Sunshine, Star Cars and Motorsport Legends Draw Thousands to Historic Hill Climb
Thousands of enthusiasts flocked to Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb over the weekend of 18–19 July as Classic Nostalgia once again celebrated the very best of historic motorsport in glorious summer sunshine.
From iconic Formula One machinery and World Rally Championship legends to thunderous NASCARs, Can-Am monsters and one of the most eclectic race paddocks in the country, visitors enjoyed an unforgettable weekend packed with action both on and off the famous hill.
Adding to the atmosphere, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane made breathtaking flypasts on both Saturday and Sunday, providing a poignant reminder of Britain's aviation heritage.
Competition on the hill was equally impressive, with a wonderfully diverse entry ranging from historic Allards and McLarens to the Depster Ensign LNF3. There was also an emotional return for Hepworth's famous Guyson Sandblaster at its spiritual home, while crowds were captivated by the incredible Mannic Beattie, the extraordinary 600bhp jet-powered hill climb machine built in a garden shed.
Crowd favourite Ralli22 returned with over 25 iconic Group B, Group A and World Rally Championship rally cars competing throughout the weekend, creating one of the largest and most spectacular rally classes ever assembled at Shelsley Walsh.
Away from the competitive action, one of Classic Nostalgia's enduring attractions remained its open paddock, where visitors could wander amongst the cars, meet the owners and drivers, enjoying the unique sights, sounds and unmistakable smells of motorsport history brought vividly to life.
Historic Racing News Live Stage Makes a Successful Debut
One of the popular new attractions for 2026 was the debut of the Historic Racing News Live Stage, which proved an outstanding success.
Featuring interviews, question-and-answer sessions and autograph opportunities included within general admission, the stage regularly attracted standing-room-only audiences eager to hear first-hand stories from various motorsport personalities.
Guests included Richard Attwood, John Fitzpatrick, Anthony Reid, Howden Ganley, Mike Wilds, Stuart Graham, Les Thacker, Lorina McLoughlin and many more, sharing fascinating memories spanning Formula One, Le Mans, touring cars, rallying and historic racing.
Richard Burns Tribute a Weekend Highlight
One of the highlights of Classic Nostalgia was a special celebration marking 25 years since Richard Burns and Robert Reid won the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship.
Taking centre stage was the legendary X20 SRT Subaru Impreza WRC, the very car that carried Burns and Reid to their historic world title. The car participated in a special parade driven by Tom Williams, Richard Burns' godson, whose father David was both an early mentor and close friend of the late World Champion.
The celebrations were made even more special by the presence of Jo Burns, Richard's sister, together with former Prodrive team members, friends and colleagues, who reunited for a startline photograph and an exclusive Historic Racing News Live Stage interview recalling Burns' remarkable championship-winning season.
Motorsport Icons Thrill the Crowds
The demonstration programme once again showcased an extraordinary collection of competition machinery spanning more than five decades.
Highlights included:
The 1976 Surtees TS19 Formula One car in its iconic Durex livery.
Michael Schumacher's 1992 Benetton B192.
Rubens Barrichello's 1997 Stewart SF1.
Patrick Tambay's Haas Lola THL1B Formula One car.
Roy Lane's McLaren M10B Formula 5000.
The World's Fastest Jensen, fresh from Bonneville Speed Week.
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust with the Group 44 E-Type
The ever-popular NASCAR demonstrations once again delighted spectators, joined by a few CanAms, a Chapperall to the Andy Rouse-liveried Dolomite Sprint and Mike Wilds at the wheel of the spectacular BDG-powered Ford Escort Mk1. Wilds, a long-time supporter of Classic Nostalgia, once again described the event as one of the highlights of his racing calendar.
Classic & Sports Car Concours
The Classic & Sports Car Concours, open to pre-1985 vehicles, showcased nearly 100 entries.
Judging was led by motoring journalist and broadcaster Simon Taylor, alongside John Mayhead of Hagerty and Ryan Standen from Classic & Sports Car magazine.
The awards were presented as follows:
Best in Show: David Whyley's 1950 Austin A90 Atlantic.
Judges' Choice: Nishit Khambhaita's 1971 Datsun 510.
Spirit of the Show: Timothy Crossland's beautifully preserved 1968 Morris Traveller,
The Best Presented Car Club Award, independently judged by Lockton, was presented to the Morgan Sports Car Club, the impressive display featured a large contingent of owners that had taken part in a rally from Yorkshire to the event.
Among the weekend's competition awards, Laura Elliott was presented with the Joy Rainey Perpetual Trophy for Fastest Lady of the Meeting following an impressive performance in her Porsche 911 Carrera. The trophy was presented by Porsche Le Mans winner Richard Attwood.
A Festival Beyond the Hill
Classic Nostalgia offered far more than motorsport action, with visitors also enjoying the Exhibition of Speed motorsport art gallery, more than 20 visiting car clubs, a bustling trade village, live music, dancing and family entertainment throughout the weekend.
With a packed paddock, full grandstands, glorious sunshine and an unrivalled collection of cars, drivers and motorsport personalities, Classic Nostalgia once again demonstrated why it has become one of Britain's most popular hill climb meets.
Click here to view additional photo from the event
Photos thanks to: Geoff Robinson, Mark Silvester, Stuart Wing, Dave Airston & Rob Macdonald
