Building on last year’s inaugural triumph, the Royal Automobile Club’s highly-praised celebration of motoring in central London will again applaud the past, present and future – and it’s free to attend
The sparkling St James’s Motoring Spectacle is returning to Pall Mall by popular demand on Saturday 1 November.
Last year’s event was hailed as a roaring success by organisers, exhibitors and, most importantly, the visitors who turned out in their thousands to savour an incredible display of fine machinery through the ages.
Organised by the Royal Automobile Club, the one-day, free-to-attend Spectacle is staged right outside its historic Clubhouse on one of the capital’s most prestigious thoroughfares, which is closed to through traffic for the duration.
Pall Mall will once again be packed with a spectacular timeline of motoring ranging from the pioneering veterans of the Victorian age right up to the futuristic supercars paving the way for more sustainable eras to come.
With a further eye on the future, invited exhibitors also provided younger visitors with informative insights into new career opportunities and the clean technology innovations on the road ahead. A number of Westminster’s lifestyle businesses also took advantage of the large numbers attending with a prominent presence on Pall Mall.
After last year’s inaugural success – and with more time to plan – even more local engagement with both enterprises and educational establishments is targeted in 2025.
“The first St James’ Motoring Spectacle was a triumph on so many fronts,” enthused Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “It was wonderful to see the fabulous heritage and future of motoring displayed for everyone to enjoy on Pall Mall and we must thank Westminster City Council for making a return possible.
“Now, with an amazing platform on which to build – this year’s family-friendly Spectacle will be a major draw for all ages and interests and we can’t wait”.
Taking place on the eve of the world famous RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, visitors to will gain a rare opportunity to marvel at many of the extraordinary pre-1905 vehicles that will depart Hyde Park at dawn on Sunday heading for the Sussex coast. Adding to the occasion, many of the intrepid crews will be splendidly attired in period costume.
Preparing for Sunday’s celebration, more than 50 of these Victorian and Edwardian machines will be participating in the St James’s Concours – the world’s most prestigious beauty parade for vehicles of the pioneer period.
November’s expert judging panel will again include renowned veteran car connoisseurs as well as more familiar faces, including much-loved TV personality and classic car enthusiast Alan Titchmarsh CBE.
A stunning collection of state-of-the-art hypercars proved equally popular, notably with a younger audience of Instagrammers and, putting the spotlight on cutting-edge design and the latest low-carbon technologies, an even more exciting line-up is planned for this November.
Bridging the years in between the veterans and supercars, a number of significant motoring milestones will also be celebrated with special showcase displays; details of these will be released later this year.
The St James’s Motoring Spectacle is part of the Royal Automobile Club’s busy London Motor Week, which traditionally includes anniversary dinners, awards presentations, the Art of Motoring Exhibition and RM Sotheby’s prestigious London Sale that takes place in The Peninsula London.
