100 years of speed: Britain’s First Grand Prix roars back to life at Brooklands

On 7 August 1926, Britain marked a significant milestone in its motorsport history with the first Grand Prix race held at Brooklands Museum in Surrey. Thousands of motorsport fans and classic-car enthusiasts gathered to commemorate the centenary of the event. The inaugural race saw nine Grand Prix cars compete before a massive audience.

French drivers Louis Wagner and Robert Sénéchal claimed victory in a Delage 15-S-8, while renowned British racing figure Malcolm Campbell secured second place in a Bugatti. The centenary celebration rekindles the history of British motor racing at its birthplace, featuring historic racing machines taking center stage. Brooklands, established in 1907, was the world's first purpose-built motor-racing circuit.

The British Grand Prix subsequently became a part of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950. For vintage-car aficionados like Julian Eckersley, the enduring allure of these timeless machines lies in their distinctive sound, feel, and character.