The James Bond-esque factory in Woking, Surrey, that houses the McLaren racing and automotive teams is known across the world for the supercars and top-level racers it produces. But often more fascinating are the people who develop and build these machines, and on 22 September, the second Cars and Coffee event at the Norman Foster-designed building was an opportunity to celebrate these talents and share their passions, harnessing that enthusiasm and establishing fresh human connections. And what a superbly eclectic turnout it was, with around 60 vehicles coming and going across the day. Here are just a few of their stories.
Jono Brookes
Director of F1 build, McLaren Racing
1964 FIAT 500D
This classic ended up being a 40th birthday present to himself, but Jono Brookes has always been interested in the model. "It's a simple, original city car," he enthuses, "I just love them. I drove my missus mad for about two years, looking every night for one to buy." Indeed, the lead to this car, one of three imported from Italy by its previous owner, came from his long-suffering other half.
"I've had it about six years and it was in very good nick," he says, "so I've had to do little to it. It's been well looked after and I'm pleased to say it has lived up to my dream. I don't use it as much as I should, because work gets in the way, so it doesn't do many miles. A few years ago we took part in the 500's 60th-anniversary celebration at the Goodwood Revival, which has been the highlight so far.
"It's for local trips around London where we live because, after all, it is a city car. When we're out in it, onlookers always stop, take pictures and wave. It just puts a smile on people's faces - and on ours."
Neil Oatley
Motorsport research director, McLaren Racing
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2023-Ausgabe von Classic & Sports Car.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2023-Ausgabe von Classic & Sports Car.
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RAY HILLIER
Double-chevron oddity proves a break from the norm for this Crewe specialist
SHORT BACK & GLIDES
Eccentric enthusiast Captain RG McLeod's series of Manx-tailed Bentley Specials reached its zenith with this unique S2 Continental.
People's choice
The diminutive but multi-million-selling Fiat 850 packed a remarkable diversity of form and function into its compact footprint
PLASTIC BREAKS FROM THE NORM
Glassfibre revolutionised niche car-body production, but just occasionally strayed into the mainstream.
A SENSIBLE SUPERCAR
The cleverly conceived four-seater Elite secured Lotus a place at the big players' table, but has it been unfairly maligned since then?
"I had a habit of grabbing second place from the jaws of victory"
From dreams of yachting glory to the Le Mans podium, via a stint at the top of the motorsport tree, Howden Ganley had quite the career
Still going strong
Herbert Engineering staked its reputation on the five-year warranty that came with its cars. A century on, this Two Litre hasn't made a claim
One for the kids
General Motors was aiming squarely at the youth market with the launch of the Pontiac GTO 60 years ago, and its runaway success popularised the muscle-car movement
A NEW BREED OF HERO
Launched at the turn of the millennium, the GT3 badge has already earned a place alongside RS, CS and turbo in Porsche lore.
Brits with SIX appeal
The straight-six engine is synonymous with a decades-long legacy of great British sports cars. Six variations on the sextet theme convene for comparison
