17.3.10

Now in its seventh year, the Race Retro International Historic Motorsport Show took place over the weekend of 12 - 14th March, at the National Agricultural Centre, nr. Coventry UK.

With four exhibition halls, a vintage “wall of death” bike demonstration, an H and H auction and the adjacent “Group B” rally stage, there was something for everyone at this year's event; whether your book collection was incomplete, your racer needed a new harness or you wanted to learn how Great Britain regained another World Land Speed Record, utilising “steam power". Sadly, there wasn't much for Ferraristi, with only one present - Tony Worswick’s versatile 308GTB.

Undoubtedly "stand of the show" was the display of pre-war Alfa Romeo’s, celebrating the marque’s centenary, with a selection of some of the most desirable touring and sports racing cars ever built. Octane magazine's stand created much interest, with a superb 1956 Maserati A6G Zagato presented by Martin Chisholm Collectors' Cars, complimented by Californian Charles McCabe’s Maserati 250F on "Speed Street" and  open and Stradale versions of the Alfa Romeo T33, in the main hall.

For those interested in other marques - the Brooklands Museum displayed the Napier Railton, the Alfa Romeo Owners Club further added to the birthday celebrations with a diverse display and historic race restorers Crosthwaite and Gardiner, proved there is always a secondary use for an engine block! The art gallery brought together work by several of the UK’s most celebrated automotive artists, none more so than the evocative action style of John Ketchell and Paul Dove. 

Outside, the Rally Stage was organised by the Slowly Sideways Group GB and featured several flame belching Group B rally cars, including MG Metro 6R4, Lancia 037 Rallye, Ford RS200 with the “star car”, an ex works Audi Quattro SWB.

H and H reported a good sale %, with strong prices realised for rare, excellent condition automobilia; top bid amongst the motorcycles was £19.8k for a 1918 Harley Davidson Model J combination, whilst the 1936 Monte Carlo rally works entry Lagonda LG45, was the days top sale, at £167.2k (sale prices include buyers premium).   

In the world of historic motorsport, the season is now underway with the Shannons Phillip Island Classic in Australia this forthcoming weekend and the Rally Clasico Isla de Mallorca in 10 days time. Equipped with a new passport and some Euros, next stop for me is my first visit to the globe’s largest classic car show, Techno Classica Essen….see you there!