Abarth 500 Celebrity Challenge

The Silverstone Classic (23-25 July) played host to the inaugural BSM Centenary Abarth 500 Celebrity Challenge.

The charity race attracted a host of stars including celebrity chefs Heston Blumenthal and James Martin, dancer Brendan Cole, actor Tom Chambers and former footballer Luther Blissett, among others. As well as being a fabulous spectacle for the race crowds the special event also raised funds for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.

Each celebrity driver was provided with a race-prepared version of the super-quick Abarth 500 esseesse road car - all finished in Abarth's historic Campovolo Grey racing colours. Additional equipment fitted for the race included an Abarth Record Monza variable back-pressure quad-pipe exhaust system, a custom-designed roll bar, Abarth Corse by Sabelt seats, four-point harnesses, and a fire extinguisher.

The Vospers car, racing under the prestigious Number One, wore the livery of the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse race car from the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB, and was driven by Radio 2 DJ Richard Allinson. He finished a creditable seventh.

Rick Parfitt Jnr, who won the race, said: "I absolutely loved it. I've driven karts before but that was my first proper car race, and I'm really pleased to have won because I was up against some great competition in Neil [Primrose] and Paul [O'Duffy]. The Abarth was a cracking car to drive - modern but with so many retro touches and even though it was basically a road car, you could really chuck it around. Absolutely superb."

This unique car has now been sold.