A gathering like no other, the January Bicester Motion Scramble truly kick-started 2026 in style. With more than 7,000 visitors in attendance, guests were greeted by an extraordinary collection of automotive displays that celebrated heritage, innovation and pure passion for motoring.
Hangar 113 played host to an unforgettable showcase of 50 legendary TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) machines, assembled to commemorate 50 years of racing excellence. From the British Touring Car Championship’s iconic Volvo 850 to the mighty Supercat, the line-up featured more than a few bedroom-wall heroes.
For StarterMotor, the Scramble marked the perfect opportunity to welcome Jaguar Land Rover Classic and officially launch our exciting new relationship to the wider automotive community. Those who attended last January’s event will remember the muddy and wet aftermath which, while never dampening spirits, certainly tested even the hardiest of motoring enthusiasts. Drawing on last year’s experience we chose to populate our stand with true all-terrain icons: vehicles for which a light dusting of snow or ice would represent no challenge at all.
The JLR Classic and StarterMotor stand adopted an ‘expedition’ theme, showcasing machines built to conquer any terrain or conditions thrown at them.
Series I Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition Vehicle
On paper, the Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition route is delightfully bonkers, and that’s putting it mildly! This remarkable 12-month adventure in the 1950s saw a group of six tackle almost every terrain imaginable, setting the benchmark for what a true motoring expedition should be. Traversing through India, Nepal and Burma en route to Singapore, the journey demanded grit, ingenuity and unwavering camaraderie. It was the sort of challenge that might even make Top Gear producers pause for thought. But for those involved, it became the stuff of legend.
G4 Challenge Discovery
The successor to the Camel Trophy and every bit as adventurous, the iconic Tangiers Orange G4 Challenge ‘Discos’ faced gruelling challenges across the United States, South Africa and Australia in 2003, followed by Thailand, Bolivia and Brazil in 2006. These events were a true test of teamwork and resilience, where success relied on far more than driving skill alone. Nature provided the ultimate obstacle course, perfect for the true adventurer.
Defender Works V8 Trophy & Defender Works V8 Trophy II
These remastered icons pay homage to the enduring spirit of past Defender expeditions. The limited run of 25 Defender Works V8 Trophy conversions led the charge into the Land Rover Trophy event, heralding a new era of off-road pursuit. The Defender Trophy, finished in striking Eastnor Yellow paint, alongside the camouflage-clad Defender Works V8 Trophy II, proudly celebrate 70 years of passion, purpose and adventure.
Supporting young people’s career development, navigating the classic and historic automotive landscape, and facilitating work-experience placements may not involve literal off-roading or extreme weather, but the challenges are very real nonetheless. It requires determination, precision and resilience of a different kind.
With aligned visions, JLR Classic’s involvement with the charity enables us to pursue our mission with enhanced momentum and impact. It’s not something we can achieve alone, but together, alongside committed partners who understand the challenges facing the classic and historic vehicle sector, we can play a notable part in introducing the next generation to a sector that makes no small contribution to the UK’s economy.
Images by Nico Ragaz
