Participating in The Practical Classics - Locks Heath Classic Car Club Assessment

Revealed: the top ten best classic

car clubs, as voted for by YOU!

This month, we’re visiting ten local classic car clubs on our epic trip around Britain, in partnership with Footman James Classic Insurance.

Over 150 individual regional and local clubs were nominated and you voted in your droves to whittle the list down to our ten finalists.

We’re visiting each of them on a 2000-mile jaunt – and, as ever, you’re invited to join us at each stop!

Week 1 - June 24-28

Monday June 24 - 4pm-8pm: Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, SA72 6WS

Tuesday 4pm-8pm: South Wales Classic Car Club, Ysgol y Deri, Sully Road, Penarth CF64 2TP

Weds 4pm-8pm: Torbay Old Wheels Club, The Blagdon Inn, Paignton TQ4 7PT

Thurs 4pm-8pm: Locks Heath Classic Car Club, The Strawberry Field Tavern, SO31 6DX

Friday 4pm-8pm: Storrington And District Classic & Sportscar Enthusiasts, The Spur, Arundel BN18 0NE.

Week 2 – July 1-5

Monday July 1 - 4pm-8pm: Scotch Piper Classics, Scotch Piper Inn, Lydiate, L31 4HD

Tuesday 4pm-8pm: North West Casual Classics, RAF Burtonwood, Old Hall, WA5 9YZ

Wednesday 4pm-8pm: Silverstone Social Classic Car Club, Turweston Aerodrome, NN13 5YD

Thursday 4pm-8pm: East Coast Retros, The Rose Inn, Shotley, Ipswich OP9 1NL

Friday July 5 - 4pm-8pm: H Town Classic & Dub Club , The Hitchin Lavender, Caldwell Farm, Ickleford SG5 3UA

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So here we all are, The Banners are flying and we begin gathering from 3.30 onwards.

It was Thursday 27th June and our Locks Heath Classic Car Club's turn to be assessed.

One of the Club Banners swinging in the cooling breeze.

Rob and I parked the Roadster 100 and were soon surrounded as everyone turned out to support the occasion.

It was a fabulous turn out with over 160 of the finest Classic Cars that South Hampshire can muster on this lovely warm evening at the Locks Heath Shopping Village, our meetings venue.

There is no logic to my photo sequence as the car just kept coming in.

The general view along the lines 

Sadly, the sun is creating havoc in my snap it lens spoiling the Wolseley here

As a lover of the Baby Austins this Seven looks beautiful with her roof down.

The Model 'T' Ford looks magnificent is Blue.

I like the Dog Bowl. The owner thinking of man's other best friend.

I also love Riley's of any model. It must make quite an impact when driving her.

The Model 'T' Woody is something very special and always makes a fabulous centre piece on Club Nights.

The Triumph Stag with its stunning colour scheme was the first out to be selected for the Photo-shoot.

Now here is a car that I have not seen before.

The Rochdale Olympic has to have been modeled on the Porche 356?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochdale_(car)

Maneuvering this giant Chevrolet Impala into the narrow space was a work of art.

The Mustang Engine bay was a beautiful sight. The 3.8 engine is now being used in the latest Morgan Roadsters.

As one car moved out and other took its place and the members kept arriving, even at 7.30pm.

The were even more Mini's around the parking area but this line of a variety of models made quite an attraction.

The Triumph rear view.

And from the front sporting that Stag badge on the grill.

Now who could not just love this stunning Two Tone Bentley.

One of the many beautifully turned out E Type Jaguars. The Dream Car.

Just Perfect !

Following a bit of juggling the Practical Classics Photographer sets about his work sitting atop of their Footman James Van.

This stunning MG A taking pride of place.

Dedicated to his task.

Now its the Mustang's turn to be in the spotlight.

Inside the Impala Cockpit.

A rare to see Sunbeam Talbot with a very proud Lady Owner on board.

One of two Panhards here today.

What a superb engine bay on this stunning Cobra.

Very Smart.

This is just a superb example of the MG. Is it a PA ? No, its is a TC - PA's have side trafficators and less louvers on the bonnet sides. 

A Very interesting and excellent model from the Willy's Jeep Stable - This Willy's Knight.

A Superb Knight Radiator Cap.

On of a few Farraris on show next to another super Mustang.

A very traditional Model T Ford next to a stunning Classic Mercedes Benz 300.

Another of the beautiful E Types.

The Citroen 2CV Camper Van.

The Panhard being marshaled for its Photo-shoot.

The Austin Healey and the Standard 8 make a fine pair.

The rear ends get less attention.

The 2CV Kitchenette, on the right.

It is time for our Crowd Scenes as the photographer jolly's us along. 

My overhead shot captures the scene behind my cap.

Not everyone wanted to be on camera.

The Boss Man (in shorts) marshalling his own team. 

Some very busy Scout Fundraisers taking a well earned rest before the bucket shaking begins again. 

The Photographers 'Stagger' is still in place.

Down from his perch, even the Photographer deserves a rest.

Ah! That lovely Riley again.

And here is her ladyship, our own 'Green Goddess'.

There were so many visitors helping to make it a great evening.

The Jaguar Straight 6.

A Superb example of the Jaguar XK 120.

Better to have a very late Heinkel Bubble Car than to not have one at all.

The BMW Z3 and the MGB head this line in the overspill area.

The beautiful Fiat 500 resplendent in Black.

The more modern Jaguar XK.

They say that the old ones are the best.

A very smart Triumph TR4 

Now here is something different. A very classy Chopper with V engine ?  I could not see the brand.

A most unusual Belt Drive from Engine to Gearbox.

Then I spot Keith's Corvette sparkling in the evening sun.

The 4 cylinder Honda combination looks a powerful tourer.

A very nice MG Midget in BRG.

Another stunning Healey attracting the ladies, or could it be the two chaps at the rear?

One fine example for the Landi Lovers amongst us.

Very Basic but very effective.

Another view of our over-spill areas.

The Strawberry Fields Pub put on a very popular Bar B Que.

MGB, X3  and Stingray from another angle

The attractive Rear View of the Austin Healey

The Maserati Grand Turismo Sport

The superb Split Screen Morris Minor.

A Morgan Plus 4, also in Mercedes Amazon Green

The Massarati again.

Then this beautiful Drophead Chevy Impala SS pops into the empty place beside the Masserati.

The Chevy GMC Pick-up dwarfs the Heinkel.

The owner must be a Scoutmaster as the Scouts take over the Model T for some late evening fun.

Still shaking the Collecting Tins

Taking some Back Seat Comfort from his Model T.

Some Interesting Radiator Caps.

A Water Temperature Gauge on the Riley. 

The Sunbeam Talbot's Boot was open and this Tool Kit is hidden away inside the Boot Lid.

The Model T Woody looks great from this angle.

And this pristine Morris Minor Countryman is is excellent condition.

I should have checked this one out? Could it be an AC Ace?

Apparently, This Lotus is a brand new replica?

I have no idea of the model name with these covered rear wheels.

The Ferrari F355 Spider.

The S Type Jaguar makes an early departure.

A beautifully decorated Model T Temperature gauge.

The MG TA's lovely Radiator Cap.

A beautiful Triumph Spitfire GT 6 Mk. III with the Triumph 2000 engine.

A Series 1 E Type 3.8 Jaguar  arriving 

It is not a Morgan but with three wiper blades I have no idea ? A Modified Panther?

A Ford Galaxy 500 4 door Sedan

Stunning Engine Bay.

Beautiful  interior.

It is in superb condition

An excellent Triumph TR6 is looking for somewhere to park as even the over-spill is now full.

I hope that he has not given up, but it is getting quite late.

This 1930's Rover 14 Horse Power Saloon is in beautiful condition.

A lovable Porker Radiator Cap

A very classic rear end

A very early 60's Mini with the Austin Cooper bonnet badge.

The Heinkel rear end.

A superb Alpha 1750

A very smart interior

Beautiful body lines and in showroom condition.

The Morgan Plus 4 gleaming in the evening sun.

Side Screens off 

The Morgan Leather suitcase with solid wood frame - very heavy when empty.

A very much supped up Ford Escort with Roll Cage fitted.

A very neat engine bay with cross brace fitted.

Something Special with this fuel arrangement.

A car shoe would not be complete without the DMC De Lorean.

Gull Wings up and ready for take off.

Another pristine interior. Sliding over the handbrake cannot be so easy?

Another leaving early.

And the Trans Am is just arriving.

Rears of the De Lorean & The Fiat 500.

And we are complete with the Split Screen VW Camper. 

And a lovely MG A to complete the set.

We are just waiting to leave ourselves now, but, we are boxed in by all of these late arrivals.

Even after more that 3 hours the event has drawn in many visitors 

The Barbecue is also still drawing a crowd as everyone enjoys this lovely warm evening.

And back to where we began.

Suddenly cars were moving and I spotted an opportunity to move 'The Green Goddess' and head for home after almost four fascinating Car Club hours.

With such a strong performance it will be an interesting wait to see how well we did in the competition.

Well Done to all participants and everyone else just involved.

Frank