Posted on 23rd October 2015
It's the question that car enthusiasts have been arguing over since the invention of the internal combustion engine – what is the best British car ever made? Finally, they will have an answer at the inaugural Classic & Sports Car – The London Show.
Held at Alexandra Palace from 30th October to 1st November, the event will feature a £30m centrepiece display, sponsored by car care and valeting specialist Autoglym, featuring the top ten British cars. And one of these famous icons will be revealed as the Best British Car Ever, thanks to a global poll by Classic & Sports Car magazine in association with Autoglym.
Earlier this year, Classic & Sports Car – the world's best-selling classic car magazine asked a jury of more than 100 motoring experts, including McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, Lotus head of design Russell Carr and former Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, to come up with the shortlist of 10 cars. Their nominations ranged from the affordable car that put the nation on wheels, the Austin Seven, to the McLaren F1, the most uncompromised high-performance car ever built.
For stage two that shortlist (which also included the original Range Rover, Lotus Seven, Jaguar XKSS, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Ford GT40, Mini Cooper, Bentley Speed Six and Jaguar E-type) was put to a worldwide public poll. And thousands cast their votes.
The climax to this massive six-month-long process will come in just a week's time at Alexandra Palace when, on 30th October, Classic & Sports Car – The London Show opens its doors to the public for the first time and finally reveals the Best British Car Ever.
James Elliott, Classic & Sports Car magazine group editor, said: “Revealing the Best British Car Ever will certainly be one of the event's biggest highlights. Every car in the top ten is an icon and worthy of winning overall – but there can only be one victor. It's very fitting that a great British brand like Autoglym wanted to be involved with the celebration of our country's iconic motoring heritage and we look forward to welcoming visitors to pay homage to it with us at Alexandra Palace.â€
Classic & Sports Car – The London Show will feature more than 300 of the world's most prestigious classic cars from world-famous collectors and world-renowned classic car retailers. Organised by Classic & Sports Car, the world's best-selling classic car magazine, The London Show will also include a celebration of Aston Martin in partnership with EFG International, an exhibition of Sir Stirling Moss' most iconic single-seater competition cars and a star-studded Interview Stage featuring Ross Brawn OBE, Ant Anstead and David Brabham among a host of other celebrity guests from the world of motoring and motorsport.
More famous names have been added to the Interview Stage at Classic & Sports Car – The London Show, with British automotive legend
Norman Dewis OBE confirmed to appear at Alexandra Palace alongside a host of other stars.
Norman Dewis OBE has enjoyed a 33-year career at Jaguar and is widely regarded as Britain's greatest test driver. He has been responsible for developing many of Jaguar's most famous models, including the influential
E-type – one of the cars in the running for the Best British Car Ever – and
Le Mans-winning D-type. He also set the production car speed record behind the wheel of a Jaguar XK120 in October 1953.
Another new addition to the Interview Stage, which is being held in partnership with Smooth Radio, will be Professor Peter Stevens, one of the world's best-known and most sought-after automotive designers. He has specialised in the design of numerous innovative high-performance vehicles, including the Jaguar XJR-15, McLaren F1 road car – another of the cars in the running for the Best British Car Ever – and BMW's 1999 Le Mans winner.
Other guests just confirmed are The Classic Car Show presenter Alex Riley, motorsport journalist, commentator and author Simon Taylor, ex-racing driver Mike Wilds, and former rally driver and navigator Stuart Turner, who will also share their experiences over the weekend. In addition world-renowned motoring artist Tim Layzell and WeSeeHope CEO Mark Glen will also be interviewed by broadcaster Henry Hope-Frost.
They will join Formula One legend Ross Brawn OBE, presenter of Building Cars Live Ant Anstead, ex-Chairman of Jaguar Sir John Egan, Hexagon Classics chairman Paul Michaels, original Top Gear presenter Chris Goffey, triple Le Mans 24 Hours class winner David Brabham, Coys auctioneer and The Classic Car Show presenter Chris Routledge, Tom and Henry Mann from Alan Mann Racing and Jonny Sadler from Silverstone Classic.
James Elliott, Classic & Sports Car magazine group editor, said: “The Interview Stage is sure to be a focal point for this month's inaugural event and with the extra guests confirmed, visitors will be treated to a whole host of engaging and insightful stories. With legends such as Norman Dewis OBE and Peter Stevens, who are behind some of the most iconic and innovative models in British automotive history, alongside Ross Brawn OBE and Ant Anstead, the interviews will be a highlight for attendees of all ages.â€
The London Show will also include a celebration of Aston Martin in association with EFG International, a display of Sir Stirling Moss' British single-seater competition cars and stunning historical picture galleries celebrating iconic British manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover in addition to Britain's rich F1 past.
Tickets for Classic & Sports Car – The London Show are now on sale, visit
www.classicandsportscarshow.com or call 0844 581 1275 to book yours.
