Classic nostalgia at Shelsley Walsh
"A simply fantastic event", that was the verdict of motoring legend and five-times Le Mans winner Derek Bell after appearing at Classic Nostalgia, a period themed motoring extravaganza, staged at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, over the weekend.
It is believed record spectator numbers, in their thousands and not seen since the Midland Automobile Club's Centenary in 2001, visited the historic venue over both days They were treated to a carnival atmosphere of sights, smells and sounds from over the years where decades of exciting racing cars in action were accompanied by live music, dancing and period dress.
Derek Bell, said: "I am like a kid in a candy store here today, being allowed to drive a selection of cars from over my career, with their current owners taking such a pride and pleasure in seeing their iconic cars in action.
"This really has been a fantastic event and of course, in such a beautiful setting, and I have had a truly wonderful time here today."
Derek took to the hill on several occasions during Sunday with the Jaguar XJ12C from 1976 and the famous Le Mans Porsche 956.
Another famous motoring gentleman in attendance was veteran Jaguar test and development driver Norman Dewis, who will be celebrating his 95th birthday next month, and drove an E-Type Jaguar up the course, before carrying out interviews and signing autographs for queues of enthusiastic fans.
Besides the informal and very family-orientated social side to proceedings, many closely- fought battles took place on the track itself, with local man Keith Harris taking Best Time of Day on both days in his 1973 Chevron racing car.
Keith commented: "This is my 'home hill' and what with the fantastic weather, relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie amongst fellow competitors, it really doesn't get much better than this."
Teme Valley driver and regular MAC competitor Malcolm Thorne brought along his latest acquisition, a 1962 Lotus 24 BRM F1, making its debut at Shelsley Walsh and declaring the car to be simply incredible to drive!
driving his Britax Mini Cooper, taking a class win and being absolute thrilled to be congratulated by Derek Bell himself in the paddock after his run, with motivational advice to 'just keep pushing'. Paul added: "What a charming man, he is so friendly and spoke to everyone, also coming across very well in his fascinating interview with Toby Moody, where he spoke of his work with Steve McQueen in the feature film Le Mans."
Saturday saw a full entry with class wins for Stephen Luscombe in an MG Midget and Andrew Walker in an MGB in the Luffield Cars MGCC Speed Championship. Bill Tuer took the honours in his 1932 Morgan Racing in the Morgan Three Wheeler competition.
The Bert Hadley Memorial Championship saw wins for Bernard Cowley in his 1930 Austin Seven in the road class and Terry Griffin with his 1931 Austin Seven Race Special in the track category.
Sunday's competition saw class wins for Hugo Pickup in an Austin 7 Ulster, Terry
Drinkwater in an MGA Coupe, Tom Cowley in a 1952 Cooper, Miuke Gallery in a 1965 Mini Cooper S, Nick Stephens in a Lotus 51B, Kim Johnson in a Mallock and Richard Mason in an Austin Healey 3000.
Summing up, Tony Harrison of the MAC Sports and Classic Section said: "What a successful event, it is just wonderful to see so many people here and to witness the superb collection of cars in action. Derek Bell and the Le Mans cars have added a little extra spice and excitement to the proceedings and it has taken quite a few of us back to the heady days of the 50s and 60s, brilliant!"
The car park was full of classic car clubs and classic car owners all out enjoying the sun and having picnics. Some even took up the invitation to take part in the Classic and Sports Cars Concours which was won by Chris Sherwood from Hereford with his Lancia Aurelia Cabriolet
The Courtyard had a full day of entertainment with music from the 50s and 60s, dancing girls and even dance lessons which proved very popular with the visitors. At lunchtime on the Sunday everyone was treated to a wonderful interview with Derek Bell.
Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb was also presented with a "Red Wheel" plaque for its contribution to motoring and motorsport by The Transport Trust, while Jaguar's numerous anniversaries were celebrated with a stunning display of cars.
Looking to the skies, there were also displays from Rich Goodwin in his Pitts Special doing the most amazing aerobatics and the whole weekend was rounded off by several fly-pasts by a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
The next event is the Championship Challenge on August 15 and 16 as part of the British Hill Climb Championship sponsored by Avon Tyres and Telford's TTC Group.
