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...]
Wheels-Alive Visits…
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...]
Renting a Fiat 500 in the Costa Blanca
Rachel Henson drives a diminutive car in a big country... ...and provides some helpful advice (which could save you some money) about renting a car abroad. Renting a Fiat 500 in the Costa Blanca When I decided to visit Sella, a small village near Benidorm in Spain, my first thought was to take a taxi. Being driven to the village would mean not having to worry about parking, driving on the … [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...]
Half-Term powerful automotive fun at the British Motor Museum
Explore the Science of POWER at the British Motor Museum! Throughout the half term from 16 – 24 February the British Motor Museum is encouraging children to explore POWER and the science behind it! Children of all ages will be able to find out all about the jet powered cars at the Museum, as well as have a go at making their own ‘jet’ car, and enjoying daily science shows, family trails and … [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...]
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...]
Hevengham Hall Concours d’Elegance set for its third year, Saturday 30th June/Sunday 1st July
Beautiful classics galore set to shine at Heveningham Hall… The Heveningham Hall Concours d’Elegance will return this summer for a third year from Saturday 30th June until Sunday 1st July. The concours will see 50 of the world’s finest and rarest cars on the dramatic Kim Wilkie-designed grass terraces in the 5,000-acre parkland of Suffolk’s finest Georgian mansion. These including Pink Floyd … [Read more...]
The Guild of Motoring Writers features in a new permanent exhibition at the National Motor Museum
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu now has a new display all about the Guild of Motoring Writers, including its long history and what it does today... Chris Adamson reports. The Guild of Motoring Writers’, the world’s oldest and largest organisation for automotive journalists has a new expanded and updated permanent exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. The display, in its own … [Read more...]
Sun-drenched Dorset Delight
Kim Henson looks back happily on the 2017 Great Dorset Steam Fair… (All words and photographs by Kim, who adds, "Of course this is a motoring magazine website but I have also included photographs of 'non-wheeled' aspects of the Show, hopefully to illustrate its wide appeal to everyone in the family). The magnificent, five day long Great Dorset Steam Fair is a huge annual event that takes place … [Read more...]
Motoring For Fun – A Wonderful Road Trip in North Borneo (Sabah)
Kim Henson describes an unforgettable automotive adventure a long way from home… Of all the places in the world, I never imagined that I would be visiting North Borneo (Sabah). From 1946 known as ‘British North Borneo Crown’ (until as recently as 1963), today the state of Sabah is part of Malaysia. However, until a few years ago I must admit that all I knew of the country was what I had gleaned … [Read more...]
Shepton Show Shines! Happy Days for Enthusiasts at This Year’s Footman James (16th) Classic Vehicle Restoration Show
Kim Henson refreshes his enthusiasm for old cars at the Footman James 16th Classic Vehicle Restoration Show, Shepton Mallet. (All words by Kim, and all photos except that of Robert Webb's Healey 3000). Held at the Royal Bath and West Showground on the weekend of 5th and 6th November, this year’s Footman James 16th Classic Vehicle Restoration Show attracted enthusiasts from far and wide. Some … [Read more...]
Motoring For Fun – On the Road Enjoying the Fall (Autumn) in New England, by Rachel Henson
Touring (Autumnal) Vermont in a Chevrolet Cruze LT… Rachel Henson reports ‘live’ from the U.S.A. during an adventure that has seen her driving in north America for the first time. A visit to the United States of America had been looming on the horizon for months, so the actual departure almost took me by surprise when it eventually came. The plan was to visit Vermont in New England, from late … [Read more...]
Great Dorset Steam Fair Delights 2016
Steam power galore, vintage/classic cars and commercials, working horses plus an amazing World War I commemorative display – and much, much more… It all added up to the 2016 Great Dorset Steam Fair. Kim Henson was there with his cameras… With an event as vast in scope and size as the Great Dorset steam Fair, it’s a job to know where to start, when talking about it to people who have never yet … [Read more...]
Beaulieu Autojumble Celebrates 50 Glorious Golden Years
Beaulieu’s Magnificent Golden 50th Autojumble. All words and photos, except photos as noted below, by Kim Henson. (With further photographs, individually acknowledged with grateful thanks, provided by Chris Adamson, plus two courtesy of the National Motor Museum). Although at times the weather wasn’t kind, over 36,000 attendees strolled around the hallowed Autojumble fields at the National … [Read more...]
Beaulieu 23rd Spring Autojumble, 2016 – Showers to endure and sunshine to enjoy!
Kim Henson was there, and enjoyed it very much… Inevitably I enjoy all the Autojumbles at Beaulieu; the heady mix of thousands of vehicular components on offer to help with restoration projects, classic car upgrades or simply to keep an old vehicle safe, legal and on the road, is hard for me and for thousands of other enthusiasts to ignore. The social side of this gathering is great too; the … [Read more...]
Fresh-faced, magnificent British Motor Museum opens its doors
"It's terrific", says Kim Henson... Located at Gaydon in Warwickshire, the re-named British Motor Museum has just re-opened following a £5.1 million refurbishment, which has taken five and a half years to come to fruition. The work – which was delivered on time and on budget – has included the construction of two new facilities. The Museum is now proud to showcase the world’s leading … [Read more...]
Wheels-Alive Takes a Look… At the RAC Regional HQ at Bradley Stoke
Kim Henson reports on the RAC's fascinating regional base near Bristol... I have frequently driven along the south-west sections of M4 and M5, passing and always admiring the fascinating, futuristic-looking RAC building at Bradley Stoke, just south of the M4/M5 junction near Bristol. I’ve also often wondered what goes on inside the centre. Recently I was invited to tour the … [Read more...]