Dozens of vintage and classic cars motored to the National Trust’s Newark Park on Sunday.
The annual event, held in sweltering heat, was organised by the Bristol Austin Seven Club, and organiser Ben Amor told Stroud Times: “We were initially aiming to get 60 [Austin Sevens] here as it’s the 60th anniversary of the club, but we’ve got about 45 here which, given the weather, we’ve done very well and we’ve got a fantastic selection.”
One of the standout cars at the rally was an Austin Seven Swallow Saloon. “This was the car that started the Jaguar car company – Sir William Lyons’ company Swallow Sidecars started producing bodies for the Austin Seven Swallow in 1927.
“She’s been very much admired, and it’s owned by a lady who’s in her 90s and has had it for around 50 years – she’s even driven it to France, so there’s a fantastic story with it. It’s a real bonus to have that car here today.”
The Bristol Austin Seven Club was formed in 1965 and now has members all around the world, but the majority are from Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath: “There’s even a member from Australia here today,” added Ben.
The club was formed in May 1965 by twelve Austin Seven enthusiasts, some of whom are still members today. Since then, the club has grown in strength to approximately 350 with many international members. Throughout the year the club organises weekend and one-day events and each year a trophy is awarded to a member who has done something special for the club.
Another trophy is awarded for the ‘Driver of the Year’, and a further trophy to the driver who has had the biggest (or most amusing) disaster in the previous 12 months. Trophies are also awarded at some club runs for various achievements decided by the event organiser.
Pictures by Matt Bigwood
