Perfect weather topped a revitalised Silverstone Classic on the weekend of July 25-27, with over 57,000 visitors enjoying the sun to watch the 21-race rogramme and enjoy the off-track attractions.

This was the first year under new organisers Motion Works, and the reaction from visitors, competitors and traders was extremely positive. Many compared the event with the much-missed Silverstone Coys Historic Festivals of the1990s; undoubtedly this was the best historic festival at Silverstone for many years.

Superb racing from an entertainingly varied line-up of races, from the Pre-war Sports Cars to the fast and furious Group C cars of the 1980s and ‘90s, kept spectators on their toes, while infield attractions included a 60 years of Lotus centrepiece, massive Porsche area, Bonhams auction, trader village, BMC/BL motorsport area and car clubs of all the major marques. The regard with which the festival is now held was demonstrated by a rare showing of the Ferrari factory’s Classiche division with a strong display of old and new Ferraris.

Some of the infield displays were perhaps too reliant on the participation of classic car owners, meaning that the displays tended to look depleted first thing in the mornings until owners turned up and late in the
afternoons, when many left early to escape the fierce sun.

Next year’s Silverstone Classic will take place on July 24-26 and will feature a special Jaguar display, marking 60 years since the XK120 was first used in a motor sport event. More club displays are also planned, and a new race, for 1990s Super Touring Cars will be added to the line-up.

More details and pictures in the October issue of Octane, out August 27.