Race Retro 2009 : Our Impressions

Our intrepid reporters headed off to Race Retro this weekend, you got to see their photos yesterday, however we thought we'd get some more details from Seth and Racer86 on their show highlights to get you a bit more under the skin of the event.

First up Seth:

The stand of the show for me was undoubtedly the VSCC display with a supercharged Austin Seven racer and an early twenties GN special which featured a 1500cc V twin, with exposed chain drive to overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and twin plugs too. You can literally see how this thing works and is put together.

I spoke to one of the members staffing the stand who let me know it was the club's 75th anniversary this year with many top events during the summer. Hopefully I'll be able to bring you coverage of at least one of these going's on.

My favourite find in the autojumble was this bunch of bananas in a plastic box under a table. The tag was obscured so I turned it over to discover what the curved pipes were supposed to be fitted to. Amazing!

The rally stage really added a fantastic mving dimension to what might otherwise have been a fairly samey indoor static display. Seeing quite a few old rally cars given some abuse on the tarmac and dirt was great - as was the informed commentary by Tony Mason.

Next up we have Racer86, who was at the show with his Starlet as a guest of Retro Cars Magazine:

I have always been a firm believer that noting is too nice to race, or too shiny to use. It’s what cars are built for and what they do best. That’s the rule, but here’s the exception: A 1959 Aston Martin DBR1 displayed in the entrance hall. From every angle it dripped style and speed, truly a piece of automotive art if ever I’ve seen one!

As an ex Mini guy I can appreciate a well built and set up A series when I see one and this little Midget challenge racer was pushing all the right buttons.

Talking to the owner revealed it weighed in at a little over 500kg’s and was putting down 160bhp from the 1460cc bored and stroked motor.

I really love the split 45 set up though this car is off to the roller next week to be set up on a single 48!

As well as the action on the track the auto jumble made a brilliant addition. There is nothing better than rummaging through boxes of old parts, rare engine bits or a Sierra Cosworth shell!