A SENSE of great expectancy hangs in the air over the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb for this weekend’s Classic Nostalgia event during the 111th anniversary year of the historic venue.

Reflecting on motoring over many decades, famous and classic machines from Mini, Porsche, Austin, Lotus, Cooper and Bugatti will be in action on the iconic hill over two days with a full capacity entry.

The star attraction will be the 80th anniversary appearance of the V16 Auto Union Grand Prix car first driven at Shelsley Walsh in 1936 by Hans Stuck.

It will be driven again by his son Hans-Joachim Stuck, who said he is honoured and proud.

Tony Harrison, a committee member of organisers Midland Automobile Club, said: “This promises to be one of the most celebrated events ever staged at Shelsley Walsh and the whole organising team are really looking forward to it.

“Even though most of the paddock team are well over 70 years of age, they are all highly excited and fully psyched-up to ensure things run as smoothly as possible, because it will be very busy indeed everywhere on site.

“One of the many highlights of the weekend will be the attendance of around 30 Group B rally cars, which were banned from competition in the 1980s following several unfortunate fatal incidents, but which still have an amazing following among motoring fans.

“So we will welcome famous stars, including Jimmy McRae, David Llewellyn and Russell Brookes, in cars such as the Metro 6R4, Audi Quattro Sport, Ford RS200, Lancia Delta S4 and Peugeot 206 T16.”

A Concours d Elegance competition is being staged for the first 100 cars to enter on the day. This will be judged by national motoring journalist and regular Shelsley Walsh competitor Simon Taylor, with the winning car invited to display on the MAC stand at November’s NEC Classic Car Show.

Besides the usual serious action on track, the whole weekend has a festival theme and visitors are being encouraged to arrive in period dress to add to the atmosphere with prizes awarded for the best outfits.

There is plenty of other entertainment planned and track action starts at 9am on both days.