The traffic on Regent Street was brought at a total standstill on Saturday 2 November not, however, as a result of congestion in central London but for the annual Regent Street Motor Show.
The capital’s world famous West End shopping street was closed from Piccadilly to Oxford Circuses for the UK’s largest free-to-view motor show which featured a glittering display of more than 300 cars from past, present and future eras.
There were numerous highlights for the 250,000 visitors that filled the pavements and temporarily pedestrianised highway. Representing the dawn of motoring was a remarkable collection of 100 pre-1905 machines. As a curtain raiser to Sunday’s running of the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, these were participating in the prestigious EFG International Concours d’Elegance towards the northern end of Regent Street. The 1900 Daimler of John Worth won the overall prize.
Further down from Oxford Circus, the legendary Aston Martin marque was out in force commemorating its centenary with a mouth-watering line-up of 100 of its most iconic models. The milestone celebration right in the heart of the capital was even more appropriate as the company was founded locally in Chelsea back in 1913. Adding to the entertainment, the Aston Martin Racing team was wowing the packed crowds with dramatic pit-stop displays. Closer to Piccadilly Circus, further down the elegant Nash Curve, Porsche was honouring 50 years of its evergreen 911 sportscar.
Representing present and future generations, manufacturers such as BMW and Renault were showcasing many of their latest offerings including futuristic electric vehicles such as the Renault Twizy and BMW i3. Proving electric vehicles can be fast as well as frugal, the Drayson Racing Technologies Lola B12 69/EV Le Mans prototype was on the Michelin stand fresh from claiming the World Electric Land Speed Record for sub-999kg vehicles by covering a flying mile at an average speed of 205.139mph.
“It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying such a wonderful display of amazing cars in the fabulous setting of Regent Street,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee. “Staged on the eve of the Veteran Car Run, this truly unique motor show really had something for everyone from early coal fuelled steam vehicles right up to the cars that will be roaming our city centres in the decades to come. With the sun shining for most of the day and so much to enjoy and experience, it was no surprise to see the whole street absolutely packed with a mix of serious car enthusiasts and clearly curious shoppers. It’s been a huge success and a great start to what’s always a fabulous and historic automotive weekend in London.”
“The Regent Street Motor Show, displaying cars from the past, present and future, provides a great draw for visitors who can not only take great pleasure from the splendid displays but also appreciate The Crown Estate’s recent investment in Regent Street which has transformed it into the best shopping street in the West End,” added Annie Walker, Director of the Regent Street Association.
For more information visit the official Regent Street Motor Show website: www.regentstreetmotorshow.com
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