In Pictures: Southport Classic and Speed enjoyed by thousands of visitors

Thousands of people enjoyed the first ever Southport Classic and Speed event, as crowds were wowed by classic, vintage and modern cars from three centuries of motoring. 

Vehicles on display ranged from an 1899 Hurtu, brought by local collector Bernard Williamson, to the very latest supercars courtesy of Porsche Preston. 

Victoria Park in Southport was the perfect venue for the main event on Sunday, 10th October as thousands of visitors toured the park in glorious sunshine admiring amazing displays including Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Porsches, Austin 7s, Aston Martin, Jaguars, and some incredibly rare pre First World War entries. Admission to the event was free. 

Local teacher Hannah Gomersall was in period costume sitting in an historic early Gladiator car, similar to the one which was raced by female motor sport pioneer Dorothy Levitt in the 1903 Speed Trials in Southport. 

A fleet of cars then left the park for a grand parade through town centre, taking in streets including Lord Street and the Promenade, where they were officially flagged off by Mayor of Sefton Cllr Clare Carragher. 

There are plans to make Southport Classic and Speed even bigger and better next year. 

Speaking at the park, event organiser Mike Ashcroft said: “Southport has got a tremendous motor sport history from the land speed records they had; sand racing, from before the war that went on, I think, to the 1970s; RAF Woodvale was the centre for drag racing in the 1960s; and Marine Drive was used for sprints, which are timed events. 

“Our plans for the future are really to introduce a competitive element to the event. 

“We would like to see sand racing at some stage on the beach and possibly a sprint on Marine Drive. 

“We think the Southport Classic and Speed event has got a great future. 

“We are absolutely amazed at the quality of the entries we had this year. We had 240 cars here, some of them it’s the first time they have been seen in the UK. 

“There were cars here which were winners in the Pebble Beach Concours, which is the premier event in the world. 

“We had a superb collection of Bentleys, Rolls Royces, there was a special display of E-Types, we had UK Hot Cars, which are locally based, but all in all, there was a superb collection of cars. There were a few bikes out there as well. We hope to have a few more next year. 

“The highlight of the event was the parade. 

“I would like to thank Alan Adams, as the manager of Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events, we have worked in partnership with him and have worked really well. 

“This event requires a lot of cooperation from Sefton Council in terms of the event and the parade. I would like to thank them for their backing. 

“Southport BID has been very supportive. 

“I would also like to thank our sponsors, including Cataclean, and our supporters, including Porsche Centre Preston.”

Added attractions at Southport Classic and Speed included marque and car club displays, local crafts, food and drink stalls and a shopping village. 

Sandgrounder Radio brought their Routemaster bus, and broadcast from the site throughout the day. 

The event was organised by Aintree Circuit Club, which runs Ormskirk Motorfest in Lancashire.

Southport Classic and Speed was presented by Cataclean and supported by Porsche Centre Preston, Sefton Council, Southport BID and Victoria Park Events.

This year’s Award Winners were:

​BEST IN SHOW – Jim Clarke – 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

​BEST PRE 1918 David Fellows – 1901 Bertrand

​BEST PRE WAR UP TO 1939 Mike Postle – 1931 Austin Seven

​BEST POST WAR TO 1966 – Chris Walker – 1962 Aston Martin DB4

BEST 1966-90 – John Dickenson – 1968 Wolseley Hornet Mk 3

​BEST POST 1990 – Martin Higgins – 2007 Subaru RB320

​BEST E-TYPE – Jack Ashcroft – 1961 Jaguar E-type OBL Prototype

BEST BENTLEY – David Lawson – 1935 Derby

​BEST ROLLS-ROYCE – Graeme Calvert – Thomson – 1996 Silver Spirit IV

•  For more details about Southport Classic and Speed please visit: www.southportclassicandspeed.com or visit the Southport Classic and Speed page on Facebook. 

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