'Drive it Day' at the Sunday Scramble
The second Sunday Scramble of the year at Bicester Heritage last weekend celebrated ‘Drive It Day’, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Club’s day of automotive indulgence dedicated to the UK classic car scene.
Held amongst the wartime buildings of the historic former RAF Bomber Training Station, from the Motor Transport Yard to the Paddock, there was something special at every turn. From several immaculate early Volkswagen Golfs at rest next to thunderous competition Porsche 911s, a diminutive classic Fiat 500 adjacent to pre-War battle-scarred Rileys and a humble Mercedes-Benz W123 beside a genuine Lancia Stratos rally car to name but a few fantastic combinations.
Amongst the 1,500 historic vehicles, particular crowd favourites included the astonishing Jaguar XJR-12, a Le Mans veteran from the heady days of Group C racing, on display outside specialist Sports Purpose alongside a bevvy of Porsches. A plethora of beautiful pre-War machines were to be found across the site, including the 1923 Bequet Grand-Prix Delage found in Robert Glover Ltd’s showroom, the supercharged Gurney-Nutting boat tail Bentley in Kingsbury Racing Shop and the unique Aston Martin Headlam Coupé. Built for William Headlam, it turned heads even with the likes of the Ferrari 288 GTO a stone’s throw away, while up by the Paddock and Test Circuit the camouflaged Aston Martin DBX prototype was an unexpected discovery for the attendees.
The Heritage Skills Academy hosted three Ford GT40s on the lawn outside their apprentice training workshops, whilst tucked away in Pendine’s showroom, a Aston Martin V8 Zagato sat menacingly next to the curves of an AC Ace Bristol.
A tremendous showing from 28 different car clubs added further colour to eclectic mix, with a pack of De Tomaso Panteras, Minis and everything in-between on display by their respective collectives. The Sunday Scramble car park has become a destination in itself as the event has grown and the selection of cars lined up on the Airfield’s perimeter were indicative of a shared desire to ‘Drive It’ on this special day.
Photos: © Nick Chivers / Bicester Heritage