Silverstone officially unveiled Bonhams as a new sponsor of its revived classic motorsport event on Thursday 7 April,  with  a  launch  at  Bonhams’  prestigious  salerooms  in  New  Bond  Street,  London. 

Following  a  three  year sponsorship  agreement  between  the  Northamptonshire  based  circuit  and  the  world  famous  auction  house, Silverstone  also  took  the  opportunity  to  announce  a  new  title  for  the  jewel  in  its  classic  motorsport  crown, changing the name of the Silverstone International Historic Festival to The Silverstone Classic, in association with Bonhams.

Six decades of Grand Prix motor racing will form the centrepiece of the new-look annual historic festival, taking place at Silverstone - The Home of British Motor Racing - on 30/31 July.

For the first time, the cars that made Formula One history (from 1930 through to 1985) will compete in a single event, supported by a superb line-up that boasts some of the best historic and classic racing series in Europe. The remarkable story of the evolution of Grand Prix racing will be told in a series of races for classic F1 cars, many of which were raced by the finest drivers in the sport's history. The event will be a celebration of Grand Prix racing,  with  rare  and  extremely  valuable  racing  cars  being  pushed  to  the limit  by  their  current  owners  as  the Silverstone historic Grand Prix circuit, with its fast Abbey and Club corners, echoes to the sound of 65 years of racing.

With  as  many  as  100  Grand  Prix  cars  spanning  65  years  of  motor  racing,  there  has  seldom  been  a  more impressive representation of Grand Prix history!   However, The Silverstone Classic is not just about Grand Prix racing cars. An unbeatable array of sports, GT and  saloon  cars  will  also  add  to  an  unforgettable  weekend  of  racing.  Race  organisers,  the  HSCC,  have  put together a fantastic schedule  of races with  an  unbelievable line-up of cars that will fill the paddock to bursting point. 

Every  element  of  motor  racing  history  will  be  represented,  with  cars  being  used  as  they  were  always intended – for racing! The festival atmosphere will continue away from the track with entertainment provided for all the family. A period fun-fair, memorabilia and automobilia stalls, music, an art gallery, classic car club displays, the famed BRDC 500 Retrorun, the Scarf & Goggles food and drinks area, vintage aircraft and classic motorcycle displays will all add to a truly memorable experience.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented at the launch: “Having looked at the  current  range  of  historic  motor  racing  events  available  across  the  globe,  we  concluded  that  Silverstone needed to offer something different to other circuits in the UK. We have achieved this by developing a top class timetable of events, featuring rare and valuable racing cars right up to the 80s and 90s.   “We have therefore decided to re-launch Silverstone’s annual event under a new, less cumbersome name. From 2005 our annual festival will be known as The Silverstone Classic.”

Commenting on the event’s new three year partnership with Bonhams, Phillips continued: “The new-look event is set  to  re-establish  the  festival  that  was  loved  and  enjoyed  by  thousands  of  motor  racing  fans  throughout  the 1990’s. We have an extremely exciting partnership with Bonhams and are delighted to have such a prestigious brand associated with the event.”   

Robert Brooks, Chairman of Bonhams, added: “Silverstone is a venue with considerable history and heritage, and we are delighted to be supporting what will become one of the most popular classic motorsport events in the UK. The event also provides us with a unique opportunity to race cars that are not permitted to run at other circuits.  It  will  be  a  fantastic  weekend  with  spectacular  racing  representing  the  entire  spectrum  of  classic motorsport.”  

Tickets are available from just £10 per adult (if booked in advance) with admission for children (aged 15 and under)  and  parking  FREE. 

To  book  tickets,  or  for  further  information  on  The  Silverstone  Classic,  in association with Bonhams visit silverstone-circuit.co.uk, or call 08704 588290.

The Silverstone Classic, in association with Bonhams Ticket Prices    Sat Sun W/E Advanced £10 £15 £20 On the day £15 £20 N/A -