Chelsea Autolegends 2011

Monday, 12 September 2011 11:00

The Royal Hospital Chelsea becomes a secret garden of motoring delights

First weekend of September and the weather had turned but even the pouring rain did not deter me and thousands of other motoring fans from descending on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the Chelsea Autolegends 2011.

The grounds, more famously known for the Chelsea flower show, were the perfect setting for the array of cars on display. Row after row of vehicles lined each and every footpath and on arrival it was hard to know where to turn first.

The Pistonheads supercar run had also just arrived so this was an obvious place to start. Their engines still warm and the delightful smell of oil added to the excitement of getting up close to these desirable and luxurious vehicles. The range of supercars was fabulous; amongst them were Mclarens, Ferraris, Porsches and Aston Martins (including a one-77) plus a Noble M12, a Bugatti Veyron, a Pagani Zonda and the rather interesting looking Stealth. It was great to check the cars from all angles and have a peek inside.

Shortly after the arrival of the supercars Sir Stirling Moss OBE was interviewed on the Autoglym Central stage and held a captivated audience. He spoke about his memories of racing including the Mille Miglia, raising a laugh from the crowd by saying he never worried about the spectators on the track because they were all foreigners! He quickly explained himself by saying of course the crowds were a worry and this style of racing differed so much from the track where every turn can be memorised, it was impossible to memorise 1000 miles.

The Jaguar E-type stand was one of the event highlights with the E-type celebrating its 50th birthday this year. There were many on display, not only on this stand but also in other areas of the event. All lovingly cared for over the years and looking in great condition.

When the heavens opened again I took refuge under the established trees that line the main footpath from the London Gate entrance. Sheltering here I discovered that the show continued and there was a whole other secret garden of motorized delights to explore.

The Mini feature was displayed to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary Mini Cooper and there was a lovely range of well cared for Minis. And for motorbike fans the ‘Ace Café’ was home to the bike cavalcade that had arrived ahead of the supercars. Following the winding footpath through the undergrowth I got to see dozens more British cars including my personal favourite the V8 1965 Gordon-Keeble, one of only 100 ever made.

Finally the Invicta stand, which had several fine examples of yet another rare but remarkable vehicle. The Invicta S-type won the Monte Carlo Rally 80 years ago driven by Donald Healey - only the second time a British car and driver had won the event.

Making my way back and up the ‘pit straight’ I took a look at the Le Mans cars through the ages including the current Peugeot team fronted by British driver Anthony Davidson. I approached Anthony for a chat and asked for his tips for any aspiring girl racers. Anthony said:

“A good place to start is always karting, that is where I began my career. Anyone can do it, male or female it just takes dedication. If you are fit enough to handle the G-force then there are plenty of opportunities out there.”

Happy to have met a Le Mans and former Formula 1 driver, I headed back over to have a final look at the supercars but just as the sun decided to make its first appearance of the day the show had to close. Sadly, the event organisers asked spectators to leave the grounds before the cars. Not wanting to miss out on the sound of all those wonderful engines, I took a pew outside a pub not far from the show, where I was able to watch many of them leave and enjoy the sight of these beautiful machines in motion.

This was the second Chelsea Autolegends hosted by the Royal Hospital Chelsea and judging by the number of visitors it could become a popular annual event. Amongst the visitors were ‘The Men in Scarlet’, the famous Chelsea Pensioners, war veterans for whom the grounds are home. Donations were collected at the show for the Chelsea Pensioners’ Appeal but more help is needed, for information visit www.Chelsea-Pensioners.co.uk. By Anna Livesey