The Double Twelve is the biggest event staged by the Museum and an important occasion on the enthusiasts calendar.

A brief intro as to how the 'Double Twelve" came about was because 24 hour racing was prohibited due to noise restrictions at Brooklands. Consequently the event was divided into two daylight sessions and the cars were locked up overnight.

Saturday saw the the programme of events start with the driving tests on the members banking. It was great to see the determination on the drivers faces as they attempted Loop the Loop and The Old Driving Test.

Later in the morning the action moved over to the The Mercedez Benz Handling Circuit for the Brooklands Museum and Vintage Sports Car Club Double Twelve Speed Trials practice and competitive runs. Approximately 100 Pre-war cars tackled the 800m sprint course on the Mercedes Benz circuit.

I had planned to be over on the track early to catch the Parade of Significant Brooklands Cars. I arrived  on the spot 10 minutes early only to find they had moved this special event forward and that I had missed it! 

Back at the museum The Double Twelve Driving Concours took place featuring 144 cars in total (12 in each of 12 classes). Special classes celebrating 50 glorious years of the MGB and 80 years  of the Coupe des Dames (a class confined to lady drivers using sports and rally cars).

The driving tests continued on Sunday with Test Hill, The 1923 Parking Test, The Kidney Bean and The Finishing Straight Garages.

The AC Cobra was honoured on Sunday with a special celebration and recognition for 50 years of the iconic Anglo-American sports car. One example of every significant variant made their way around the site to the Test Hill where one by one they roared to the summit.

This was followed by more excitement when a group of Shelby Mustangs also attempted the challenge of the Test Hill. Not much of a problem for the Mustangs!

For the next couple of hours the crowds lined the banks of the test hill to cheer on the many clubs and individuals who attempted the challenge. The C5 made it in record time...not so lucky for others although a defeat did not diminish enthusiasm and made the crowd offer even more support. 

Highlight of the day on Sunday was when the Napier Railton and Delage made an appearance. The crowds soon gathered around the cars and fired questions at the drivers who were only too happy to share their knowledge. With a few helpful hands to give a gentle push both cars started up and made as much noise as possible as they made their way round to the grandstand to parade in front of the delighted audience.

The festival atmosphere was enhanced throughout the weekend  with swing music, live singers, traditional jazz band, dancing, merry go rounds, bumper cars, trade stands and food and last but not least....sunshine!!.