Life in the fast Lane: July 2026

It’s been a busy time for motoring enthusiasts in general and for members of The Classic & Sportscar Club in particular.

Formula 1

It’s probably common knowledge by now, but it’s still worth mentioning the amazing resurgence of Britain’s Lewis Hamilton. Just a week or so ago, he won outright the Spanish Grand Prix, his very first win in the scarlet Ferrari and probably just as important a win as his previous 105 victories. He had a troubled season last year, his first with the legendary Italian Scuderia, and many people had written him off, stating that Ferrari had made a mistake in signing him. But he kept at it, kept training and built a team around him which, coupled with him having much more input in the development of this year’s all-new car, helped turn things around and it was a new, reinvigorated Lewis Hamilton who was quick ‘off the blocks’ immediately when the new season started earlier this year. After several podium results, he got everything together and was a well-deserved winner in Barcelona.

For British fans that victory was made even sweeter and more memorable as the three podium places were filled by three Brits, Hamilton, George Russell and Glastonbury’s current world champion, Lando Norris. Three cars, Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren, who were competing in their 1,000th Grand prix. Great stuff and history in the making!

The Classic & Sportscar Club

Always busy and organising and enjoying events, the past month has been no exception for the CSCC.

The month started with a lunch at La Sierra restaurante which is always excellent. Then, the following Saturday saw Club members gather at Venta Peligrino, just above the La Cañada shopping centre by Ojen, to enjoy breakfast before starting a 160 Km run. Some 80 people turned out in some fabulous motor cars. There were Ferraris, Porsches, a Dodge Viper, Mercedes’ aplenty, a Ford Thunderbird, and a stunning 1979 Ford Escort RS2000, an Alfa Romeo Spider, Jaguars including two F-Types and perhaps the most cherished by everyone, the 1965 Morris Minor of Martyn and Sheila Quarterman, known unsurprisingly as ‘Morris’!

After an excellent breakfast crews set off through Monda and Guaro to reach Alozaina and then on up through Casarabonela. From here the route crossed the picturesque Sierra Prieta, over the top of the mountain before dropping down a fabulous road into Ardales.

Time for a Coffee stop here and a chance to chat with fellow enthusiasts, all thoroughly enjoying the route.

After coffee, the crews headed towards Campillos, passing Teba, but then turned east to make a sweep of the lakes. This area looks beautiful again now as the lakes are absolutely full, which changes the topography and makes for very special motoring in very special countryside.

Having made a complete loop of the lakes of El Chorro the route headed back through Ardales and then rejoined the fast A-357 to turn up the A-355, passing Coin to head back to Marbella via a refreshment stop just above Marbella.

The Finish was to be at the fabulous ‘Yikoi’ Asian restaurante at the Royal Tennis Club in El Rosario. Here, a superb menu was produced and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Many stayed on to enjoy the pool and the terrace at this excellent restaurante.

The club organises a one-day Tour every month, without fail, and the cost of these is only €20 per car plus whatever the lunch price is on that day in whichever restaurant the event finishes.   There is a different route, start and Finish venue each month, usually taking place in the warm sunshine.  However, to join these one-day events one has to be a member of the CSCC.  It’s great fun, no-one takes anything too seriously, but to enjoy it all in good company.  And it’s great way to exercise your classic or sportscar and see more of this fabulous country that we live in….

You can get more information from the website www.csccspain.com.

CARS and COFFEE MEETINGS

The following week, on the Sunday morning, many members were out enjoying the ‘Cars and Coffee’ meeting at YANX American Diner in Puerto Banus, a great way to create a social event where people have time to view the cars, meet up with friends over coffee and, indeed, make new friends of like-minded people. Long may it continue!

Lastly, on the last Saturday in June, the Club enjoyed it’s ’Summer Party’ at the Hotel Tamisa Golf with an excellent dinner followed by live music from the wonderful Layla, another memorable CSCC night!

July will be just as busy, a lunch on Tuesday the 7th and then a car run which will finish at the super restaurant ‘La Bohemia’ in Coin.

I’ll bring you more news and future events on these pages next month.