The contribution of Ford, Peugeot and Volkswagen to the hugely popular and ultimately successful hatchback movement was immeasurable, with its iconic cars from the 1980’s and 1990’s now triggering a surge in popularity amongst an invigorated classic car audience.

Introduced by Ford in 1977 to compete with the Renault 5 and Fiat 127 that pioneered the new ‘supermini’ sector, the Fiesta quickly became Europe’s fastest-selling car, with half a million sold in the first year alone.

Although not revolutionary, it packaged everything the modern motorist required, yet when the uprated 1.3 litre Supersport version was introduced in 1980 to test the market ahead of the XR2 launch a year later, it paved the way for a generation of fast road fans.

The 1981 model presented by Historics has benefitted from a full, ground-up restoration, including bare metal re-spray and engine rebuild, and arrives at auction in immaculate condition.

As one of only 30 such examples known to exist, its status as a future classic appears certain, and offers in the region of £6,000 – £8,000 could represent a sound investment.

Declared car of the decade by Car magazine in 1990, Peugeot’s punchy 205 GTI is widely acknowledged as the car that saved the company, and has received plaudits since its introduction in 1984.

Sporting uprated, stiffened suspension and a 1.6 litre, in-line four cylinder engine, the Peugeot 205 GTI revolutionised the developing hot hatch sector, and delivered a rewarding driving experience its rear wheel drive competition couldn’t compete with.

Historics’ 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI comes to auction as a one owner car until 2011, and in fabulous condition with just 84,000 miles on the clock.  Finished in classic white with red interior and sporting the factory sunroof, this example of a much-lauded motor car is expected to fetch offers between £4,000 – £6,000.

Another up and coming classic on account of its Karmann connection – Germany’s largest independent motor vehicle manufacturer at the time – the VW Golf Mk. I Cabriolet was good enough to not need a second generation facelift, and was sold from 1980 until the Mk. III Cabriolet was introduced in 1993.

Upgraded with the ‘Clipper’ kit that from 1988 included smoother, body-coloured bumpers, wheel arch extensions and side skirts, Historics’ 1989 Volkswagen Golf GTi Cabriolet has travelled a not considerable 79,000 miles and is offered at auction with No Reserve.

Similarly offered at No Reserve is a 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale KAT.  Inspired by the six-time, back-to-back World Rally championship winning car, the road-going Lancia Delta Integrale was equally impressive and declared ‘the greatest hot hatch’ by Car magazine.

The Integrale KAT model – exclusive to the Swiss market – features the renowned bottom end of the 16 valve engine, combined with the reliable turbo-charged top end of the eight valve unit, to deliver the best mix of peak performance and durability.

Mechanically strong and showing good temperatures all round, the car has had three owners since new and has been well cared for by marque specialists John Whalley during the last decade.

Commenting on the increasing appeal of more modern motor cars as future classics, Edward Bridger-Stille, Historics’ Auction Director, notes; “we’ve been excited to see a new generation of potential classic car collectors and enthusiasts attending our sales, driven in part by successful cars of this era.

“Large production numbers are an obvious indicator of success, but as always, it’s immaculate examples that will command the top prices and drive future interest”, he concluded.

For more information on these and all other consigned vehicles, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the afternoon of Saturday May 26^th, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.  Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the day of the auction.

Original link: Retro Classics: Historics At Brooklands - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Well, as the date approaches for the Flyers to leave on their epic 5-in-5 trip – the 4th June – we’ve been asked (perhaps bribed is more accurate!) by one of the organisers, Darren Chandler, to remind everyone to pledge their support. Their aim is to raise £5,000 and already, the RRF’s are well over the halfway mark at £2,800 – which is excellent news.

In return for this e-nudge, Darren has supplied us with a hit of the good stuff. It’s one of the cars which has just been completed in time to participate in the 1,000 mile trip: a cracking Triumph 2.5PI World Cup Rally replica, which is sure to make any Leylomaniac smile.

You can pledge your support by donating via www.virginmoneygiving.com/5in5

Original link: 5-in-5 Draws Near - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

The long-running event is an essential fixture in any classic car enthusiast’s calendar, and this year takes place between 25th October to 2nd November. The event epitomises all that is great about ‘social motoring’, promising and delivering many varied surprises along the way for its lucky participants.

Every year, over 100 Mini and classic car enthusiasts head for the start line in Italy; this year, Rome will flag the cars off. Participants or ‘Jobbers’ spend eight adventure-filled days driving well off the beaten track through beautiful, unspoilt scenery, avoiding major roads and motorways and sticking to roads which their cars love best. They will enjoy a lap or two on the Mugello racing track, drive on the Ferrari circuit in Imola and will also visit Turin - famed venue of the Italian Job movie heist – where they go for a spin on the famous FIAT Lingotto rooftop test track used in the film.

Along the way, teams participate in an Italian Automobile Club sanctioned event, a navigational rally which puts their driving skills and navigational ability to the test, with penalty points awarded for any errors of skill, precision or timekeeping. Jobbers approach these trials variously as either an enjoyable bit of fun or with a more honed competitive edge! The winning team is that which receives the fewest number of penalties.

Mike Cooper – son of the legendary F1 constructor champion John Cooper and patron of the Italian Job event – who participated in 2005, says: “This brilliant event is a must for anyone mad about Minis, like me. It’s fun, it’s challenging, but most of all, it’s a great way to raise money for the vital work the Variety Club does with children and young people across the U.K.”

Places are limited to 100 cars: Minis and any cars featured in the 1969 film with Michael Caine. Inclusive cost per person sharing a double/twin room is £995pp. To sign up for this year’s event, or for more information, please visit the website: www.italianjob.com.

Original link: Minis, Hundreds Of ’Em - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Original link: Some Barn-Finds Are More Equal… - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

The Mille Miglia 2012 (16-20 May) is being held in a year packed with Alfa Romeo anniversaries. In addition to the Giulia’s 50th birthday and celebration of the Alfetta’s 40th, it is the 80th anniversary of the first win of an 8C in the Mille Miglia. In 1932 Baconin Borzacchini and Amedeo Bignami crossed the finish line in Brescia aboard an 8C 2300 followed by a sister car and another five Alfa Romeos that filled the top order up to seventh place.

The 6C 1500 Super Sport of 1928 (Stabilimenti Farina bodywork) is the first turismo model of the Jano era. The 1500 made its début in 1927 by winning at the Modena Circuit with the team of Enzo Ferrari–Giulio Ramponi. It won the first of 11 Alfa victories at the Mille Miglia the following year, with Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi, who clinched the win with a car similar to the Alfa Romeo Museum example.

The 6C 1750 Gran Sport of 1930 (Zagato body) is a car that became a legend at the Mille Miglia. Tazio Nuvolari and Giovanni Battista Guidotti won in 1930 with a 1750, and it was at this race that the driver from Mantua beat the record of 100 km/h average speed over the entire course. The contrast with Achille Varzi – also behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 1750 – was the leitmotif of the race, which reached its climax with a legendary overtaking manoeuvre with headlights off, to the detriment of the driver from Galliate.

The 1956 1900 Super Sprint is an elegant coupé with a body of a Touring car typical of the 1900s, a prestigious gran turismo in the 1950s and the top of the Alfa Romeo range at the time (the “family saloon that wins races”). The 1900 SS took part in a large number of Mille Miglia races. It was the favourite car of many privateers because it guaranteed an effective blend of performance and reliability.

The 2000 Sportiva completes the team of Alfa Romeo Museum cars – an exclusive gran turismo sporting group with glamorous and dynamic lines. The Sportiva was designed by Franco Scaglione, the same designer who created the Giulietta Sprint and the 33 Stradale. From a mechanical viewpoint, the 2000 Sportiva was derived from the 1900, with the sophistication of a rear De Dion axle, a solution that was adopted on the Alfetta saloon 20 years later.

Original link: Mille Miglia Alfa Romeo Entry - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Building on the record-breaking 2011 event – which saw 1,104 race entries and 80,000 visitors to the Classic – this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better with pre-sales already up by 31 per cent.

The itinerary is packed with 24 races, with some of these events featuring 58-car grids, over a wide range of historic motorsport classes and formulae.

Included in the huge line-up of non-stop action is a unique Touring Car race, which will showcase machines from European, German and British categories dating from 1975 to 1999. This race will also place a spotlight on the mighty King Cos – the formidable Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth – which sounds right up our street.

There will be races dedicated to two late motorsport greats: Alan Mann (sub 2-litre Sixties-Seventies Touring Cars) and Peter Gethin (Sixties-Seventies Formula 2 and Formula 5000 cars). Also, there will be a line-up of ‘celebs’ taking to the circuit in the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge.

Taking to the wheels of competition-prepared Morgans to raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund will be: Brian Johnson (lead vocals with the mighty AC/DC), Sir Patrick Stewart (actor), Heston Blumenthal (cook), Julia Bradbury (TV presenter), Brendan Cole (dancer) and ‘Comedy Dave’ Vitty (radio sidekick).

Other attractions include: the new AA World (billed as the ultimate interactive automotive theme park); Drive Live (where modern manufacturer’s display key heritage models and offer visitors hot laps of the Stowe Circuit); an auction by Silverstone Auctions; and the customary rock festival to get your rocks off.

Advance adult tickets are available from £35, and special two and three-day tickets are available. More information is available at www.silverstoneclassic.com

Original link: Silverstone Classic Update - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

As the four-speed auto slips through the ratios and the speedo needle climbs, a glance at the flat grey sky is snatched. Thankfully, the rain hasn’t turned up to spoil our test drive.

When we were invited to test this Bristol 411 Series Six which has been modified by Brabazon Motors, it was an opportunity we just couldn’t turn down.

Yes these cars have been and are likely to remain exclusive but whereas many cars of this ilk have an enthusiastic base with an unquestionably purist bent – Bristols are different. Far from tutting about modifications and then launching into a tedious diatribe along the lines of: ‘I think you’ll find that is a non-original fitment. You’ve fitted XYZ045B, when it should have the earlier XYZ045A specification of mudflap…’ Bristol owners embrace improvement, modifications and progress.

So what if your car didn’t come with an overdrive or disc brakes. Fancy a larger or different specification of engine? Well, why don’t you just fit one then… It’s an attitude which is almost as refreshing as the marque’s Q-car status. Driving this car here and now – even in its namesake city – and few if any passers-by notice. Try doing that in a Bentley WAG-chariot.

The M32/M4 roundabout looms and despite having a vast fuel-injected 245bhp Chrysler 5.9-litre V8 packing 335lb.ft of torque up front, the 411 turns in quickly with controlled roll and not even the faintest sniff of understeer. The throttle is then opened and we’re flung onto the motorway bound for the roads around Castle Combe.

I really could get used to this – the driving position is spot-on and it just whispers at the national limit. Well, save for a subdued burble and intake hiss coming from that folded eight-cylinder.

Belonging to Brabazon Motor’s boss, this Series Six is being used to develop a range of Bristol V8 upgrades. Despite being completed by ‘the Cars’ just under two years ago – think of the Series Six as a factory-executed rebuild with updates – this 411 already has nigh-on 31,500 miles. Proof positive that Bristol owners use their cars and are known for clocking up intergalactic mileage.

Although a long car, it is also a slim-hipped one. The elevated driving position and narrow windscreen pillars, also make it incredibly easy to place on the road and bless the cabin with oodles of daylight. Unlike the machines 99% of my fellow motorway users are driving which appear to resemble either a Portaloo or a squashed toad.

In here, the cabin is dominated by oxblood leather and pale wood veneer. Behind the Motor-Lita wheel lies the distinctive Bristol seven-clock binnacle crammed with magnolia-faced Smiths dials. The ergonomics might appear almost anarchic, but the details really hit the retro spot – the eyeball vents, the metal rocker switchgear and the driver’s cigarette lighter. Look closer, and the 411 has all the toys you’d expect in a top-flight 2012 executive – electric windows, heated seats, cruise control and a Becker stereo.

At 80mph it’s cruising with just 1,750rpm on the tacho, meaning that three-digit naughtiness – by my calculations – is provided at just 2,500rpm. The redline is at 5,500rpm but it may as well be on the moon, for the 411 is so long legged that I doubt it is ever bothered at the 140mph top speed.

Although recirculating ball steering can never match the precision of rack and pinion, the 411’s power-assisted set-up is good. Indeed, compare the Bristol to the last PAS recirculating ball I drove, an E39 BMW M5, and the meatier 411 set-up gets my vote.

Whilst there is plenty of history about Bristol Cars, there isn’t quite so much out there on the company behind this 411, Brabazon Motors.

Just over a year ago, in March 2011, when the receivers were called in to Bristol Cars in Patchway, the future looked bleak. The local TV reporter didn’t have much to go on, save for the fate of the 22 members of staff, who all instantly lost their jobs.

This 411 Series Six was actually in the process of being completed at Patchway when all this happened. However, its owner – Stuart Cullen – had built up quite a rapport with the workforce, so when Patchway was closed down, an idea was sewn.

The aforementioned idea has now grown into a company with fantastic modern premises based in Eastville, Bristol. Although Brabazon Motors has no link whatsoever with Bristol Cars or their current custodians – Kamkorp Group – it does employ staff who have run up enviable service records and massive experience at ‘the Cars’.

Unlike some specialists, Brabazon Motors – which can work on anything classic or retro but concentrates on the Bristol V8 types – doesn’t just focus on original equipment restorations. You see, Jeff Marsh – former workshop manager at the Cars, who now runs Brabazon’s workshop – is intent on modifying and improving these handbuilt cars, too.

One M4 junction later and rather than head south for the beige tourist pit, we head north for the quiet Cotswold roads.

Externally, the big change to this Series Six is the set of 18in wheels, which are necessary to clear the uprated grooved and vented discs and calipers (six-pots at the front and four-pots following up behind). Available for £7,600 plus VAT, this upgrade includes discs, calipers, wheels and tyres – with customers able to choose from a range of different wheel designs. Smaller brake set-ups are available to suit both 16 and 17in diameter wheels, but these 18s show what can be done.

So yes, the braking performance is a vast improvement on the originals, and the Brabazon upgrade also endows the 411 with a good pedal too – packing a nice balance between feel, effort and confidence. Given the 235/45ZR18 footprint, it would be easy to assume that this combined with recirculating ball PAS would make the 411 wander around more than Wordsworth o’er vales and hills – but no.

Despite the roads’ rough and ready state – complete with vicious bouts of camber – the Bristol proved far more controllable and stable than some much younger spicy hatchbacks.

The front is independent via coils with rear suspension provided courtesy of an LSD-equipped live axle suspended by torsion bars with eight-link location. Yet the ride quality is good and the damping has a beautiful deft touch to it (modern German saloons take note), giving the 411 a comfortable, calming character.

Yes, it’s a refined cruiser – but it also knows how to have a good time on minor roads. The steering is swift and well-geared, turn-in is keen, roll is well-governed and the chassis is nimble, encouraging and stable. The rear’s ability to transfer all that torque to the Tarmac – even when exiting tricky off-camber double-apex corners – is impressive. The rear axle just tucks in and faithfully follows the front without any tantrums.

The spread of torque can only be described as wall-to-wall, with kickdown providing an enjoyable dose of hearty wallop. Indeed, compare this with a V8-packing Seventies R107 Mercedes SL and the 411 soundly thrashes the vague, stand-offish and lethargic sport leicht.

Admittedly, as someone who prefers to stir the cogs manually, fast driving with two pedals doesn’t come quite as naturally. Doubtless it’s the inner control-freak who insists on dictating when each gear is selected to either accelerate or provide engine braking. Therefore, fast A and B-road sprinting takes a bit of adjustment. This brake upgrade though, certainly does allow you to not merely exploit the 411’s performance through twisty roads – but to relish it.

Sensible dimensions, big effective brakes, positive steering and a chassis which communicates are all essential, and this Brabazon-fettled 411 has all of the above.

All of which is proof positive that the way forward is to improve and modify old cars, rather than try to coax a connection with a cold, dead, lump of plastic which is brimming with microchips rather than personality. So, as the traffic lights go green and we hurtle onto the M4 bound for Brizzle, I feel like I’ve really got to know and appreciate the character of this rarely spotted enigma.

Needless to say, the journey home took quite a few minutes less than the outward bound one – and the frown of unfamiliarity had been replaced by a grin on full beam.

Bristol 411 with Brabazon Motors brake upgrade

Technical Specification

• Body: 1975 Bristol 411 Series Six
• Engine: 5,900cc Chrysler V8, 101.6 x 90.93mm, multi-port fuel injection, electronic ignition. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Power: 245bhp @ 5,000rpm; torque: 335lb.ft @ 5,000rpm.
• Transmission: Front-engined, rear-wheel drive with limited slip differential. Four-speed automatic. Final drive: 2.88:1; overall gearing 40.72mph per 1,000rpm.
• Suspension: Front: independent via coil springs, unequal wishbones, adjustable telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar. Rear: Eight-linked live axle suspended via torsion bars, adjustable telescopic dampers. Steering: hydraulic power-assisted recirculating ball.
• Brakes: Front: 345 x 32mm grooved and vented discs with six-pot calipers. Rear: 300 x 28 mm grooved and vented discs with four-pot calipers.
• Wheels & Tyres: 18in Team Dynamic alloy wheels with 235/45ZR18 tyres.

Original link: Brabazon Motors 411 - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Now in its 30^th year, the popular event attracts thousands of retro, road, race and rally classic cars to the historic Wiltshire circuit. And this Jubilee year sees a whole host of special classic anniversaries – including the 60^th for the Austin Healey, 50^th for the MGB, Ford Cortina, Lotus Elan, Triumph Spitfire, Jensen CV8, AC Cobra and Alpine A110, 40^th for the Jensen Healey and 25^th for the Ferrari F40.

The retro Action Day will feature classic cars packing the paddock and lapping the much loved, historic 1.85-mile circuit – including a great British sports cars special theme, with bespoke display area in the paddock, which is free to all GB retro cars in attendance.

There will also be the Giant Classic Cruise parade lap at lunchtime – where every paddock car is invited to join in a show-stopping display lap. Last year, more than 200 vehicles took part – making it one of the many highlights of the event, and a sight not to be missed for spectators.

Of course, club members and historic motoring enthusiasts also get the chance to experience the speedy circuit at full tilt firsthand, at great prices – from just £30 booked in advance (£35 on the day). Additionally, there’ll be a club parade 40-mph escorted sessions specifically for British sports cars, classic cars, modern sports cars and the special cherished car sessions, so everyone can get on track.

The paddock will be packed with a plethora of outstanding classic cars, retro rally and circuit cars, motor clubs, trade stands and classic car collectors. And as usual, there’ll be the chance to be crowned the coveted ‘Car of the Show’ and ‘Club Stand of the Show,’ for any of the 60+ car clubs and 1000+ cars displaying their vehicles.

Tickets are only £12 per adult, with under 16s free of charge. And discounts are available for track time and admission for all car club exhibitors (accepted clubs and groups get 12 free admission tickets, free display space, the ability to join in the lunchtime cruise and specially reduced track time prices).

The circuit is open on Saturday 30^thJune for admission from 8am, with action on track starting at 0900 and finishing at 1700. For more information on the Classics & Sports Car Action Day, please contact Maria Fisher on 01249 782417, email maria@castlecombecircuit.co.uk or visit www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk.

Original link: Classics & Sports Car Action Day - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Brake dust! That horrible black menace which doesn’t just dull your wheels, but it also has a quick nibble on them too.

Well, if you’re not a fan of wielding a soapy sponge, Armor All claim to have come up with an alternative solution to this knee-numbing, finger-torturing nuisance. In fact, Armor All is so confident in its new product that it is offering a 100% money back guarantee in the event of anyone not being a satisfied customer.

So what’s it all about and how does it work? Essentially, it’s a patented wheel-protection formula which uses the latest polymer technology to create a shield against brake dust, road dirt and grime whilst making it far easier and quicker to clean the wheel.

Shield For Wheels is applied directly to a clean dry wheel, where it forms a non-stick barrier that – Armor All claims – creates, ‘protective coating out-protecting, out-performing and out-shining existing wheel protectants and waxes…’

Adding, that the product is, ‘Designed to ‘lock in’ the wheel’s condition at the time of application, Shield for Wheels is equally effective on new and old finishes alike, with the barrier typically lasting up to four weeks, meaning wheels only need be rinsed clean during that time.’

Get it here.

Original link: Armor All Shield For Wheels - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

For the seasoned autojumbler, this is an event not to be missed, with 1,000 Autojumble spaces selling everything motor-related, including parts, automobilia, literature and accessories. The MotorMart on the Beaulieu Arena has up to 200 vehicles for sale, ranging from concours classics to restorable relics. Among vehicles already registered are a 1933 Rolls-Royce, Riley 1.5 RMA, 1960 Daimler Dart and 1936 Talbot Ten DHC. In addition the DealerMart offers a range of classic cars for sale.

This year’s MotorMarque feature celebrates 50 years of the Austin 750 Club.  The club held its inaugural rally at Beaulieu in 1962 and has been coming every year since. The Club will be bringing some of the most beautiful examples of the model to the event for visitors to admire.

In 2013 Morris Minor will be celebrating their centenary, and as a preview they are taking centre-stage in the Grand Marquee this year, showcasing a small selection of their vehicles. Other car clubs in attendance over the weekend include the Wessex Car Club, displaying 25 vehicles in the Beaulieu parkland, Dorset Jeep, Rover Sports Register, Austin 10 Drivers’ Club and Volvo Owners’ Club.

Sunday highlights include Old Sodbury’s Land Rover Sortout, selling Land Rover parts and accessories and Trunk Traders, with amateur autojumblers selling their surplus car bits from the back of their vehicles.

New for 2012 is the Walkabout Auction – an ‘end of show’ chance to buy and sell. This new feature for Spring Autojumble Sunday offers exhibitors an opportunity to sell off surplus items of stock they don’t want to take home with them. For just £1, they can buy a box to fill with bits (larger items can go alongside), to be auctioned at the end of the afternoon by a guest auctioneer. It’s a simple and easy way of buying or selling those last bits from the show and there are no auction fees to pay.

There is still time to book Autojumble stand spaces with prices starting at £63, £40 for MotorMart spaces and £37.50 for Trunk Trader (Sunday only). Just contact the Events Department on 01590 614614 or email:events@beaulieu.co.uk

Original link: Beaulieu Spring Autojumble Latest - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Today, the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show host and certified Ferrari-nut, Chris Evans announced the venue for a second show, CarFest North – and it’s Cholmondeley Estate.

CarFest North will take place over the weekend of the 8th-9th September.  It will feature a large collection of modern and classic supercars, top-quality bands – with Texas headlining on Saturday and Razorlight on Sunday – as well as a food festival and fun for all the family.

CarFest North will be the second large motoring extravaganza to take place in the grounds of the Cholmondeley Castle this year – the first being the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power which runs from the 15-17 June.

“When Chris mentioned plans for CarFest North on his Breakfast Show, I knew we had to show him what Cholmondeley had to offer,” said James Hall, Director of the Pageant and Cholmondeley Estate Manager.  “Being chosen to host CarFest North is just fantastic and cements our reputation as the home of high-octane action in the North of England“.

Chris Evans, host of BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show and brains behind the CarFest concept adds: “We checked out a number of amazing venues in the north but feel that Cholmondeley ticks all the right boxes.  Not only is it a well known venue for petrol heads but the setting is just beautiful and provides the ideal backdrop for the fantastic family focussed weekend we are pulling together.”

For further information on CarFest, visit www.carfest.org or for further event information on the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power visit www.cpop.co.uk.

Original link: CarFest North At Cholmondeley Estate - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars

Mark Brown will be competing at the event in his E30 BMW 3-series to raise funds and awareness for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. (Coincidentally, CAAT – www.helimed181.co.uk – also happens to be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, too.)

Why is Mark doing this? Well, if it wasn’t for CAAT’s help Mark’s horrific near-fatal car crash would have probably claimed his life. He tells us, “I nearly lost my life and the recovery has been long and painful, but despite breaking my neck twice, my back twice, shattered pelvis and femurs, I am now able to walk with a stick and drive again.”

Having seen a photo of the accident, it really is a miracle that Mark is alive – let alone walking again and willing to race. So we really would urge you to support Mark’s brave and selfless act by sponsoring him at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkBrown12

Good luck Mark!

Original link: Retro Racing For A Good Cause - Dep-O Magazine - Motoring mag for old, retro and classic cars