Thursday 1st November 2012

Regent Street car show this Saturday

Sod the shopping, ogle automotive icons in the Best of British display instead

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If you're able to get to central London this Saturday the Regent Street Motor Show is back offering a fine alternative to shopping.

You can't fault the setting - the normally traffic-choked street is shut and the cars are displayed along the southern length.

The display PistonHeaders should aim for this year is Best of British – cars from the last 60 years. Among the 30 on show are a Jaguar XK140, an Aston Vanquish S, Lotus Elite (we're assuming the first one!), a Morgan Aero 8 and Aeromax, an original Lotus 7, Ariel Atom, McLaren 12C and two Bristols (fnarr, etc - Ed.). If it's like last year, access to the cars is excellent.

If you're into the pre-1905 veteran cars that'll be chugging their way down to Brighton this Sunday, they'll be on display with passenger rides available to amuse the kids.

This year promises a wider range of cars

You might want to avert your eyes but there's also a strong electric car focus, with vehicles entered into the RAC Future Car Challenge returning from their start in Brighton that morning. Look out for challengers needing a last-gasp top-up from a generator, as happened last year!

According to the organisers you can have a drive of some of the electric cars. We recommend a Twizy from Renault if it's available - highly amusing.

So yes, something for everyone, including other halves who'd prefer to spend the day trying on clothes. There's even some man shopping down there - Apple, Bose and the new Lotus store.

The show is open this Saturday (Nov 3) from 10.30am to 4pm.

[Escort Si-130]

At least this is a nice idea, compared to all those stupid car free days that keep springing up along these streets.