Sir Stirling Moss OBE to drive famous racing car through Bradford

Filed under: Classic News |
Legendary motor racing driver Sir Stirling Moss is to open the first purpose built conference centre in the country to have a motoring theme. He will drive the famous Long Nose D Type Jaguar, 393 RW, which won the 12-hour race at Reims in 1956 from Bradford City Centre, to Albion Mills, Greengates Bradford on April 24th to open Speedmaster’s new centre. The car, which was driven at Reims by Duncan Hamilton and Ivor Beub, came sixth at the Le Mans 24 hour race, also in 1956, when it was driven by Mike Hawthorn and Ivor Bueb, is to be part of a unique cavalcade. The cavalcade will also include a Jaguar C Type, NDU 289. It was the C type which brought Jaguar its first victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race. This particular car took part in the 1953 Mille Miglia and has represented Jaguar worldwide. James Hanson and his father John Hanson, the owners of Speedmaster, will drive it. Jaguar XK120, NUB 120 will follow it. It was the XK120 that, more than any other car, established Jaguar’s motor sport credentials and NUB was the most successful of the breed. It was not a Jaguar works car, but was privately owned and campaigned by Ian Appleyard from Leeds and his wife Patricia, William Lyons’ daughter, who acted as navigator. It missed victory in its first ever event, the 1950 Tulip Rally by a quarter of an inch. Appleyard entered the Alpine Rally in 1950 winning a Coupe des Alpes. The following year they repeated their success in this Rally as well as adding the RAC Rally and the elusive Tulip Rally to their string of victories. The car will contain the Lord Mayor of Leeds. James Hanson, Managing Director of Speedmaster, said: “ We thought that it was appropriate that Jaguar were invited to take part in the opening because this year is the 60th anniversary of the XK 120, and our new conference centre will be used in the future to mark historic motoring and motor racing anniversaries and events. The centre will give a huge boost to regional conference facilities by providing a new venue that will attract clients from all over the UK and particularly the north of England. Tony O’Keefe the Curator of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Collection said: “It will be the first time that cars like this and such a famous driver have been seen on the streets of Bradford. I am sure that both Sir Stirling and the cars will receive a great reception.” The conference centre will be officially opened when Sir Stirling drives the famous D Type through a ribbon at the entrance to the new building. Among the guests from the world of motor sport will be motoring artists Michael and Graham Turner who will have a selection of their famous art on display. Michael Turner is one of today’s best known and highly regarded motor sport artists, establishing himself as part of the Grand Prix scene in the 1960’s. His son Graham has followed in his father’s footsteps having built up a reputation for his attention to detail and technical accuracy, combined with an ability to convey the speed and excitement of motor racing from all eras. JARROTTS, the famous picture library who have been commissioned by Speedmaster to provide over 30 images to fill the 'Great British Drivers' feature wall will also be attending the event. Established for the nation in 1983, The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust maintains a unique collection of motor vehicles and artefacts manufactured by Jaguar Cars Limited and the many other renowned marques associated with the company. More than 160 historic vehicles form The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Collection. Many are original, just as they left the factory. Each symbolises a significant milestone in the continuing development and growth of Jaguar Cars and associated companies.Tags:,