Another ‘Classic’ Year for TIGOSE at Historic Motorsport International

TIGOSE once again had a major presence at the recent Historic Motorsport International show, staged at London’s Excel, with 14 stands taken by members, including Barnet and Southgate College, Crosthwaite and Gardiner, Classic Performance Engineering, Heritage Skills, D C Motorsport, Haynes International Motor Museum, Andy Kissack English Wheel College, Banbury and Bicester College, Scuderia Scaglieti, G D Law, Aston Scott and Nottingham College (EMTEC).

The TIGOSE pavilion was the hub providing a welcoming meeting point (complete with Scottie’s coffee bar!) for current, new and prospective members, showcasing TIGOSE and its benefits, as well as featuring the legendary Jaguar XJR-15, which proved a hit with show visitors….especially as we had both Tony Southgate and Peter Stevens on the stand!

Founder Michael Scott was on hand to provide information and advice, along with the TIGOSE committee and Nigel Adams of Goodman Derrick LLP who offered informal legal advice to members. Nine new members were signed up over the weekend and the Guild is expecting more to follow suit.

The focal point for many was the presentation of the Colin Pool Trophy, awarded to the Prodrive Aston Martin team for ‘the most meritorious British performance in the 24 hours’, in recognition of their stunning class win, following an epic final lap battle, at last year’s Le Mans 24 hours race.

TIGOSE President Tony Southgate and Vice President Peter Stevens presented the ‘Spirit de la Sarthe trophy’ to the victorious British drivers, Darren Turner and Jonny Adam and Jason Hill, Head of Engine and Development at Prodrive, in the HMI paddock, in the presence of Colin Pool’s widow and family, guild members, Club de Pilote members, and the motor sport media, alongside the winning Aston Martin Vantage GTE #97, which was displayed at the Excel show over the weekend.

Tony Southgate said:

“The achievement of Aston is phenomenal. I know the effort that goes into that race is fantastic…I can’t praise the lads enough!”

HMI 2018, alongside its sister exhibition, the London Classic Car Show, attracted just shy of 40,000 visitors over the four days. Highlights of the show included the appearance of legendary Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell, whose illustrious career was celebrated with an icon display of his cars, including the title-winning Williams-Renault FW14.

This year’s show theme was ‘Specials’, celebrating 60 unique street and competition cars, renowned for their rarity, curiosity and desirability, including Michael Scott’s ‘Steady Special’. The Lancia Astura was one of the stars of the ‘Specials’ parade along the ‘Grand Avenue’ – its first public drive, with Scottie at the wheel, for the first time in over 50 years, showcasing the talents of guild members Traction-Seabert, who recently completed the extensive restoration works.

Next year’s show dates have been confirmed as the 14^th to 17^th February 2019. Meanwhile, the 2018 programme of events TIGOSE members have to look forward to include the upcoming visit to Renaissance Classics Sports Cars / O’Rourke Coach Trimmers on March 15^th.