The April Clubnight saw over 40 members turn out for a fascinating talk by current historic racing driver Robin Longdon. Robin is an R5 member and has raced in a number of different formulae over the years, as well as owning a range of interesting cars. Robin’s racing has seen him take part in all the biggest historic racing events, including the Goodwood Revival, Spa 6 Hours, Oulton Park Gold Cup and the Monaco Historic Grand Prix.
Robin has owned and raced many different cars over the years, starting with Lotus and then Lola race cars. His first major project centred on the famous Les Leston “DAD10” Lotus Elite, which he found abandoned in a garden and which led to a long and arduous restoration process. Robin now mainly races in Formula Junior, which back in the 1950’s and 60’s was only one step down from GP racing (now Formula 1). Robin, unlike many historic racers, only races his own cars.
Robin has also owned a number of significant road cars - some more than once! His first 1973 911 Carrera RS was sold after 2 years of ownership, but he soon regretted it and so bought another. But he sold that car after a fairly short period, and then re-purchased it from the same person 13 years later, and still owns it today.
When pressed on his favourite road car Robin struggled to choose between the 911 Carrera RS and his 356, both of which he and wife Susan love to drive. These two cars have both won “Best Porsche in Show” at the annual Tatton Park Classic Car event in recent years when they were displayed on the R5 stand.
Robin recounted a number of interesting anecdotes that kept the audience entertained for quite a while, with many questions about details of his cars and engines, as well as favourite cars and race tracks. After a thoroughly entertaining evening, many members stayed on to chat to Robin and Susan and to look through the old photo albums they had brought along.