The inaugural Piper Heidsieck International Trophy for Classic GT Cars in association with Chopard race at this year’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July) has attracted an exceptional entry list, organisers have announced.
Organisers received over 80 entries for the one-hour, two-driver race, set to take place at dusk on the Saturday evening. A selection committee narrowed the entries down to the capacity of 58 starters, with six reserves, on the grounds of authenticity, competitiveness and variety.
The race will see two of the era’s most iconic marques, with the AC Cobra and E-Type Jaguar taking centre stage and expected to be right at the heart of the action. Aston Martin and Porsche are also well represented, with three separate DB4-based models taking on the might of the Porsche 911, including the official ‘Project 50’ machine prepared by Porsche Cars GB for 1970 Le Mans winner Richard Atwood.
A range of Le Mans legends will take their place on the grid, with former front-runners such as the Porsche 904, Ferrari 275LM and Cobra Daytona Coupe tackling the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. Home fans will have plenty to cheer on, too, as British manufacturers will be out in force as race-prepared Austin Healeys, Lotus Elans, MGBs, Morgans, Ginettas, TVRs, Triumph TRs and Sunbeam Tigers round out what will be an extremely atmospheric (and expensive) grid.
“We’re thrilled not only with the hugely oversubscribed entry, which once again underlines the terrific appeal of the Silverstone Classic, but also with the fantastic quality of these cars,” enthused Event Director Nick Wigley, who will be in action behind the wheel of a rare Milano GT for the race. “We really were spoilt for choice when it came to making the final selection and it’s clear we’re in for a wonderfully fast and super-competitive race. It’s going to be massive treat for the fans to savour so many glorious GTs in high-speed action on the full Silverstone GP track. What’s more they can expect some fierce battles up front, not least as the winners will go home with an impressive silver trophy, an elegant Chopard wristwatch plus a dozen bottles of Piper Heidsieck champagne.”