Auto-Social – The Sun Shines Brightly on HPC Classics

Having recently returned from Top Marques Monaco on the French Riviera we were fully prepared for the usual British summer weather. Slightly dull, perhaps some rain and distinctly not very summery. Well, imagine our surprise, and indeed joy at the glorious sunshine we were treated to with HPC Classics on Sunday when we hosted our latest Auto-Social cars and coffee meet. What with the wonderful backdrop of the Eastbourne Marina adding a touch of ritzy chic to proceedings it was the perfect day for another round of classics and conversation.

If you’d have plucked us from Monte Carlo and dropped us at Sunday’s HPC Classics Auto-Social we’d have been hard pressed to tell the difference. Yes, we did just compare East Sussex to the Côte d’Azur but it really did evoke those congenial, carefree feelings of being on holiday that served to heighten the convivial vibe of the event and everyone was in good spirits. Isn’t it amazing what a little bit of sunshine can do? Not too much, though – we are British after all and we don’t like it to be too hot…

With the weather taken care of it was then up to all of you to show us your steeds and bring yet another fantastically eclectic mix of metal to the mix at the HPC Classics Auto-Social. And boy, you did not disappoint, both in volume and quality. From up to date supercars to classic Ferraris like this Dino that’s coming to Car & Classic Auctions soon (the eagle-eyed among you will recognise it from our socials where we filmed it blasting around Beachy Head). There was also a healthy contingent of iconic American muscle cars, too, including a rather special Ford Mustang and a stunning Cobra. Petrolhead perfection.

With so many excellent cars on display our job of judging the illustrious Car & Classic car park concours was an incredibly difficult one. With a clutch of coveted awards up for grabs; best classic, best modern classic and best spec, there was much deliberation, with our expert panel of judges assessing all of the classics on display before delivering their verdict.

Best classic had to go to David and his Le Mans spec 1938 Lagonda. With its 4.4-litre V12 engine designed by W. O. Bentley, this convertible sports tourer is one of only 189 Lagonda V12 models ever made. With twin S.U. Carburettors, factory cars produced 180bhp and coupled with a four-speed manual transmission with synchro-mesh on top gear, could easily exceed 100mph.

Parked in the sunshine amongst more modern classics it was quite the sight and combined with the visceral sound of the V12 it was a very welcome assault on the senses.

David has owned the car for 30 years, having used it for racing in the past. It’s no stranger to epic road trips either with a jaunt to Marrakesh being a particular highlight. Although David no longer competes with the Lagonda it does get driven every few weeks and we’re reliably informed that it does not hang about. Respect.

Next up was best modern classic and this particular award went to this 1998 Jaguar XJR and its proud owner Andy. We suspect his son may have been a little more excited about the award judging by his reaction to being photographed, however. Fitted with Jaguar’s (newly-designed at the time) 4.0-litre V8, complete with supercharger, the car is in stunning original condition having been recently refreshed throughout and the blue metallic paintwork came alive in the mid morning sun.

Fully deserving of modern classic status the XJR, based upon Jaguar’s tried and tested XJ40 platform, truly aligns itself with the grace, space, pace ethos of the revered British manufacturer.

The car exudes the first of those three facets with a silky five-speed automatic gearbox, plush interior and smooth as butter suspension set up providing an elegant and refined ride. Featuring four doors, plenty of room and a decent boot the space aspect is covered and with 370bhp, a 0-60 dash of five-ish seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph the pace is certainly taken care of, too.

The final accolade of best spec was awarded to this rather exceptional 1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale. This isn’t just any Integrale, however and the number plate provides all the clues one needs when ascertaining the car’s true pedigree.

Yep that’s right, this is an Evoluzione, or ‘Evo’ model and that means a power hike to 207bhp from its turbocharged 2.0litre twin cam flat-four engine, uprated suspension (including a wider track) and an even beefier aesthetic thanks to larger wheel arches and an adjustable tailgate spoiler. Serious business then.

Any Integrale is a special car, with bags of power and go-kart levels of traction thanks to a trick four-wheel drive setup but it’s the Evo models that are at the top of the pile, both from a performance perspective as well as when it comes to desirability levels. This is a proper rally car for the road and Michael’s example is in incredible condition. A legendry classic that’s well deserving of our award and all three winners went home with a bevy of Car & Classic merch.

Again, a massive thank you to those that came out to see us and made the day one to remember. Our next Auto-Social event is on Saturday the 8th of July at Castle Motors in the beautiful market town of Liskeard in Cornwall. You can grab your free ticket by visiting our events page so if you missed out on the fun and sun with HPC Classics in Sussex then be sure to get involved with Castle Motors in July. We’ll see you there!