Helmingham Hall Car Show 2026 (part 2)

Part two of the Festival of Classic and Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall, takes us into the privateer field on the other side of the hall. After taking in some liquid refreshments and a few calories Craig and I set off to find some more nice cars. This was the view that greeted us as we emerged from the tea and cake. It was reported that there was 1,200 cars and 8,000

The cars that parked up on the Tollemache area are here, it was a relentless sea of people swarming around the cars.

There is a red Lamborghini Countach here which is in fact a replica or tribute car as they tend to be known as now days. It was interesting to hear the people saying that it’s a real one, a simple look under the mid engined hood would see a v8 and not the glorious V12. Don’t get me wrong it’s a beautiful looking car, but the real thing wasn’t allowed on the Tollemache, more on that a little later in this post.

As the privateer field was not a club stand field, it was divided up into into various decades. Sixties, seventies, eighties etc. Although looking at the mixture of cars, it looked to be good intentions for organisation, but it didn’t work flawlessly. The field was full, but as we got out around two thirty some of the cars were leaving early, so we missed a few of them, nothing spectacular was missed.

Each of these little galleries was supposed to be the decade, but I have just left them in the order of walking up and lines of cars which was a little chaotic at times it has to be said.

This poor chap was having issues with his car, but what was nice to see is a number of people that gathered around him to help out. It was refreshing to see regardless of the make of the vehicle, people were helping out. I did hear some dubious suggestions for the potential problem not used to old school carburettors, but also some very valid next steps for trouble shooting.

In the previous post I mentioned that there was an issue with the Tollemache entrants area. As we pulled into the event’s main gate there was a car in front of us who was clearly trying to blag his way into the Tollemache. It was quite obvious that he hadn’t booked so wasn’t allowed to park up which was a good thing, but that left a problem the marshals who couldn’t turn him back down the drive. They had to work out where to send him as he wasn’t on a club stand either. Due to this person’s attempts to get somewhere he wasn’t supposed to be, it caused a queue of traffic behind him, that’s me included and load of others who were getting a bit frustrated. This guy had clearly paid to get on the Tollemache and had his ticket in the windscreen, but wasn’t allowed to park at the Tollemache for what ever reason, these privileged tickets ain’t cheap and I hope he got his money back. This Lambo is the real deal.

With the field completed it was time to head back to the car, but via some of the gardens. The gardens were busy and we decided not to go all round them. Such a shame that the heat has ruined the lush greenery and vibrant colours of the flowers.

There was some stalls, but no autojumble which was a bit shocking to be honest, after all this is a car show. There was home made jewellery, cakes and some artworks you could buy should you need to. I had taken some cash with me as I wanted to buy some detailing products and a few microfibre cloths, but no I couldn’t which was typical. There was no car oil stalls, car parts for the rest of us petrol heads, such a prestigious event like this I was expecting more car related stalls. However there was one car stall, but it was the Hot Wheels type. Outside one stall there was this lovely ol’ thing, I have no idea what it is and would genuinely love for somebody to tell me what it is, apart from stating the obvious of being old.

This is an MG Y (I think) from 1952. I don’t know why this caught my eye, it was battered and well used which was the appeal to me, a 1250cc or 76.3ci for my friends on the other side of the pond. This was in the club stand field with the MGs. A great little car with plenty of character that I bet could tell a story or two.

We took a another well earned break and done some mandatory people watching. I had one guy stop by to say hello and I couldn’t place him. We got to talking and it turned out that he was a neighbour over the road from me who had seen my car way back when as a wreck being worked on up my drive before it was stored at Mustang Maniac where I could work on it properly. Matt and I reminisced for a while and caught up on what we had been doing since we had lost touch. I said that I would mention on my post that Matt has a really good app that I do use called ‘Shaboodle’ link here and this is not a sponsored plug by the way. It’s a great (secure) app for storing all sorts of information, car details, documents, itinerary etc. all in one place online or via the app. I like it so you may want to check it out.

I mentioned that Lee is a good friend of Craig’s and I have gotten to know him as too meeting up at the car shows. He, like Craig is a keen photographer with a good eye for a shot. As I pulled into the event making my way down the drive I slowed right down as Craig had spotted Lee who appeared right on cue to take an action shot of us coming up the drive. It was now my turn to hold the traffic up as you can see behind me! The difference was I only stopped for a few seconds. Lee sent me these cracking photo’s and I said I would also give him a shout out for his Instagram: s2kathome or the link here https://www.instagram.com/s2kathome/ again this is not a sponsored mention.

I especially love this shot.

Once I had parked up Lee had taken these as well.

Thanks for letting me use the photos Lee.

Although there was 1,200 or so cars there, I was a little selective and hope I captured the spirit of the show. So, that was Helmingham Hall all done for another year, a great show as ever, well organised and it was nice to have some company with me for a change at a car show, now I’m looking forward to next year.

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Sticky Fingers

The next town to my little village hosts an annual carnival with a classic car show as part of the day. I attended this event a few years back and I haven’t been since due to other better car shows or rain. The Stowmarket Carnival was scheduled on the 19th July, the weather was looking good and I didn’t have any other shows to go to. So I thought I would give it a go again as a day out. This isn’t a huge show so there was no need to get up early and avoid the queue to get in. The usual drinks and a snack were packed and I set of for the show and arrived at the field fifteen minutes later, all cars had to be in place before nine forty five ready for the public to arrive. I was directed straight in and that was pretty well organised to be fair. once inside I was directed to area ten by a marshal and was shown my position to park adjacent to a concreate footpath which ran across the middle of the field or recreation field, a nice location in fact. By the time I had gone over the dry and dusty field the car needed a wipe over. I wouldn’t do that until after the other cars had all been parked up as they too were putting up plumes of dust.

I was hungry and decided that the now becoming obligatory sausage in a roll was required, and very nice it was too.

The car was given a wipe over and walked around the cars, maybe a hundred or so for the day.

There was some nice American muscle there, although I was the only 60’s Mustang.

I was almost fooled by this Chesil Speedster that was a replica of the Porsche 356 Speedster. To find a real 356 is hard enough, let alone find one at a carnival considering their value is around £300k to £560k, some rare models can command up to £800k.

I had seen all the cars, in the last part of the field were some amazing motorbikes and trikes. I was talking to a couple of great guys and spent a little with them. Two or three wheels are not my ‘thing,’ but I can certainly appreciate the mechanical engineering on these bikes and how proud the owners are of their creations.

I have some good memories driving one of these Land Rover Series 3 in their iconic green. I have never seen one get stuck anywhere, such an amazing go anywhere work horse vehicle. Not fast, not that comfortable, not that quiet, but it will pull a house over.

I made my way back to my car and sat in my chair for a bit of people watching. I started to notice the families were arriving en masse; no doubt the nice weather, the attraction of traditional fun fair rides calling to them. Around lunch time I could see that many kids were eating ice creams while wandering around looking at the cars. I could see the parents just letting them stroll up to the cars, lean on them while holding their ice creams and putting their dirty sticky fingers all over the car. It’s a real pet hate of mine, I decided that I wasn’t going to leave my car unattended for the remaining time I was a this event.

The problem with ‘family’ focussed events like this one, is that some parents simply don’t care about your property. Your pride and joy is there on display just for their beloved little brats to climb over and have a nice time. Harsh I hear you say, maybe. But, to us car owners, dropping a bit of ice cream, a greasy hamburger morsel on a fabric seat or onto the carpet can ruin it, especially if it’s all original. I was really nervous about pushchairs being dragged through small gaps between the cars. Young kids were riding scooters around on the uneven ground, it wouldn’t take much for one of them to hit a divot in the ground and send them flying into the side of a car. In that damaged car scenario, would the parents pay for the repair and a paint job, of course they won’t. I was not enjoying this show once the general public turned up. However I do like to see families have a great day out and enjoy the cars, but sadly it was the minority that day. I hardly spoke to anybody during the time I was there, not by my choice, but nobody came up to me which was unusual, not that I ever expect people to engage with me no matter what the show. The cars seemed to be just a side line for the fun fair rides, fast food, cake and sweet stalls. Some parents were great and lifted their young kids to see the cars, which was nice to see.

Petrol heads (gear heads for those on the other side of the pond) who attend ‘proper’ car shows for fellow enthusiasts respect the cars, they don’t touch them or eat and drink near them. At those shows I feel comfortable enough to wander around without worrying about my car being trashed by the time I get back to it. We owners even look out for each others cars.

After a few hours into the early afternoon I had enough of stressing myself out watching people, near my car. I was determined to make sure my car left the same way it arrived to the event. As for this show I won’t be going again, purely for the reason of some, (not all) uncaring families, the parents were leaning on the roof of cars looking inside them, there’s no need for it. A shame, but when young children are around it’s not always their fault as they don’t know any better. If they don’t know any better they should be guided by the parents or maybe not as the case may be. I was fortunate enough to get back to my car and keep an eye on it. I did see finger marks on cars and bits of food on the floor by the cars as I was looking at them too. In my eyes and from what they saw, my little rant is justified. My car did have finger marks on a the glass right where my Krooklok sticker is, somebody had obviously pointed to it. I checked the rest of the car thoroughly which it was OK, thankfully. I guess I have upset a few people and been a bit controversial with my closing words. Do you agree with me, or am I just being a grumpy old man? This post will prompt me to write a little another little piece on ‘Car Show Etiquette’ in the near future, would it be even worth my while?

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Classic Car Show Culford 2026 (part 2)

Welcome back to second instalment of the huge Classic Car Show Culford School 2026. I finished yesterdays post with the glorious GMA T.50 an automotive work of art. But this show has so much more to offer and now it was time to work my way back up the other half of the field. Towards the end of the post I reveal one of my very earliest memories as a kid if not the first memory I have which was triggered by something on a table that I saw at this show.

Jones’ Van from the classic TV Comedy Show ‘Dad’s Army’ was there again. Some members of the museum that looks after the van were dressed up as the TV characters acting out a scene or two from the shows.

I was now at the super car stand with lots of relatively new and classic sports cars.

Some Americana works of art to enjoy. Some I have seen at shows before and always a pleasure to see.

Then it was back up and down the lines again to take more photos I actually took over four hundred on the day. Near to me was a burger van selling burgers, hot dogs and bacon rolls. I wasn’t hungry until I smelt the food, a proper hot dog with cheese and onions had my name all over it! The picture doesn’t show it was a foot long sub, I found a bit of shade and enjoyed my breakfast.

With a full stomach it was back to the cars.

A previous winner of my car of the show, this achingly beautiful Aston Martin

A car that love, but my 6’4″ frame prevents me from getting in it sadly.

The paint job on this 1930s Ford was amazing, again the photos don’t do it justice.

There was a couple of old school pedal cars on tables which were amazing and beautifully restored. Kids of today don’t know the pleasure of going as fast as you can in a pedal car. An Xbox game may look great, but it doesn’t give you sense of speed by dragging your back side a couple of inches of the ground. Brakes – oh yeah, you stopped peddling and jammed both feet hard to stop the peddles, get it right and you could skid the car into a corner like a racing God, sometimes!

I was lucky enough to have one as a kid, nothing branded or fancy like those ones above. Mine was just a generic box shape in dark green, a bit like this one, I was gutted when I couldn’t get in it anymore. I was so very young, but my earliest memory was driving that pedal car into a fence at the bottom of a little hill. It was bent up a bit after that, (so was I), but it still drove good! When my ol’ man used to wash his car, I was given a little bowl to wash mine as well. Cars must have been in my blood at such a young age, or the flies in my eyes when travelling at such great speeds, those were good times.

Things were getting busy and the stalls were doing well, especially the overpriced ice creams and the beer tent!

Shame this isn’t a real GT40, but it’s still a stunning car to look at.

This 1913 Rambler was stunning. The woodwork, the brass and the paint, such intricate little details.

I wandered back to my car at a very leisurely pace ready for a well deserved sit down and long cold drink, that 1ltr bottle of chilled water was downed in one.

A couple of months back I added a small addition to the rear window of my car. I wanted to something super subtle that didn’t ruin the look of the car. Before anybody says anything, the glass is actually green as my car was an original factory optioned Air Con car, but from a distance you don’t really notice the tinge of colour. After market or dealer fitted air con had clear glass, it’s a real quick way to tell if original or after market. The stencil was stuck inside the glass just above the rear parcel shelf. When you look at the back of the car you don’t really see it, look from a slight angle you can see the white lettering against the black. Best of all, when the sun comes out it throws a nice shadow. This turned out even better than I hoped it would. In my mind if it didn’t work I could soon remove it, for now it will stay as it took me quite a while align it up in the middle and get it straight.

A great show where I spoke to many people and had a chilled day in the lovely weather, I soaked up the sun and enjoyed a few hours of people watching from the comfort of my chair. I can neither confirm not deny that I may have sneaked in few minutes of shut eye behind the sunglasses, I don’t think anybody noticed. Either I did get a quick nap in, or my smart watch said that I was sitting very still!

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Tostock Twilight: Cars On The Green

This is the first of two posts this weekend as I had two shows in one week. Last Thursday 18th June 2026 my wife sent me a couple of messages with classic cars in them. I asked what it was all about, she didn’t know, so I thought no more about it. She got home about an hour later and started to tell me that she took a detour home because of traffic and spotted a number of cars turning up on the next village to us in Tostock. I knew nothing about the show, (so I blame ‘Frosty’ for that). I did a quick online search to find there was indeed a car show just a few miles from us which started at five in the evening. I wanted to go as it was a nice evening and would only be a for three scheduled hours. For the first time my wife actually agreed to come with me in the Mustang to a car show for an evening out.

We arrived a little after five thirty and it was already busy. There was a lot of people walking around with cold beers in their hands which they had just gotten from the pub which was adjacent to he green itself. I wanted to have a cold drink too, but as the wife didn’t want to drive us home, which is understandable, I certainly won’t risk it. Cars were still turning up after my fashionably late arrival and were just parking up where there wasn’t spaces, just like me. The cars started to arriving at four in the afternoon, hence why the wife spotted them on her way home.

I was greeted by my friend John on the way in trying to find a space, he directed me into a space that wasn’t supposed to be a space. I was considerate enough to leave space should anybody want to leave before me. There was few regular cars that I recognised, and a few new ones to me too.

We decided to wander from one end of the green to the other and in no particular order I (we) just wandered up and down the lines.

There was a little section of military vehicles which was quite cool.

Apart from my car these were other Mustangs that had got parked up for the show, I managed to catch up with David who I hadn’t seen for a while which was great and the banter started immediately. The others I missed, but I will catch them next time out I’m sure.

The biggest vehicle there by a long way was this monstrous CAT that trundled down the road. Used for ‘heavy earth moving tasks’ according to Google, but now had seats in the back and brought a few people along with it. The wheels were a little under six feet tall.

That leaves Mart’s Car Of The Show. This amazing 1940/1 pick up. My wife also liked it and said that one like it would be a good candidate for another project. I think she wants me out the house, again!

After a couple of hours we left as I didn’t want to push my luck and make her regret coming out with me to a show. Will there be another show with the wife? I hope so, it’s only taken her fifteen years since I have owned my car to turn up to a show with me. Saying that, I do like my occasional nap at the odd car show, needless to say that wouldn’t happen if the wife is with me! 😀

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Kustom Kulture Spring Break

The second show of the year today, but I wasn’t sure it was going to happen. One weather app said rain, the other two said cold and overcast at 17o. My wife was saying to me that I was mad at seven thirty this morning, I almost agreed with her. But, like a true trooper I powered through it. The cool bag was packed with a light lunch, but mostly drinks. The first stop this morning was going to be fuel at the Shell petrol station for a bit of open wallet surgery via a fill up of some V-Power. The guy in the next pump also had a classic Talbot Lotus was getting a fill up, we were having a chat taking our minds of the money on the display updating faster than a hundred meter stop watch. I asked “are you going to the Stonham Barns show?” He replied with no “me and a few mates were just going for a drive and some lunch”. That is awesome, enjoying his car with his mates and have a lunch looking at classic cars. The show at Stonham Barns has become a bit of local show. The show started at ten, but I got there at eight forty and there was only about tenor so other display cars there. My logic was to get in before the carnage waiting to get in. As it turned out I didn’t need to worry, I wasn’t that busy a show all day. I was directed into the main arena and direct to park next to a 1965 Mustang finished in vintage Burgundy metallic. The panels on our cars are the same, but there are some obvious exterior trim and interior changes between the two years.

I gave the car it’s customary quick detail to remove any road dust, During my ritual therapeutic dust off, the wind must have been just right as I got a waft of cooking, bacon! The burger fan was calling, my wallet was tucked in the jacket pocket while on the way, a purposeful stride with my nose leading the way. I ordered the sausage, as that looked even better than the bacon, to enhance my culinary delight I added cheese and some onions topped with a line of tomato sauce. I took a seat to enjoy my well deserved breakfast after my car cleaning. A crow flew down and was hopping around near the table, it was rewarded with small bit of the roll that I shared with it. At the price I just paid, it wasn’t going to get a lot. A sucker for wild life I relented and shared more with my new found friend. The more I gave, the bolder it got almost taking the bread out of my hand. The funny part was it hopped on the other side of the table and gave me the eye for more, that also worked and got more breakfast with me. I was trying to take a photo, and hold the roll at the same time, I think I did OK considering.

After the rather awesome roll I chatted with a few human friends I have seen for the first time this year. Then it was off to take some photos of the other cars. The show didn’t have a huge amount of cars which was a shame, but the quality of cars on show was great except for a few Walmart wagons that were allowed in, which was surprising as the info said pre ’70s.

As I was walking around the outer part of the arena more cars were coming in to park in the centre and started a couple of new rows.

Outside the arena was also getting busier as the arena was now full, I found a few of the finned beauties. I’m a bit partial to a fin it has to be said, they’re just mobile works of art.

Wandering back up the field there was only really another line.

This Pontiac caught my eye and almost got my personal winning vote.

That just leaves my winning vote; Mart’s Car of The Show. The artwork on the back of this was Ford was amazing, I hate to think how long and how much this was. The emblem on the cowl clinched it for me though!

A grey overcast day, it wasn’t full of cars, but it was pleasant with a lot of cars I hadn’t seen before and a few I had. The show was not really a family day, this was more of a true petrol head day out and spoke to lots of lovely people. I left just after two as a few other were starting to leave as well. A good show, no queue to get in and everything was very calm and civilised. My madness of getting up paid of as I enjoyed the show, even though I walking around with my jacket on. For change on the way there and and on the way home there was morons on the road that were near me and I had relaxing and gentle cruise home.

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Off To A Flying Start

Last Sunday was the first booked car show for me at Kersey Mill a short trip fifteen miles away about thirty minutes away. This year the plan was to go the back route for a relaxing scenic drive with no pressure of the main roads. Before I had even got out of my little village or off choke at eight thirty on a Sunday morning, some idiot nearly took me out being on my side of the road coming round a corner. If I had of been doing thirty miles an hour it would have been a head on crash, best of it was he had a young kid in the front seat as well. I think I may have woken a few people up as my window was down as I expressed my displeasure in a raised tone, nothing from the driver he just carried on.

The rest of the drive was serene and enjoyable, many of the little villages that I passed through had speed limits in place so the car was just running on tick over through them, hence the longer time to get there. The marshal on the gate asked me if I was with a club which I wasn’t and directed me to field four. The trouble was I missed the entrance to the area and carried on round the corner. The marshal here was the opposite, a little bit of power had gone to his head and wouldn’t allow me to go back to the other field, about five seconds round the corner, even though nothing was coming up the path. Instead he ‘told’ me to park next to a red Alpha under a row of trees, err no! In my defiance I parked in the middle of the hard standing to keep away from tree sap and potential bird deposits. He didn’t look to impressed, I didn’t care to be honest, within a minute or so I was being surrounded with other cars with the same thoughts as me. I was next to cherry blossom tree which smelt amazing.

This is a great show with lots of different cars on display, from steam driven oldies to the less attractive couple of year old Tesco car park specials, I don’t bother taking photos of those, even with that in mind, I still ended up taking over two hundred pics.

I started taking photos in the hard standing area which was near the near the food, the smell of bacon rolls added to the lovely morning fresh air. Speaking of air this Chevy Bel Air (see what I did there) was pristine.

Walking through the end of the hard standing there was another field with lots more cars and a couple of car clubs, mainly Mini and Lotus.

My runner up car of the show is this glorious Model A, a rust patina special. This is about as original as it will ever get. Credit to the guy who drove it in.

This Mustang is modified with a wide body kit and Lambo doors, you either like the doors or you don’t. For me I can appreciate the work involved, but it’s not my thing I’m afraid.

Moving back to towards the mill itself there were some great oldies parked in prime positions at the front.

Around the side of the house were some super cars where I caught up with my Mate Craig, who has shared some of his photos with me for this post.

Either side of the main path into the mill itself there are display areas either side.

I used to play a game ‘Need for Speed Underground’ and my son used to customise this car to the max, the legendary Toyota Supra. Not seen one of these spec cars for a while.

This 1966 Plymouth Barracuda fastback was amazing, the rear glass section on this car is a work of art, I wouldn’t want to try and source one of them if it broke!

I haven’t seen an original untouched BMW M3 E30 (the proper M3) for such a long time, then this beauty parked up just behind me. A modern classic that dominated touring car racing late 80’s and early 90’s. He didn’t stay that long, but I’m glad I caught some pics of it.

Early afternoon a few cars started to leave, Craig and Lee decided to bring their cars into the show and parked up next to me and we had our own mini car show. After some lunch and a chat they went of for more car spotting and photos while I desperately tried to keep myself from falling asleep due to the early start, busy pretending to keep an eye on the cars.

Thanks to Lee, for this artistic pic. You can find him on Instagram @s2kathome

A little while later I decided to leave around three to miss the traffic as the show closed at four. Craig stood in a strategic place and caught some cars leaving.

He even managed to grab a couple of me leaving too. Thanks Craig for the pics.

I absolutely love this picture.

The drive home was just as leisurely as the drive there. What is better than a scenic route home, window open and a V8 rumble in your ears? A great day out with mates and looking forward to more. Hopefully I will catch up with Craig and Lee at more shows this year with our cars together.

After the quick detail to remove the road dust and put the car away, I plonked myself on the sofa and feel asleep for an hour (or so) cuddled up with my little dog. What a great way to end the day.

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Classics At Glemham 2025 (part 2)

Continuing on from my last post this is the rest of the Classics at Glemham Car Show. The show had food and drink but like most of the shows now days the costs were expensive. I doubt this is greed of the vendor, from what I have heard the organisers of the events charge silly amounts for the pitch. The vendors are forced to cover their costs. The organisers are now starting to charge significant amounts of money for the owners of these cars to attend the shows. It’s getting to the point where I’m starting to choose quite carefully what shows I attend. However the money goes to a charity then I don’t have a problem. But, just to make money from the car owners and let the public in for free is not on. Perhaps we need to vote with our wheels and not attend the rip off events. Let me know your thoughts if this all round the country (UK) or other countries too.

Back to the cars, after the rows of cars arranged by years of manufacture, there were super cars and general club stands.

A vintage car with a British flag parked next to a Chevrolet van at a car show on a sunny day.

A close-up of a 1969 red Ford Mustang at a car show, showcasing its shiny front grille and sleek design, with people in the background enjoying the event.

This Lincoln was amazing and a huge car.

We eventually got back to the car for a well earned rest and quick bite to eat where we watched the world go by.

Mart’s Car Of The Show: is this wonderful Plymouth, the fins still get me every time!

A couple of the other cars started to move out early afternoon so we decided to follow suit. As we rode over the uneven fields to the dirt track for the exit we stopped of for a quick photo opportunity. I took many photos as did Craig and these are just some from the session. Many are similar but they are all different. I think we started a trend, I have seen a few Instagram posts of similar photo’s being posted similar to ours.

Craig’s photos first.

A classic blue Ford Mustang parked on a grassy field with trees in the background.

Close-up view of a blue classic Ford Mustang showcasing its front design and chrome details.

Then there are these which I took.

A bright blue classic Ford Mustang parked on a grassy area, showcasing its sleek design and chrome wheels under a clear sky.

A blue 1966 Ford Mustang parked on a grassy field with trees in the background.

A classic blue 1966 Ford Mustang parked on a grassy field with trees in the background, captured in bright sunlight.

That completes all of my cars shows for 2025 sadly. I will find things to post about; reviews, books, memorabilia and maybe some upgrades on my little ol’ pride and joy. Thanks for staying with me during some of these recent large posts of the car shows.

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Stonham Barns Classic Car Show 2023 (part 3)

The start of this post was the walk back towards my car which will take in the centre arena which only had a dozen or so cars in it. I was now at the far end of the field and there was a few military vehicles on show.

The cars in the centre ring were ‘movie cars’ and a couple of other random things. Not many cars look good in pink, but I expect a big Caddy to be pink!

This is a replica Bullitt car with the resident keeping a watching brief on the big bad Charger. These pair get around together and I have seen them at the Enfield Pageant. The Bullitt car was a 390ci big block, unfortunately this replica is only a 302ci.

This replica GT40 is a CAV GTR made in 2009 is an awesome looking lady that’s for sure. The trumpet intakes just scream classic car and I’m a bit partial to that look, I would like to think that the 390ci under this hood sounds as good as it looks.

This 6.2lt Rally Fighter looked a lot of fun.

Eleanor was there, but it wasn’t the best replica I have seen to be honest.

There was few traders and auto jumble there, but nothing that exciting, it was more of a car boot sale and my money stayed firmly in my wallet.

Marts Car of the Show

My favourite there was this Lamborghini Espada Series 3 from 1975. A rare car with a total of 1217 Espadas made between 1968 – 1978. The styling of this car still holds up today, yes it’s a super car and really liked the Peerless, it’s the first Lambo Espada I have seen and I wanted to go home in it. After I had taken my Mustang home of course.

I eventually got back to my car as the lunch time sunshine was beating down. I took a couple more picks of the club cars, a couple didn’t make it as they broke down sitting in the stupid traffic jam.

The best part of the afternoon? The big white tent was still empty apart from a few bales of hay. So I got my chair out and put it in the tent where I could still see my car. I sat down with a well earned drink as it was getting warm, no need for the sun creme. About an hour or so after I sat down the rest of the club returned and we all sat in the tent for chat. So the selfish traders were standing in the beating sun while we were nice and cool in the shade.

The corruption I eluded to in the first post was something I have come to expect from this show, and all the shows held at this venue come to that. The prizes were announced at just past 3pm. The compare said and I quote; “The car of the show goes to my ol’ mate…”. Yeah yeah, yeah – what ever! I didn’t need to hear anymore and switched off at that point. Some might say it’s jealousy or sour grapes. Nope, I have mentioned this happens before from this show, so I was expecting it. In fact I didn’t even give my car a wipe over as I usually do when I get to a show as I knew it wouldn’t matter. There were some beautiful cars that deserved to win and I feel sorry for those guys. I had a great day talking to the guys in the tent.

At around three fifteen I started to see a few cars leaving before the 4pm closing time. I said my goodbyes and packed up to come home making sure I missed the rush to get out. The organisation of the show this year was bad, traffic jams to get in, spaces not marked out correctly, and cars parked in weird lines. It wasn’t all bad like I say, I spoke to few people and enjoyed my day, the sun was out mostly and I sat in a cool tent. I was spotted by Matthew Filby and Emily Silkstone who kindly took the ‘Culford Car Show Pro Shoot’ photos a couple of posts back. Great to see you guys again. 🙂

I got home and made sure I cleaned the car this time and covered her up in the garage. That show could be the last one of the year for me, depending on weather there might be another. I was thinking about posting what I do when I lay my car up for the winter, would anybody be interested?

I have come across a some documentation for fasteners used by Ford between 1955 and 1973. Not the most riveting of reading for most people, but all those little symbols mean something on the top of the fasters – bolts and screws etc. I will do a little post on that soon. If your into concours car shows, have a classic Ford, then this document could be the difference of winning and losing!

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