This was the 40th Anniversary of the 1st running of this event.
Every year we have been joined by like-minded Standard enthusiasts, eager to use their cars socially to visit local hostelries and places of interest. This year we were also joined by enthusiastic Members and followers of the Vauxhall Owners Club.
Unfortunately, we were blessed with the “a month’s rain in a day” forecast, and indeed the heavens did open up, as it has done so many times this summer.
However, we did not let it spoil our enjoyment! First, a splendid Sunday lunch at the “Crooked Chimney”, near Lemsford. Lynda and I then gave out the Route cards for our short run to the De Havilland Museum. The first part was through a heavily wooded area, where thankfully there was little traffic in the opposite direction (but still plenty of rain).
Everyone managed to cross the North Orbital road without a mishap in the traffic before arriving at Salisbury Hall, home to the splendid De Havilland Collection.
We were able to park some of the cars outside the hanger housing the Prototype Mosquito, which was designed, built and flown out of this site during the war.
Left to right - Peter Pearce’s Vanguard Phase II, Three Vauxhalls, a Velox, a rare Cavalier Convertible and VX 4/90, then 3 Standards, an 8 belonging to Steve George, Phil and Lynda’s Super 10 and the 8 belonging to Brian Parkes.
During the short formal ceremony that followed, Mike and Pat Beavis were awarded the Chiltern Cup for travelling the furthest distance (260 miles return) in their Triumph Stag.
Lynda presents the award for furthest distance travelled.
Mike and Pat with their Triunph and Paul Newsome’s Vignale behind them.
There was then an opportunity to inspect the Museums fantastic selection of Aircraft, Engines and memorabilia. Greatly expanded in recent years and of course, to take cake in the cafeteria!
By this time the rain had sort of eased off and the staff at the museum were tempted to open the hanger doors to get a better view of the Mossie, which they obviously did not want to get wet.
Brian and Betty Parkes in the two-tone Standard 8, Mosquito to the rear.
As the rain was drying up, it was safe to open the Hangar doors wider to view the Mosquito prototype.
Next September:
If you would like to join us next September, make a note to catch the date from the Standard Car review, or the Website. We shall meet at another hostelry with a non -demanding route to an interesting destination. But where will it be?
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