Nigel Mansell's achievements celebrated at The London Classic Car Show 18th February 2018
Nigel Mansell CBE is ranked as one of the most successful British F1 racing champions of all time so when the London Classic Car Show announced that he'd be appearing at the event this year, the response was fantastic. I visited the LCCS on Sunday 18th February 2018 and had just begun viewing cars at the ExCeL when suddenly the noise of a roaring engine drew me away to the Grand Avenue where a selection of cars were being driven. The familiar F1 theme tune ‘The Chain' played in the background and spectators were pumped up watching the great Nigel Mansell giving a thrilling demonstration in an F1 racing car. It was similar to being at a Grand Prix circuit when Nigel spun the car around and sparks flew out from the rear of the car as the tyres screeched on the Grand Avenue.
I then darted over from the Grand Avenue to the Supagard theatre where fans had flocked to see the motorsport legend Nigel Mansell being interviewed by Henry Hope-Frost, a well respected motoring journalist and presenter. This was the first time I'd seen Nigel in person and without his recognisable moustache that he'd had for many years and, he seemed to be as popular as ever.
Nigel spoke about the early stages of his career from the late 70's and showed gratitude towards Colin Chapman for giving him the opportunity with Lotus cars. Colin was a leading designer/engineer & founder of Lotus who became a significant role model for Nigel. Nigel described Colin as "a second father and incredible engineer" and he was apparently very charismatic. Nigel thought that others in the motorsport industry he'd worked for weren't as honourable as Colin who'd provided Nigel with a cheque for £70,000 to mortgage a house in a time of need.
Nigel commented on close calls and crashes that had occurred due to barriers being on the edge of the circuit and he said safety standards have improved as barriers aren't so close now which benefits today's F1 drivers. On reflection Nigel couldn't believe how he had come through some life threatening situations for example, when he'd participated in a Grand Prix for the first time. Nigel hadn't driven a particular F1 car before and much to his dismay he discovered that the fuel cell in the car was leaking. He'd spent forty laps with chemical burns and was submerged in a pool of fuel. He realised his bottom had burnt and had to be doused in gallons of water to cool off! Nigel suffered a terrible ordeal as he wasn't able to sit down for three weeks whilst the severe burns healed. Although he endured a series of dangerous incidents while motor racing, the resilient Nigel persisted in the sport with strong will and determination like a true trooper.
Apart from mishaps during his career, Nigel was able to appreciate the perks that came with being a renowned F1 driver. Some of these perks included being given a new Ducati motorbike and, a Ferrari Testarossa when Nigel provided useful feedback to Ferrari's designer following a test drive. Nigel thoroughly enjoyed his experience working for Ferrari, he remarked ‘'that's what Ferrari does, it changes you...they are so passionate about their racing...where else in the world can you walk into an Italian restaurant and never pay for a meal...there's so many fantastic stories about Ferrari."
It was an intriguing insight into Nigel Mansell's career and after the interview the audience were invited to meet him so I joined the long queue of fans and media. Nigel an affable gentleman was pleased to spend time greeting his supporters therefore it was a highlight of the day and a pleasure meeting him at the show.
Nigel Mansell also won The London Classic Car Show Icon Award and was presented with his trophy on the Grand Avenue. Some of the F1 cars he'd raced in over the years were on display at the LCCS.
Whilst spending some time at The Paddock, I got to see some of the cars close up before they were taken for a spin including a racing car formerly driven by another F1 racing legend Michael Schumacher.
At every turn there were formidable collections of cars exhibited so once again being at the LCCS was a hugely gratifying experience and I felt fortunate to be present at such a well-planned automotive event. The photos I took at the show speak for themselves.
Thanks to Jonathan Gill & team at MPA Creative.
Since the London Classic Car Show took place in 2018 we were all saddened to hear that Henry Hope-Frost, a very accomplished and knowledgeable motoring journalist/presenter who interviewed Nigel Mansell at the LCCS unexpectedly passed away in a road accident. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Henry's family and friends and he'll always be remembered in the world of motorsport.
© Article and photos below by Gina Chrysanthou
![NigelMansell_GinaLCCS118 NigelMansell_GinaLCCS118](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday118.jpg)
Gina Chrysanthou and Nigel Mansell
![NigelMansell_FLoizeauxLCCS116 NigelMansell_FLoizeauxLCCS116](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday115.jpg)
Franck Loizeaux and Nigel Mansell
![LCCS_Sunday13 LCCS_Sunday13](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday13.jpg)
Nigel Mansell and Henry Hope-Frost
![LCCS_Sunday14 LCCS_Sunday14](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday14.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday100 LCCS_Sunday100](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday100.jpg)
Nigel Mansell's Formula Ford Crosslé 1977
![LCCS_Sunday99 LCCS_Sunday99](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday99.jpg)
Nigel Mansell's Lotus 91 - Italian Grand Prix Monza Italy 1982
![LCCS_Sunday90 LCCS_Sunday90](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday90.jpg)
1988 Porsche 962 presented by Duncan Hamilton ROFGO
![LCCS_Sunday91 LCCS_Sunday91](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday91.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday98 LCCS_Sunday98](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday98.jpg)
Nigel Mansell's 1992 F1 Williams-Renault FW14B
![LCCS_Sunday110 LCCS_Sunday110](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday110.jpg)
Ferrari 250 GT Drogo showcased by The Old Racing Company
![LCCS_Sunday104 LCCS_Sunday104](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday104.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday74 LCCS_Sunday74](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday74.jpg)
Corvette Stingray
![LCCS_Sunday89 LCCS_Sunday89](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday89.jpg)
1972 Porsche 911 S2.4 (S/T 2.8) showcased by Gmund Cars
![LCCS_Sunday6 LCCS_Sunday6](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday6.jpg)
One of the cars being auctioned by COYS - a 2003 Noble M12 GTO
![LCCS_Sunday46 LCCS_Sunday46](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday46.jpg)
A vintage Aston Martin DBS being restored by Richards of England
![LCCS_Sunday85 LCCS_Sunday85](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday85.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday27 LCCS_Sunday27](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday27.jpg)
Mercedes-Benz 190SL showcased by Joe Macari
![LCCS_Sunday28 LCCS_Sunday28](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday28.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday57 LCCS_Sunday57](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday57.jpg)
P Porsche Carrera Abarth GTL
![LCCS_Sunday60 LCCS_Sunday60](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday60.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday34 LCCS_Sunday34](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday34.jpg)
Batmobile featured in 1989 film Batman - London Motor Museum
![LCCS_Sunday36 LCCS_Sunday36](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday36.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday56 LCCS_Sunday56](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday56.jpg)
1970's Lamborghini Miura Jota showcased by Cheshire Classic Cars
![LCCS_Sunday62 LCCS_Sunday62](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday62.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday71 LCCS_Sunday71](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday71.jpg)
1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE
![LCCS_Sunday50 LCCS_Sunday50](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday50.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday30 LCCS_Sunday30](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday30.jpg)
Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV showcased by Joe Macari
![LCCS_Sunday31 LCCS_Sunday31](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday31.jpg)
Ferrari 355 Spider F1 showcased by Joe Macari
![LCCS_Sunday21 LCCS_Sunday21](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday21.jpg)
Porsche, 911 1996 993 GT2 Race Car
![LCCS_Sunday82 LCCS_Sunday82](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday82.jpg)
1930's BMW 328 Roadster exhibited by BMW Car Club GB
![LCCS_Sunday81 LCCS_Sunday81](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday81.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday97 LCCS_Sunday97](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday97.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday103 LCCS_Sunday103](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday103.jpg)
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Boat Tail 1924 exhibited by Pilkington Classics
![LCCS_Sunday101 LCCS_Sunday101](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday101.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday42 LCCS_Sunday42](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday42.jpg)
Rolls Royce Silver Wraith 1952
![LCCS_Sunday105 LCCS_Sunday105](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday105.jpg)
Ferrari 250 TR 1959 showcased by The Old Racing Car Company
![LCCS_Sunday3 LCCS_Sunday3](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday3.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday76 LCCS_Sunday76](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday76.jpg)
A 1983 Jaguar XJS previously owned by the late Princess of Wales and exhibited by Jaguar XJS Club
![LCCS_Sunday83 LCCS_Sunday83](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday83.jpg)
Mercedes-Benz 190SL restored by Hilton & Moss
![LCCS_Sunday80 LCCS_Sunday80](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday80.jpg)
1950's BMW 507 Roadster exhibited by BMW Car Club GB
![LCCS_Sunday84 LCCS_Sunday84](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday84.jpg)
Jaguar E Type Series 1 Roadster 10 restored by Hilton & Moss
![LCCS_Sunday108 LCCS_Sunday108](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday108.jpg)
Morgan racing car showcased by Richard Thorne Classic Cars
![LCCS_Sunday20 LCCS_Sunday20](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday20.jpg)
Ferrari 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer showcased by Joe Macari
![LCCS_Sunday77 LCCS_Sunday77](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday77.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday7 LCCS_Sunday7](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday7.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday114 LCCS_Sunday114](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday114.jpg)
TVR Cerbera 4.5 V8 - "Savage Beauty" showcased by Str8six
![LCCS_Sunday88 LCCS_Sunday88](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday88.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday38 LCCS_Sunday38](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday38.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday54 LCCS_Sunday54](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday54.jpg)
Lamborghini LM002 also known as 'Lambo Rambo'
![LCCS_Sunday53 LCCS_Sunday53](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday53.jpg)
Ford Mustang Boss 302
![LCCS_Sunday55 LCCS_Sunday55](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday55.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday58 LCCS_Sunday58](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday58.jpg)
Ford Zepyhr 6 (1953)
![LCCS_Sunday51 LCCS_Sunday51](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday51.jpg)
1934 Rolls Royce 20/25 Gurney Nutting Sedanca Coupe
![LCCS_Sunday59 LCCS_Sunday59](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday59.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday52 LCCS_Sunday52](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday52.jpg)
1962 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
![LCCS_Sunday69 LCCS_Sunday69](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday69.jpg)
1993 Benetton 193B F1 racing car driven previously by Michael Schumacher
![LCCS_Sunday68 LCCS_Sunday68](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday68.jpg)
![LCCS_Sunday106 LCCS_Sunday106](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday106.jpg)
Jaguar E-Type exhibited by Equipe GTS
![LCCS_Sunday11 LCCS_Sunday11](/upload/news/Articles Events 2018/LCCS_Sunday11.jpg)
Please view Pukka PR's full collection of photos in the Gallery:
The London Classic Car Show Sunday 18th February 2018