On Sunday 10th August, sunshine rewarded fans who braved earlier rain to enjoy some of the most spectacular cars in the world, old and new, on the beautiful lawns at Wilton House.
After some early showers, the sun shone on the crowds at this year’s Wilton Classic Supercar with Castrol Edge. The sun glinted off drying raindrops on the sleek bonnets of the cars – from Lord Pembroke’s own 288 GTO to the all new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster, which made its global debut at Wilton, ahead of its official launch later in the week at Pebble Beach.
The new rally stage was a huge success; with crowds enjoying the rare spectacle of iconic group B rally cars in action, powersliding around the tree at the turnaround point and spitting gravel high into the air on the track through the valley.
The Head to Head theme was the centerpiece, with two Mercedes as the centerpiece – the modern SLS nose to nose with Lord Pembroke’s 60 year old 300 SL gullwing, both cars with their iconic doors raised to the sky.
Classic CarsThe EFG paddock sported some exceptional classic cars, including:Bugatti EB110“Beirut” Porsche 911BMW 507Ferrari 250 SWB SEFAC Hot RodFerrari California Spider (1958)Amilcar C6 Race carBristol 400 bodied by PinifarinaBentley supercharged “Blower” (Le Mans winner)
BloodhoundVisitors were also able to see the Bloodhound, the car built to attempt to break the 1,000 mph barrier in South Africa in the coming months. Richard Noble OBE was on hand to speak to fans, young and old. Sponsored by Castrol, the 13m long car, in part powered by a Eurofighter jet engine, will surely inspire young engineers of the future.
SupercarsAs ever, the supercar parade attracted thousands of fans, as everything from a Mclaren P1 to a De Tomaso Pantera, Ferrari 599s and Aston Martin Vanquishes roared and snarled their way along the avenue.
Supercars in the displays included:McLaren P1 (chassis 001)McLaren 650sLamborghini HuracanMercedes SLSGumpert ApolloMcLaren F1 XP5 (world record car)
PrizesFor the first time there were prizes on offer in various categories, a RaceLogic V sport box and £1500 in vouchers from Howards jewelers.
Best Supercar: Gavin Moule for his F1Spirit of Wilton: James Shead on behalf of owner for 911 RSBest classic: Joe Macari on behalf of owner for Ferrari 250 SEFAC hotrod
"Despite being faced with atrocious weather conditions, we held our most ambitious and impressive display of world class classic and supercars in our six year history.
"At midday, welly boots and were cast aside and the suncream came out allowing all to sit back and enjoy the fantastic displays put on by Slowly Sideways and their Group B rally cars, as well as the Inch Perfect trials bike display team.
"Castrol with Richard Noble presented the immensely impressive Bloodhound land speed record car whilst families made the most of the 'Little Landies' and our huge array of specialist food stands.
"We are delighted that those who braved the pessimistic weather forecast not only left with big smiles but also a suntan!" said Lord Pembroke.
