Rock drummer Kenney Jones hosts Pininfarina record attempt

By Mick Walsh

| 10 Jun 2013

More than 200 cars met at the Hurtwood Park Polo Club on 1 June to set an unofficial record for the most Pininfarina-styled models in one place.

Vehicles ranged from Eric Clapton’s fabulous SP12 EC to a six-car turnout from the Cambridge-Oxford Owners’ Club.

Host Kenney Jones flew in from his US tour for the event and performed a cracking set with The Jones Gang; he was later spotted walking among the rows of cars.

“My favourites are the 246 Dinos,” enthused the former Small Faces, Faces and The Who drummer.

The Ferrari 458-based Sergio Concept (above), which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, was unveiled at Hurtwood by the great designer’s son, the Turin-based styling house’s new chairman, Sergio.

Few worked harder to prepare a car for the record attempt than former banger racer and BMC ‘Farina’ fan John Rapley.

He said: “I only heard about the event in the village a week before.

“I’d originally planned to race this rare estate, but I have great affection for Farinas because mum had one when I was a kid and they’re so tough.

“We set to welding and fabricating up body sections last Saturday and worked all week. This morning we sorted the MoT and drove here.”

Top Ferrari specialist Terry Hoyle made it a family day out driving down from Maldon, Essex in his 1986 400 automatic.

"It makes a good family car and is much more comfortable than a 456," he said. "It’s quick and has a large boot, but, most importantly, it has a V12 at the front. They’re such good value."

Dino specialist Mark Devaney added two to the count, loading up a Fiat Dino Spider on a trailer and towing it with a stylish Fiat 130 Coupé.

“I borrowed the 130 from a friend when I got married, so had to buy it,” said Devaney. “It’s been used regularly for seven years and makes a fantastic tow car.”

Few have enjoyed driving a Pininfarina car as much as Anthony Hussey, who bought his ex-Mille Miglia Lancia Aurelia Spider for £375 back in 1966.

He said: “I’ve just had Jim Stokes rebuild the engine and gearbox. We regularly drive it to Italy and have just come back from Lake Como.”

Several clubs made an informal rally to the event including the Kent and Sussex Section of the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club, who enticed Sergio over for a photo call with the cars his father styled.

But enjoying the event more than anyone were Dutch Gamma fans Bart and Kees Boosman who camped at the polo ground.

“We read about it on the Lancia forum and thought it might be fun,” said Bart. “The Gamma is my everyday car and has covered 200,000km. We had a great run here and even took it on the beach at Dungeness. It’s a great event and very unorganised in a very English way. It’s a nice contrast to Goodwood.”

Mick Walsh

Mick Walsh is Classic & Sports Car’s International Editor