Chateau Impney Hill Climb

Date: 09 July, 2016

Location: Chateau Impney Hotel and Exhibition Centre, WR9 0BN

It’s well and truly back, having been off the classic car calendar for decades.

Buoyed by last year’s comeback event, the charming Chateau Impney Hill Climb returns this summer to once again revive the original 1950s/1960s spectacle.

It’s being held on the weekend of July 9-10 at Droitwich Spa’s Chateau Impney Hotel and Exhibition Centre.

Hair-raising hills and consummate concours

At least 200 contestants are due to brave the worst that the 914-metre course can throw at them this year. They will all be out to break Lotus 20/22-driving Jack Woodhouse’s 42.42-second course record.

It’s certainly among Britain’s most individualistic hill climb circuits. But the weekend is as much about style as speed…

We already know an incredibly rare Aston Martin International three-seater dating back to 1929 will grace the Footman James-sponsored Concours d’Elegance.

Just five were ever built, only two of which are around today. With a top speed of 90mph, this immaculate four-cylinder, 1496cc maestro is in good company. The line-up also includes:

• De Dion-Bouton (1904): With recently upgraded wooden wheels and rebuilt engine, see just why this old lady is in such demand at shows nationwide.
• Voisin C14 Top Hat Coupe (1930): Nothing epitomised 1930s glamour more than this distinctive model.
• Morgan Brooklands Super Aero (1932): An absolute speeding bullet for its day, hitting 103.76mph in 1934
• Gordon-Keeble IT (1966): Only 98 of these affordable grand tourers were ever built by the former Eastleigh-based manufacturer

Don’t leave without …

• Seeing the lots at the classic car auction: A Jag XK120 Roadster (1951) was last year’s top performer, fetching £106,400.

• Enjoying the vintage funfair: A 1922 Ferris wheel, 1952 carousel and traditional helter-skelter are among the attractions here.

• Experiencing some spectacular aerial displays: These include the Red Devils, an RAF Battle of Britain memorial flight and a Pitts S25 biplane.

• Catching the children’s entertainment: The kids will love the face-painting and entertainers such as Electric Cabaret stilt walkers.

Tickets

Adult tickets cost £18 for Saturday, £22.50 for Sunday and £36 for the whole weekend, all inclusive of booking fee. Children aged 15 and under go free.