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Success for inaugural HMI show

27 February 2017

Organisers Brand Events have announced that they consider the inaugural Historic Motorsport International show, that opened its doors at London’s ExCeL on 23 February for four days, a success.

The new show was opened by Jacky Ickx who went on to share his memories with visitors during two public interviews in the Supagard Theatre where he was joined by Derek Bell with whom he shared three of his Le Mans wins.

The Supagard Theatre also hosted entertaining talks with a number of other famous faces from motorsport, including renowned racers Emanuele Pirro, Steve Soper, Martin Donnelly and Jackie Oliver. It was also home to the two-day Conference Programme, with leading names from the sport discussing topics such as safety, driving standards and eligibility.

Guests were also treated to a unique insight into all areas of historic motorsport – exhibitors included the organisers of Europe’s premier series’ and championships as well as iconic race car constructors such as Lister and Crosslé.

Other notable displays came from preparation specialist Hall & Hall and Cosworth, the latter celebrating 50 years of its DFV F1 engine by featuring one of the original 1967 Lotus 49s, which gave the DFV the first of unrivalled tally of 155 grand prix wins.

The world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – the annual Silverstone Classic – also had a major presence at HMI. Not only did it showcase some of the stand-out cars that will be competing at the circuit in July, but it also brought its famous Scarf & Googles pub to London for the very first time.

HMI boasted a live sale by specialist auctioneers Coys on Saturday afternoon with an appealing collection of 22 competition and classic road cars going under the hammer and generating more than £1 million-worth of sales.

Topping the bill was a Ferrari 330 GT which sold to the room for £510,000. Other notable lots included a rare right-hand-drive Mercedes 190SL, which reached £120,00 – one of the highest prices seen in recent times – a £65,000 race-prepared Lotus Elan and £56,000 for a Deep Sanderson with 1963 Le Mans history.

“It was exciting to be part of the very first HMI – a show that clearly is going to be a major player in the historic motorsport sector,” said Chris Routledge, CEO of Coys.

“There were some amazing cars on show – and not just with us here at Coys. We are very much looking forward to next year.”

The confirmed dates for next year’s HMI are set for 15 to 18 February when the show, once again, will run alongside The London Classic Car Show at ExCeL London.

Show director Ian France added: “Launching a dedicated historic motorsport show in London alongside the already fantastic London Classic Car Show has created a fabulous pre-season market place for all aspects of historic motorsport.”

Don’t forget to take a peek at the gallery below…

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