Moffat Classic Car Rally

Rootes rarities and big club presence helps to drive up event’s car tally

Classic owners were prepared to travel from far and wide to enjoy this record-breaking show. Organised by the Scottish Rootes Enthusiasts, this long-running celebration of classics used its opening day for a classic car run through local countryside, with more than 300 vehicles taking part, but this year’s real success story was the static show, in which more than 1000 vehicles took part – a ten per cent increase on the previous record.

The Yorkshire branch of the Ford Anglia 105E Owners’ Club put on a a ten-car display, and other clubs taking part included the South of Scotland Car Club, Tayside Classic Car Club and the BMW Car Club’s Scottish Region. An adjacent field was given over to privately-entered classics, including a grouping of

more than 100 Rootes classics. Two of the show’s furthesttravelled fans were Michael and Joyce Sheppard, who’ve been attending this event since 2001, despite living 436 miles away in Poole, Dorset.

Michael said: ‘The show has such a friendly atmosphere – everyone always makes us feel so welcome. We wouldn’t miss it for anything!’

Event organiser, Gordon Bisset, said: ‘There was a huge selection of vehicles taking part – it’s got bigger and bigger over the years and I think the number of people who come to see it speaks for itself.

‘There’s a lovely atmosphere, everyone is very friendly, it’s a superb venue and the classics are brilliant – it’s got all the ingredients you need for a really successful car show.’

Peter Irvine has owned this 1969 Jaguar E-type for the past 20 years, and treated it to a rebuild two years after he bought it. This 1952 Standard Vanguard Phase 1A was restored back in the late Nineties. It’s now owned and cherished by Bill Powton, from Penrith. Brian Boyce drove this 1950 Rover P4 75 from Motherwell. He’s owned it for 21 years, and given it a full mechanical overhaul. One of the oldest entrants was this 1914 Arrol-Johnston 9.5hp, built in nearby Dumfries. It’s owned by Neil McGarva, who also owns a 1919 example.

Brian and Joan Davidson, from Brampton, near Carlisle, brought along the 1967 Renault Dauphine that they’ve owned since 1990.

John Fraser, from Paisley, showed off this 1968 Hillman Super Imp. He restored it for just £1000 – including the car’s purchase price!

The ‘entry no 1’ sticker went to Robert Colquhoun’s 1979 Talbot Avenger, which won 2018’s Donald Nutter Memorial Trophy.

No, we’ve no idea why this 1988 Škoda Estelle 120L needed a helping hand from Mr Exhaust either. Maybe it was just a wind-up…

This 1969 Vauxhall Victor F-type Super looked like it was in great condition. It’s owned by John McGuire, from Windygates.

Russ Evans‘ stunning 1936 Singer 9hp 5/7cwt is the oldest surviving Singer van of its type.

The West of Scotland branch of the Stag Owners’ Club put on one of the biggest club displays, bringing 20 of its cars along.