The annual Italian Car Day at Brooklands is billed as the largest such gathering in the United Kingdom and the event scheduled for May 5, 2012 is expected to trump all previous records for attendance. Last year’s event saw more than 2,000 Italian cars, including no fewer than 240 Ferarris, assemble on the banking and around the grounds of the world’s first purpose built racetrack in Weybridge, Surrey.
“The greatest thing about the event is that it welcomes Italian car enthusiasts and owners, regardless of whether they own a famous historic racing car, the latest Ferrari, a much loved classic or the smallest, most affordable modern Fiat on the market,” says organizer Phil Ward. “Anyone who turns up in an Italian car forms part of the display, rather than being merely a spectator.”
And turn up they do. Last year, 5,000 visitors enjoyed an ex-Rob Walker Ferrari 250 SWB as well as more obscure offerings from Abarth, Bizzarrini, De Tomaso, Innocenti, Moretti and Siata. Despite closing for racing in 1939, Brooklands remains a vibrant venue with a spectacular meseum and stretches of the original banking from the prewar era. During the event, the Test Hill and Mercedes-Benz World Test Track will be used to run selected Italian cars for demonstration purposes. For more information, please visit www.brooklandsmuseumshop.com.
