Motoring firsts to be celebrated at London Classic Car Show

The London Classic Car Show will celebrate motoring ‘Firsts’ when its Grand Avenue runway goes live on 14-17 February 2019 at ExCeL London.

One of the show’s most popular attractions, a procession of rare and remarkable vehicles will be fired up and paraded on the live indoor runway, featuring models that have pioneered new technologies, founded manufacturing dynasties and ushered in new eras in automotive development. Amongst the 60-strong fleet of Grand Avenue runners will be a collection of rare and outstanding Minis to celebrate the iconic model’s 60th anniversary.

Considered to be the world’s first sports car, a Prince Henry Vauxhall will be amongst the memorable machines taking to the Grand Avenue next month. One of just a small number of surviving examples, this 1914 4-litre V 6289 was designed by famed engineer Laurence Pomeroy.

The first car built entirely to W.O. Bentley's specification will be on show. The 1914 Bentley DFP 12/40hp 2-litre Tourist Trophy Speed Model holds a hugely significant place in motoring history, acting as the stepping stone from W.O. Bentley’s position as a motor dealer to a manufacturer.

In celebration of Ferguson Formula Developments’ pioneering four-wheel drive and ABS braking innovations, the first all-wheel drive Formula One car will lead a convoy of FFD cars through the Grand Avenue. The 2.5-litre Ferguson P99 F1 car made history when it was driven to victory by Sir Stirling Moss in the 1961 International Gold Cup at Oulton Park.

Amongst the exotica at the show will be the first Ferrari Superleggera. This 1949 Ferrari 166 Inter Superleggera Coupe by Carrozzeria Touring is the ninth road car ever made by Ferrari, the earliest road Ferrari in the UK and one of the oldest in the world being driven regularly on public roads today.

A 1918 Cadillac Type 57 Tourer – one of the first cars fitted with a production V8 and electric motor as standard – will fire up on the Grand Avenue. The electric starter was invented in 1911 by Cadillac founder Henry M Leland and DELCO’s Charles F Kettering following the death of a friend caused by a terrible ‘hand-cranking’ injury; it made a mass-produced V8 a practical option.

An extremely rare Bricklin SV-1 will also be on show. This revolutionary sports car was the first to emphasise its safety features – an integrated roll cage and energy absorbing bumpers – and helped change the perception of vehicle safety, with its name an abbreviation for ‘safety vehicle one’.

One car that represents many firsts, from design, technology, marketing and motorsport perspectives, is the Mini. This iconic car celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2019 and the London Classic Car Show will pay tribute to its success and popularity with a host of rare Mini-derived models taking to the Grand Avenue.

Amongst them will be a Heinz 57 Wolseley Hornet Convertible. Developed as a marketing collaboration with Heinz Food, 57 bespoke convertibles were given away in a competition on Heinz packaging in 1966. They featured several unique accessories, including a built-in insulated food cabinet, electric kettle, Brexton picnic hamper and built-in Max Factor makeup tray.

Alongside will be the Austin Se7en Deluxe, Vanden Plas. The only one in existence, it was built in 1960 by special order for Irene Austin, the eldest daughter of Lord Herbert Austin. Originally white, it was sent to coachbuilder Vanden Plas to be painted Metallic Zircon Blue to match a Limousine owned by Irene’s husband, Arthur Waite, a BMC director who raced Austin 7s, famously winning the Australian GP in 1928.

An incredibly rare Riley Elf will be shown; one of ten pre-production prototypes built by BMC for the Earls Court Motor Show in 1961. The car was used as a press car and tested by Autocar in 1962. It was then bought by Tom Morris of Morris Motors Ltd. and developed with the help of BMC, so has effectively been factory built twice.

One of the most eye-catching Minis to be shown at the London Classic Car Show will be a Mini Moke featured in 1960s TV series The Prisoner. Built in 1965, it was converted by Wood & Pickett to sell, when it is understood someone from the TV production team saw it and thought it would be a quirky car to feature in the television series.

A whole host of other rare and unique cars will be on show alongside these mentioned models in the Grand Avenue. And, for the first time, grandstand seating will be available for the track shows to provide the very best view of the action, with tickets priced at £10 each.

For premium ticket holders there is also a grandstand in The Grand Avenue Club, which is sponsored by ERS, our specialist motor insurance partner who will be offering live quoting throughout the show with expert brokers, Classic Line. Joining ERS in The Grand Avenue Club will be TV Presenter and car enthusiast, Jonny Smith, to share his expertise and insights around this year’s event highlights, as well as point out his show favourites. 

Advance ticket prices for the London Classic Car Show start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show.

For further information and to purchase tickets for the London Classic Car Show, visit www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk.