On a bitterly cold March day in 1925 an Oxford University student lost control of his Bugatti sports car and ploughed into a crowd of people as he was speeding up Risborough's Kop Hill. Despite the minor injury caused to a local spectator, the accident led to the demise of the nationally famous Kop Hill Climb, which had begun 15 years earlier and been competed in by some of the legends of early motorsport.
Racing on public roads was also banned.
The climb was briefly revived in 1999, but it is now hoped that it will become an annual fixture in Risborough's calendar when it relaunches in the late summer.
The commemorative run will take place on September 26 and 27 and feature many of the sports cars and bikes which took part more than 80 years ago- then at the cutting edge of technology, now classed as 'veteran' or 'vintage'.
Tony Davies, who is organising the rally on behalf of Risborough Area Community Action, said the aim was to boost the economy and tourism in the town.
Of the vehicles which have already entered the rally, the oldest is a 1910 Adler followed by a 1912 Singer.
Mr Davies, who will be driving a 1952 MG TD up the Kop, is encouraging people who live locally to enter.
The idea of using the Kop was conceived in 1909 with the first recorded race taking place a year later. Famous names to take part in the time-trial events included Malcolm Campbell, Raymond Mays, Archie Frazer Nash, Count Louis Zborowski and Lionel Martin, who founded Aston Martin named after Aston Clinton. Pre-war motorcycles, veteran cars (up to 1918), vintage and post vintage cars (1918-1939) and classic cars (1940-1973) can all enter the climb, which will not be timed. Entry costs £20 for one day or £25 for both, although there is a 20 per cent discount for applications before June 30. To enter, call Bob Woodman on 01442 823077 or log onto www.kophill climb.org.uk
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