Autosport International Show Plus ca Change Although there was little in the way of anything dramatically new on view, there was much to fascinate the sportscar aficionado at the annual Autosport International Show held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Of the manufacturers, TVR took the wraps off yet another variation on their traditional theme – the Sagaris – whilst Porsche gave the Carrera GT its UK debut. Meanwhile Farboud showed yet another incarnation of their supercar. This time the car is production-ready having effectively been downsized. It is now Audi-powered rather than having its own bespoke engine and as aimed at the market vacated by the Lotus Esprit (interestingly the car is built only a few miles from Lotus’ Norfolk factory). Noble sentiments Elsewhere, smaller manufactures such as Noble were displaying their wares together with some brave newcomers, most notably Deronda. The Buckingham- built F400 DNA is aimed squarely at the trackday market but is road-legal. The steel tube-chassised car is another to feature Audi power, the 1.8-litre turbo this time, whilst the bodywork incorporates a Ferrari 156-style sharknose and removable wheelarches. The car on show was the only one built but Deronda is hopeful if being able to run a one-make series in ’05. Galleria Ferrari Real Ferraris were to dominate the Show however, with even the regular F1 display being overshadowed by the spectacular Galleria Ferrari, where a permanent awestruck queue shuffled its way past the delectable machines. There was everything from a 250 GTO to an Enzo with the sports racing element represented by a 512S and the latest 575 customer racecar. Elsewhere, Prodrive gave prominence on their stand to a 550 Maranello, apparently being overflown by a BAR F1. That must have been a slightly unnerving sight for Jensen Button as he performed the Show official opening on the adjacent stage! 750MC Sportscars of an older generation were to be found a-plenty too. The 750 Motor Club had a truly wide-ranging selection on their stand, from a Lotus 7 to a Porsche 917. They can be truly proud of their heritage, for it was from their ranks that the likes of Colin Chapman and Eric Broadley set off on their illustrious careers. The club meanwhile is just as strong and vibrant today as ever it was. Old rally cars were to be found alongside their more modern brethren too, with a Rothmans- liveried Porsche and ex-works Triumph TR7 to be seen. Trade only There was more to be found amongst some of the trade stands too, for K&N Filters had Don Law’s Castrol-liveried Group C Jaguar on display whilst gearbox manufacturers, Quaife, were showing their somewhat troublesome 4WD GT car. Meanwhile Coventry Prototype Panels were showing a body-in-white Spyker C8. Coy Coys There was some interesting machinery on offer in the Coys auction, such as a Corvette Stingray, Lotus Elite or the unusual Warwick GT, if you fancied taking home more than just a tee-shirt but that’s a slippery slope……! |
John Elwin |
|
