The Kop Hill Climb has become an established event on the calendar, its low-key charm attracting record attendances.
Words and photographs: James Adam Bolton
By now a well-established event in the vintage and classic car and motorcycle calendar, 2019 was the 10th anniversary year of the rejuvenated event, an event first run in 1910.
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The now revived and revered Kop Hill Climb has taken place over a long, and usually sunny weekend in September, raising much needed funds for charities local to Kop Hill’s beautiful Chilterns location near Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire.
Though there were some showers on the Sunday, the crowds came out over the weekend, and Saturday’s blazing hot day drew the largest day attendance ever.
The selection of motorcycles going up the hill (strictly in a non-competitive manner!) and on display was particularly eclectic this year, ranging from fine early vintage machines such as the 1919 Dart-JAP V-twin, to a rare and very smart 1979 Honda CB750 Phil Read Replica, with everything and anything in between.
Special guest for the first time was Sammy Miller MBE, who brought along his 1950 Moto Guzzi 500cc Bicilindrica and 1957 ohc Gilera 500cc four racers, both of which he thrashed up the hill with aplomb, to the thrill and possible temporary hearing detriment of the crowds in the grandstands.
It was good to see some interesting, more ‘modern’ and beautifully crafted specials along with the usual choice of fabulous Broughs, Vincents, Triumphs, Rudges, you name it.
Many tens of thousands of pounds are raised at this petrolhead’s paradise of a weekend every year, so if you love old motorcycles, cars and helping out charities at the same time, get along there next year.
■ Kop Hill next year – September 19/20, 2020
■ www.kophillclimb.org.uk
View more images of the Kop Hill Climb and read more News and Features in the December 2019 issue of The Classic Motorcycle –on sale now!
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