Classics at the Castle - Castle Halstead 15/09/2024
Porsche Club GB’s Classics at the Castle – A Legendary Day at Castle Halstead, 15th September 2024
On the 15th of September 2024, Classics at the Castle returns to the breathtaking Castle Halstead, promising to be a highlight of the year for Porsche enthusiasts and classic car lovers alike. Hosted by Porsche Club GB, this prestigious event will bring together the finest Porsches from across the decades in one stunning location. Whether you’re a proud owner, a collector, or simply a fan of iconic automotive design, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
A Celebration of Porsche’s Iconic Legacy
For over 70 years, Porsche has been at the forefront of automotive performance, design, and engineering, and Classics at the Castle will celebrate the brand’s rich heritage. The event promises to showcase a spectacular range of Porsche models, spanning from the early 356s of the 1950s to the air-cooled 911s of the 1970s, as well as more recent models that have defined Porsche’s evolution over the decades.
Visitors will be able to admire the sleek lines, powerful engines, and innovative engineering that have made Porsche one of the most iconic names in motoring. The show will feature not only classic street cars but also rare special editions and motorsport-inspired models that highlight Porsche's incredible racing pedigree.
A Stunning Venue: Castle Halstead
Castle Halstead, with its centuries-old history and picturesque surroundings, is the perfect setting for Classics at the Castle. The magnificent grounds offer a perfect blend of history and luxury, creating an elegant backdrop for the diverse array of Porsches that will be on display. The picturesque castle and manicured gardens provide an ideal environment to showcase the beauty and precision of Porsche vehicles, making it a truly special location for such an iconic event.
The expansive grounds will allow attendees to stroll leisurely from one pristine Porsche to the next, while soaking in the majestic views of the castle. With the stunning architecture of Castle Halstead as a backdrop, every corner of the event will feel like a picture-perfect moment.
A Fun-Filled Day for All
Beyond the cars, Classics at the Castle offers plenty of activities to ensure a memorable experience for every attendee. Porsche Club GB has organised a fantastic program of entertainment, delicious food stalls, some trade stands and a fantastic atmosphere.
For those with a competitive spirit, the event will feature a series of awards for the best Porsches on display. Categories like Best in Show, Best Restoration, and Best Classic Porsche will allow visitors to admire the incredible level of care and passion that goes into preserving and maintaining these incredible machines. The judging panel will include Porsche experts and club members, ensuring that the most deserving vehicles receive the recognition they deserve.
An Exclusive Gathering for Porsche Lovers
Classics at the Castle is more than just a car show—it’s an exclusive gathering of Porsche lovers. Members of Porsche Club GB will have the opportunity to connect, share stories, and celebrate their shared passion for the brand. The event serves as a reminder of the club’s enduring legacy and its commitment to preserving and promoting Porsche’s history.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips on restoration and maintenance, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of the Porsche family. Whether you're an active member or considering joining, Classics at the Castle provides a welcoming environment for anyone who loves Porsche.
Supporting Preservation and Heritage
Proceeds from the event will support Porsche Club GB’s ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of these remarkable vehicles. The club works tirelessly to promote the restoration and preservation of classic Porsches, and Classics at the Castle is an important fundraiser that will help further this mission. By attending, visitors are not only celebrating the present and future of Porsche but also ensuring that its past is preserved for generations to come.
Drone view of Classics at the Castle flying high above Hedingham Castle
Porsche 911Turbo Flachbau - widely known as a flat nose
Track focused 911 in this stunning red livery
Engine view of a stunning Singer 911
Close up Porsche’s powerful front headlights
Show and shine at Classics at the Castle with Hedingham Castle in the background
1997 Porsche 911 GT1 race car in the classic red and white livery
Porsche 911 Carera RSR Turbo in Martini racing livery
Stunning Singer reimagined Porsche 911
Simply Porsche 2024
Simply Porsche 2024
Greeted by the usual “you're not in a Porsche” as I roll into the show in a 330e, which seems to be the year-on-year greeting by the staff. After a quick bit of banter and explaine that I am taking pictures for TIPEC they do what they do every year and wave me on through…
The Simply Porsche event held at Beaulieu on the 2nd of June, 2024, once again showcased the timeless appeal and engineering excellence of the Porsche brand. Nestled in the scenic grounds of the National Motor Museum, this year’s event drew Porsche enthusiasts and car aficionados from across the country, offering a spectacular display of automotive craftsmanship and community spirit.
A Glorious Gathering
The event featured an impressive turnout, with over 800 Porsche vehicles displayed in a diverse array of models, spanning the brand's illustrious history. From the iconic 356s and the classic 911s to the modern-day 992s and electric Taycans, Simply Porsche provided a comprehensive showcase of Porsche’s evolution. Attendees were treated to an up-close experience with some of the rarest and most well-preserved models, highlighting the meticulous care and passion that Porsche owners invest in their vehicles.
Highlight Exhibits
Among the standout exhibits was a pristine 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, a model revered for its lightweight construction and racing pedigree. Another crowd favourite was a striking Porsche 918 Spyder, which garnered significant attention for its hybrid technology and stunning performance figures. Electric vehicles also had their moment, with the Porsche Taycan showcasing the brand’s commitment to sustainable performance, but we do know that Porsche is pulling back from the EV market and looking at more sustainable fuels.
Activities and Highlights
The day was packed with activities that catered to both die-hard Porsche fans and casual visitors. A key highlight was the Show and Shine, where owners proudly presented their vehicles for judging based on condition, originality, and presentation. The fierce competition reflected the high standards the Porsche community maintained.
Technical help, offering insights into Porsche maintenance, restoration, and performance upgrades from experienced club members and trade stand representatives from the Porsche Club of Great Britain and Porsche specialists, providing valuable knowledge for enthusiasts keen on preserving the legacy of their cars.
I was there as the Photographer for The Porsche Independent Owners Club (TIPEC), and every year I get to enjoy the show thanks to the invite from their chairman, Andy Harris.
Community and Enthusiast Spirit
Simply Porsche at Beaulieu was more than just a car show; it was a celebration of a shared passion. The camaraderie among attendees was palpable, with owners swapping stories, tips, and experiences. The presence of numerous Porsche clubs added to the community atmosphere, with club stands showcasing group projects and themed displays.
Families and children were also well catered for, with a range of activities including face painting, treasure hunts, and go-karting, ensuring that the event was enjoyable for all ages. Food and drink stalls provided a variety of options, from gourmet snacks to traditional British fare, ensuring that visitors could enjoy a full day out without having to leave the venue.
Vendor and Sponsor Presence
The event was well-supported by a range of vendors and sponsors, including leading names in the automotive industry. Stalls selling Porsche memorabilia, parts, and accessories did brisk business, while sponsors such as Michelin and Mobil 1 showcased their latest products and technologies tailored for Porsche vehicles. These interactions provided visitors with an opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and enhancements available for their cars.
Conclusion
Simply Porsche at Beaulieu on 2nd June 2024 was a resounding success, reaffirming its status as a must-attend event for Porsche enthusiasts. The combination of a stunning location, a wide variety of cars, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community made it a day to remember. As the sun set over the picturesque grounds of Beaulieu, attendees left with a sense of fulfilment and anticipation for next year’s gathering, where they will once again come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of Porsche.
This event not only highlighted the timeless appeal of Porsche vehicles but also underscored the enduring bond between the brand and its passionate fan base. Simply Porsche at Beaulieu remains a testament to the rich heritage and exciting future of one of the world’s most beloved automotive marques.
Till next year and god only knows what car I will turn up in for the 2025 event.
Take care and stay safe…
Scott
WestSide VW show 2022
Welcome to pictures and review from this years Westside 2022 for PVW Magazine
2022 will certainly be a year that so many people remember for all the things that have happened good or bad. Saying that as a United Kingdom I think we have had the proverbial kicked out of us over the last few years.
Very recently with the death of our beloved Queen, change of prime minister, and the war in Ukraine, it’s taken a heavy toll on people’s feelings and taken a hefty chunk out of our pockets.
Now that the Pandemic is well sort of over, restrictions relaxed and people are allowed out again, it has taught us all that friends and family are a stay in our lives.
With that said I have the tune from “cheers” the American comedy about a bar where the lyrics say…
“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came.
You want to be where you can see, our troubles are all the same, you want to be where everybody knows your name”… That’s exactly what Westside provide !!
For me, it’s one of the stars in my calendar that I try my best not to miss. Held at the Chalfont St Peters Cricket Club, Buckinghamshire it’s central for most people in the South of the country and it’s only an hour and ten minutes for me up the M4 corridor.
From a working perspective (photographer) it’s a bloody nightmare because every time I stop and take a picture, I bump into someone who I haven’t seen in either a year and this is where we get to catch up on what’s been going on in our lives or I get to see friends that I haven’t seen in years. A ten-minute chat can turn into 40 minutes.
Checking the weather over the few days leading up to the show it promised to be a sunny day, and it certainly delivered. British weather at its best, sunny blue skies but at the same time no so hot that it made you uncomfortable.
I arrived just before nine in the morning, excited to see the Westside lads again and to also see the quality of the metal on display. Already at that time, we had to queue, and the cricket ground was packed.
Guaranteed at this show there is the highest of standards and the variety of cars mainly German, with the odd bit of rice cake and some ooh la la (French cars if you don’t get the reference) to give some spice. High-end Lambo’s Bentleys and Porsches all graced the show. There was a good mix of old-school Mercedes mixed in with more modern BMWs.
There was a good attendance of Caddies, but I think the most popular where the old school Golfs ranging from the stunning Mk1’s, MK2’ a large selection of MK3’s now getting harder to find and of course, the MK4’s had a large presence, including me in my MK4 wagon. MK5’s, some pretty sorted MK6’s, 7’s, and 7.5 were also showing a strong attendance.
Catering this year was on point with burgers and BBQ chicken on offer, and even though there was a large attendance at the show I didn’t see large queue for each of the different caterers, showing their efficiency for the hungry crowds.
I just have to add that the in-house catering by the Westside guys did furnish the show ground air with spicy smells of dishes, and on more than one occasion I would salivate passing their “Kargo“(pot of chicken, onions & spices).
With so much to see and so many people to catch up with the day flew by, before I knew it the time was ticking on for four in the afternoon and the trophies were being given out. Time to depart before the onslaught of heavily modifies cars would once again start to filter onto the roads of the surrounding area.
Thank you Westside for a fantastic day, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to catch up with friends.
Until next year…
Scott.
INFORMATION: Carbon-Neutral Fuels (CNFs) - P1 Performance Fuels & Coryton
Carbon-Neutral Fuels (CNFs)
All text and information is taken from P1’s website to help promote CNF’s to a wider audience.
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For climate targets to be achieved, CO₂ emissions from traffic worldwide will have to be reduced by 50 percent over the next four decades, and by at least 85 percent in the advanced economies. Fossil-free and synthetic fuels from P1 provide automotive OEMs with a promising path to achieve significant GHG reductions while utilizing their internal combustion engine technologies. Such advances in fuel technology can make the internal combustion engine carbon neutral and thus sustainable.
Our product family of automotive fuels features various concentrations of renewable and synthetic content that meets international fuel regulations such as EN228 for EU or JIS for the Japanese markets.
Apart from our commercialized blends, we can deliver custom fuel blends based on your individual needs in very short lead times. We offer bespoke and white label solutions for oil companies from research and development through to fuel formulation and logistics.
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BTCC qualifying at Thruxton 27th August 2022
Getting an invite to Thruxton race circuit for the qualifying of the BTCC is always welcomed. A good friend of mine has promised me for a few months that we can get access to the paddock as well as meeting some of the drivers, so with that in mind, the car was packed early on a Saturday morning, and off we went.
Many years ago I use to watch the BTCC relentlessly but have lost touch over the last decade due to family life etc… The experience starts with the smell of petrol, the screeching of tires, and the roar of these fantastic machines.
One advantage of going with my friend Danny is that his daughter Daisey is also a massive fan. This makes getting the driver’s pictures and signatures far easier, not many will turn down giving a signature and a picture to a thirteen-year-old girl.
We parked up and headed for the paddock. 1st stop was to see Jason Plato at Rich Energy BTC Racing, partnering with Josh Cook and Jade Edwards in a Honda Civic Type R. Josh Cook claimed his tenth BTCC career victory at Thruxton as the Rich Energy BTC Racing star ended a challenging mid-season run on a high at his favorite circuit.
I am a huge fan of Porsche cars, so it was great to be able to see the track-ready Porsches in the paddocks but obviously not taking part in the BTCC.
We had a good look at the APEC RACING WITH BEAVIS MORGAN. Managed to get a few pictures. Not a massive BMW fan but it was nice to observe CAR GODS WITH CICELEY MOTORSPORT
After running around the paddock for a while we headed out to the track. The weather was scorching and with no shade, it was pretty difficult to get comfy. Saying that it must have been so hot for the drivers in their racing gear, helmets, and heat given off by the cars.
All in all a great day, with good friends. Let’s now see if I can get a photography gig at this venue in the future.
Regards
Scott
Full race results of round 24 of the 2022 British Touring Car Championship from Thruxton.
1 Josh Cook Rich Energy BTC Racing Honda Civic Type R
2 Colin Turkington Team BMW BMW 330e M Sport
3 Stephen Jelley Team BMW BMW 330e M Sport
4 Rory Butcher Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Toyota Corolla
5 Ashley Sutton Napa Racing UK Ford Focus ST
6 Daniel Rowbottom Halfords Racing with Cataclean Honda Civic Type R
7 Tom Ingram EXCELR8 Motorsport Hyundai I30N
8 Michael Crees CarStore with Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra
9 Gordon Shedden Halfords Racing with Cataclean Honda Civic Type R
10 Dan Cammish NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus ST
11 Dan Lloyd EXCELR8 Motorsport Hyundai I30N
12 Jake Hill ROKiT MB Motorsport BMW 330e M Sport
13 Ricky Collard Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Toyota Corolla
14 Ollie Jackson Apec Racing with Beavis Morgan Ford Focus ST
15 Jack Butel EXCELR8 Motorsport Hyundai I30N
16 Tom Chilton EXCELR8 Motorsport Hyundai I30N
17 Ash Hand Car Store with Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra
18 Aron Taylor-Smith Yazoo with Safuu.com Racing Cupra Leon
19 Dexter Patterson Laser Tools Racing Infiniti Q50
20 Tom Oliphant Team HARD Cupra Leon
21 Jade Edwards Rich Energy BTC Racing Honda Civic Type R
22 Rick Parfitt Team HARD Infiniti Q50
23 Bobby Thompson Yazoo with Safuu.com Racing Cupra Leon
23 Adam Morgan Car Gods with Ciceley Motorsport BMW 330e M Sport
25 Jason Plato Rich Energy BTC RacingHonda Civic Type R
26 Aiden Moffat Laser Tools RacingInfiniti Q50
27 Nicolas Hamilton Yazoo with Safuu.com Racing Cupra Leon
28 George Gamble Car Gods with Ciceley Motorsport BMW 330e M Sport
29 Sam Osborne Apec Racing with Beavis Morgan Ford Focus ST
Jade Edwards with Josh Cook before qualifying
Tim Harvey BTCC legendary racing driver
Jack Butel giving his signature to Daisy.
Simply Porsche - Beaulieu 2022
Jubilee weekend was here, and like many I took the entire week off. The time to step back a little and relax with the long weekend fast approaching.
The Jubilee celebrations I attended were fantastic, an organised event in the little town of Mortimer where there was fair, a stage with bands and most of all, lots of beer tents all finished off with fireworks and the renditions of God Save the Queen”. What a fantastic end to an extra special and extended weekend….
…but wait there was still something special to do on the Sunday, and that was to go and experience my first Simply Porsche at Beaulieu. Not only was I attending the event, but I would be taking pictures for “The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts club”.
Sunday morning came, the cameras were packed and me and a friend (James) grabbed a quick cup of coffee before venturing out into the dull and gloomy weather. The run down to Beaulieu would take an hour and there was hope that the weather would break and stay dry for the show.
As we got to the New Forest we started to see the odd Porsche here and there, but as we got closer the pronounced roar of a flat six engine was heard time and time again, the excitement of what to expect started to build and our enthusiasm for what lay head started to grow.
Arriving at the show, the weather had improved so the need for an umbrella or raincoat was thankfully not needed although filtering with the other cars in a Skoda Superb, we did have the odd funny look, but as we approached the entrance and showed the gate staff our wrist bands, they were very polite and helpful in guiding us through the gates and giving us directions of where to park up.
Now, I am not a Porsche owner, and it has taken me an age to come around to all of my friend’s way of thinking about the beloved Porsches we were there to see, and once you emerge into the sights, the sounds, and the smell of all things Porsche, I was like a kid in a sweet shop.
First things first though… we made contact with Andy Harris, found the TIPEC Gazebo where we were greeted by smiles and warmth along with another cup of lovely coffee and some very special shortbread biscuits. Briefing done, and it was time to explore with camera in hand.
The various clubs and stands all had lots of lovely owners who were willing to chat about their cars, everyone I spoke to were pleasant and welcoming. As a photographer I try and get the best angles for my pictures, sometimes I have to get up close to the cars for detailed shots and owners were very encouraging when asked if I could get that little bit closer to their pride and joy.
The out-and-out quality and care of these machines is only replicated by the enthusiasm of their owners. Coming from the VW scene of 30 odd years to a more mature and sophisticated atmosphere was encouraging. It was nice to see the odd “hoonigan” every now and again though on either starting their engines or on the road trip on our way back home.
The variety at Simply Porsche of old verses new, verses petrol verses electric, there was so much to see. I am a real sucker for the old Porsche 356 and there were quite a few at this event.
A stunning baby blue one on the main parade into Beaulieu on chrome Fuchs alloys, then further along on the back row near the ruins a dark red or wine coloured one that caught my eye. The lady owner was extremely proud of her car and expressed how she had tried to keep the little Porsche as original and authentic as possible.
Moving back slightly through the rear fields, lots of EV’s and 992 touring’s were out for all to admire. Quite large compared to their older generations, but still brought admiring looks from other owners and attendees.
Moving further back we came upon what could only be one of the best-looking cars at the show, a black 356 straight out of what looked like the first top gun movie. The car was flawless, the paint deep, the leather sumptuous and the chrome as bright as any I have ever seen. It was quite hard to get a clear spot to get pictures of this beauty as it was attracting so much attention.
Moving through the rest of the hordes of 991’s, 996’s GT2’s, GT3’s, Carrera’s and Carrera-S’s there was just so much to see and take pictures of.
I do have to give a quick shout-out to another older Gentleman driver (yes a 356 owner in silver) who kept me talking well over 30 minutes of his adventures of him in his many cars and rally’s that he had been on.
Once the work had been completed it was time for a little downtime, where James and I visited the museum, had a good old look at the “no time to die” cars, some that were in quite a bad state from the film to be fair. It was lovely to revisit the museum after a good absence, seeing new and familiar cars that were seen in my childhood, my youth and now… well let’s just say my more mature years.
The World of Top Gear, was as popular as ever showing the cars that Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond used during their time on the show, although now they were in the company of the newer generation of custom racing tractor and 4x4 ice cream van.
Time had come where members and attendees were leaving, thanks were given to those on the TIPEC stand and we joined the queue to exit. The drive home was quite spirited with windows down listening to the endless burble of flat-six engines that just made the hairs on the back of your head stand on end…
Until next time…
Edited using photoshop for a more dramatic look from the original image
Edited using photoshop for a more dramatic look from the original image
SUPERCAR SATURDAY WITH THE DRIVERS UNION & H.R. OWEN LAMBORGHINI
A cold wintery day and I am planning on where I can acquire some content for my next photoshoot. Content for an automotive photographer is key in keeping a portfolio fresh. A friend of mine from the VW modified car scene, recently purchased himself a gorgeous Lamborghini and its been on the card for me to go shoot his car for a little while.
On chatting to Amit (@amit_de5ai) he tells me that the car is going in for a wrap soon so the car isn’t available for a photo shoot, but he may be able to get me to attend an event with The Drivers Union who are holding a supercar Saturday at H.R. Owen Lamborghini / Maserati in North Acton, London. Amit made the call to the organiser Syeed, and I was given the green light.
So the equipment was cleaned, charged and made ready for Saturday morning. On arriving I was welcomed with the SV Roadster you see in the first image. a very rare car and very loud. The car is stunning in the flesh, spotless and is the owners absolute pride and joy.
There were a stunning array of new school and old school Lamborghinis on show, along with a peppering of Ferrari’s and a McLaren. H.R. Owen and their staff were very welcoming, they allowed those in attendance to just wonder into the workshop and have a good old gander at what a high performance workshop looks and feels like. The place is spotless and very clinical !!
There was no restriction on what we were allowed to take images of and this was very refreshing. Catering was on site from The Dining Room and their breakfast bun was absolutely stunning. I don’t think I have ever had a breakfast bun that was so fresh, tasty and just a delight on the taste buds. If you get the chance to taste their menu then you will want to go back for more.
So I made some new friends, enjoyed great food, took pictures of stunning cars, and the great hospitality by The Drivers Union and H.R. Owen, was a perfect way to spend a Saturday in November.
I look forward to the next event, check back for more soon.
Scott.
HEIKE'S 600+ BHP GOLF R32 MONSTER !!
So there she is …. My addiction
Lovingly called Blue_thing -- I know naming a car is a bit corny but who hasn’t got a secret name for theirs right.
The car is a Mk5 R32 originally modified and turbo converted by MTM (Motoren Technik Mayer) tuning currently running a Gtx3076R turbo with upgraded m spec core from Owen Developments at ~600HP with headroom for more in the future. Controlled by Syvecs S6 ECU with Bluetooth controller connected to a mini iPad as display in the cab. Modified front end to accommodate HGP intercoolers.
Photo’s: morganvw1
Words: Heike Sprote
So there she is …. My addiction
Lovingly called Blue_thing -- I know naming a car is a bit corny but who hasn’t got a secret name for theirs right.
The car is a Mk5 R32 originally modified and turbo converted by MTM (Motoren Technik Mayer) tuning currently running a Gtx3076R turbo with upgraded m spec core from Owen Developments at ~600HP with headroom for more in the future. Controlled by Syvecs S6 ECU with Bluetooth controller connected to a mini iPad as display in the cab. Modified front end to accommodate HGP intercoolers.
I didn’t set out to buy an R32, in fact, I wasn’t even looking. I was after a cheap run around car for work, which got me introduced to Andy from Storm Developments and I ended up buying a modified Golf GTI (yes I know hardly a cheap run around but it drove lovely). A few weeks later I got to see and test drive the R32 and I quickly exchanged the GTI.
The 32 came with MTM turbo conversion, a modified gearbox, blue Haldex controller, ECU with custom map, forget engine, forged air intake, custom build front brakes, wingback seats, and Bilstein B14 suspension set up and 19”BBS CH-R rims.
The plan has always been to keep the car happy and reliable underperformance, as well as to maintain as much as possible of the original work done by MTM.
Over the years of ownership, a lot has been changed, tried, tested, re-changed, and upgraded. It took me over a year to admit that the 18” wheels helped with a better ride –(I like the big wheel look).
We went thru the typical time of finding weak points where work was needed and carried out. Although frustrating at the time it is part of owning a modified car and pushing it far beyond the limits of what it was intended for.
She is not a show queen but I have and will continue to enjoy meets and car shows and cannot wait to see everyone and their cars again.
Current specs include:
Forget engine with Supertech valve train and cylinder head,
Carrillo rods,
Wossner pistons,
Porsche injectors
Gtx 3076R turbo with a m spec core from Owen Developments
Syvecs S6 ECU with Bluetooth module and switchable maps
MTM inlet manifold
HGP upgraded DSG clutch kit
HGP intercoolers
Upgraded Transmission cooler
RAM air intake
Blue Haldex controller
8 -pot Audi front brake calipers with RS3 disks
Audi rs3 hubs
Audi RS3 rear brakes
HD TTRS top mounts
Adjustable lower arms super pro kit
Rear anti rollbar
Decat Milltek exhaust system
Bilstein b16 adjustable suspension set up
Neuspeed RSe 12 wheels 18x8.5x112
Carbon back wingback seats
Upgraded stereo and speaker system
I am far from finished and plans for next year include Water-meth set up for cooling and HAVING FUN.
A “BIG” thank you to Andy and the team from Storm Developments who guided me and never seem to get tired of my constant questions in the aim to learn more.
Also thanks to the rest of the “Storm family” for always being there.
If you see me out give me a wave.
BIG LOVE
Heike
MITCH
Mitch’s 2006 BMW E91 330D Project
So where to start? After being an avid VW lover for many years, I felt that it was time to have a bit of a change and dip my toes into something I have never worked on and seeing as I have always loved BMWs it was only fair to give it a go …. although it wasn’t straight into the wagon I have today.
My first venture into the BMW life was in the shape of an E46 Compact – a car I hated with a passion but meant I could save up some money to spend on my Mk3 Golf project. The car served its purpose and got me from A-B. When it was time to step up and get something else a nice E91 320D turned up however it wasn’t meant to last – just a month later a lorry tyre exploded next to me on the M40 and damaged the car enough for the insurance company to pay me out to get it fixed myself …... something I was not interested in doing. That’s when the 330D was found, a quick visit to a local car garage and a test drive later I had my heart set, the car had as many extras I could have hoped for; heated leather, ice cold aircon, auto xenon headlights as well as the full glass panoramic sunroof! With the price negotiated I just had to wait till the weekend to collect.
E91 BMW ESTATE:
Photo’s: morganvw1
Words: Mitch Tyler
Mitch’s 2006 BMW E91 330D Project
So where to start? After being an avid VW lover for many years, I felt that it was time to have a bit of a change and dip my toes into something I have never worked on and seeing as I have always loved BMWs it was only fair to give it a go …. although it wasn’t straight into the wagon I have today.
My first venture into the BMW life was in the shape of an E46 Compact – a car I hated with a passion but meant I could save up some money to spend on my Mk3 Golf project. The car served its purpose and got me from A-B. When it was time to step up and get something else a nice E91 320D turned up however it wasn’t meant to last – just a month later a lorry tyre exploded next to me on the M40 and damaged the car enough for the insurance company to pay me out to get it fixed myself …... something I was not interested in doing. That’s when the 330D was found, a quick visit to a local car garage and a test drive later I had my heart set, the car had as many extras I could have hoped for; heated leather, ice cold aircon, auto xenon headlights as well as the full glass panoramic sunroof! With the price negotiated I just had to wait till the weekend to collect.
With the car safely in my hands it was time to start actually planning what I wanted from it, I had been talking with friends that air ride was a must on my next car as it had to stay practical for work and I was fed up of coilovers and years scraping the floor in lowered VW’s. While I saved up to get the air ride I found a set of BMW Style 132 wheels to chuck on it and ditch the standard wheels, in the end, I had 9 of these so that I was able to run 10j on all four corners...because why not! In the meantime, after being bombarded with FB adverts over and over a set of full coverage diamond car mats were purchased, I wanted something a little different than just normal car mats and these fit the bill just nicely. As with most of my cars from the past few years a large screen head unit was installed, having a full size map and access to Spotify is a must these days and this is how the car stayed for a couple of months until early 2020 when the air ride was purchased, while not as sophisticated as the digital systems these days it suited my budget nicely with the option to upgrade in the future.
Fitting the air was relatively straightforward with the help of a very good mate and his boss allowing me use of the workshop, without their help the car would never have been done in one day! An early start saw us with the car on a ramp and the wheels off, old suspension off and new struts fitted. The airlines run in a funny way due to the manual switches but after a few hours all of the bags were plumbed in. The wiring wasn’t up to the normal standard leaving the workshop so was completely redone with uprated fuses and a cleaner look. Time came to get some air in the tank, the compressor sprang into action and within a few mins shut back off, confirming that all was wired correctly, and the pressure switch was doing its job. The only leak was from one of the gauges where I hadn't put any sealant!! Now comes the problem …. the car was sitting on the Style 132, 10j all round, rears went on without any issues at all.... the fronts however hit the new struts – an oversight that I had not even thought about!! A call to another mate had him collecting my standard wheels and delivering them to me 50miles up the road. Standard wheels fitted without an issue and the car was finally off the ramp. A quick test drive to make sure that everything felt ok and it was home time – after the long day it was time for a pint and celebrate the lad’s birthdays!
So, with the issues of the 132’s not fitting, even after testing the original fronts which were 9J and seeing that they poked out of the arch too far it was on the hunt for a new set of wheels. After speaking to a friend with an E46 touring we came to an agreement that if his old wheels fit then we would discuss a price. When I dropped into my local tyre place to get them to help fitting the wheels (it was heavily raining at the time) even other customers said how good it looked sitting on the new wheels, a phone call later and the money was paid! The car was ready for the trip up to Caffeine & Machine that weekend.
It was shortly after this that the Covid-19 pandemic hit and everything ground to a halt, luckily, I had ordered the new front grills a week or so before the full lockdown and these arrived a few days later. Next on the lockdown purchase list was a set of side skirts and a set of rear bumper extensions from Maxton Designs who were still shipping items, with these fitted everything was going well, the car was sitting nicely but never sat as low as I wanted it, also the paint on both the front and rear bumpers was rubbish to say the least. The choice was made that instead of repairing the standard bumpers again a new set would be a better starting point, the hunt then started to find a new front bumper that was in better condition than mine (not difficult) and also a rear Msport bumper – neither were actually that easy to find as most either had damage or were the wrong colour. Then one night after a trip out I thought I would have a quick search before bed, the first thing to pop up on my feed was a front bumper in good condition and the seller was willing to ship …. ding …. purchase made! The rear bumper then cropped up from a breaker who I had been speaking to and he messaged me telling me it was held for me.
Both bumpers went on within a few weeks of each other as lockdown stopped any parts collections for a little while and I fell back in love with the car again. Sitting back and looking at the car one evening up at the lad's lockup I just wasn’t happy that the front bumper was lacking so the front splitter was ordered, again a Maxton part to complete the lower sections of the car.
Fitting the front lip meant that the bumper had to come off the car, holes drilled and the 14x m6 nuts and bolts fed through, hopefully with that much metal holding it together it's not going to come off any time soon! The front still bugged me though as it just didn’t sit that low for something on air compared to others in the group, this had to be rectified and after a bit of research, a set of camber top mounts were sourced. Fitting was straight forward with me only dropping 2 bolts down into the undertray 😀 with the new top mounts being a third of the size of the standard mounts the car now sits almost exactly how I want it, a few more tweaks will see it sitting just right.
So, with most bits done now there are just a few things left on the outstanding list, sort out the rear so it sits a little lower to match the fronts, build something to correctly hold the air ride switches and gauges, move the compressor to hide it under the boot floor and then I may start to look at the audio to upgrade the speakers, but for now, I plan on just enjoying the car and planning a few other changes. As with most people I have built the car to enjoy it and hopefully get over to Europe for a couple of shows that I have been planning to go to for years
Spec
Engine
EGR Delete
Mapped ECU
Exterior
Roof rails removed
Pre-LCI front bumper with Maxton Design lower splitter
Lower grills painted gloss black
Msport rear bumper with Maxton rear extensions
Maxton Design side skirts
M4 style front grille
Interior
Xtrons 9” touchscreen head unit
Diamond Car Mats full coverage floor mats
Center console & Dashboard trims covered with suede
Full LED bulb upgrade
AirRideSystems air tank and compressor in boot
Wheels
Work Emotion 18x 8.5j fronts, 9.5j rear
15mm spacers all round
Suspension
AirRideSystems manual air ride setup
Front camber top mounts
CHAR MARIE
Char (Charlotte) from West Berkshire, 27 years young, Admin for South Meets & I am the proud owner of a 2.0 TFSI MK6 Golf R that is currently running 420bhp. The R has had around £12K (if not more) spent on mods from the showroom, some of which was done before my ownership. It is a Shadow Blue R currently mapped to Stage 2+ running on an uprated TTE420 Turbocharger with REVO High Flow Intake, RS3 Intake Fuel Pump, RS4 Fuel Pressure Valve, Sach Racing Clutch with Single Mass Flywheel.
It also has a Full Milltek Decat Exhaust System. It has the setup ready for meth injection I just need to put the tank in the boot. The Wingback Racing Bucket Seats were an optional extra from factory but in all honesty, it was the seats that drew me in. I have had the rear end of the car wrapped to create a two-tone contrast effect, it not to everyone’s taste but I absolutely love the colours together, changed the standard VW alloys to Bola B17s but she normally runs on 19” Borbet Y’s with R888 tyres (alloys are currently being refurbished) and I have added a few visual mods i.e. MAXTON rear diffuser and front splitter.
MK6 GOLF R 420BHP
Photo’s: morganvw1
Words: Char Marie
Char (Charlotte) from West Berkshire, 27 years young, Admin for South Meets & I am the proud owner of a 2.0 TFSI MK6 Golf R that is currently running 420bhp. The R has had around £12K (if not more) spent on mods from the showroom, some of which was done before my ownership. It is a Shadow Blue R currently mapped to Stage 2+ running on an uprated TTE420 Turbocharger with REVO High Flow Intake, RS3 Intake Fuel Pump, RS4 Fuel Pressure Valve, Sach Racing Clutch with Single Mass Flywheel.
It also has a Full Milltek Decat Exhaust System. It has the setup ready for meth injection I just need to put the tank in the boot. The Wingback Racing Bucket Seats were an optional extra from factory but in all honesty, it was the seats that drew me in. I have had the rear end of the car wrapped to create a two-tone contrast effect, it not to everyone’s taste but I absolutely love the colours together, changed the standard VW alloys to Bola B17s but she normally runs on 19” Borbet Y’s with R888 tyres (alloys are currently being refurbished) and I have added a few visual mods i.e. MAXTON rear diffuser and front splitter.
My ideal plans for the R is that I would like to strip out the rear seats and have a boot build around the meth tank once it’s in, Forge the engine, upgrade to a TTE480 Turbo & Stage 3 Remap, but at the moment I’m happy with how it runs and the power it puts down... for now anyway.
This is my fourth car in the last 8 years, I started off with a little 1.4 VW MK4 Golf, then due to travelling for work I moved to a 1.9 TDI AUDI A3, but after about a year of ownership, I blew the turbo up. This mishap made me fall back in love with VW so I went onto a 2.0 MK6 GTD which I owned for around 2/3 years before coming across the R, I fell in love with the MK6 shape and it seemed as though the R was like gold dust once the MK7 came out so I made it my mission to own one.
I am an Admin for South Meets (you can find us on Facebook and Instagram) we are always holding Meets and attending shows and would happily welcome any new members or if you just want to come along for a nosey and a chat. Unfortunately, I haven’t entered the R into any competitions yet as I wanted to work on it visually first, but she will definitely be put forward for a few when car show season starts again. I will be attending TRAX in the R this year so if you see me or have any questions please come say hi! My ideal dream car would have to be a Nissan GT-R.
Westside 2019
Attending this year was initially difficult when faced with throwing the warm bedclothes off as the rain beats down on the roof of the house and against the windows. The one thing in the back of my mind is that this show delivers on the quality of the cars and in atmosphere. Could the wind and the rain stop me from dragging out the R32 from its slumber in the garage…. Nope.
A lot of the shows within the season are quite big and you can arrange to meet up with a friend but get carried away with the gleam and sparkle of newly prepared German automotive heaven and get separated from those you are attending with.
When mother nature (not gender-neutral) decides she wants to rain, not even the Westside VW gents can persuade her not to, no matter how charming they are.
Their yearly show was in my calendar and come hell or literally high water I was told it was going to go ahead. I am a regular attendee of this show, as a regular show-goer, and as an Automotive photographer when the call comes.
Attending this year was initially difficult when faced with throwing the warm bedclothes off as the rain beats down on the roof of the house and against the windows. The one thing in the back of my mind is that this show delivers on the quality of the cars and in atmosphere. Could the wind and the rain stop me from dragging out the R32 from its slumber in the garage…. Nope.
A lot of the shows within the season are quite big and you can arrange to meet up with a friend but get carried away with the gleam and sparkle of newly prepared German automotive heaven and get separated from those you are attending with.
Not so with the Westside VW show as it’sh eld in the grounds of Chalfont St Peters Cricket Club. The grounds are ample to host the usual flurry of cars that attend, although it can get quite hectic when the weather is good. There are a handful of traders to spend your cash on, good food, and good music but above all is the friendly atmosphere that resonates throughout.
So, the R32 was fires up, and a quick coat of Rain-X on the windows to help maintain my vision while running up and down the motorways was a must. Should I have spent a bit of time cleaning the old girl considering the company she would be in, well yes but I decided I would do that when I was at the show.
I arrived at 10:30 am at the cricket ground and the show was well underway. Lots of cars, lots of clubs and plenty of people to fill the venue and although at the time a little overcast, it was nice to walk around and get to bump into so many familiar faces. For those of us who have been part of the VW / VAG scene for well over 20 years, this show has an abundance of fellow” boys and girls” who have put in the time just as I have.
The R32 Owners club were in attendance with a high number of cars. Tom Davies showing off his newly painted red R32 and there was a good mix or MK4 and MK5 R32’s to keep fans interested.
Walking along the lines of cars that were on show, I always come back to Ben Anson’s M50-swapped BMW E21. It’s sat on Air Lift suspension which drops the car lovely onto a set of BBS RS. Now I am not a massive lover of the BMW fraternity, but perhaps it’s the colour, the stance or just the car as a complete package that draws me and my camera back to take pictures at every show I see it at.
On the flip side to this, I am a huge fan of the MK7 Golf. This was ingrained into me after visiting Reuben Gata-Aura at Tuningwerkes in Croydon. Reuben and I have been friends now for more years than some of the younger lads and lasses in the scene have been alive which is a scary thought. I went to see him to get the R32 mapped, and while I was at his workshop I spotted that he had taken delivery of his MK7. Other than a set of decent alloys, suspension and a little bit of graphic on the car it was fairly standard. There was no hesitation from Rueben in giving me the keys to go for a little cruise around Croydon. The car certainly didn’t fail to put a smile on my face. Ever since I have been a huge fan.
Seeing Alex Lamberts stunning Grey MK7 club sport only makes the urge more intents, I really want to get one to add to the collection. In my head if I was going to modify a MK7, then I think it would be very similar to what he has done to his. I do like my Air Ride though,so I think I would need that on mine instead of being static. Perhaps that’s just because age has surely started to catch me up
VW Caddy’s are always good to see and there were two very good examples present. Toby Green stunning green Caddy was one of the winners at this year’s show. I do have a longing for a Caddy and generally love to look at the detail that is put into these commercial vehicles.
The detail on Toby’s Caddy from the S3 callipers to the green stitching on the leather interior shows the dedication he has to this awesome show winner. Saying that I know he has just purchased a well-known retro Passat to start to play with, so the Caddy may well be something someone could purchase if he requires more funds to push that project along.
A couple of friends picked up prizes at the show. Danny Birch picked up Best MK5 for his blue MK5 R32 on BBS and Shannon Saunders picked up a prize for best Polo at the show.
The usual amount of expensive metal was on show from retro Porsche’s, Audi Quatro’s, expensive Mercedes and BMW’s. All with varying amounts of customisation from the simple wheels and air ride to full customisation in the form of a custom wrap and interior etc.
One car that did defiantly stand out from the crowd when the bonnet was removed, and for a change its not German, but a good old car from Blighty was an original style red Mini. The amount of work that has gone into this build is immense. I kid you not I must have walked around this car 7-8 times and every time I would see something different.
If it’s not the custom-made door mirror housings, the lavish amount of carbon fibre in the cockpit to the digital race dials, the car just has so much character !!
Whatever your persuasion is when it comes to modifying cars be it German, Jap or these days even a few Tesla’s, you can appreciate the time effort and money that have gone into creating someone’s pride and joy.
The heaven did open up later on in the day about half one in the afternoon, and boy did it chuck it down. After a good 30 mins or so of sitting in the car waiting for the rain to pass, the relief of knowing that the R32 if called upon would utilise its four-wheel drive.
With a break in the showers to allow the presentations of the prizes to take place, it was announced over the PA system that prizes would now start to be awarded for the different show and sine categories. So it was a quick dash over to the main building to snap the winners.
Just after we had finished with the prize-giving mother nature returned with yet more showers and many like myself made the decision to call it a day
Thank you again to the Westside guys and girls for putting on a cracking show (whatever the weather) and let’s hope the tyres on the grass of the cricket ground didn’t cause too much damage as I know it was quite waterlogged on leaving the grounds.
If you have not yet been to the WestSide show, please put next year’s date in your diary, you won’t be disappointed.
See you all next year.
Scott.
STRAIGHT OUTTA KEMPTON 2018
Show and shine area in full swing
So we all have that “friend” the one who is taller, younger, and fitter and to top it off has a cleaner car. Now a lot of this is down to my own doing, okay I can’t help being born in the 70’s but my ever growing waist line is in direct competition with my brain screaming at it to eat chocolate.
So naturally, when it came to meeting up for a convoy to run up the M3 to Straight out of Kempton, Tom (that friend) had cleaned his car, hoovered it, and was at the M3 services before me…
So after a quick chit chat, it was off on the M3 to go catch up with the rest of the R32 gang. Tom has a newly installed set of sports cats on his R32 so it sounds bloody awesome under load. It’s always a pleasure to sit behind him and listen when he opens the old girl up for a little excitement.
We (myself the E1K - vw enthusiasts club) catch up at the local supermarket for some coffee with the rest of the crowd, I think there were close to 15 R32’s in all. A quick inspection of each other’s cars and then we set off for what has become a staple event in most people’s diaries.
#St8outakepton is in its 2nd year now and Aaron (organiser) likes to change this up each year to keep the show fresh and current. Over the last few years the show has seen good weather and on this weekend it wasn’t going to be any different.
So we had a short queue to get in and just before entering we had to show our tickets to Aarons Mrs, I think she wears the trousers as she was on ticket and security detail LOL. Also, we were presented with a flyer as we entered by Aaron’s daughter, who I think is the cutest and most polite little girl ever. After receiving my flyer I said thank you, and was told “you’re very welcome”. As a dad myself your heart just melts.
So enough of the heart-tugging nonsense, on to “man stuff”!! Well sort of, that nagging voice of Tom and "aint you going to clean your car" became all too familiar.
Now I have never been a show and shine pony, cars are for driving and driving hard when the opportunity arises and of course if safe to do so. “BUT” as I am on the R32 stand with the rest of the gang a little bit of effort is a must.
So after the begrudgingly cleaning the car, and having messy hands, I try my best to clean them off before touching the camera and the lenses. Settings on the camera done, filter on, battery fully and memory card formatted and in camera. Right, let’s get to work.
So the layout of the show has changed a little this year. The main stage and PA system was towards the top of the showground, with the show and shine located in front of the stage and the surrounding area. Internally you had some traders and a lot of stunning show cars, from Mustangs, vintage Peugeot GTi’s, MK3 Golfs, 5 series BMW’s and plenty more to fill your eyes.
External to this was another section full of stunning metal and plenty of space to show them off. That’s one thing I do love about this show, is that cars can “scene park” to show them off to their full advantage. Far too many shows have cars parked in row after row, yes I do realise there has to be some order but from a blogging and photography side of things, its far more interesting for the pictures to have cars in the background and a decent backdrop compared to a lovely looking car squeezed into a gap between two other cars. This for me is just a nightmare to shoot because it limits my creative nature.
There was a good selection of cars from other manufacturers this year. A strong Jap attendance, it was really good to get an insight into their world. A very large contingent of BMW’s, some stunning Old school Mercedes, some very annoying new Mercedes owners and some American muscle and Chrysler 300 large things. Not my cup of tea but then someone has to own them I suppose LOL.
The elephant in the room unfortunately was that Players Classic had moved its dates to the same weekend as this show. That said though there was a huge amount of support for the show. Yes, there were a few open spaces that could have been filled, but the show drew in its key audience and most definitely succeeded. Speaking to Aaron after the show had finished via FB messenger he was happy with the turnout and how the show has progressed.
I am of the same opinion, a show of this size and popularity can sometimes have a hump in the road on the way to sweet success. I for one will be supporting the show long into the near future and there are many who share my enthusiasm not only for the show but also for the effort Aaron and the team go to, to get such an event this popular is such a short time.
If you have yet to dip your toe into the calm waters of Straight out of Kempton, book some time in your diary for next year.
Regards
Scott.
ELITE 1000 (E1K) - DUBS AT THE PARK 2018:
Another show and another club stand for Elite 1000 (E1K) . The obligatory rubbish weather was not forecast for May this year BUT for the weekend of Dubs at the Park it had turned a little colder, year on year though the climate in and around the Easthampstead Park Conference Centre always seems to pull through.
Last year I attended in jeans a t-shirt and a jumper and some timberland boots. The weather got hot very quickly and I spent a very uncomfortable day crouching in front of cars with the camera. I think at one point I returned to the Elite 1000 stand with the other members and took my boots and socks off just to air myself out LOL.
So with this in mind, I took the precaution of packing a set of cargo shorts in case the weather did its usual trick of catching me unawares.
The shout was made via social media about a week before the show to the organisers and a stand was agreed.
Now, this show is right on my doorstep and I have been an attendee for quite a few years. In all honesty, there are never any big surprises. We know the show, we know the venue and we know exactly what we will get…. And what is that you ask for those who have not attended?
Well, you get a show with a very friendly atmosphere. The organisers can’t do enough to help accommodate. They are friendly and helpful and want to maintain the reputation of a show where no matter the level of modification of your “Dub” from subtle to highly modified it’s welcome.
Kids play in the fountain, adults chat and catch up with friends, BBQs, and gas stoves are aplenty and it’s nice to just sit and chill with cub members and new found friends.
If there was a show to compare it to I would say it’s very similar in feel to Stonor in Henley on Thames. I'll let you into a secret...I think the air-cooled lot have a big influence on this. Generally, they are a lot cooler and a lot more chilled out that the water cooled cousins ( I am one of these) and I think it rubs off on the show goers.
It’s lovely to hear children play, dogs bark and generally people laughing and enjoying themselves.
My only gripe this year was someone with a very loud stereo system, dropping base and making people’s lives in the lower field a misery. If that’s what you’re into my friend, go take your car to “tracks or fast car live shows”. Does it have a place at this show? I would say not.
So another year has past and the show remains a sable date in the calendar. Show your support for a cracking show and if you haven’t been yet… What are you waiting for?
See you next year.
Scott.
The London Cartel Early Showdown 25/03/2018
Last minute.com is what this was... I had considered going earlier in the week, but there were a few things at home needed sorting with the house move, etc. that looked to keep me busy. But an opening occurred so off to London town I went.
Arriving in North London to the famous Ace Cafe is always a pleasure. I didn't park in the car park due to me knowing there would be places that had been pre-paid for this event, so I hid the R32 under the arches out of the way.
The event was bustling already on my arrival. I got there about twenty past five and the car park was starting to fill. I had a quick chat with Sanjiv and some of the London Cartel gang and of course Mark Wilsmore (owner of the Ace).
Once the entertainment was set up and the music started, Sanjiv was on the mike as always giving his own unique running commentary.
Lots of variety of different cars / vans on display. High end BMW's lots of VW & Audi's. Some cool old school Fords and a couple of Japanese drift cars. Oh and we can’t forget about that V8 Ford Popular hot rod.
The guys at London Cartel again pulled off a brilliant mini show. How they find the time with their London Cartel International Auto Show which takes place on the 19.08.2018 is anyone’s guess.
If the London runs and the events that they have put on to date are anything to go by their Auto show will be immense.
See you guys / girls soon.
Scott.
Cars & Coffee Hosted by Regal Autosport // Pride & Performance
Early morning car cleaning.
Zero temperatures… Snow blizzards… Hang on are we not going into spring? With this in mind, I knew I had to get up the next morning and wash the crud off the car from where I took it down the country lanes to go get it serviced at A & T Motors.
Waking up on Saturday morning it didn’t seem that cold outside. Boy was I wrong. I think it has to be one of the quickest washes the old girl has had. Although I did manage to do a Facebook live video. It was that cold that the water was actually freezing on the car as I was washing her.
So car washed, now it was time to rally the kids. Not the best at engaging in what I love, but slowly and surely, I am wearing them down. The closer my daughter gets to her driving age, the more engaging she is becoming. Hinting at a Polo as a first car. Of course, it will be slightly modified. The boy… well all I get out of him at the moment id football talk, which to a Welshman is like speaking Chinese.
Car cleaned and off we set. Kids keep laughing at the faces of other drivers who spot the decals on the side and back of the car. Lots of street cred coming my way from these two LOL.
So we got down to Southampton about 10:20hrs, not a bad run from us to be fair. Took us about 50 mins and we were taking it easy in the bad weather conditions.
On arriving at Regal Autosport the roads leading to the entrance were littered with stunning German automobiles and as I passed the entrance I thought I spotted an open space in the car park to get the car into. After reversing the car into that space, I was promptly told… “sorry this is reserved for someone else”. Oh well, it was worth the effort and then I went and parked the car a street or so away like the proverbial dog with its tail between its legs.
When I returned to the car park of Regal, there were plenty of people attending, lots of others with cameras and filming rigs and there was a nice selection of metal on display.
I met up with my good friend Ben Fisher for a chat and caught up with fellow Photographer Jason Cornish. You can’t miss him at an even his is a tall statue of a man and a good man at that. I had a quick chat with Jake Edginton and Tom Merchant. Both making the trip in Toms rather “quick” edition 30.
There was a nice selection of other German makes outside of the car park. Mercs, BMWs with the odd mustang thrown in for good measure. I have to say that the girl in the white BMW ragging down the estate had some bottle and the car sounded awesome as did the Merc that was following her example. Both must have gone through a sizable amount of petrol to be fair. Sadly, a lone black Vauxhall Corsa seemed to think he was in the same league. Unfortunately, it was just embarrassing.
The guys at Regal Autosport & Pride and Performance laid on hot drinks and some very much-needed sugary doughnuts from Crispy crème. My daughter’s eyes lit upon seeing these, so thank you guys for keeping the peace.
In the cold temperatures, I think we stayed for about an hour and a half. Just enough time to get around the cars I wanted to shoot, enough time for the kids to have enjoyed but not to moan about leaving.
All in all a successful day by the joint venture and possibly more of them to come. The enthusiasm is there, the attendance is strong but as always, we are at the mercy of good old blighty and its weather.
See you at an event soon…
Scott.
