Autosport Show 2023

Autosport International - the racing car show

This was probably the first year of Autosport for a number of years approaching a semblance of normality. The show itself though was smaller than I can remember. 

Speaking to a number of suppliers it seemed that many didn't even want to attend. Others had got a "deal" on a stand at the last minute. If you're paying £38 to get in on a public day, without the engineering show though, I think you'd be a bit disappointed.

What I can't understand is why, when faced with a dwindling show, you don't try and sell the space for less, so you have more exhibitors, therefore more footfall, therefore a bigger show. It's basic economics.

Anyway enough moaning and onto some things that caught my eye..

A 750 Formula car - these are proper racing cars using (very few now) the Robin Reliant OHV engine or the 1108cc FIAT Fire engine. They make about 100HP. If you look at the laptimes they will blow your mind..BRANDS HATCH INDY Lap Record - Nathaniel Cooper 0:52.26. That's with 100HP remember.

A Space Frame Mini - not sure if this is a Maguire - I didn't stop to read about it. However I've always thought theses are a special bit of kit. Again an example of a small engine in a light weight shell, punching WAY above its weight

A United Autosports Oreca LMP2 Endurance racing car.

This would appear to be the ARX-05 Acura HR35TT 3.5 litre V6 twin-turbo mid-engined from the Oreca

Mini with a 7 port cross flow head and throttle bodies, nice.

A rather beautiful Aston Martin Zagato.

This, as kindly pointed out by a customer, is a GT40 MkIV replica. 

Nissan Skyline with more than a hint of Dodge '68 Charger about it.

A big turbo on a big V8!

MAZDA ROTARY ENGINE IN A MAZDA PICKUP - probably a bit sideways this..

Generation X's favourite wall print car - the Lamborghini Countach - still looking sharp.

Ultima Can Am - love these. Did you know that McLaren and GMA both used Ultima chassis to develop their V12 supercar engines?

Aston Martin F1 - it's very clear why they don't permit good racing - they've go so much aero it's got a wider front track than rear. Just take a look at most RWD cars and especially most Single Seaters and you will see the opposite. The Aero is now messing with the laws of physics. We all know the answer - less downforce, simple front and rear element, V10 or V12 and no electric nonsense. Fuel of course will be totally green.

 

Early RA Celica looking every bit the Japanese Mustang. Only the suspension is a lot more sophisticated. It's also probably a lot faster per Cubic Inch.

Aston Martin Supercar

How big are your brakes?

How big is your turbo?

 

Well that's all for 2023.

If the show is on next year we'll go see if they paid attention to the prices, regained the interest of the market, and recognised that you need to be realistic about how much a stand costs and how much people expect for a £38 entry fee.

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