It’s official – Britain makes the world’s greatest cars
Britannia rules the waves again… or the roads at least. The UK has won a contest to find out which country produces the greatest cars.
The London Classic Car Show sought to answer the question, ‘which country boasts the world’s best car collection?’
Over 9,000 attendees who voted at the four-day show, made the host country the winner.
Britain marginally pipped the Italians in the event’s spectacular Classic Six Nations Cup, in which four other motoring manufacturing giants also competed.
Visitors to ExCeL London were treated to seeing the greatest cars from each nation in the flesh at the venue’s Grand Avenue, surely something all drivers would love to see.
The winning team
The UK made a powerful case for victory with an amazing stable. Who could argue against this little lot?
- Rolls-Royce’s Silver Ghost
- Aston Martin’s DB5
- Lotus 49
- Land Rover
- McLaren’s F1 supercar
- Bentley’s Le Mans
- The original 1959 Mini
The Italians, who took second place, also made a fantastic case with their awesome arsenal of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Maseratis.
Best of the rest
In third place was the USA, Germany took fourth place, France came in fifth and sixth place went to Japan.
Model and racing car driver Jodie Kidd presented the prizes to first, second and third place – Britain, Italy and the USA.
Star-studded show
The show was billed as being twice as big as last year’s inaugural edition – and it didn’t disappoint.
More than 33,000 people graced the ExCeL over the four days.
Celebrity attendees included:
- Jenson Button, the former Formula One Grand Prix world champion, who opened the show
- Sir Stirling Moss
- Suzi Perry, the TV pundit
- Ari Vatanen, the legendary former Finnish rally driver
- Gordon Murray, the famous McLaren designer
Other highlights
- Murray’s McLaren F1 exhibition of seven models worth a combined value of £50 million-plus
- A gathering of Group B vehicles gave rally lovers a real treat
- The ‘Speakers’ Corner’ feature saw classic car experts take to the stage to talk about subjects from auction buying to picking your ideal classic
Bas Bungish, event director, says he hopes the arguments over who is the greatest will stop now. While Britain basks in its new glory, Bungish will start busily preparing for next year’s event.
23rd-26th February are the dates to stick in your 2017 diaries.
