MOTOR RACING LEGENDS ANNOUNCES NEW GRIDS AT GALA AWARDS NIGHT

MOTOR RACING LEGENDS ANNOUNCES NEW GRIDS AT GALA AWARDS NIGHT

Last night the UK’s premier classic race organiser Motor Racing Legends (MRL) crowned their 2018 series winners in style at a gala awards dinner at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.

The evening was hosted by MRL Chairman, Duncan Wiltshire and attended by many leading figures of the British motorsport scene including the CEO of Motorsport UK, Hugh Chambers and Motorsport Vision Chief Jonathan Palmer.

During the evening’s presentation, it was announced that MRL are to take on the organisation of the two grids from the Historic Motor Racing News stable, the U2TC for under two-litre touring cars and the Pre63-GT series. Ownership of these two well-established series will remain with Carol Spagg, who is looking to step back from the day-to-day organisation and administration. Carol, who was a guest at the dinner, commented “Motor Racing Legends is the obvious choice to manage these series on a day to day basis. They run professional and well-respected races at all the right meetings.”

Both the U2TC and Pre-63GT series will join MRL’s already extensive portfolio of historic race grids, which include: The Pre-War Sports Cars Series; the Historic Touring Car Challenge and Tony Dron Trophy for Touring Cars between 1966- 1990; the Stirling Moss Trophy and the Royal Automobile Woodcote Trophy for 50s Sports cars. All six grids will kick off the 2019 season at the forthcoming Donington Historic Festival (3-5 May).

Duncan commented, “I am very excited to be taking over responsibility for these two popular and long-running series. They are a perfect fit alongside our existing races and our team are accustomed to delivering the service that Carol’s drivers will expect. It should be a seamless transition.”

The awards ceremony celebrated all the 2018 trophy winners. Highlights include Chris Ward, and John Young (Lister Knobbly) who lifted the hallowed Stirling Moss Trophy, the same trophy won by Moss for his first ever British Grand Prix win in 1955 at Aintree. John Ure and Nick Wigley raised the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for their successful season in the Cooper-Bristol T24/25 and Mark Smith took home the overall Historic Touring Car Challenge award.

It was the super-fast Alvis Firefly of Rudi Friedrichs that took home the overall Pre-War Sports Trophy and The Tony Dron Trophy (The Tricentrol Cup,) as won by Tony Dron himself at the British Saloon Car Championship race at the British Grand Prix in 1977 went to Patrick Watts and Steve Soper for their hard-fought success in Watts’ Group 1 Ford Capri.

Vincent Collard - Spa Six Hour promoter and organiser - was honoured with the Motor Racing Legends Trophy for his services to historic motorsport.

Jack and Roger Stanford were awarded the Traditional Oak Family Spirit Trophy for their season in the BMW M3 and Tony Wood and Will Nuthall took home the Brian Lister Cup.

A list of all the class winners can be found at www.motorracinglegends.com

Entry forms and regulations will be issued early February but if you would like more information about racing at Donington Historic Festival or any of the forthcoming season’s races run by Motor Racing Legends please visit www.motorracinglegends.com or email: Lindsey Warren at lindsey@motorracinglegends.com, or

Gillian Carr at gillian@motorracinglegends.com 

ONE-OF-A-KIND DB4 CONVERTIBLE ON SHOW AT RETROMOBILE PARIS

ONE-OF-A-KIND DB4 CONVERTIBLE ON SHOW AT RETROMOBILE PARIS

Aston Martin Works, the world-renowned heritage arm of British luxury sports car maker Aston Martin Lagonda, is promising visitors to the upcoming Retromobile Show in Paris next month an unprecedented view of one of the brand’s rarest and most sought-after classic cars – Aston Martin DB4 Convertible, chassis no. 1173.

This one-off model, built in 1963 at the historic home of Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell – now centre of operations for the Aston Martin Works heritage sales, service and restoration business – is unique as, of the circa 70 DB4 Convertibles made by the brand between 1961 and 1963, chassis no 1173 is the only car known to have been built by David Brown’s factory team with the more potent DB4 GT engine as an original fitment.

This right-hand drive sports car, handcrafted for a UK customer and personal friend of then Aston Martin owner David Brown, is currently undergoing a bare metal restoration in the world famous heritage workshops at Aston Martin Works and arrives at the annual Parisian festival of historic motoring, this year once again being staged at the prestigious Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, as an engine in chassis.

Offering visitors a rare glimpse up close of the remarkably detailed restoration process undertaken by the craftsmen and women at Aston Martin Works, the DB4 Convertible collectors’ item is joined on the Works stand in the French capital by other important examples of the brand’s illustrious history including one of only 40 Vantage V600 Le Mans to be built celebrating the 40th anniversary of the famous 24-hour race win; a 1968 DB6 Vantage; a 1960 DB4 Series II; and a V12 Vanquish with manual conversion engineered and carried out by Aston Martin Works.

Julian Wren, Heritage Director at Aston Martin Works, explained: “The decision to take chassis 1173 to Paris wasn’t simple, but we wanted to give the enthusiastic and knowledgable Retromobile audience the chance to see this exceptional piece of Aston Martin history up close as it progresses through its journey towards concours condition.

“Like our other cars at this exciting event 1173 is available to purchase, and I’m looking forward to discussing the car with enthusiasts and collectors alike.”

Aston Martin Works can be found on stand G46 in Hall 1 at the Retromobile event, which opens to the public at 10 am (CET) on Wednesday 6 February and runs until Sunday 10 February.

For event information, please visit: https://www.retromobile.com/

E-TYPE UK - 2+2 PLUS – E-TYPE UK TAKES SERIES 3 COUPE TO NEW LEVELS WITH LATEST COMMISSION

2+2 PLUS – E-TYPE UK TAKES SERIES 3 COUPE TO NEW LEVELS WITH LATEST COMMISSION

The latest restoration by E-Type UK, the Kent-based firm known for its concours-winning original specification restorations of early models and class-leading upgrading of later models, has now been delivered.

Though the number of customer commissions on Series 3 models has grown for E-Type UK, such as the much celebrated top-spec special edition, it is not often that the 2+2 coupe models are chosen by customers for a full top-level restoration and upgrade programme.

The owner of this E-Type, however, was seeking an example that was reliable with some subtle modernisations, improved driving characteristics yet retained that classic E-Type personality. Rolling off the production line in 1973, this original right-hand drive Series 3 Coupe had lived a pampered life but had seen better days, and was brought to E-Type UK with a brief to not only perfectly restore but upgrade to the highest standards.

But, before the curated selection of E-Type UK upgrades could be fitted, the team had to get to work fully stripping the car. This thorough process exposed some shoddy previous repairs, an unfortunate reminder of a time when these models were unloved and undervalued, such as inner arches patched up with layers of tin. Once all the metal work was repaired to original specifications, a bespoke aluminium bonnet was fabricated to reduce front-end weight. Then, it was time for a concours standard repaint in the stunning shade of Opalescent Gunmetal.

The original engine was fully rebuilt and fitted with a combination of engine upgrades synonymous with E-Type UK: electronic fuel injection with larger throttle bodies, aluminium radiator and header tank and the all-important 12-branch tubular stainless steel sports exhaust system to allow the V12 to sing. E-Type UK are experts in electronic fuel injection on these models having developed systems for a number of years, with this car benefiting from improved performance, reliability and efficiency as a result. The uprated cooling system maintains an ideal operating temperature, while the larger throttle bodies for increased air flow and free-flowing stainless steel exhaust ensure the engine sounds as great as it performs.

Under that now perfect body, the suspension was heavily revised for improved handling and ride with all-round adjustable suspension, including sports torsion bars, anti-roll bar and uprated bushes. This combination of suspension upgrades is transformational for the handling, and also allows customers to choose their exact preferred suspension settings. AP Racing brakes replace the stock units, with larger diameter discs, aluminium calipers and an increase from three to four pistons, increasing stopping power while reducing weight. 16-inch Turino wire wheels were chosen not only for aesthetics but also as they allow the fitment of modern tyres for improved traction, as well as reducing corner weight further due to aluminium rims and stronger stainless-steel spokes than standard units.

An uprated 5-speed gearbox completes the revised drivetrain package, with gearing such that both long motorway drives and quick-changing country lane jaunts are a pleasure. Additions within the fully retrimmed Oxblood Red cabin include: 15-inch wooden steering wheel to make the most of the car’s spritely handling, bespoke classically-styled inertia reel seat belts for improved comfort and safety, and an LED dash light conversion to improve visibility on evening drives. A period style stereo system, hiding full modern internals including Bluetooth capability, finishes the interior in fine fashion.

E-Type UK have had the pleasure of restoring, refining and revising a number of Series 3 models, and can say with some confidence that this is one of the finest 2+2 examples out there. Whether viewed as a sign of the times in the E-Type world, an exercise in perfection or simply a top-notch restoration, this S3 is undeniably something special.

Founder Marcus Holland commented: “We treat every model of E-Type with the same respect whether in for service, restoration or sale, and seeing this 2+2 completed to such a standard is incredibly satisfying. Like our clients, we are big believers in using these special cars, so it is a real joy knowing that this on-the-button E-Type will be regularly on the road with that cavernous boot full of luggage.”

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

 As Bentley enters its Centenary year, the oldest remaining and first racing model – EXP 2 – will be displayed at Retromobile, Paris.

The first of many unique events in 2019 that will see Bentley celebrate this landmark year, Retromobile kick-starts the world car show season between 6-10 February at Salon des Expositions, Porte de Versailles.

Showcasing Bentley’s motoring evolution over the past 100 years, the British brand’s stand-in Paris offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the heritage and the innovation of the British luxury car manufacturer. Joining its illustrious forebear in Paris will be the new Continental GT Convertible – the pinnacle open-top Grand Tourer.

Although separated by 100 years of automotive evolution, the two models share fundamental Bentley characteristics: both are genuine Grand Tourers; both offer sector-defining levels of performance, and both feature innovative technology at their core.

The year, Retromobile celebrates its 44th anniversary, with over 120,000 visitors expected to attend from all over the world. For more information on the event please visit www.retromobile.com.

EXP 2 – The Oldest Surviving & First Racing Bentley

In the first few years of his company’s existence, W.O. Bentley made three prototypes: EXP 1 (EXPerimental No.1) at New Street Mews off Baker Street (which first ran in October 1919); EXP 2 built later that year at Bentley’s new workshop in Cricklewood (cannibalising much of EXP 1): and EXP 3 – better known as ‘The Cab’ and W.O.’s personal car.

A legacy of the Cricklewood era, EXP 2 is the oldest Bentley in existence. As the second Bentley to ever be made, its debut was at the 1919 Olympia Motor Show and is a landmark car in the brand’s 100-year history.

Drawing influence from W.O. Bentley’s pre-war competition experience – when he pioneered the use of aluminium pistons – EXP 2 is also the brand’s first car to win a race, powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a top speed of 80 mph.

Frank Clement, W.O.’s development engineer and racing driver, won the Junior Sprint Handicap at Brooklands on 16 May 1921 in EXP2 – the first recorded racing victory for Bentley. Clement not only took the brand’s maiden win at the famous banked circuit but also saw off some famous names in the process.

2019 Calendar of Heritage Events

As Bentley commemorates 100 extraordinary years, brand enthusiasts will be able to join the celebrations at a number of events hosted around the world – showcasing the best of Bentley past and present.

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION
44th Salon Rétromobile	6-10 February	Paris, France
13th Annual Boca Concours d’Elegance	22-24 February	Boca Raton, Florida, US
W.O. Bonhams exhibition	11 April	London
Bentley Drivers Club Centenary Extraordinary Drive	15-31 March	Castle of Mey – Crewe – London
Benjafield Racing Club, W.O. race	13 April	Silverstone race track
Mille Miglia	15-18 May	Brescia – Rome – Brescia, IT
24 Hours of Le Mans	15-16 June	Le Mans, France
RREC Annual Rally & Concours	21 June	Burghley house, England
Chantilly Arts & Elegance	30 June	Chantilly, France
RROC National Meeting	22-27 July	Detroit, US
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance	21-26 August	Carmel, California, US
Salon Privé Concours d'Elegance	6-8 September	Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

Bentley’s Centenary – 100 Years of Extraordinary

In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today.

The 10th of July 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year and this extraordinary milestone – reached by only a special few companies – will be a cause for celebration of the company’s history, its global success today and its exciting future

MG CAR CLUB & ZED REGISTER LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO SAVE OUR ZEDS

MG CAR CLUB & ZED REGISTER LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO SAVE OUR ZEDS

MG ZR, ZS and ZT cars are disappearing from our roads fast; with over 78% of the cars ever built gone.

The MG Car Club and Zed Register are hoping to reverse this trend with the launch of Save Our Zeds; a campaign to highlight the decline of Zed MGs and help equip owners with the right tools to keep enjoying and running their cars, rather than consigning them to the scrapheap.

Data taken from HowManyLeft.co.uk shows the severity of the decline;

Model	Number (2006)	Number (Q3 2018)	Cars Lost
ZR	51,116	7,964	43,152 -84%
ZS	20,055	5,478	14,577 -72%
ZT & ZT-T	19,020	6,176	12,844 -67%
Z Range	90,191	19,618	70, 573 -78%

At the end of production in 2006, the total number of cars on the road was 90,191 and today that sits at 19,618; a 78% decline. A staggering 43,152 (84%) of MG ZRs built are no longer on the road.

The MG Car Club has the Zed Register who exist to help owners to keep their cars on the road, support with technical advice and queries and be friendly faces out and about at various events during the year.

John Thompson, Chairman of the Zed Register, commented “Today’s culture of financial incentives to scrap older cars when purchasing cars on PCP or lease deals versus the cost of repairing an older car appears to rule out repairs as a viable option.

There are many quality MG specialists & parts businesses across the UK; and the MG Car Club offer member discounts with some of these suppliers, so repair really is a good choice.

The Zed range of cars is an affordable way into MG ownership, and the growing Modern Classic scene, with good condition cars available from as little as £350. This makes a Zed car a great option for a young driver as a first car, as well as something fun.

The MG Car Club has also recent formed a Young Members Branch, who organise events and an online community to support the Younger end of our membership with everything they need.”

Adam Sloman, General Manager of The MG Car Club, added “This decline in Zed cars is something we as a Club have heard many stories about at classic car events up and down the country.

We are concerned that an important part of the MG brand’s heritage is going to be lost; and future generations are going to miss out on these much loved cars.”

FANTASTIC FIAT 500C IS PRIZE FOR NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM VISITOR

FANTASTIC FIAT 500C IS PRIZE FOR NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM VISITOR

FANTASTIC FIAT 500C IS PRIZE FOR NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM VISITOR

A brand new Fiat 500C TwinAir has been presented to the winner of the National Motor Museum Trust Prize Draw in a ceremony at Beaulieu's Palace House.

Beaulieu Managing Director Russell Bowman handed the keys for the bright red soft-top to Rosalind Cottee and her husband Norman, who were delighted to drive home to Maidenhead from the New Forest in the sought-after top raffle prize. They were joined for the ceremony by Niall James from Snows Fiat and Abarth, which supplied the car.

Rosalind and Norman had visited Beaulieu in the summer with their grandchildren when Rosalind bought her successful raffle ticket in the National Motor Museum. She said: “We had a lovely day, but I really didn’t expect to win anything, let alone the car. I think the only other thing I’ve ever won in a competition was a bowl of fruit, so this is wonderful! We’re both retired so I will be using the Fiat for local trips.” 

Carole McGuire, from Tonbridge in Kent, won the second prize – a money-can’t-buy opportunity to take part in the 2019 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, as a passenger in one of the National Motor Museum Trust’s historic vehicles, with an overnight stay in London. Seated in the 1904 De Dion Bouton Model Q, which she will ride in for the 60-mile event, Carole was presented with a commemorative certificate by National Motor Museum Manager and Chief Engineer Doug Hill.

Carole said: “I’m thrilled to bits. It was meant to be! Years ago, I used to live near the route of the run so I always went to watch the veteran cars pass by.”

Looking forward to taking part in the event, Carole is well aware that preparation is the key. “I’m hoping it’s not going to be raining, although I think I might need to wear my thermals!” she added.

The third prize went to Michael Burton, from Formby near Liverpool, who won a VIP trip around the New Forest in a vehicle from the National Motor Museum collection. This special day out also includes a visit to the Beaulieu Chocolate Studio for a demonstration and chocolate treat goody bag.

Tickets have gone on sale for a chance to win the 2019 National Motor Museum Trust Prize Draw. See www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/support-us/prize-draw for more details. 

Source: Beaulieu

MIND OVER MONTE CARLO – ONE TEAM’S QUEST TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ON THE MONTE CARLO CLASSIQUE RALLY

MIND OVER MONTE CARLO – ONE TEAM’S QUEST TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH ON THE MONTE CARLO CLASSIQUE RALLY

Adam Gompertz (l) Craig Callum (r) outside Blue Diamond Riley Services

Talking about mental health problems isn’t just for Christmas. Two former car designers want to open up and kick out the stigma attached to talking about mental health and raise money to help those in need.

Car designer-turned-reverend Adam Gompertz and director of the National Transport Design Centre Craig Callum are joining the Blue Diamond Riley Specialists team, driving a 1949 MG TC from Glasgow to Monaco, to raise much-needed funds for OCD Action during this year’s Monte Carlo Classique Rally (30th January to 3rd February).

Funds raised by Adam and Craig will enable OCD Action to help more people in 2019 with the mental health illness. Donations are welcomed here.

“OCD gets bandied around too much. It’s not an insult, it’s a real, life-altering condition.”, said Adam Gompertz. “I feel, as men specifically, we don’t talk about our problems, including that of our own mental health. Being a Reverend, I try and help as many people as possible, but opening it up to people outside of my parish and including my second passion – cars – is something I’m really trying to do in 2019 and beyond.”

Rather than simply being tidy, or something we might jokingly say we all have, OCD is characterised by disturbing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) producing anxiety which are alleviated only by repetitive actions (compulsions). It can leave sufferers isolated, trapped in an endless cycle of checking and double checking, of being a prisoner to the obsessions and resulting compulsions. Adam himself has battled OCD at various times in his life.

With the mental health charity Mind reporting that one in four people will suffer some form of mental health problem, and that one in six people experience a common mental heath problem such as anxiety and depression each week[1], the need to be raising awareness of these conditions is so important.

Follow the progress Craig and the Reverend make from 30th January as they leave Glasgow and aim to be in Monaco on 3rd February on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter – under #montyonthemonte.

WHAT’S NEW AT BEAULIEU FOR 2019

WHAT’S NEW AT BEAULIEU FOR 2019

The fantasmagorical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, the first sculpture trail with internationally acclaimed sculptors, brand new car events and a celebration of the work of Lord Montagu’s mother are all fresh reasons to visit Beaulieu in 2019.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years

See an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious and the original Child Catcher carriage in this new exhibition which will be open until November. Dress up for a selfie in the replica Grandpa Potts’ hut, see Sally Anne Howes’ life-size music box doll dress and the actual Spy Phone prop used in the film which is celebrating its golden half-century.

Coggins’ Garage has even been recreated in the National Motor Museum to house the film’s inventive machines created by Rowland Emett, including the Humbug Major Sweet Machine, Clockwork Lullabye, Little Dragon Carpet Sweeper and Hot Air Rocking Chair.

Chitty memorabilia includes a solid silver Chitty model bought for producer Cubby Broccoli by his wife Dana and original film concept art by Sir Ken Adam, storyboard watercolour artwork by Robert Laing and technical drawings by Peter Lamont which have never been previously exhibited.

Don’t miss a glimpse of the iconic Land Speed Record breaker Babs that inspired the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang story and is on show at Beaulieu until February.

During school holidays and weekends* you can also see a stunning Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reconstruction being driven around the grounds of the attraction. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years can be seen as part of a general admission ticket to Beaulieu.

* Chitty driving outdoors will be weather dependent.

Summer sculpture

For the first time at Beaulieu, a sculpture exhibition featuring the work of more than 50 international and national sculptors will be on show throughout the grounds and gardens of Palace House. From the atmospheric ruins of 13th century Beaulieu Abbey to the Victorian flower garden, 270 sculptures will be set in the perfect surroundings. The unique collection will include a trail of sculptures to suit all tastes and budgets. Beaulieu Sculpture will run from May 25th - July 14th.

Palace House exhibition

A new exhibition celebrating the painting, drawing and needlework of Lord Montagu’s mother, Belinda, Lady Montagu, will open at Easter and remain on display throughout 2019.

The exhibition in Palace House will include previously unseen work by the artist and embroiderer. Belinda, Lady Montagu undertook a wide range of work for the family business at Beaulieu designing posters and displays for the Montagu Motor Museum. Her embroideries include seven wall hangings recounting the story of Beaulieu Abbey. Commissions have included cushions for HM The Queen and HRH Prince of Wales and ecclesiastical work for a cathedral and churches. She also collaborated on a project to teach embroidery skills to local women in Bali, Indonesia.

Lord Montagu said: “For my sister Mary and me, it will be a great pleasure to stage this in recognition of all the wonderful work my mother has created through the decades.”

New Simply rallies in events line-up

The 2019 calendar for Beaulieu has been confirmed with the announcement of new Simply rallies joining the calendar of award-winning events.

Simply Mercedes will build on the growing success of Beaulieu’s popular Simply range of rallies, which celebrate car marques from Ford to Porsche in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. New club events also include Vanity Modified and Spring Alfa Day for Alfa Romeo owners.

Beaulieu’s 2019 season features a full range of motoring and family entertainment. The 50th Fireworks Spectacular will celebrate an Out of this World theme marking the first moon landing and summer fun includes Hot Rod & Custom Drive-in Day for Father’s Day and Beaulieu Supercar Weekend in August. The 25th anniversary Spring Autojumble will return on May 18th-19th, while International Autojumble will be held on September 7th-8th.

For tickets and more details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events or call 01590 612888.

The National Motor Museum with its collection of more than 250 vehicles from throughout motoring history, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu family home of Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the stunning grounds and gardens are all included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets or more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

BICESTER HERITAGE ANNOUNCES PLANNING APPROVAL FOR EXPANSION OWING TO EXCEPTIONAL DEMAND WITH ‘NEW TECHNICAL SITE’

BICESTER HERITAGE ANNOUNCES PLANNING APPROVAL FOR EXPANSION OWING TO EXCEPTIONAL DEMAND WITH ‘NEW TECHNICAL SITE’

 Now at capacity with 40 specialists, the next stage in the overall vision of Bicester Heritage as a unique home for automotive past, present and future has been announced to construct 70,000 square feet of brand new buildings and create the ‘New Technical Site’. The exceptional demand for showroom, workshop, office and apprenticeship facilities at the once ‘at risk’ historic site of former RAF Bicester drives the latest phase.

Plans have been unanimously approved by Cherwell District Council’s planning committee for the construction of eight new buildings with a combined total footprint of 70,000 square feet. Named the ‘New Technical Site’, this section shall be the base for an extension to the existing engineering, sales, office and apprenticeship hub, providing much needed space for skilled businesses in the historic motoring arena.

Designed as integral to the historic site, and with access via the existing Main Entrance, each modern commercial unit has been designed to be strictly in- keeping with the historic aesthetic of the existing structures, with large amounts of similar materials resonating with the restored buildings of the historic Technical Site which the new development shall sit adjacent to.

The New Technical Site development will further cement Bicester Heritage as the National Centre for Historic Motoring Excellence, now that the early 20th century buildings of the former RAF Bomber Station have been restored to create the world’s first and only centre for the historic motoring industry.

With the historic Technical Site now at full capacity with 40 tenants, the addition of this development will not only provide further skilled employment but also expand the plethora of engineering, showroom and workshop based skillsets already found on site. The New Technical Site borders Skimmingdish Lane on the north edge of the Bicester ring road, and is integrated to the ‘marina-like’ business cluster of Bicester Heritage.

With unbeatable transport links on the doorstep and class-leading events, the New Technical Site development is a clear commitment to the future of the historic motoring industry.

The news of this latest round of successful planning comes on the back of the unanimous approval for a landmark 344-bedroom hotel, conference and leisure centre at the Bicester Heritage site. The hotel will encourage a wide range of visitors to Oxfordshire across the business and leisure sectors increasing dwell time in the area significantly, as well as bringing in a projected 250,000 visitors per annum and creating an estimated 180 full time jobs. Its scale will put it amongst the top 15 largest hotels outside of London, answering the question of under-supply in the regional hotel sector.

Dan Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, commented “We have been at capacity for some time and are very much looking forward to being able to welcome businesses wishing to benefit from the ‘Bicester Heritage effect’, providing business synergies as well as a modern-day quality experience that enthusiasts and their families demand.”

“With the impressive growth of a number of existing specialists here, we expect the units to cater for their expansion, whilst also being able to welcome a new cadre of class leading companies. An additional 10 businesses are expected once works are completed.”

Cllr Colin Clarke, lead member for Cherwell District Council Planning, said “The approval of these new buildings is great news for opportunity and growth in our district. Knowledge-driven and led by technology, the businesses based at Bicester Heritage do a great job attracting visitors and providing professional opportunities for local people.”

“With this track record in mind, the extension of Bicester Heritage’s technical site onto a disused area of land makes perfect sense. It will mean successful companies already based there can expand without relocating and it supports the wider corridor of motoring and aviation engineering in our district.”

Cllr Debbie Pickford commented “I cannot think of anything that would be more welcome for the Bicester and Cherwell area”, whilst her colleague Cllr Leslie Sibley, said that this project was a “fantastic opportunity for Bicester…we need more developments like this.”