Biggest thrills ever at Coventry Motofest
Legendary Jaguar Le Mans winner takes pride of place
Spectators at Motofest Coventry 2018 were wowed by a range of exciting highlights at the event on June 2-3, including a run by the celebrated 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 Le Mans winner.
Marking 30 years since its victory in France, the car was reunited with winning driver Andy Wallace who swapped the Mulsanne Straight for the Coventry ring road.
The two-day festival is dedicated to the city’s motoring heritage, with the world-famous XJR-9 joined by other stars of motorsport on the Toyo Tires Sprint Circuit. The winner of the 1984 European Touring Car Championship – a TWR XJS – was joined by a race winning 1975 Group 44 E-type and a 1956 longnose Le Mans D-type.
In more sedate fashion, the event also showcased a unique threesome of motoring legends: the very first Land Rover, the first Morris Minor and a 110 year-old Austin 100hp racing car, which was driven by J TC Moore-brabazon in the 1908 French Grand Prix. Back then, the 9657cc 171bhp Austin posted an impressive top speed of 92mph.
James Noble, Motofest Coventry Festival Director, said it was great to see such a variety of breathtaking classics on the streets of the city. ‘Having one of the first Austin Grand Prix cars running on the circuit really connects the past with the present and is a showcase 110 years later of the enduring appeal of motorsport.’