The event formed part of A Driving Force for SSAFA 2026 (ADF26) and was organised by participants Alex and Harriet Wolfe.
The evening began with welcome drinks and dinner in the breathtaking “Super Car Cave” surrounded by an exceptional collection of vehicles from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ford, McLaren, Mini & Fiat courtesy of private owners and supporting companies including HWM Aston Martin, The Classic Car Company, Thorney Motorsport, JayEmm and Autofficina.
The highlight of the evening was a lively debate tackling the ultimate petrolhead question: Which car company is the greatest of all time?Five iconic marques went head-to-head:
- Aston Martin – because everyone wants to drive James Bond’s car
- Ferrari – the iconic prancing horse
- Ford – from the Model T to the Le Mans-winning GT40
- Lamborghini – creator of the modern supercar
- McLaren – Iconic F1 participant and 2025 Champion and victorious at Le Mans.
Keynote speakers
The debate featured respected voices from across the automobile world. Ryszard Nowobilski, Co-founder of Aston Keeper, spoke for Aston Martin;automotive reviewer JayEmm (James Martin) represented Ferrari; Ford historian Jeremy Walton took the Ford position; John Thorne, Founder of Thorney Motorsport, spokefor McLaren; and Lamborghini was championed by classic car expert Iain Tyrrell.
Following the lively debate, chaired by Alex Wolfe, host of the Wolfe Power Club energy podcast, guests were invited to purchase votes for their chosen marque, with all proceeds going to SSAFA.
While Aston Martin secured the most votes McLaren ultimately raised the highest amount of money and was crowned “The greatest car company of all time”.
Guests also heard from SSAFA CEO Air Marshal Steve Shell CB OBE MA, who served for 37 years in the RAF as a Chinook pilot, including operational tours in the Gulf, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Additional funds were raised through a charity auction featuring a range of generously donated, high-value experiences, including a luxury powerboat experience with World Champion Shelley Jory-Lee, a Caterham motorsport drift experience a luxury travel day for seven visiting film locations from the 2026 Wuthering Heights movie and a Silverstone shooting experience.
Vital support
Speaking after the event, Alex Wolfe MBA said: “Harriet and I would like to thank our brilliant speakers, sponsors, supporters, and the venue staff. You could feel the buzz in the room, and we are so grateful to everyone that attended.
“In a world where conflict is real, raising money for SSAFA is a way to say thank you to our Armed Forces for the role they play in peacekeeping and protecting our freedom.
“Being in the Armed Forces brings many sacrifices, and SSAFA is a trusted source of support.”
A Driving Force for SSAFA 2026 brings together 60 teams for an 11-day driving adventure, with a collective fundraising target of £100,000.
Founded by two ex-serving members of HM Forces Benn Laidler MBE and Steve Shaw MA, FCILT, CMCIPD, the initiative has already raised over £850,000 for military charities. n 2026, the campaign aims to reach a cumulative £1 million raised and 1 million miles travelled.
With many veterans building second careers across fuel distribution, initiatives such as this highlight the sector’s enduring connection to the Armed Forces community and the importance of supporting those who have served.
To support Alex and Harriett Wolfe’s fundraising efforts, visit: https://ssafa.enthuse.com/pf/snazzy-seahorse-harriet-and-alex-wolfe
Images provided by Alex Wolfe: Permissions Given, Rights owned.