Chateau Impney Hillclimb Revived!

“You are going where? To what? When?”, I asked our foremost British correspondent when he said he’ll drop by Impney on the weekend of July 11-12. This one was a new one on us. In fact, it is the very first revival of the Chateau Impney hillclimb that was staged on the grounds of the Chateau Impney, originally run from 1957-1967. And what a revival it was. The turnout, the weather, and above all Sharp’s imagery were all spectacular; what else can we do but run as many photos as possible? And so we did. In this segment we list the Italian and French cars in alphabetical order. In another segment, we allow room –click here – for the magnificent non-Italian and French entries; cars you will not see elsewhere and yet so very fascinating= Ed.

Story and Photos by Jonathan Sharp

If you are wondering why a French-style Chateau is to be found in the middle of England, that is due to local salt mine owner John Corbett and his wife Anna who were married in Paris before returning to England. In 1868 and with a growing family they decided to buy the original Impney Manor House, demolish it and have built a house in the style of the chateaus they had seen whilst in France. They commissioned French architect Auguste Tronquois to oversee the work of English architect Richard Phené Spiers. The result is considered to be the finest and most authentic example of French style Chateau building in the UK. The Chateau has been a Hotel since 1928.

More French than French, and a spectacular setting for a hillclimb.

The entry list of approximately 200 cars for this new venue would be the envy of many of the more established events. They included 9 ERAs, a couple of Alfa Tipo Bs, Amilcars, Maseratis, Talbot Lagos, Bugattis, Duncan Pittaway’s amazing Fiat S76 and loads of period specials many of which I had never heard of let alone seen before. With open paddocks and very approachable drivers and mechanics, the atmosphere throughout the weekend was first class and the event attracted not just enthusiasts but families as well.

Below: 36 images of: Alfa Romeo, Amilcar, Bugatti, Darracq, De Dietrich, Fiat, Maserati, SCAT, Talbot Lago.

CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Alfa Romeo 8C ‘Muletto’, Neil Twyman