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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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'.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.