New Wheels Day

For years now we have driven over to Rushmoor Arena to Wheels Day, but due to various things the organisers decided to move venues this year. So at just after 7:30am, with our friend Steves 911 safely on our drive we hit the road in the Camper bound for Dunsfold. Home of Top Gear, it is now home to what has to be one of the biggest one day shows around. After a nice leisurely drive down we joined an all American queue of Chevys before getting onto the airfield site and parking up.



Kim rustled up some bacon baps and coffee while Lily and I explored the local cars.







With full tummies we started a mammoth walk round. I'll state right away that we didn't see half of the show, probably not even 25%. There were a rumoured 5000 cars on display along with traders and food stands. Unlike previous years where the show is square and easy to get along the lines, this was long, very long and very disjointed. The organisers must have been having a nightmare as there were chaotic tales from most people we spoke to. Long queues, not enough toilets and not enough marshals.











On and on we marched. Americana, mixed with air-cooled. Classic British sat alongside modern muscle. Bikes, trucks. You name it, it was there. At the end of the line we headed over to check out Richard Nobles Bloodhound LSR car. Its an amazing beast with a fighter jet engine, boosted by a rocket and with an F1 engine as a fuel pump!







On the concrete apron, we walked along the bikes and yet more cars.









We wandered back to the Camper for a snack and rest for a tired Lily, she coped really well despite the sun and long walks. Bribes came in the form of fun stuff to do in the morning and afternoon. After another walk we made it to the caterpiller ride, where her and Kim had a spin round the track.













Another trip back to the van for more food and rest meant more lines of cars to look along.







Lily and I spotted a scooter and sidecar that has been doing the rounds for a few years. Its now yellow with matching splitty alongside, we took a photo of her infront of it as the owner returned. He made her day by letting her sit on the seat.











Our final bribe of the day was an ice cream and ride on the teacups, so we walked the whole length of the show to get there. More car spotting.













With tired legs and a very tired Lily we walked back to the Camper to catch a few more cars.







One of the stars of the day was the recently restored Allard dragster. On a visit from Beaulieu Motor Museum. The front engined legend was fired up during the day and allowed to cackle.









Back at the van, we loaded up and settled in for the queue out. Before we hit the gates, Lily was fast asleep.





Yes, the show needed better planning and facilities and yes the queues were shocking for some. But it was a great mix of cars with awesome weather. Another good, Good Friday. There are more photos here

Steve.