The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Revvy, steady, go for Tartan Week display
Rare gems included in vintage vehicle club’s annual extravaganza
Vintage vehicle enthusiasts have built up a treasure trove of racing history as a spring treat for visitors to Angus.
Just a gear change or two from Glamis Castle, Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club will take the covers off their traditional Tartan Week display at their Bridge View House HQ on the Glamis to Kirriemuir road.
And there are a host of rarities among the collection of Courier Country-owned machinery.
The Angus base houses a permanent display of SVVC vehicles and memorabilia, but each spring the group stages a themed Tartan Week event and a delve into sporting heritage has unearthed some rare gems.
The eclectic display ranges from pushbikes to rally cars and SVVC director Stephen Dear said the willingness of local owners to part with their pride and joy for the week-long display was the key to success.
“Without the help and generosity of members and friends we just wouldn’t be able to put on such an interesting and varied display,” he said.
“This collection of cycles, motorcycles and cars has never been under one roof together so it’s a rare opportunity to see them and there should also be something for everyone,” he added.
The bicycles on display include a rare example of a 1940s Dundee-built D W Lindsey racer. Lindsey operated from premises in the city’s Victoria Road and was famed for his lightweight bikes.
Motorcycle rarities include a 125cc BSA Bantam race bike and an ex-works 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet trials machine, the sister bike to one ridden by the legendary Johnny Britain in events including the British Championship and the famous Scottish six-day trial.
The oldest car in the collection is a remarkable Arrol-Johnston, which produced the first automobile manufactured in Britain. The immaculate green example on display is a stunning recreation of the 20HP light speed car, a special for the 1911 European racing season.
“Only three of the factory-built specials were made and this recreation is the only one still in existence so it is a very rare machine,” added Mr Dear.
“We also have a couple of Austin 7-based racers and icons such as the Mini, Healey 3000 MkIII and the famous rallying Ford Escort MkI.”
The display runs at the SVVC base until Saturday April 8.
THE MEFFAN: Lorna Fraser and Carol Sinclair will host a reception and a series of talks in connection with their exhibition currently showing in the Meffan Gallery in Forfar.
The event will take place on Saturday April 8 from noon until 3pm with free admission.