Stamford squeezes in the five hundred

This year’s Stamford Car Show reinforced its status as one of the best gatherings in the East Midlands

Many car shows, especially ones organised at a local level, might struggle to find space for over 500 vehicles, ranging from motorcycles and bubblecars up to trucks and buses. Dial in the need to accommodate everything in a town centre with a medieval street layout, and it becomes even more of a challenge. Fortunately, it is one that the Stamford and District Round Table has been effectively rising to for many years now. This 14th gathering used its usual popular and picturesque location of the Meadows, a large green area right in the middle of Stamford with water on all three sides. This helps to guarantee a massive turn-out of both exhibitors and visitors, with money raised going to support three local charities. Between £4000 and £5000 from the event is the usual annual norm.

The machines on display ranged from the opening years of the 20th century through to brand-new performance cars. And there was a very rich variety, including rare microcars, American vehicles, a fine selection of vintage models, kits and custom efforts. Even more arrived later in the day, thanks to the arrival of an organised run that provided action interest as well. Local and national clubs turned out in force too – the Boston Classic Car Club managed to bring around 40 cars and took up practically one side of the river as a result.

So despite all the other Bank Holiday attractions nearby, the Stamford Car Show kept all-comers enthralled for hours, with some unusual and fascinating vehicles and a lot of money going to worthy charities in the area.

It may have been one of the smallest and least powerful cars at the show, but Brett Moxon’s 1959 Hunslet Scootacar attracted a lot of interest. Around 100 were made, but only six survive.

The Clarke family are fond of Minis – they have four! Father John and son Ashley brought three to the show; a 1960 Morris Mini Minor, a 1974 Austin pick-up and a 1986 Mini Piccadilly.

This lovely 1937 Hudson Terraplane belongs to Charlotte Darrach, whose father finished its three-year restoration back in 1990.

It’s that way! A Jaguar E-type Series 2 arrives on the already packed show-field, looking for a parking slot.