A brand-new classic car visitor attraction is set to open in Derbyshire later this year... The Great British Car Journey is set to open in summer 2021. The announcement follows the signing of a lease on the former Wire Works site in Ambergate, Derbyshire. The site, which is located just off the A6 in between Derby and Matlock, is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment ahead of Great … [Read more...]
Events and Days Out
It’s all about having fun at motoring-related events and venues
Beaulieu International Autojumble 2019
It’s the ‘big one’; time once more for the Beaulieu International Autojumble. Kim Henson was there again, and asks himself why… (Photographs by Kim, with many more, individually acknowledged with thanks, provided by Chris Adamson). Why do people attend the Beaulieu Autojumble, and what is it that keeps them coming back, year after year? Well, for starters of course there are the vintage and … [Read more...]
The 2019 Great Dorset Steam Fair – the hottest in its history
This year’s Great Dorset Steam Fair, the largest event of its type in the world, was sun-bathed and VERY hot throughout, but enthusiasm was undiminished by the heat, as Kim Henson explains… It is unsurprising that with exceedingly high temperatures each day (well into the 90s Fahrenheit/30s Celsius), some would-be visitors chose to take their families to the Dorset beaches rather than to this … [Read more...]
Early Standard Vanguards brought together…
A variety of Standard Vanguard Phase I and II models, and their owners, took part in a recent event celebrating these enjoyable and competent vehicles… Kim Henson was there... (All words and photos by Kim). During the late 1930s the Standard Motor Company produced a very wide range of ‘Flying Standard’ models that proved to be popular with buyers and it is no exaggeration to say that these … [Read more...]
Summer activities at the British Motor Museum
Plenty of fun this summer at the British Motor Museum! The British Motor Museum is laying on plenty of fun for all the family this summer from 20 July – 2 September, and they say... Explore the new exhibition entitled ‘The Car. The Future. Me.’ and take part in a number of futuristic themed activities including family tours and trails, Summer Science Shows and STEM Activities with MOD … [Read more...]
Standard Motor Club Diamond Jubilee Rally – Event Report
KEEPING UP STANDARDS AT THE CLUB'S SPARKLING DIAMOND JUBILEE RALLY IN OXFORDSHIRE... Kim Henson was there… (Words and Photographs by Kim). The Standard Motor Company produced a huge variety of models from 1903 until 1963. (It is also worth noting that with Standard having taken over the Triumph company at the end of World War II, from 1963 models built by the concern, in the Standard … [Read more...]
Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble celebrates 25 years…
Beaulieu’s 2019 Spring Autojumble is just the job to start the summer… Kim Henson and Chris Adamson were both there. (Photos by Kim, Chris, and the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu – all as individually credited). This year Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble, which took place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May, celebrated 25 years of this event, which is very comprehensive but a little less huge … [Read more...]
Entries now invited for this year’s annual car show at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon
Entries open for this year's car show at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth... Entries are being invited for The Donkey Sanctuary’s popular annual car show on 7 July. From Astons to Alfas and Minis to Mercs, the show is a must for all motoring enthusiasts and a chance to show off your motor. Held at the charity’s main international headquarters in Sidmouth, the show promises an … [Read more...]
Post-War ‘Baby’ Austin A30/A35s galore to visit Dorset…
The ‘Jurassic Rally’ in Wareham is the destination for A30/A35 enthusiasts from around Britain and Europe (and beyond) to get together in May… Kim Henson reports. Each year the Austin A30/A35 Owners’ Club holds its annual International Rally in a different part of the UK. This coming May, over the late Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 24th to Sunday 26th, with the main rally day being the Sunday), … [Read more...]
Go careful – Virtual reality brings the world’s most dangerous road to you…
Ever wondered what it would be like to experience the world’s most dangerous stretch of road? Comparethemarket.com has driven an average vehicle down the North Yungas Road to show users what this treacherous journey is like - from the comfort of their own sofas. From sheer drops next to the roadside to lush rainforest scenery, check out all the behind-the-scenes footage or watch the full … [Read more...]
British Motor Museum Events for 2019
British Motor Museum announces extensive events programme & new exhibition for 2019 The British Motor Museum has announced a schedule of over 16 unique motoring shows for 2019, including the return of its popular adult workshops Living with a Classic Experience Day and Classic Virgins Experience Day as well as an exciting new exhibition ‘The Car. The Future. Me’ which opens on 13 July. The … [Read more...]
Festive Fun at the British Motor Museum
Plenty of Festive Family Fun on offer at the British Motor Museum! The British Motor Museum is inviting families to join in with plenty of motoring-themed festive fun from 8 - 23 December. Activities include a Christmas Trail, Elf Tours, Christmas craft weekends and ‘Meet the Explainers,’ whilst in the New Year there is lots on offer including a brand new Mini Trail celebrating the iconic car’s … [Read more...]
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Exhibition opens at Beaulieu
This is a ‘Must see’ – It’s fantasmagorical, in fact… Chris Adamson was there to see the display unveiled… (Words by Chris; photos by Chris except where individually credited). Say the name Ian Fleming to anyone and they will automatically link the English author with his James Bond novels forever immortalised on the silver screen – but how many will remember that Fleming also penned the … [Read more...]
Low mileage 1968 Ford Anglia donated to the British Motor Museum
A fine example of an Anglia goes on show for the nation to see and enjoy... A rare, low mileage 1968 Ford Anglia 123E Super has been kindly donated to the British Motor Museum by Chris and Michael Gates. The car, which is in fantastic condition with only 32,000 miles on the clock, has been in their family since new and was originally owned by Chris's Grandmother. It is now located on the Museum’s … [Read more...]
50 Not Out – The Great Dorset Steam Fair
From small beginnings in the late 1960s, the Great Dorset Steam Fair has grown to become the largest and most well known event of its type in the world. Kim Henson was there again this year for the unique '500 at 50' event… Loved for its huge variety of vintage and classic vehicles (including cars, commercials, military vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles), ancient machinery of all types, … [Read more...]
Beaulieu International Autojumble 2018 – Wheels-Alive was there!
Kim Henson has attended every ‘Beaulieu’ since 1978, and describes this, THE biggest autojumble in Britain. In fact Beaulieu Autojumble is the original such event, the biggest in Europe and widely acknowledged to be the best… (Photographs by Kim, plus additional shots, individually and gratefully acknowledged with thanks, provided by Chris Adamson). Enthusiasts (in their droves!) made their way … [Read more...]
Six terrific trips by road in the UK
Six of the Most Memorable Road Trips in the UK Sometimes it just makes sense to fill up the car, pack a few bags and head out to the country. The good news is that, if you’re looking for a great road trip, the UK has some of the best scenery, gently winding roads and invigorating fresh air in the world. Now the team at OSV have created a useful infographic highlighting 6 of the best road trips … [Read more...]
Beaulieu’s 2018 Spring Autojumble warms up the season…
Beaulieu’s 2018 Spring Autojumble warms up the season… Kim Henson and Chris Adamson were at this year’s Beaulieu Spring Autojumble. (Photos by Kim, Chris, and courtesy National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, as individually credited). Although not quite as large as Beaulieu’s famous September Autojumble, the Spring event is loved by many enthusiasts who welcome the fact that the whole event can be … [Read more...]
Taking your vehicle abroad? Make sure that you, and it, are fully prepared!
The Motor Ombudsman has a six-point checklist for vehicles and travel this Easter... (Words from Robin Roberts, photograph by Kim Henson). Having a car that is roadworthy and a journey well planned will help avoid any unforeseen delays during this year’s first long weekend. Every fluid and lubricant is critical to components being able to operate efficiently, such as the brakes, engine … [Read more...]
Ferrari: Under the Skin – Enlightening exhibition now on in London
Kim Henson visits a unique exhibition of interest to anyone who likes motoring history in general, sports/racing cars and Ferrari in particular… (All words and photographs by Kim). For most motoring enthusiasts the Ferrari name conjours up thoughts and images relating to speed, style, technical prowess, motorsport success and a unique sporting character. Celebrating all of these aspects and … [Read more...]