Preview: Summertime Classics, Leicestershire, 7 July

An all-new, all-marque classic motoring event - Summertime Classics - is brought to you by the organisers of the Auto Italia day at Brooklands has been announced. It takes place for the first time on Sunday 7 July – at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire.

Summertime Classics is for cars and motorcycles of all marques and all nationalities, gathering in the beautiful parkland that surrounds Stanford Hall, the stately home a short distance from the M1, A14, M6 and A1(M). Phil Ward of Ginger Beer Promotions, organiser of the event said, 'We’re best known for our annual ‘Auto Italia’ Italian Car Day at Brooklands, which has grown over the last 28 years to become one of the most popular annual gatherings of Italian cars in the world. This year the May event enjoyed a record turnout of 5300, so we felt inspired to launch something new; and we’ve come up with something a bit different.

Alongside the Italian Car Day at Brooklands, the last few years have seen us hold an annual Italian car concours at Stanford Hall. Now, instead of just focusing on the Italian theme, we’re opening the display up to all marques and models and inviting owners of any classic vehicle – whether two-wheeled or four – to turn up at Stanford Hall on 7th July. Enthusiasts can drive there in any shape or size of classic vehicle and park up for a day of concours, aeronautic displays and autojumble; or simply bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

You don’t have to belong to a club to come along, but many owners’ clubs are already booking display areas for their members, including those representing Pontiac, Triumph Stag, Sunbeam Alpine and Alvis owners – all of which is a bit of a change from our usual fare of Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis! But since we couldn’t ignore Italian cars altogether, our Italophile friends will be joining us too, with Italian cars from all eras (including modern) and the longstanding Auto Italia Concours forming a centrepiece.'

To pre-book space, club organisers representing any marques or models are invited to contact Phil Ward at: gbpromotions@virginmedia.com or call +44 (0)1462 678205.