The Classic & Sports Car Show returned to London’s historic Alexandra Palace for the second time from 28-30 October, delighting crowds with an incredible display of priceless supercars and a mesmerising series of live parades.
The event was opened on Friday by legendary Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis, who cut the ribbon while standing in front of the rebuilt Jaguar XJ13, the would-be Le Mans contender which was nearly destroyed at MIRA in 1971. The stunning racer took pride of place in the palace’s Palm Court Entrance, which reverberated to the enchanting tones of ‘50s revival band My Favourite Things, who welcomed visitors as they entered the show.
Far from being the only phoenix to rise from the ashes, the XJ13 was joined by another one-of-a-kind Jaguar, this time the sublime XK120 by Pininfarina, which starred in the Total oil live restoration hall. The XK120 was the subject of a series of live restoration demonstrations by technicians from marque specialist CMC, who guided enthusiasts along as they began work on reviving the one-off coupé.
By midday, the crowds had flocked to the central display ‘A Century of Supercars’, where the McLaren F1 was unveiled as the winner of a massive public vote to determine once and for all what was the world’s favourite supercar.
Racing legend John Surtees was on hand to pull off the cover and reveal the F1, which beat stiff competition to the title from the likes of Lamborghini’s Miura, Ferrari’s F40, Mercedes’ 300SL ‘Gullwing’ and its stablemate, the futuristic P1.
The calm was shattered at 2:15pm by the howl of a three-litre Cosworth DFV engine belonging to a six-wheeled Formula One icon, the Tyrrell P34/6. Race fans rushed to witness Rob Hall getting sideways along the public roads of the palace while demonstrating the car’s incredible turn of pace and unearthly noise. The Tyrrell served as the course car throughout the weekend, heading a number of parades, which included a fantastic lineup of cars from the BMW Car Club and a celebration of the Jensen Interceptor’s 50th anniversary.
When visitors weren’t outside watching the parades, many were gathered around the Live Interview Stage, which this year was backed by Goodwood Road & Racing. Norman Dewis, who opened the show, proved a huge hit while discussing his role in the development of Jaguar’s XJ13, while John Surtees also drew impressive crowds.
Former Jaguar development engineer Alastair Macqueen was on hand to discuss his racing career and work on the XJ220, which was also documented in a recent article within Classic & Sports Car. Another C&SC favourite, Alain de Cadenet, also proved a treat for motorsport fans, relaying tales from his time at the top flight of endurance racing.
There was plenty to excite away from the headline features, too, with hundreds of the world’s finest classic cars packed into the show halls – many of them for sale. There was something to suit every taste and budget, ranging from Alfa Romeo 6Cs and Delahaye 135s through to a more humble – yet equally enticing – Autobianchi, which was offered for less than £7000.
A brace of Porsche Boxsters drew plenty of attention, too, while a stunning display of Bentleys on the Stanley Mann stand was a highlight for many.
By Saturday afternoon, most eyes had turned towards the Coy’s auction hall, a first for the event. Excitement in the room reached fever pitch as an ex-Rod Stewart Lamborghini Miura was sold for more than £900,000, but there were also a number of cars to suit more modest budgets.
