On Thursday 15 September Sir Stirling Moss OBE officially opened a new seafood restaurant and cocktail bar at the Royal Automobile Club’s Woodcote Park clubhouse.

On Thursday 15 September Sir Stirling Moss OBE officially opened a new seafood restaurant and cocktail bar at the Royal Automobile Club’s Woodcote Park clubhouse in Epsom. Leading a cavalcade of classic Jaguars, Sir Stirling made a spectacular entrance down the Captain’s Drive to the delight of members and guests.

Sir Stirling led the procession in a Jaguar XK120, the same model he drove on the eve of his 21^st birthday, when he won the Royal Automobile Club International Tourist Trophy on the Dundrod circuit in Northern Ireland. During 1951 and 1961 Stirling won the race a further six times. Also taking part in the parade was the Jaguar C-type commemorating his win in 1951 and the famous long nose D-type which won the 12-hour race at Reims in 1956.

Historically, there are few racing drivers whose success extends to every category of motor sport. Sir Stirling Moss OBE can lay claim to that accolade. In 1955 he raced to victory in the British Grand Prix at Aintree, the Mille Miglia and the Targo Florio. The Club’s new destination restaurant was truly inspired by the life and tastes of Sir Stirling, featuring classic seafood dishes and his signature cocktails.

Sir Stirling and his wife, Lady Moss, played an integral role in developing the menus.  Sir Stirling said: “I have been eating at the Club for over 60 years and this new restaurant reflects my love of seafood, the appreciation of lavish surroundings and attentive service”.  He went on to say that, “the restaurant has a wonderful ambience and will make for a truly great dining experience”.

Sir Stirling has had a long and fruitful relationship with the Royal Automobile Club. In 1954 he was given honorary life membership and Club Chairman, Tom Purves, said it was imperative that the new restaurant truly encapsulated the spirit of Sir Stirling. ‘We had a lot to live up to. I hope that members will enjoy Stirling’s as much as we have enjoyed trying to create something special, something memorable, in the name of our most famous, most heralded, most loved member. A true racer and a fine gentleman.’

The Club’s Executive Head Chef, Philip Corrick, commented: ‘We developed dishes inspired by discussions I had with Sir Stirling, and by the many achievements he is credited with. Monaco is his favourite destination, which had a huge influence on the menu. One of the signature dishes is Ravioli Mille Miglia, a seafood ravioli with lobster sauce.’ Because of Sir Stirling’s close relationship with Goodwood, all the meat and dairy produce in the restaurant is from Goodwood Estates Home Farm and the focus is on the best of British food. Sir Stirling and Lady Moss also lent inspiration to the signature cocktails on offer. The ‘No.7’, a modern twist on the classic Champagne cocktail, takes its name from Sir Stirling’s favourite race car number and is mixed with his favourite ingredients. ‘Stirling’s Moss’ is a long and refreshing drink that gets its vibrant hue from locally-sourced fresh ingredients and is inspired by the Woodcote racing green colour.

Also on display in the restaurant was a range of iconic and personal artefacts from Stirling’s private collection including the original steering wheel from his dramatic crash at Goodwood, navigator Denis Jenkinson’s pace notes from the triumphant Mille Miglia win in 1955, plus Sir Stirling’s racing gloves, boots, trophies and other significant memorabilia.

The event concluded with a special presentation to Sir Stirling and a  birthday cake to celebrate his 87^th birthday (17 September).

The Royal Automobile Club:

The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.

The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed for motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.

Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Motor Sport Association (MSA), Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and RAC Foundation. It also  promotes its own motoring events, such as the free-to-attend Regent Street Motor Show and the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox, which are two of the highlights of the Club’s London Motor Week, which this year runs from Monday 31 October to Sunday 6 November 2016.

The Royal Automobile Club also awards a series of historic trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Tourist Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy, the Torrens Trophy and the Diamond Jubilee Trophy.

Global vote sees The Classic & Sports Car Show’s ‘A Century of Supercars’ poll narrowed down to 11 finalists

• Global vote sees The Classic & Sports Car Show’s ‘A Century of Supercars’ poll narrowed down to 11 finalists
• Icons such as the Ferrari F40, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Miura and McLaren F1 are in the running, and all 11 will be on display at Alexandra Palace from 28^th – 30^thOctober
• Next stage is a second public vote, with the winner, the ‘greatest supercar ever’, announced at this year’s show
• To vote for the ultimate supercar and buy tickets, head to http://www.classicandsportscarshow.com

The shortlist for The Classic & Sports Car Show’s ‘A Century of Supercars’ global poll has been confirmed, with 33 of the world’s fastest and most pioneering speed machines whittled down to 11 thanks to over 17,000 votes by members of the public.

Supercar enthusiasts have been flocking online since June to vote for their favourite cars from 11 different eras, ranging from pre-1914 models all the way to modern machines built after 2010.

 

And now the public must decide which of the 11 cars will be crowned the greatest supercar ever at The Classic & Sports Car Show, held at Alexandra Palace from 28^th-30^th October.

Some truly iconic names make up the shortlist, including the Ferrari F40, McLaren F1 and Alfa Romeo 8C. Here are the contenders looking to be crowned at Alexandra Palace:

Up to 1914

Mercedes 1908 GP

1914-1929 

Bentley 41/2-litre Blower

1930s

Alfa Romeo 8C

1940s

Jaguar XK120

1950s

Mercedes 300SL ‘Gullwing’

1960s

Lamborghini Miura

1970s

Lamborghini Countach

1980s

Ferrari F40

1990s

McLaren F1

2000s

Bugatti Veyron

2010s

McLaren P1

All finalists came through era-related category battles to make the shortlist, with voters choosing between three different models from every given generation.

The Bentley 41/2-litre Blower emerged from a particularly gruelling tussle with the Bugatti Type 43 and Mercedes-Benz SSK, taking 50 per cent of the votes in the 1914-1929 category. The McLaren F1 had no such trouble in its 1990s showdown with the Jaguar XJ220 and Bugatti EB110, though, with 80 per cent of voters putting it through.

Voting for the overall winner takes place throughout September ahead of the event, where all finalists will be on show in all their glory. The greatest supercar of all time will then be revealed in a spectacular multi-million-pound display.

To vote, visit www.classicandsportscarshow.com/supercars and pick the car you think deserves the crown. Everyone who votes will be entered into a draw to win a pair of places on the VIP show tour.

James Elliott, Classic & Sports Car Group Editor: “Over 17,000 votes were cast for the cars in our shortlist, and it’s safe to say the public did a good job – the 11 finalists are truly spectacular. Indeed, there’s a strong case for each and every one of them to take home the ‘Century of Supercars’ title, but there can only be one winner.

“Our‘Century of Supercars’ feature is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for visitors of all ages, and I can’t wait to see which of these impressive supercars comes out on top.”

The Classic & Sports Car Show in 2016 will feature more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious classic cars from world-famous collectors and world-renowned classic car retailers. The event will also feature an auction from Coys, live restoration by a team of specialists from Classic Motor Cars (CMC) of a unique Jaguar XK120 by Pininfarina and a Live Interview Stage in partnership with Goodwood Road & Racing.

GOODWOOD REVIVAL - Jaguar to let anyone race on track, Scalextric track that is on their stand.

• Jaguar continues its 80^th anniversary celebrations with action on and off the race track at this year’s Goodwood Revival
• Brand will showcase its rich history and heritage ahead of a major announcement for the future – the launch of the F-PACE performance crossover at the Frankfurt Motorshow on 14 September
• Rare opportunity to see Jaguar’s sports car icons from past and present such as XK120, C-, D- and E-type plus latest F-TYPE
• Witness Jaguar’s 1960 E2A Le Mans prototype and Lister Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ in the action-packed historic races
• Challenge friends and family to a race using Jaguar sports car scale models on a custom-built Scalextric track on the Jaguar stand

Jaguar will celebrate its glorious history in style at the Goodwood Revival this year, with the presentation of a selection of famous heritage sports cars, new products for heritage car owners and the opportunity for festival visitors to race heritage cars of the electric-powered kind on its stand within the Earls Court Motor Show enclosure. 

Jaguar is celebrating its 80^th anniversary in 2015, and Jaguar will present iconic and award winning Jaguar sports cars on its show stand. In addition, Jaguar invites festival visitors to compete using scale model historic race cars on a custom-built Scalextric race track, which will be positioned on the main stand.

The 1938 SS100 Jaguar 2 ½ Litre is one of the rarest of the breed with only 191 examples ever made. Also on display is a cherished piece of automotive history – the 1950 XK120 wearing registration plate ‘NUB 120’.

Wearing chassis number 850041, the 1961 E-type was, as the chassis number denotes, the 41^st E-type to ever be produced. It wears the original production features such as external bonnet locks and was reportedly first owned by the Duke of Bedford. The final model on display is Jaguar’s latest sportscar icon, the F-TYPE.

Many of Jaguar’s iconic sports cars will entertain spectators in a number of different races across the weekend on the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit.


Cars including the XK120, Long nose D-type, E-type and Lister Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ will be challenging for outright victory in their respective races.

Fresh from his recent Class C victory at the final round of the Jaguar Heritage Challenge and completion of the grueling Mille Miglia earlier this year, Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee Chairman Ben Cussons will be racing his ‘PUG 676’ C-type in the Freddie March Memorial Trophy. Headlining the range of Jaguar racing cars is one of the brand’s most significant models ever built – the Jaguar E2A Le Mans prototype, which is entered into Race 16, the Sussex Trophy.

Another legendary Jaguar racing car present at the Goodwood Revival is C-type ‘MDU 212’ with chassis number XKC 005. 

This all-original C-type, which goes on display at the dedicated Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations stand, is a truly remarkable car and is credited with winning the 1952 Reims Grand Prix with Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel.

The Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations team is inviting owners of pre-1972 Jaguar cars to park in its designated area on site. 

In addition, owners can enjoy refreshments at the Special Operations stand by simply presenting the keyfob of their heritage model to a member of the Special Operations team.

Jaguar Heritage, which forms part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations division, offers a growing and comprehensive catalogue of over 30,000 spare and replacement parts for a range of Heritage models 10 years out of production.

Jaguar Heritage Parts will launch three new exhaust kits for E-type Series 1 and Series 2 (excl. 2+2 versions) at Goodwood Revival this year, all on display at the Special Operations stand. Like all Jaguar Heritage Parts, the new exhaust kits are manufactured using the original drawings and tooling methods to maintain and preserve the authenticity of each customer’s treasured Jaguar Heritage model.

In addition to its Parts business, Jaguar Heritage will showcase the services of its new expanded Browns Lane workshop, which now has the capability of carrying out service, maintenance and complete restoration on all Heritage models, including the stunning XJ220 supercar.

Jaguar celebrates a very successful 2015 Mille Miglia with all nine cars finishing.

• Jaguar Heritage’s team of three C-types, three D-types, two XK120s and an XK140 all cross the finish line of the gruelling 2015 Mille Miglia in style
• Topping the table for the Jaguar team was Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer Mike Cross and journalist Mikey Harvey in a Jaguar C-type
• Model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd and model and GQ.com columnist David Gandy were next best Jaguar finishers in an XK120 Roadster

Jaguar is celebrating an excellent team performance in the 2015 Mille Miglia with all nine cars finishing the gruelling 1,000-mile endurance rally across Italy, with two cars inside the top 200 hundred finishers.

In the year that Jaguar celebrates its 80^th anniversary, Jaguar Heritage headed to the start in Brescia with three C-types, three D-types, two XK120s and an XK140 driven by famous faces from the world of motorsport, TV and music.

In total, well over 400 cars took part in the punishing four-day event, which started in Brescia, headed to Rimini on the east coast, before dropping down to Rome, back up to Parma – taking in historic Siena and Pisa on the way – before finishing back in Brescia.

Supported by an expert crew of Jaguar Heritage technicians, the nine Jaguar entries never missed a beat allowing each driver pairing to focus on the core demands of the Mille Miglia: covering big daily mileages while also completing regularity time-trial stages.

It was ‘NDU 289’, the Jaguar C-type of Jaguar Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer Mike Cross, with Telegraph journalist Mikey Harvey, which came out on top for the Jaguar team, finishing in 153^rd place – a great performance given that the top 100 places are filled with regularity time trial experts.

“We’ve driven 1,000 miles over four long days and the C-type has been superb throughout,” said Mike Cross, who leads a team responsible for giving Jaguar cars their unique driving qualities. “There’s definitely a discernible blood line: the faster you go, the better the C-type gets. It becomes more precise, more stable, more calm – and that DNA is carried through to modern Jaguars.”

Finishing not far behind them in 171^st place were model and TV presenter, Jodie Kidd and model and GQ.com columnist David Gandy, driving ‘OOF 748’, a Jaguar XK120 roadster.

This was the second time Kidd had driven the Mille Miglia in this car, affectionately nicknamed ‘Betsey’: “It was just so much fun to be reunited with Betsey again,” she said. 

“I’ve really learned how to drive her and get the best out of her. As ever, the roads and the crowds were just sensational. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Jaguar support team who put in some Herculean efforts to keep everyone motivated and moving.”

Fellow driver, David Gandy, added: “It’s just been a real privilege and an incredible experience. I think the highlight for me was the way Jodie and I worked as a team. Our driving styles are very similar – we’re just as committed on the road as each other.”

Rapper and musician Elliot Gleave, aka Example, drove with his father, Michael Gleave. This was the second time Elliot had driven the Mille Miglia. This time he drove in ‘TAC 740’, an XK140 roadster. 

“This year was even better than the first time. I really got to grips with the car, the route books and the timing challenges. It has been a totally brilliant experience, but I’m knackered. 

I feel like I’ve done 20 days of touring. Doing it with my Dad has been amazing. He lives in Australia so I only see him once or twice a year. This is something we’ve been able to bond over. It’s been very special indeed.”

Driving his own Jaguar C-type, ‘PUG 676’, was Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee Chairman, Ben Cussons, partnered by journalist Alex Goy. He commented: “It’s been a great event – superb organisation throughout, a warm welcome from other drivers and even the weather was good with only a few drops of rain. 

The C-type performed superbly and was supported by a supremely dedicated Jaguar crew. Jaguars always seem to be a favourite with Italians – they always cheered when they saw the C-types and D-types.”

The event certainly left a profound effect on TV chef, James Martin, who drove ‘393 RW’, a long-nose D-type.“You feel elated at the end. It’s just the most amazing feeling. I’ve been through the turmoil and the heartache of not finishing the Mille Miglia so to be able to cross that line...I’m a Yorkshire farmer but I had tears in my eyes.

“The long nose D-type is the fastest machine out there. It’s just amazing to drive. There was an incredible moment when we were joined by another Jaguar works D-type and we had an amazing battle with a Ferrari TR over 100 miles up in the mountains.”

Recalling Stirling Moss’ 1955 victory in the Mille Miglia during which he averaged just under 100mph, Martin said: “If we experienced just 0.1 per cent of what Stirling Moss went through then you respect the man even more. 

For him to do what he did back then for 1,000miles is just unbelievable. It’d be an understatement to say I want to come back next year. This has been the best four days of my life. Thanks to Jaguar.”

Martin’s co-driver, adventurer Charley Boorman, was just as in awe of the experience: “I didn’t really know quite what to expect. When I did the Dakar, there was the similar feeling of the unknown. But James and I just had a laugh from beginning to end. We were like two children in a sweet shop at Monza on the banking! 

“I can’t believe we actually finished. Given the drop-out rate and how tough it is on man and machine, I’m so thrilled to get over the line. The D-type was fantastic. It was brutal. I really want to do it again. Big thanks to Jaguar – everyone who supported us to keep us going. They barely slept. They were fantastic."

Driving ‘RSF 303’, the priceless Jaguar D-type ‘Long Nose’ Ecurie Ecosse racer of businessman and classic car enthusiast Clive Beecham, was Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum.

“This was my third Mille Miglia,” he said. “I was offered the chance to do this year’s event in a D-type, and an Ecurie Ecosse D-type at that. I couldn’t turn it down, especially as I remember that car being driven at Ingliston race track in Scotland when I was about seven or eight years old.

“It’s a huge privilege to be part of that car’s history – because it’s made even more history now, being part of the Mille Miglia. And this year’s drive was pure enjoyment for me, pure exhilaration. This event is amazing – it gives you a unique feeling for what the car is about. It underlines exactly what the Jaguar brand is all about.”

The team was completed by finishes from endurance racing legend, Derek Bell and art collector Adam Lindemann, who drove ‘KSF 182’, a C-type, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr Ralf Speth and Tony O’Keeffe in ‘280 BPE’, an XK120 roadster, and classic car expert and owner of D-type ‘NVC 260’, Simon Kidston with journalist Jason Barlow.  

Round Two of the Jaguar heritage Challenge saw some great racing.

• Martin Melling and Graeme Dodd win the second round of the Jaguar Heritage Challenge
• Lead changed hands on several occasions with Race 1 winners Andrew Kirkaldy and Martin O’Connell setting the early pace
• Commentators’ ‘Driver of the Day’ awarded to Harry Wyndham in his 1962 E-type
• Round three commences at Brands Hatch between 11-12 July
• Entrants and drivers can visit a dedicated web page for the new series at http://www.hscc.org.uk/jaguar-heritage-challenge for full details and information on how to enter

The pairing of Martin Melling and Graeme Dodd took the chequered flag at the second race of the Jaguar Heritage Challenge series at the Silverstone International Trophy at last weekend.

Melling and Dodd (Class E) driving their 1961 E-type, were pushed all the way to the finish line by four other competitive teams from the start – with the lead changing hands on several occasions. 

Andrew Kirkaldy and Martin O’Connell – winners of the inaugural Jaguar Heritage Challenge at Donington – set the early pace in their E-type up until the pitlane opened for the first driver change.

As the race wore on, Melling and Dodd stayed in the leading pack and began to establish a good rhythm.  After two retirements to rival cars fighting it out with the pair at the front of the field, they eventually crossed the line and take the top step on the podium.

Commenting on the race Grahame White, CEO of the Historic Sports Car Club, said: “Watching the race was tremendously entertaining as it was impossible to determine who would actually win the race up until the last corner. The Jaguar drivers made it yet another spectacular day of racing.”

The commentators’ ‘Driver of the Day’ went to Harry Wyndham who finished fourth overall.

The other class winners from the four other classes taking part in the Jaguar Heritage Challenge were Mark Donnor (Class A) driving a Jaguar XK120, 1988 Le Mans-winning driver Andy Wallace (Class B) in a MK1 saloon. Class C was won by the pair of Derek Weale and John Sykes in a C-type, while Bob Binfield in his E-type took Class D honours.

The third round of the Jaguar Heritage Challenge commences at Brands Hatch as part of the Brands Hatch Super Prix on 11-12 July, where the grid of Jaguar Heritage models will once again race wheel-to-wheel for overall honours.

For full regulations and details on how to enter the Jaguar Heritage Challenge Series visit

http://www.hscc.org.uk/jaguar-heritage-challenge