There's just a few days left before the doors open on Stoneleigh 2006. Visitors can expect to see an even better display of historic racing cars and motorcycles, as well a good proportion of the men (and women) who steered and navigated them at the time. The latest news is that two of the Donington Collection's cars will be on display, including this Maserati 250F.

But it's Stirling Moss’s Lotus 18 Grand Prix car that takes pride of place on the Donington Grand Prix Collection’s stand at the show, marking the 45th anniversary of one of the most dramatic Formula 1 races of all time. It was 1961 when this actual car, privately entered by the Rob Walker team, beat the might of the Ferrari works team in the Monaco Grand Prix of that year. A 1957 Maserati 250F will feature on the Classic and Sports Car and MotorSport stand, which will be headlining the All-Time best Grand Prix, where the 1957 German Grand Prix has been voted number one. It was Juan Manuel Fangio who drove a 250F to victory in that race, and the Grand Prix Collection, the world’s largest collection of Grand Prix racing cars, located at the Donington Park circuit, is proud to display this magnificent machine.



For the 20,000 visitors to the Show, the enthusiastic reaction from exhibitors (all stands sold bar 11) means that this year`s Show will be better than ever, with an even greater range of live action and static attractions. Fortunately, there is plenty of room for spectators so, although advance ticket sales are also up by a third on last year, there will be no need to turn anyone away!

A host of motorsport stars will attend the Show, including Bjorn Waldegard, David Richards, Pentti Airikkala, Paddy Hopkirk, Russell Brookes and Rosemary Smith from the world of four wheels; plus Giacomo Agostini, Mick Grant, Phil Read and Steve Parrish from the world of two wheels.

The Third International Historic Motorsport Show will also have live action, combined with the spectacle of 450 displays throughout the venue`s four main halls - capturing the thrills and nostalgia of 70 years of motorsport.

Included in the 2006 ticket price is access to the Show`s four live events

- Group B rally car stage
- Indoor classic motorcycle trial
- Championship-level autotests
- Historic kart racing

Auctioneers Bonhams will be holding a sale on Saturday 25 February 2006 that will feature sports, competition and collectors’ cars, motorcycles, automobilia and memorabilia. One of the feature lots is the ex-Pierre Alexander Popoff, 1992-94 Italian GT Championship,1990 Ferrari F40 Competizione Coupé #85690, estimated at £170,000 - 220,000. For further information on the sale please visit www.bonhams.com

In the words of Sir Stirling Moss OBE, "It is the best show I have ever been to."

The show runs from 24-26 February 2006, at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry,

Advance tickets cost £15 for one day or £28 for two days, with accompanied children under 15 free. On-the-day prices are £18 for one day or £30 for two days. Call the Ticket Hotline on +44(0)8450 70 68 70, or book online at www.historicmotorsportshow.com (using the Tickets Page).

Words - Classic Driver
Photos - The Donington Grand Prix Collection