MEET THE CAR YEARS' PRESENTERS ON FOOTMAN JAMES' PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR & RESTORATION SHOW STAND

MEET THE CAR YEARS' PRESENTERS

ON FOOTMAN JAMES' PRACTICAL CLASSICS CLASSIC CAR & RESTORATION SHOW STAND

Footman James’ stand (4-425) will host The Car Years presenters at this year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show on Friday 22 March at the NEC Birmingham.

Classic car enthusiasts are in for a treat on the first day of the upcoming Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show as Footman James announces it will host The Car Years presenters, Alex Riley and Vicki Butler-Henderson, on its stand on Friday 22 March.

The presenting duo will be sharing news about their new TV programme live from the Footman James stand (4-425) throughout the day at the show and will be hosting a meet and greet at 2pm.

Visitors to the show and followers of Footman James’ social media pages will be the first to find out where The Car Years will be aired, as well as hear quips and behind-the-scenes stories about the new TV programme. Alex and Vicki will also be appearing on the Live Stage at the show on Friday for a Q&A session at 1.30pm.

“Alex and Vicki have had such fun filming The Car Years and have some brilliant stories to share with classic car fans at the show,” said David Bond, Managing Director at Footman James. “Those that can make the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show will be able to hear live from our stand, but we’ll also be sharing the news as it happens from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages too.”

The Car Years is a brand-new programme, hosted by well-known presenters and classic car fans, Alex Riley and Vicki Butler-Henderson. A fresh take on a classic car TV series, the premise is simple. Partnered with Footman James, each episode of The Car Years will focus on a specific year of motoring. Vicki will choose her favourite, Alex will have his contender, and both must convince the expert judges to win at the end of each episode, thus crowning a certain model the car of its year.

Each judge doubles up as expert commentators, telling the stories and backgrounds behind the cars. Famous judges include Chris Routledge, Managing Director of leading auction house Coys; Quentin Willson, presenter and journalist; Karun Chandhok, former F1 star and F1 pundit, as well as author, ex-Top Gear and current The Grand Tour script editor Richard Porter.

The Footman James’ Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show stand will be open for the duration of the show (22-24 March) at the NEC in Birmingham. With a classic car display, as well as its team of experts on hand to discuss specialist vehicle insurance, Footman James invites guests to its stand throughout the event.

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC PROPELS PIONEERING DEMENTIA RESEARCH

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC PROPELS PIONEERING DEMENTIA RESEARCH

The Silverstone Classic has appointed Alzheimer’s Research UK as its official Charity Partner for the next three years

The Silverstone Classic is proud to announce that Alzheimer’s Research UK has been appointed as the Official Charity Partner to the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival for the next three years.

All funds raised by the charity at this summer’s Classic will go directly to Race Against Dementia Fellowships, which are administered by Alzheimer’s Research UK. This Fellowship scheme was founded by racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart to support early career scientists in their pursuit of innovative solutions to the big questions in dementia research.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the country’s leading charity specialising in finding preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.

Affecting 850,000 people – and more than 50 million around the globe – dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and, of the major causes of UK deaths, is the only condition for which numbers are still rising.

Activities planned by Alzheimer’s Research UK and Race Against Dementia at the next three Classics will be focused around raising awareness of dementia, raising funds to support vital research and encouraging more volunteers to get involved with supporting the charity.

The well-respected Scot, Sir Jackie Stewart, will also be attending the 2019 Classic to mark the 50th anniversary of the first of his three World Championship titles and the first of his two stirring British Grand Prix victories in 1969 and 1971, both of which came at Silverstone.

Stewart, who turns 80 in June, set up the Fellowship scheme last year after his wife, Lady Helen Stewart, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, believing the application of Formula 1 technology and philosophies could produce earlier solutions.

Reflecting on the partnership with Silverstone Classic, Sir Jackie said: “Race Against Dementia is very grateful and proud to be working with Alzheimer’s Research UK at one of Britain’s most important motor racing events, with some of the finest cars of past years. Silverstone is Britain’s most prestigious motorsport circuit and it is a great privilege for me to have won at Silverstone in several different categories of the sport and to celebrate those victories at this Classic event.”

“I must thank all the very laudable organisations which tendered some very compelling submissions to be associated with our world class event,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “It was far from an easy decision to make but, after much deliberation, we felt that – as we all grow older – so the urgent need to find cures for dementia becomes more critical. The vital work being undertaken by Alzheimer’s Research UK and Race Against Dementia is very important and we wholeheartedly support Sir Jackie in finding much-needed solutions to this growing issue.”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, is confident that the new partnership with one of the country’s premier automotive festivals will deliver significant results. She said: “We’re incredibly grateful to be partnering with the Silverstone Classic. This is an unprecedented opportunity to raise vital funds for life-changing dementia research, while also raising much-needed awareness of the condition.

“Almost one million people in the UK are living with dementia, yet there are currently no treatments to slow, stop or prevent the diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that cause it. But through research, we can change that. Partnering with the Silverstone Classic gives us a fantastic opportunity to work with an industry celebrated for innovation and finding solutions. And this is the approach we need to take to overcome dementia and transform lives. We’re excited to see what we achieve together.”

Visitors to the 2019 Classic will get their first opportunity to donate to Alzheimer's Research UK when buying their tickets online or, alternatively, by using a dedicated fundraising link: http://support.alzheimersresearchuk.org/event/silverstone-classic.

Those buying their tickets before the end of March can also take advantage of an Early Bird initiative offering significant savings.

Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

IT’S ALWAYS TIME FOR A BREW AT THE CLASSIC!

IT’S ALWAYS TIME FOR A BREW AT THE CLASSIC!

Mike Brewer's popular Car Clinics return to the Classic in 2019

The much-loved TV personality and well-respected motoring mastermind Mike Brewer will be back with his crowd-pleasing Car Clinics at the 2019 Silverstone Classic festival (26-28 July).

Since being introduced in 2014, Brewer’s informative and entertaining presentations have become one of the off-track highlights and a firm favourite with the tens of thousands of enthusiasts flocking to the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

Now the star of Discovery Channel’s globally-successful ‘Wheeler Dealers’ television programme returns for a sixth summer in succession casting his expert eye over an even more incredible line-up of notable classic cars – his popular Car Clinics coming in the breaks between the unrivalled roster of 21 outstanding retro races on both Saturday and Sunday.

Among the rare and iconic cars coming under Brewer’s scrutiny in July are significant historic models from Chevrolet, Daimler and Dodge plus, as part of Ford Capri’s 50thbirthday celebrations at the Classic, one of the final fastback models to have come off the production line.

Providing audiences with further enjoyment, Brewer will also be joined on stage by Tim Moore, the well-known humourist and travel writer who has just journeyed through ‘Trumpland’ USA in a 1924 Model T Ford for his latest travelogue titled ‘Another Fine Mess’.

Critically acclaimed Moore has been hailed as ‘the world’s funniest travel writer’ by the Observer and will be sharing stories from his unforgettable road trip with his trademark blend of slapstick humour and affable insight.

“Whether in print or in person, Tim is a fabulous storyteller and I can’t wait to hear all about his latest adventures,” enthused Brewer. “Like most of us with a passion for great cars, I just love the Silverstone Classic – it’s now one of best events on the planet and one of my highlights of the year. It’s always amazing to see so many incredible cars of all eras amassed in one place at the same time and, personally, it’s a real privilege for me to share what’s always an incredible weekend with so many like-minded enthusiasts.”

Brewer’s return is welcomed by festival organisers, too.

“Mike adds yet another wonderful dimension to the amazing array of entertainment on offer,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO. “Like so many of those coming to the Classic, he has a tremendous passion for classic cars – all Mike needs is a stage, a microphone and some stimulating cars so that he can share his whole-hearted devotion with others. It’s a winning formula.”

Admission to Mike Brewer’s ever-popular Car Clinics is one of many attractions open to all those attending the Silverstone Classic at no extra cost.

Providing terrific value for money, all visitors also have access to both racing paddocks, trackside grandstands and live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings which this year will celebrate the golden anniversary of the era-defining Woodstock festival. The majority of the fun-fair rides, as well as numerous dynamic demonstrations and fun-fuelled family activities and attractions based on the busy Village Green, are included in the price of admission, too.

Those purchasing tickets before the end of March can still take advantage of Early Bird prices offering significant savings of up to 17 per cent.

Full details of all Early Bird and standard tickets (which must be bought in advance) – as well as weekend festival camping and hospitality options – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

E-TYPE UK AND DM HISTORICS PLAY HOST TO HUGELY SUCCESSFUL FIRST COFFEE, CAKES AND CLASSIC CARS EVENT

E-TYPE UK AND DM HISTORICS PLAY HOST TO HUGELY SUCCESSFUL FIRST COFFEE, CAKES AND CLASSIC CARS EVENT

Coffee, Cakes and Classic Cars - Credit Roo 92 Photography

Kent, 20th March 2019: Last weekend, E-Type UK and DM Historics hosted a tremendously successful Coffee, Cakes and Classic Cars gathering at its facility at North Frith Farm, Hadlow, Kent. A diverse range of classic cars were in attendance, alongside over 250 enthusiastic owners and members of the public.

Guests enjoyed conversing with fellow enthusiasts over hot drinks and a slice of cake surrounded by some of DM Historics’ latest stock of classic cars. From a freshly restored 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II DHC by Mulliner, 1954 Aston DB2/4 Mk 1 going through a full repaint, 1965 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1 FIA spec racer and a timeless 1972 Range Rover Suffix A, there was plenty to see. E-Type UK also proudly showcased its current selection of wonderfully restored Jaguar classics outside its in-house concours restoration centre, ranging from Series 1 to Series 3 variants of the E-type model.

Members of the public bolstered the ranks with some stunning privately-owned classics at the Duck House Barn - with over 60 vehicles from countless marques, eras and genres. They were then able to experience some of DM and E-Type UK’s most recent projects at their leisure, with the teams behind both workshops on-hand to chat to attendees and show them round each and every project-in-progress.

Founder Marcus Holland commented: “It was such a pleasure to open up our doors and catch up with likeminded car enthusiasts, but more than that if was a joy to see the huge variety of machinery brought down by proud owners for everyone to see. We are already looking forward to our next classic car meet which promises to be even bigger and better than our inaugural event.”

Coffee, Cake and Classic Cars have several upcoming events for 2019 including a Drive It Day on 28th April and another car meet during the height of the British summer on the 8th June. Register your interest for upcoming events online via contacting media@etypeuk.com or join the members group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coffeecakesclassiccars/

GET READY FOR MINI MADNESS AT MOTORFEST AS EASTER MOTOR SHOW HEADS TO CHETWYND DEER PARK

GET READY FOR MINI MADNESS AT MOTORFEST AS
EASTER MOTOR SHOW HEADS TO CHETWYND DEER PARK

There’s plenty to celebrate at this year’s Motorfest with a new home at the stunning Chetwynd Deer Park, Shropshire, two days of family fun on Easter Sunday 21 and Easter Monday 22 April, and the milestone of a British icon as the show marks the 60^th birthday of the Mini.

Visitors to this beautiful location can expect up to 1,000 classic vehicles spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s, so they will be guaranteed something for every taste. Alongside the impressive array of British family favourites from the likes of Ford, Hillman, and Wolseley there are American muscle cars and sporting classics from Porsche and TVR. There really is something for everyone, and the enticing selection of classic commercial vehicles, custom, and kit cars are the icing on the cake.

This year is even more special as Motorfest will be celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the legendary Mini. Owners of classic and modern Minis are being encouraged to display their cars with the offer of a free place if they book tickets for Easter Monday using code 60MINIMON.

Guaranteed to be a wonderful celebration of Alec Issigonis’s brilliant small car, the show’s organisers already have some great examples lined up, from an early 1964 Mini that is sure to draw a crowd to a 1968 Mini Cooper. But later models feature too including a 1991 Mini Studio 2, a special edition that boasted unique trim and badges.

Event director Stephen Smith said: “You can’t let the birthday of such a British icon go past unmarked and with so much more space available to us at Chetwynd Deer Park than in previous years, we can’t wait to get the party started!”

Along with the terrific vehicles on display at Motorfest, sponsored by ClassicLine, visitors will also be able to chat to more than thirty local classic car clubs, as well as enjoying browsing an array of trade stands and the autojumble. Anyone looking for that hard-to-find part for their own car might just discover it here.

And there is plenty more of course. Alongside the live arena that will see action take place across both days, there is the Pride of Ownership display as well as the ‘Decibel Duel’ where judges will be looking for the loudest car at the show. And at 4pm on Monday the winner of the concours competition will be announced.

But it’s not just about classic cars as there will be something to entertain the whole family including live music from The Quik Beats on Sunday and The Del Ray Rockers on Monday.

Plus, there’s an Easter Egg hunt, free face painting, children’s disco and an appearance from Elsa from Disney’s Frozen each day to keep the smaller visitors happy.

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

MG LIVE! LOSES SILVERSTONE VENUE & DATE

MG LIVE! LOSES SILVERSTONE VENUE & DATE

The MG Car Club are sorry to announce that due to Silverstone Circuits Limited’s decision to carry out essential track maintenance during June 2019, MGLive! has lost its venue and dates.

Silverstone has been the home of MGLive! since its inception as the MG Car Club’s annual national meeting, meaning the loss of the opportunity to host the event at Silverstone has hit the Club very hard sentimentally.

The MG Car Club are now exploring options to move the event to a new location and date, with further announcements to be made on this in due course once arrangements are in place.

All ticket holders will be contacted in due course, once the Club have confirmed the arrangements around the event with what options will be available.

Tickets have been removed from sale and will go back on sale once alternative arrangements have been made.

Adam Sloman, General Manager of MG Car Club commented “We are incredibly sorry to be sharing such devastating news and everyone at the Club is so distraught that we are no longer able to hold MGLive! at Silverstone this year, due to this Force Majeure situation.

It is such a shame, as we have experienced record sales versus previous years with so many members and classic car enthusiasts purchasing tickets well in advance. We are so deeply sorry to all of those ticket holders and enthusiasts who have supported the Club and event to date.

We are absolutely making every effort to find an alternative option for MGLive! in 2019, we do not want to add to the decline of classic motoring shows or events we’ve already seen recently, and we are not going to be beaten by this.

We are working very hard to find a solution for a venue that can hold our unique race & entertainment event, and hope to make a further announcement soon confirming the arrangements going forwards.

Once we have those arrangements in place, we will be in touch with all our current ticket holders outlining the options that will be available to them.

We’d like to thank the classic car community in advance for their support and understanding. ”

Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited added “Silverstone Circuits Limited is extremely sorry for the cancellation of the MGLive! event in June. This is due to essential track maintenance. We will work with the Club to find a suitable alternative date later in the year that accommodates MGCC Members aspirations for their racing.”

NEW AWARDS FOR BEAULIEU FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND HOT ROD & CUSTOM DRIVE-IN DAY

NEW AWARDS FOR BEAULIEU FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND HOT ROD & CUSTOM DRIVE-IN DAY

Andy Saunders with Tetanus Cord

Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day event-goers will compete for new trophies at Beaulieu’sFather’s Day event on Sunday, June 16th as new show ambassador Andy Saunders presents his first award and heats are held for Classic Motor Show finalists.

Held in association with the Solent Renegades club, the action-packed show will feature 500 hot rods, customised vehicles and American classics, paired with Simply VW on Saturday, June 15th for a retro motoring weekend against the backdrop of live music, dancing and a two-day Vintage Village in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Car customizer Andy Saunders will arrive in style at Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day in his freshly re-engineered 1937 Cord 812 Westchester Tentanus, to meet show-goers and answer their questions. For the first time, this giant of the custom car world will be judging and presenting his very own Andy Saunders award for the most eye-catching modified car of the show.

From stripped-down hot rods, off-the-wall custom creations, low-riding cruisers and American pre-1980 classics to bikes with mega-engines and wacky trikes, the vibrant line-up will please petrol heads of all ages. There will be prizes for the best custom, hot rod, American car, bike/scooter and the coveted Best in Show award.

New for 2019, Classic American magazine will also be holding the heats for its Car of the Year competition. Show participants with qualifying unmodified American cars of any era will be invited to compete, with a trophy for the owner of the most impressive machine and automatic entry into the finals at the NEC’s Classic Motor Show in November.

Across the weekend, get into the vintage groove with live music, dancing and a vibrant two-day Vintage Village by Bows & Braces. Shop for nostalgic collectables, records, jewellery, luggage, kitchenware and retro clothing from the 1920s - ’80s, then chill out with retro refreshments in a bigger than ever Vintage Tea Tent.

Dress up in vintage finery to win a prize for the best dressed VW on Saturday or individual, family or group on Sunday. You can even get the perfect retro updo at Paula’s Vintage Parlour, which will create a range of glamorous styles from the 1920s - ’60s.

Take to the dance floor with Jitterbug Jive as Bournemouth Lindy Hop Club puts event-goers through their paces with dance demonstrations over the weekend. On Sunday, enjoy toe-tapping music by Bad Detectives, Spitfire Sisters and the roaming Mariachi el Mexicano band.

Getting the retro weekend off to a great start, Simply VW on Saturday 15th will be a chilled-out affair, celebrating Volkswagen cars and vans of every era. 2018 saw a record 537 Volkswagens cruise into the grounds of the Beaulieu attraction, including camper vans, Karmann Ghias, Beetles, beach buggies, Golfs, Polos, Passats and Sciroccos – and this year’s show is set to follow in its tyre-tracks.

Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy both shows with free camping on the Saturday for participants displaying an eligible vehicle at Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In Day. Or camping is available at £10 for all Simply VW participants who would like to stay for the next day’s show.

If you own a relevant vehicle and would like to take part in either show, email details of your car or bike for consideration to events@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 614614. Camping must be booked in advance.

Event tickets can be bought in advance online and include admission to the whole of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum with its new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its gardens and grounds. For tickets and more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation with #hotrodday and #vintagevillage.