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Brands Hatch: A Century of Speed

In 2026, Brands Hatch marks a remarkable milestone: 100 years at the heart of British motorsport. From its beginnings as a simple dirt-track circuit carved into the Kent countryside in 1926, Brands Hatch has grown into one of the most celebrated and instantly recognisable racing venues in the world. Its natural amphitheatre layout has allowed generations of fans to witness motorsport drama unfold in full view.

Aerial view of the Brands Hatch circuit, showing the track in its natural amphitheatre setting — © circuit archives / official sources.

The circuit’s defining features, Paddock Hill Bend, Druids, and the plunging descent into Hawthorn, have challenged drivers from the very start. Brands Hatch rewards bravery, precision, and commitment, with its undulating terrain and unforgiving corners demanding total respect. These qualities have helped shape its reputation as a true driver’s circuit, where skill and courage matter as much as machinery.

Throughout the decades, Brands Hatch has hosted some of the sport’s greatest moments. It was a regular home of the British Grand Prix during Formula One’s formative years and later became a cornerstone venue for touring cars, endurance racing, GTs, and superbikes. Legends of motorsport have all left their mark here, contributing to a rich tapestry of unforgettable races and rivalries.

Action shot of the Brands Hatch Grand Prix layout from the paddock area — © StandingStart.co.uk

Beyond international events, Brands Hatch has long been a proving ground for rising talent and grassroots racing. Club competitors, historic racers, and young drivers chasing professional careers have all shared the same tarmac as world champions. This unique blend of elite and accessible motorsport has helped keep the circuit relevant and beloved across generations.

As Brands Hatch celebrates its centenary in 2026, it stands not just as a circuit, but as a living part of motorsport history. A place where the past is honoured, the present thrives, and the future continues to be written at full throttle. After 100 years, Brands Hatch remains a symbol of racing passion, spectacle, and enduring British motorsport heritage.

The iconic Brands Hatch control tower and finish line grandstands — © circuit venue photography.

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Celebrating 50 Years of the Lotus Esprit

In 2026, Lotus celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of its most iconic and recognisable models: the Lotus Esprit. First unveiled to the world in 1976, the Esprit marked a bold new direction for the British marque, combining striking design with Lotus’s long-standing philosophy of lightweight engineering and precise handling. Over five decades on, the Esprit remains a defining symbol of the brand’s ambition and innovation.

Photo via WhichCar/Unsplash-style archive

Penned by legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Esprit’s sharp, wedge-shaped profile instantly set it apart from its contemporaries. Its dramatic looks were matched by a mid-engine layout and a focus on driver engagement, ensuring the car delivered not only visual impact but also exceptional road manners. Built on a steel backbone chassis with a composite body, the Esprit embodied Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s belief in efficiency through intelligent design.

Photo via Motor1.com

The original Esprit debuted with a four-cylinder engine, but the model evolved significantly over its long production life. Turbocharged variants arrived in the late 1970s, followed by continual refinements in performance, aerodynamics, and comfort. In the 1990s, the introduction of the Esprit V8 marked a major milestone, transforming the car into a true supercar contender while retaining its unmistakable character.

Beyond the road, the Esprit achieved global fame through popular culture, most notably with its appearance in James Bond films, where it became one of the most memorable cars ever associated with the franchise. These moments helped cement the Esprit’s status as a cultural icon, admired not just by enthusiasts but by a worldwide audience.

Photo via Car & Classic

As Lotus marks the Esprit’s 50th anniversary in 2026, the car’s legacy feels more relevant than ever. It stands as a testament to daring design, continuous evolution, and the pursuit of driving purity. For collectors and fans alike, the Lotus Esprit remains a timeless reminder of an era when innovation, style, and performance came together to create something truly special.

Although not a 1970s example, our advertising partner Autostorico currently has a 1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo available for sale. This ‘A-plate’ Esprit Turbo is finished in Red Calypso with a Vanilla White leather interior and has covered just 36,808 miles. The car was acquired by its current owner, a dedicated Lotus enthusiast, in January 2021 and represents a particularly well-presented example of the model.