Thousands flock to Shalbourne's classic car show

Event was bigger and better than ever, raising funds for local causes

ORGANISERS of the fourth, annual Classic Car Show in Shalbourne said they are “still reeling” over the extraordinary success of yesterday's (Sunday's) event.

Spokeswoman Angela Howard said: “It was just amazing. At a guess I would say there were up to 4,000 visitors and there was 100 more classic cars than last year.”

Among the attractions was a striking black Rolls Royce, originally given as a wedding present from the Maharajah of Jaipur, which was driven back by its owner from India to the UK and is still in its original condition.

Also on show was a white Rolls Royce circa 1927/28 and some rare special bodied models - for example, a light brown Rolls Royce shooting brake pre 1914, made for the Duke of Sutherland.

This car was commandeered by the Army during the First World War for transporting generals at the Front. At the end of the war it was restored and used as a shooting brake on the Duke's estate.

There were also racing cars, one of which was raced in the late 1950s by Richard Banks, one of the organisers of the show.

In addition, there was a hog roast, beer from Ramsbury Brewery, Champagne tent, Pimms bar, stalls to browse including garden produce, plant sales, antiques, jewellery and refreshments and, for children, face painting, archery and the chance to drive miniature, motorised cars.

Ms Howard said: “We are still counting to see how much money has been raised for local good causes but we are expecting it to be healthy sum.”