Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

Mansell Mania Returns as Williams Celebrates its 40th Anniversary at the Silverstone Classic.

• Dramatic demonstrations by Nigel Mansell’s title-winning FW14B
• Renault V10-powered F1™ car performing on Saturday and Sunday
• “It will be an utterly unforgettable experience for visitors”
• All tickets for the Classic must be purchased in advance

It is now 25 years since Nigel Mansell won the 1992 British Grand Prix in front of his fanatical fans at a packed Silverstone, sparking a famous track invasion (above – credit: LAT Images). ‘Mansell Mania’ spontaneously erupted as ‘Our Nige’ took another big step towards lifting the World Championship title that had cruelly eluded him in previous campaigns.

Even more significantly perhaps, it is 40 years since Sir Frank Williams formed what is one of the most successful Formula One teams of all time. Now comes news that these two very special anniversaries will be celebrated in spectacular sound and vision at next month’s Silverstone Classic (28-30 July).

Mansell’s triumphant Williams FW14B chassis hasn’t raced since its hugely popular home win in 1992 (below top – credit: LAT Images). However, earlier this year it returned to Silverstone, the location of that stirring victory, to make a reappearance at the Silverstone Classic Media Day.

It has subsequently been fully restored by Williams Heritage, the team’s increasingly active division which preserves, showcases and runs a fleet of cars dating back to the company’s birth in 1977. Underlining the growing importance of this dedicated Heritage department, it is headed by Sir Frank’s son Jonathan Williams and managed by long-time Williams team manager and engineer Dickie Stanford (below middle left).

Today, revived and re-armed with its glorious-sounding Renault V10 engine, Mansell’s legendary ‘Red Five’ lives again.

Proudly displaying its iconic yellow, blue and white livery, the all-conquering FW14B turned its first wheel in anger for nearly a quarter of a century at Williams’ 40th Anniversary Celebration at Silverstone last month. Now comes confirmation that Mansell’s machine will not only be on public display at the Silverstone Classic but will also provide visitors with some dramatic high-speed demonstration laps during the lunch breaks on both Saturday and Sunday, this time with experienced GP2 and sportscar driver Nick Yelloly at the wheel.

"We absolutely love the Silverstone Classic and really wanted its fans to share in our 40th anniversary celebrations," said Jonathan Williams. "Nigel Mansell’s rousing victory back in 1992 truly caught everyone's imagination, so to have that very car once again speeding around Silverstone 25 years on will be a brilliant birthday tribute to him and the team."

“We must thank all those at Williams for making this possible,” praised Nick Wigley, CEO of organiser, Goose Live Events. “Make no mistake, the incredible sight and sound of this very special ‘Mansell Mania’ icon roaring around the Silverstone racetrack will be an utterly unforgettable experience for all our visitors.”

Having played such an important role in Williams’ remarkable history – which has seen the locally-based team amass no fewer than 114 grand prix victories en route to nine Constructors’ and seven Drivers’ World Championships – Silverstone is the perfect venue for its ruby anniversary celebrations.

Williams’ very first grand prix win came at the super-fast Northamptonshire venue in 1979, when Swiss star Clay Regazzoni took the chequered flag – a victory that opened the floodgates for further Williams success over the following years, with Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve all triumphing at Silverstone.

Moreover, many of its outstanding racers are back competing at the Classic. The two standout FIA Masters Historic Formula One Race Series showdowns always include a large number of early Williams Formula One cars from the DFV era, while its Renault Lagunas are often to the fore in the pair of JET Super Touring Trophy races.

Fans not wishing to miss the Williams 40th anniversary party – and to experience the amazing FW14B roaring around the circuit – must purchase tickets in advance. Adult admission starts at £43 and weekend camping and hospitality upgrades are available.
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[Rick]

Second update for today is regarding Ebay's Restoration Live that'll be taking place over the weekend at the Classic:

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EBAY RESTORATION LIVE LINES UP CLASSIC FORD FOR SILVERSTONE CLASSIC.

Fergus Walkinshaw’s team face a race against the clock for second year running.

eBay RESTORATION LIVE is returning to the Silverstone Classic with a mission to restore a classic 1984 Ford Capri in just three days, using parts and accessories bought from eBay.

A team of expert mechanics led by racing driver and car restorer Fergus Walkinshaw will bring a 33-year-old, 2.8 Injection Capri back to life live in front of festival-goers over the last weekend in July (28-30th). Starting on Friday, they will race against the clock and – if all goes to plan – show off the Capri as part of Mike Brewer’s Car Clinic on Sunday.

The finished car will then be auctioned on eBay, with all proceeds going to the event’s official charity Prostate Cancer UK.

The Capri is completely original with no aftermarket modifications and has had just one owner from new. But with 85,000 miles on the clock – and barely any time on the road in the last decade – it needs a complete overhaul.

The mechanics’ to-do list includes a full engine service, repairs to the suspension, drivetrain and braking system, repairs to rust and dents on the bodywork.

This year, Fergus’ team of five mechanics will also include a mechanic from Mission Motorsport, a charity which aids the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motorsport.

Once the 130mph Capri is mechanically sound again, Fergus plans to bring it up to near concours condition, using a mixture of refurbished elements from the car and parts sourced from online marketplace eBay.

The challenge is a completely different one to that faced by the team last year, when they renovated an iconic first-generation Range Rover to its original condition – a breakneck restoration described as “a miracle” by Mike Brewer when it roared onto the eBay stage.

Fergus’ team is made up of:

Francis Stokes. Recommended for eBay RESTORATION LIVE by Mission Motorsport, 24-year-old Francis is the youngest member of the team. He was medically discharged from The Household Cavalry earlier this year, but has been involved with the charity since 2016, attending motoring events and spending time at the Renault Sport Formula 1 factory. He’s currently doing a NVQ Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance through a course run by Mission Motorsport. After his eight-year career with the British Army was cut short for medical reasons, his goal is now to become a full-time member of a race team.

Darren Thompson. Stockport-based Darren (45) is a vastly experienced mechanic. He has worked with a number of motorsport outfits, including Fergus’ own FW Motorsport, and Ric Wood Motorsports – run by performance engine specialist and life-long Capri enthusiast Ric Wood – making him a natural pick for this year’s eBay RESTORATION LIVE. His race team credentials include Anthony Seddon Racing, WRC, BTCC, BARC and Race of Champions.

Liam Gregory. Liam may only be 25, but he already has two years with the Williams F1 team under his belt. He was part of Fergus’ team for the inaugural eBay RESTORATION LIVE last year – something he rates as one of the toughest challenges of his career. His other favourite work includes a weekend at Brands Hatch and a victorious Le Mans project. Once the Silverstone Classic weekend is over, he’ll be heading back to the Williams wind tunnel.

Fred Palmer. Self-taught mechanic Fred (26) has many strings to his bow. As well as working in motorsport, he’s been director of a joinery firm. His race credentials include BTCC and he’s previously worked with Fergus on FW Motorsport projects.

Simon Gilson. Simon’s day job is a mechanic for the Ministry of Defence’s driving school, but he also finds time to work as a race mechanic. A rally specialist, the 38-year-old found himself rebuilding the front end of a Subaru Impreza after it went headlong into a wall at the BRC rally a few years ago, so he’s not daunted by a second stint on the eBay RESTORATION LIVE team. He’s spent 13 years with the MoD, and is also an experienced agricultural mechanic.

Brett Spilman. Like Simon, Stockport-based Brett is a rally expert. He’s run his own garage for the last eight years, but for the last three he’s also travelled around Europe with an Evo 5, Group N rally car, a vehicle he helped build. The 41-year-old has also rebuilt and carried out an engine conversion on his BMW E30 track car, and built a drift car to teach himself car control.

Murray Lambell, eBay’s director of trading, said, “Last year’s Silverstone Classic crowds got to see what a team at the very top of their game can achieve when the pressure is on. We’re delighted to welcome Fergus and the guys back to eBay RESTORATION LIVE in 2017 and I can’t wait to see what they do with this automotive icon of the ‘80s.

“Whether you love the Capri, restorations or you’re just a car enthusiast, RESTORATION LIVE will have something for you – just like eBay itself.”

Fergus Walkinshaw, Founder of FW Motorsport, said, “Restoring the Range Rover in just three days was a tremendous achievement last year, of which we’re extremely proud. We know what to expect and to bring even more specialist knowledge to the 2017 Capri project. Preparation is key, so we’re going to be busy sourcing all of the parts and accessories we’ll need in the run up to the Silverstone Classic. It’s going to be a great experience and we can’t wait to get started.”
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[Rick]

SUPERCARS PAST AND PRESENT HEAD FOR SILVERSTONE CLASSIC.

• Special new Hypercar Run introduced for 2017 by Supercar Driver
• Bugattis, Ferraris, Paganis and Porsches join Friday power show
• Showcase in the International Paddock plus track parade
• All tickets must be purchased before 5pm on Thursday, 27 July

Supercar Friday is adding a mouth-watering new dimension to this month’s Silverstone Classic (28-30 July) – the latest high-octane innovation is a sparkling addition no petrol-head will want to miss.

While the opening day’s packed programme will see no fewer than 15 fiercely-fought qualifying sessions for the weekend’s unrivalled bill of 22 races featuring the full spectrum of historic motor sport, some of the world’s ultimate and most desirable sportscars will be arriving at Silverstone for public display in the International Paddock.

Organised in conjunction with the UK’s leading supercar owners’ club, Supercar Driver, a very special Hypercar Run – boasting Bugattis, Ferraris, Paganis and Porsches – will arrive in convoy for an exclusive display. What’s more, giving fans a chance to hear and see these amazing cars in action, they will also be heading out onto the famous 3.7-mile Grand Prix circuit for a glittering parade in lunchtime break.

Living up to their ‘Hypercar’ billing, the stunning collection will include three awesome Porsche 918 Spyder hybrids, two incredible 250+mph Bugatti Veyrons plus a pair of sensational Paganis: Zonda and Huayra head-turners (see examples in photos below).

Echoing the festival’s classic theme, the Hypercar Run will also star two of Ferrari’s finest creations from previous generations. Even by Maranello’s sky-high standards, the V12-hearted Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is an enduring masterpiece while the striking F40 has its own special place in history as the world’s first 200mph production car. Outstanding examples of both illustrious models will be among the show-stoppers at Silverstone.

Fans wishing to see all these supercars must purchase tickets before 5pm on Thursday as entry is by advance tickets only. Adult admission on Friday starts at £43 and weekend camping and hospitality upgrades are available.

All tickets provide access to both racing paddocks ensuring visitors have the opportunity to see all these amazing supercars up close. They also include trackside grandstand seating, live music concerts on both Friday and Saturday evenings featuring the Bootleg Beatles and Tony Hadley formerly of Spandau Ballet, vintage funfair rides, air shows and car club displays as well as a host of other family-friendly demonstrations, activities and entertainment.
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[Rick]

THE SILVERSTONE CLASSIC: A POWER FOR GOOD

• £45,000+ raised for Official Charity Partner, Prostate Cancer UK
• Celebrity Challenge Trophy makes significant contribution
• Major donations from eBay, JET, Range Rover Register and ticket buyers

This summer’s gold standard Silverstone Classic not only served up an unrivalled banquet of action and entertainment both on and off the famous Grand Prix track but also raised record funds for Prostate Cancer UK, the event’s Official Charity Partner.

To date, more than £45,000 has been donated with significant contributions coming from a number of different activities and initiatives running throughout the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

The star-studded Celebrity Challenge Trophy race, which saw famous personalities from sport, showbiz, music and media all competing in HRDC Academy Austin A30s and A35s on Saturday evening, generated nearly £20,000. Thanks to the enthusiasm of both the participating celebrities and the HRDC Academy race car owners who enjoyed their own race on Sunday, the initial £10,000 prize fund provided by the Silverstone Classic has been almost doubled via various JustGiving campaigns.

The highly popular eBay RESTORATION LIVE showcase was another major contributor. The 1984 Ford Capri – painstakingly restored in public during the event using parts only purchased on eBay – was subsequently sold on eBay for £17,015, raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

The generosity of ticket purchasers was also important. More than £4,500 was donated by those buying online, with further funds coming from show-goers via collections made during the three-day festival.

Two other notable benefactors were the Range Rover Register, one of more than 120 car clubs attending the Classic, and JET – the event’s Official Fuel Partner and sponsor of the family entertainment-themed JET Village Green.

“I’m really proud of our fundraising achievements at this year’s Silverstone Classic and must thank all those involved for their truly outstanding efforts,” said Nick Wigley, CEO of event organiser Goose Live Events. “I know Prostate Cancer UK will benefit from the substantial amounts that have so generously been donated by so many of those involved in the event but, more importantly perhaps, we have helped to raise awareness of the disease among large numbers of car-loving dads, lads and their families.”

Each year, more than 11,000 men die from prostate cancer in the UK – that’s one man every 45 minutes – and the disease is the most common cancer in men. Funds raised will go towards research into better ways to treat, diagnose and prevent prostate cancer, as well as support for men and their families affected by the disease.

Believing it could help make a difference, in 2016 the Silverstone Classic appointed Prostate Cancer UK as its first Official Charity Partner in a three-year relationship.

James Beeby, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to The Silverstone Classic and Goose Live Events for supporting Prostate Cancer UK for the second year running and raising such a phenomenal amount of funds. This partnership offers the perfect platform to reach large numbers of men and their families, and not only raises funds but awareness, too. Prostate cancer won’t beat itself. It’s a race against time but we believe if action is taken now we can stop the disease being a killer.”

Anyone still wanting to make a donation to Prostate Cancer UK can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/prostatecancer/silverstoneclassic2017.
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Rick - Admin
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