VSCC New Year Tests
Pre-war cars meet the next generation of classic devotees at this wonderfully atmospheric VSCC event
Daughters often borrow their dad’s car for a weekend outing, but when the transport in question is a RollsRoyce Silver Ghost and the drive includes tackling Brooklands’ Test Hill, it’s going to be something out of the ordinary.
‘It really is great to drive and I’ve had no problems at all,’ said Katie Forrest of the car that was originally exported to India, where it was nicknamed ‘ Taj Mahal’.
Katie’s dad, Tim, who has owned the car for 30 years and uses it regularly, clearly isn’t worried about his daughter taking the wheel of the 7428cc gentleman’s carriage.
Katie was one of a sizeable contingent of younger drivers at the Vintage Sports-Car Club’s New Year Driving Tests, where a total of 50 pre-war cars were put through their paces and a further 100 went on public display.
Everything from a Le Mans Bentley to Morgan three-wheelers – and most models in between – was present.
Cars certainly looked travel-stained after a day’s intensive driving. As well as traditional sporting machinery, less obvious contenders such as Ford Model As and Morris Cowleys also took part.
Another important participant was the 1937 Frazer Nash 319 that Don Aldington has owned for more than 40 years and driven more than 250,000 miles in his ownership. Fittingly, it won the RAC Rally at Brooklands in 1937.
The event also signified the first use of the exact replica of the original Brooklands scoreboard, which was unveiled last year in the paddock area.
Clerk of the course, Kevin Lee, says: ‘ This has been a textbook event. Everyone has had a great time and even the weather has been mild. We’ve had great support from younger drivers.’