APRIL

13th   SOUTHERN CLASSICS AT CHICHESTER COLLEGE

MAY

4th       MAGNIFICENT MOTORS EASTBOURNE

Met up on Fort Fun car park at about 9am where Karens MKI decided it didn't want to go any further so Davin towed it up to the lawns.

(only half of the cars in this picture)

Irony stepped in and our site was at the top of the hill! With one tow car, five pushing and careful steering by Wayne, it was rolled into position. Shortly after and a bit of fiddling under the bonnet the car that that 3ltr music again.

The sun was out with gentle sea breeze and large crowds. Had a lot of interest in the cars and some really nice comments.

The cars we had on display was excellent once andy arrived we had 16 cars on stand, just a pitty we couldn't have a bit more room.

11th    NATIONALS BADGERS HILL    CCI

Matt, Gemma, Davin, Jeni, Greg and Gavin went up on Saturday and the plan was to relax & have a bbq and a few beers, the reality was Gavins 3ltr S (having just been put back together the previous day after a full respray) decided to loose a couple of gears on the M25. They limped it up to Badgers Hill where John Hill saved the day. He sold them a replacement gearbox, provided the tools, lighting and gearbox fluid and the poor lads finally finished about 10pm.

Sunday dawned hot and the lads took Gavs car for a spin only to find that the manifolds were holed and needed changing. So after a quick fry up during which Wayne and Dave arrived the lads set off round the trade stands to get manifolds, which they did and then they fitted them !!!!! Everyone managed to get their cars cleaned and drove down to the judging lane (new idea that worked well).

Nice to see old member Keith (up with his Mk 1) and new member Andy and his son. Greg and Gavin were by this point bored so decided to rebuild the carbs, the rest of us pottered around getting sunburn and looking at the great cars that had turned up.

Finally, the moment of truth, the prize giving - and what a result! Matt and Wayne got gold, Dav, Jen, Dave, Keith and Gavin got silver and Greg got bronze, and John embaressed the lads by telling everyone about their hard work and they got round of applause!! After that we packed up and left for an uneventful drive home.

What a great show. 

Daves gleaming 2.8i head of the line up.

1          CLASSIC FORD SHOW SANTA POD

Some of the cars.

Well, what a great show. Despite the one rain shower in the morning and the flooded grassed areas the organisers did well to set everybody up on the tarmaced areas.

Matt, Gemma, Davin, Jeni, Greg and Wayne camped there and all went well overnight despite most people using the area behind Jeni & Davins tent as a toilet and Gregs' not having an air bed to sleep on in his tent he got from the Early Learning Centre. All seemed happy for the day ahead and cleaning the cars when Pete arrived at about 8.20. Later arrivals due to traffic (Fords) building up quickly, Terry (Red 2.8i Turbo), then Andy (Red 2.8i). Later still because of the traffic was Brian (white Laser), Stuart (Blue 2.8i) and Jon (Green MKI). Finally, Daryl (Black 2.8i)arrived about lunchtime.

Greg was the only one to do a run up the strip and for a 2ltr Laser turned a 17.odd and a 16.9.

Unfortunatley something went clunk of the return road and so didn't do the third run. However, its turned out to be a broken engine mount, so not terminally expensive.

Not wanting to feel left out, Terry had gearbox problems so left early in case he needed to AA & he hadn't even been down the strip! It wouldn't have been a show without any problems. 

Loads of photos taken, grease burgers eaten, tea drunk, feet aching and the thought of the miles of jams on the motorways we finally left the site at about 5.30. Stopping at Toddington Services on the M1 car park we formed an unoffical car display of our own which got heads turning - then a collection of older Fords always do!

Really good show and nice to have 11 Capris lined up behind the banner and looking forward to the show next year; cheers Classic Ford mag.

6 - 8 Dorset Capri Show

15      BROMLEY PAGENT OF MOTORING

Nice early start for this show, as usual. Pete, Matt & Gemma & Steve & Jane met up and went tinto the showground and met Dave, Karen & Wayne on the one make parking area. Cleaned the cars down and looked like it was to be a sunny day. Massive variety of cars there from many eras, types and manufacturers, which makes the show interesting.

Did a lap round the car club stands, trade stalls and the other vehciles such as the military stuff and custom cars, then back to the cars for food and natter.

Nice facelift MKI

Super mint MKII

What an engine bay!!  - how clean is that?!

Had a really good day finished off with a bbq at Steve and Janes gaff.

Well worth the effort going to as its nice to see such a variety of cars on display at one time.

21/22    GABRIALS FARM EDENBRIDGE VINTAGE VEHICLE SPECTACULAR

Don't think anyone went to this, if they did can you please email the details and photos through.

JULY

12          SALTDEAN

20          BENTLEY CLASSIC CAR SHOW

27          MILD TO WILD BADGERS HILL CCI

27          OLD SKOOL FORD LONDON TO BRIGHTON

AUGUST

3            SOUTHERN CLASSICSWORTHING RUGBY CLUB

3            FORD FAIR SILVERSTONE

17         CLASSIC FORD & AUTOJUMBLE BATTLESBRIDGE

24          DUNSFOLD WINGS & WHEELS

Lots of bods going so happy with the turnout. All things being equal 15 cars will be on stand on the day so cheers to all those who have responded. It MIGHT be possible to secure tickets from June 1st, but will probably be at gate price (£20 per adult - £10 per child).  

See www.wingsandwheels.net

25          BEXHILL 100

SEPTEMBER

6            ACE CAFÉ CAPRIDAY(KEV SURREY CAPRI)

OCTOBER

5           SOUTHERN CLASSICS AT CHICHESTER COLLEGE

11/12    HASTINGS CLASSIC CAR SHOW

12         OCTOFEST BADGERS HILL CCI

For a definative list of Ford meets this year, log onto:

www.classicfordmag.co.uk

Historic section!

2007

April:

14th  Boxhill meet, Surrey   (C)

Nice start to the season, took 9 cars to the meet. Some really nice motors around, most of which are known, but some new ones which have been sorted over the winter. Nice motor bikes there as well since its a bikers haunt as well. Cracking weather. Be there again next year. Forgot camera this time, sorry.

15th Shoreham airport classic car show (C)

Southern Classic car Club ran the show and a huge range of cars on display. Many club represented and well worth turning out for! We arrived about 09.30 and had the last few spaces as the venue had been swapped to another parking area so many owners were not able to get in. Still, we took 8 cars to show a range of condition and ages. We one best club stand and Jeni won Best 1970's car for her stunning MKII 3.0 Ghia. Well hot for April at about 24 degrees with no shade, still really good day.

 May:

5th Magnificent Motors Eastbourne show on the sea front lawns (F)

Nice show, only took 8 cars and 5 of them were either red or black and in Gemmas case it was red and black! Thanks to John and Daryl for breaking up the colours. Spent the whole day there and had time to go into the town centre for food. Grate collection of classics including military, busses, bikes, vintage and classic cars. Even had a fair and band! Daryl in his blue over silver 2.8i turned up after this shot so didn't make it - said there was a black and red thing going on!

The cars - minus Daryls' 2.8i

Davin puts in the effort again!

13th Battlesbridge classic car show (C)

Nice show for the decerning classic car or Ford nut. Didn't make it this year due to heavy rain so no photos or write up of this show then, perhaps next year. We will back up at Battlesbridge on 19th August for the Ford show so watch this space! 

20th CCI National show for the minters of the marque

On our way

Well, we took 5 cars up to the show. Alls well until Davins 2.8 started to grumble, which seemed to be the fuel pump/ accumulator. He did great getting there and back OK though. Then the closer we got to the show the worse my 2.0 Sport got as it developed a serious case of stalling at every junction - "oh bother" I exclaimed each time (sort of). We pulled into the field and had to push mine into place as it just didn't want to play anymore. After parking the cars we all go stuck in and set up the gazeebo and equipment for a gorgeous fried breakfast!

                  The stand, with catering  

                       The cars

After cleaning and polishing the motors we had a lap round the ground and the autojumble. Came back and Davin (with me giving moral support) got stuck in & stripped the carb & sorted the points. Seems it just needed cleaning out and a good long run - but then it is only the second time its been out in 14 years. Works a treat now and found out its running 45 jets to boot - nice. Some of us got sun burned and the rest of the time there was really good. Glad it didn't rain as the tracks hadn't been upgraded so theres a warning to us all for this showground - if it rains, don't bother, you'll get stuck unless you one of the chosen few! Met up with some usual faces and nice to see some new metal on the scene. Seems there were many lucky customers getting loads of spares from Retroford International's new & bigger trade stand as Matt & Gemmas' van was much quicker on the way back! Judges decided to award Dave's 2.8i a Bronze medal and Jeni's 3.0 MKII won a Gold medal - don't know what the catagories were or how the judges arrived at their answers as I was busy and off doing other things.

Dave's medal                       Jeni's 2nd medal this year

Good show and we stayed to the the very end, no choice really since after four of us started our engines, Waynes' 1974 ignition key decided it wanted to stay in Evesham forever more as it snapped in the ignition barrel. Enter our techy for the day, Davin. He pulled another blinder, with Wayne now giving moral support and after about 20 mins had the problem solved, and the car back as Ford intended! 

Davin gets stuck in again!   Waynes key

Start number two, this time we all got away no probs. Stopped for petrol at the local Somerfield garage and by the time we arrived, it was painfully obvious the staff had seen enough Capris that day for the rest of their year! Good drive home and an interesting day for all of us.  

 Thats it, don't want to play any, more, going home .......

Warning, the weather gods were good to us this time, but don't forget Mudfest 06 - the rain is never far away!!!

10th Classic Ford Magazine show Santa Pod (C)

We got ten Capris to the show, though three arrived Saturday evening, I got there from Brum, five more arrived about 9 and Paul got his newley aquired 2.8 there by lunchtime (mmmm nice wheels). Day started misty and cold, but ended up getting enough sun for some burns!

The line up.

Fords started pouring in from about 9ish until the club stand area was really busy and the Classic Ford parking area was filling nicely. Few cars in the sales area worth a punt. Good racing and the usual rocket car was on form. Wayne managed to sell a few more bits of his parts collection and Stuart sold his mint Brooklands Turbo - never thought he'd sell that! - but needs must eh?.... he's only got 2 Capris now. Some stunning cars and some cars, well, they'll be great when the project starts if you know what I mean. Karen and Jeni did a great job at feeding the masses and after lunchtime the weather pricked up so we watched some racing.

Off the lights, well turned out MKI Capri there!

Wandered about for the rest of the day thinking up the next project and the fantasy garage, ok, reality will kick in on the drive home, we know. Talking of which we all mucked in and helped dismantle the stand and get the bbq fired up - except Colin who was knackered: "...ad enough, dont want to play anymore and whos puttin the kettle on?". He's a happy bloke really with lots of Capris! honest...

Unfortunatley I didn't take a picture of the bbq as I was having a slight heart attack at the time at the side of Matts' (Retroford) van, so was busy. Food was great and we eventually left at about 6.20pm. As most people had gone by then it was aclear run home, except the M1 as the roadworks are ongoing for about 20 years! Oh and Davin listened to the sat nav so he went off into the sunset towards Bedford while the rest of us followed the signs to the motorway.

Great show and will be there next year for sure.

24th Bromley Pagent of Motoring (F)

Took 6 cars to this one and as every knows, it rained, a lot. Still massive turnout of most things with a combustion engine. Seriously varied show which was really nice. As can be seen below, Capris were represented across the site, when was the last time you saw a line up of 25 Capris? - here are 15 of them-

As the weather didn't break we left just after lunchtime which was a shame but at least so many people turned out with some serious motors. Be back next year though. Hope its sunny next week for the Hop Farm show in Kent.

30th Hop Farm classic car show Paddock Wood (F) The weather played a major part in this show having a poor turnout. Four cars today and only stopped raining for about an hour - washout! 

July:

1st  Hop Farm classic car show Paddock Wood (F) Took four cars to show some support thought the weather was slightly better. Normally great show, but this show season isn't going too well despite the sunny start back in April. At least this show ground doesn't get flooded though. Drainage wa OK and enough roads to avoid any muddy bits - still, some really nice motors attended and a large turnout of Cortinas. One annoying point about the organisers was that they wouldn't issue any show plaques until the end of the show. As many people headed off early, bet they had loads spare at the end of the day! Hang around in the rain for another 2 hours for a plaque, errr, think not! Apart from that, not bad.

1st Old Skool Ford London to Brighton Run

Dave took his 2.8i and Wayne took his RS3100 on the run. We linked up with the run with about 30 or so other old Fords at Pease Pottage services on the A23 and what a sight, both lanes of the A23 taken up with old Fords. Had a slow cruise down to Brighton sea front where we all parked up on Marina. Classic day out as we parked up in amoungst so many show cars, sun came out and made the day. the aim is next year to have a larger event where Madeira  Drive will be the venue with more than double the cars. If this event is anything to go by, it'll be no problem getting at least 250 cars!

14th Saltdean classic car show (F)

Today dawned a bit dull & cloudy but Wayne & I (RS 3100 & MKIII 2.8i) headed off for the Sussex coast to the show, any excuse for an ice cream at the sea! Where we met up with Davin (2.8i) & Jeni (MKII 3.0ltr) on arrival we found new members Steve and his better half, Jane, were waiting in their Laser looyliky Capri. Others arrived later including Matt & Gemma in their scabby Sapphire (honourary Capri for the day) - their 5ltr is almost finished. We set up the stand and as the show was run by the Rotary club there were plenty of stalls (ie: cakes and food etc...) and lots of events to keep the kids and adults entertained all day. There was a good selection of classic cars and bikes and when it came to judging, Wayne picked up another award for best in class for his RS3100. Overall a good day and even the sun came out!!

22nd Wings Wheels & Steam Groombridge Place (F)

Didn't attend this one as the weather forecast was for torrential rain so didn't fancy getting soaked again! Shame really as it turned out sunny - Typical weather this year then = F€*$@!

22nd Boxhill meet, Surrey (C)

Nice day when the sun finally came out. Wayne, Davin, Jeni and I (Dave with red X reg 2.8i) set out for the Old Skool Ford meet arriving nice and early to stake our spot in the car park. We parked up and went for the obligitary cup of Rikers caff tea and sat down to watch the arrival of a great selection of old Fords from Anglias to supercharged Mustangs. As usual an excellent morning out and another excuse to take the Capris out in the sun.

Got the photos, just can't get them to load.....!

29th CCI Mild to Wild show at Badgers Hill Evesham

Found someone who went. They say 42 cars turned out with about 170 people and 2 traders. So most people watched the weather and thought, nah, not getting stuck in that mud! Thing is it turned out to be a very sunny day and a by accounts a good little show. This level of attendance is perhaps the lowest ever?! Oh well, see what October brings...... No photos of this one as we didn't go, bit obvious really!

August:

5th Ford Fair, Silverstone (C) A few of us went, though not as a club. Squillions of people and a hugh number of Fords patronised by a high number of traders across the massive site. The sun did its lobster making thing on people all day. Walking around the site, not the car parks, there was an unfortunately stark lack of the older metal. The Old Skool Ford crew, Mansfield Branch of CCI & a couple of others put on decent displays for the pre-plastic cars. About half the production run of the RS Focus

turned up and the Ford Focus Owners Club seemed to have about 1/4 of the site covered. ST owners club brought about 300 cars it seemed. Nice variety of cars and personal takes on the ST from their club. But having said that, we did have Santa Pod so I suppose the newer Fords need some event to show their stuff. Has to be acknowledged though, there are some great personalised cars out there - how a Ford should be! Show'n'Shine plot had an great mix of motors from a 1.4LX Escort MK4 and why not?!

to the seriously tricked pink KA, with most Fords between. Traders seemed to do OK with a large turn out offering wide choice. The cost of fodder was its usual robbery, £5 a burger & £1.70 for a bottle of pop with no room to haggle. That in mind, saw one bloke refusing to pay £30 for a set of brand new boxed/ unused Escort rear lights, complete, too expensive! Cracking metal hurtling round the track was a good sight as was the sprints which saw a few nice Anglias in action. Great show with bods from about 7 nations I counted & flippin hot, still better than soggy! Heres a selection of pics taken around the site.....

From old School                      to custom Yanks

Some new Ford metal & plastic.....

The stunning

The sleeper (in Sept edition of Reto Ford magazine)

MKI stunners. John's greenun lookin mean as usual

Mint 80's

11th/12th Autorama Tunbridge Wells

Weathers fine, but done so many shows we're having a break, but this events good for those odds & ends for the winter projects.

19th Battlesbridge all Ford Day (C)

After driving through heavy rain and mist we got to

the showground early not really expecting a good show as the weather was, well, wet. But the showground has great drainage so no mud - supurb!!

Once all the cars were parked up, the bunting and banners in place we set up with the waterproof tent (good idea as it chucked it down a few times). We watched loads of Fords arriving for a really nice show. Then it rained, but no matter as we were ready

("So you don't like me brolly, eh, eh?............") Andy is a nice bloke, really!

We had 11 Capris in the end which considering the forecast was better then we'd expected.

Really wide variety of classic Fords from 50's Yanks, Hot Rods, Cutoms & Concours of all types which was great. Where else would you see a V8 Pilot next to a Tickford Capri?? This shot epitomizes this show -

We didn't win anything this year, but then we didn't enter anything! The show had a really good feel to it and a nice auto (& stuff) jumble. Time just flew past & before long we were back into the traffic on our way home! Excellent show - till next year ......... 

26th Dunsfold car/ airshow (F) One of the last shows of the season and what a totally excellent show as this & the other pictures sum up!!

We took 15 cars in all & thanks to Allan from Surrey Capri Club for bringing his immaculate 2ltr Laser & Dean for his cracking MKI 3.1. Most of us met at Pease Pottage services and drove in an often an uninterupted convoy to the airfield. There were vintage race cars, classic, modern & super cars, miltary vehicles, bikes trade stands as well as the air display. Organised the parking

Liquid lunch eh? What an advert for the club!!

The bike stunt riders were truely awsome,

 Well, whats your answer ... is it yes then?

Very pleased at the line up of Capris on display which included 3 MKI's & 3 MKII's and the usual aray of MKIII's. Our cars got loads of attention which was nice, though our Karen (Green MKI 3.0 GT) got her own admirer!! Some great metal was parked around the site whcih took hours to take it all in, but was well worth the effort to get round to see.

Proper Old Skool racers!                                   Don't mess mate, my dad's got one of these!!

Some choice shots of things happening at  the show:

New supercharged Mustang            Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

P51 D Mustang, gorgeous                

Porsche line up in Super car display.  Hawker Hurricane

Prefer the Capri mate! Totally graceful long range heavy bomber

       Racing Bugattis

We all had a brilliant day at the show, got sun burned again and had a nice drive home in the sun. In the end Karen didn't say yes to the proposal but was impressed at his chat up lines - car production figures - bovvered, fink not!

September:

1st Ace Cafe, London (C) Kevin from Surrey Capri Club is organising a Capri day at the famed Ace Cafe. Wayne, Dave, Jon and Stuart represented East Grinstead Capri Club as the rest were working or busy. 

The drive  to the Ace was fine, though we were expecting to get lost (satnav saved the day again). We got there about 10am and the carpark was almost full with 40+ Capris. 

Had a good look around the car park and thought it was about time we got something to eat; well we were at the ace cafe after all. After a bite to eat we looked at the Capri which had to park up out on the road due to the large number of Capri which had turned up, 70+ capris in all. We did note that there was a good mix of mk1s and mk3s, but not one mk2 (where were you Jen?). Kev's car was as unmistakeable as usual!

All in all it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. We had to leave left about 1.30 because of work later but there were still cars turning up at that time. There was someone taking pics for the mag but Ben didn't turn up (then again we hear he's an Escort man!). Well done Kev of Surrey Capri Club for making it all possible, hope it happens next year, twice maybe Kev?  

October:

14th CCI Octofest show in Evesham (C) None of our branch made the long journey up to the show with their Capris. Word is around 50 Capris arrived in the morning, but by early afternoon there were very few. Just as well we didn't make the 3hr+ drive whcih means starting out at 05.30 from the south coast!

So thats it, 2007 show season over! Generally a soggy year with fewer people venturing out to the shows is the memorably part of 2007. Dunsfold airshow was most definately the best show in terms of cars on stand and the event. Got some great pictures from there. Nothing is booked for 2008 as yet, though it may well start with Eastbourne and Boxhill again, we'll wait and see, lets get Christmas over with first!

See ya...........

SHOW NEWS 2006

The 2006 has proven to be a mixed year weatherwise, but a good year on the show curcuit. While some events were pretty wet, others made up for it and were scorching. All in all well worth the effort looking back.

Some top shows attended by EGCC members inlcuded:

April:

Boxhill Ford meet, Reigate, Surrey

1^st April 2006

Opening meet of the season when all the cars are back on the road after their winter lay up, as the wonderful British weather just loves classic Ford metalwork. A few of us took the cars out for a run to meet up with 'Old Skool Ford' club members who have a wide variety of classic Fords. The meet is very informal and has purpose built catering facilities on site. It rained the night before, but not on the day and the site is tarmaced anyway.

Southern Classic Car meet, Shoreham Airport, West Sussex

9^th April 2006

May:

Eastbourne Classic vehicle show, East Sussex

1^st May 2006

Held on the promanade lawns and this one was another bring any classic, so even buses were there! We all met up on the swimming pool car park and drove up the promanade together. Bloody cold and misty to start with but by noon it was very warm and managed to get sunburned by 3pm! Nice show, but unfortunatley there was a rare bit of snobbery from a couple of other people displaying their classics, as the issue was 'What is a classic'? Really nice day with the added bonus of the location. The weather put some off as the show wasn't as big as last year.

Capri Club International - National show, Evesham, Worcestershire

21^st May 2006

Held at John Hills' farm in the Vale of Evesham, home of the Capri Club. This was a major event in the Capri calander for the show and shine bods as well as those who just wanted to go to a Capri show. But, oh boy, did it rain!!! Shame, because this is when the cream of Capris are out to be scrutinised. The concours boys & girls came out in force with spit and polish and despite the near continuous rain & subsequent mud, the day was worth it, but come on John Hill, sort your drainage out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crawley Classic and American car show, Crawley, Surrey

29^th May 2006

June:

Santa Pod Ford show, Northamptonshire

11^th June 2006

Classic Ford magazines' big day at the Pod. Excellent day for the average Ford nut, whether walking around the club stands,  watching the motors go up the strip or just looking in the car parks, there was just so much to see and buy. This is a must for any fan of the Blue Oval. There was a decent turn out from the autojumblers which was good to see, parts a plenty though some prices seemed above average! Catering was good and trade stands were plentiful. The cars on the strip were entertaining, inlcuding the rocket powered car. Good drive in as we picked up more & more old Fords on the way in from the M1, must have been 40+ in one convoy going through one village, Ahhh... the sights and sounds......! Locals seemed a bit bemused though!

July:

Hop garden classic car show, Paddock Wood, Kent

2^nd July 2006

August:

Silverstone 6th August 2006

Review still awaited as I couldn't get to this show - holidays. I'll keep nagging until someone can get me a review done!

Capri Club International show, Evesham, Worcestershire

12^th – 13^th August 2006

Held over two days, on site camping is an option taken up by quite a few. The weather once again played its part and on the Sunday rained a bit in the morning, but was then kind and stayed dry. A lower than expected turnout happened this year and there were rumours that this may be the last of these events due to costs after 17 years!! RetroFord magazines'  editor Ben was snooping round at the show and put a multi page spread in the October issue which included EGCC cars. Ni