Uncovered at Thirty

A night to remember in Petersfield

By John Brooks

Each September witnesses a flurry of top-quality events in the UK’s classic car scene, from Salon Privé to the Goodwood Revival via the Concours of Elegance. This year there was another – albeit private – first-class addition to the list, Uncovered at Thirty. The venue was Kiklo Spaces, a new garage and museum facility at Petersfield, Hampshire.

The occasion, in association with Classic Driver magazine was a celebration of thirty years of the McLaren F1, and the organisers managed to assemble no fewer that twelve examples of this fabled supercar. This figure was increased early in the evening when former McLaren Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey joined the party in his own F1.

Above: Adrian Newey’s Papaya Orange F1 GTR 

The mix of McLarens was split between the road going and racing fraternity. In the latter category, the Harrods McLaren mixed it with César’s 1995 Le Mans art car and a brace of long-tailed Gulf Racing F1 GTRs.

Above: The great Derek Bell was a guest, as was the Harrods-sponsored GTR #06R that he, along with Justin (his son) and Andy Wallace, drove to third overall at Le Mans in 1995.

Above: The unmistakable McLaren F1 GTR #05R art car painted by French sculptor César. Driven by Hervé Poulain to 13th overall at the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Above: One of three F1 GTR Longtails on display.

It was not only the cars that were the stars, but there was also a host of VIPs who were associated with the project. Peter Stevens, who styled the McLaren, was joined by Paul Lanzante, the boss of the 1995 Le Mans-winning team and David Clarke, Commercial Director at McLaren Cars at the time. The appreciative audience at Petersfield got to hear an entertaining and informative Q&A session with these luminaries of the F1 era. It was fitting that Mark Cole’s award-winning book, Ultimate McLaren F1 GTR – The Definitive History, was also prominent, giving the full story of these legendary racers.

Above: Paul Lanzante (left) in conversation with McLaren F1 designer Peter Stevens.

Above: One of the event’s highlights was hearing memories and anecdotes from a panel consisting of Derek Bell, Peter Stevens, former McLaren commercial director David Clark, automotive journalist Andrew Frankel, and 1995 Le Mans-winning team boss Paul Lanzante.

Above: Pride of place for all three editions of Mark Cole’s Ultimate McLaren F1 GTR – The Definitive History

The evening was memorable for many reasons, the cars, the people, and the location, it was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest stars of the motoring universe, all who were lucky enough to attend would agree.

Above: Uncovered at Thirty presented a great mix of F1 road and track greatness.

All photos courtesy of John Brooks

Authorised copies of Peter Stevens’s original McLaren F1 sketches are still available here…