Porsche Classics at the Castle 2013 – Report and Photos
Classics at the Castle
Report and photos by Kristina Cilia
The Classics at the Castle Porsche Concours 2013 was held on Sunday the 8th of September on the grounds of Castle Hedingham in Essex County, U.K. Once again the Castle provided the quintessential English backdrop for the event. Built around 1140 AD, the four-story Norman building stands over 110 feet tall and is anchored by its 12 foot thick walls. From the upper windows of the castle, those in attendance got a birds-eye view of this spectacular event and the surrounding English countryside.
The event drew participants and spectators from all over Europe. It’s becoming so popular that even the Porsche Museum came out from Germany in full force with a lorry full of displays including a hands-on tour of the new 911-50 special edition for a select few in the crowd.
As in years past, the 7th annual event presented a world class display of Porsches with significant examples of historic competition cars and a huge variety of vintage, modern and outlaw versions of the marque. All Porsche models were encouraged to attend this unique event highlighting those classic Porsches built from 1948 through 1973. As the theme of this year’s event was 911 50, celebrating 50 Years of the Porsche 911, there were street and race versions on display representing almost every year of the 911. Some of those included the famous IMSA title winning Porsche 935 in the Miller Livery from 1982 as well as a great display of cars that had raced at Le Mans from a 911 GT1 from 1998 in the Mobil One livery up to a 991 GT3 from the 2013 season.
For the second year in a row, the highlight of the day was the Parade of Porsches up the drive to the keep. A lovely light ivory 356C coupe led four groups of 911s up and down the drive. The smell of unburned petrol and the whirl of twin turbos from several historic racing Porsches set the tone. Crowds of spectators lined the drive as a procession of specially selected vehicles drove up the hill, arriving on the lawn of a medieval castle, while the commentator announced each car and driver.
The event culminated with an awards presentation with special guest drivers, John Fitzpatrick and Bob Garretson. Of course the day would not be complete without a light rain shower, which thankfully did not last long.
Albeit not the foremost gathering of 911s this year in the U.K., the 2013 Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours turned out to be one of the finest displays of 911s that has been assembled to pay tribute to the marque. This well-organized event was a treat to all who attended. Once again, this years Classics at the Castle turned out to be brilliant!
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Photographer Kristina Cilia documented the 2013 Classics at the Castle Porsche Concours. We split up Kristina’s 294 pictures into two galleries. The first gallery starting below features our favorite images, all displayed in the full-width view of Sports Car Digest, while the second gallery and full list of award winners can be found on the last page of the article and gives a comprehensive view of all the photographs. To see more from Kristina, visit Kristina Cilia.
Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery
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Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Two
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Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Three
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Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Four
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Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Five
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Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Six
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Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Seven
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Porsche Classics at the Castle Concours 2013 – Main Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)
I have always appreciated a photographer who gets out of bed early, arrives at the show before the crowds and can utilize the early light. The detail images, stand out, the two images of the Porsche 908/2 in the major gallery, and the close up of the water beads on the S. The BASTOS head light detail is another standout. Job well done.
Thank you Dennis for your compliments!
It was a nice event and the weather was relatively nice to us. Nice to see some pics of my car too – silver 911 SWB with Porsche script on the side and Heuer branding too. Built by Andial and then owned and developed by Magnus Walker. Now residing in sunny England.
Nice feature, and lovely pictures.
Thank you! ALL images now up & available via my website. Really enjoyed looking at you website too!