Classic Cars On The Thames

Preparation for Sunday’s show at Runnymede starts today, Thursday

I’ll clean the wheels, blacken the tyres, freshen up the whitewall stripes with a little brake cleaner, then give the chrome rims a polish. The threat of rain is looming for the weekend. It could finally bring an end to this long and exhausting heatwave. As keen gardeners, my wife and I are thoroughly fed up with filling watering cans now that a hosepipe ban has been imposed. (Nudge, nudge... wink, wink.) The car will need a good soaking before I go anywhere near it with a soapy sponge.

It’s covered in the fine dust and grit left behind after months of English summer. The interior may get a little hoovering. It rarely needs cleaning because I simply don’t let it get dirty. Runnymede usually attracts a great turnout. People come not only to admire the cars but also to enjoy a walk beside the River Thames while aircraft from Heathrow roar overhead. So, Saturday morning finds me up early to get the car washed before the sun catches me. It’s a bit of a dash, to be honest, but the Rover always cleans up nicely.

I have the routine down to a T these days. Roof, glass and upper body first: wash, rinse and dry. Then the lower half: wash, rinse and dry. Doing it this way keeps drying streaks to a minimum. A polish and wax can wait for another day, and perhaps a more prestigious show. Job done. I cover the car to protect it from the dusty breeze and tree sap. My afternoon will be spent at work, which is actually a good chance to have a rest. I mustn’t forget to fill up. There’s just enough petrol left to get me to the garage. Sunday morning arrives. I wake at 8:00, and the first thing I do is look outside.

The promised rain hasn’t materialised, and instead we’re greeted by another bright, warm morning. I’m meeting Mark at the show. The rest of the Rascals are away in Le Touquet, France, for a weekend event.

£40 later and the tank is now half full. I head off, avoiding most of the M25 by taking the M4 past Heathrow. It’s a great run and, twenty minutes later, I’m pulling into the car park.

It’s a large parking area where show cars mingle with everyday vehicles, although most of the classics gather together in the upper section. The meeting runs only from 9:00 to 11:30, so I waste no time wandering around with the camera, photographing the cars that catch my eye. I stop for a chat with Julien and his 1964 Ford Anglia 105E, which now has a touch of wizardry beneath the bonnet. A fuel-injected 2.0-litre Ford Zetec sits neatly where the original engine once lived. Originally fitted with Ford’s modest 39 bhp Kent engine, the Anglia was a popular family car of its era. With its American-inspired tailfins and distinctive reverse-rake rear window, it became one of Britain’s most recognisable family cars. Around 1.3 million were produced at Ford’s Dagenham plant.

1964 Ford Anglia 105E

 Julien bought the car three years ago. Before long, he found himself stripping it back to a bare shell after discovering some rather questionable modifications. He told me the front subframe had been secured by just two 8 mm bolts. That’s enough to make you question everything else, and that’s exactly what he did. Problems with the brakes and steering column also needed putting right, two things you definitely want working properly. Apart from running a little warm, Julien says the Anglia has been trouble-free and absolutely flies, although not quite in the way Harry Potter’s did. The bodywork is completely rust-free and looks superb in its deep, moody blue.

Anglia -- A fuel-injected 2.0-litre Ford Zetec

Sitting proudly in the next row was what could easily be my Rover’s replacement: a deep green Rover P6. A fuel-injected 3.9Lt V8 conversion had replaced the 3.5 Lt V8. I believe the unit came from a TVR at some point and is now married to a 5-speed SD1 gearbox.

Rover P6

After grabbing a cup of tea and a sausage bap, I wandered over to a great-looking Chevrolet Apache. Sitting low and purposeful, it featured a beautifully varnished timber pickup bed. Parked beside it was a Ford F-Series powered by the legendary 351 Windsor V8.

Chevrolet Apache

Now here’s something you certainly don’t see every day: a gull-wing Mini Cooper S. It stood out not only because of its Barbie-pink paintwork but also its matching customised interior. An incredible amount of craftsmanship has gone into creating it. Unfortunately, I never managed to find the owner. There has to be an interesting story behind all that work. Just take a close look at the steering wheel.

Mini Cooper S

 Whether it’s a genuine registration or simply a show plate, the *BARBIE X* number plate is an eye-catching touch. It would be even better if its owner could find a Ken-themed car to park alongside it. The dashboard is covered in signatures, suggesting the car has had quite an interesting life. Next time, I’ll make a point of tracking down the owner and hearing its story.

Mini Cooper S interior

Well, the rain never came, and everyone enjoyed another great morning at Runnymede. Hopefully the boys are having just as good a weekend over in France.

Next stop: Rally of the Giants

As for me, I’m off home to watch the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Philip (The Rascal)

Editor