TOP 10 ICONIC CARS AT THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2014

The Goodwood Revival takes place this weekend, and once again there will be a mouth-watering selection of iconic cars from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Here is just a Top 10 taster of the many rare and legendary cars on display and in action on the track:

1. Jaguar D-type – A staggering 20 D-types will be racing in the Lavant Cup, with a record 33 examples parading on the Goodwood circuit to celebrate 60 years of this iconic Jaguar race-winning car.

2. Maserati 250 F – The rare sight of 11 racing 250 Fs in the Richmond Trophy is set to stir the soul of any enthusiast, with a total of 16 examples parading to mark the first 100 years since the revered Maserati marque was founded.

3. The trend-setting Ford Mustang celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and to capture the event, 18 examples will battle in a special Shelby Cup race, racing wheel-to-wheel with contemporary American muscle.

4. The Manx Norton is THE iconic British racing motorcycle. An example contested the Isle of Man TT from 1907 right through to the 1970s. A total of six will take part in the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy, named after Britain’s late two-time 500cc world champion. Included among them is an example of the legendary ‘featherbed’ chassis, to be raced by US legend Kevin Schwantz.

5. Four racing examples of the lusty Ferrari 250 GT SWB/C will be competing in the ‘must see’ two-driver Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race, along with other desirable and exceedingly valuable cars from Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus and others.

6. An ultra-rare 1953 Cunningham C4R will bring some American glamour and excitement to this year’s Freddie March Memorial Trophy race.

7. Sir Jackie Stewart’s 1969 F1 Championship-winning Matra-Cosworth MS80 will form part of a tribute to this versatile and talent Caledonian World Champion, along side Ford Escorts, BRMs and Grand Prix Tyrrells.

8. ‘The Versatile V8’ will be the theme for this year’s Earls Court Concours display, including around 25 exceptional V8-powered passenger cars, including this pioneering rear-engined 1946 Tatra T87.

9. The wonderful 1959 Aston Martin DBR1 makes a welcome racing return to Goodwood for the exciting Sussex Trophy race.

10. Pre-War racing thrills are guaranteed on the Goodwood Trophy, with this thundering 1935 ERA A-Type R4A competing against other ERAs, Bugattis, Aston Martins and other great 1930s racers.

Have you got a favourite from this list? Leave a comment here on the blog.

ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Royal Automobile Club has announced two brand new initiatives to raise the profile of motoring book publishing: the Royal Automobile Club Book of the Year Award and Motoring Literary Festival.

The Motoring Literary Festival will take place at the Royal Automobile Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse in central London – the birthplace of motoring enthusiasm in Britain – on the evening of Wednesday 29 October 2014.

The Motoring Book of the Year will be the climax of the evening, in front of Club members, invited guests, and a host of well-known automotive authors and publishing figures.

The event is one of several staged as part of the Club’s ‘London Motor Week’, which includes the free-to-attend Regent Street Motor Show and the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

‘The Royal Automobile Club is passionate about motoring history and the written word,’ said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Club’s Motoring Committee.

‘Our Library in Pall Mall contains one of the finest collections of motoring and motor racing books in the world. Our members value it enormously, and we intend to keep adding to it – even though the death of the printed book is frequently predicted.’

At the inaugural event, the Club will host a lively debate on the future for motoring book publishing and printed books in the digital era, with invited panellists including publishers and book retailing experts. Among the experts will be Tom Tivnan of The Bookseller, Mark Hughes of Evro Publishing, Philip Porter of Porter Press International and Rod Grainger of Veloce Publishing.

Another feature will be the chance for guests to ‘Meet a Car Book Legend’, and prolific author Graham Robson – who is believed to have written more car-related books in the English language than any other single author – will be talking about his work and taking questions from the audience.

The evening culminates in the announcement of the Royal Automobile Club’s 2014 Motoring Book of the Year. The judging process will include recommendations from Britain’s most experienced car book reviewers, including Mick Walsh of Classic & Sports Car, Gordon Cruickshank of Motor Sport, Keith Adams of Classic Car Weekly, Henry Willis of Auto Express, Henry Hope-Frost of Autosport and freelance writer and reviewer Richard Heseltine. The Club’s Motoring Committee, and its librarian, Trevor Dunmore, will be closely involved in the final decision. The award will be commemorated by a unique trophy presented to the winning author, along with the use of a specially created logo to promote the work.

‘We intend this unique award to be an important new accolade in motoring publishing,’ said Ben Cussons. ‘As the digital era reshapes traditional publishing, we continue to believe in the power of the written word and the importance – and appeal – of the published book. The Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year is a significant new ‘badge of honour’ for authors and publishers dedicated to excellence in the field, no matter what type of motoring subject matter is tackled.’

Source: Royal Automobile Club

GOODWOOD REVIVAL BRINGS STONEHENGE TO WEST SUSSEX!

Where else in the world can you see a full scale model of Stonehenge, the largest gathering of Jaguar D-types and Mods and Rockers duking it out on Brighton Pier without leaving the confines of a racing track? At the Goodwood Revival of course, which takes place from 12 – 14 September at the Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Keen to save motorists from the South East the journey to the West Country, the world famous Goodwood Revival Meeting continues its tradition of stunning displays and authentic set dressing with the most extreme example to date, in the shape of a full-scale Stonehenge installation at West Sussex’s home of motorsport.

Commissioned by Lord March to be larger than the original (for greater visibility as there will be more people at the Goodwood Revival in September [some 150,000] than were in the entire UK 5,000 years ago [population circa 100,000]), the installation will be in place exclusively for the Revival weekend in celebration of the pre-historic monument’s 99 years in safe hands, after it was bought at auction in 1915 by Cecil Chubb for £6,600 (some £500,000 in today’s money).

Some say it was bought to stop it being shipped to America, and it is suggested that the Goodwood version may be offered up for sale after the Revival to offer potential U.S. buyers another chance to take Stonehenge stateside!

A number of druids will attend to mark the occasion and will be invited to enact rituals and ceremonies at the site – though the rain dance is banned! Unlike the original, guests will be invited into the monument site, making it a must-visit UK ‘selfie’ destination this September.

Goodwood Revival takes place from 12-14 September at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, more information is available here.

MG CELEBRATES ITS 90TH ANNIVERSARY AT BEAULIEU

Britain’s favourite classic sports car name reaches its 90th anniversary this year and to celebrate the occasion MG will be the featured marque at Simply Classics & Sports Car being held at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, on Sunday 24 August.

MGs of all ages will be on show from early VAs and TAs to the ever popular MGB and Midget as well as modern classics such as the MGF and MG TF plus the current MG3 and MG6 models, with displays from regional MG clubs and individual owners plus trade stands.

During the afternoon there will be a parade of selected notable MGs and a poll to find visitors’ favourite MG – the winner will receive a special Beaulieu Trophy.

Advance booking for the event guarantees MG clubs their own dedicated area with space for cars and a gazebo or event shelter, while individual MG owners can reserve their place in the special MG Paddock. Gates open from 9.30am on the day.

Entry for MGs and their owners, which can be paid in advance or on the day, is £10 per adult, £5 child – which is less than half the normal admission price.

In addition to Simply Classics & Sports Car, entry also gives access to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, displaying vehicles used in the popular BBC television show, On Screen Cars with vehicles from TV and film, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and its gardens.

Source: Beaulieu

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Don Hayter’s MGB Story

The story of MG Design & Development department, by MG’s Chief Engineer, Don Hayter, this book covers models and prototypes from 1956 to the close of the factory in 1980. Featuring behind the scenes anecdotes and personal accounts MG in its heyday. More info.

GOODWOOD LAUNCHES 2014 FESTIVAL OF SPEED WITH LONDON MEDIA EVENT

The 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed was launched on Thursday with a media reception in central London that featured some of motor sport’s most legendary figures.

The world’s largest motor sport garden party, which takes place deep in the West Sussex countryside, has adopted the theme: “Addicted to winning” for its 22nd running on June 26-29 this year.

Goodwood owner Lord March was joined at the Bonhams auction house on New Bond Street by Formula 1 legends Sir Stirling Moss and John Surtees on stage; Surtees celebrating the 50th anniversary of his 1964 world title this year by announcing that he will drive a Ferrari 158 – among other cars – up the iconic 1.16-mile hillclimb.

Le Mans 24 Hours victors Jochen Mass and Richard Attwood also attend the event, along with the man that put Mini on the motor sport map – 1964 Monte Carlo Rally winner Paddy Hopkirk – Indianapolis 500 victor Kenny Brack, two-time European Trials champion motorcyclist Sammy Miller and current Toyota Le Mans driver Anthony Davidson.

Among the highlights announced for the Festival of Speed were NASCAR’s most successful driver Richard ‘The King’ Petty, 15-time grand prix motorcycle world champion Giacomo Agostini and nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb all confirming their presences. Frenchman Loeb will be reacquainted with the Peugeot 208 T16 in which he shattered the Pikes Peak hillclimb record last year.

Honda confirmed that it will use the Festival of Speed to give the brand-new NSX its world debut while it was also announced that the Michelin Supercar Run will be run against the clock for the first time, adding an exciting new dimension to the event.

Source: Goodwood

NEW BOURNEMOUTH WHEELS FESTIVAL IN 2014

Forget the Monaco Grand Prix - the smell of burning rubber, screeching tyres and a throaty roar could be heard in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens yesterday (15th October) as Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One championship car sped through for a demonstration and taster of what’s to come at the new Wheels Festival – 24-26 May 2014!

Launching this exciting festival in spectacular style, the magnificent F1 car was joined by an array of pedal powered machines and vehicles of every type. The super line-up included a sleek yellow Lamborghini Murcialago, vintage pedal bikes, a 1928 Bentley, Bigfoot Monster Truck, Penny-farthing, freestyle motocross stunt bike, custom bike, James Bond Aston Martin DB5, Dakar rally car, a 1931 Ford Sedan, a 1953 Pontiac Catalina, two unicyclists and Brum, the children’s car.

The new festival is an exciting new event which will jump start the already incredible FREE summer event programme next May (24th-26th May 2014). It will be Britain’s biggest FREE wheels-themed family festival, packed with high energy events taking place on the seafront and across the town including:

• A stunning Pier Jump on a motorbike – a ramp is placed on sand on one side of the pier and the rider literally jumps to the other side.
• Vintage sports car demonstrations
• Evening family entertainment with wheel-themed films, live music and fireworks
• Monster Truck demonstrations on the beach
• BMX Team – Extreme displays
• Pedal Power nightglow procession
• Family fun with Unicycles
• Grand Prix Road Bike Racing
• Interactive displays
• FMX (Freestyle Motorcross) Bike displays on the beach
• Dakar Rally Car demonstrations
• Explore inside amazing vehicles
• Skateboard stunts
• More exciting and unique content will be announced over the coming months.

Mark Smith, Director of Bournemouth Tourism, said: “We are committed to investing in and continually enhancing Bournemouth’s tourism offer as well as providing a high quality entertainment programme for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“The announcement of a new event is already creating a buzz amongst local businesses because it will be based on a similar business model to the tremendously successful Bournemouth Air Festival, which draws millions of local people and visitors into the town over the four day event each year and makes a significant contribution to the local economy. This major new festival will further cement Bournemouth’s reputation as a premier destination and will be as valuable to the town as improving the quality of our outside space and attractions.”

Wheels Festival will use a similar business model to the hugely successful Air Festival, which is estimated to bring over £25million into the local economy, benefiting business while boosting the town’s profile. It will be funded through trading stands, sponsorship, and support from the local trade, as well as contributions from Bournemouth Council in addition to both the Town Centre and Coastal BIDs.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Des Simmons, Chairman of the Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID) said: “We are proud to be the lead sponsor of the new Wheels Festival because we see it as a hugely beneficial addition to Bournemouth’s year round calendar of amazing events. It will introduce a new range of visitors to all that Bournemouth has to offer and we aim to use it as a key theme in the BID’s marketing to attract staying visitors next spring. It underlines how well the BID and Bournemouth Tourism can combine to make these innovative ideas actually happen, it meets our objective of bringing new off-season business and shows our commitment to helping launch major new events.”

The new Festival is expected to attract around 360,000 to the town, with a mix of local people and visitors coming to taking advantage of a top class event and world-class entertainment.

Andrew Francis, Chair of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, said: “Local businesses are very excited about having another high profile event in the town, helping to boost trade and increase footfall in Bournemouth. This event will be spread across various pockets of the town with town centre shows and parades. Expected to bring around 360,000 people to Bournemouth, this event will hugely benefit local businesses.”

Visit http://www.bournemouth.co.uk for more info.

What do you think of this new event? Leave your comments below.

THE CARTIER STYLE ET LUXE DISPLAY AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2013 #FoS

A panel of discerning judges rose to the occasion at Goodwood on Sunday for the annual Cartier Style et Luxe concours d'elegance. The panel included Sir Jonathan Ive, Simon & Yasmin Le Bon, Sir Anthony Bamford, Sir Terence Conran, Kevin McCloud, and Gordon Murray.

1938 Alf Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Aprile Spider Corsa.

 

Lamborghini Miura.

Sir Jonathan Ive.

1967 OSI Silver Fox.

1978 Bertone Lancia Sibilo.

Simon Le Bon.

1977 Lamborghini Countach LP400.

1954 Jaguar XK120 'supersonic'.

SIMPLY ALFA ROMEO 2013 AT BEAULIEU

Simply Alfa Romeo succeeded in turning the Beaulieu parkland mostly red as over 200 of these stunning Italian vehicles sped into Beaulieu to soak up the sun on a perfect day.

The glorious weather seemed to reflect Italy’s sunny climes with the line-up of beautiful Italian motors gleaming in the brilliant sunshine and visitors enjoying the warm weather in the picturesque grounds of the National Motor Museum.

There was a great mix of Alfas on display, as well as newer models there was a lovely selection of classics including four rare Montreals. The Wessex Section of the Alfa Owners’ Club arrived en mass to enjoy the day with owners putting on a good display of their prized Alfas. Meridien Motors of Portsmouth and James Browning, Salisbury showcased a selection of their newest models and Turbo Dynamics of Christchurch was on hand with turbo accessories for sale.

Throughout the day, Beaulieu’s visitors had an opportunity to vote for their favourite Alfa Romeo in the People’s Choice Awards. The winner was a1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia, owned by Paul Jarrold from Uploders, near Brigport. Just 400 of this model were built between 1963 and 1964, survivors are quite rare with less than 50 still to be found in the UK and not all running. Paul was presented with a special edition Beaulieu Trophy by Nigel Varney, representing the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club Wessex Section.

The Autolusso Award for Best in Show, sponsored by the Alfa Romeo specialist garage in Bournemouth, went to Charles Lumby and his 1974 Montreal. The Montreal was first introduced as a concept car at Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada and proved so popular that it was put into production. Today, it is viewed as a seriously desirable classic car. Charles has owned his Montreal for 22 years and takes it out regularly to Alfa events around the country.

Simply Alfa Romeo will return in 2014.

Source: Beaulieu

Click here to browse Alfa Romeo books from Veloce!

TRADITION: FUTURE - PORSCHE MUSEUM CELEBRATES ‘50 YEARS OF 911’ AT GOODWOOD

Goodwood is honouring one of the world’s most versatile and popular sports cars – the Porsche 911 – at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, 11 – 14 July.

Walter Röhrl, the two-time World Rally Champion

1900 Lohner Porsche Semper Vivus

1973 Porsche 917/30 Spyder

Demonstration runs by historical Porsche road and race cars spanning the seven generations of the 911 will be a highlight of the event. These cars, many of which will instantly evoke fond memories among the thousands of spectators, will be driven by two-time World Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, and two-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours and German Touring Car Champion, Hans-Joachim Stuck, amongst other notable star names.

Joining this outstanding selection of 911 icons will also be an incredible line-up of historic Le Mans veterans from the Porsche Museum collection based in Stuttgart. The 911 GT1 '98 and 935/78 ‘Moby Dick’ have been rarely seen in the UK, while the 1987 962 is a frequent visitor to the Earl of March’s West Sussex estate.

1978 Porsche 935/78 ‘Moby Dick’

1977 Porsche 936/77 Spyder Le Mans

Pit stop for Porsche 962 Le Mans 1987

In addition, the former Porsche factory race drivers Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood will once more be reunited behind the wheel of the legendary Porsche 917 KH, with starting number 23, in which they captured the winner’s trophy in the Le Mans 24 Hours for Porsche in 1970; the first of a total of 16 overall victories achieved to date.

The delectable 936 Spyder will also travel to Goodwood; with three victories at Le Mans, it is among the most successful Porsche race cars. The contingent from the Porsche Museum will be completed by a further five star guests. Two examples of the rallying 911; an SC ‘Safari’ and ‘Paris Dakar’ Carrera 4x4; two 911 race cars, a ‘Type 964’ from the Porsche Supercup Championship and ‘Type 996’ 911 GT3 RSR; and the formidable 1,000 hp 917/30 Can-Am car will all be vying for fans’ attention at Goodwood.

Alongside the Lohner-Porsche ‘Semper Vivus’ –the world’s first full hybrid automobile and one of the earliest innovations of company founder, Professor Ferdinand Porsche– the Stuttgart factory will also send a very special, original 911 from 1967 to Goodwood. As part of an innovative ‘Follow the 911’ campaign, this car has been engaged as a rolling ambassador for Porsche at various international events, trade fairs, historic rallies and racing events on five continents since the start of the year.

Further details regarding the involvement of Porsche in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and more information about the wider event itself, will be confirmed over the coming weeks.



Source: Porsche

HONOURING THE PAMPAS BULL

Next month’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) will pay special tribute to José Froilan Gonzáles, the legendary Argentine racing driver who passed away last weekend at the age of 90.

Nicknamed ‘the Pampas Bull’ thanks to his burly frame and swashbuckling style, Gonzáles will forever be linked to Silverstone. He not only scored both his two Grand Prix wins (from a total of 26 starts) at the famous Northamptonshire circuit but the first of these in 1951 was also of huge historical significance being Ferrari’s first-ever victory in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

"Everyone was shouting and I was carried to the winner's podium," recalled Gonzáles in his book My Greatest Race. “After a few minutes they led me forward to the Queen of England who congratulated me. I had never experienced anything like this before. When I saw my country’s flag being hoisted, it was just too much for me and I cried. That moment will live with me for ever.”

Honouring that milestone achievement the two races organised by the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association specifically for F1 cars from that era will be named the Froilan Gonzáles Trophy for HGPCA Pre ’61 Grand Prix Cars.

“Gonzáles will always be a giant figure in motor sport history and it’s a huge privilege for us to be honouring him at this year’s Silverstone Classic,” said event director Nick Wigley. “His two Grand Prix victories came at Silverstone and his 1951 win for Ferrari is a watershed moment in the annals of Formula One racing. What’s more he was also a regular visitor to the Silverstone Classic back in the Nineties always happy to be back at the scene of his greatest victory.”

Notably Gonzáles returned in 1997 to take part in a dramatic Ferrari demonstration. Aged 74 he drove a 1952 Ferrari 375 Indianapolis alongside Phil Hill, John Surtees and Jody Scheckter in three of the Scuderia’s more modern F1 machines. Two year’s later he also took part in BRM’s 50th anniversary celebrations at Silverstone.

Like so many of the drivers in his era, Gonzáles also competed in sportscars winning the Le Mans 24 Hours for Ferrari in 1954. Several of the magical machines he raced in the Fifties, and that raced against him, will be among more than 1000 of the finest and most authentic competition cars all recreating history at what’s now firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

Source: Silverstone Classic

TONY MASON BOOK SIGNING AT AVO CLUB DAY

Rally legend Tony Mason had a very successful day signing copies of his brand new book Mason's Motoring Mayhem! at the Ford AVO Club National Day at Hatton Country World on Sunday. Tony will be out and about at events throughout the year, watch this space for more updates!

Few people achieve success and notoriety in more than one field, but Tony Mason has managed it! He joined a local car club before he even had a car, eventually climbing to the top with rally wins in his native Lake District, before joining the prestigious Ford works team and co-driving Britain’s biggest rally star, Roger Clark, to win outright the RAC Rally – Britain’s toughest event of its kind. He started a successful car accessory business then ventured onto the stage for a short while, before being signed by the BBC to appear on its popular Top Gear programme, on which he was a main presenter for 15 years. His cheery presence became a popular part of the programme, and he moved from rallying to driving all manner of vehicles, from vintage Rolls-Royces, Reliant Robins, tanks, fire engines and Eddie Stobart trucks. After he was famously bombarded with snowballs during a report on the Monte Carlo Rally, he became even better known, with the famous out-take being shown on programmes around the the world.
Tony Mason’s light-hearted, jovial persona transfers from television to page in this autobiography, taking readers on a trip from his early life in the seaside town of Morecambe through almost 100 countries, with thrills, spills, ups-and-downs all vividly remembered and often shown in photographs.More info.

A LONG WEEKEND AT THE ISLE OF MAN TT 2013 – REAL WAY ROUND ... THE MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT

Thanks to Jonathan Yates (author of The Real Way Round) for sending some great photos from The Isle of Man TT this week.



Michael Rutter nicknamed 'The Blade', relaxing between TT practice sessions reading The Real Way Round.



Jonathan Yates (right) with former England cricketer Darren Gough.





Guy Martin.







Available now!
The Real Way Round - 1 year, 1 motorcycle, 1 man, 6 continents, 35 countries, 42,000 miles, 9 oil changes, 3 sets of tyres, and loads more ... by Jonathan Yates.

One man’s real-life experience of motorcycling solo around the globe – no back-up teams, no spare bikes, no film crews – just him and his Yamaha Ténéré XT660, travelling 42,000 miles through 6 continents and 35 countries, seeing amazing things; meeting fascinating people; experiencing different cultures, and coping with extremely challenging conditions. 
This book is not only proof that anyone can do it, but also a practical guide to motorcycling round the world: what to do first; what to plan for, and how to cope with the unexpected. Featuring nearly 700 stunning, inspirational images of the places, people and events of our wonderful world (which make you want to experience them for yourself!), the book also contains route maps, points of interest, and practical guidance on freighting a motorcycle. 
An eye-opening, absorbing and pragmatic account – described pictorially and by informal, straightforward commentary – of motorcycling around the world. More info.

RECORD RESPONSE FOR PORSCHE PARADE

The special anniversary parade to mark 50 years of the Porsche 911 at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) is oversubscribed and thus a complete sell out.

Since being unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, the iconic 911 has evolved to become the world’s most successful sportscar with global sales to date totalling more than 820,000.

Now to celebrate its 50th birthday, a massive on-track parade of – appropriately – 911 past and present 911s is being staged as one of the many highlights at the annual Silverstone Classic. Indeed the cavalcade has proved so popular that it has already attracted more than 1000 registrations meaning the organisers now have closed entries.

“Originally we feared achieving 911 Porsche 911s might have been a somewhat over ambitious and idealistic target – but with Porsche Club Great Britain’s invaluable input, we’ve sailed passed that goal with eight weeks to spare,” reported a delighted Nick Wigley, Event Director. “It’s terrific that so many 911 enthusiasts and Porsche Club Members will be able to join us for what’s going to be a fantastic birthday party; to be marking such an important automotive milestone in such record breaking style is what we always set out to accomplish. It’s going to be a mind-boggling experience no Porsche fan will want to miss.”

While over the ages there have been no fewer than seven different generations, the distinctive 911 with its classic yet unique lines has always remained loyal to its original sporty – yet practical – design ethos. It was described by its instigator Ferry Porsche as ‘the only car you could drive on an African safari or at Le Mans, to the theatre or through New York City traffic’ and it’s that combination of high performance and everyday versatility that has won so many admirers over the past 50 years.

As well as raising much needed funds for the Hope for Tomorrow cancer charity, the spectacular Silverstone Classic parade – taking place at lunchtime on Sunday 28 July – will feature many of the most famous competition and showroom models from past and present eras including legendary Carrera, RS, RSR, GT, Speedster, Targa and Turbo variants… plus some famous faces, too.

“There are a number of very special 911s and Porsche personalities appearing,” confirmed Nick Hine, Chairman of Porsche Club GB. “We will be making further announcements in the coming weeks but are delighted to reveal that two Porsche racing legends – Derek Bell MBE and David Piper – will be among those helping us to celebrate this important occasion on the full Grand Prix track at Silverstone. Having two celebrated drivers from Porsche’s illustrious racing history, taking part in the 911 x 911 world record attempt, is a fitting tribute to mark Porsche Club Great Britain’s celebration of the 911’s 50th birthday.”

Adding to the special golden anniversary celebrations, Porsche Cars GB has prepared its own historic 911 race car to compete at the Classic. The 1965 ‘short-wheelbase’ is entered under the evocative ‘Project 50’ team banner and will raced by Richard Attwood and Gordon Robertson in Saturday evening’s blue riband Piper Heidsieck International Trophy Race for Pre-1966 GT Cars, in association with Chopard. Attwood was Porsche’s first winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours back in 1970 while Robertson is Chief Driving Consultant at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

While 911 owners and fans can no longer register for the amazing 911 x 911 parade, they can still join the massive birthday party – but they must buy tickets in advance. In keeping with the popular event’s widely acclaimed ‘access all areas’ policy, all tickets include free entrance to both racing paddocks and pit complexes, trackside grandstands, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings plus the dedicated Porsche 911 and classic car club display areas. Adult admittance is from just £35 (plus fees) and considerable savings are on offer for those festival goers spending the full weekend at Silverstone and special packages for car clubs and their members are also available. Full details can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

Available from Veloce! Porsche Racing Cars - 1953 to 1975
By Brian Long

Follows Porsche's year-by-year progress in top flight racing, and looks in detail at the pure competition cars which brought the German marque such immense success and worldwide acclaim on the tracks. This particular volume starts with the story of the giant-killing 550 Spyders of 1953 vintage, and takes the reader, car-by-car, through all of the subsequent racing models. More info.

Available from Veloce!
Endurance Racing at Silverstone in the 1970s & 1980s By Chas Parker.

This book charts the progress of what became classic events, the Silverstone 6-hour and 1000km races, year-by-year from 1976, through the era of the Group C cars, up to the end of the eighties, with previously unpublished accounts and photographs of each event. More info.