Production of the new Winter 2018/19 edition of Auto Tradition is well underway and delivery of the publication is slated for mid-December. The new issue can boast a good number of topics and features. In the main we’re celebration the 30th Anniversary of the TWR Jaguar winning Le Mans with Andy Wallace, Jan Lammers and Johnny Dumfries at the wheel. Indeed, we hear from the three of them, plus Tony Southgate’s story that led to the success. The feature would not be complete without the thoughts of the late Tom Walkinshaw – AT’s Editor, Mike Jiggle, was the last to interview the great man and shares some of those words.
With British driver Lewis Hamilton just securing the 2018 World Champion, Neville Hay looks back some 60years at our first World Champion, Mike Hawthorn. Neville clearly recalls some of the character traits of Hawthorn, his starting racing, working with his father, his road to F1, his so called ‘dodging’ National Service, his relationship with Stirling Moss and Peter Collins and his ultimate winning the 1958 World Championship.
Peter Collins examines the Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth rally cars in Classic Pace, while Ed McDonough writes about the 1947 Delahaye 135MS Pininfarina in Classic Grace. We have two interviews, the first is with Sergio Rinland, Darren Banks had the opportunity to talk at length to the Argentinian designer who worked in F1 during the late 1980s through to the early 2000s – including his time with some of the minnows of F1 and the mighty Williams during the Mansell/Piquet era. This is a two-part interview, part two will feature in the Spring issue.
Our second interview is with Daniel Geoghegan, MD of Bicester Heritage. Significant developments have taken place to the former RAF Bicester site to turn the vacant buildings into a hub for historic motoring and motor racing. Recently planning permission has been granted for a 300 plus-bedroom hotel. AT’s Editor, Mike Jiggle, asks Geoghegan how his dream turned reality and how a serious competition rally accident played a pivotal part.
The Mansell/Piquet battle is further examined by Roger Dixon as he looks at the 1987 British GP at Silverstone where Mansell famously sold Piquet a dummy at Stowe to take the lead and ultimately the win – again this is through the eyes and words of those who were involved.
Phil Garratt and Kieron Brown have just completed the gruelling Himalayan Challenge, the tell their ‘From the Cockpit’ story of a 21-day rally that, due to inclement weather, landslides and major re-routes, just didn’t go to the original plan. Great credit is given to organisers who were kept on their toes throughout with major thinking on their feet.
These features and much more is in the new magazine – you cannot miss this one!