Elvetham Heath Car Show

Despite celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Its the first time we've been to the Elvetham Car Show, so we had no idea what to expect. I saw a few photos from previous years but as we followed the directions into a housing estate I was dubious. We arrived at a couple of playing fields surrounded by houses and full of cars and were told to head to the far end by the speedboat! Parking up we could see it wasn't massive, but there was some very interesting cars on show already.



After a quick snack and wishing we'd brought jumpers (its funny when you feel chilly and its 20°C) we set off. Lily clutching her I Spy Classic Cars book once more and posing in front of cool stuff.





Heading back to the main field, it was a real mix of marques.







Lily was busily (with help from mummy and daddy) ticking off more cars in her book.





One model that wasn't in, but would surely have been a top scorer was this amazing Jaguar XJ220S, one of less than 300 cars built and only six of those were the S version. The standard car came with 550hp, the S upped that to almost 700! This thing had a crowd round it all day.







The owner was seen lurking nearby most of the day in his matching t-shirt!



There was a good selection of bikes as well, but we only saw a handful as the rest had gone on a cruise for the morning, Lily was in time to wave the last few away.







Ferraris were there in big numbers too, with a brace of modern ones as well as some 1980s and an ex Schumacher Formula 1 car as well. Hidden to the side were some replicas based on MR2s, the owner was letting anyone have a sit in.



 





We headed back to the Camper for lunch and a rest, Lily was getting tired so I had a quick walk round on my own to see the last few cars.













The mention of ice creams had Lily on her feet and we headed for the shortened queue, before demolishing some cold snacks.



With the late arrivals looked over.





We loaded up and followed a 911 out of the show and cruised home, Lily snoozing as soon as we hit the main road!



It wasn't the biggest show ever, but it was free and there were some amazing cars on display. There are more photos here

Steve.

Scorcher at Brooklands for Vagabonds Unite

After some damp weeks the weather has finally turned. Blue skies and blazing sunshine with temperatures in the 30s meant a day out in the Camper. Having seen this new show pimped all over Facebook we decided to head to the oldest race track in the world at Brooklands for a look round. As well as the 106 year old circuit and museum, there was also a glut of the finest air and water cooled VWs and other cars from the VAG stable. With an early start we rolled in down the old banking before the show was due to start, already there were dozens of cars in place and we were directed towards a patch of grass near the old paddock sheds, set aside for Campers.





Lily wanted a quick snack, so we readied ourselves while she munched and drank, we were interrupted twice and both times were a joy. Firstly an old friend who we hadn't seen since 2010 turned up, Lily had been just a bump when we met her last so it was nice to catch up and natter for a bit. Then a pair of elderly gents came past, they'd owned VWs all their lives and were currently running a 1987 Mk2 Golf with just 37000 on the clock. After a short discussion about Beetles and Campers, they'd owned both. One of them reached into a bag and pulled out a slightly worn 1961 Owners Handbook and service guide for a Splitscreen van and asked if I'd like it. He was starting to clear out his old stuff and thought he'd bring it along. Its a fascinating read.

 

With nattering out the way we started our wander round. I've been to Brooklands too many times to count, but its always nice to look around again with the added bonus of some cool Dubs as well.









The show catered for everything from the VAG stables. Beetles and Campers, Golfs and TTs as well as a few Porsches and SEATS.





Following an early wake up we decided to take an early lunch in the Camper, a chance to get out of the heat for a bit.



Back out once more we headed for the hangers via the water-cooled paddock at the front of the clubhouse. Lily branded this pair "shiny Herbie" and "dirty Herbie"!





Kim was rather taken by this low Audi. I fancied the New Beetle.





This BMW was a bit of an outsider, but still fitted in nicely.



We briefly headed up to the banking, the sun blazing down sent us back to shelter once more by way of the bus museum.







The coolest spot we found all day was under the shadow of Concorde.



We let Lily burn off more energy in the softplay while we enjoyed an icecream and a cold one, she kept popping back for a nibble of my icecream until it was time to prise her away once more.



We did a final swing past the cars as we meandered back to the Camper.







We skirted through the various buildings on route, the 24lt Napier is still a sight to behold. Shame it wasn't fired up today.



Lily was rather taken by a few of the exhibits. This 0.5hp microcar, the LSR models and a Cosworth F1 car hung from the ceiling.







With a trip to the shop we were back at the Camper, out of the sun Kim and Lily relaxed while I had a natter before we finally pack up and headed home. By the end of the driveway she was pooped and snoozing in the front.



It was a good first show for the organisers. Perhaps a bit more advertising and some traders would have helped, but they had a good display of cars and with the track and museum to look round too, plenty to keep us occupied. The rest of the photos can be found here

Steve.