When writing up the 2014 Silverstone Classic I mentioned that there is so much to do that I don’t always get to see the racing. Well, guess what happened this year…
On a short 2 day visit and with awful weather on the Sunday, I suppose it is less of a surprise, but I shall be determined to catch a good eyeful of racing next year!
Meanwhile, here are some photos and comments from this year. It’s a testament to the event that despite torrential rain on Friday and Sunday and the predictable reduction in cars attending on the dry Saturday as a result, I still ran out of time to cover everything, or even most things.
Pits
As you can see, that Martini liveried Porsche looked brilliant in the brief sunshine, but it wasn’t the only car at the meeting. As usual the pits were a festival of every classic racer you would like to get close up to and access was unrestricted. The crowds seem very respectful of the opportunity and the teams continue to be happy to allow us all in. It’s a good deal.
There isn’t a very early cut-off date for eligibility at Silverstone which means we get to see monster 1990’s GT cars, 1990’s super touring cars and 1980’s F1 machinery as well as beauties from the more established classic eras.
I’d struggle to choose between a drive in either of these!
The range of touring cars is something else, with Capris and Rover SD1’s on track with Alfa 156’s, Mr Harvey’s M3 and Mr Clelland’s Vectra.
All this alongside some achingly beautiful machinery from earlier times.
….and one more Martini Porsche for good measure. Unlike the drink, you can’t have too many of these !
…and while we are on the subject of iconic liveries….
Weather and Heroes
The event was a bit of a wash-out this year with races delayed and cancelled and fewer owners bringing their cars in for a drenching, but many still did.
Several brownie points are awarded to these rare Ferrari owners who stayed true to the cause on Sunday.
…but unlimited brownie points are offered to the historic F1 drivers who went out in the downpour. Total heroes (or nutters)
Displays
The displays of cars were great this year, despite the weather, so I can only imagine how good it would have been with the elements on our side.
The RAF had a strong presence, with a Spitfire doing regular engine starts and a collection of themed Minis
We even did our bit for the show, supporting the recent trend for 80’s and 90’s styling excess with a subtle and unassuming Testarossa in the Ferrari Owners Club area, alongside some varied machines
Auction
I don’t usually need a lot of persuasion to have a nosey around an auction, but it was a fantastically convenient way to take shelter from the rain. The hand went up a couple of times, but I’m both disappointed and proud to say that budgets were stuck to and both bidding wars ended in defeat.
The machinery on offer was very varied with race cars, projects and ready-to-go classics all there to be bought. The results seemed mixed. Bidding on a 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo LE and a late De Tomaso Pantera RHD GTS both went crazy, resulting in total prices in excess of £150,000, but some other cars failed to reach their reserves, which may have been set optimistically. All in all there were some strong results for those that sold, particularly more recent classics from the 70’s through to the 90’s. It would appear you have missed your chance to pick up that bargain Mercedes 190 Evo II that you were thinking of. As the second last lot of the auction, it still held on to smash its upper estimate against strong bidding from enthusiasts in the room.
Entertainment
As usual there were lots of entertainment options with this year’s bands including Paul Young and Status Quo no less. Fun fairs, guest interviews by the likes of Mike Brewer and the shop stalls all suffered against the elements at times. Possibly the only attraction to be somewhat unaffected by the slippery conditions would have been the Caterham drift experience.
I couldn’t help sneak in a picture of the Caterham Academy car that was parked nearby.
So, all in all a less conventional Silverstone Classic this year, hampered but not spoiled by the weather. Until next year…..
