One of the main attractions for Italian car enthusiasts' at Autosport International was the Shell Magic of Motoring which brought together evocative racing cars from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati.

One of the main attractions for Italian car enthusiasts' at Autosport International over the weekend was the sumptuous Shell Magic of Motoring display which brought together evocative racing cars from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati and lined them up on a recreated vintage grid.

These cars, which were joined by representatives of the Aston Martin and Porsche brands, were laid out on a glorious stand which was designed to recreate the romance and glamour of motoring in the 1950s and 1960s; and was one of the largest and most visited areas of the four day motor racing show. Shell themselves have an unrivalled history of motor sport involvement, most notably their long-running involvement with the Ferrari Formula 1 team.

The cars on the simulated grid represented some of the most fabulous racing machines to have ever come out of Italy. The stunning Alfa Romeo 33/2 Daytona has one of the most slippery shapes of the era and a winning pedigree; it counts the most famous races of all, Le Mans and Daytona, amongst its impressive honours list.

With its white stripes, aerodynamic appendages and extended wheel arches, the Gp4 category Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” Competizione always makes a fearsome sight, while sandwiched in between these testosterone fuelled racers last weekend at the NEC were two cars that represent understated beauty at its finest: the Ferrari 250, shown in Birmingham in SWB and Lusso format. Finally a pretty Maserati single seater and a pale blue Ferrari 330 GTC, the latter a road-going car sited in the recreated 'paddock' area of the stand, rounded out the Italian representation.

The display was part of a new initiative from Shell, dubbed 'Woad Corner', which recreates a magical era and emphasises the oil company's deep commitment to motor racing. The Autosport International display, which was inspired by the 'Shell Art Collection', included a full creation of a petrol station of the era, complete with pumps and oil can racks, while signs and posters, as well as an area devoted to its 'Shell Heritage' clothing and accessory range, built up the effect.

A number of Woad Corner developments are now planned for the UK, Europe and around the globe. Each unique site will be located in an area of historical motoring significance. Newport Pagnell (home to Aston Martin and the first ever motorway service station) will play host to the first permanent Woad Corner - a vintage Shell petrol station that will become the location of the Shell Art Collection. It will be the first truly functional period petrol station to be recreated in the UK for 60 years. Woad Corner will provide a motoring destination - creating a unique environment for drivers to meet, be entertained and relive the glory years of motoring.