Derek Bell to star at Classic & Sports Car Show

By Marc McLaren
News
 | 1 Jun 2018
Derek Bell to star at Classic & Sports Car Show

Five-times Le Mans winner Derek Bell MBE will be the Guest of Honour at the Classic & Sports Car Show in association with Flywheel on Saturday 23 June.

In what is sure to be one of the highlights of the event at Bicester Heritage later this month, Bell will drive a glorious 1965 short wheelbase Porsche 911 on the Show's demonstration track.

Fans will also have the opportunity to meet the motorsport legend, as he'll be signing copies of his upcoming new book, Derek Bell: All My Porsche Races, on the Classic & Sports Car stand.

Derek Bell to star at Classic & Sports Car Show

Bell's illustrious career includes five 24 Hours of Le Mans victories, three 24 Hours of Daytona wins and two World Sportscar Championship titles. He also raced in Formula 1 for Ferrari, Wheatcroft, McLaren, Surtees and Techno. His Le Mans victories in 1975, 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987 make him the most successful British driver to compete in the gruelling endurance challenge.

Bell is a patron of several charities, including Mission Motorsport, which has its base at Bicester Heritage.

Talking about his upcoming appearance at the show, Bell said, “I am looking forward to my first visit to The Classic & Sports Car Show in association with Flywheel, taking part in the action and seeing the spectacular selection of vehicles there.

"Having recently completed a ‘wingwalk’ for charity, I have a new-found respect for pilots, so I’m equally keen to see the air displays as the race and road cars! Driving around the Bicester Heritage track, which is such a fitting location for the event, and meeting the fellow enthusiasts is set to make for a fantastic day.”

Derek Bell to star at Classic & Sports Car Show

The Porsche 911 is owned by Bicester Heritage-based Porsche buffs Sports Purpose, who, together with specialist partners, lovingly rebuilt the vehicle.

Taking an extremely good, matching numbers, fully stamped Californian donor car, the chassis was built by multiple Goodwood winners Jordan Racing Team and the engine and gearbox by Tuthill Porsche. The car will be campaigned extensively this year by its owner in the 2 Litre Cup and Le Mans Classic.

Other notable cars taking to the demonstration track at the Show – and there are many of them – include a 1926 Bentley that competed at Le Mans, a 1950s Aston Martin DBR4 that competed in Formula One, and the 1934 Frazer Nash Norris Special. 

In addition to the on-track action, the Show will feature plenty of fascinating military vehicles, several thrilling air displays including a WW1 dogfight, the Flywheel Concours, People's Concours, Brightwells auction, Hagerty valuations, club stands, dealer displays and much, much more.

To find out more and buy tickets for the event on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June, head to the dedicated Classic & Sports Car Show in association with Flywheel website.

Images: LAT Photographic