■The UKs first BMW Z-fest topped by special parade■Birthday processions for many legendary marques
As well as a crowded programme of 24 action-packed races showcasing the full spectrum of motor sport history, this weekends Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July) also hosts some very special parades, all staged on the renowned Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.
With so many enthusiastic motor clubs choosing the Silverstone Classic to honour important milestones in their respective marques histories, these parades have become an important part of the worlds biggest motor racing festival and are hugely popular with both owners and spectators.
Last year no fewer than 767 E-type Jaguars took to the famous F1 track to celebrate the iconic British sportscars 50th birthday and thus establish a new Guinness World Record. This year a host of other legendary brands will be lining up on the hallowed Silverstone asphalt.
Heading the pack will be a world record gathering of Ferrari F40s. No fewer than 70 examples of the superlative supercar that many believe to be Ferraris finest creation will be lapping Silverstone to mark the Italian pin-up models 25th anniversary.
In total more than 450 rare and exotic machines will be joining the F40s in Sundays dedicated Car Club Parade with many other crowd favourites also celebrating important anniversaries. Notable among these will be a host of glorious Lamborghinisincluding Miuras, Espadas and Countachsto honour 25 years of the Lamborghini Club UK plus 50th birthday processions for much-loved MGB, Lotus Elan and Triumph Spitfire sportscars from the Sixties.
Adding further colour to Sundays spectacular show, around 175 classic cars that will have travelled to Silverstone from a variety of start points across the country as part of the AA Grand Tour will lap the track as the grand finale to their various journeys.
Before that Saturdays busy on-track schedule includes a lunchtime parade featuring hundreds of BMW Z1, Z3, Z4 and Z8 models as part of the UKs first Z-fest. Then, in the early evening, it will be the turn of more than 130 AC Cobrasanother illustrious sportscar turning 50 this yearto take to the Tarmac along with members of the Silverstone Classic Racing Club.
These stunning parades have become an integral part of the Silverstone Classic and its going to be great to see so many fine classics from different eras strutting their stuff on the full Grand Prix circuit, said Silverstone Classic event director Nick Wigley. Last years amazing collection of E-types raised the bar somewhat but for many the prospect of seeing 70 stunning Ferrari F40s is going to be every bit as spectacularand thats just one of the many highlights.
Adult tickets for 2012s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July) cost from as little as 35 (plus booking fee) and special two- and three-day weekend tickets are also available with savings of up to 20 per cent if purchased before 5pm on 19 July. Full details are available via the events official SilverstoneClassic.com website.
