Governments and environmentalists keep banging on about climate change, well if the recent weather is what we have been experiencing is such, then I, for one, am all for it.
What such idyllic conditions, top-down motoring out to Spa for a weekend of excellent company, classic racing and back again. Alan had ‘bagged’ as usual the most favourable club stand at Raidillion infield of the famous Eau Rouge corner. See below: our stand is on the left in the dip below the trees overlooking the green divide , a perfect view of the track.
We enter through the Blanchimont tunnel having first used part of the old pre 1979 circuit passing the Stavelot corner, now cut off as the circuit was deemed too fast.
A most seamless entry – no queuing, just a sticker on the windscreen and a wrist band to flash as we enter, no stopping!
Late Saturday night whilst the stars were shining and classics were a racing, a small group of us sat down in the paddock to watch the epic tale of the Ford vs Ferrari Le Mans challenge with Matt Damon in the starring role as Carroll Shelby.
The film itself won an Oscar in 2109. In fact, it’s more a tribute to American domiciled English racing driver Ken Miles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Miles who alongside Shelby developed the GT40 that conquered the Sarthe circuit from 1966 to 1969. Strange but very sentimental as we watched a Le Mans film set in the Spa circuit surroundings, after which we had a most excellent drive back in the late cool evening to the hotel about 11 pm, arriving to find many of the group gathered around the bar – where else! Alan is already taking bookings for next year. For our outbound group it was an early 3am Thursday start to meet up for refreshments at the Channel tunnel where one owner had forgotten his passport! he caught a later train so not too dramatic. And for the record I achieved 32.05600933! mpg, I run 185s with an overdrive, as for the wine consumption! I will leave for Alan to divulge at some later time.
We are setting our sights on Coombe Abbey for this years’ DLOC National Rally 24th – 28th June. https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2026 Do came along and make it an enjoyable day and if you are staying, we hope to have a couple of dedicated SP tables.
The Essex group are planning a 2 nights/3days (7th – 9th July) on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis at The Cambridge Belfry hotel. https://www.thecambridgebelfry.co.uk/spa/ There is a ‘tulip rally’ through the countryside with a refreshment stop then lunch and later an opportunity to pop into Sandringham ending with an evening meal. Do contact me if you wish to join. laurence@sp250.net
I have booked a DLOC stand at Kop Hill 12th -13th September https://kophillclimb.org.uk/ for their annual weekend bash of fundraising. When having booked your entry get transferred to the DLOC stand
The latest edition of pasSPort, the 23rd should have hit your doormat by now, overseas owners will need to wait a little longer.
The July edition of Classic Cars has a one-page feature ‘Ads on Test’ where Alan Anderson takes a dealer offered SP and spills the beans on why to buy an SP250, the Turner inspired engine hits the bull’s eye. This being a late ‘C’ spec model that had sold previously for £50,000 in 2020 and then had a further staggering £30,00 spent on it, so at £29,995 it’s a bargain – no doubt sold as with this weather many sports cars are hitting their marque!
Charterhouse have a couple of SPs up for sale. Lot 22 and lot 49.
Next year, 2027, there will be a dedicated SP250 day at the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire.to be held on the 24th July so please make that date in your diary. https://www.shuttleworth.org/visit/before-you-visit/car-clubs Further details will be published in the Driving Member and this newsletter
Wanted Urgently – 2 sets of seat runners for Freddie Rayner contact details in pasSPort
Fog and pass lamp brackets – one owner wished to obtain a pair of brackets; therefore, a special tool was commissioned to produce these fittings and now these brackets which have been unobtainable for a considerable time are being produced and being hand finished some 60 plus years, later there are about £160 a pair, somewhat more expensive that original.
And Finally ………….
…. lost but not forgotten is this cream 1960 SP reg: 9874 WW a West Riding of Yorkshire issue, last noted in 2003. It’s no doubt hibernating in a garage – orp North, as the saying goes
Thought for the day: Fuel, freedom, clear skies and the roar of the Turner V8 engine, now that’s happiness.
(cannot wait for Spa next year)
