I'm sometimes asked how the churches which I show you manage to raise enough money to pay for their upkeep. It's always a struggle and many organise money-raising events over the year. But there can't be many that have car shows in their churchyards, like my local church does every year.
Lets have a wander around and see what we can find.
Morgan Plus 4 Flat Nose - 1951
MG owners' corner
in the centre an MG TC from 1949
Inside an MG
I love that dashboard
Rolls Royce 20/25 Sports Saloon - 1935
designed to be driven by the owner rather than a chauffeur
"All that jazz" was provided throughout the afternoon
by these fine musicians
like this 1950 Ariel 500 with sidecar
and a Triumph Trident 750cc from 1975
This 1973 Ford Mustang was found rotting in a field...
A glimpse of a 1960 Austin Sprite...
...and inside the Sprite
MG WA 2.6L Saloon
Only 297 of these were ever produced,
this is one of just two still on the road in the UK
An Ultima GTR
its 7 litre V8 engine makes it capable of
0-60 mph in 3 seconds
and 0-100 mph in just 6 seconds
At the other end of the scale
this Austin 7 Special from 1937 has an engine of just 747cc
- about the same as the Triumph motorbike we saw earlier.
I'm no "petrol-head" and the details I've given here are from the programme we were given when we paid for entry. But I love to see the cars I remember from my youth, I enjoy the stylish design of the classic models and I can't help but admire the single-minded enthusiasm of those who dedicate thousands of hours of their lives to restoring these wonderful machines.
Take care.
The days when you could actually recognise a car. I had an Austin Healey sprite, my labrador would sit proudly in the back with the wind blowing his ears back. People are so proud of these old cars, polished to an impeccable shine and so much simpler to repair against all the electric stuff modern cars we now have.
ReplyDeleteWow. I was also intrigued by the juxtaposition of the motor bikes and the graves. Sadly often true.
ReplyDeleteThe dedication of the restorers is incredible.
Not a petrol head by any stretch of the imagination, and I don't drive; I do like some of the older cars though. When we first got married (1989) we had an A40 then an A30; he also had a Chevrolet Camaro and a bit American beast whose name escapes me. I have a soft spot for 1920s/30s cars with running boards and suicide doors - bring out the gangster's moll in me ;) I admire anyone who puts in as much love and dedication to their passion as these owners do.
ReplyDeleteI too love the dashboard especially the shape of the dials reflecting the shape of the MG logo.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I was late setting off for school I would miss the bus that took me into town, but if I was in luck, a man with a motorbike and sidecar would pass me, and kindly let me clamber into his sidecar. It was a fairly hairy ride, but he would then drop me off at another bus stop with more frequent buses. I am pleased that your post has reminded me of this man's kindness to me.
These cars are very sexy!
ReplyDeleteMorgan or Austin Sprite - both are 'my style' (I know my limits so no Rolls Royce for me!) - the trouble is these days I know I could get in the passenger seat but the question is could I get out????
ReplyDeleteThis fascination with cars is something that has eluded me, but it certainly is alive and well, and junk is readily transformed to valuable antique. If only I had my 1959 Rambler convertible! I am sure that getting money for the upkeep of these old churches is a constant challenge so any way they can do it is fair game. They certainly are a part of the English countryside, quite apart from their religious significance, and it would be a shame to see them go.
ReplyDeleteWell if any former owners happen to be buried there, I'm sure they're happily rolling over in their graves! But what very nicely done-up motor vehicles those are. Thanks for having their names (thanks to program) attached. It helps.
ReplyDeleteLove those reds! There are dedicated people out there doing some incredible work!
ReplyDeleteA very unusual way to raise money and its the first car show I've heard of in a churchyard but its a wonderful idea. Loved seeing the Morgans and MG's - gosh how I craved for an MGB - in fact if I am honest I still do. I went out with someone once who had an Austin Healey Sprite and I just loved it. Your post certainly brought back memories of my teenage years :)
ReplyDeleteComing from Coventry, I have an eye for a beautiful car, but most modern ones leave me cold. Those are all really beautiful and, if they continue to be well-maintained, could well be bringing delight in another 100 years. Not many modern motors you could say that about!
ReplyDeleteThat must be an expensive hobby but they sure look great!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a car show. It surprised me to see old motorcycles there. I don't know why it never occurred to me before that there were motorcycles back then. I love learning something new!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cars but not for me. :)
ReplyDeleteThat was a great show, John. I love old cars so would have been happy there.
ReplyDeleteBuena colección de coches y motos, con una belleza de iglesia. Debe de ser un grna espectáculo, poder verlo en directo.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
A novel setting for the cars, but anything that helps keep our old church buildings functioning is worth supporting.
ReplyDeleteLarry would have been in hog heaven wandering around those magnificent cars! I am pretty much awed by them too. Car restoration is a huge hobby here in the US too, but my goodness does it take money. Lots of it. Love the cars and gravestones, quite unique.
ReplyDeleteGreat show to wonder trough with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to raise money! And some very interesting cars!
ReplyDeleteI'm married to a 'motor-head'. I've never much cared about what I'm driving as long as it gets me from point a to point b with no difficulties in between. I appreciate seeing the old cars though, and isn't it marvelous what a good restorer can do?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Love to see cars from past eras including our youth and am amazed at the work put into them by the enthusiasts.
ReplyDeleteA very impressive lineup of these stylish old cars.
ReplyDeleteStopping in today by way of Ragged Robins Nature Notes. My late father and I would have spent many a happy hour here studying the vintage vehicles. His great passion was his first Morgan, though in later years we both fell in love with Land Rovers and many a restoration project happened on our drive. Thank you for giving me a happy memory for today.
ReplyDeleteWe have been to many car shows over the years, John, and these automobiles are really beautiful models. It was fun to see the Ford Mustang among this group. The MG WA 2.6L Saloon is really a beauty.
ReplyDeleteCool cars.
ReplyDeleteI organised Car Show please contact sc_15@icloud.com for more info
ReplyDeleteThank you, John, for organising another fine car show this year in this unique setting. If you wish I will put your contact details into the main body of the post where it is more likely to be seen than tucked away in comments.
DeleteThe older cars appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteAs a co-organiser of this event I would love to share this excellent blog with other enthusiasts. Are you happy for me to do that?
ReplyDeleteYes, of course, I'd be happy for you to share it. Thanks for your input into a great little show.
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