More than 130 of the world’s finest historic racing cars were showcased at the 2015 Silver Anniversary Silverstone Classic (24-26 July) during a sun-kissed media preview day held this week on April 15th. Organizers anticipate that the 2015 event will be the biggest and best yet.

With historic motorsport interest at an all-time high, the Silverstone Classic stands out as one of the premier events on the global racing calendar. Having garnered over 1,100 entries annually for the past three years, 2015 promises another bumper crop. Furthermore, following a record attendance of 94,000 fans in 2014,

“Silverstone Classic represents the pinnacle of historic racing worldwide,” said Event Director Nick Wigley. “The diversity of cars at the event is truly remarkable, ranging from Pre-War 1920s and ‘30s machinery to early Grand Prix cars, the glamorous era of the ‘50s and ‘60s, 1980s F1 turbocharged beasts, Group C sportscars, and Super Touring and GT legends from the ‘90s. It truly spans a comprehensive spectrum.”

Last year, more than 9,000 privately-owned classic cars were showcased, and a record 114 clubs have already signed up for 2015, celebrating 31 anniversaries. These include the 25th birthdays of the Honda NSX and Mazda MX-5, the 30th anniversary of the Sinclair C5, the 40th anniversary of the Jaguar XJS, the 50th anniversaries of the Aston Martin DB6, Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, and MGB GT, and the 60th anniversaries of the Citroën DS and Rolls Royce Silver Cloud.

In recognition of these milestones and the Classic’s own quarter-century, a new Friday lunchtime track parade has been introduced, along with a Silver Sunday Anniversary Parade. This parade is open to owners of silver cars of any generation, make, or model, who pay – appropriately – £25 extra for the privilege. Statistics show that silver is the nation’s favourite car colour, with more than seven million on British roads, so it’s little surprise that the event is already half-full.

From Formula 1 to touring cars, GTs, and sportscars, as well as pre-war prototypes, Silverstone this summer will host a diverse array of vintage and modern vehicles. All the perennial favourites will be in top form, including the FIA Masters Historic F1 Championship, the Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy for Pre-1963 GT cars, the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship for Pre-1966 GT cars, front and rear-engined Pre-1966 F1 cars, and the evocative Group C endurance racers that will race into dusk on Saturday evening.

Given Silverstone’s historical significance as the inaugural venue for the FIA Formula One World Championship, more F1 cars should race here than anywhere else in 2015. Pre-War Sportscars will join them this year, a feature of early Classics that returns to the lineup after a hiatus.

New to the event is the Guards Trophy, boasting a sold-out grid of Pre-1966 GTs and Pre-1969 sportscars. Additionally, to honour the 75th anniversary and Silverstone’s wartime role as a bomber base during World War II, there will be a pair of Battle of Britain races. These races will feature British-built Pre-1966 GTs, touring cars, and sportscars, showcasing a diverse mix of iconic brands such as MG, Lotus, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Mini, and Ginetta, among others.

The crowd-pleasing touring cars return once again, with BTCC Champions Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal seeking a rematch in their Team Dynamics-prepared Lotus Cortina, after leading the U2TC race last year only to retire before the chequered flag.

Following a well-received debut in 2014, the 90s GT Legends will make a comeback this year, featuring the addition of Bernd Schneider’s 1997 FIA GT Championship-winning Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. They will be joined, to much acclaim, by a new high-speed demonstration: 90s F1 Legends, celebrating the post-DFV ‘80s/90s high-revving turbo era when icons like Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher dominated the racetrack.

The Silverstone Classic offers much more than just high-octane action on the circuit. Attendees can enjoy live music from Paul Young and Status Quo, as well as Fleetwood Mac and ZZ Top tribute acts. There will be hot air balloon flyouts, a twilight pyrotechnics display, and aerial flypasts featuring Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane aircraft.

An adrenaline zone has been added this year, featuring activities such as a zip wire, climbing walls, Wacky Wheeler Jeeps, a reverse bungee swing, and a 40m-high giant wheel offering panoramic views of all the action. Interactive driving experiences include the Off-Road Zone, Caterham Drift Experience, the 2CV Tin Snail Challenge, rally and 4×4 rides, and a street car shootout – most of which are included in the general ticket price.

Adding to the excitement are a Vintage Funfair, a giant scalextric, a bustling retail shopping village with over 170 exhibitors already confirmed, Silverstone Auctions, and TV presenter Mike Brewer’s popular Car Clinic. With all these elements in place, the stage is set for a spectacular anniversary event.