ALL REVVED UP FOR CLASSIC RALLY
THE RAIN STAYS AWAY AS HUNDREDS TURN OUT TO SEE RARE CARS, BUSES AND COACHES
Hundreds of people descended on Seaburn to see scores of classic cars, buses and coaches at the annual show.
Now in its 34th year, the Historic Vehicle Rally, held just yards from the city’s seafront, is organised by the North East Bus Preservation Trust.
The rain stayed away as more than 150 vehicles were on display at Seaburn Recreation Park yesterday.
Gordon Gunn, stall manager for the trust, has been attending the rallies for more than 10 years .
He said: “It’s a great rally this one.
“I think it’ s the combination of the vehicles, both classic cars and buses, and the location means it’s right beside the beach.
“It’s for all walks of life. We try and cater for everyone.”
Among those exhibiting was Tony Cansfield, 67, of Darlington, who had his 1997 Renault 16 on show.
He said: “The Renault 16 was manufactured from 1965 to 1980, there was 1.8 million made of that model.
“There’s now only 20 between England and Ireland that are in a nice condition.”
There were plenty of enthusiasts, young and old, taking a look around the huge range of vehicles on show.
David Faulkner, 69, of Ashington, has taken his Citroen Traction Avant 1952 to France for a classic car rally before.
He said: “Seaburn is a friendly rally, having said that you get to know a lot of people when you’ve been going to rallies for seven years.”
About 40 buses were on display, with many open for visitors to get on board and have a look around .
Jackie Soppitt, 77, of Seaham, was a bus driver for 50 years and has passed on his love for the vehicle to‘ bus mad’ grandson Daniel, eight.
He said: “He’s been interested in buses for quite a few years. We go round all the buses together – a lot of them we can go inside and get in the driver’ s seat. We’ve had a really great morning, we’ ve almost been round them all now.”