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23 Oct 2025

Formula 1 milestone to be celebrated in central London at the St James's Motoring Spectacle

Billed as London’s largest and most spectacular automotive showcase, the free-to-attend St James’s Motoring Spectacle returns to Pall Mall from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 1 November.

This one-of-a-kind event – organised by the Royal Automobile Club celebrates motoring past, present and future along the prestigious Westminster thoroughfare, which will be closed to through traffic for the day.

A key highlight this year is a special display marking the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship.

The Royal Automobile Club organised the first-ever points-scoring F1 race at Silverstone in 1950. Now it will pay tribute to its role in the sport with Formula 1 cars taking pole position on Pall Mall.

The display will feature the latest Ferrari (courtesy of Peroni) and Williams, joined by the actual gold British Grand Prix trophy, most recently presented to Lando Norris in July.

Grand Prix trophy

Additional motoring milestones will be celebrated with dedicated displays in central London, including the 50th anniversaries of the VW Polo supermini and the Lotus Esprit supercar.

To represent the full spectrum of motoring, the St James’s Spectacle will also showcase pioneering vehicles from the dawn of driving alongside the latest head-turning hypercars that demonstrate revolutionary technologies paving the way for a sustainable future.

Around 75 pre-1905 horseless carriages – which will take part in the following day’s RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – will be exhibited on Pall Mall as part of the prestigious St James’s Concours. Many participants will add to the atmosphere by dressing in authentic period attire.

Highlighting vehicle evolution, the latest electric versions of two iconic city cars – the Renault 4, and Renault 5 – will appear alongside their much-loved classic predecessors. Looking further ahead, both Alpine and Lotus will showcase their newest electric models for visitors to enjoy.

The history of pedal power will also be celebrated, fittingly displayed in one of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities. The collection on show spans veteran bicycles and early motorcycles through to cutting-edge electric bikes, complemented by a dazzling selection of historic competition racing machines, including from the TT and MotoGP.

A dedicated zone on Pall Mall will promote education and career opportunities within the automotive and motorsport industries, highlighting pathways in both innovation and heritage vehicle preservation.

Spectacle

“The St James’s Motoring Spectacle is designed to celebrate every aspect of motoring – from its origins to its exciting future,” explained Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “We’re thrilled to offer visitors such an accessible and inspiring experience, right in the heart of London.

“Last year’s event was widely acclaimed as a triumph, attracting around 10,000 visitors. Now, with the added attraction of Formula 1 cars, we’re expecting another bumper turnout.”

With history, innovation, and wonder at every turn, the St James’s Motoring Spectacle promises a day out like no other – safe, family-friendly, and completely free. For many, it’s set to be the perfect London Saturday.

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