An historic hillclimb venue that has laid dormant for nearly 50 years will be revived next month, with countless competition cars set to return to Chateau Impney on 11-12 July.
Speed trials were held at the Worcestershire estate for a ten year period from 1957, and now the stunning venue will host competitive motorsport for the first time since 1967. In total, more than 200 pre-1967 racers have been invited to participate, including the GN Caeser Special and Fairley Special, both of which ran at the chateau in period.
Among the cars expected to take to the hill are several mammoth Edwardian racers, including the Fiat S76 ‘Beast of Turin’, which was recently started for the first time in over 100 years.
Many It will do battle with – amongst others – a 1909 Lorraine De Dietrich, which has just emerged from a 10-year restoration. Its owner, Richard Scaldwell, said: "Many people do not appreciate how fast and effective these early GP cars were, with giant engines in a fairly standard production chassis. This made the better examples capable of well over 100mph, yet they were still flexible and drivable enough for use in very long distance races.”
“The car is geared to do 110mph at only 1500rpm, meaning that the torque produced is as impressive today as it would have been in period. I’m approaching the Chateau Impney Hill Climb with some trepidation, as I don’t know how it will cope with the demands of the course – it will certainly be entertaining!”
