The Seaman Trophy is set to make its return at the 2026 Oulton Park Gold Cup, with a dedicated grid of pre-war Grand Prix cars heading to the Cheshire circuit across the weekend of August 29-31. The revival is being staged in partnership with the Vintage Sports-Car Club and Tom Hardman Ltd, the historic car specialist founded by racing driver Tom, whose experience spans more than 25 years in the paddock and showroom.
Interest from potential entrants has been strong, with competitors expected from across the UK and Europe. The anticipated grid features some of the most celebrated marques of the pre-war era, including Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Maserati, Frazer Nash and ERA.
The ERA contingent promises to be a particularly special. GP1 and GP2 are set to appear side by side for the first time following GP2’s restoration, R14B – the last B-type the marque ever built – could make its post-restoration public debut, and the ex-Dick Seaman R1B may yet compete in the race that bears its most celebrated owner’s name.
“As a boy, Oulton Park made a huge impression on me,” said Tom Hardman. “The aim is to create an event that showcases these cars in the way they were intended to be experienced.”
Few circuits suit pre-war machinery as naturally as Oulton Park, whose fast, flowing layout and changes of elevation feel tailor-made for supercharged, narrow-tyred pre-war cars. Le Mans and Can-Am veteran Brian Redman recalls being transfixed by ERA machinery there as a young man: “In 1960, I sat in line in my Mini 848cc. Ahead of me sat Jim Berry’s ERA R4D, wheels in the air as the engine warmed through. Rap, rap, rap went the exhaust, with the smell of methanol and Castrol R filling the air. I was mesmerised by the sight and sound of this giant killer from another age.”
The Seaman Trophy at the Oulton Park Gold Cup takes place from August 29–31, 2026. Drivers and owners of eligible vehicles can register interest at [email protected].
