RADwood UK celebrated the excess of the 1980s and 90s car and pop culture at Bicester Motion on Saturday, August 23, as the grounds filled with a diverse selection of RAD era cars from glamorous supercars to modified hatchbacks lined under the summer sun, set to a backdrop of music from the period.
The term ‘RAD’ basically refers to rare ‘radical’ cool cars from the 80s and 90s that form the foundation for the RADwood event in the UK.
RADwood is all about enjoying the vibe, and the vibe check was passed with hundreds of guests enjoying themed displays, a show and shine display, a DJ set from Absolute Radio DJ Sarah Champion, many trade stands, and great food. Competing with the music was the sound of anti-lag and race-tuned motors as a great selection of 80s and 90s rally cars ran fast demonstration laps around the Bicester circuit, organised by rally car club, Ralli 22.
The Show and Shine saw an eclectic mix of automotive highlights ranging from a quirky, edgy, gull-winged, miniature supercar-like Mazda Autozam AZ-1 powered by a turbocharged 660cc engine, an Audi Quattro rally car, a compact Honda City Turbo, a stunning BMW 8-Series complete with period accessories, a Honda NSX, a 1959 Ghostbusters Cadillac Miller Meteor ambulance complete with actual Ghostbusters in costume, and even a pristine MG Maestro Turbo. Speaking of rarities, how about a Mk1 VW Golf Camper, a Talbot Matra Rancho, and a Mazda RX-7 Convertible.
With such a wide variety to pick from, selecting an overall winner proved difficult, but the judges agreed in the end. The award for RADdest Car of the Show went to a stunning BMW 840Ci, complete with period accessories added to show just how RAD it was.
Other winners included a beautiful Mk1 Ford Fiesta Supersport, the aforementioned Maestro Turbo, the very rare Honda City Turbo and very period correct Saab 900 Turbo to name but a few.
The winners reflected a wide range of cars on the day, all of which showed what was great about the period, both in terms of the cars and the individuality and personality of their owners.
The Hagerty Clubhouse provided welcome respite for Hagerty Drivers Club members with another great display of cars, including a Lotus Carlton, supplied by the British Motor Museum, a Jaguar XJ220 from Pendine Historic Cars, and a gloriously 80s white Porsche Turbo loaned by Broad Arrow. In addition, a selection of free-to-play arcade games was provided along with complimentary snacks, a racing simulator, period games, comfy seating, and a members’ bar. In addition, a fleet of 80s and 90s cars was laid on to whisk HDC members between the Hagerty Clubhouse and the main show area.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
I have such great memories of the 80s and 90s. To be honest, many of us never wanted the period to end. But thanks to RADwood, that era of hero cars stays alive and well. “RADwood is unique in the way it celebrates both the cars and the culture of the 80s and 90s,” says Mark Roper, Managing Director for Hagerty International. “No other show focuses on this wonderful period of automotive culture, and it further demonstrates Hagerty’s commitment to all aspects of global car culture and the enthusiasts within these communities.”