Kop Hill Revival

Initially held in 1999 and then regularly since 2009, the Kop Hill Climb ‘revival’, near Princes Risborough, has gained rapidly in stature. That was underlined this year with milling crowds, record takings and support from such as the Brooklands, Vauxhall and National Motor Museums.

Doug Hill certainly seemed to be enjoying himself in Beaulieu’s 1930 ‘blower’ Bentley until the supercharger drive sheared. The only down side was that this was the last time Dick Skipworth’s Ecurie Ecosse collection would be seen in public before they go under the hammer at Bonhams in December.

Regularly closed for speed hillclimbing up to 1925, Kop Hill now has to submit to the restrictions of a public road. Such is the event’s local popularity that this is taken liberally, although the Brooklands Outer Circuit 24-litre Napier-Railton (left) did, at least, sport a number plate. One regular participant reckoned it was worth the fine to be caught without mudguards on his car. Ian Wagstaff