As 2021 closes in on its final few days, it has been a successful year for the team at ADP Classic Racing, both on track and in the workshop. The expert team of historic vehicle restoration and motorsport specialists have scored notable results across Europe, while also rebuilding classic machinery to the highest quality for discerning clients across the world.
Historic racing has made a welcome return to the schedules in 2021, and the quality and competitiveness across the grids has been as fierce as ever. The ADP Classic Racing team has supported clients competing across Europe, both in the all-important build up to, and on the ground during, the events.
This preparation and support have seen podium finishes and race wins for customer entries during key historic racing events at Silverstone, Donington Park and Spa with iconic models including the Ford GT40, Jaguar E-Type, and Porsche 911. Away from the racetrack, but no less competitive, ADP Classic Racing provided expertise and support to entries into events including the Targa Florio and Bernina GT, with all entries successfully completing both events.
A main highlight of the race season came during the Goodwood Revival weekend where, once again, the in-period headline event of the classic racing calendar gathered some of the world’s most famous and notorious cars and drivers. ADP Classic Racing helped to secure overall honours in two of the main events of the weekend – the Sussex Trophy for world sportscars of the late 1950s, and the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy celebrating the life of the late, great racer.
Victory in the Sussex Trophy proved to be particularly sweet for both the team and the owner. The Tojeiro Jaguar has been entered into every running of the race since the Revival began in 1998, and this year’s result was the first visit to the top step of the podium. The highly competitive Stirling Moss Trophy is fought between pre-1963 GT cars and, having won the inaugural running of the race in 2020, the team worked hard to improve on an already fast car with the aim of back-to-back victories. The race did not disappoint, and a tense hour of racing into a glorious late summer’s evening culminated in the second successive win for the Jaguar E-type ‘Huffaker’.
Commenting on the year’s motorsport activities, Jake Dale, ADP Classic Racing Director, explained: “It is great to have historic motorsport back on the calendar this year, and we have helped support our customers to some fantastic results. The competition has been as strong as I can ever remember across the historic events, but our team has gone about everything with the focus and attention to detail which we pride ourselves in, no matter the job or event. Preparation is key, and much of the work to accomplish this is completed in the weeks leading up to the events. The Classic Racing team has worked tirelessly to ensure that we give our customers the best possible machinery for every event.”
With a dedicated team of truly world-class technicians, holding vast experience of classic and historic vehicle restoration and modification, this year ADP Classic Racing has delivered concours quality results on a range of road cars spanning the last nine decades. The highly skilled craftsmen within the workshop have worked their magic on machinery ranging from full-body strip-downs, engine rebuilds, and enhancements in classic cars to integrate modern systems and technologies.
The most recent of these projects, and a stand-out example of the artisan work the team produces, was a bespoke commission on a 1971 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 which has been subjected to a full rotisserie restoration and enhancement programme. A selection of bespoke items has been created with heavy inspiration from Ferraris of the same period and produced from scratch in the same handmade format, keeping you guessing as to what subtle changes have been made.
The 365 GT is widely regarded as being one of the best driving classic Ferrari GTs. This rewarding drive has been retained with a freshly rebuilt engine and all running gear with important upgrades to the handling and braking systems. The driver is treated to a bespoke cabin with carefully selected leathers, wood and Alcantara, while remaining true to the original virtues of the design which left the Maranello gates over 50 years ago, the team worked to design, engineer and produce a truly breath-taking example which has now been reunited with its owner.
In summing up the year, Laurence Gould, ADP Classic Racing Director, added: “Owning a classic car shouldn’t have to come with a compromise. It should provide the ultimate in driving pleasure, whether it is being driven regularly, a trip down memory lane in all its original glory, or competing on a road rally. Our incredibly talented and accomplished team has taken accolades at the highest levels, being recognised for their world-class skills and restoration abilities. Together with our state-of-the-art in-house facilities, we pride ourselves on working closely with our clients and delivering the ultimate outcome.”
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