Pre-War Grand Prix Racing returns to Oulton Park

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Pre-war Grand Prix cars; few things deliver more excitement. Fortunately, events such as Goodwood, the Monaco Historique and meetings organised by the VSCC continue to keep this remarkable heritage alive. Even so, we cannot escape the feeling that such spectacles are becoming increasingly rare. Which is a great shame, because there is something uniquely thrilling about a full grid of pre-war Grand Prix machines: engines roaring, chassis vibrating, every car poised to do exactly what it was built for – to race.

That is precisely why we were delighted to receive a phone call from classic car dealer and racing driver Tom Hardman. He told us about the return of the Seaman Trophy at the 2026 Oulton Park Gold Cup. The historic Cheshire circuit will once again host a dedicated grid for pre-war Grand Prix cars, organised by Tom in collaboration with the VSCC.

Entries are already arriving from across Britain and mainland Europe. Alfa Romeos, Bugattis, ERAs, Frazer Nashs and Maseratis are all expected to be represented. If the plans come together as hoped, this promises to become one of the most impressive pre-war Grand Prix grids seen in recent years. (Entries are still open, by the way, should you happen to own such a car.)

ERA enthusiasts, in particular, have much to look forward to. The intention is for GP1 and the recently restored GP2 to appear together in public for the first time in decades. There is also hope that the newly restored R14B will make its debut, while Dick Seaman's own ERA R1B may line up for the race that proudly bears his name. That prospect alone makes the journey to Oulton Park worthwhile.

Yet perhaps the most important aspect is not which individual cars eventually appear on the grid. The true significance of events like these is that they demonstrate pre-war racing is still very much alive. Historic racing cars remain relevant only when they are used for the purpose for which they were built: to be driven – and to be raced. That requires committed organisers, enthusiastic owners and spectators willing to come and watch.

Because the more serious racing opportunities there are for pre-war Grand Prix cars, the greater the chance that future generations will experience these extraordinary machines not standing silently in museums or sitting on trailers, but doing what they do best: charging around a racing circuit at full speed.

Words: Laurens Klein, photographs: Tom Hardman Limited

Details:

• Event: Seaman Trophy
• Date: 29–31 August 2026
• Venue: Oulton Park, Tarporley CW6 9BW, United Kingdom
• More information >>

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