Instead of the usual trek across countries and continents, the journey last month was just down the road. Brooklands, the world’s first purpose built motorsport track, is but a few miles from base. As a child going to school in Weybridge I could hear the testing of VC10 engines echoing down the hill from the Vickers factory located at the site. My Grandfather even worked there at one stage, so I certainly feel a connection with the place.

So when our Special Correspondent suggested a trip to the Double 12, how could I resist? The Brooklands Museum is a unique place, preserved by the efforts of a few true believers.

OK, the site is now a business park, manufacturing having disappeared from the place many years ago, much like the rest of the UK. A substantial part of the famous banking remains, plus the Clubhouse and hangers.

Indeed there is as much aviation history on site as motoring, ranging from Concorde to the war planes that were built here during the past century.

There is also a collection of the ancillary vehicles that would have been found at airports during the past 50 years.

Cars and Aeroplanes sit comfortably together, a Connaught and a P1127 pose in the sunshine.

However the purpose of the visit was to admire the collection of cars that were assembled, some of which would be static displays, such as the aero-engined monsters that raced around the Surrey track before WW2.

Some are more authentic than others, the less worthy cars attracting the ire of our Special Correspondent.

But the message was clear, speed it was.

There was a good mix of cars at the 2011 Brooklands Double Twelve, some road and some with true racing heritage.

Mike Hawthorn made his name racing a Riley Ulster Imp before signing up with Ferrari on his way to becoming Britain’s first Grand Prix World Champion in 1958. The Riley is now proudly displayed, complete with a hat tip to the former owner.

At the other end of the racing spectrum is the Jaguar XJ12C, the results never quite matched the presence.

However it was the road going cars that really caught my fancy. The Triumph Dolomite Roadster from the 30’s is elegant and understated.

Another Roadster, this time from the 50’s, as Mercedes Benz continues the line of elegance on display with the 300S

Mercedes Benz were well represented, as might have been expected, given that Mercedes Benz World is the next door neighbour. A very tidy 190.

And beloved of megalomaniacs everywhere, be they Pop Idol, Film Star or plain old Dictator is the imposing 600. Any list of former owners that contains the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Enver Hoxa, Idi Amin and the Shah of Persia is sure sign that the vehicle is exceptional. A Zil or this, maybe Kim Il-sung was not so crazy after all.

Of course being a Mercedes it is still in full working order, raring to run up the Test Hill.

I will make a separate post on the Alfa Romeo gang that showed up but I was much taken by the French contingent. I have always had a soft spot for DS Citroëns, my father had a couple, they just ooze Gallic style and flair. Nice DS 23 Pallas.

What about this beautiful Delahaye 235 Cabriolet? The line ended with this model.

Before the World War Two, Delahaye had been very successful in competition, winning both the Monte Carlo Rally and the Le Mans 24 Hours outright, the model a 135.

In complete contrast is the Subaru 360 or Ladybug……………..it did get up the Test Hill, though not with the same speed as the 600 Merc.

Which would you prefer now? Sunbeam Rapier or Lancia Aurelia? The Special Correspondent favoured the Italian.

Hens’ Teeth? A Squire from the late 30’s, one of only seven made.

Early Eccentricity from Malvern, a Morgan Runabout.

The three wheeler concept has been revived by Morgan this year, I have to admit that I did not know what to make of it. Having seen one in the flesh, I am convinced, a brilliant car for a summer’s day.

Yes please.

This 1935 SSI Airline saloon is the car that preceded the Jaguar……………..

So another good day out at Brooklands, it should be a must do for anyone who has petrol in their veins.

More on the Italians later.

 

John Brooks, July 2011