Supercars meet veteran classics in Pall Mall ahead of London-to-Brighton Run
London’s Pall Mall transformed into a motoring paradise with the brand-new St James Motoring Spectacle, right in the heart of the city, just outside the iconic Royal Automobile Club.
The event celebrated everything from veteran cars over a century old to the latest hypercars loaded with jaw-dropping tech. This is a new initiative from the Royal Automobile Club, essentially replacing what used to be the Regents Street Car Show (see below), and judging by the turnout, it’s set to become a regular fixture in the automotive calendar.
From Veteran Legends to Modern Supercars
Imagine this: on one end of Pall Mall, you’ve got legendary veteran cars from the 1890s, prepped and ready for the next day’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. On the other end, we had an impressive array of hypercars, including an Aston Martin Valkyrie, Pagani Huayra Roadster, Koenigsegg Regera, and a Porsche 918 Spyder – all set to make car fans and Instagrammers swoon.
In between, you could wander through a spectacular timeline of motoring history, taking in every step of automotive evolution. There was something for everyone, whether you’re into the mechanical simplicity of early cars or the high-tech wizardry of modern performance beasts. The sight of these cars juxtaposed against each other made you appreciate just how far motoring has come.
The Stars of the Show
The veteran cars, as always, were a huge draw. I was lucky enough to meet a purveyor and participant who explained the appeal of the 120 year-plus cars, who buys them, who runs them, how they’re kept going and what it costs to get into a basic curved dash model.
Modern classics were also turning heads, like the stunning Ferrari 512 BB and a gleaming Aston Martin DB5 (yes, the Bond car!). For those who appreciate design as much as power, Renault had a display that included the new, all-electric Renault 5. It’s a reimagining of the classic R5 and a clear signal of Renault’s commitment to blending heritage with modernity.
A Meeting of Minds – and Motorheads
Besides the cars, there was plenty of interaction and camaraderie among enthusiasts. I caught up with friends and fellow aficionados like Muhammad Luqman, a vintage and classic car specialist who’s passionate about automotive history. We talked about everything from his latest book projects to some of the rarest cars from the Nizams of India.
I also bumped into Richard, a dealer in early Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, who took me through the ins and outs of driving these early cars. He explained the art of “mechanical sympathy” – basically, knowing how to handle a car without modern aids or conveniences. I was reminded just how much skill, patience, and muscle it takes to drive a car that’s 120 years old, especially on the London to Brighton run.
At the other end of the motoring spectrum, Dominic from Classic Collective was on hand to showcase educational exhibits aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers and enthusiasts. The setup was a bridge between the past and future, with an educational area that highlighted everything from heritage car restoration to cutting-edge sustainable fuels.
Special Guests and Notable Appearances
The event was officially opened by Robert Rigby, the Lord Mayor of Westminster, alongside Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. Among the thousands in attendance were HRH Prince Michael of Kent and none other than Rowan Atkinson.
For those like me who love a bit of nostalgia mixed with something new, there was also a fantastic display celebrating 125 years of Fiat and Renault. This featured some of their most famous models from the past alongside new electric vehicles, like the Fiat 500 Electric. The Renault display included the modern-day Renault 5 and Renault 4 electric vehicles, paying tribute to iconic models from decades gone by.
The Future of Motoring: Keeping the Passion Alive
One of the Spectacle’s highlights was the educational zone, set up to inspire the younger generation. With interactive exhibits, career guidance, and demos of emerging technologies, it was clear that the event wasn’t just looking back – it’s about encouraging the next wave of motoring fans and professionals. Groups like Imperial College, the Royal College of Art, and Oxford Brookes University were on hand, showing that motoring careers aren’t just for gearheads but for designers, engineers, and tech innovators as well.
And while we’re on the topic of innovation, low-carbon fuels were a hot topic at the event. With increasing numbers of veteran cars now running on sustainable fuels, it’s a sign that even the oldest models are making strides towards a more eco-friendly future. The day was a brilliant reminder that motoring history and sustainable technology can coexist, appealing to petrolheads and environmentalists alike.
For a first-time event, the St James Motoring Spectacle was a roaring success. From the heritage of pre-1905 veterans to the blistering performance of hypercars, it showcased the rich tapestry of motoring. With so many high-profile guests, rare vehicles, and the sheer enthusiasm of the crowds, it’s safe to say that this event has set the standard for future editions.
It’s events like these that remind us why we love cars – the engineering, the aesthetics, the innovation, and, most importantly, the stories. Whether you’re a fan of vintage cars or modern machines, there was something here for everyone, and I can’t wait to see how this new annual event grows.
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