7th August - VSCC at Prescott

[David]

Vintage Sports Car Hill climb at Prescott Hill Climb, near Cheltenham.

I am planning a joint get together at this truly amazing event. Having been for a couple of years now I cannot recommend it highly enough.
in the past Saturday is Classic Car Day with special parking for anyone who turns up in a classic.
You are free to wander around the paddock, talk to owners and spot cars you thought no longer existed. ERA, Fraser Nash, Bugattis - the list is almost endless. There is a restaurant and bar on site, along with shops, autojumble and of course access to the Bugatti museum.

This is a very spectator friendly location with plenty of picnicking areas all within the grounds and the ability to walk the entire course.

[David]

From their website:

Some of us are meeting at 8.15 Michaelwood services M5 northbound if you would like to join us.

Details from the VSCC website:
The gem in the crown of summer Vintage Sports-Car Club events, 250 Pre-war sports and racing cars will be in action over the weekend at the historic hill climb venue in Gloucestershire. The ultimate VSCC weekend; there is no other event that sums up the ethos of The Vintage Sports-Car Club because of the relaxed atmosphere, superb cars, hard competition, great company and a superb location.

If you are a potential spectator and have never attended the event before you will simply relish the relaxed ‘garden party atmosphere’ that this event enjoys. This idyllic spot in Gloucestershire is steeped in nostalgia and it particularly comes alive on the first weekend in August. Vintage car enthusiast flock in their thousands to enjoy watching a splendid selection of Pre-war machinery tackle the hill, from cycle cars to ERA racing cars, a ‘Vintage Car’ enthusiast would be hard pressed not to find something of interest on the track.

Off track the Vintage car park in the ‘Orchard’ throws up hidden gems year after year, this is a stunning location where members enjoy their picnics and entertain friends in idyllic surroundings. Prescott enjoys a popular selection of trade stands, and of the Bugatti Trust Museum is open all weekend (entry is subject to a small voluntary contribution) to add some extra interest. There are lots of super places to enjoy the action on the hill, from the popular ‘Orchard’ corner at the Sponsors Area or you can walk further up the hill and view at many safe locations.

WHAT WILL I SEE?
The field of 250 cars is in action all weekend. Split into 16 Classes you will see a wide representation of the Pre-war era from the amenable Austin 7s to fierce Single Seater ERAs and ‘Vintage Specials’. There are over 50 Pre-war marques entered for the competition; examples include…
Austin- Riley-Frazer Nash-Carden-Morgan-MG-Fiat-GN-Amilcar-Wolseley-Singer-Bugatti-Lea-Francis-Aston Martin-Triumph-Lagonda-Alvis-Citroen-Alta-Bentley-Alfa Romeo-Talbot-Donnet-Delage-Hotchkiss-Vauxhall-Batten-Invicta-Brough Superior-Talbot Lago-Railton-Mercedes-Darracq-Sunbeam-Dodge-Stutz-Panhard-Levassor-Theophile Schneider-Humber-Vernon Derby-AC-HRG-Delahaye-De Dion Bouton-Peugeot-Fafnir-Deemster-ERA-Morris

COMPETITON FORMAT
Saturday is practice day; each car will have two runs up the hill, one in the morning, the second in the afternoon. Practice during the day will be run in class order. On Sunday competitors will make their official timed runs which count towards overall placings. Again, the first is in the morning, the second is in the afternoon. Runs start at 10.00am after the children’s bicycle and pedal car races.

OTHERHIGHLIGHTS
ALFA ROMEOS The Alfa Romeo Register have organised a small display of significant Pre-war Alfa Romeos in the paddock to celebrate this year’s Centenary of Alfa Romeo. The cars all belong to members of the register and are all Pre-war 6 cylinder cars; the earliest is from 1928. They are all highly original, oozing with history and are quite simply not to be missed!

PRINCE HENRY VAUXHALL GATHERING The Prince Henry Vauxhall, the ‘First British Sports-Car’ celebrates its 100th Birthday this year. There are only eleven cars in existence, and it is hoped that at least five, (possible more) will be on display and parade up the hill.

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT There is a free bouncy castle for children to enjoy (all weekend!) and face painting for £1 a child. Both activities are located in the Orchard.

TRADE STANDS There are 32 traders on site for the weekend. They will be selling everything from rare Vintage Autojumble, car parts, spares, artwork, automobilia, clothing and books. There are also many Pre-war motoring ‘services’ present with whom you can discuss future restoration projects and work.

JAZZ The Eureka Jazz band will play on Saturday evening adjacent to the Club House on site. They will also parade on Sunday lunch time. Children are more than welcome to join in with the parade, bring a decorative umbrella to twirl!

[nzchevy]

I have already booked to go there on the Sunday, because on the Saturday I am going to Kemble steam rally otherwise I would have gladly joined you.

Roger

[David]

That is a shame

If anyone else fancies a unique day out for all the family I can heartily recommend this event.

[David]

Great day out.

Short vid and pics from this weekends event:

Short Prescott video

Prescott pics

[nzchevy]

I would totally agree. I attended on the Sunday and was overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of the pre-war cars on display let alone racing.

Roger

[David]

Hi Roger

And you got the best day for the sunshine! Though we got the cheap day at £8 inc parking.

As you say they variety of cars on display and racing was truly amazing and is for me, the best car event of the year. Apparently it is the largest event of its type in Europe, which I can well believe.

The problem with photos and even video is you don't get the smell of hot engines, Castrol R and noise - a sensory overload.

Already looking forward to next year.