South West Region Recent Activities

SOUTH WEST REGION RECENT ACTIVITIES

32nd Bristol Classic Car Show

Alaistair and Doreen at Bristol Classic Car Show

16-17 April 2011 Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

The Register stand theme this year was 50 years of the Wolseley Hornet, a luxury version of the much-loved but more utilitarian Mini.

The model shown above left, owned by Kevin from Bristol, was one of 57 cars specially converted by Crayford and offered as competition prizes by H. J. Heinz & Co. The design was copyrighted so no further examples were made. 41 cars are known to have survived, 21 of which are in roadworthy condition.

The Heinz Hornets incorporated features not found on the standard cars such as built-in insulated food cabinets, front and rear seatbelts, electric kettle with power point in the boot, tartan travel rug, picnic hamper, a make-up tray designed by Max Factor and the option to have the owner's monogram on the driver's door.

The car on the right is a Mk.3 model and is an eclectic mix of original, restored and modified parts. Current owners Alastair and Mum Doreen (pictured above) are based in Kent and have owned the car for over 20 years. It is used regularly at home and abroad.

The Sunday coincided with Drive-it day and many classic car owners saw the show as a good opportunity to give their car a run out to enjoy the sunshine and contribute to a vast array of classic cars of all shapes and sizes.

The Bristol Classic Car Show was another magnificent show and the Wolseley stand welcomed many visitors, whose questions were answered while Doreen took charge of Regalia sales.

31st Bristol Classic Car Show

1-2 May 2010 Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

The theme for 2010 was 80 years of the Wolseley Hornet. Wolseley made eighteen versions of the Hornet for factory built and coach built car markets commencing for the 1929-30 year and continuing until 1936.

Our exhibit was a 1931 Hornet Special owned br Brian Thrussell. Brian is a member of the Register and the WHSC. What a beautiful car it is. The judges thought so too as they awarded it a Highly Commended rosette.

The stand was a joint effort by the Register and the WHSC. Hopefully we can do a few more events together. Everyone agreed it was a really good event for both clubs.