48th Historic Vehicle Gathering to benefit Torbay's Motor Neurone Disease Association

Torbay's Motor Neurone Disease Association is one of three good causes set to benefit from money raised at next month's 48th Historic Vehicle Gathering.

The scenic parkland of Powderham Castle at Kenton, near Exeter, will become a haven for many local classic vehicle enthusiasts when the event returns over the weekend of July 8 and 9.

The event is a highly recommended day out for all the family.

Organising this annual event are the Crash Box & Classic Car Club of Devon, who are expecting more than 1,500 vehicles on display, ranging from two wheels to ten. A healthy entry of full-size and miniature steamers, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and military vehicles adds to the diversity of more than 110 years of motoring on display.

Among the attractions will be 70 vehicle club displays, some of whom will be remembering special anniversaries. These include 100 years of MG and Triumph, and 75 years of Land Rover, Porsche and the Jaguar XK.

The display by the Motor Cycling Club will also have a rather special trials car on display. Built in the early 1970s, the Cannon sporting trials car was driven and competed by Stirling Moss - no knighthood back then - in the RAC Trials Championship. In more recent years it has been lovingly restored to the exact specification when Stirling drove it.

Regular show attendees include Crash Box Club member Dennis Hobbs, who displays his 1968 Triumph TR5 which he has owned for over 50 years and refers to as his 'mistress'. He said: “We love the friendship at the two days of the Historic Vehicle Gathering, and enjoying the many aspects the gathering offers. We have never been disappointed and have made many friends over the years.”

The annual event also raises funds for various local charities, with this year’s chosen local charities being Torbay and District Motor Neurone Disease Association, the Sidmouth and Sid Valley Admiral Nurse and Dementia Café and Hospiscare.

Richard Gardiner, rally chairman for the Historic Vehicle Gathering, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our many visitors, exhibitors and traders to Powderham Castle to enjoy the many attractions on offer. There really is something for everyone.”

For further information on the Historic Vehicle Gathering, visit www.historic-vehicle-gathering.info