78th Members’ Meeting

Not even an unexpected Saturday morning downpour could put a damper on what was a fine Member’s Meeting. An excellent trading position, targeted enthusiast audience, nostalgic line-up of racing machines, and a spectacular fireworks display made for a truly memorable experience. Philip’s impromptu chat with man of [so much more than just] the moment, Gordon Murray was another highlight, as was hearing his T.50 supercar’s stratospheric rev range as it blitzed sections of the Goodwood circuit. 

Above: Philip Porter talks cars and books with Gordon Murray

Above: GMA T.50 in high-revving action around Goodwood 

Back on the stand, former designers of exceptional McLarens, Peter Stevens (F1) and Paul Howse (Artura, among others) popped by, in between visits from esteemed authors Keith Bluemel and Richard Heseltine. 

Above: Sorry, no pictures of esteemed guests, but here’s who they came to see instead! From left: Philip Porter, Abigail Humphries & Wayne Batty.

As for book sales, a steady turnover saw us sell out of Mini Scrapbook and JUE 477 event stock. Co-incidentally, both titles are by ever-rising star Martin Port, whose latest accolade is to be nominated as a 2021 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards finalist for Outstanding Journalism.

However, wonderful people aside, the magic of the Members’ Meeting is really made by the cars. Whether on track or just cruising the paddocks, seeing the beautiful 8C 2300 Monzas, the beastly 23-litre Fiat S76, stealthy XJR-15s, imposing pre-war Bentleys and a great collection of ‘Gordon’s’ cars, including several Brabham F1 cars and his very special and very green Alfaholics Zagato-R, is always a visual treat. It’s an incurable affliction; the sound of a crackling exhaust, the smell of fuel well spent and the flash of real chrome on hand beaten panels still makes us smile.

 Article by Wayne Batty