BASINGSTOKE FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT
I have always considered Basingstoke to be one of our best club stand events. This
was run by Ginger and Marilyn Dann for years but now the baton has been passed to
our Secretary Bob Flint and Gregg Shadbolt. Bob and Gregg did us proud at this
event setting up the stand with the aid of Richard Savin and Daniel Powell. Gregg
also organised the Barbeque equipment so members were able to enjoy this around
midday.
We had a stand full of vehicles in our usual spot near the gate, fifteen vehicles
in all. Some regular attenders with a few we had not seen before. This seems to be
the only event where we get a full range of V8s from 1932 to 1953. Daniel Powell
brought his 1932 Ford Model 18 Victoria along, the oldest V8 on the stand. Bob and
Val Lintott came along in their 1935 Model 48 Cabriolet. Already an immaculate car
Bob has now made many detailed improvements including a re-chromed radiator grille
which is a formidable task on this vehicle. The fuel tank has been renewed and the
vehicle is now reliable once again. The 1936 Model 68 Convertible Sedan owned by
John Clark is always kept in excellent condition by John. Top down it was in top
form. Terry and Cheryl Bridle arrived in their 1940 Model 01A Convertible. A really
nice car that is an asset to any show stand. All the way from Axminster in Devon
was Ian Dunn in his 1941 Mercury Coupe. Our lone representative of the Mercury brand
in fact on the stand. Ian keeps this car in fine condition and the run from Axminster
attests to it`s reliability. Into the post-war years now and Geoff and Sheila Smith
fielded their 1946 Ford Model 69A Coupe. Some recent electrical work has made this
a reliable touring car which over the years has attended most club events. We usually
get a good line up of V8 Pilots and this year was no exception. Richard and Carol
Savin`s V8 Pilot featured on the front cover of the V8 Telegraph, a car owned by
Richard and Carol for over thirty years. Chris Hawkins had the honour of the Mayor
of Basingstoke being photographed with his V8 Pilot, Chris ran down to Basingstoke
alongside our London Area Secretary Malcolm Cariven in his excellent Green example
which is already for the annual London to Brighton run. It was good to see the black
Pilot owned by Reg Watson from Reading on the stand. Secretary Bob Flint exhibited
his green V8 Pilot having driven from Poole in Dorset. We always seem to attract
members who have driven quite a journey to this rally but I think the longest distance
was driven by Midland Area Secretary Mick and Sally Gamble from Leicester, together
with relatives they had a car full but Mick reported that the car ran better than
ever! Our loan commercial representative this year was Gregg Shadbolt in his 1952
Fordson ET6 V8 Flatbed lorry. A superb vehicle personally restored by Gregg which
attracted quite a crowd of commercial vehicle fans. We were fortunate to get a couple
of 1950s USA built cars which are now rare in this country. The 1951 Ford Custom
Convertible owned by Rob and Rita Young one of only two in the club. Our Vice President
Stuart Wade arrived with fellow club member Guy Maylam in Stuart`s 1952 Ford Mainline
Sedan. This is a car Stuart imported last year and has spent all winter working on.
All suspension, engine and transmission have been overhauled and the interior refurbished
. The car as far as I know is the only one in the club, a car now brought back to
life by Stuart. This was the first major run for the car all the way from Kent with
the flathead V8 having been completely refurbished.
Other members visiting the stand were Colin and Valerie Schubert, Editor Andy Maclean
with son Alex, Robert Davey and Steven Owen.
There is so much to see at Basingstoke on the rest of the field. Commercial vehicles,
the rally being organised by the Thorneycroft Society, British and American cars,
motor-cycles, tractors and a full Auto-Jumble. A day I thoroughly recommend to all
members. There is also a nearby hotel should long distance travellers need one.
Your roving reporter
Chris Sanders.
