It’s not only fireworks that will impress the crowds on Saturday November 5th. Car lovers are going to be wowed by the 12th annual Regent Street Motor Show, when one of London’s busiest thoroughfares will, ironically, be closed to traffic from Oxford Circus all the way down to Piccadilly Circus.
Last year this free event drew an estimated attendance of over 450,000 people, and for 2016 it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it would be like to drive Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 car, you can find out in the Top Gear experience simulator.
If you are an F1 fan you’re also sure to be interested in the special exhibit celebrating the 40th anniversary of James Hunt’s 1976 World Championship victory. Not only will his victorious McLaren M23 car be on display, his son and fellow race driver Freddie will also be in attendance to meet fans and sign autographs.
Celebrating past and future
Cars and traffic pollution are obviously hot topics for cities all over the world. The motor show will feature an exhibition from Transport for London about the ‘cars of the future’ - designed to give present-day performance with minimal emissions. TfL will also be bringing along some examples of public transport through the ages, as well as showing off some of the technology that makes today’s buses more environmentally-friendly than ever before.
Of course there was a time when there were more horse-drawn carriages on London’s roads than cars; at the Bonhams Vintage Car Zone you’ll find many of the pre-1905 vehicles which, on Sunday 6th November, will be heading off on the annual London to Brighton run. You’ll even be able to vote for your favourite, with the winner being given The Spectators’ Choice Award.
Two-wheeled tension
Fans of two-wheeled transport haven’t been forgotten either. Bike makers Triumph will have a stand showing off classic models from their long history including the iconic Bonneville. Back by popular demand, there will also be the Steve Colley Stunt Bike Display. Head along to the Piccadilly Circus end of Regent Street at 11am, 1pm or 3pm and prepare to be amazed by the spectacular stunts on show.
Of course, it is possible that not all of the family are going to be transfixed by the horsepower on display, and that’s fine. As you’re in the very heart of the capital’s West End, the day will be perfect for some Christmas shopping while the petrol-heads get their fix.
And if seeing all the desirable cars on display gives you the urge to put some equally head-turning models through their paces take a look at the Hertz Dream Collection – genuine supercars you can rent for the day, the weekend or even longer.