The town of Luton will pay homage to its motoring heritage this summer, as Vauxhall’s Heritage Centre Open Day joins forces with the Luton Festival of Transport to create a unique day out for families and enthusiasts on June 9.
Over 5000 people are expected to attend the events, which will be linked by a free five-minute transfer ride in a classic coach. This is the only day of the year that Vauxhall’s 75-vehicle Heritage Collection is open to the public, with exhibits including the ‘5HP’, which is the world’s second-oldest Vauxhall, plus the earliest ‘Prince Henry’ model, widely considered as the world’s first sports car. You’ll also find one of only two surviving World War One D-Type staff car, the most original 30-98 model – Britain’s first 100mph production car – and one of the first Bedford trucks to be built in the shape of 1930 Bedford 2-Ton.
Also present at the Park Street location will be concept cars spanning 40 years, fully restored examples of the Firenza HP ‘Droopsnoot’ and Viva GT, icons like the Lotus Carlton and VXR8 GTS-R, plus continuous model lines of the Viva, Victor, Cavalier, Vectra, Corsa and Astra. And, since Vauxhall is celebrating 50 years since the launch of its Bedford CF van and 40 years since the first appearance of the British-built Astra, both vehicles will play a prominent role. Admission to the collection is free and they’ll be members’ cars and vans from various Vauxhall clubs to check out, too.
Over in Stockwood Park, around 1000 classic vehicles will be on display as part of the 28th Luton Festival of Transport. They’ll be battling it out for 12 awards, with over 40 autojumble stands also on hand to provide elusive spares.
You’ll find an array of craft and collector stores too, plus, a food court with licenced bar, children’s entertainment, and even a dog show. Live music will also feature throughout the day. Admission for the Luton Festival of Transport is £5.00 for adults and £1.00 for children, with a family ticket (two adults, two children) available for £10.00. See www.cvpg.net/luton-festival-of-transport/ for more details.
