by Mike –

The UK is a serious rival to California for the car lover capital of the world. I don’t mean to offend anyone but take a look at a magazine stand the next time you are in a well stocked book store in the UK. There are many more UK car and motorcycle publications than in the US. That is an indication of their love of motor sports.

Sir Stirling Moss reunited with the Lotus 18 he raced to victory at the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix

The vast majority of Formula 1 race cars are designed in the UK and most of the Formula 1 teams are headquartered in the UK.

With that in mind I asked a local UK enthusiasts, and fellow publisher, to write about a recent event in the UK, and to share some photos.

Text and photos by Ian Owen

A record turnout and an array of motorsport legends helped celebrate the 10th anniversary of Race Retro, the now infamous international historic motorsport show that was held on 22 to 24 February, 2013.

Almost 30,000 visitors came to Stoneleigh Park for the three-day event. The highlight of the event, as always, are the legendary Group B rally cars, deemed too dangerous to race!

Over 50 cars took part including Mk1 (ex Roger Clark) and two Escorts, Talbot Sunbeam (ex Russell Brookes), Renault 5 Turbo, Porsche 911, Audi Quattro, Sierra Cosworth, MG Metro 6R4s and a Mk1 Lotus Cortina.

Talbot Sunbeam

Ford Escort Mk 1

Over 250 exhibitors crammed into the halls, whilst legends Sir Stirling Moss and Murray Walker were in attendance to see Jim Clarke’s Lotus 25 tribute and the rallying success of the Alpine Renault A110 in 1973. Generous with their time, they took part in multiple interview and autograph signing opportunities.

MG Metro 6R4

Other famous attendees included Tiff Needell, Barry Lee and Win Percy, amongst others.

Ford Escort Mk2

Murray Walker said:

“This is my first time at Race Retro and I’m so impressed, not only with what the show has to offer, but the passion of the enthusiasts attending. I’ve had a wonderful time meeting some of my dear old friends that I never thought I’d get to see again. In the immortal words of General Douglas McArthur, “I shall return.”

Audi Sport Quattro – short wheel base

Meanwhile Silverstone Auctions generated well over £1.4m of sales, including a 1967 Aston Martin DB6 and a 1952 Land Rover 80″ series. Over 64% of the cars offered were sold under the hammer.

Two-wheeled enthusiasts were also catered to with a selection of Barry Sheene race bikes, it is ten years since we lost one of the great British heroes.

Barry Sheen Motorcycles

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Ian Owen – classic motorsport, classic motorcycle and car fanatic is the Editor and Owner of Classic Car Mag.net. He was born in 1975 and is based in Peterborough, United Kingdom.

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Parc Fermé – Race Retro 2013

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