Classic & Sports Car

the big picture

Manufacturers’ advertising spiel may lay claim to their economy cars being efficient enough to get you to the moon, but how about a car that has actually been there… and beyond? In 2018, as part of his latest SpaceX project, Tesla figurehead Elon Musk blasted his own Roadster into space aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. Here dummy driver ‘Starman’ gets a majestic view back to Earth over his shoulder as his craft strikes out towards Mars; with a real-world range of around 200 miles, however, we didn’t get quite so far (see p102).…

welcome

Nearly 20 years ago, I drove up to Norfolk to talk to the team behind the Lotus Elise about its creation and subsequent shock success. In spite of that success, few then could have guessed it would soldier on for a quarter of a century and to the tune of 30,000 examples. Ahead of this issue’s cover story (p86) I was back at Hethel in the run up to the launch of the new Emira, and it was incredible to see the changes. The sense of a precarious existence that had remained since the days of founder Colin Chapman has gone, with an exciting buzz to the site – not to mention a brand-new factory (and canteen catering by Delia Smith!). A big part of that is down to the stability…

where to pick up the next issue of c&sc

As we steadily work our way through the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us can now return to the shops where you’ll find C&SC stocked by WHSmith in the UK, at all of the main supermarkets and at independent newsagents. But if you’re struggling to track down the latest issue, here’s how to avoid missing out on your favourite classic car magazine. We recommend subscribing to ensure you get the latest copy delivered direct to your door every month. Our Christmas early bird offer can save you up to 72% on your firrst six issues, so turn to p46 for full details. Single copies and back issues are available via magsdirect. co.uk/classic-sportscar/ or at themagazineshop. com/back-issues/classic-sports-car/ Finally, you could try going digital, either separately or bundled…

crowds revel in goodwood return

A sense of thanksgiving infused the return of the Goodwood Revival from 17-19 September, both for the freedoms we’re able to enjoy once more and for those who’ve helped us achieve them. Drivers were thrilled to be racing in front of a crowd again but, this being Goodwood, that sentiment was reflected throughout the event. Historical and contemporary references were blended in a poignant re-enactment of the London Victory Parade, first held 75 years ago in the capital to mark the end of the Second World War. Goodwood’s interpretation was an emotional tribute to both the original parade and our modern heroes taking part in the fight against COVID-19, with current members of the NHS joining marching bands and a sensational set of military machinery, from tanks to half-tracks, artillery tractors…

the c&sc team’s revival favourites

1936 FORD ROADSTER “It’s one of about 120 steel-bodied ’36 Roadsters left,” says Nick Cheshire, who bought the Ford four years ago from Greg Walters, organiser of the ‘Earl’s Raceway’ display. “Andy House brought it in from the States eight years ago and it was beautiful underneath, but he never painted it.” Cheshire only got the finished car back a week before the Revival: “Aaron Pursey and Darren Chantry at Leadfoot really went to town. It’s taken nearly two years and it now has a 383 with about 400bhp. I’m over the moon, and it was great going round the track together.” AC 1966 PEUGEOT 404 It was impossible to miss the Eddy Merckxwannabe MAMILs – middle-aged men in (vintage) Lycra – promoting historic cycling festival Eroica Britannia’s move to Goodwood in 2022.…

revival race winners

STIRLING MOSS MEMORIAL TROPHY Harvey Stanley/James Cottingham (Jaguar E-type) FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN TROPHY Mark Gillies (ERA A-type R3A) BARRY SHEENE MEMORIAL TROPHY PART 1 Michael Dunlop/Steve Plater (MV Agusta 500/3) BARRY SHEENE MEMORIAL TROPHY PART 2 Michael Dunlop/Steve Plater (MV Agusta 500/3) BARRY SHEENE MEMORIAL TROPHY COMBINED Michael Dunlop/Steve Plater (MV Agusta 500/3) JOHN WHITMORE TROPHY Nick Swift/Andrew Jordan (Morris Mini Cooper ‘S’) GLOVER TROPHY Andy Middlehurst (Lotus-Climax 25) ST MARY’S TROPHY PART 1 Romain Dumas (Ford Thunderbird) ST MARY’S TROPHY PART 2 Bill Shepherd (Ford Thunderbird) ST MARY’S TROPHY COMBINED Romain Dumas/Bill Shepherd (Ford Thunderbird) WHITSUN TROPHY Phil Keen (Lotus-Ford 30) SUSSEX TROPHY James Cottingham (Tojeiro-Jaguar) CHICHESTER CUP Peter de la Roche (Lola-Ford Mk2) RICHMOND TROPHY Ben Mitchell (BRM Type 25) BROOKLANDS TROPHY Duncan Pittaway/Eddie Williams (Frazer Nash TT Replica) ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB TT CELEBRATION Darren Turner/Oliver Bryant (AC Cobra) FREDDIE MARCH MEMORIAL TROPHY David Hart (Maserati 300S)…