A huge variety of classics and attractions gather together for thus fantastic Gloucestershire fundraiser
An event which has gained prominence in recent years, the Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival is firmly at the top of our list of favourite shows. That’s not just because of its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, but also the fact that every penny raised goes to charity, courtesy of the local Rotary Club which organises it.
They know their cars too, as this year’s event at Tewkesbury School on Sunday August 19 proved. The show field included over 1000 cars, with everything from blue chip Rolls-Royces and Jaguars down to Talbot Sambas and always something unusual to stop you in your tracks.
Team the display cars with trade stands, live music, a classy tea-and-cake marquee and you have the makings of a superb day out. Added attractions included Bloodhound SSC and Terry Clarke’s recreation of the 1933 Napier-Railton speed record-breaker.
Here we bring you just a flavour of the show.
Mazda 626 GTI coupe is a rare sight even in retro Japanese circles. This 1990 example boasts just one owner for the last 25 years and if you want to buy it, call Leslie on 07946 565724.
Jowett Jupiter sports an unusual flat-four powerplant.
Frogeye uses a fibreglass shell from the Frogeye Car Company, originally developed as a cost-effective way to restore rotten Sprites and Midgets. The 1275cc A-Series delivers its 67bhp through a Toyota box to an LSD rear axle, with the car stopped by 1500 Midget brakes.
One of the few Alfa Giuliettas which didn’t dissolve in the British climate, this was impossibly solid.
Almost as rare as the Giulietta is the Talbot Samba, effectively a rebadged Peugeot 104.
Ian Creese’s Austin Apache is a regular at the Tewkesbury show. Originally built by Leykor in South Africa, it was imported to the UK in 1985 and uses a South African-cast and assembled 1275cc engine.
Dormobile Elba manages to sleep three people in an 8cwt Escort van.
Brian Ward originally sent his XR3i into the bodyshop back in May 1998 for a quick tidy-up and a pair of front wings. Two years later he effectively got back a brand new Escort!
