‘Brimblecombe’ is a familiar name in travel and motoring. While Nick Brimblecombe has spent some 40 years in the travel industry, the last 15 focusing purely on classic motoring tours, his son Thomas has had the advantage of growing up in this exciting environment.

For more than 10 years now, Thomas Brimblecombe has assisted his father with the classic motoring tours and, for the past five years, he has been in charge of the Brimblecombe brand, which was expanded in 2010 to form Wheelsports Classic Grand Touring (WCGT). This new company – headed by Thomas – now forms part of the established names ‘Wheelsports’, specialising in European track days, and ‘Brookspeed’, multiple racing series Champions and specialists in sportscar servicing and storage, based in Southampton and directed by Martin Braybrook.

A wide variety of the ‘great’ motoring events are on WCGT’s 2011 calendar, starting with the Historic Grand Prix de Pau and the Mille Miglia in May, and continuing through to the hillclimb at Mont Ventoux in June, the Circuit des Remparts at Angouleme in September, and the Algarve Historic Festival in October.

Here, in WCGT’s own words, is a taster of those May events...

Mille Miglia, 7-18 May 2011

Benefit from 10 years’ experience of taking guests to the most famous of all the road races. The tour is designed to travel out from the UK and across France and Switzerland into Italy at a relaxed pace. Daily driving distances are sensible and we include car-free days to ensure you get a holiday, as well as taking in the best bits of the Mille Miglia event. Highlights include three nights at a fabulous hotel overlooking Lake Iseo, a lake tour by boat with lakeside lunch, tried and tested routes, fine gastronomy and wine.

Grand Prix de Pau Historique, 10-17 May

2011 marks the return of the Grand Prix de Pau Historique – and in a big way! It has been decided that the organisers will now run the event annually, in order to grow the event back to its former glories; it inherits the nickname ‘Little Monaco’ for good reason.

WCGT has intimate knowledge of this event, having been a visitor since its conception in 2001, so you are assured that the tour is sympathetically put together to give you the finest experience possible. Our driving tour departs from Portsmouth for the 2030hrs boat to St Malo. A welcome drinks party on board is included, to help you get to know your fellow participants. Accommodation is reserved for you and, for those that wish it, we will reserve dinner on board (optional).

The itinerary ensures that the driving is a relaxing experience, so that you can enjoy your car. Detailed route suggestions are supplied. Coffee stops and lunch suggestions are incorporated, keeping driving distances sensible all the way. In Pau, everything has been pre-arranged for you, so that you gain full access to all that goes on.

A three-night arrangement in Pau is available, giving you the flexibility to travel by car, air or train. We can of course help and advise on your travel arrangements, if you so desire.

Contact:
Thomas Brimblecombe
Wheelsports Classic Grand Touring
188 Empress Road
Southampton
SO14 0JY
UK

Tel: +44 (0)2380 330668
Mob: +44 (0)7795 160 204
Email: [email protected]
www.classicgt.co.uk

Text: Classic Driver / WCGT
Photos: WCGT