Vintage Racecar’s European team was kept busy at the 2014 edition of Race Retro. “It’s great for our readers to meet the names behind the features, and an ideal annual event to showcase the magazine,” said European Editor, Mike Jiggle. Thanks to Hall and Hall, VR displayed a rare OSCA Maserati (which will be profiled in a future issue of Vintage Roadcar) which caused a great deal of interest over the weekend as many visitors stated that they had not seen one before—some said it was possibly the rarest car at the show!
During the weekend, the European team made two announcements. The first was the continued support for the British Women’s Racing Driver’s Club with the “Champions Trophy” series, and new for 2014 was the “Racing Spirit” trophy for those competing in the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association events. European Editor Mike Jiggle explained, “It’s tremendously important for Vintage Racecar to be seen to be actively involved in historic motor racing. The provision of trophies is a small way we can give something back to the sport, but also a great way of keeping abreast of things at the sharp end. Our readers benefit from this involvement as we’re able to form relationships with owners and competitors, keep abreast of news of great racing events and a continue the flow of great cars at our disposal to profile.”
As for the show as a whole, despite inclement weather the sun shone over the weekend (February 21-23) as nearly 30,000 historic motorsport fans made the trip to Stoneleigh Park to see rally drivers and racers spanning more than 80 years on display and in action on the live stage.
Visitors were greeted by James Hunt’s McLaren M23 Formula One car on arrival before heading toward the popular “Speed Street,” passing a superb lineup of McLarens on the way including the centerpiece of the 50th anniversary celebrations—Emerson Fittipaldi’s 1974 double championship-winning M23.
In the Rally Hall, there was a stunning collection of Metro 6R4s marking 30 years of rally action, but it was out on the purpose-built rally stage where these iconic cars came to life. They performed alongside Group B and C rally cars including Rauno Aaltonen’s Mini Cooper, the Rothmans Audi Quattro, the Brookes Sapphire and ex-Auriol Ford Sierra Cosworths, and the ex-McRae Lotus Cortina.
Celebrity drivers attending the event included motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss, Touring Cars’ Win Percy, World-renowned navigator Willy Cave and Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis.
