The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power opens its doors to the public on Friday, and Autocar will be on the ground bringing you the very latest news from the show.
The event organisers have chosen an Italian theme for this year, with cars from the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini taking on the 1.2-mile timed course as well as Maserati celebrating its centenary at the show. Designed to showcase power in all its forms, the event takes place within the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle.
Here are Autocar's picks of what to watch out for at the 2014 Pageant of Power.
1959 Maserati Birdcage
The very first car of its kind to be imported to America in 1957, this Birdcage is now owned by British racing driver Alan Minshaw. It's won races at Spa, the Nürburgring, Silverstone and Donington during its motorsport career.
1929 Napier Bentley
Its owners say this 1920s Bentley will complete a standing quarter mile in 13.5sec at around 126mph. It's powered by a 24-litre W12 aircraft engine, and it's likely you'll hear it coming long before you see it, such is the sound from its massive powerplant.
Lap record under threat
The current lap record around Cholmondeley's timed circuit belongs to Robbie Kerr, who set a storming time of 55.29 seconds last year in a Radical RXC. With the likes of the Ariel Atom 3.5R and BAC Mono competing this year as well as Radical's own SR8 RX, that lap record could be up for grabs again.
Bikes take to the track
The Pageant of Power welcomes both two and four-wheeled entries to its circuit, so expect to see plenty of bikes racing as well. Among them will be a 2002 Ducati Bostrom 998, one of a very limited number of special-edition bikes based on that ridden by American rider Ben Bostrom. Only 155 examples are known to exist.
Jets on the water
Away from the track and the stars of British jet ski racing will be taking to the water with machines ranging from 900cc to 1200cc, while there will also be gravity-defying flyboarding demonstrations as well as rides on powerful Rib boats.
Hunter in the air
Developed in the 1950s, the single-seat Hawker Hunter is a subsonic aircraft which first served as a fighter and later as a reconnaisance aircraft. It'll be putting on a show in the skies above Cholmondeley Castle alongside air displays from the BAC 167 Strikemaster and a pair of vintage fighters.
Noise off in the tunnel
Autocar's own long-term Jaguar F-Type convertible will be taking part in a special tunnel run event on Thursday, competing to make the best sound through the Wirral tunnel. British cars including an Aston Martin V8 Aston Martin Vantage and McLaren 650S will be pitched against Italian counterparts like the Ferrari 599 GTO and Lamborghini Aventador roadster. Keep an eye on Autocar's Twitter account and Facebook page for the latest information.
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