UK: Cumbria Classic Car Show exhibits motoring history

From News & Star (UK): Cumbria Classic Car Show exhibits motoring history

The event, organised by Wigton Motor Club, is in it’s 23rd year and 2011 looked like one of the most successful to date, organisers said.

More than 600 cars were on display in the grounds of Dalemain House, near Penrith – an increase of about 100 on last year.

Admiring the exhibits were at least 2,000 drivers and visitors, many making it a family day out.

Among them was Ian Tomlinson, of Crosthwaite near Kendal, who is the proud owner of two Italian Triumphs.

There are only four of their kind in the country and about 30 worldwide.

The blue 1961 triumph that Ian brought to the show was literally in bits when he bought it from Germany 2006.

Instead of an inspection he carried out an inventory to make sure the boxes contained all the bits he’d need.

Ian said: “I collected it in February 2006 and it was registered on the road by August 2009.”

The main theme of the 2011 classic car show was the 50th anniversary of the E-type Jaguar.

Robert Gate of Ullock, near Cockermouth, was one of many owners displaying the iconic car.

He’s had his green 1971 model for about 20 years and his admiration for it has yet to wane.

Robert, 60, said: “It’s one of the prettiest cars ever made. They are fantastic, the best of British engineering, and still one of the fastest cars on the road.”

Whatever your taste, the show probably had something to suit as it boasted vintage cars, classic cars, cult cars, rally cars and motorbikes.

Which is why Jon Davidson took his 1931 Ford A ‘Joyce’, and his five-year-old daughter Jennifer, along.

Jon, of Melkinthorpe, near Penrith, inherited his Ford from his dad, who’d had it since 1956.

He said: “It’s not just vintage cars here, it’s anything from the 1920s all the way through to modern day, it’s almost like a history of motoring. You walk across the field and you can see how cars have progressed.”

There was also the opportunity to support two local charities, The Great North Air Ambulance and Eden Animal Rescue, through a variety of fundraising activities taking place on the field.

Graeme Forrestor, Wigton Motor Club secretary, was delighted with the continuing success of the show.

He said: “It’s reputation has built up and the standards are always very high. We now have people coming to us from all over the country.”

Details about Wigton Motor Club and it’s events visit www.wigtonmc.co.uk.