A visit to the Brooklands classic & vintage car museum, and former motor racing venue of course, was long overdue, so recently we headed over for a return visit. That the magnificent Napier Railton outer circuit lap record holder was not just outside in the sun, but being readied for a demonstration run, was a real bonus and one that we weren't going to miss out on. Other vintage cars seen running included a wonderful Delahaye, Bugattis various, and even an Austin 7 Ruby. I assume the BRM V16 seen parked up remained in static condition for the day - or did it run later on?
The Napier Railton was conceived by John Cobb, designed by Reid Railton, and constructed by Brooklands-based motor engineers Thomson & Taylor. Under its polished aluminium bonnet resides a mighty 24 litre Napier W12 aero engine. This magnificent motor-car has a fascinating history, but will forever be linked to the Brooklands motor racing circuit thanks to it achieving the lap record of 143.44mph in 1935. In total, it broke 47 speed records being driven at the banked circuit at Montlhéry, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, and of course at Brooklands, near Weybridge in Surrey.
While much of the original banked circuit has been lost to various local developments over the years, enough of it remains to give a clue as to what it must have been like to watch vintage racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s thunder around this unforgiving banked course. Olde worlde buildings, and the original clubhouse, further increase the feeling of stepping back in time once entering the hallowed grounds of the Brooklands circuit, as do sounds of various road and racing cars, the put-put of ancient motorcycles, and many people - visitors and volunteers alike - opting to wear period costume.
Hopefully this video gives an idea of what there is to see at the Brooklands museum, events are held throughout the year.
In addition to cars, aviation plays a key part of the venue's history too and a number of preserved aircraft - including the glorious Concorde "Delta-Golf" (G-BBDG) - are also to be found. The bus museum also now has a home at Brooklands.
Just a short hop from J10 on the M25, it's a must-see place.
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8 авг 2021
