Thirlestane gears up for record-breaking classics show

A record number of vintage and classic cars will be rolling through the Borders this weekend as Thirlestane Castle once again plays host to the BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring. Now in its 46th year, the annual extravaganza, organised by the Borders Vintage Automobile Club, has attracted a record entry of show cars, with around 1,400 models expected at this Sunday’s event in Lauder. Everything from 1920s Austins to 1990s Japanese icons will be on display with dozens of owners clubs and specialist stands. Three automotive 70th birthdays will be celebrated with special displays at the show. It is 70 years since the first Land Rover was launched, having been developed in part on Rover chief engineer Maurice Wilks’ estate on Islay. 2018 marks the same anniversary for the Citroën 2CV – which including its van variant spawned 5.1 million examples between 1948 and 1990 – and for Lotus, whose founder Colin Chapman created the Austin 7-based Mk 1 Lotus in 1948. The Sporting Bears Motor Club will be raising funds for the Borders Children’s Charity via ‘Dream Rides’ that offer passenger experiences in a variety of classic and modern sports cars in return for a donation. To date, the club has raised more than £25,000 for children’s charities at Thirlestane. As well as the usual enviable collection of classic vehicles, there will be plenty of family entertainment throughout the day. Archery, mini quad bikes and a birds of prey display will be on offer alongside live music, shopping and a food village. The Festival of Motoring opens at 11am on Sunday, June 3 at Thirlestane Castle, Lauder. Adult tickets are £10, with under16s going free. More information at www.bvaccalssic.com