Owners of Seventies classics joined the party in their Escorts, Minis and Ford Cortinas, as some even dressed for the decade to take part in the 1970s Classic Car Drive-In Day on Sunday 3rd July.
Lord Montagu asked young ambassadors of Starter Motor – the charity which aims to get the next generation driving, maintaining and enjoying classic cars – to choose the best car of the show on his behalf. They chose the Lotus Elan Series 4 SE owned by Beaulieu volunteer Kevin Kinsella, who was called from giving a tour in the National Motor Museum to be presented with his winning trophy. Event-goers picked the People’s Choice award, which was awarded to Wayne Rose for his impressive 1972 Toyota Crown Deluxe.
An anniversary golden paddock recreated the Beaulieu car park of 1972. It also displayed some of the amazing vehicles which took part in the original celebratory cavalcade at the museum opening, half a century ago.
Lord Montagu said: “It’s been quite a trip back in time! When HRH The Duke of Kent came to open Britain’s National Motor Museum in July 1972, it was the proudest moment of my father’s life, and what we have in the museum is his greatest legacy.
“In 1972, our exhibits spanned a period of about 80 years; they now account for over 130 years and so it is no surprise that our collections have expanded considerably, especially in the libraries and archives. It has been with these collections in mind that we’ve created The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects, giving you every reason to re-explore the museum. The exhibition launches the start of our sixth decade and a new chapter in the development of Britain’s National Motor Museum.”
National Motor Museum Trust Chief Executive Jon Murden said: “Our next challenge is to take the museum and its collections forward, by reimagining Edward, Lord Montagu’s vision in order to engage with a wider audience and remain relevant for the future.”
At the celebrations, Lord and Lady Montagu cut a cake which was shaped as one of the #50 objects – the 1930 ‘Blower’ Bentley 4½ litre Supercharged. The Carousels entertained guests with hits from the Seventies, while Friends of the National Motor Museum Trust led their own cavalcade before setting off on a Forest Drive. Meanwhile on the Beaulieu Parkland, the National Austin Seven Rally celebrated a century of one of the world’s best-loved cars.
Final #50objects revealed Inside the museum, event-goers were the first to see the final selection of the top #50objects in the anniversary display The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects.
The objects were carefully chosen from over 1.7 million items in the internationally-acclaimed collection cared for by the National Motor Museum Trust. Curators whittled down the selection to a shortlist of 150, then made the final choice to include the most historically important vehicles, motoring artefacts, film footage, images, documents and books from its archives.
For pioneering motoring, we had to include the 1903 De Dion Bouton 6hp which started our collection when Edward, Lord Montagu put this car on display in the entrance hall of Palace House as a tribute to his father, the motoring pioneer John Montagu. The 1908 Votes for Women! Shell postcard, linking motoring to female drivers, has also made the final cut.
For achievement and endeavour, the 12hp Daimler is one of the most significant cars in our collection and was the first petrol-engined vehicle to enter the Palace Yard of the House of Commons, after being bought by John Montagu MP in 1899. When he entered the Daimler in the 1,000 Mile Trial ground-breaking drive from London to Edinburgh the following year, it was the first time that many people in Britain had seen a motor car on the road.
The precious 1913 racing silks of Percy Lambert, who was the first man to drive a car more than 100 miles in one hour, have also made the final 50, along with the stunning Land Speed Record breaker Golden Arrow which was chosen for its tremendous aircraft power in a car.
For technology, progress and environment, a 1907 Halda taximeter which gave taxi cabs their name, has also made it into the exhibition, together with a brochure weighing up the options of steam, petrol and electricity during the same year. Cat’s eyes and a crash test dummy have been chosen for helping to make driving safer.
For art, advertising and design, the 1911 Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy had to make the top 50, as one of the most recognisable sculptures ever made. It was created by Charles Sykes and some of his work was inspired by Eleanor Thornton, the secretary and mistress of John Montagu. The beauty of Lalique’s exquisite glass mascots also put what is believed to be his first work, Cinq Chevaux, amongst our curators’ first choices.
For industry and economy, road builders’ clogs may be less well-known, while a 1920s children’s book telling the story of charabanc rides carrying workers and their families on day trips to the seaside and countryside is a colourful addition to the exhibition. Archive film of the 1913 Ford production line also shows a transformation in industry, marking the start of motoring factory work as we know it.
And finally for society, mobility and leisure, the 1952 DRH car radio provided the first factory-fitted radios in British cars for driving music. In the year of the Queen’s platinum Jubilee, we also had to choose the 1955 Royal Caravan, which is still owned by HRH The Princess Royal who enjoyed touring Buckingham Palace gardens in it, with a young Prince Charles and their father, Caravan Club Patrol HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.
Visit the exhibition Visitors can discover the full set of 50 objects in the National Motor Museum, as the exhibition remains on display until April 16th, 2023 – using the Smartify app to scan objects and uncover more content and stories.
Explore The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects as part of your ticket on a marvellous day out to Beaulieu that the family can enjoy together. See Bond in Motion – No Time To Die, featuring original cars and gadgets from the latest 007 film, the World of Top Gear and On Screen Cars. Ride on a ‘skytrain’ monorail, have big fun in Little Beaulieu’s adventure play area, experience life ‘upstairs and downstairs’ in Palace House, walk in the footsteps of monks at Beaulieu Abbey, find out about special agents in the Secret Army Exhibition and saunter through the beautiful grounds and gardens. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.
See highlights of the 50 objects selection and join the conversation with #50objects on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or Instagram @national_motor_museum
The LondonConcours presented by Montres Breguet, opened the doors to the City’s Honourable Artillery Company yesterday morning
Around 100 vehicles, from ‘The Pursuit of Speed’ to ‘The Italian Spiders’ and ‘Great Marques – Mercedes’ gathered on the five-acre lawn
The Best of Show Award went to a Toyota 2000GT, one of just 351 built and fully restored in 2012
Other class winners included a Ferrari 250 GT California SWB, a Mercedes 300SL ‘Gullwing’ and a Jaguar SS100
Visitors were treated to pop-up boutiques from Montres Breguet as well as luxury food and drink from Searcys and Veuve Clicquot
Tickets for Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th June are still available at londonconcours.co.uk/tickets, from just £35
The London Concours presented by Montres Breguet opened its doors yesterday to a crowd of thousands in stunning sunshine for the first day of the event.
Hosted at the Honourable Artillery Company, a five-acre oasis of green close to Bank, the event played host to the most incredible collection of vehicles ever gathered in the City.
In total, around 80 cars were on display across eleven classes. The main concours event classes include ‘The Pursuit of Speed’, ‘Japanese Jewels’, ‘The Italian Spiders’, ‘Great Marques – Mercedes and ‘Great British History. Each of the classes was packed with rarities, from the Ferrari 250 GT California SWB to the Koenigsegg Agera S.
The London Concours’ expert committee of judges picked an extraordinarily well-preserved Toyota 2000GT as the ‘Best in Show’. The 2000GT was designed to act as a halo model for Toyota’s range, and with Yamaha’s help it turned out to be one of the 1960s most memorable GT cars. Its 2.0-or 2.3-litre straight-six, with between 138bhp and 148bhp on tap, was matched with a standard limited-slip differential and all-round disc brakes – both firsts for the Japanese auto industry. It was also the first Japanese car with rack-and-pinion steering. Its top speed was a heady 135mph, and just 351 cars were built in total; this is one is chassis no. MF10-10129. Originally sold in Mozambique, it went to Portugal in 1976 before appearing on eBay in 2007 with 42,000km on the clock. It was fully restored in 2012.
This year the Chairman of the Judges, Peter Read also awarded the Chairman’s Award, an award based on the car that he would most like to drive home himself. This year it was awarded to the 1962 Ferrari 250GT California SWB. Its beautiful Scaglietti- crafted body covered a lighter chassis and 276bhp version of the 3.0-litre Colombo V12. To ensure this supreme grand tourer stopped as keenly as it accelerated, it was fitted with the same disc brakes as its 250GT Berlinetta SWB cousin, and wore 185VR 15 Pirelli Cinturato tyres. It’s believed that a mere 56 examples of the SWB California were ever built.
The judges, led by members of the London Concours Steering Committee, not only awarded an overall winner, but a winner of each class, too.
Best in Show – Toyota 2000GT
Chairman’s Award – Ferrari 250 GT California SWB
Pursuit of Speed – Sponsored by Montres Breguet – Koenigsegg Agera S Highly Commended – Jaguar XJ220
Fins and Chrome – Sponsored by Adrian Flux and American Classic Magazine – Cadillac Sedan de Ville Highly Commended – Chrysler 300F
Japanese Jewels – Sponsored by Concours of Elegance – Toyota 2000GT Highly Commended – Mitsubishi Evo 6 Tommi Mäkinen Edition
Great British History, Sponsored by Engine Notes – Jaguar SS100 Highly Commended – Invicta S Type
The Italian Spiders, Sponsored by London Concours – Ferrari 250 GT California SWB Highly Commended – Fiat-Abarth 2200 Allemano
Great Marques – Mercedes, Sponsored by Moss Automotive – Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ Highly Commended – Mercedes-Benz 600 LWB
Outside of the main concours event, there were plenty of other astonishing cars on display. A special feature celebrated the best ‘Coachbuilt and Concept’ cars, including a one-off Jaguar XK180 concept and the wild Mercedes F2000 Imagination, including its joystick-style controls. ‘The Collector’, which each year shines a light on one person’s car collection, showcased the cars of Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, including his pristine Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 356 and Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
Andrew Evans, London Concours director, said: “As ever I’m in absolutely no doubt that this astounding selection of vehicles is the greatest collection ever assembled within the City of London, it is always a genuine pleasure to be able to share these very special cars with the thousands of visitors that come here. I’d also like to extend thanks to all of our partners for making the London Concours such a success, as we now look to replicate this brilliant first day across our ‘Style Day’ on Wednesday and ‘Supercar Day’ on Thursday.”
Visitors to the London Concours are also treated to pop-up boutiques from luxury retailers like Presenting Partner, Montres Breguet, and pink diamond specialists Calleija, as well as some of the nation’s top automotive specialists. Lotus is in attendance, showcasing the Eletre all-electric SUV, Alpine is displaying its A110 family, alongside an Alpine Formula One car, and Bizzarrini is providing an early public look at its 5300 GT Corsa Revival. Coachbuilding specialist, Caton, is showcasing its Healey by Caton creation.
The London Concours takes place from 28-30 June. Tickets are availale only online from londonconcours.co.uk/tickets
EXP2 – the oldest Bentley in world – returns to the Isle of Man
Celebrates centenary of winning the 1922 Isle of Man TT team trophy
Joins largest display of 3-Litre Bentleys ever assembled
More than 70 historic cars on Douglas promenade
EXP2 leads parade lap of the 37.75 miles Tourist Trophy course
Team win in 1922 demonstrated potential for the up and coming Le Mans 24-hour endurance race
Bentley 3-Litre secured 21 world records in 24 hours in 1925
Last weekend saw the return of the oldest remaining Bentley in the world – EXP2 – to the Isle of Man, 100 years since it was part of Bentley’s team win in the 1922 RAC Tourist Trophy.
78 Bentleys and period competitors returned to the famous island to pay homage to one of the most famous and challenging race circuits in the world. On the morning of the 25 June, all of the cars gathered on Douglas promenade to form one of the largest static displays of Bentley 3-Litre models ever seen.
The display allowed the general public and owners the opportunity to admire, compare and appreciate the vast array of cars dating back over a century. The rare collection of Bentleys had an estimated value in excess of £40 million, and it is unlikely that all of these cars will be together again.
The Mayor of Douglas, Janet Thommeny, attended the display and welcomed owners to the island, noting that ‘it was great to see the energy and passion that the participants and their cars had created’. After the display, the owners were invited to visit Government House and meet Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE, the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man.
On Sunday 26 June, the cavalcade of Bentleys and the race-winning 1922 Sunbeam formed together in the pit lane to begin a parade lap commencing at 14:00. The day started true to the one 100 years previous, with heavy rain and strong winds providing uncomfortable driving conditions. However, unlike 1922, the clouds faded and the weather improved. With a police escort, the parade began the historic journey through the villages, mountains and chequered kerbs of the famous circuit. Well-wishers and spectators looked on as some of W.O. Bentley’s earliest cars made their way around the island, with all 78 cars successfully returning to the pit lane within the following 90 minutes.
Owners had travelled from around the world as far afield as New Zealand, America and Switzerland in recognition of Bentley winning the team trophy in 1922.
Racing – The Early Years
On 16 May 1921, Bentley celebrated its first race win at Brooklands circuit in the Whitsun Junior Sprint Handicap in the hands of ‘works’ driver Frank Clement in the second ever Bentley produced – EXP2.
W.O. Bentley decided to enter three ‘3-Litre’ Bentleys in the famous Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man, which took place on 22 June 1922. The race started at 09:30 and Frank Clement (No 3), Douglas Hawkes (No 6) and W.O. himself (No 9) valiantly fought in their cream and red Bentleys over 302 miles in terrible weather conditions. Clement finished 2nd, closely followed by the remaining two Bentleys delivering the combined team win and proving Bentley’s potential for the upcoming and idea of a 24 hour race to be held in Le Mans, France. The success of the 3-Litre Bentleys continued, and in 1925 John Duff claimed 21 world records in a 3-Litre over the course of 24 hrs. The racing baton was then passed to the 4½ Litre Bentley, the iconic Blowers and the dominant Speed Six, which won Le Mans twice in 1929 and 1930. These wins will be celebrated by the recently announced Speed Six Continuation Series, which will see 12 new cars built to the specification of the Le Mans racers.
EXP2 – The Oldest Bentley in the World
After founding his company in 1919, it took two years for W.O. Bentley to develop the engine and chassis of his first production model – the 3-Litre, a car that he went on to produce 1,622 examples of between 1921 and 1929. Crucial to that development programme were the Experimentals – or EXPs for short. EXP1 came first, and was the very first car to wear the Bentley badge. EXP2 was next, and while EXP1 was lost to history (and may well have been cannibalised to create the other EXPs), EXP2 has survived for a century as the oldest Bentley in existence.
EXP2 was originally constructed with a plain two-seat body, to serve its function as a development testbed for the engine – incredibly advanced for its time – and chassis. It was later rebodied with dark red bodywork and an aluminium bonnet, crafted by coachbuilders JH Easter of Chagford Street.
It’s first race was only nine days before its first win. At the hands of Frank Clement, it competed at Brooklands on Saturday 7 May 1921 but failed to finish. Whatever gremlins had disturbed that first race were banished by the following weekend, and when the car took to the track again on Monday 16 it came home victorious for the first time.
EXP2 carried on with its split career of development testing and racing for two years, before being sold in September 1923. The car was completely rebuilt to its original specification around 25 years ago, and is now one of the most important members of the Bentley Heritage Collection.
New P15 V16 will lead tribute to BRM’s 1962 F1 World Championship
Owen family set to showcase a collection of more than 20 historic BRMs
Special guests include BRM aces Richard Attwood, Howden Ganley and Mike Wilds
Flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on Saturday and Sunday
Legendary ERA R4D will return to Shelsley Walsh
Plus live music, family entertainment, C&SC concours and more!
With less than 3 weeks to go until this year’s Classic Nostalgia weekend, organisers have announced more details of what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend at Shelsley Walsh.
The flagship event returns to the famous Worcestershire hill climb on 16-17 July, and will feature a major celebration of BRM’s victory in the 1962 Formula 1 World Championship.
Secured by Graham Hill’s win in the season-ending South African Grand Prix, it was the first time that a British driver had won the Championship in an all-British car, and no fewer than 20 BRMs and BRM-engined cars will be at Shelsley Walsh in order to mark the historic occasion. Eight of those will take part in parades up the hill, led by the first of the continuation P15s. The sound of its 1.5-litre V16 engine reverberating around the Teme Valley is sure to be a highlight.
Also confirmed for Classic Nostalgia are the National Motor Museum’s original P15 V16 Mark I, plus the ground-breaking Rover-BRM gas-turbine car that competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1963 and 1965. They will be joined by an ex-Graham Hill P48 that enjoyed considerable success at Shelsley Walsh in the hands of six-times British Hillclimb Champion Tony Marsh. On 27 August 1961, Marsh drove this very car – chassis number 48/4 – to a new hill record of 34.41 seconds.
There will also be an example of BRM’s final front-engined Grand Prix car – the handsome P25 – plus a Cooper-BRM Formula 2 car and the Willment-BRM sports-racer. One of the extremely rare BRM-tuned Lotus Elan road cars – brainchild of Formula One ace Mike Spence – will be at Classic Nostalgia too, as will a Hillman Avenger BRM rally car and the monstrous P154 which raced in the Can-Am series by Mexican ace Pedro Rodriguez.
Special guests will include members of the Owen family, which backed BRM via the industrial might of Rubery Owen, plus former drivers Howden Ganley, Richard Attwood and Mike Wilds. Team members Dick Salmon – who worked with the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio, Mike Hawthorn and Graham Hill during his long BRM career – John Sismey and Ben Casey will also be at Shelsley Walsh.
Celebrating BRM A blue plaque will be unveiled on Sunday 17 July to honour BRM’s historic success, and will be a permanent feature directly beneath a similar plaque celebrating the achievements of Raymond Mays. Having founded ERA during the 1930s, patriotic racer Mays went on to establish BRM following World War Two – and the most famous of his ERAs will be returning to its spiritual home.
R4D has a special place in the affections of enthusiasts, and in Shelsley history. It was effectively a works development car and was built in 1935 as R4B, before being upgraded to a C-type specification a year later. It finally became R4D when a lighter chassis was introduced for 1938. Mays extensively campaigned R4D either side of the war, and it set Best Time of the Day at Shelsley 16 times between 1935 and 1956. It will return for Classic Nostalgia with Ben Fidler behind the wheel.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast Everyone’s attention will turn to the skies above Shelsley Walsh as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight stages an evocative flypast on both days of the Classic Nostalgia weekend. On Saturday, its fabulous Avro Lancaster will be rumbling overhead and treating visitors to the unmistakeable noise of its four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, and it will be followed on Sunday by the iconic Supermarine Spitfire.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has as its motto ‘Lest We Forget’, and its mission is not only to commemorate those who have fallen in service of their country, but also to inspire and educate future generations
Great cars, famous names Back at ground level, Ian Barkaway will take to Shelsley Walsh aboard the Metro 6R4 that was driven by the late, great Colin McRae on the 2006 Donegal International Rally. Barkaway will be giving competition prize winners a blast up the hill in the V6-engined pocket-rocket – raffle tickets cost just £2 each and are available to purchase from the Midlands Air Ambulance stand. The raffle will be drawn each day at 3pm, and all proceeds will be donated to the Midlands Air Ambulance.
Gregor Marshall – son of tin-top legend Gerry – will be taking part in a special parade featuring several notable cars from his father’s long career. Gregor will take to the hill in the Austin Cooper S that won its class in the 1965 Snetterton 500km, alongside a Group 1 Vauxhall Magnum and the fearsome Magnum Super Saloon known as the John Pope Special, which is fitted with a twin-turbocharged Aston Martin V8 engine!
Ralli22 will be returning to Shelsley Walsh with a selection of Group A, Group B and WRC machinery, while triple Motoring News, BTRDA and Welsh Championship-winning rally driver Mick Briant will be reunited with his 1969 Ford Escort Twin Cam.
The all-new Ecurie Ecosse LM-C will make its Classic Nostalgia debut, where chassis number EE001 can be seen in action for the first time with Mike Wilds behind the wheel. Visitors will also be able to see two cars owned by record-breaking legend Donald Campbell – his 1958 Jaguar XK 150 and a 1934 Derby Bentley – and the prototype Surtees TS15 Formula 2 car will be driven by Ian Skinner, who was a mechanic for John Surtees for more than 35 years.
Stephen Hepworth will demonstrate the four-wheel-drive Hepworth FF, more than half a century after his father David became the first driver to break the 30-second barrier at Shelsley Walsh, and an ex-Elio de Angelis 1979 Shadow DN9B Formula 1 car will also be tackling the 1000-yard hill.
Classic & Sports Car Concours d’Elegance On Sunday, the popular Classic & Sports Car Concours d’Elegance will return to Classic Nostalgia. It is open to all cars built before 1985, and the judging will be headed up by motoring journalist and regular Shelsley Walsh competitor Simon Taylor. He will be joined by John Mayhead, classic car valuations expert from event partner Hagerty, plus Alastair Clements, editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine.
Entries are welcome from any concours-worthy car, with priority given to those with significant provenance and rarity. There will be four classes to be judged: Pre-World War Two, 1949-1959, 1960-1985 Saloons, and 1960-1985 Sports/GT, plus a Spirit of the Day award for an entry that may not be in top concours condition but is outstanding in its own special way.
First, second and third in each class will get to parade up the hill. The overall winner receives a silver salver on the start line, a Classic & Sports Car magazine subscription, and is invited to display their car on the Midland Automobile Club’s stand at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, NEC Birmingham in November. Advance booking recommended to guarantee a place in the Concours. For more information, click here
Enter your pre-1985 classic There will be preferential ‘pole position’ parking for all pre-1985 vehicles – allowing owners to pre-book a place right at the heart of the event. For more information, click here
Car clubs Classic Nostalgia has become a firm favourite for car club gatherings, and this year more than 30 clubs have registered their attendance. Several will be commemorating significant anniversaries within their display areas, including Club Alpine Renault, which will be marking the centenary of Alpine founder Jean Rédélé. The MGB Register, meanwhile, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the MGB. All registered clubs get to have their own designated display area in the heart of the event, and trophies are awarded for Best Car Club Stand. For more car club information, click here
Who doesn’t love a party? Get your dancing shoes on for a party in the Courtyard with live bands throughout the weekend – from swing, rock ’n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and Motown to a Beatles tribute act!
Something not to be missed is the Ken Fox Wall of Death stunt show, which will be making its Shelsley Walsh debut. As seen on Channel 4 with Guy Martin, the Fox family have been touring and entertaining since the 1920s with their Wall of Death. The riders perform incredible stunts and acrobatics around the 20ft vertical wall on their vintage Indian Scouts. The noise, the speed, the smell and the proximity of the bikes to the top of the wall – barely six inches from the audience – is breath-taking.
Trade stands In addition, there will be a fashion competition for the best and most authentic vintage outfit, as sponsored by Piston Gin, and trade stands selling everything from clothing and accessories to motoring books, art, photography and memorabilia.
Admission
Date:
Event address:
Ticket price:
16-17 July 2022
Shelsley Walsh, Worcester, WR6 6RP
Visiting car club/classic car owners day entry £15, weekend £30.
General admission £20 per adult in advance or £25 on the gate. Children under 16 free
The perfect venue First used in 1905 and in continuous use ever since, Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motorsport venue in the world that still features its original course. Known throughout the motoring world for its unique atmosphere, Shelsley allows enthusiasts to get close to the action as well as the cars and drivers. General admission tickets for Classic Nostalgia are ‘access all areas’, allowing visitors to walk around the paddock and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
Maserati’s Grecale SUV is making its UK dynamic debut at Goodwood’s 28th Festival of Speed, taking on the famous hill climb in the First Glance Run.
During the renowned four-day event – taking place at Goodwood, West Sussex from 23 to 26 June – the Maserati Grecale is being put to the test on the 1.16-mile course.
The Trident brand’s special guest was David Beckham, Maserati’s Global Brand Ambassador. An icon of world sport, philanthropist, businessman and style pioneer, he arrived at this major event aboard a Grecale, in its Trofeo version. As part of a partnership established in 2021, Maserati and Beckham are fired up by the same passion; they share the same admiration for technological innovations and for the best of Made in Italy design.
The new Maserati Grecale is the “everyday exceptional” SUV, incorporating the thrill of luxury and pure innovation. It is available in three versions: GT, powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine capable of delivering 300 hp; Modena, with a four-cylinder 330-hp mild hybrid engine; and Trofeo, powered by a high-performance 530-hp petrol V6 based on the MC20 Nettuno engine. It is the Trofeo version that will be showing off its driving prowess to onlookers as it tackles the hill climb.
The MC20, which had its UK dynamic showcase at last year’s Festival of Speed, also makes an appearance on the hill climb route, and is joined by the latest model in the range, the new Maserati MC20 Cielo spyder. Launched in May 2022, the MC20 Cielo weighs just 65kg more than the coupé and features an innovative retractable glass roof. The state-of-the-art electrochromic (smart glass) window can instantly be transformed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button on the central screen, courtesy of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology. The roof is also best-in-class in terms of thermal insulation and an opening and closing speed of just 12 seconds. Both models are paired with the powerful F1-derived V6 Nettuno engine, which ensures an exceptional power to weight ratio and jaw-dropping acceleration and top speed, with the coupe achieving 0-62mph in approximately 3.0 seconds.
For the remainder of the Festival, the MC20 and the Grecale, in the Trofeo version, will be thrilling spectators twice a day on the Goodwood hill climb and will be on display in the Supercar Paddock and the First Glance Paddock respectively.
It was an exceptionally busy day for Lotus at Goodwood Festival of Speed as crowds flocked to the stand for the world public debut of the Eletre.
The highly anticipated hyper-SUV was a star attraction. with visitors eager to see the car and ask questions of the many product specialists on hand. The bold, progressive and exotic EV has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV, and the retail team reported that several customers placed orders immediately after seeing it in the metal.
Yesterday also marked the premiere of the ultimate three-car garage from Lotus, as the Eletre was joined on stage by the beautiful Emira sports car and the pioneering Evija hypercar. Also there – in a vibrant yellow competition-inspired finish – was the Emira GT4 race car, unveiled just last month and already sold out for the first year.
All four cars are taking part in the iconic Goodwood Hill Climb over the weekend, with Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button behind the wheel and on the Lotus stand throughout the weekend.
Visitors were also treated to a ‘VIP walkaround’ of the Lotus stand, hosted by motoring TV presenter Andy Jaye. He interviewed Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars; Ben Payne, Head of Studio at Lotus Tech Creative Centre and the man who led the Eletre design; and Russell Carr, Lotus Design Director and the man behind the Evija and Emira.
Matt Windle commented: “What an amazing first day at Goodwood – with such a passionate and knowledgeable crowd it never disappoints! The Lotus stand was busy from the moment the gates opened at 7am, and was great to see the fans new and old getting up close to our cars and chatting with our team. If day one was anything to go by, the rest of the weekend will be a massive success too!”
