Brooklands hosts “largest event since 1939”

| 19 Jun 2012

This year’s Double Twelve event at Brooklands attracted more than 5000 visitors as its unique driving concours and speed trials presented an unmissable weekend of action.

The museum’s recently acquired 1927 Grand Prix Delage provided an unbeatable opening day spectacle as it was paraded round the track with the Birkin Bentley from George Daniels collection and the Museum’s iconic Napier Railton.

The event, which incorporates a VSCC meet, got off to a flyer as Saturday played host to the Double Twelve Speed Trials around the Mercedes-Benz World handling circuit, which had been modified especially for the event. Mac Hulbert posted the fastest time of the day in his 1938 ERA R4D.

The driving test phase of the Double Twelve Driving Concours (which scores on a combination of driving skill and vehicle condition) got underway with various obstacles laid out on the Brooklands circuit aimed at testing the drivers’ metal. Tim Jarrett (below), in his Frazer Nash TT replica, would be crowned champion of the event.

The Test Hill Challenge pitted everything from Sinclair C5s to bicycles and motorcycles as well as giant pre-war racing cars against Brooklands’ famously steep test hill.

On Sunday the event celebrated the late Carroll Shelby with a fantastic display of AC Cobras and Shelby Mustangs, which ran alongside family-oriented activities such as live music and Scalextric.

Museum director Allan Winn said: “Our driving concours offers something a bit different and this year’s event has gone on to build on the success of last year.”

 

Former C&SC art editor Nick Kisch hustles a Mercedes 600 around the driving tests.

Massimo Delbo was one of five Italians who drove from Milan for Double Twelve.

Rob Durrant guns his Mercedes 300SL Gullwing around the banking test.

Shelby tribute outside newly opened AC Heritage Factory with Ace and Cobras.

Corrado Lopresto brought two Alfa Giulia Prototypes from Italy.

Spectacular Group C Jaguar featured in the historic paddock.

The famous Delahaye 135CS Roadster is still owned by the Walker family.

The amazingly original Mercedes S Type on Bonhams' stand was the talk of the event.