Reliving the Glory Days of Foreign Car Test Day at Silverstone
One event that always gets the Autocar road testers excited is Britain’s Best Driver’s Car, also known as Handling Day. Since 1989, this gathering brings together the most thrilling driver’s cars for a day of intense testing on both road and track. However, back in the 1960s, a similar event that captured the attention of car enthusiasts was the Foreign Car Test Day held at Silverstone by Total Oils’ PR team.
Imagine a vibrant mix of Italian, German, French, American, Japanese, and Eastern European cars showcased at a time when British products dominated the UK market. Autocar’s first report from this event dates back to 1963 when Alfa Romeo’s flagship saloon stole the spotlight.
“The 2600’s straight-six engine runs so smoothly and quietly that one must keep a close eye on the rev counter. Despite its advanced road behavior and ride comfort, it surprisingly features a live axle with coil springs,” the report stated. The 2600 Sprint coupé, on the other hand, was praised for its exceptional handling, albeit requiring some caution during fast cornering.
Another standout at the event was the new Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, described as agile and comfortable on various road surfaces. The Abarth 1000 TC, a hot version of the Fiat 600, impressed with its speed and exceptional road grip. Even Ford surprised attendees with its Galaxie 500 XL coupé, showcasing a blend of power and smooth handling.
However, the disappointment of the day came from Ferrari, who tantalizingly displayed a 250 GT but didn’t allow anyone to test drive it, much to the frustration of the attendees.
In 1964, Alfa Romeo once again stole the show with the introduction of two new Giulias. The Sprint GT coupé was commended for its performance and predictable handling, instilling confidence in the driver even at the limits of adhesion. The Giulia TZ, with its racing pedigree and aluminum body, offered a more thrilling driving experience that required a delicate touch at high speeds.
BMW’s 1800 Ti from the Neue Klasse range also left a lasting impression with its exceptional handling and responsive steering, showcasing superb tire adhesion on the track.
Reliving these moments from the Foreign Car Test Day at Silverstone reminds us of the golden era of automotive testing and the thrill of experiencing a diverse range of international cars in one place.
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