Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

Latest press releases as they happen...

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CLASSIC F3 JOINS SILVERSTONE LINE-UP
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• Another record beckons with the world’s biggest Formula 3 grid
• Cars raced by legends: Senna, Prost, Piquet, Warwick, Mansell…

For the very first time the unrivalled line-up of epic races at next summer’s Silverstone Classic (25-27 July) will include two spectacular showdowns dedicated to evocative cars from F3’s most glorious era.

Back in the Seventies and early Eighties, Formula 3 was the global proving ground of future world champions – it was where legends such as Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Alan Jones and Alain Prost all earned their fledging spurs en route to international stardom.

Now many of the single-seater cars raced by those luminaries – and others of the same period – will be lining up for what promises to be another record-breaking grid at the award winning Silverstone Classic.

“Whether it was Nelson Piquet dueling with Derek Warwick or Ayrton Senna battling with Martin Brundle, that age of Formula 3 is fondly remembered by lots of motor sport enthusiasts,” remarked Event Director, Nick Wigley. “Many of those well-loved cars are back competing today and we are working closely with the Historic Sports Car Club to put together a field that will not only be the biggest F3 grid ever assembled but also be full of iconic cars, many still competing in their famous period liveries.”

The two eagerly-anticipated races – one on Saturday and one on Sunday – will run to the HSCC’s successful Classic F3 Championship regulations for cars originally built and raced between 1971 and 1984. That glorious 15-year epoch includes two notable F3 eras: the earlier 1600cc twin-cam cars and the subsequent 2-litre chassis that were introduced in 1974.
The growing popularity of the HSCC’s own UK-based series has seen an escalating number of notable entries and the club is working closely with the organisers of the thriving F3Classic series in France to guarantee a huge turn-out at the 2014 Silverstone Classic.
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[Rick]

More news, iirc a number of OCC forum'ers have been to this.

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** SILVERSTONE: THE CLASSIC CAR
WORLD’S CLUBBING CAPITAL
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• Record number of car clubs already registered for 2014 event
• More motoring milestones to be celebrated in July

A record number of eager car clubs have already signed up to be part of this summer’s award-winning Silverstone Classic (25-27 July).

No fewer than 84 clubs have already registered online thus taking advantage of a special two-for-one classic car display ticket offer as well as access for their members to coveted in-field display parking at the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival. This number far surpasses the 56 clubs that had registered by this time last year and already exceeds the total number of 77 that participated in 2013 – itself a record.

Among the newcomers are the Rover P6 Club, the Royal Air Force Mini Club and the Berkeley Enthusiasts Club, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at the event. These will line up alongside the more familiar massive gatherings of Aston Martins, Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, MGs, Morgans, MX5s, Porsches and a fabulous kaleidoscope of others including the annual BMW Zedfest.

Moreover the Silverstone Classic is now widely regarded as the perfect place for motor manufacturers and passionate owners to commemorate important milestones in motoring history, with record parades of E-type Jaguars, Ferrari F40s and Porsche 911s among recent highlights. A special on-track cavalcade to mark 50 years of the iconic Ford Mustang has already been announced for July.

“Last year we had more than 9000 classic cars on display at the Silverstone Classic and it seems certain that we will top that number this summer,” said Event Director, Nick Wigley. “We value highly the massive contribution the classic car clubs make to the overall success of the Silverstone Classic. They provide an amazing spectacle for both race fans and fellow devotees who really enjoy the camaraderie of spending time with thousands of like minded enthusiasts – that’s why we offer them special deals to be an integral part of the massive show.”

The special incentive for members of car clubs and organisations is open until the end of May. Registration online via the official www.silverstoneclassic.com (http://www.silverstoneclassic.com/) website is totally free for 2014 and, once signed up, members of these clubs will be given a special code offering them two adult tickets – plus the wonderful chance to add their own classic car to the glittering in-field displays – from just £39.

General admission tickets for this summer’s edition of the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival are selling fast with fans taking advantage of considerable ‘early-bird’ savings.
_________________
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[gresham flyer]

We will be there again this year.

You just cannot beat some high octane racing.

G.F

[Rick]

Maserati set to feature:



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** MASERATI CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY AT 2014 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

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• Festivities to mark 100 years of legendary Italian company
• Special on-track parade of racing and road models

This summer’s award-winning Silverstone Classic will host a glittering line-up of special races, displays and parades to celebrate the centenary of Maserati, one of the most historic and hallowed motoring marques in the world.

On its special milestone, Maserati will be the eminent event’s official featured ‘Celebration Marque’ for 2014, and highlights over the weekend will be topped by a cavalcade to feature a record number of the Italian company’s most evocative and significant models. Marking the occasion, Maserati’s rich competition and showroom heritage will parade around the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit at lunchtime on Sunday 27 July.

Working closely with Maserati GB and the Maserati Club UK, the 100th anniversary festivities at the Silverstone Classic will be the biggest in the UK and one of the largest marque celebrations in the world.

“This is a very special year for Maserati and a wonderful opportunity to look back through our history and celebrate the milestone achievements from the last ten decades,” said Peter Denton, Region Manager, Maserati North Europe. “The Silverstone Classic is the perfect occasion to bring together a full spectrum of iconic Maserati models, both past and present. Giving Maserati aficionados a unique chance to see so much of our history in action, as well as introducing a new generation of drivers to the models that have defined and continue to define the Maserati brand as we enter our next 100 years.”

Founded in 1914 by Alfieri Maserati in Bologna, the company quickly achieved legendary status on the world’s racetracks and roads. Victories in the early Targa Florio and Mille Miglia classic races were followed in the Fifties by countless sportscar triumphs at venues such as Sebring and the Nurburgring plus two Formula One World Championship titles with the great Juan Manuel Fangio.

Over the past 100 years, Maserati has also produced some of the world’s fastest and most desirable sports and luxury road cars..

“Boasting such an amazing pedigree both on and off the racetrack, we are honoured that Maserati will be marking its centenary at this year’s Silverstone Classic,” said Event Director, Nick Wigley. “As the biggest classic racing festival in the world, the event always attracts many of Maserati’s finest competition cars such as the stunning 250F and Tipo 61 Birdcage. This year will be even more special, with what we are predicting will be the largest parade of stunning Maserati models ever assembled.”
_________________
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[Rick]

Tin-tops update:

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SUPER TOURING RESURGENCE POWERS AHEAD
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• Iconic Renaults and BMWs join the evocative tin-top grid
• Record numbers predicted for Silverstone Classic double-header
• John Cleland and Patrick Watts renew old rivalries

This summer’s Silverstone Classic (25-27 July) is gearing up for the biggest and best Super Touring Car grid yet.

Over the past few years, the award-winning festival has been the power behind a remarkable Super Touring revival, which has seen flame-spitting Sierra Cosworths from the 1980s battling it out against the hugely high-tech F1 inspired racers from the 1990s.

A special David Leslie Memorial Trophy race was staged at the 2009 Classic and this was followed by further spectacular showdowns in 2012 and 2013. The huge success of those frenetic gatherings has now spawned an exciting new series specifically for those most dramatic of all touring cars.

The recently announced HSCC Super Touring Championship blasts off at Thruxton at Easter, but the Silverstone Classic remains the undisputed highlight on the five-event calendar. Indeed the organisers are expecting record grids of more than 50 iconic cars for this year’s eagerly anticipated double-header.

The recent resurgence has resulted an increasing number of superb racing saloons – all restored to their famous period liveries – reliving what was a golden era in touring car history.

Latest additions include a pair of Williams F1-prepared Renault Lagunas plus a handful of BMW E36s, several of which were built by McLaren. Both celebrated Renault and BMW models are part of BTCC folklore and thus are significant newcomers to this year’s ever-increasing line-up, as neither has featured before.

The two racy Renaults have recently been uncovered in Serbia and Montenegro. They are the dark green Nescafé Blend 37 sponsored cars as originally raced in the 1999 MSA British Touring Car Championship by Jason Plato, the most victorious driver in BTCC history, and former F1 driver Jean-Christophe Boullion. The expanded BMW ranks boast several Castrol-liveried cars from the Italian Championship plus the notable James Bond 007 chassis as raced by Johnny Cecotto in the 1995 BTCC.

Adding to the magical memories, a number of legendary touring car drivers will be adding further to the nostalgic touring car action at Silverstone. Tim Harvey, the 1992 BTCC champion, rolled back the years by blasting the 175mph blue Labbatt’s Sierra Cosworth RS500 that he last raced in 1990 to the fore. This time around both double BTCC champion John Cleland and tin-top idol Patrick Watts have already confirmed their participation.

“The renaissance of the Super Touring era just gets better and better,” enthused Event Director, Nick Wigley. “Thanks to great television coverage, these cars and drivers became household names back in the 1990s, so it’s absolutely no surprise that they are proving every bit as popular second time around. The two previous races at last year’s Classic were just fantastic and, in typical touring car style, ended in controversy following a clash on the final lap! Now, with even more great cars on the grid, July’s two ‘sleeves up’ showdowns promise to provide even more thrills and spills.”
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[Rick]

News regarding a grid of Mustangs that are set to feature (Ford, not the P-51 variety )

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** RECORD MUSTANG NUMBERS FOR SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY RACES
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• Two spectacular showdowns celebrate 50 years of the Ford Mustang
• Official UK birthday party for World’s best-selling ‘classic’ car
• US racers boost the Silverstone Classic grids


The legendary Ford Mustang turns 50 this year – a milestone that’s being celebrated in style at this summer’s award-winning Silverstone Classic (25-27 July).

Historic racing’s biggest and busiest event has been chosen by the Mustang Owners Club for its official golden anniversary homage to the most celebrated of all American muscle cars and a host of dazzling displays, pulsating parades and dramatic demonstrations are planned.

The fantastic festivities, though, are topped by a pair of very special showdowns staged on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit which will be two of the major highlights on the busy weekend’s action-packed racing schedule. These will feature a record number of competition-prepared Mustangs with cars coming from all round the globe to join the celebrations.

To ensure a massive turn-out, grids will include Mustangs conforming to the FIA’s Appendix K technical regulations – as regularly raced throughout Europe in the popular Pre-1966 Touring Cars series run by Masters Historic Racing – as well as a one-off ‘invitation class’ for slightly more modified machines.

“We are hoping to attract a total of around 25 racing Mustangs and that certainly will be biggest gathering ever assembled on one grid,” said Rachel Bailey, Events Manager at Masters Historic Racing, which is administering entries. “News about the Mustang’s 50th birthday bash at Silverstone is stirring up interest worldwide. We already have cars being shipped from the States and are also expecting several other significant entries from overseas. To see so many amazing Mustangs in action is going to be a really fitting tribute to such an iconic car.”

While the mighty multitude of merry Mustangs will top the bill, the massive fields packed with more than 50 starters will also include other notable ‘Yank Tanks’ from the same golden era of saloon car racing such as Ford Falcons and Ford Galaxies. While Silverstone’s long straights will suit the phalanxes of thundering V8 American muscle cars, the transatlantic invaders will be given a tough time by crowd-pleasing Lotus Cortinas, BMW TiSas and three-wheeling Mini Coopers on the circuit’s newer, twistier sections.

With such an impressive guest list, this is one birthday party no one will want to miss. Indeed, tickets for this summer’s edition of the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival are already selling fast with fans taking advantage of considerable ‘early-bird’ savings.
_________________
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[Rick]

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** ON THE ROAD AGAIN…

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• Woodstock legends Canned Heat rock up at Silverstone Classic
• Bonnie Tyler tops Saturday evening’s music bill
• Aerosmith, Eagles and Motown tribute bands stir up party atmosphere
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Two great names from rock and pop history – Canned Heat and Bonnie Tyler – will headline the live music bill at this year’s award-winning Silverstone Classic (25-27 July).

Formed nearly 50 years ago in California, Canned Heat remains one of the world’s most famous boogie rock groups – and a timeless band that never fails to deliver.

The blues based American outfit was one of the stars of the legendary Woodstock festival at the height of the hippie era and songs such as ‘Going up the Country’ and ‘On the Road Again’ remain rock classics to this day. Though founder members Bob Hite and Alan Wilson have passed away, two of the surviving members from the Woodstock era – bassist Larry Taylor and drummer Fito de la Parra – are still rolling back the years and continuing to wow audiences around the globe.

Friday evening’s bill topping performance at the Silverstone Classic will be the band’s only UK appearance in 2014 and comes as the finale to a busy European tour that includes dates in Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. This is a rare UK appearance for Canned Heat as the band hasn't toured in the UK for more than a decade.

Then on Saturday the live music stage sees Bonnie Tyler topping the line-up. Often referred to as the ‘International First Lady of Rock’, Tyler shot to prominence in the late Seventies and early Eighties with a string of hit singles including: ‘Lost in France’; ‘More than a Lover’; ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ and ‘Holding Out for a Hero’. Since then her distinctive, husky voice has featured on numerous albums and singles and last year her song ‘Believe in Me’ was the UK’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Silverstone Classic festival goers will also be treated to a host of other familiar favourites from three top tribute bands. Aerosmith Big Ones and the Ultimate Eagles will be performing with Canned Heat on Friday while Bonnie Tyler will be supported by Signed Sealed and Delivered: A Motown Revue. Performing soul classics by idols such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops and Michael Jackson, their Motown music set will amplify the special 50-year celebrations for the iconic Ford Mustang. Rising stars Mo Evans and the Jim Stapley band are also on Saturday’s live music bill.

“It’s shaping up to be another huge ‘Rocking and Racing’ summer for the Silverstone Classic,” admitted Nick Wigley, event director. “There will be more bumper grids of historic racing cars and we’ve already had a record number of car clubs signing up for displays. But while the cars will always be the stars, live music has always been a key part of the family entertainment on offer, notably for those staying at Silverstone for the entire festival weekend. We’ve had some great bands performing in recent years and I’m thrilled that we can now add the names of Canned Heat and Bonnie Tyler to those of Adam Ant, Mike & the Mechanics, Santana, Suzi Quatro, the Hollies, 10cc and the Yardbirds.”

All tickets to the Silverstone Classic give free access to the live music concerts on both Friday and Saturday evenings as well as racing paddocks and trackside grandstands. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Those booking before the end of March can take full advantage of special ‘Early Bird’ prices with adult entrance starting from just £33 (including booking fees). Considerable savings are also on offer for those spending the full weekend at Silverstone and special packages for car clubs and their members are available.
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[Rick]

More Mustang-related news:

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** TV STAR TO LEAD SPECIAL MUSTANG BIRTHDAY PARADE

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• Mustang owner Mike Brewer joins 50th anniversary celebrations
• Wheeler Dealers presenter to host classic car buying clinics

Television personality Mike Brewer will add yet another significant dimension to this summer’s award-winning Silverstone Classic (25-27 July).

Best known as the star of Channel 4’s second-hand car show Deals on Wheels and now the Discovery Channel’s popular Wheeler Dealers, Brewer will be one of many famous faces contributing to the non-stop entertainment at the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival in 2014.

By happy coincidence the former car trader has just finished having his Ford Mustang renovated and he will be bringing his pride and joy to Silverstone to lead Saturday’s special on-track parade celebrating 50 years of America’s most revered motoring icon.

“As an owner of a 1967 Fastback Mustang that I recently restored, it’s a treat to be able to get the car out and enjoy what the 'pony' stands for,” enthused Brewer. “This year is going to be a BIG one for Mustang enthusiasts and the biggest party of all happens to be in the UK, so I was delighted to be asked to be involved with this year’s event and to bring my car along for everyone to enjoy. It's always a pleasure meeting fans of classic cars and I cant wait to get to Silverstone Classic in July to meet them all and start soaking up the amazing atmosphere.”

With so many car clubs now making the Silverstone Classic festival their main annual event, there’ll be no shortage of classic car fans for Mike to meet. An unprecedented number of more than 100 clubs have already signed up for 2014 and the sheer scale of their massive displays – which totaled some 9000 classic cars in 2013 – is now one of the event’s central attractions.

As well as joining the massive Mustang celebrations, Brewer will be taking over the main stage area on Sunday, sharing his immense knowledge about the buying and selling of classic cars in a number of special live clinics. These will be open to all show-goers and are sure to be immensely popular new additions to what’s already a very long list of unmissable festival attractions.

Tickets are only available in advance and the Classic is sticking to its popular ‘access all areas’ policy. Offering great value, all admission tickets grant access to free parking, both race pits and paddocks, trackside grandstands, fun fair rides and air displays plus, of course, Brewer’s clinics and the live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evening which this year will be topped by Canned Heat and Bonnie Tyler.

Both individual day and special weekend tickets are available with significant discounts for children aged from six to 16. Those aged less than six years are admitted free.
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[Rick]

SILVERSTONE TO STAGE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST EVER F1 PARADE.

• Celebrating the 50th hosting of Grands Prix at Silverstone
• Massive parade led by Sir Stirling Moss OBE
• Another record to be established at the Silverstone Classic

The world’s biggest ever parade of Formula One cars will be staged at this summer’s award-winning Silverstone Classic (25-27 July).

The glittering cavalcade – to be led by motor sport legend Sir Stirling Moss OBE – is being organised to celebrate 50 grands prix at Silverstone. The Northamptonshire venue first hosted the British Grand Prix in 1948 and this year’s event will be its 50^th, having shared the honour of putting on Britiain’s blue riband event with both Aintree and Brands Hatch in the early years.

With three massive grids (for FIA Masters Historic Formula One plus Historic Grand Prix Cars Association Pre ’66 and Pre ’61 Grand Prix cars) featuring more than 100 iconic F1 cars from past generations, the Silverstone Classic already showcases more grand prix history than any other event in the world. While these competitors will be at the heart of the special parade which will be on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit during the lunch break on Sunday, others with F1 cars not racing at the Classic will also be encouraged to participate in the historic occasion.

“With three exciting and evocative races on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon starring more than seven decades of the world’s greatest grand prix cars, the Silverstone Classic is always a massive attraction for all F1 fans – but this year will be even more special,” vowed Nick Wigely, Event Director. “We really wanted to mark Silverstone’s 50^th Grand Prix in terrific style and this fabulous parade will do just that – even more so as Sir Stirling Moss will be adding his magic to proceedings. Obviously I’d like to thank Stirling for agreeing to head the parade and those at Masters and the HGPCA for their enthusiastic support. We now want to hear from others with F1 cars who are keen to participate not just in setting a new world record but also in being part of something really special.”

Moss, 84, is one of Britain’s best-loved motor sport personalities. He is widely regarded as ‘the greatest driver never to win the World Championship’ though he enjoyed many F1 victories for Cooper, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes and Vanwall.

“The Silverstone Classic really is a great event and it will be an absolute honour to lead this parade of Grand Prix cars,” said Sir Stirling. “This is the global home of motor racing after all – I recall meeting Her Majesty here and so many other dignitaries and guests over the years, not to mention my memories of the circuit itself and the Grands Prix I contested.

“Silverstone is a wonderful place with a rich history; in my day it really was a fast and challenging circuit with some extremely demanding corners. During my career I believe I raced 108 cars so I had a pretty good innings and seeing some of those that’ll be involved in the Silverstone Classic brings back a lot of great memories for me. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it all in July.”

The ever-growing Silverstone Classic is now seen as the foremost international festival for such on-track celebrations. In 2011 a special parade of 767 E-types marked the iconic sportscar’s 50th birthday with an official Guinness World Record. This was followed 12 months later by a world record parade of 60 fabulous Ferrari F40s to celebrate 25 years since the launch of the world’s very first 200mph production supercar. Last year the spotlight was switched to the golden anniversary of the evergreen Porsche 911 with an amazing phalanx of more than 1200 past and present 911s taking to the circuit.

While Sunday’s F1 showcase is sure to capture many imaginations, it won’t be the action-packed Silverstone Classic’s only major parade in 2014.

This summer’s extravaganza has been chosen by the Mustang Owners Club for its official 50th anniversary celebration of the Ford Mustang, while Maserati will be honouring its centenary with another mouth-watering pageant.

Tickets are only available in advance and the Classic is sticking to its popular ‘access all areas’ policy. Offering great value, all admission tickets grant access to free parking, both race pits and paddocks, trackside grandstands, fun fair rides and air displays plus, of course, the live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evening which this year will be topped by Canned Heat and Bonnie Tyler.

Both individual day and special weekend tickets are available with significant discounts for children aged from six to 16. Those aged under six years are admitted free.
_________________
Rick - Admin
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[Rick]

Yesterday we ambled down to Silverstone for a preview of what can be expected at this year's Classic. Off-track activities will be extensive, everything from balloon flights to popular music combos on stage over the weekend. Of main interest to me though were the cars in attendance, giving a flavour of the machines likely to be competing. Several well-known faces were also to be seen around and about.

Special anniversaries due to be celebrated include 100 years of Maserati, and 50 years of the Ford Mustang.






























































RJ
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[stuchamp]

Good show and a Studebaker too!

[Rick]

[Rick]

The video referred to in the following PR is worth a watch

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** SHOOTING THE BULLITT

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• Special homage to classic Steve McQueen movie
• Film stars add to Mustang’s official 50th birthday party
• Famous sixties car chase recreated for YouTube

The epic car chase from the classic 1968 film Bullitt is still hailed as one of the most dramatic, exciting and influential in movie history.

Now – as a special homage to the Oscar-winning original, which starred Hollywood legend Steve McQueen driving a Ford Mustang GT fastback – a modern day recreation is all set to be a YouTube sensation.

The awe-inspiring, high-speed pursuit featured in the original action thriller was filmed on the hilly streets of San Francisco. Today’s tribute, however, was shot in Britain at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit where the iconic Mustang will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at this summer’s award-winning Silverstone Classic (25-27 July). Click here to view the chase. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xeTrqOALGc)

The new remake stays loyal to the visual style and events of the revered Bullitt chase. It starts with the McQueen character (US police officer Lieutenant Frank Bullitt) in his Highland Green coloured Ford Mustang GT and two hitmen bad guys in an intimidating black Dodge Charger R/T on the streets of a sleepy Silverstone village. The plot then switches to the Silverstone Circuit where the action gathers pace and reaches a spectacular conclusion with the Mustang forcing the Charger off the track resulting in a fiery explosion.

Adding to the doting imitation, the modern pastiche is full of nods to the original. The baddie buckles up and wears leather gloves plus black glasses, the Mustang pops up in the Charger’s rear view mirror and there’s even a mysterious green VW Beetle in several of the shots.

“It’s hard to imagine a better way for us to celebrate the Mustang’s forthcoming 50th birthday party than by making this special homage to the classic car chase in Bullitt,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic Event Director. “As you can imagine, we had a lot of fun making this film – not least as it gave us all a great excuse to watch the original movie once again!”

Both the sixties muscle cars featured in the on-line tribute will be on show at the Silverstone Classic as part of a huge Mustang presence at the event – all supported by Pure Michigan, the tourism division of the US State of Michigan.

The Mustang and Charger will be part of huge displays and a special Saturday on-track parade organised together with the Mustang Owners Club, which has chosen the Classic for its official golden anniversary celebrations.

What’s more the Bullitt pair will be joined by a number of other Mustangs from movies such as Gone in 60 Seconds and American Gangster. Television presenter Mike Brewer will also be attending in his recently restored 1967 Mustang Fastback while a pair of P51 Mustangs will be wowing fans with a dazzling air display at lunchtime on Saturday.

Adding to the fuel-filled festivities the weekend also includes two thundering Mustang celebration races featuring record numbers of the mighty American V8-powered Fords. It’s a high-octane party no one will want to miss.
_________________
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[Rick]

Afternoon all, latest news regarding the Classic:

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REVVING UP FOR ‘SUPER SUNDAY’

• Special anniversary grand prix and Maserati parades
• Blue riband races for classic GT and sportscars
• Fuel-filled fun for all the family

Even by its own award-winning standards, Sunday at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (25-27 July) will be very special bursting with stunning parades, remarkable races, exceptional air displays plus a host of other astounding attractions for all the family.

Billed as ‘Super Sunday’, a mouth-watering array of on-track highlights will be topped by an amazing world record parade of grand prix cars. Led by racing legend Sir Stirling Moss, the parade is being staged to honour Silverstone’s milestone 50th grand prix, which takes place at famous Northamptonshire venue just a few weeks before the Classic.

Moss will also be fronting a glittering pageant of magnificent Maseratis to celebrate the revered Italian marque’s centenary with full support from the manufacturer itself. The colourful cavalcade will feature both road and racing models – among the illustrious line-up of track stars already confirmed is a pair of priceless 250F grand prix winners from the fifties as well as T61 Birdcage, Cooper Maserati Monaco, 200Si, 250Si, 4CS, OSCA Zagato and 300S masterpieces.

Super Sunday’s track action will also witness no fewer than 11 sparkling showdowns for hundreds of the world’s finest historic grand prix, GT, saloon and sportscars from motor sport’s golden ages. The non-stop schedule is topped by two of the massive event’s preeminent races: the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for Pre ’56 Sports Cars and the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for Historic Cars – both tour de force grids are unique to Sunday and each features more than 50 exquisitely beautiful machines.

The Woodcote Trophy puts the spotlight on a memorable era for sportscar racing, its line-up is littered with evocative Aston Martins, Allards, Austin-Healeys plus plenty of seriously competitive Jaguar C- and D-types.

The prestigious Tourist Trophy that follows is arguably the Classic’s blue riband race, recreating the halcyon days of GT racing during the fifties and early sixties. The spectacular two-driver pit-stop race is always packed with gorgeous and iconic machinery with numerous SWB Ferraris, DB4 and DB5 Aston Martins, Lotus Elites and early spec Jaguar E-types – many of which competed in the great events in period and therefore are truly historic in every sense of the word.

There’s much, much more to Super Sunday, though, than eye-catching parades and jaw-dropping racing. For starters the heavens above Silverstone will witness an outrageous air show from the amazing ‘Wildcats Aerobatics’ display team, appearing for first time at the Classic.

Back on earth, handpicked examples selected from the thousands and thousands of much-loved classic cars being displayed by an unprecedented number of more than 100 motor clubs will be specially invited up onto the live stage as part of not-to-be-missed live clinics. These will be hosted by well-known TV presenter Mike Brewer who will be providing advice into all areas of classic car ownership such as buying, selling and restoration.

Other major attractions aimed at entertaining all ages and interests include dramatic street car shootouts, exhilarating rally rides, an off-road zone, a traditional funfair, rides on big the BMW wheel plus, for those seeking some retail therapy, the busy Shopping Village. With more than 170 exhibitors there’s lots on offer for all the family from motoring memorabilia and vintage clothing to art and autojumble.

“It really is going to be a ‘Super Sunday’ at this year’s Silverstone Classic,” promised Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic Event Director. “While Saturday’s focus will be very much on the Mustang celebrations, we will be switching Sunday’s spotlight onto the Maserati and grand prix anniversaries which will give the proceedings their own unique atmosphere and appeal. It not only gives many show-goers even more reason to spend the full weekend at Silverstone, but will also provide Sunday visitors with something truly special and exclusive.”

Full details of Super Sunday and ticket information for this summer’s edition of the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival – which must be purchased in advance – can be found on the official website.
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[Rick]

** SILVERSTONE HONOURS JOHN SURTEES

• Celebration dinner for only world champion on two and four wheels
• BRDC Silverstone Classic Dinner pays tribute to racing legend
• Evening hosted by radio presenter Johnnie Walker

The astonishing and unique achievements of John Surtees OBE will be celebrated at this summer’s award-winning Silverstone Classic (25-27 July).

It was exactly 50 years ago in 1964 that Surtees added the Formula One World Championship to his four 500cc motorcycle titles to become the first – and only – man to win World Championships on both two and four wheels. Marking that very special anniversary, Surtees will be guest of honour at this year’s BRDC Silverstone Classic Dinner.

Held in the state-of-the-art Silverstone Wing building, the BRDC Silverstone Classic Dinner was initiated 12 months ago and has quickly established itself as one of the major highlights at the World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival. This year’s dinner takes place on the evening of Friday 25 July and will be compered by Johnnie Walker MBE, the veteran radio disc jockey and broadcaster.

“It promises to be a very special evening,” enthused Derek Warwick, President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club. “We are incredibly proud and privileged to be honouring John – a true racing legend whose remarkable accomplishments “will never ever be equaled”. Clearly this is an extremely special year for him, and the BRDC is delighted to be paying its own tribute to one of its most outstanding members.”

Surtees himself has strong historic links with Silverstone. He remembers watching his father compete at the famous Northamptonshire venue soon after it opened back in the late forties and has himself raced countless cars and bikes at the circuit. Indeed, his first experience of F1 came at Silverstone, as did his first grand prix podium.

“Formula One started for me at Silverstone when Colin Chapman – after I had tested his Lotus 18 there – said: ‘John drive for me when you are not racing your bikes’,” recalled Surtees – now 80. “It was then rather satisfying to get second place in the British Grand Prix with Colin in that first year of switching between two and four wheels in 1960. Obviously a lot has happened since then both in my career and that of Silverstone. The Formula One Grand Prix makes Silverstone the hub of motor sport in this country and none of this would have been possible without the ownership and development of the circuit by the BRDC.”
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
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