More than 67,000 visitors – the largest number of people to ever attend the meeting – packed into the Cholmondeley Estate for the annual Pageant of Power. And they weren't disappointed, because the sun finally shone on the event.
Organisers opted for an Italian theme, largely to mark the centenary of Maserati, and spectators were treated to one of the firm's most famous exports – a Maserati 250F – making spirited runs.
There was plenty of home-grown talent on offer too, with the 1929 Napier-Bentley, a regular at the event, making an ear-splitting racket. Also making a monstrous statement was the Anglo-American Bentley of Chris Williams, which is powered by a 42-litre Packard engine.
Iain Stewart's 1929 Morgan Aero recorded a time of 78.39 seconds, impressive when compared to the fastest run of the day of Robbie Kerr, who managed 56.41 seconds in his brand-new Radical SR8 RX.
It was the older metal that stole the show, however, with the Bentley Coupe d'Honneur Trophy for regularity driving being won by Hans Kolby in his Lancia Fulvia HF. The Pre-'66 Sports and Racing Cars class was topped by Alistair Dyson and his E-type, while Keith Harris' Chevron B25 won the Historic and Single Seaters class and clocked the fastest pre-2000 time.
Event director, James Hall, said: “It’s been a fantastic event as ever this year and it’s been great to see so many people enjoying themselves. The gorgeous weather has only enhanced the hundreds of things to see and do at CPOP. We’ve had a real festival feel this year as well with the two concerts, which is something we hope to continue, and we look forward to welcoming even more people back next year.”
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC