type H launched in 1947 and lasted decades without any major change up until the arrival of the C25 in 1981. It was deemed to have an innovative design for a commercial vehicle of its time and modern vans still take inspiration from its architecture and functional design.

Citroën 2CV

In 1935, Maison Michelin took over Citroën and proposed a ‘people’s car’ for rural drivers. A national survey was commissioned to determine the right price, speed and capacity – this led to the 2CV in 1948. The 2CV went on to be a hugely successful model with almost four million cars being manufactured until it was phased out in 1990. The model on show will be a 1964 2CV AZAM, which is one of only five of this specification left in the UK.

Citroën DS 

Its eye-catching ‘drop of water’ design, courtesy of Flaminio Bertoni, caused it to stand out when it was launched at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. This futuristic design earned DS the nickname the ‘Flying Saucer’. The hydropneumatic suspension combined with power steering gave the car its famous handling that allowed the DS to ride on only three wheels. In fact, the DS19 of General de Gaulle was able to save the President during the attack of the Petit-Clamart, in spite of its punctured tyres.

Citroën Méhari

The first French production vehicle with a body created solely out of thermoformed plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), the Citroën Méhari debuted in 1968. As a result, the car wasn’t susceptible to scrapes, small blows or corrosion and was easy to maintain and entirely spray washable, including the interior! The 1985 example appearing at the London Classic Car Show was registered in the Netherlands, with its hatchback shape making it a popular model.

Citroën BX 

In production from 1982-1994, the Citroën BX set a new standard for the brand; it’s one of the best-selling Citroën cars of all time and credited with saving the company from bankruptcy during the ‘80s.

Citroën SM 

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970, the SM was the first Citroën to have a five-speed gearbox. The model on show was one of 1,500 vehicles that were exported to Italy, which was one of the best export markets for the model.

Citroën CX 

Launched in the summer of 1974, it was voted Car of The Year in 1975. Famed for its curved windscreen and a boot without a tailgate, it sold nearly 1.2 million units during its 16 years of production. On display will be a 1985 eight-seater Citroën CX Familiales in full ‘Prestige’ specification.

2019 New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV

Moving into the latest era of mobility, Citroën will show its New C5 Aircross SUV, reflecting today’s driving preferences. Classically SUV-shaped, it offers strong style choices and a range of personalisation options along with the latest in driver assistance and connectivity technologies to bring the exhibit up-to-date with a true Citroën vehicle in design and character.

Alongside its celebratory centenary exhibit, a parade of Citroën will also grace the show’s Grand Avenue. One of the event’s most popular attractions, visitors will get the chance to see the cars fired up and demonstrated live around the indoor arena. For the first time, grandstand seating will be available for to provide the very best view of the on-track action, with tickets priced at £10 each.

“2019 is a very special year for Citroën and we’re looking forward to kicking off the centenary celebrations at the London Classic Car Show next month,” said Karl Howkins, Managing Director, Citroën UK. “We’re bringing together a fantastic collection of iconic models that have resonated with motorists and showcase the brand as it’s developed through the years.”

London Classic Car Show Event Director Bas Bungish said: “We are delighted that Citroën has chosen the London Classic Car Show to mark this key milestone. Citroën has shaped the history of the automobile industry over the past 100 years and it will be fascinating to see a selection of these notable cars in one place.”

Tickets are on sale for the London Classic Car Show. Advance ticket prices start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show.

For further information and to purchase tickets for the London Classic Car Show, visit www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk.