The Barrington Classic Car meet is back
Friday evening witnessed the welcome return of a fantastic collection of vehicles, paraded on the village green. Eager spectators, who were delighted with the turn out of the pristine models after such a long spell of boredom during the summer months, were treated to an exciting range of offerings, which included a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 11, a Morris 1000 Traveller, a preponderance of Land Rovers, and numerous top of the range sports cars. The car meet has been held on the first Friday evening of each month between May and September, and on New Year’s Day, on the large village green for nearly 50 years, and until 2015 had been organised by enthusiast Monty Goding. At one time there was alarm that it might not survive, but the enthusiasts rallied together, and with the help of the Royal Oak pub the glorious monthly collection of historic motors continued until the Coronavirus clamped down on events such as this earlier in the year.
Local excited owners that turned out on Friday included Emily Cook from Bassingbourn, exhibiting her immaculate, newly acquired 1959 Hillman Minx series 111, which has been added to the family fleet of other interesting classic models.
But, perhaps the most spectacular vehicle attending was a rare 1928 16.9 hp Sunbeam Limousine, displayed by Guy Lachlam who acquired it two years ago. The engine is a 2-litre, six-cylinder unit, with unique bodywork. The original owner, a Mrs Elizabeth Machin from Nottinghamshire, had this especially built with a divider fitted with a glass screen so that her driver couldn’t hear her conversations with guests in the rear of the car. The chassis cost £425, and the bodywork an additional £300.
The Royal Oak pub was well supported by the many car owners and loyal followers.
Meets on The Green, Barrington, the first Friday evening of each month between May and September
Photos and editorial supplied by Clive Porter
