Iconic race cars primed for a rare high-speed demonstration run

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Four iconic race cars are set to share the track for the first time ever in what will undoubtedly be one of the main highlights at the Bentley Drivers Club’s 71st annual race meeting at Silverstone on Saturday 3 August. The high-speed demonstration run, featuring the Barnato-Hassan Special, the Pacey-Hassan Special, the Napier-Railton and the Napier-Bentley, will offer spectators a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness this fabulous quartet of giants on track together as the BDC celebrates Bentley Motors’ centenary in fitting style.

Recently restored by David Ayre Cars Ltd – whose proprietor is due to drive it at Silverstone – the Barnato-Hassan Special was built in 1934 by the famed Walter Hassan for Bentley Boy Woolf Barnato; its original 6½-litre engine was quickly replaced with an 8-litre unit. In 1935, Oliver Bertram wrote the car into the history books when he set a new lap record of 142.6mph around Brooklands – a benchmark only ever bettered by the 24-litre aero-engine Napier-Railton.

The illustrious 1936 4½ Litre Pacey-Hassan Special – whose driver at Silverstone has yet to be confirmed – was also built by the legendary Walter Hassan having been commissioned (via Bentley Boy Woolf Barnato) by Bentley racer/owner Bill Pacey. Benefiting from a modified engine, the sleek, powerful single-seater made a winning debut at that year's Brooklands Easter race meeting, lapping at 117.46mph. It went on to enjoy a successful racing career, clocking a fastest ever lap of 129mph.

The aero-engined 1933 Napier-Railton, from the Brooklands Museum and to be piloted by BDC Member Allan Winn, features a Bentley Speed Six steering box and is feted as the holder of various records, including the 24-hour world speed record (150.6mph) and the Brooklands Outer Circuit lap record (143.44mph); it was commissioned by legendary Brooklands driver John Cobb and designed by Reid Railton.

The 1968 Napier-Bentley, a one-off special belonging to and to be driven by Club Member Chris Williams, is similarly awe-inspiring. Like the Napier-Railton, it is a 24-litre (600hp) aero-engined behemoth and is still regularly and successfully used in competition.

BDC Competitions Captain Mike Haig said: “We are enormously privileged to be able to bring together these four icons. They are very rarely ever seen together and have never been on a track at the same time. Spectators will be able to enjoy these legendary cars being driven with real verve, just as they were in their heyday.”

Aside from the demonstration run, the popular ‘garden-party’ style meeting will feature scratch and handicap events for Bentleys of all ages on the packed eight-race programme. The race card will also feature grids for FISCAR, TVR Challenge and BDC Sports Car Challenge plus a doubleheader for the Aero Morgan Challenge.

Adding further action to the day will be the always well-subscribed Bentley parade in which up to 200 Club Members’ glorious models of all ages will take to the Northamptonshire track.

We hope to see you all there!

Words by Stuart Newman.

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