THE roar of engines and the smell of petrol were in the air as thousands flocked to see classic cars race up Kop Hill at the weekend.
Spectators watched more than 400 retro cars and motorbikes take on the Kop Hill Climb – now in its fifth year following its revival in 2009.
It wasn’t just classic cars on display over the two-day event – a host of modern supercars had petrolheads drooling, including a limited edition McLaren 50 Spider to mark the manufacturer’s 50th anniversary.
All eyes turned to the skies on Sunday afternoon for a spectacular Battle of Britain flypast by a Hurricane, Spitfire and a bomber.
Arthur LaCour, one of the event organisers, said: “We’ve got some real stunning cars this year including an Aston Martin A3, it raced here in 1922 and won its class. The cars cover eleven decades.
“Last year we got up to 14,000 people over the two days so it is growing year on year in terms of spectators and entries – this year we were at capacity, we had to lose entries early, so that’s an indication.
“So far we’ve raised £158,000 for local charities since it was revived. Dick Tarrant, one of Stirling Moss’ mechanics was here, there’s so much going on for everyone – it’s a great family weekend out.”
The famous Kop Hill was one of the country’s premier racing venues from 1910, but a tragic accident in 1925 climb brought about a ban for all motor sport on public roads.
The event was reborn five years ago as a non-competitive showcase event – which is now heralded as Princes Risborough’s jewel in the crown.
Mayor of Risborough Cllr Alan Turner said: “It is fantastic, it get bigger and better every year with incredible numbers of both cars and spectators. It’s our flagship event.
“The cars are wonderful and there are smiles on faces everywhere, which is the best way to judge an event. We’ve got people here from all over the country and from various parts of the world – it’s international now.”
Click here to view a picture gallery of the 2013 Kop Hill Climb.
