Car Show Let Down

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A very unusual situation happened to me regarding a car show where I was disappointed at the event. This was the first car show of the year which was held fairly local to me at only half hour drive away. I had been to a previous event at the same venue before and I was little disappointed back then. The event(s) were held at Stonham Barns in Suffolk. The first show that I attended was good for attendance with plenty of cars to look at with a couple of good stalls, but the winning trophies seemed to go to people who were known to the judges, I dare to say. I don’t expect trophies at the events I attend, the whole point of me attending is that I like to share my Mustang passion with other car enthusiasts, it certainly wasn’t sour grapes for not winning anything as I didn’t enter ayway. In fact I agreed with one of the winners which really was a good looking car. Anyway, back to last weekend the show was billed as “Spring Break Custom Car Show.” To be held on the 8th & 9th April. Here is the sales pitch for that weekend:

“Join us over the weekend of Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April 2017 for the Spring Break Custom Car Show.

The event is an early season, blow off the cobwebs, laid back, friendly, take us as you find us kind of weekend. A gathering for everyone with an interest in Rods, Bikes, Yanks, ’Mid Century’ and  ’Kustom Kulture’.

ALTHOUGH THE WHOLE WEEKEND IS DEDICATED TO ALL ASPECTS OF VINTAGE, HOT ROD AND KUSTOM KULTURE ON SUNDAY THE FOCUS IS ON 50’S AND LATER. CARS AND BIKES AS LATE AS 1973 ARE PERMITTED IN THE MAIN ‘SPRING BREAK’ SHOW & SHINE, AND THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL SHOW & SHINE COMPETITION FOR LATER VEHICLES OF ‘SPECIAL INTEREST’. THIS WILL INCLUDE CLASSES FOR LATER AMERICAN CARS, ALL CUSTOM VEHICLES INCLUDING LATER BIKES. (MODERN HARLEY’S AND OTHER CRUISERS, CHOPPERS, BOBBERS ETC.) IN PREVIOUS YEARS THE RESPONSE TO THIS SHOW HAS BEEN VERY POSITIVE SO COME ALONG AND ENJOY.

There will also be many stalls and traders, auto jumblers, swapmeeters and vintage/record stalls for you to wander around. You are welcome to stay for the weekend we have tickets that include the price of camping. Please visit our website to find out more.”

Reads like it will be a great weekend, yes?

Me and friend of mine Craig who is also into his cars in a big way, decided we would attend on the Saturday 8th as we both had plans on the Sunday. The start times weren’t advertised from what we could see, but these things usually start around the ten o’Clock. We arranged to meet before hand and go in convoy. There was no signs on the way there which made us think had we got the right day even? We got there and was told that we were the first to arrive and was charged £8 each for the entry, we got an orange wrist band which allowed us to go back in and out as we wished, even half price for the animal enclosures entry. I was asked to follow one of the organisers to the show field where he opened the gate and I was first in and asked to start a row for the cars.

A few moments later a couple more cars arrived in the field to park next to me.

Eventually by the end of the day there was another eight cars on show and shine field with me. There was a couple of other cars driving into the field, parking up for a short while then leaving again. We walked around the few stalls that were there with others being set up throughout the day. I was told that Sunday was the main day of the show and people turn up during the Saturday evening if stopping over or on the Sunday morning itself. Around the outside of the main show field there was a number of caravans and a few other nice cars ready for the Sunday show.

around the outside
Craig in the “show field”

For me advertising a car show for a Saturday and a Sunday event, but really it’s a Sunday show with a Saturday actually being a prep day was pretty misleading. I saw the whole thing in one hour and that was including the stalls that were open. I thought it was a real poor effort as did Craig. We stayed as long as we could although we were seriously bored. We treated ourselves to a full English breakfast nearer to lunch time so we could waste more time to see if any more cars turned up. The weather was fantastic and not as though it was raining to stop the cars from venturing out for the day. I mentioned earlier that we were charged the full price of £8 per car to get in and I think that was bit strong especially as the Sunday was slightly cheaper to get in, for what reason I don’t understand. Still, this time next year I’m sad to say that I wont bother. There is a very positive upside of the day though. I got to met some great people who were asking lots of questions about my car. I think I even convinced one guy that he should get a project of his own. I honestly hope that the show had the expected nine hundred or so cars on the Sunday they were hoping for, in which case it would be a good show of cars for people to look at. It would bea real shame if people stopped going to these events and they get cancelled due to lack of interest.

The drive there and back was fantastic for me in the sun, windows down and listening to the v8 I hadn’t heard properly for a few months over the winter. Surely if the event is advertised as a weekened two day show, then make it a weekend two day show with cars on both days. Or did I read and get the advert very wrong? To think I gave up a precious weekend I could of had down at the Mustang Maniac yard. Every car show I have been to in the past I have enjoyed, and I don’t doubt for one minute that will ever change in the future for me. However, it does have to be said that if there are no cars, then it can’t be a good show for anybody. One guy summed up the day for me when he said “At least you bothered to turn up.” I had nothing to respond back to him with.

I’m now looking forward to the next lot of show that’s for sure and will bring some pictures of those for you. I hope you have a great Easter, and don’t eat to much chocolate!

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34 thoughts on “Car Show Let Down”

    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      That’s another word for it. 😂

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      It’s nothing really at the end of the day considering the rest of the world’s problems. It was just annoying. But there will be other shows that’s for sure.

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      Thanks Amanda, you can’t get to stressed about these things as there is much worse going on in the world. I’m sure the next one’s will be fine.

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  4. Sami Siddiqui – Dubai, United Arab Emirates – I am an Aircraft Dispatcher by profession and Test Driver by passion. Rearview Mirror is my perspective on cars and motoring in the United Arab Emirates. A driver’s blog to provide the adrenaline fix to gear heads, petrol heads & motor heads alike on cars and motoring culture and the lifestyle. Rearview Mirror lets the reader stay current with the news and views and an in-depth knowledge with reviews on test drives.
    Sami Siddiqui says:

    It’s sad to know. However, what’s the outcome and how to avoid such happenstance in future?

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      Hi Sami, the outcome was that there was only 9 cars in a show field. I hunted down the original flyer that I was given for the event, it very clearly states a full day of events on the Saturday, so it was clearly set to happen. I guess the organisers can’t make people turn up on the Saturday. So I won’t be going there again. Shame because it was a local show. ☹️

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  5. Brad Nixon – Los Angeles, California, USA – With a career of writing, video and multimedia experience I enjoy traveling to find the unusual ... which often awaits in ordinary places. Writing is my business as well as the core of my blog, Under Western Skies, but media play an important role, too.
    Brad Nixon says:

    Yi. Sorry the kickoff to the show season was such a letdown. Onward!

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      Onwards and upwards. 👍

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  6. America's Purple Mustang – Traveling together and sharing the sights of our great America in our Purple Mustang. America's Purple Mustang exploring, sharing, posting and blogging about everything in America together with you. Classic Cars, Pin-ups, Retro, Vintage, 1940's, 1950's, all the things we love.
    America's Purple Mustang says:

    We have shows that are like that in the United States too. Disappointing. But, not all are like that, so we just look forward to the next. Love your car!!

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      Thank you, you are right as one day poor turn out can’t be a bench mark. Every other show has been great so far. Looking forward to the next show now. 👍

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    2. America's Purple Mustang – Traveling together and sharing the sights of our great America in our Purple Mustang. America's Purple Mustang exploring, sharing, posting and blogging about everything in America together with you. Classic Cars, Pin-ups, Retro, Vintage, 1940's, 1950's, all the things we love.
      America's Purple Mustang says:

      THIS IS truly what it is about <3 "The drive there and back was fantastic for me in the sun, windows down and listening to the v8 I hadn’t heard properly for a few months over the winter." May you have many great cruises in the sun listening to that glorious V8!!!

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      1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
        One man and his Mustang says:

        Thank you for the comment, Mustangs forever.

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  7. Pingback: There is a show today right? – Voices From The Garage
  8. bzerob – I am an aging American Navy veteran with some very pointed and acidic opinions. Feel free to heed the warning and read on.
    bzerob says:

    Unfortunately this does happen BUT not that often. I have attended a few like this and while disappointing it shows off the “true” gearheads. I hope the next ones are better! Hang in there. You are still a class act!

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      Thanks Bob. It hasn’t put me off at all, you can’t really take a one-off scenario as the norm. Definitely looking forward to the next show. 👍

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  9. Customs -N- Classics – My name is Dennis. I am a Christian, a husband, a father to 1 beautiful step-daughter and 3 strapping young boys and a step-grandfather (They call me “Grumpy”) to a gorgeous step-granddaughter and a handsome step-grandson. These will always be my priorities, no matter what my interests are. That said, I strive to keep and maintain a family friendly atmosphere, so my boys and their friends can enjoy the site as much as I do. (Grand-kids aren’t old enough and daughter has other interests.) See my home page for more about me.
    Customs -N- Classics says:

    Reblogged this on Customs N Classics and commented:
    Unfortunately, I have seen many shows like this, put on with little effort, but, they thought that great advertising would do the job.

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  10. Timothy Price – I specialize in daily art, documentary and promotional photography. If you have a special event such as a musical production, play, concert, etc. or have a product or fashion that you need photographed, or you are a performer, musician and artist in need of promotional photos please email me or call.
    Timothy Price says:

    Too bad. It always makes you wonder if you’ve read the adverts right it these types situations.

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      These things happen, I got home after the show and read the advert again to make sure I wasn’t going mad. But at least the second day was good for them. Looking forward to the next show now.

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      A great little blog, check them out.

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  12. At least you got there, mine decided to die on the way. In all seriousness I agree about the state of some of the shows 🙁

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    1. On the way to Wheels Day not you event 🙂

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    2. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      Ouch, hope the car is OK now. Sometimes you wish you just never bothered when that happens.

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      1. Getting there, going back to points using the “modern points” i.e. the 1957 to 1970+ Ford V8 points 🙂

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        1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
          One man and his Mustang says:

          Could go even better and go for petronix electronic?

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            1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
              One man and his Mustang says:

              There is a known trick for the petronix if they stop working. As the electronic points produce a strong spark the coil can overheat and shut down. To cure this open the spark plug gaps a little wider which will give a stronger spark and also dissipate the coil charge better. That should cure it for you. It’s what I have done on mine too. 👍

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            2. Thanks, but the points are in and I have to say it’s the best the car has run since I’ve had it.

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  13. I am sorry your local car show experience wasn’t the best. But I can imagine that those hosting the event really appreciated your participation!

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    1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
      One man and his Mustang says:

      Thanks for the comment and i agree with you that they were pleased i turned up, but it must have been embarrassing for them too.

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      1. Yeah, it probably was. I wonder why so few people show up to these local events? I wonder if it is a larger issue as well?

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        1. One man and his Mustang – UK – I'm just a man with a Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe and an ever increasing collection of car detailing products to keep it clean. I bought the car as a non rolling project in 2011 which had been neglected, set fire to, rusted and abused. As a result of all that the car needed a bare metal strip down, a nut and bolt restoration. Four and a half years later the car was completed, on the road and shown at the UK's premier Classic Car Show, everything that was done to my car is documented here. I now have the privilege to drive one of America's most recognised cars and a true Icon, the Ford Mustang.
          One man and his Mustang says:

          I have heard since this post that is was crazy busy on the Sunday which is great news for them and a success, which i am pleased about. It’s just a real shame about the Saturday where it could have been so much better.

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