The organisers are promising some seldom-seen race cars and ‘not the usual Historic FIA GT suspects’ for the pre-’63 GT race at the Silverstone Classic in July. The brainchild of Ben Cussons, the grid aims to showcase original race cars on a level playing field, ‘rather than in a more traditional FIA context of combined pre-’66 classes’.

Cussons tells us that owners of cars rarely seen on the circuit have been convinced to ‘get their toys out of the cupboard’ – cars built and homologated before January 1st 1963, and ranging from AC Cobras and Aston Martin Zagatos to short wheelbase Ferraris and GTOs, plus AC Aces, Alfa SZs and Giuliettas, Morgans, Lotus Elites and Porsche Carrera-Abarths.

Accepted entries already include two of the rarest and most famous Aston Martins: the lightweight chassis ex-Equipe Endeavour DB4GT, which won its first race at Goodwood with Stirling Moss at the wheel in 1960, and DP212 which raced at Le Mans in 1962. There will also be a Triumph TR3, winner of an Alpine Rally cup and placed second in the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours – a rare combination of period race and rally victories.

“This race will give a different take on the usual historic GT races,” says Cussons, “and it will look different, with hard tops on the cars and no advertising stickers. It should be a step back to the spirit of the TT and other high-profile races of the early ’60s, when entrants often drove their cars to the circuit on the road.”

In addition, owners of relevant cars that are not racing are invited to display their cars in the Pre- ’63 GT paddock. These will take part in a parade on the Saturday afternoon of the Silverstone Classic.

For entries and more details, contact Ben Cussons on +44 (0)7971 809491, [email protected]; or Carol Spagg on +41 (0)44 450 2370, [email protected].

The 2009 Silverstone Classic is from 24 to 26 July. See www.silverstoneclassic.com.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Ferret Fotographics - Strictly Copyright