The Classic Car Show

Few cars are as globally recognised and celebrated as the E-type Jaguar, and the very first cars to roll off the production line in 1961 have quintupled in value. Quentin, who has owned an E-type for ten years, takes a look at its history. A design classic of 20th-century automotive art, it was once famously described by Enzo Ferrari as "the most beautiful car ever made". Launched in the 1960s, it is now an enduring symbol of that exciting era, and a sleek example of the inextricable link between cars and style.

Crystal Palace is not just one of Londonʼs most beautiful parks, it is also associated with an earlier era of motoring, having once played host to the London Grand Prix. Some of motor racingʼs most famous names competed there, including Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and James Hunt. Although Cadwell Park doubled for Crystal Palace in the film ʻRushʼ, the circuit has now been restored and Will Best – a classic car virgin – is competing in his very first historic race event.

Not all classic car collectors are driven by investment or financial gain, however. Some are interested in the preservation of our motoring heritage. Alex Riley meets such a man who proudly shows him his eclectic collection of all things motorised.

Also hitting the race track this week is Bruno Senna. The Formula 1, Le Mans and Formula E driver is aiming to put a number of classic cars through their paces. First against the clock is the Mercedes 190 E, the car that shot his uncle Ayrton to global fame in 1984.