Alton Lions Classic Car Show Classic Cars, Classic Community

This year’s Alton Lions annual Classic Car Show defied the weather on Saturday (30 August) as hundreds of visitors flocked to the town centre for a celebration of Classic British Sports Cars.

From Jaguar, and MG, to Austin Healey, Triumph, Ford and Morris, the event was an opportunity to admire some beautiful examples of British car making at its very best.

Nearly 200 vehicles came into town, bringing a riot of shape, colour and evolving technology designed to trigger memories, spark conversations, and engender a carnival spirit.

We staged a range of live music and entertainment, a craft market, children’s activities, and successfully encouraged retail and hospitality outlets to join in with the spirit of the festive atmosphere.

Joining Alton Lions President, Paul Taroni, on our judging team for the day were East Hampshire District Council Chairman, cllr Graham Hill, and Alton Town Mayor, cllr Annette Eyre and Consort, husband Andy Eyre, as well as Dean Phillips of Little Grey Cells also acting as MC for the day; David Slade of David F Slade Motor Vehicle Repairs Ltd who designed and made this year’s unique trophies; as Alton Lions supporters Roger Joel, Steve Cook, Ben Goby and Philip Baker (Loadmasters); and Alton Lions Colin March and Mike Baker.

Taking the title of Best in Show was Julian Lewis with his 1974 Citroen; the Alton Lions President’s Award for Best Presented Vehicle went to the 1934 Morris 10 owned by David Woodall; the Best Classic Car Pre-1970 was Christopher Balfour’s 1960 Bristol 406: the Best Classic Car Post-1970 was Tony Fisher’s 1987 Ford Fiesta; the title of Best Commercial Vehicle went to John Watson’s 1954 Fordson Van; the Best Motorcycle was Robert Law’s 1975 Triumph Trident; the Best American Car was Richie Gee’s 1957 Lincoln Premier; while the title of Best Presented Feature Car went to Steve Opacic’s striking E-type Jaguar.

It was the best car show since re-starting after the two years of ‘no show’ during the covid epidemic. Grateful thanks go to the Show sponsors: EHDC cllr Emily Young, SpecSavers, Shrunken Head, Bill Rawles, Legacy Direct and Keith Gotts, as well as The Swan and the Antico Lounge for hosting the judging teams.

Thanks also to the owners for braving the weather forecast to bring their beautifully tended vehicles into town, and to the crowds of visitors who came out to admire them.

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