It's allegedly summer and the time of year when Canary Wharf sees more than its usual (admittedly generous) helping of shiny metal at the annual Motor Expo.
London's petrolheads can admire the BMW M3, the new Mini Countryman or the gorgeous and sleek supercharged Jaguar XKR among many others but if your taste runs to the more exotic, the Mercedes 'gull-wing' SLS AMG; named so for the overhead-opening doors, or the new Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible should go some way towards sating your appetite for the fast and expensive, though the clutch of Ferraris which can be rented from supercar hire company ClubGT would dent your wallet considerably less than actually buying one.
The electric Tesla Roadster makes another appearance after last year's launch in London and Lexus are offering test drives of their Hybrid Drive - a full hybrid system which can run on a combination of petrol or electric power. For those whom merely looking at cars is just not enough, go armed with your driving licence because there's a Can Am Spyder test circuit and Land Rover have a mini-assault course to test your ability to go more off-road than a kerb in Kensington.
This year's Expo also sees UK Youth as one of its charity sponsors. Fronted by former F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell, they are bringing together two unusual challenges: Mansell is planning a 13-day cycle around the UK with his two sons and ex-Tour de France racer Magnus Backstedt to raise awareness of UK Youth within days of competing in the Le Mans 24 hours car race, again with his sons. The cycle challenge starts from Kensington Palace on 22nd July and covers 1200 miles before coming back to Canary Wharf on 3rd August, presumably for a cold drink and a well-deserved rest.
Le Mans is the theme of the Expo's other sponsor, BEN, and an impressive range of race cars from a 1930 Bentley Blower to a 2002 Audi R8 is on display. Now if only we can win the lottery...
The Motor Expo is free of charge and open 10am - 6pm from Monday 7th to Saturday 12th June. See motorexpo.com for further details. Photos by Motorexpo.
