Chelsea AutoLegends, a showcase of the most desirable, rare, exciting and important cars ever made (and described, not unreasonably in the absence of a motor show in the capital, as 'London's biggest show on wheels') is almost here.
On Sunday 4 September, the Royal Hospital in Chelsea will host the second edition of Chelsea AutoLegends. And this time there's even more to see and do. There are special displays devoted to the iconic Jaguar E-type and Mini Cooper - both celebrating their 50th birthday this year - plus a central display of Le Mans racers and cavalcades of supercars and classic bikes.
There will be classic cars owned by members of the public on display, along with everything from Group B rally monsters to 70s touring cars, to 1960s sports car legends and to modern supercars, while a host of motorsport personalities will visit the show during the day. There's plenty for the family, too, with fairground rides, simulators and a couple of famous cars with film-star kudos.
Visitors who really want to soak up the atmosphere are encouraged to dig out their kaftans, bell-bottoms, beads and bells and join in with the Swinging Sixties theme, remembering the days when Chelsea's groovy King's Road was the hub of global fashion, design and pop music (Garlick's already found a tight pair of bell-bottoms, he assures us).
Chelsea AutoLegends is held in the grounds of the imposing Royal Hospital in Chelsea, and helps to raise funds for the resident Chelsea Pensioners. Gates open at 10am on Sunday and close at 4pm.
And of course we couldn't leave you without mentioning the new-for-2011 PistonHeads Supercar Run in association with The Sunday Times, where some of the world's rarest and most exotic cars will be joining the show after a Sunday morning run through London.
McLarens and Moslers will join Lamborghinis and Ferraris, Koenigseggs, Aston Martins and Porsches in a cavalcade leaving the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall after breakfast and arriving at the show at around midday.
- 10:00 Show opens
- 11:00 Sir Stirling Moss OBE on the Autoglym Central Stage
- 11:30 Arrival of bike cavalcade from Ace Café
- 12:00 Arrival of PistonHeads Supercar Run in association with Sunday Times
- 13:00 Phil Read MBE on the Autoglym Central Stage
- 14:00 Paddy Hopkirk on the Autoglym Central Stage
- 16:00 Show closes
Discounted advance tickets are still available via the Chelsea AutoLegends website or from the ticket hotline on 0844 581 0760.
Advance adult tickets are £15 (£20 on the gate) and £10 (£20 on the gate) for those aged between 12 and 16. Underlining the event's family entertainment values, accompanied children aged under 12 will be admitted free of charge.