Once again Calder Holmes Park in Hebden Bridge will be host to a spectacular display of veteran, vintage and classic motor vehicles, representing nearly a century of motoring history tomorrow (Saturday, July 31) and Sunday (August 1).
They will be descending on Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge, for the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge's Vintage Weekend. Events run from 10am to late afternoon on both days.
Almost all the famous British marques will be represented at the rally, along
with famous names from across the world.
The open plan design of the site means that members of the public can get up close to the exhibits and chat to their owners.
Along with the vehicles, a record number of stalls will be offering a wide variety of products. There will also be on site catering available throughout the opening times, on both days.
Nearly all the vehicles attending the rally have their own interesting history; here are the details of just a few. To find out more, visitors are encouraged to speak to the vehicle's owners, who are usually only too happy to talk about their treasured possessions.
John and Marilyn Rushworth, of Halifax who, along with Brian Collins, organised the event for many years on behalf of The Yorkshire Historic Car Club, have entered their 1927 Morris Oxford (entry number E019) and their 1939 Buick Drop head Coupe (entry number N002). John said: "We never imagined that 28 years on, this event would have become so successful. Hebden Bridge Rotary Club have developed the event over the last five years into a major event for enthusiasts and families alike – it also means that Marilyn and I can now enjoy the days as entrants without the pressure of organising the event."
A classic 1932 Alvis 12/50 Coupe (entry number F010) will be travelling from Lancashire to attend the show. The present owner, Geoff Wright, from Bolton, said: 'Owning a vintage car which has a known history is very satisfying. The quality of the build has ensured the car is still running with its original major components, despite still being used on most weekends."
John and Linda Trenouth are travelling the short distance from Keighley to display their car, an Armstrong Siddeley Whitely sports saloon (entry number G010). The saloon car is a classic example of the post war model, built at their Coventry factory, which had been producing aero engines during the Second World War.
John and Linda agreed 'owning and maintaining' a classic car is a great hobby and it brings pleasure to so many people.
Huddersfield car enthusiast Derek Dyson's 1984 Bentley Mulsanne (entry number C007) is in top condition for the forthcoming rally.
Derek said: "The Mulsanne is the famous straight on the Le Mans racing circuit in France where Bentley enjoyed winning the race outright six times. Bentley have perpetuated the name and the present Mulsanne has a top speed of 184mph and a price tag of £220K."
Gerald Pollard from Mirfield has been working hard on the restoration of his 1952 Ford Anglia (entry number G068) in preparation for the Hebden Bridge event.
During the last 10 years, the car has been extensively restored with a new floor, re-upholstered seats and the engine up rated from 8 to 10 h.p.
Gerald is continuing to work on the interior, relining the roof and fitting new carpets. He said: "The post war Ford Anglias were so numerous that the majority of people of a certain age have some sort of memory of it. It is a great talking point at shows and brings much pleasure to many people."
Vintage car owner Bill Dickinson from Nelson will be driving his immaculate 1930s Lagonda Rapier open sports car (entry number F030) to the show.
The car was meticulously rebuilt from a pile of bits over 22 years, and has been seen at many vintage vehicle rallies.
Bill said: "The classic 4 seater open body is often mistaken for a 41/2 litre racing Bentley of the late 1920s, which is very nostalgic."
Batley car enthusiasts Charles and Irene Jones will be bringing their 1965 Morris Minor (entry number G061) to the show.
The couple have been attending events for 30 years with the car. Amongst the most notable ones being the London Lord Mayor's Show, the Manchester Commonwealth Games and, most recently, the Harewood Show where it secured another major award.
Martin Dawson from Delph has meticulously prepared his rare 1914 Napier Estate Carriage (entry number E020) for the Sunday rally.
Martin advises that the estate carriage was the earliest form of estate car and his was once part of the collection of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The attractive, but unusual, paint scheme was devised by Lady Montagu, whose Coat of Arms can be seen on the back door.
Burnley classic car enthusiast Anthony Morton will be showing his Vanden Plas Princess (entry number A038).
The car was the top of the range of the Austin/Morris 1100/1300, styled as a small Rolls Royce and described as a gentleman's carriage.
Anthony said: "Not many of these cars were produced and few remain. I have really enjoyed the restoration over the last 3 years and great interest is always generated at shows."
Peter Sutcliffe from Todmorden will be showing his 1925 Citroen B12 Torpedo (entry number E004) that has been lovingly restored after it was retrieved, in a derelict condition, from a French vineyard in 1973.
A most unusual car is entry number G062; Ray Mercers' 'Austintatious'. It is, in fact, a 1955 A30, but one with a difference. It has no roof, no doors and no screen!
Bruce Allan will be bringing his 1937 Ford 'Y' Tudor, which featured as a police car in an Agatha Christie's Hercule Poiriot TV movie.
James Farrar from Sowerby Bridge will be showing his car on both days – entry number C003 on Saturday and number F040 on Sunday. This 1939 Rolls Royce 25-30 Wraith was once owned by the H R H The Regent of Iraq. James bought the car in 1964 and now only one other example of this model survives.
Another Sowerby Bridge resident, David Ackroyd, (A021 Saturday & L005 Sunday) will be showing his 1972 Land Rover pick up, which started life as a RAF gun carriage.
There is not enough space here to tell all the fascinating stories about the many other vehicles entering the rally, but everyone can find out more by visiting Calder Holmes Park this Saturday and Sunday, where they will enjoy a great family event.