A Driving Force for SSAFA - Charity Auction Greatest Car Company Debate 26th March 2026

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A Driving Force for SSAFA – Which car company is the greatest of all time?

For more than a decade, A Driving Force for SSAFA has brought together car enthusiasts, industry experts, and philanthropists to support the Armed Forces community. Together we’ve raised over £850,000, and in 2026 we’re aiming to break the £1 million milestone. SSAFA the Armed Forces charity has one aim: to make sure that no-one in the Armed Forces family ever battles alone. It’s a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families in their time of need. In 2025 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped nearly 54,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

On 26 March in London, join us for our most exciting event yet — an evening of EAT • DRINK • DEBATE CARS• Charity Auction   as we tackle the ultimate petrolhead question:

Which car company is the greatest of all time?

Six legendary marques will go head-to-head in a lively debate, championed by some of the most respected voices in the automotive world.

Keynote Speakers

Ryszard Nowobilski – Aston Martin

Co-founder of Aston Keeper, an independant Aston Martin specialist in Surrey. He is a lifelong car enthusiast and lover of British engineering, from pre-war cars, Ariel motorcycles to modern Astons. Alongside his engineering work Ryszard serves as Chair of a group of charities and is an amateur racing driver. He probably belongs in a museum.

JayEmm (James Martin) – Ferrari
With 476,000 YouTube subscribers and over 168 million views, James Martin of JayEmm on Cars is one of the most respected automotive reviewers online. Known for his honest insights into ownership, he has lived with and reviewed iconic Ferraris including the 550 Maranello, F12, and F430 Scuderia, as well as experiencing most modern supercars.

Jeremy Walton – Ford
Author of the legendary Fast Fords series and a lifelong Ford historian, Jeremy Walton has spent more than 35 years immersed in the brand. He has driven everything from the Le Mans-winning GT40 to Princess Diana’s Escort RS Turbo, which later sold for over £750,000.

John Thorne – McLaren
Founder of Thorney Motorsport, the world’s largest independent McLaren specialist. John has become a leading authority on McLaren ownership, helping thousands of enthusiasts keep their cars reliable, enjoyable, and on the road.

Iain Tyrrell – Lamborghini
Founder of Iain Tyrrell Classic Cars and one of the world’s leading classic car experts. Iain is renowned for discovering and authenticating the iconic Lamborghini Miura from the 1969 film The Italian Job and currently serves as Technical Officer for Lamborghini Club UK.

Additional speaker representing Porsche will be announced soon.

Hosted by Alex Wolfe

The debate will be chaired by Alex Wolfe, host of the Wolfe Power Club — the #1 energy podcast on Apple Podcasts and TikTok, known for lively conversations with industry leaders.

The Finalists

5 legendary manufacturers will compete for the crown:

  • Aston Martin – Because everyone wants to drive James Bond’s car.
  • Ferrari – The prancing horse, the dream marque for generations.
  • Ford – From the Model T to the Le Mans-winning GT40.
  • Lamborghini – Creator of the supercar, from Miura to Countach.
  • McLaren – From the iconic F1 to Le Mans victory and Formula 1 World Champions in 2025.

An Interactive Evening

This isn’t just a debate — you help decide the winner.

Guests will have the chance to vote for their favourite manufacturer, with every vote purchased helping your chosen marque claim the crown.

Every pound raised supports SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Registered charity in England & Wales (210760).

 

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