The 3rd August 1939, the final day of racing at the iconic Brooklands circuit went unnoticed as the last. With the outbreak of World War II, the land was taken over by the Vickers aircraft company, which used it to build airplanes. Sections of the banking were demolished, making it impossible to restore the venue to its pre-war state after the conflict.
Opened in 1907, it was the world's first purpose-built 'banked' motor racing circuit and one of Britain's earliest airfields. By 1918, it had also become the largest aircraft manufacturing centre in Britain, producing military aircraft like the Wellington and civil airliners such as the Viscount and VC-10.
Today part of it forms the Brooklands Museum, a major aviation and motoring museum, as well as a venue for vintage car, motorcycle and other transport-related events.
Opened in 1907, it was the world's first purpose-built 'banked' motor racing circuit and one of Britain's earliest airfields. By 1918, it had also become the largest aircraft manufacturing centre in Britain, producing military aircraft like the Wellington and civil airliners such as the Viscount and VC-10.
Today part of it forms the Brooklands Museum, a major aviation and motoring museum, as well as a venue for vintage car, motorcycle and other transport-related events.
