Fleet managers
Classic & Sports Car|January 2023
The staff at McLaren's futuristic HQ reveal their automotive passions, from everyday motors to exotica
LIZZIE POPE
Fleet managers

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

この記事は Classic & Sports Car の January 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Classic & Sports Car の January 2023 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

CLASSIC & SPORTS CARのその他の記事すべて表示
Mick WALSH
Classic & Sports Car

Mick WALSH

'Had someone said that this worn-looking titan would win the most famous old-car event, we would have laughed'

time-read
3 分  |
November 2024
ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QF
Classic & Sports Car

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QF

Rewriting the rulebook on what an SUV can do, and how it can make you feel

time-read
2 分  |
November 2024
FLOATING INTO THE FUTURE
Classic & Sports Car

FLOATING INTO THE FUTURE

Citroën's DS-replacing CX was at a cutting edge so sharp it still looks fresh today, and it had the drive to match - as five superb survivors reveal

time-read
8 分  |
November 2024
"It's a car for posing in really"
Classic & Sports Car

"It's a car for posing in really"

Broadcaster Michael Buerk reflects on more than three decades with his beloved Jaguar E-type S1 3.8 fixed-head coupé

time-read
8 分  |
November 2024
HONDAS DECK THE HALL
Classic & Sports Car

HONDAS DECK THE HALL

The Japanese firm's Los Angeles collection is now on public display for the first time in two decades

time-read
4 分  |
November 2024
ABSOLUTELY buzzing
Classic & Sports Car

ABSOLUTELY buzzing

Honda's Si Civics brought agile, cheap fun to motorists long before the Type R name got anywhere near a hatchback

time-read
7 分  |
November 2024
THE FEMININE TOUCH
Classic & Sports Car

THE FEMININE TOUCH

In 1955, General Motors styling guru Harley Earl brought 11 talented women into the male-dominated world of automotive design. What was their lasting impact?

time-read
7 分  |
November 2024
Out on a limb
Classic & Sports Car

Out on a limb

Panther's innovative Solo 2 was something completely different, both for its maker and the sports car market

time-read
7 分  |
November 2024
Restyles with substance
Classic & Sports Car

Restyles with substance

Panther Westwinds blended a passion for pre-war designs with modern-era mechanical usability and remarkably fine coachbuilding

time-read
10 分  |
November 2024
Dead ringers
Classic & Sports Car

Dead ringers

The Maserati Kyalami and De Tomaso Longchamp share much, having emerged from the same stable, but are poles apart at heart

time-read
8 分  |
November 2024