Newcastle car show to celebrate motorsport legend

The local company that played a part in the careers of motor racing legends such as Nigel Mansell, John Watson, and Eddie Irvine, was established in 1957 and is still based in its original factory in Holywood, County Down.

Crosslé’s Formula Fords have been a popular choice of aspiring racing drivers around the world, with thousands of young hopefuls’ having had their first motor racing experience in a Crosslé, including local Formula One greats like Irvine and Watson.

Stars of the show in Newcastle will be two Crosslé icons - a 1970 16F Formula Ford, and the 9S sports racing car. Joining them will be a Crosslé 80T trials car, built for climbing grassy or rocky slopes.

As well as the Crosslés, there will be 40 other collectors’ cars from the 1900s to the 1980s. Sure to catch the eye will be a 1909 Model T Ford and a British rallycross championship-winning Metro 6R4.

Now in its 20th year, the Vintage, Classic and Sports Car Show is run by local car enthusiasts and attracts more than 3,000 visitors over the course of the weekend.

The show has raised more than £130,000 for local charities and proceeds from this year’s event will go to Cancer Research UK.

The show takes place in the Slieve Donard Hotel and admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children under 15. Opening times are 2pm to 10pm on Friday January 31, 10am to 10pm on Saturday February 1, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday February 2.