Posted on 18th June 2013
Classic car clubs are out in force at this year's Castle Combe Circuit's Classic & Retro Action Day, held on Saturday 29th June, with everything from classic family saloons of the 1960s to pure British sports cars making welcome appearances.
Bringing the best in true British sports car beef are the TVR Car Club and Club Marcos. Both makes offered the best in performance and handling and TVR's 1980s and '90s resurgence is represented by a selection of models including a 280, 430SE, Cerbera and Griffiths.
The Marcos flag is waved by some of the company's earlier models, including 1964 and 1967 Coupes, and models from the '70s and '80s join them. There are also later 2000 and 2001 cars and, for the ultimate in Marcos performance, an LM500.
One British manufacturer that will forever be associated with the post-war sports car boom is Lotus, and the Lotus 7 Club is bringing along a selection of this much-revered motor.
Another great sporting name, MG, is represented by the MGF Register, whose members will be bringing along several models, ranging from the earliest examples, built in the mid-1990s, through to later cars. Affordable performance with an evocative name doesn't get much better.
And if it's something from the higher echelons of motoring, the Bristol Owners' Club brings us the opportunity to see, up-close, several of these limited-production, bespoke grand tourers.
Offering some overseas glamour, the Opel Manta Club and the Fiat Motor Club add a touch of mainland European pizzazz. Several Mantas, including a first-generation 'A' series model are joined by other Opels, including a luxury Senator saloon and a rare-in-the UK Ascona. A Vauxhall Cavalier also joins the throng.
From the Fiat Motor Club the endangered Panda makes a welcome appearance, with four examples, including the little-seen 4×4, putting Italy firmly on the Castle Combe tarmac. An equally rare Tipo 16v is a great reminder of Fiat's rival to the Golf GTi and a 127 Palio limited edition turns the clock back to the 1970s, when all big European car makers were aiming to offer a small hatchback.
Bringing a touch of family motoring is the Cambridge and Westminster Owners' Club, which will be showing some Austin Cambridges and Morris Oxfords, as well as the larger Austin Westminster.
Into the 1970s and '80s the Avenger and Sunbeam Owners' club (ASOC) offers an insight into the seldom-seen Hillman Avenger and alongside regular saloon and estate models a selection of the range-topping, high-performance Avenger Tiger will be right at home in the Castle Combe circuit.
Clubs are offered various packages to attend including the chance to bring up to 12 display cars for free, depending on the marque and era represented. Those clubs receiving free space can also enjoy reduced price track sessions throughout the day, which are divided into themes by age and marque.
Castle Combe's Classic & Retro Day is open from 9am until 5pm on Saturday 29th June. Adult ticket prices are £12 in advance, £15 on the door. Tickets for senior citizens are £8 in advance, £10 on the door. Entrance is free for children under 17 years. Track and parade sessions start from £15 when booked in advance. Camping units are available at £8 in advance, £10 on the door. To book tickets or for more information, phone 01249 782417 or visit www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk.
