GET READY FOR MINI MADNESS AT MOTORFEST AS EASTER MOTOR SHOW HEADS TO CHETWYND DEER PARK

GET READY FOR MINI MADNESS AT MOTORFEST AS
EASTER MOTOR SHOW HEADS TO CHETWYND DEER PARK

There’s plenty to celebrate at this year’s Motorfest with a new home at the stunning Chetwynd Deer Park, Shropshire, two days of family fun on Easter Sunday 21 and Easter Monday 22 April, and the milestone of a British icon as the show marks the 60^th birthday of the Mini.

Visitors to this beautiful location can expect up to 1,000 classic vehicles spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s, so they will be guaranteed something for every taste. Alongside the impressive array of British family favourites from the likes of Ford, Hillman, and Wolseley there are American muscle cars and sporting classics from Porsche and TVR. There really is something for everyone, and the enticing selection of classic commercial vehicles, custom, and kit cars are the icing on the cake.

This year is even more special as Motorfest will be celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the legendary Mini. Owners of classic and modern Minis are being encouraged to display their cars with the offer of a free place if they book tickets for Easter Monday using code 60MINIMON.

Guaranteed to be a wonderful celebration of Alec Issigonis’s brilliant small car, the show’s organisers already have some great examples lined up, from an early 1964 Mini that is sure to draw a crowd to a 1968 Mini Cooper. But later models feature too including a 1991 Mini Studio 2, a special edition that boasted unique trim and badges.

Event director Stephen Smith said: “You can’t let the birthday of such a British icon go past unmarked and with so much more space available to us at Chetwynd Deer Park than in previous years, we can’t wait to get the party started!”

Along with the terrific vehicles on display at Motorfest, sponsored by ClassicLine, visitors will also be able to chat to more than thirty local classic car clubs, as well as enjoying browsing an array of trade stands and the autojumble. Anyone looking for that hard-to-find part for their own car might just discover it here.

And there is plenty more of course. Alongside the live arena that will see action take place across both days, there is the Pride of Ownership display as well as the ‘Decibel Duel’ where judges will be looking for the loudest car at the show. And at 4pm on Monday the winner of the concours competition will be announced.

But it’s not just about classic cars as there will be something to entertain the whole family including live music from The Quik Beats on Sunday and The Del Ray Rockers on Monday.

Plus, there’s an Easter Egg hunt, free face painting, children’s disco and an appearance from Elsa from Disney’s Frozen each day to keep the smaller visitors happy.

Gates open at 10am until 4pm. Admission starts from £6.40 for adults, £3.20 for children (4-16 years), with a family ticket (2 adults & 3 children) for £16 when booked in advance. Tickets also available on the gate. Free parking for all visitors. For more information, visit www.classicmotorshows.co.uk

AUSTRIA CLASSIC, 22-26 MAY 2019: ALL ARE WELCOME TO BRING THEIR PRE-1980 HISTORIC VEHICLES

AUSTRIA CLASSIC, 22-26 MAY 2019: ALL ARE WELCOME TO BRING THEIR PRE-1980 HISTORIC VEHICLES

The first of this year’s three FIVA World Rallies take place in Austria, from 22 to 26 May 2019, and is open to any vehicle built up to 1980 with a valid FIVA ID Card – not just to members of FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles).

“The Austria Classic is intended as a ‘regularity event and/or touristic discovery trip’ to enjoy not only driving your own historic vehicle, but also the architectural, geographical and cultural diversity of Austria,” explains Robert Krickl, president of OMVV (Austrian Motor-Veteran-Federation) and OMVC (Austrian Motor-Veteran-Club), the FIVA clubs organising the Austria Classic.

Starting and finishing at the Radisson Blu Park Royal Palace Hotel in Vienna, the event is a 650km run round Vienna, Wachau, Burgenland and the Semmering region, with a choice of two classes to enter: one for Regularity (Classic) competitors and one for Touring (Trophy) participants.

Wachau, which will be explored on the first full day of the rally, is a part of Austria renowned for its picturesque landscapes: rolling hills that stretch along the Danube river. Other reasons for its popularity with visitors include the region’s high-quality wines.

On the second day, participants will head for Burgenland, the easternmost province of Austria. Once part of the Kingdom of Hungary, Burgenland is characterised by Neusiedler Lake in the north and the foothills of the Alps in the hilly south.

Day three, and the tour will visit the Semmering region, since the 19th Century a popular holiday destination for Viennese ‘high society’. Not only did the nobility gather in the fashionable villas (Emperor Karl I often spent holidays here), but also artists. Today, the Semmering is an extremely popular venue for classic car rallies and historic motorsport events, helped by its history: in 1899, for example, the first Semmering mountain race was held, a 10km race for automobiles and motorcycles. It ran almost every year until 1933, with winners including such famous names as Rudolf Caracciola and Hans Stuck.

“We look forward to welcoming historic vehicle owners from many different countries to join our exploration of Austria, in company with other enthusiasts who are keen to meet new people, while enjoying their cars and the spectacular Austrian scenery and culture,” concludes Robert Krickl.

To register for the Austria Classic, please visit http://world.rallyeorg.at. The entry fee is €1,300 per person, plus hotel accommodation @ circa €125 per night, and registrations are open until 30 March 2019.

FIRST FIVE FINALISTS FOR LANCASTER INSURANCE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SPRING FINAL REVEALED

FIRST FIVE FINALISTS FOR LANCASTER INSURANCE

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SPRING FINAL REVEALED

The first Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership final of 2019 is shaping up to be one of most hotly-contested yet, and as anticipation builds ahead of the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, the first five in the Spring final can now be revealed.  

Held at Birmingham’s NEC from 22-24 March, the first finalist is the Volkswagen Type 2 ‘Splittie’, loved around the world, and the 21-window De Luxe Micro Bus owned by John Smith since 2015 is sure to attract plenty of attention.

Built in December 1964 as a right-hand drive vehicle for the UK market, power comes from a 42bhp, 1.5-litre engine and it still sports the original factory colour scheme. The subject of a six-year nut and bolt restoration that began in 2004, it has even featured in a German television programme on classic cars.

Annie Lloyd’s 1961 Bond Minicar Model G has been in her family for around 25 years and she inherited the car from her late ex-husband. Keen to keep his name alive, this quirky three-wheeled British classic which the owner calls ‘Mr Bond’ has appeared at numerous shows and always draws a crowd. With the bodywork in need of a refresh it is currently undergoing some restoration, but Annie promises it will be ready for its appearance at the NEC.

Show visitors who prefer a more modern classic certainly won’t be disappointed by Paul White’s 1990 Eunos Roadster. Better known as the Mazda MX-5 in the UK, the car was bought by the current owners’ grandfather in 2002, and when he sadly passed away Paul decided to keep the car in his memory. Having restored the paintwork, it now looks stunning and has won awards at a number of car shows.

No Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership display would be complete without an American classic and the 1970 Dodge Challenger RT owned since 2006 by Robert Nauer is guaranteed to stand out.

The original ‘GoMango’ orange paintwork is certainly striking, but not only has the car covered less than 48,000 kilometres but it is also rare. It is one of the few remaining examples built at the AMAG plant in Switzerland and has appeared at shows on both sides of the Atlantic.

And last but not least is another modern classic in the form of a 1992 Toyota Starlet GT Turbo. It belongs to Sammie-Jo Webster and was bought by her father back in 2006, before being given to her as a 21^st birthday present. Once used as her daily driver and in delightfully original condition, Sammie-Jo is keen to promote the ownership of classic cars amongst young people.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Lancaster Insurance, comments: “This announcement is always exciting and the first reveal of the 2019 Spring finalists has not disappointed. Here is a great selection of classics from around the world and with MX-5s also celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, I can’t wait to see these incredible cars on display and hear the stories behind them.”    

A total of 20 wonderful classics will be competing for this year’s Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership spring final, and with fifteen finalists still to be announced visitors to the show can look forward to a tough choice when it comes to voting for their favourite.  

 For more information on the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.com

MORE CLUBS THAN EVER ON SHOW AS NEC RESTORATION SHOW CONTINUES TO EXPAND

MORE CLUBS THAN EVER ON SHOW AS NEC RESTORATION SHOW CONTINUES TO EXPAND

Next year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, is set to be a record breaker as it will be the biggest yet! Another hall is being added, increasing the show by 20 per cent, to provide more space for new classic car clubs and those clubs who want to do more live working at the show.

Some 175 clubs will attend the three-day event held at Birmingham’s NEC from 22-24 March 2019. Of those confirmed, 13 clubs appearing are making their spring debut at the show.

Acting Show Director Lee Masters said: “This is the fastest growing motor show in the UK which proves just how much interest there is, not only in the classic car market but in owners wanting to look after their own cars. As well as advice and expertise on restoration, we aim to also provide valuable knowledge on how to maintain and service your own vehicles which can save owners time and money in the future.”

Ford fans will be well catered for with the Ford AVO Owners Club continuing the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Escort Mexico by displaying an ex-press car that is undergoing restoration. The Mk1-5 Cortina Owners Club celebrates its 30^th year with a stand featuring a fully restored Mk 4 Cortina 2.3S believed to be the only one on UK roads.

The Tickford Owners Club celebrates 50 years of the Ford Capri with a superb mix of project and restored cars. The RS500 Owners community pay tribute to the brilliant driver, Rudi Eggenberger, who sadly passed away this year. His exploits in the Cosworth RS500 touring car were legendary and the stand features one of his racers.

For something a little more unusual, the Retro Caravan Club stand is a must-visit.  Displaying caravans at different stages of restoration, including a barn-find example, visitors can watch repairs being made to one during the show.

Staying with the unusual theme, the Buckler Register enthusiastically promotes these fascinating British sports cars, and show-goers can watch members build an example from a bare chassis to a running car and admire a Buckler 90 that has never been on the road. And remember the tiny Peel P50 hailing from the Isle of Man? The Peel Owners Club will attempt to build one during the show.

British cars are also well represented amongst the debutantes, including the MG Car Club’s Young Members Group. Highlights of the Group’s stand include an MGB GT in daily use, a barn finds MGA Coupe and an MG ZT-T in concours condition. And be sure to visit the 1100 Club which will be showcasing maintenance and restoration work alongside fascinating technical displays.

For more Britishness, the Rover Coupe Owners Club is marking 20 years since the end of Coupe production and 30 years since the launch of the R8 platform that underpinned the stylish sports car. A very early, pre-release press car is a highlight of the stand and restoration work will begin at the show. With numerous Vauxhall anniversaries to be celebrated - including 30 years of the Calibra coupe - visitors should head to the Vauxhall Bedford Opel Association stand.

German marques are well represented, too, with the Quattro Owners Club displaying the first ever UK model that requires restoration. Visitors to the Scirocco Register stand can enjoy the 45^th anniversary of the Mk 1 model and admire one of the earliest cars in existence, a 1974 Scirocco TS.

With such a great selection of clubs making their debut, the 2019 show promises to be better than ever. For more information as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.com

DANNY HOPKINS AND THE PRACTICAL CLASSICS HARD AT WORK ON THE RILEY - WILL IT GET DONE?

DANNY HOPKINS AND THE PRACTICAL CLASSICS HARD AT WORK ON THE RILEY - WILL IT GET DONE?

Talk to any RM restoration veteran and the subject of the vinyl roof will produce a knowing look. Fitting a new roof covering and the drip moulding (guttering) to an RM Riley looks like a difficult task and guess what, it is! Getting it right is the proof of the resto pudding, a badge of honour worn proudly on top of the car… or not.

There are many different theories as to the most effective method. Most agree, however - use quality materials and do it on a hot day – the roof has to be hot, and this is why it needs doing before November and the live stage build.

I bought my kit from the RM club. The vinyl roof is attached to the body around the edges and the back window aperture. Stupidly, I removed the original roof covering ages ago. I say stupidly actually it wasn’t a bad idea… I needed to see if the wood under the metal honeycomb was sound. It was, but I lost the ability to use the original vinyl as a template. The book says that the seams should both be 20 inches from the centre line of the car. In the real world, I used my judgement by standing away from the car and squinting a bit.

First, the wadding was cut and glued on then trimmed. Then we spread the bedsheet over the top. This serves as a barrier between the wadding and the vinyl, helping the vinyl slide more easily as we pulled it tight and adjusted the fit. We had already prepared the roof (see previous sagas) so we knew were working over a sound base.

We cut the blanket or wadding just above the line of nail holes which held the old outer cover on. By the time we finished on day 1, the blanket/wadding was smooth with no lumps, bumps or dips – although my fat fingers were fatter and more bruised than they were in the morning.

Next day was hot… we laid the new cover over the roof and got it into position – then we rolled the RMA outside to ‘bake’ in the sun. We tacked it loosely in place with a few nails half knocked in and the seams as close to perfect as we could manage. The heat in the material made it ever so slightly pliable, which meant we could pull it and get the wrinkles out.

The hardest place to get crease-free was around the rear quarter curves especially along the creases (imaging a bathing cap with a seam… that is where the wrinkles happen). David Gough’s suggestion that we clamp the vinyl with two pieces of wood at each seam end worked wonders. We could pull hard enough to take the wrinkles out. It took several hours of nail removal and refixing but before the end of the day, we were happy. The roof was on… now we needed to fix it.

On day three we fitted the new drip moulding which came in three sections. I can’t lie, the corners were tough, leaving me with semi-arthritic fingers and thumbs. Two sides done the third piece of moulding was fitted across the back of the roof under the rear window. The following hours were spent masking, sealing and paint the sections… at the end of which, we had a watertight RMA… ready for the NEC.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE SHOW AND TO BUY TICKETS 

VIST https://www.necclassicmotorshow.com/