Lancashire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show

[G51 NAV]

Had a glorious day at the Lancashire Classic Car and Motorcycle Show at Hoghton Tower, Preston. Weather was really nice, lots of different cars to see from the early 1900s to the 1980s. Awards of the day were split up into categories depending on the age of the car. No. ’502 was battling it out with the rest of the 1980s cars, and sadly no award came its way :( Mind you I must admit the winner and runner-up were well deserved: truly immaculate examples of a 1986 Capri 280 (winner) and an equally-immaculate 1982 Fiesta 1.1 Ghia.

Glad to report that ’502 was well-received by everyone who saw it (including the Siesta owner). Only the Master of Ceremonies (who was arranging the judging) couldn’t resist a little sarcastic dig over his Tannoy system at a Maestro appearing in the ’80s section. But that doesn’t bother me: he had an even worse dig at a Triumph Acclaim owner last year and had I been the owner I would have decked him.

It’s high time we got out and about with these cars and made ourselves more visible at general classic-car shows. Then people would get used to seeing them a bit and the sarcastic comments may start to dry up. I even had two offers to BUY my car today!

One sad thing I must note was that the entire 1980’s Austin Rover line-up was represented by a Triumph Acclaim (the same one from last year) our MG Maestro Turbo and about half-a-dozen Minis. No SD1, 200, 800, Monty, Metro, Ambassador, Ital, etc. Ford and Vauxhall owners seemed to have had at least one example of every type of car on display. Why in general do owners of ’80s Austin Rover cars think their cars aren’t worthy of display at classic-car shows? Or is it just that, sadly, there really is some truth in the general belief that these cars have all just rusted away :(

Here's a pic of ’502 in the lineup of ’80s cars. The Siesta on its off-side is the car which came 2nd in class.

[e692wtt]

Looks like it was a good day, and if I'd known about it then I would have possibly gone because the venue is only 25 miles away from here. Did well for weather too.

If I'd known that other Club Members were going to be there, I would have definitely attended and taken the Vanden Plas.


But I cannot recall seeing, reading or hearing any Publicity about it.


I've 'done' Publicity for a local Choral Society for a couple of years in the past (no more, thankfully :laugh: ), and know it is a real uphill struggle - but with commitment it is also very satisfying. They got their picture and several good articles in the local rag, and mentions of upcoming concerts on several radio stations (even Classic FM), thanks to me :) . The current incumbent of the Publicity Officer post doesn't manage this :laugh: .

Also there is a regular contribution in the 'Community' section of the local rag, by a chap who organises Road Runs for local MG Owners, with write ups and details of future events. I wouldn't, personally, attend (all sorts of MGs from magnettes to current models attend, and I don't drive an MG at all), but I am at least aware of these Events.

[Austin-Rover]

Sounds like you had a good day out. Like Rich, I too had heard nothing of this event despite it being local, but I shall endeavour to attend more small shows like this in the future!

On a similar note, if anyone else fancies flying the flag for Austin-Rover and our cars in general, then later this year (beginning of September) there is the Annual Trans-Lancs Historic Vehicle Rally at Heaton Park in Prestwich, Manchester. It is organised by the Manchester Museum of Transport and is always a good day out. A sizeable chunk of the event is mostly Buses and Commercial Vehicles, both new and vintage, but there is also a classic car area of a good size. Last year saw a load of mid 80's Ford Granada's, so why not Maestro's and Montego's? There are also a few American Cars and more typical classics, such as Fords, MG's and Triumph's. Also, there is no judgeing, so no rude remarks from event officials!

Anybody fancy going to this event, let me know and I will enquire about us attending the car display.

:)

[e692wtt]

There's also an operational tramway at Heaton Park, and there used to be free rides in the park on the buses as well when they held Transport Festivals.

Aye, I could fancy going to that, Rich. Hopefully the Vanden Plas will be resprayed and fettled by then :) .

The venue is just off the M60 at Junction 19, for information - dead easy to get to.


I would usually see the ads for this event in the local rag and also the Manchester Evening News, and there are people I know that would mention that it was imminent anyway (mostly based at the local preserved railway).

But we need to plan ahead and try to get a 'plot' booked if we want to show our cars.

[G51 NAV]

if I'd known about it then I would have possibly gone because the venue is only 25 miles away from here.
I found out about it last year from Google by doing a search on classic car events in Lancashire, but apparently it was also advertised in the Lancashire Evening Post, Manchester Evening News and other local papers, because one or two people at work who know me as a "classic car nut" said they'd seen it and asked me if I was going. This was the 12th or 13th year; can't remember which.

There's another classic car show in Lancashire at RAF Woodvale, Southport on 7 August, which again was an event I attended last year and can recommend, but I'm due to be in Bonny Jockland over that weekend this year to visit my outlaws :banghead:

[Maria]

I'll be in Scotland on 7th, otherwise I'd like to go to RAF Woodvale again. We went a few years ago and really enjoyed it. If you like chuffing ENORMOUS model planes, other types of radio controlled models, classic cars and aerobatics, you can't beat it.

[G51 NAV]

I'll be in Scotland on 7th
'Ere, you're not going to visit my outlaws as well (the wife's parents) are you? :laugh: Perhaps just YOU could go to Scotland and visit my inlaws for me while I go to RAF Woodvale :idea: :laugh:

[Maria]

Will be watching touring cars at the Knockhill racing circuit. There's something addictive about watching them and the Renault Clios coming over the hill at the first corner on 2 wheels, at 45 degrees to the horizontal :horror: