Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

The London Classic Car Show to honour Jaguar design icon Ian Callum.

Tickets now on sale for the 2019 event: 14-17 February 2019, ExCel London.

The London Classic Car Show returns to ExCel London on 14-17 February 2019, with tickets now on sale. The fifth edition of the event will celebrate the incredible career of Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design; the man acknowledged as one of the world’s foremost automotive design talents.

The London Classic Car Show has become a firm fixture on the UK event calendar with 37,000 classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts flocking to ExCel for last year’s four-day classic car extravaganza.

For 2019, Ian Callum’s prolific career will be honoured with The London Classic Car Show Icon Award and a celebratory exhibition of his work. This will feature some of the most notable and career-defining cars that he has designed over his illustrious career, including the Aston Martin DB9, Jaguar I-PACE, F-TYPE and XK and the Ford RS200 rally car. There will also be a Q&A with the man himself at the show.

Talking about the exhibition and receiving the Icon Award, Callum commented: “I’m honoured that The London Classic Car Show has chosen me to be its 2019 Icon. I’m very much looking forward to the moment that I see a collection of my work together in one room for the first time. I’m also excited to share how my car designs have evolved over the years and what my inspirations have been.”

Further show exhibits include a collection of historical Aero Engine cars, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Italian Job, the Historic Motorsport area and, of course, The Grand Avenue runway show, where classic cars are fired up and driven for visitors to see, hear and smell these iconic classics in action. Brand new for 2019, The London Classic Car Show will be offering grandstand seating ‘trackside’ for the Grand Avenue parades.

In addition to the event being jam-packed with classic cars and features, there will also a number of esteemed guests taking to the stage in The Supagard Theatre to discuss a wide variety of classic car themed topics. Previous years have been attended by personalities such as Nigel Mansell, Derek Bell, Jacky Ickx, Sir Stirling Moss, Ari Vatanen, Vicki Butler-Henderson, Suzi Perry, Jonny Smith and Quentin Willson.

Event Director Bas Bungish said: “It seems like only yesterday we were launching this show as we felt London was missing a prestigious classic car event and now we are already on sale for our fifth year, with each show welcoming a bigger and better collection of exhibits and features. There is much more still to be announced, but we are very happy to be upgrading The Grand Avenue with grandstand seating and to be curating exhibitions celebrating Ian Callum, The Italian Job and Aero Engines.”

Current planned exhibits and features include:

· Aero Engines: We look back in history to see where our obsession with speed began and turn to the brave racing pioneers of motoring who were inspired by aeronautical engineering to propel themselves to speeds unachieved before. We’ll be assembling some of the greatest aero engine cars from this period – with their unmistakable Edwardian designs and vast engines you will have a unique chance to get up close and admire their madness and brilliance.

· The Grand Avenue: The Grand Avenue has played host to a wide variety of themes since the inception of The London Classic Car Show, from ‘The Perfect 10’ and ‘6 Nations’ to ‘A Century of Motoring’. For 2019, we celebrate ‘Firsts’. We will be showcasing cars that have pioneered new technologies, market niches or styles on road or track, alongside cars that made a designer’s name, pioneered a new material or founded manufacturing dynasties. We will also pay tribute and celebrate the 60th anniversary of a car that was first on many levels, in technology, function, marketing and motorsport… The Mini.

· The Italian Job: The most iconic motoring heist movie in history was first seen 50 years ago in 1969 and was made famous by the appearance of the wonderful classic Mini. Celebrating 50 years, we pay tribute to this great comedy caper with a collection of cars that take a starring role in the film, including the Lamborghini Miura, Aston Martin DB4 Volante, Jaguar E-Type, Harrington Legionnaire, Land Rover and of course the unforgettable iconic red, white and blue Mini Coopers.

· Historic Motorsport: Historic Motorsport will return in 2019 as an integral part of The London Classic Car Show, giving our visitors the opportunity to find out how to go from garage to grid.

· Car Club Square: Car Club Square is back for 2019, offering a more comprehensive selection of the UK’s leading car clubs. All of whom have brought their most beautifully cared for classics. It’s an utter joy to see these machines so fastidiously maintained, cared for and enjoyed by their owners.

Tickets are now on sale for The London Classic Car Show. Advance ticket prices start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show.
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[Rick]

Motoring ‘Firsts’ and Mini’s 60th anniversary to be celebrated at the London Classic Car Show.

Feast your eyes on Sir Stirling Moss’ winning F1, a history-making Bentley, a huge array of fabulous Minis and many, many other special machines.

The London Classic Car Show will celebrate motoring ‘Firsts’ when its Grand Avenue runway goes live on 14-17 February 2019 at ExCeL London. One of the show’s most popular attractions, a procession of rare and remarkable vehicles will be fired up and paraded on the live indoor runway, featuring models that have pioneered new technologies, founded manufacturing dynasties and ushered in new eras in automotive development. Amongst the 60-strong fleet of Grand Avenue runners will be a collection of rare and outstanding Minis to celebrate the iconic model’s 60th anniversary.

Considered to be the world’s first sports car, a Prince Henry Vauxhall will be amongst the memorable machines taking to the Grand Avenue next month. One of just a small number of surviving examples, this 1914 4-litre V 6289 was designed by famed engineer Laurence Pomeroy.

The first car built entirely to W.O. Bentley's specification will be on show. The 1914 Bentley DFP 12/40hp 2-litre Tourist Trophy Speed Model holds a hugely significant place in motoring history, acting as the stepping stone from W.O. Bentley’s position as a motor dealer to a manufacturer.

In celebration of Ferguson Formula Developments’ pioneering four-wheel drive and ABS braking innovations, the first all-wheel drive Formula One car will lead a convoy of FFD cars through the Grand Avenue. The 2.5-litre Ferguson P99 F1 car made history when it was driven to victory by Sir Stirling Moss in the 1961 International Gold Cup at Oulton Park.

Amongst the exotica at the show will be the first Ferrari Superleggera. This 1949 Ferrari 166 Inter Superleggera Coupe by Carrozzeria Touring is the ninth road car ever made by Ferrari, the earliest road Ferrari in the UK and one of the oldest in the world being driven regularly on public roads today.

A 1918 Cadillac Type 57 Tourer – one of the first cars fitted with a production V8 and electric motor as standard – will fire up on the Grand Avenue. The electric starter was invented in 1911 by Cadillac founder Henry M Leland and DELCO’s Charles F Kettering following the death of a friend caused by a terrible ‘hand-cranking’ injury; it made a mass-produced V8 a practical option.

An extremely rare Bricklin SV-1 will also be on show. This revolutionary sports car was the first to emphasise its safety features – an integrated roll cage and energy absorbing bumpers – and helped change the perception of vehicle safety, with its name an abbreviation for ‘safety vehicle one’.

One car that represents many firsts, from design, technology, marketing and motorsport perspectives, is the Mini. This iconic car celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2019 and the London Classic Car Show will pay tribute to its success and popularity with a host of rare Mini-derived models taking to the Grand Avenue.

Amongst them will be a Heinz 57 Wolseley Hornet Convertible. Developed as a marketing collaboration with Heinz Food, 57 bespoke convertibles were given away in a competition on Heinz packaging in 1966. They featured several unique accessories, including a built-in insulated food cabinet, electric kettle, Brexton picnic hamper and built-in Max Factor makeup tray.

Alongside will be the Austin Se7en Deluxe, Vanden Plas. The only one in existence, it was built in 1960 by special order for Irene Austin, the eldest daughter of Lord Herbert Austin. Originally white, it was sent to coachbuilder Vanden Plas to be painted Metallic Zircon Blue to match a Limousine owned by Irene’s husband, Arthur Waite, a BMC director who raced Austin 7s, famously winning the Australian GP in 1928.

An incredibly rare Riley Elf will be shown; one of ten pre-production prototypes built by BMC for the Earls Court Motor Show in 1961. The car was used as a press car and tested by Autocar in 1962. It was then bought by Tom Morris of Morris Motors Ltd. and developed with the help of BMC, so has effectively been factory built twice.

One of the most eye-catching Minis to be shown at the London Classic Car Show will be a Mini Moke featured in 1960s TV series The Prisoner. Built in 1965, it was converted by Wood & Pickett to sell, when it is understood someone from the TV production team saw it and thought it would be a quirky car to feature in the television series.

A whole host of other rare and unique cars will be on show alongside these mentioned models in the Grand Avenue. And, for the first time, grandstand seating will be available for the track shows to provide the very best view of the action, with tickets priced at £10 each.

For premium ticket holders there is also a grandstand in The Grand Avenue Club, which is sponsored by ERS, our specialist motor insurance partner who will be offering live quoting throughout the show with expert brokers, Classic Line. Joining ERS in The Grand Avenue Club will be TV Presenter and car enthusiast, Jonny Smith, to share his expertise and insights around this year’s event highlights, as well as point out his show favourites. Jonathan Watson, Marketing Director for ERS added, “It’s fantastic to be back in The Grand Avenue Club, and this year we’re excited to be hosting The Great Big Electric Classic Car Debate, where I’m sure we will hear passionate cases for and against the electrification of some of our best-loved cars!’

Advance ticket prices for the London Classic Car Show start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show.
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[Rick]

Celebrating 100 years of Citroën at the London Classic Car Show.

2019 marks the 100-year anniversary of French automobile manufacturer Citroën. The daring brand will celebrate its centenary at the London Classic Car Show on 14-17 February with a showcase of vehicles that have made the boldest marks on the automotive industry since its launch in June 1919.

Having produced more than 300 models during its rich history, ten of its prominent vehicles will be shown at ExCeL London at the London Classic Car Show, from the 1920s Citroën B12 through to its new 2019 Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, including:

Citroën B12 Taxi
The only surviving example of its kind in the UK and one of the very few left in the world, this 1926 Citroën B12 Taxi was found in 2002 in a chicken shed on a farm just outside Paris. The barn find was transported to Kent where a complete restoration was undertaken. The B12 was manufactured using mass production technologies, which were still unique to Citroën in the 1920s.

Citroën Traction Avant
Although criticised at launch on 19 April 1934, the Citroën Traction 7 was the first of the Traction Avant (front-wheel drive) line that eventually ran all the way through to 1957. It was deemed revolutionary for its many innovations, including being the first mass-produced car with a monocoque chassis and the first car in the world to lose the running board, which changed the way you got into a car – rather than ‘mounting’ it, you descended into its cabin. The specific example at the London Classic Car Show was built in 1939 and registered 15 days after the outbreak of the Second World War, making it one of the last cars to leave the factory.

Citroën Type H Van
The first front-wheel drive van in wide circulation, the Type H launched in 1947 and lasted decades without any major change up until the arrival of the C25 in 1981. It was deemed to have an innovative design for a commercial vehicle of its time and modern vans still take inspiration from its architecture and functional design.

Citroën 2CV
In 1935, Maison Michelin took over Citroën and proposed a ‘people’s car’ for rural drivers. A national survey was commissioned to determine the right price, speed and capacity – this led to the 2CV in 1948. The 2CV went on to be a hugely successful model with almost four million cars being manufactured until it was phased out in 1990. The model on show will be a 1964 2CV AZAM, which is one of only five of this specification left in the UK.

Citroën DS
Its eye-catching ‘drop of water’ design, courtesy of Flaminio Bertoni, caused it to stand out when it was launched at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. This futuristic design earned DS the nickname the ‘Flying Saucer’. The hydropneumatic suspension combined with power steering gave the car its famous handling that allowed the DS to ride on only three wheels. In fact, the DS19 of General de Gaulle was able to save the President during the attack of the Petit-Clamart, in spite of its punctured tyres.

Citroën Méhari
The first French production vehicle with a body created solely out of thermoformed plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), the Citroën Méhari debuted in 1968. As a result, the car wasn’t susceptible to scrapes, small blows or corrosion and was easy to maintain and entirely spray washable, including the interior! The 1985 example appearing at the London Classic Car Show was registered in the Netherlands, with its hatchback shape making it a popular model.

Citroën BX
In production from 1982-1994, the Citroën BX set a new standard for the brand; it’s one of the best-selling Citroën cars of all time and credited with saving the company from bankruptcy during the ‘80s.

Citroën SM
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970, the SM was the first Citroën to have a five-speed gear box. The model on show was one of 1,500 vehicles that were exported to Italy, which was one of the best export markets for the model.

Citroën CX
Launched in the summer of 1974, it was voted Car of The Year in 1975. Famed for its curved windscreen and a boot without a tailgate, it sold nearly 1.2 million units during its 16 years of production. On display will be a 1985 eight-seater Citroën CX Familiales in full ‘Prestige’ specification.

Alongside its celebratory centenary exhibit, a parade of Citroën will also grace the show’s Grand Avenue. One of the event’s most popular attractions, visitors will get the chance to see the cars fired up and demonstrated live around the indoor arena. For the first time, grandstand seating will be available for to provide the very best view of the on-track action, with tickets priced at £10 each.

“2019 is a very special year for Citroën and we’re looking forward to kicking off the centenary celebrations at the London Classic Car Show next month,” said Karl Howkins, Managing Director, Citroën UK. “We’re bringing together a fantastic collection of iconic models that have resonated with motorists and showcase the brand as it’s developed through the years.”

London Classic Car Show Event Director Bas Bungish said: “We are delighted that Citroën has chosen the London Classic Car Show to mark this key milestone. Citroën has shaped the history of the automobile industry over the past 100 years and it will be fascinating to see a selection of these notable cars in one place.”
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[Rick]

Classic cars: should you invest? London Classic Car Show hosts ‘Investment Forum’ to discuss the stabilising market

Classic Car Investment Forum amongst a fascinating line-up of discussions to be held in the Supagard Theatre, covering everything from investment post-Brexit to the great electrification debate

The London Classic Car Show, which takes place at ExCel London on 14-17 February 2019, has announced its programme of forums and debates that will be held in the Supagard Theatre during the event. Hosted by Tiff Needell, experts will share their advice and insight on a range of topics, with one of the key attractions being the Classic Car Investment Forum.

Chaired by motoring journalist and presenter Quentin Willson, the Classic Car Investment Forum will bring together a panel of experts from a variety of firms that advise on classic cars, from lawyers and restorers to a finance house, accountancy practice and auction company. They will discuss the stabilisation of the classic car market and its current investment potential, particularly with the uncertainty of Brexit.

Panellist Chris Routledge, CEO at international auction house Coys, said: “The classic car market has reached a new and encouragingly sensible level. Sales volumes are beginning to increase as a result of sensibly priced motorcars being offered to the market at a price to sell.”

Amongst others joining him to discuss the subject in more detail will be Clive Robertson from law firm Healys LLP, who commented: “There will be great opportunities for buying a classic, even with Brexit looming, but people do need to check the provenance of the car they are buying to safe-guard their investment.”

Alongside this topical debate will be a packed programme of forums and discussions at the London Classic Car Show. The event’s star guests will make appearances in the Supagard Theatre and take questions from the floor: Ian Callum will discuss ‘A Life in Design’, while Edd China will provide insight to the unusual automobiles in his life.

ERS, the show’s specialist motor insurer partner, will be hosting The Big Electric Classic Debate. This will be a chance to hear expert speakers, including Jonny Smith, Tiff Needell and Edd China, make passionate cases for and against the electrification of our much-loved classic cars and is set to be an unmissable part of the London Classic Car Show.

The Supagard Theatre will also shine a spotlight on the importance of apprenticeships within the classic car restoration sector, while car buying advice will come courtesy of Quentin Willson and Phillip Bell, editor of Classic Cars magazine. Supagard and Haynes Motor Museum will provide restoration tips, and there will be special discussions dedicated to the engineering accomplishments of Ferguson Formula Developments and the success of the Mini in motorsport, celebrating 60 years with panellists Stuart Turner, BMC's Competition Manager in the 1960s, along with Mini racing drivers Alec Poole and Lady Christabel Watson.

Supagard Theatre Schedule of Events

Friday 15 February
10:30 Trailblazer Apprentice Forum – Discussion on the important of apprenticeships in the heritage sector
12:00 Ian Callum: A Life in Design – Ian Callum reflects on his illustrious career
13:45 The Classic Car Investment Forum – Quentin Willson leads a panel discussion offering an overview of buying, financing, restoring and maintaining classic cars
14:45 ERS’ Big Electric Classic Debate – Tiff Needell, Edd China and Jonny Smith make passionate cases for and against the electrification of much-loved classic cars
16:50 Restoration & Preservation – Top Tips from Haynes Motor Museum and Supagard on restoring and preserving classic cars
17:30 The Colin Pool Memorial Trophy – Presentation for the most meritorious British performance at Le Mans 24 Hours 2018

Saturday 16 February
10:30 Trailblazer Apprentice Forum – Discussion on the important of apprenticeships in the heritage sector
12:00 An Audience with Edd China – Presenter, engineer and inventor Edd China sits down to discuss his crazy life in automobiles
13:45 ERS’ Big Electric Classic Debate – Tiff Needell, Edd China and Jonny Smith make passionate cases for and against the electrification of much-loved classic cars
14:45 Classic Car Questions Answered – Quentin Willson and Philip Bell showcase smart buys and top tips on classic car buying
16:50 The Classic Car Investment Forum – Quentin Willson leads a panel discussion offering an overview of buying, financing, restoring and maintaining classic cars

Sunday 17 February
10:25 Ferguson Formula Developments 4WD Panel – With special guests Stuart Rolt from Ferguson Formula and author Bill Munro
12:00 An Audience with Edd China – Presenter, engineer and inventor Edd China sits down to discuss his crazy life in automobiles
13:45 Classic Car Questions Answered – Quentin Willson and Philip Bell showcase smart buys and top tips on classic car buying
14:30 Mini in Motorsport – Celebrating 60 years of the iconic British brand with panellists Stuart Turner, Alec Poole and Lady Christabel Watson
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[Rick]

Cilla Black’s Mini, David Beckham’s Range Rover and an exceptional 1962 Aston Martin DB4 up for grabs at the London Classic Car Show.

Bobby’s love letter to the queen of showbiz on sale next week to mark Valentine’s day, alongside other classic cars including a 1962 Aston Martin DB4, 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring and rare wheels dating back to 1917

The London Classic Car Show returns to ExCel London on 14-17 February 2019 and part of its classic car auction, courtesy of the show’s official auction partner, Coys, will see a wide array of vehicles go under the hammer on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February, including stunning cars lovingly owned by celebrities Cilla Black and David Beckham, along with concourse-ready classics from Aston Martin, Porsche and Maserati.

Bobby Willis and Cilla Black’s 30-year romance has been well told and proved a fairytale in the world of showbiz. Eight years after their marriage in 1969, Bobby surprise surprised Cilla with a brand new 1977 Mark IV Mini 1000 that was extensively upgraded by Wood & Pickett on Abbey Road, just a stone’s throw from the recording studios; the spiritual London home of Merseybeat. The upgrades included solid black paintwork, extended wheel arches, Margrave leather interior and walnut dashboard. Recently restored whilst retaining its originality, the car will be going on sale on Valentine’s weekend this year, in the 60th anniversary year of the Mini, at the London Classic Car Show and is estimated to sell for between £30,000-£40,000.

Thirty years after that gift, David Beckham received his own best of British wheels, with a specially created 2007 Range Rover Sport by Khan Design. Designed and upgraded at a cost of £100,000, this car has a thunderous 4.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine and a highly unique interior. Specified by the Beckhams to include hand-stitched quilted leather seats, a bespoke sound system and twin rear screens to keep the children entertained, this is truly a one off. There is also a plaque bearing the moniker “Designed for David Beckham” and the V5C lists David Beckham as the first owner. Petrol versions of this model are rare enough but with this pedigree and provenance this is certainly an exceptional car for any sporting or motoring enthusiast. Estimate £30,000-£35,000.

Alongside these celebrity-owned vehicles, over 100 magnificent machines will be auctioned at the London Classic Car Show. Amongst them are three exceptional classic heavyweights, including a concourse-ready 1962 Aston Martin DB4 that perfectly balances exceptional high quality, performance and a lavish finish. The fine example ready to go under the hammer has received a comprehensive restoration, with the invoices in its history file totalling just under £200,000. Estimate: £400,00-£450,000.

There’s also the chance to acquire one of the most iconic sports cars in motoring history as a 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Touring will be for sale. This matching engine example was delivered new to Germany in the current colour scheme of Grand Prix white with green ‘Carrera’ graphics and matching wheels. In the 1980s the RS resided in Florida where it was kept for around 30 years before changing hands and moving back to the UK in 2014 where it’s been treated to a cosmetic restoration. Estimate: £370,000-£450,000.

Jumping forward three decades is a Porsche Carrera GT. This fabulous model was first delivered new to Germany in 2005. The CGT has been maintained to a high standard and is finished in Basalt Black with matching black leather interior. The CGT is fitted with the full carbon pack, including steering wheel and luggage set, making it a truly exceptional example of one of greatest supercars of all time. Estimate: £650,000-£750,000.

Other highlights of the Coys auction at the London Classic Car Show include:
•1917 Austin Twenty EXP1 Prototype. Driven by Edgar Wren as a promotional car to secure new orders of the 20hp model, this is a rare piece of British motoring heritage that was treated to an extensive restoration during the 2000's. Estimate £40,000-£50,000
•1954 Tojeiro Butterworth Barchetta. A superbly original and unique 1950’s ‘Le Mans’ style sports car that benefits from being road legal! It is sold with a very large file of original letters of correspondence between Palmer, Tojeiro and Butterworth; bills and insurance invoices, articles from Motorsport magazines, articles from the Tojeiro’s book, photos and much more. Estimate £70,000-£90,000
•1959 Maserati Tipo 60/61 ‘Birdcage’. To be sold with a significant amount of documentation, photographs, full rebuild invoices from Steve Hart Racing and confirmation of the cars original components. This car offers a collector or historic racer a chance to own the legend that is a Birdcage.
•1967 Vanden Plas Princess R, a British ministry vehicle used by Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson. It was first registered on the 2nd October 1967 and supplied new in Ministry Black livery with Gold coachlines and was fitted with rear seat belts from new. There is an accompanying service history and the odometer reads a staggeringly low 8,500 miles which is believed genuine. The subject of many articles and supplied with a good history file and new MOT, SMT 594F is a superb piece of motoring and political history. Estimate £15,000-£20,000.
•1995 Lotus Elan M100 S2. This was produced to celebrate the 50,000th car to come out of the Lotus factory since 1948. The car itself was signed by a number of employees from the Lotus factory and then donated to The Prince’s Trust with the help of former Lotus drive Britt Ekland. The car was accepted on behalf of the trust by HRH Prince Charles, who signed the owners hand book. With the assistance of The Sun newspaper the car was entered into a lottery style competition, which raised over £85,000 for the charity.

The auctions take place at 14:00 on 16 February and 14:00 on 17 February, with viewings from show opening on 14 February at 16:30.

The auction forms part of the London Classic Car Show at ExCel. Feature highlights at the show include:

The Icon Award: Ian Callum
Ian Callum’s prolific career will be honoured with The London Classic Car Show Icon Award and a celebratory exhibition of his work. This will feature some of the most notable and career-defining cars that he has designed over his illustrious career, including the Aston Martin DB9, Jaguar iPace, F-Type and XK and the Ford RS200 rally car. There will also be a Q&A with the man himself at the show. He will attend the show on Thursday and Friday.

Aero Engines by Edd China
Presenter, engineer and inventor Edd China is curating an exhibit of exceptional aero engine machines to be showcased. China’s feature will include the 27-litre V12 Thomas Special, ‘Babs’. Also known as the ‘Chitty 4’ or the ‘Higham Special’, the car was built in 1923 by Count Zborowski. It was bought in 1925 by innovative engineer and successful racing driver John Parry-Thomas, who broke the world land speed record in Babs in 1926 at 171.09mph. Sitting alongside will be the 27-litre Hispano Suiza V12, known as ‘Sid’ for its characterful hissing after a fast run. This car is a faithful recreation of the 1920s land speed record cars.

The Grand Avenue celebrates Motoring Firsts and Mini’s 60th Anniversary
One of the show’s most popular attractions, a procession of rare and remarkable vehicles will be fired up and paraded on the live indoor runway, featuring models that have pioneered new technologies, founded manufacturing dynasties and ushered in new eras in automotive development. Amongst the 60-strong fleet of Grand Avenue runners will be a collection of rare and outstanding Minis to celebrate the iconic model’s 60th anniversary. Feast your eyes on Sir Stirling Moss’ winning F1, a history-making Bentley, a huge array of fabulous Minis and many, many other very special machines.

The Italian Job
Surviving cars from epic chase movie The Italian Job will be reunited in a special exhibit to mark the iconic film’s 50th anniversary. The 1969 British heist film, which stars Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill amongst others, is famed for its incredible chase scenes through Turin, Italy, with the cars being the real stars of the movie. The London Classic Car Show and Octane Magazine have curated this special celebratory feature, bringing together original models and replicas to mark the film’s half century.

Citroen Celebrates its Centenary
2019 will mark the 100-year anniversary of French automobile manufacturer Citroën. Having produced more than 300 models during its rich history, Citroën will celebrate its centenary at the London Classic Car Show. The daring manufacturer will showcase a selection of vehicles that have made the boldest marks on the automotive industry since 1919, from the vintage Type A through to modern classics.

Supagard Theatre
The Supagard Theatre provides a programme of forums and debates. Hosted by Tiff Needell, experts will share their advice and insight on a range of topics, with one of the key attractions being the Classic Car Investment Forum. The event’s star guests will make appearances in the Supagard Theatre and take questions from the floor: Ian Callum will discuss ‘A Life in Design’, while Edd China will provide insight to the unusual automobiles in his life. ERS, the show’s specialist motor insurer partner, will be hosting The Big Electric Classic Debate. Visit the website for the full breakdown of timings.
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[Rick]

Cars from The Italian Job reunited to mark its 50th anniversary
at the London Classic Car Show

Actress Hazel Collinson, who appeared in The Italian Job and is the widow of its director Peter Collinson, to be a guest of honour alongside surviving classic cars from the iconic film

Surviving cars from epic chase movie The Italian Job will be reunited in a special exhibit to mark the iconic film’s 50th anniversary at the London Classic Car Show, taking place on 14-17 February 2019 at ExCeL London.

The 1969 British heist film, which stars Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill amongst others, is famed for its incredible chase scenes through Turin, Italy, with the cars being the real stars of the movie. The London Classic Car Show and Octane Magazine have curated this special celebratory feature, bringing together three original cars alongside replicas to mark the film’s half century.

The highlight of the surviving models will be the film’s pair of Jaguar E-Types – the dark blue Fixed Head Coupe (619 DXX) and red 3.8L Roadster (848 CRY). The Coupe was in the owner’s possession for almost 20 years before a friend spotted that it could be the car featured in the film. Further investigation proved positive and it has now been painstakingly restored by Tester Engineering to its original factory specification.

The red Roadster will also be on display. Originally a demonstrator and raced in 1961, it was sold to model Richard Essame in 1962 who landed a part in the film as one of the Mini Cooper drivers. Essame drove the car to location in Italy, where the production team saw it and thought it would be ideal for the film and purchased it from him.

Rounding out the three originals from the film is the Aston Martin DB4 Convertible (163 ELT) that was supposedly tipped over a cliff by a bulldozer. Despite its apparent demise, this 1961 convertible was switched for a Lancia Flaminia during filming, allowing the DB4 to survive the cliff scene.

Unfortunately, the iconic red, white and blue Minis made so famous by the production no longer exist, but identical replicas will be featured to celebrate the film’s anniversary.

Hazel Collinson, actress, director and widow of the film’s director Peter Collinson, will be a guest of honour at the London Classic Car Show and will share her memories from the making of the film.

Appearing in the film cast as “blonde scrubber”, Mrs Collinson said: “Little did Peter and I think when the film was first made that it would become the cult that it has. My husband was a great director and this is a film that really got under his skin. He had specific ideas about how the film should be shot. He makes an appearance as the person directing cars at the back of the motor coach because even the stunt men felt it was too dangerous a task. I am delighted to be visiting the show and it is always a pleasure to meet Italian Job fans and share with them some of the amazing stories about the film and what happened on set.”

Alongside the original cars presented at the show there will be a Lamborghini Miura identical to that appearing in the film, along with a reproduction of the OM Furgonato Sicurezza ‘Bullion’ Van. Convincingly converted by the film’s production crew into a security van, the attempt to blow its doors off led to the film’s famous line delivered by Caine, but also the destruction of the original.

It is also hoped that the restoration of a Harrington Legionnaire coach will be finished in time for the event. The original was converted especially for the film but after its starring appearance it went back to being used as a coach and was scrapped in the 1990s after service in Scotland.

“Bringing together and reuniting these original iconic cars from such a classic piece of automotive film history is a real honour,” said James Elliott, editor in chief at Octane. “We’re thrilled to present such a special feature to the visitors of the London Classic Car Show and we can’t wait for the unique opportunity to see these cars up close.”

Alongside The Italian Job exhibit, the London Classic Car Show will bring together an incredible collection of classic vehicles at ExCeL London. One of the event’s highlights will be the Grand Avenue, an indoor live runway that will showcase an array of rare and valuable models. There will be a celebration of the career of car designer Ian Callum, who will receive the show’s Icon Award, while TV presenter and engineer Edd China has curated a special showcase of aero-engined vehicles. Leading classics dealers from throughout the UK will be present, along with manufacturers, car clubs and restorers, making it a must-attend event for any discerning classic car owner, collector, expert or enthusiast.
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