Passion for Power Classic Motor Show
World’s oldest E-type and a one-off Rolls-Royce join more than 1800 of your classics at Tatton
Tatton Park’s massive Passion for Power weekend, bolstered by more than 90 classic car clubs and just over 1800 historic vehicles, was particularly notable for its significant British classics.
Few could rival Jaguar E-type prototype chassis number 3, registered 77 RW, for presence, but Norman Dewis’ famous roadster test car, appeared in the private owners’ car park sandwiched between a 4.2 Series 1 roadster and a Series 3 V12. Its long-time owner, Chester-based Mike Kilgannon, had a constant stream of onlookers wanting to know more about it.
With the hood down and boot open, the car’s history was writ large on a plaque on the centre console and a luggage bay full of images.
Tucked away adjacent to the RollsRoyce Owners’ Club stand was a 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, owned by the Vass family of Macclesfield.
At first glance an oily rag ‘woody’ station wagon, its battle-scarred body was a hangover from an extensive silver screen career, which began with an appearance in Alec Guinness’ The Man With The White Suit. It was then rebodied in the Fifties at the request of Carr Brothers, a London-based supplier of film vehicles. The unique bodywork allowed camera operators to stand on the roof, attach themselves to stands on the front of the radiator, or pan from the rear deck with the hinged three quarter panels dropped down. Converted into a camper in later years, it was rescued by the Vass family five years ago; an extensive resto followed, together with its first ever Tatton appearance at this year’s Passion For Power.
Event planner, Andy Kitchen, said: ‘It was a fantastic weekend welcoming thousands of car enthusiasts to the Tatton Park Estate. An amazing atmosphere and some truly amazing cars.’