Last weekend’s Sunday Scramble saw a record-breaking 6000 visitors pass through the Bicester Heritage gates.
‘Drive It Day’ – a national scheme encouraging the use and enjoyment of historic vehicles – brought about over 1,000 historic classic cars to the former RAF Bomber Training Centre, as well as 45 car clubs, and guests enjoyed a display of Historic aircraft – including the ‘Finest Hour Experiences’ Tiger Moth offering visitors the opportunity to see the show from above.
Rising star photographer Amy Shore hosted her successful debut exhibition, with a variety of automotive images for sale at the recently restored former Station Armoury at the heart of the site and New tenant Wriggly Monkey Brewery delivered its first ‘permanent ale’ to visitors.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport joined the event from Building 119 – The Field Force Motor Transport Shed – which will become the home of its heritage collection of historic race cars. The display at the Scramble included 2017 and 2010 Formula One race cars, as well as a 450SEL 6.9, a 560 SEC and the iconic Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing.
Many of the site vendors including newcomer ‘Sports Purpose’, which deals collectors’ Porsches and their contemporary motoring rivals, opened their showroom doors. Joining ‘Sports Purpose’ in launching in the heart of the site was historic sports, competition and touring car specialist Robert Glover Ltd, which unveiled a beautiful modern showroom for vintage cars after having moved from Building 82.
Kingsbury Racing Ltd displayed their recently completed Speed Six saloon, the most original of its type to survive in the world. Having been commissioned to make it mechanically perfect but to leave the exterior and interior untouched, the result is a time warp restoration of magnificent proportions. Kingsbury Racing Ltd was in the process of preparing six cars which will run on the ERA Flying Scotsman rally this coming weekend.
Bremont, the Official Timing Partner of the Sunday Scramble events, set up a display in the Club Room of the Station Armoury and unveiled its six clocks around the technical site. Nick English, co-founder of the company, flew in for the event in his 1950s Broussard.
Bicester Heritage’s official Event, Insurance and Valuation Partner Hagerty laid on a ‘Drive It Day’ classic car run which finished at the site. It also hosted its usual Valuation Arena, which sold out on the day
Dan Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, said: “Sunday’s Scramble was the best yet – a fitting milestone for Bicester Heritage’s fifth anniversary. Not only were we able to welcome over 6,000 enthusiasts and more than 1,000 classic vehicles on Drive It Day, but also the latest new specialists and partners ranging from Porsche expertise to the Bremont Watch Company. Above all else, the atmosphere was both laid back and inclusive; thank you to all who joined us”
The next Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble will take place on Sunday 7 October. For more information, head to bicesterheritage.co.uk/events
