Hampshire Pageant of Motoring, 27th August 2007
Report from Tony Tucker, Events Co-ordinator

After two of the best weekends of the year at Stonor Park and Castle Combe in June, during the worst summer on record, the Club could surely not hope for good weather at Broadlands for the Pageant? But the Speedsters' extraordinary luck continued with a splendid sunny day and a show-stopping line-up of nine Speedsters, plus three owners without their cars, one of whom was Rob Jones whose Intermeccanica will be with him soon (honest!)

Len Raynsford was able to unveil (and erect) the latest addition to the Club displays, a tent/gazebo/call it what you will, which can accommodate at least a dozen members in the shade and serve as a frame on which to fly the Club flags and banners.

  click on any pic to enlarge  

As per last year, the Pageant had a variety of attractions, including the most sensational display of classic cars you could hope to see. For those like me who dislike most kit-cars except the Speedster/Spyders, this was a chance for our beautiful machines to rub shoulders with cars of real quality - Jaguars and MGs of all ages, pre-war Austins, Sunbeam Alpines, ancient Talbots and Humbers, plus the most amazing array of mega-American Cadillacs, T-Birds, Plymouths, Chevies, Corvettes et al.

  click on any pic to enlarge  

Extra entertainment was provided by an aerobatic display by a Spitfire and a Hurricane which was so nostalgic that the poor announcer, who could remember the War, actually choked when describing them. Further excitement in the arena area included a few would-be Evel Knievel imitators, jumping rows of parked cars.

The climax of the show for us was a drive-through and parade by every car club, with each and every driver being interviewed on the PA system - so the Speedsters got some excellent publicity, the announcer repeating to each one of us how unbelievable he found the quality of our cars.

  click on any pic to enlarge  

As well as the cars, planes and bikes, there was an amazing number of dealers selling everything from authentic Classic car parts to the latest polishes and waxes and workshop manuals for every car you've ever heard of. Add to this the food, drink and ice-cream stands and there was little more that one could ask for!

This is the second year that the Club has supported this event and I think it is safe to say that it is already rivalling Castle Combe as the best event of the year. My recent bulletins have all said "DO NOT MISS". For those of you who did, put it in your diary NOW for next year, August Bank Holiday Monday.

The big events this year have all been absolutely sensational - APM, Stoneleigh Park, Stonor Park, Castle Combe and Hampshire Pageant, with the new one at Reading to come in late September. The Speedster/Spyder Club is becoming very well-known and popular at these events and we have all had great fun this summer - and there are still one or two good shows to come!

Tony

back to coming events index

back to home page