Floyd Drummer Proves Castle Combe is a Classic Track

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason was among the crowds who were admiring the magnificent machines dating back to 1905 at Castle Combe Circuit’s Autumn Classic day.

Mr Mason, who lives in Corsham, had a valuable part of his impressive car collection on show and in action on Sunday, with his 1957 Maserati 250F Grand Prix car demonstrated by Mark Hales.

Wife Annette and daughters Holly and Chloe raced a trio of cars dating from 1934 and 1935 in the Historic Aston Martin race, adding to the feelgood factor of the event, despite not being the quickest in the field.

Somewhat faster at the front was Simon Hadfield, who, declaring his DB3S was by far the best car, finished a minute ahead of second placed David Reed in a DB2.

The event built on the success of its meetings over the previous two years and the car parks alone were enough to entertain.

Locally manufactured Bristol cars made a huge impact with the spectators, with a section of Castle Combe’s Westway car park devoted to them.

Circuit owner Pat Strawford recreated the original opening lap of the circuit in 1950 by then owner Kitty Thomas, with a tour in a Bristol 401 Farina.

Many smaller clubs, some with just a dozen or so members, took part, including Colerne Classic Car Club with its 50-year-old MGs and Triumphs.

Event sponsor Julian Bronson, of Bristol Forklifts, could not resist pushing his 1960 Scarab Grand Prix car almost to the limit, the sound of its four-cylinder Offenhauser engine enthralling the crowd as much as his mastery of the circuit.

Mike Vardy demonstrated his 109-year-old Fiat Land Speed Record car, with its 16.5-litre engine, while perched on a small seat overhanging the rear axle.

And Robert Dyke just managed to tame the Whistling Billy steam powered racing car, also from 1905, with its wooden wheels, nothing much in the way of brakes and potential top speed of 130mph.