The Hagerty Hill Climb is always special, but 2026 looks set to be truly spectacular.
Taking place at Shelsley Walsh, the oldest still-running motorsport venue in the world, nestled in the wonderful Worcestershire countryside, it’s a unique day where the sights, smells and sounds of a truly eclectic collection of automobiles come together in a glorious setting.
There’s no theme, other than a shared passion for all things automotive and the mix of machines that are set to speed up the 1,000-yeard hill in 2026 is extraordinary. In fact it’s probably the most diverse group of cars in all Shelsley Walsh’s 121 years.
On the ‘Run What You Brung’ entry list for the 2026 Hagerty Hill Climb the oldest car dates back to 1929 with Simon Jefferies’ Riley Brooklands, which was raced in that year’s Phoenix Park Grand Prix as part of the works team.
Not far behind is Peter Stevens‘ 1932 Ford Hot Rod. Car nuts know Stevens as the designer of the McLaren F1, but it’s an American classic that he’ll be hooning up the hill. “I bought the car from an old ex-Parnelli Jones mechanic, in California, back in the late 90s, as a bit of a kit of parts,” says Stevens. The car was originally built to race on the dry lakes of California, but “I still use it for beach racing in Denmark, France and on Pendine sands,” adds Stevens. He also notes that the car only has rear wheel brakes, so that could make slowing for the Bottom S bend somewhat exciting.
Among the competition cars heading up the hill are Alastair Vines’ 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S – an ex-BMC works car that took part in the RAC and Circuit of Ireland Rallies, and David Waterhouse’s 1961 Turner Mk2 which competed in the Malta Grand Prix.
The guys at Ralli 22 will be bringing a selection special stage stars from historic WRC, Group B and Group A, and you’ll find many more rally cars in the paddock from Darren Besford’s 1984 MG Maestro to a number of Ford Escort RS2000s.
The road cars are even more diverse. Representing the lightweights are Michael Grady and his 2010 Fiat Panda 100HP, Ben Lloyd and his 20092 Lotus Elise, Andrew Cole’s 1971 Austin Healey Sprite and Ben Turner with his Citröen Saxo VTR.
Bringing the muscle are Adrian Molloy and his Mercedes SL500, Adrian Molloy and his five-litre Jaguar XKR, Darren Duesbury’s Holden Monaro and Simon Hill with his Chevrolet Corvette C4.
Supercar fans will get an eyeful (and earful) thanks to Jeremy PIcton-Turbervill with his Aston Martin Vanquish Volante and Richard Heighington’s McLaren Artura.
There’s a multitude of Minis scheduled to run, plus Porsches, Lancias, Saabs, Mercedes, Mazdas, Toyotas and so much more at the 2026 Hagerty Hill Climb.
In fact, 120 cars have so far been registered to run up the historic hill on Saturday 9th May. There are a handful of Run What You Brung tickets still available and plenty of spectator passes, priced at just £32 for a car full of fans.
