A number of iconic and sought after cars descended on Manchester last weekend (September 21st-22nd) as the north west city delivered its inaugural Classic Car Show.
Held at Event City in the Trafford Centre, the show welcomed a number of classic cars, in addition to playing host to trade stands and restoration specialists to give visitors top quality advice and products for their own vehicle-based projects.
One of the major draws to the weekend’s events was the appearance of a very famous car, driven by Roger Moore in the television show ‘The Saint’.
A popular programme in the 60s, The Saint saw the former James Bond actor driving the Volvo P1800. Moore played a detective-come-thief in the series that preceded his 007 appearances, and drove the car throughout his adventures.
His character, Simon Templar, was just as suave and sophisticated as Bond, and proved popular during the show’s seven-year run.
The Volvo was found 20 years ago, rotting away in a barn in Wales, as motoring enthusiast Kevin Price went on the hunt for it.
After the discovery, Mr Price took on the task of restoring the car to its former glory. He went on to restore the bodywork, the engine and the interior.
The painstaking and lengthy process has now finally reached completion and the car is now on tour.
Stopping off at the Manchester show, Mr Price said he was very excited about putting the fruits of his labour on display.
“This will be the first time the car has ever been seen at a show anywhere having been completely finished in every way. I might even give it a good ‘run out’ and drive it there from Bewdley rather than trailer it. I’m sure we’ll turn a few heads!” he enthused.
Among the other classic cars on display was an Aston Martin Ulster. An original example of the century-old car was proudly exhibited, with the cherry red exterior turning many heads.
A recent award winning vehicle also made an appearance at the event. Having just scooped the ‘Champion of Champions’ honour at the Jaguar’s Drivers Club, the pristine example of the classic car wowed visitors of all ages.
Older motoring fans were also be able to relive memories of watching Rallying on national television at the weekends.
The event presented a number of Group B vehicles, and many were even driven on a special driving stage outside the event hall.
Drivers of all ages enjoyed a special showcase of remote controlled vehicles, with the British Radio Car Association (BRCA) delivering a static display.
However, the ‘Arrive and Drive’ fleet also allowed visitors to experience the thrill of driving a remote controlled car, with hopes that it would help to encourage more people to take up the hobby.
The event was a great success, and the broad theme of ‘Launches’ allowed exhibitors to bring a wide variety of vehicles to be put on show.
Over 175 exhibitors offered their pieces for the event, and it demonstrated models that were far from just the typical supercar selection. Fords, Vauxhalls and Peugeots were also on display for visitors to cast their gaze upon.
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