Events of note
October
15-26 The London Motor Show Annual showpiece of the world’s motor manufacturers in Britain returns to Earls Court. Themed Classic Car Day (Tuesday 21) and Motorsport Day (Thursday 23) offer more for the enthusiast.
18 Peking to Paris Challenge: After 10,000 miles on the road, those whose cars and constitutions have been equal to the challenge arrive at the finish in the French capitol. Jorums of well-earned champagne and welcome baths await.
18 Silverstone (GB): Eight Clubs Race Meeting. Established almost 50 years ago, this annual fun day invariably blows the cobwebs out of some unusual cars on the National circuit. Winning is incidental. Admission free.
18-19 Brands Hatch (GB): Dig out your old British Grand Prix and Race of Champions programmes and see the cars once more in the final round of the FIA Cup for Thoroughbred Grand Prix Cars. Runs within the Formula Ford World Finals event, widely rated as the best racing of the season — anywhere!
24-31 La Carrera Panamericana (MEX): Extraordinarily tough road race through central America. Fables established by the great drivers of the 1950s, not to mention breathtaking drops, attract competitors from all over the world.
25 Snetterton (GB): 750 Motor Club Birkett Six Hour Relay. End-of-term thrills for club racers in everything from Austin Sevens to potent Caterhams and Sports 2000 racers. Handicap results level the playing field.
31-2 Savannah (USA): Super SVRA Historic race meeting on interesting Roebling Road circuit on the east cost of Georgia.
November
2 RAC Veteran Car Run (GB): Four hundred and fifty cars, the youngest built in 1904, leave London’s Hyde Park from 07.30, bound for Brighton. The first cars are due on Madeira Drive by 10.45. A wonderful tableau which traces the pioneering days of motoring and never fails to delight thousands of spectators young and old.
8 VSCC Lakeland Trial: Traditional jolly for Vintagents in the Lake District brings them back year after year.
9-15 MC Brooklands Autumn Festival: A sprint, gymkhana and static rally make up the order of the day at Britain’s first race track.
16 Circuit Paul Ricard (F): Van de Vyver Racing’s popular Deux Tours d’Horloge (24 Hours) race tests historic competitors to the limit.