A BLAST FROM THE PAST - BRIGHTON SPEED TRIALS IN THE 1950'S (24 Aug 2004)

The first trials were held on Madeira Drive in 1905 and again in 1923 and 1924. It was not until 1932 that it became an annual event when the new Brighton & Hove Motor Club discovered that the Madeira Drive was owned by Brighton Corporation and was not therefore subject to the universal ban on competition on the public highway. The length of the course has varied over the years from a half kilometre down to a quarter mile so it is not possible to compare speeds and times from the different periods.

32nd Oldtimer-Grand-Prix Nürburgring - 6th/7th/8th August 2004 (15 Aug 2004)

The Oldtimer-Grand-Prix at the Nürburgring is known for its highly varied programme, with at least 500 entries and always a huge crowd. The tropical temperatures during this very well organised three days event attracted almost 70.000 visitors to the Eifel mountains. Built around the village and mediaeval castle of Nürburg, the Nordschleife (Northern loop) is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most demanding race tracks in the world. The old 'Ring' with its length of 13 miles and at least 73 bends is known, even amongst the most experienced drivers, as The Green Hell. "Nothing gave me more satisfaction than to win at the Nürburgring," Jacky Stewart said, "and yet, I was always afraid. When I left home for the German Grand Prix I always used to pause at the end of the driveway and take a long look back. I was never sure I'd come home again."

Summer Sensations (09 Aug 2004)

The Christie's team was thrilled to post their most successful auction since 2000, and the highest sale total of the month, at Patrick Peter's excellent Le Mans Classic event. Packed into the old Musee de la Sarthe, more than 700 buyers, bidders and onlookers came to see no fewer than 9 former Le Mans entries among the 31 cars offered for sale, of which 26 sold (83.8%). After 20 years in the famed collection ownership, the 1930 Works Team No.2 Speed Six was hotly contested by 5 bidders to bring Eu4,188,250m and smash the Bentley world record price established by Malcolm Barber's Sotheby's team at £1.21m back in 1990.