Since 2022, Ciro Ciampi from Petrolheadonism and Nigel Colclough from Flitwick Helicopters have hosted an annual event in the United Kingdom.
As the name suggests, Cars & Copters UK brings cars and helicopters together for a spectacle similar to those seen in the US. Taking things a step further is an exclusive venue befitting of the machinery on display.
Importantly, all money raised at Cars & Copters UK goes to charitable institutions. For 2024, the recipients were the mental health non-profit organisation, Mind BLMK, and the St Andrew’s Healthcare charity.
Forty helicopters and 110 cars – mostly of the supercar variety – descended on a private residence in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire this past weekend.
From the moment I arrived at the event, I knew it was one I would remember for many years to come. Basking in the sun centre stage was an exclusive and exquisite Koenigsegg Jesko.
Joining the hypercar ensemble was this imposing Bugatti Chiron. You can see the inspiration from the Type 57 Atlantic seeping through the flowing bodywork, from the iconic backbone splitting the rear window, and the organic sweep from the A-pillar to the doors where air is channelled towards the behemoth quad-turbo W16.
After taking in the magnificent array of hypercars, the rally car selection drew me in for a closer look. The first of two cars that stood out from the pack was this Ford Escort RS Cosworth, which looked fit to tackle any special stage challenge you could throw at it.
The second car was a legendary Ford Focus RS. For any rally fan, this model instantly takes your mind to the late, great Colin McRae.
The show curation was on point, too, with many cars parked next to helicopters with complementary colouring. Case in point, this gorgeous Fiat 500 Abarth.
This black Lotus Emira was positioned near a helicopter in black and gold, calling back to the famous John Player Special colours.
Towards the end of the day, one pilot showcased his skills by making his helicopter dance around the Jesko, which instantly drew an audience. That’s not something you see every day.
Car events with great causes at their heart don’t come around often enough. But given the popularity of Cars & Copters UK, I think this one will be around for a while. And I’m sure it will only get bigger and better as time goes on.
Samuel Cherry
Instagram: samgcherry
IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER related stories on Speedhunters
How To join the IATS program: We have always welcomed readers to contact us with examples of their work and believe that the best Speedhunter is always the person closest to the culture itself, right there on the street or local parking lot. If you think you have what it takes and would like to share your work with us then you should apply to become part of the IAMTHESPEEDHUNTER program. Read how to get involved here.