Auto Italia Brooklands

One of the best car shows of the year is on at Brooklands.
A fire-breathing monster of a car nicknamed ‘Il Drago Ruggente’ (roaring dragon) with a 27-litre aero engine will be one of the stars of Brooklands Museum’s annual Italian Car Day on Saturday 3rd May. One of the biggest events in the Museum’s calendar, this celebration of all things Italian will be the 21st to have been organised at Brooklands in conjunction with Auto Italia magazine. Every square inch of the 32-acre site will be crammed with cars and motorcycles of all ages, each of them with that inimitable Mediterranean twist.

Built on a 1924 Delage chassis, ‘Il Drago Ruggente’ is powered by a 27-litre Isotta Fraschini V12 engine from a World War 2 Caproni bomber. It is owned by Glenn Billqvist, who is bringing it from Sweden especially for this event.

‘Il Drago’ and a rare Ferrari 212 F1 car from 1951 will be just two of the exotica to be put through their paces on the neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World circuit in the middle of the day, alongside Fiat 500s, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Lancias and Alfa Romeos. Later in the afternoon the action will be firmly on the Museum site, with a selection of cars ascending Test Hill.

Throughout the day, the Paddock in front of the Clubhouse will be reserved for especially rare and interesting cars whilst eagle-eyed fans will be able to scour every inch of the Motoring Village, Finishing Straight, Banking and Aircraft Park for that elusive Pininfarina-bodied special or Stanguellini amongst the chrome and polished finery. As always there will be an extensive trade village selling all manner of goods, and additional food outlets around the site will ensure no-one goes hungry or thirsty.

The Museum’s motoring and aviation displays will be open as usual, including the new exhibition in the Barnes Wallis Stratosphere Chamber. Early booking for the Concorde Experience is recommended (extra charge applies). Admission charges start at £13 for adults if purchased in advance or £16 on the day, with family tickets at £35 in advance or £40 on the day. Advance tickets are available online until April 28th from www.brooklandsmuseumshop.com and from the Museum Shop in person until May 2nd.

Italian cars should enter the Museum site via the Campbell Gate off Brooklands Road (with a fast access lane for ticket holders). Parking for visitors in non-Italian cars will be in The Heights off Wellington Way – please follow event signage on the day. Gates open at 8am for ticket holders and 8.30am for those paying on the day.

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