2016 Shows and Events

September 2016 - Sywell Classic Pistons and Props, Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire.

With its most diverse line-up of motorsport action and aerial entertainment to date, the fourth annual Sywell Classic kicked off with dry skies and new attractions for this years event. Returning for its second year saw the iconic group B rally cars of 1983 to 1986 featuring the Audi Quattro, Ford RS 200 and the MG Metro 6R4. On the racing runway Penske, Lola and Chevron race cars exhibited alongside hybrids, hotrods, dragsters and karting legend outfits.

Winged enthusiasts were able to get up close and view displays of the Spitfire and Seafire aircraft. New to the event saw the Twister Aerobatic Team with some breathtaking aerial displays of nerve and precision flying.

Making their debut show appearance the Twister Aerobatic Team drew all eyes to the sky as they performed their close quarter aerial manoeuvres in their Silence SA1100 aircraft.

Personally for me, the car of the show had to be Patrick Morgan's immaculately restored 1994 Penske PC23 Indy Racecar, which made its debut public appearance after a four and a half year rebuild project.

Developed to compete in the 1994 Indy 500 and fielding a three car team entry of Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr. and Paul Tracy, the PC23 was an immediate success with Al Unser Jr. taking Pole in qualifying and the chequered flag for its first race win.

On two wheels there was an impressive mix of traditional classics to more modern road and race superbikes with Gene Romero's 1975 Daytona 200 winning Yamaha TZ700, Barry Sheen's 1975 factory Suzuki 500, and Kevin Schwantz '94 Lucky Strike RGV 500.

On the main stage the "Glamophones" performed to visitors throughout the weekend whilst the fire-starting "Houndogs" energetic and explosive Rockin' band entertained the crowds with Rock 'n' Roll and Rhythm & Blues.

As the 2016 summer show season comes to a close, this action packed event pulled out all the stops and is definitely one for the calendar in 2017.

September 2016 - W H Brand MG Carfest, Lincolnshire.

What a great turnout for the inaugural 2016 W H Brand MG Carfest.

With blue skies and 20 degrees, MG's old and new turned out for this new event organised by W H Brand, with all monies raised going to the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. The event attracted MG Clubs and individual entries with some absolutely stunning examples of lovingly cared for and restored MG's throughout the ages. On display saw an immaculate 1934 MG PA. The P type was not intended as a race car, although it was seen on the race circuits and in 1935 MG's marketing initiative entered an all girl three car team into the 24 hr Le Mans. MG's initiative worked, gaining considerable publicity for the car and the team affectionately known as "The Dancing Daughters".

August 2016 - Knebworth 2016 Motor Show, Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire.

Gemini's largest event of the year and "Wow" what a display of vehicles throughout the showground.

With glorious sunshine, this two day event brought out some true classics and modern works of art. Competition was high and judging difficult for the team of Concours officials.

Throughout the weekend the arena provided live commentary on the exhibiting vehicles with entertainment and competitions to include the annual decibel duel.

As the Bank Holiday weekend drew to a close all that remained was the presentation of a vast array of trophies.

With all the winning vehicles called to the arena for the presentations, it was then an honour and privilege for my own Seven styled Hardtop Coupé design and development to receive the 2016 Concours Winners trophy.

August 2016 - Stamford Car Show, Stamford, Lincolnshire.

Organised by the Stamford and District Round Table and set within the tranquil setting of this historic town's Stamford Meadow. This annual event is always booked to capacity with exhibitor entries closed weeks before the event, so early booking is always essential.

The event now includes a show run for exhibitors wishing to enjoy a planned rally route through the delightful Lincolnshire and Rutland countryside before arriving at the Meadow.

With such a varied mix of vehicles, club stands, trade and craft stalls, and competitions, there is always something for everyone at this annual family event.

July 2016 - Beaumanor Hall, Leicestershire.

New on the show calendar for 2016, this venue proved a popular choice with vehicle exhibitors, traders and the entering public.

With blue skies, live entertainment and lots of awards and trophies up for grabs all the ingredients were in place for a great day out.

Exhibiting vehicles saw classics, sports, kits, modern and vintage motorcycles. Live entertainment was provided by the fabulous Bluebird Belles Abbi, Beth and Vicky who performed a number of sets from their huge repertoire of 40's, 50's, 60's, Rock & Roll, Soul, Motown and modern songs.

July 2016 - Kimbolton Country Fayre and Car Show, Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire.

Held within the beautiful grounds of Kimbolton Castle, Cambridgeshire and organised by the Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle in partnership with the Sporting Bears, this is Kimbolton's 25th Anniversary of the Country Fayre & Charity Classic Car Show.

Main arena attractions saw 'The Sealed Knot with Lord Robartes Regiment of Foote' and their explosive Civil War re-enactment followed by a classic and sports car parade and new for 2016 camel racing! Yes, you did read that correctly... Camel racing!

On the live stage The Galaxy Swing Band and The Apple Blossom Singers entertained throughout the day with their mix of Swing, Jive & Jazz, with accompaniment from the Lindy Hopper Dancers.

This show is extremely popular and well worth pencilling into your diary for 2017.

July 2016 - Kitcars, Movies & Magic, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire.

The cars were the stars at the inaugural Independence Day Sports Car event held within the grounds of Hatfield House courtesy of the 7th Marquess of Salisbury and "Wow"! What a line-up of movie muscle, you could almost feel their magic aura and smell the testosterone dripping off the curves of these iconic works of art.

This was a fantastic event and what an absolute honour amongst such famous movie company, for the innovation and engineering design of my Seven styled Hardtop Coupé development to receive the judges vote, followed by the presentation of an inaugural Concours winners trophy and an invitational photoshoot courtesy of the 7th Marquess of Salisbury.

In the line-up there was some genuine movie magic that instantly brought back memories. Who could ever forget the blue and orange Gulf Oil colours and aesthetic appeal of the Porsche 917 driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 movie 'Le Mans'. This car is just jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

Close-by stood the 1968 Highland Green Mustang GT 390 Fastback with mounted lightweight Arriflex camera.

Alongside the Mustang stood it's counter-part from the chase scene, the Dodge Charger 440 Magnum.

Again driven by Steve McQueen and used for the interior driving shots of possibly the most famous car chase scene ever filmed in the 1968 movie 'Bullitt'.

Continuing with the American TV series theme, the red Gran Torino with it's 351 Windsor V8 sound track and white vector stripes had a definite place on UK TV every Saturday night as 'Starsky and Hutch' (call sign Zebra 3) burst on to our screens. Possibly not the most inconspicuous car for a duo of crime fighting undercover Bay City detectives but hey, this is TV so we can let that one go!

Following on with the Dodge Charger theme, I spot Bo and Luke Duke's 1969 (01) General Lee. This car was used in the original jump scene of the 'Dukes of Hazzard' opening titles sequence.

As I approach a black 1982 Pontiac Trans-Am, I notice that I am being scanned for concealed weapons or other devices. This is
'Kitt', one half of the crime fighting duo known as 'Knight Rider'
whose special chassis and body mods featured 'Turbo Boost' - 'Self Drive' - 'Body Armour' - 'Voice Synthesizer' and most memorable of all the red front mounted 'Scanner Bar'.

Moving back across the pond for a UK based TV series, I came across a white Volvo P1800, registration number 'ST 1' driven by Roger Moore alias Simon Templar in 'The Saint'.

Another car driven by Roger Moore, and pulling the crowds is a yellow Citroen 2CV from 007's 'For Your Eyes Only'. This car was driven by Roger Moore's 'James Bond' (actually stunt performer Rémy Julienne) to escape from Hector Gonzales' henchmen.

In the line-up of exhibits there were some absolutely amazing and iconic cars. Wherever I looked there was something equally appealing and one thing is for sure...they all invoke memories of where you were, who you were with and the feelings we had when we first sat and watched these celluloid magic movie moments!

June 2016 - Bourne Car & Bike Carnival, Bourne, Lincolnshire.

Famed as the home of BRM (British Racing Motors) F1 Team, and todays show venue for the first annual Bourne Car & Bike Carnival. From the get-go this event promised to attract the visitors and surpassed all expectations.

With the town centre closed to traffic and the carnival booked to capacity, the stage was set for the inaugural event with live entertainment scheduled throughout the day to include bands, singers, the 'Blitz Dancers', live demonstrations, craft stalls, vintage fairground, Spitfire fly-bys and of course road and race vehicles of all ages, shapes and sizes.

This event certainly pulled out all the stops and is a true family day out with something for everyone.

May 2016 - Cars in the Park, Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire.

'50 mph gales and heavy rain to batter Britain' exclaim the Daily Express. So what for Knebworth's new look 'Cars in the Park' show? Well there's only one way to find out. It's 7.30am and I head off south for a short 70 mile run to Knebworth Park.

Headlining for the event are one of the UK's premier tribute bands 'Abba's Angels' whose lead singers Gemma Rose and Nikki Jenkinson have toured with the band since 2005/6 and have seen stage and TV success supporting 70's bands Showaddywaddy, The Bay City Rollers as well as performers such as Jamelia, Liberty X and 911.

For classic sounds and dance 'Jeep Jump Jive' kicked off the proceedings alongside their immaculately restored Willys Jeep.

This new look two-day show highlighted some real head turning exhibits and even though the weather was overcast with a very cold wind, the rain held off and everybody stayed dry.

May 2016 - Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Stoneleigh has always been recognised as the largest and most prized kit car show on the calendar. It's the place to unveil and launch new models, designs and developments. It's the place to showcase build quality and attention to detail.

Throughout the exhibition halls every stand had a constant stream of people waiting to talk to company representatives.

Outside over 100 car clubs and 4,000 cars stretched right across the showground, with trade and craft stalls, food halls and live music on the Sunday night for all those stopping over for the two day event.

April 2016 - County Wheels Day, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.

Following the success of the 2015 inaugural event, all the ingredients were in place to raise the game for the second annual County Wheels Day.

With sunshine forecast, trade and craft stalls, food stands and vehicle exhibits ranging from Kit, Custom, Hotrod, Sports, Classic, Motorcycles and Special Interest vehicles, there was something for everyone.

Organised by a committee of local enthusiasts to raise money for local charities, the organisers are expanding the 2016 event with a County Wheels Day planned for Kent, with the ultimate aim to roll out the event with every county hosting it's own show.

April 2016 - Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire.

The 2016 season opener got off to a flying start at the Old Warden Aerodrome, home of the Shuttleworth Collection.

Approaching the aerodrome I could see this show was well attended with vehicles stretching right across the showground, car club flags flying, trade and craft stalls open for business and aircraft lined up on the runway.

With a few microlights and even a gyroplane which instantly brought to mind the name 'Little Nellie' from Sean Connery's 'You Only Live Twice'.

Arena commentator for the show was Nick Salmon, who detailed the display vehicles and presented the awards, with it being an honour for the Hardtop Coupé design to receive the judges vote and presentation of the Old Warden 2016 Kit and Custom Concours winners trophy.