Isle Of Wight Extravaganza

Once again September saw the staging of the International Classic Car Extravaganza on the Isle of Wight organised by Victor Gallucci. Now in its 14th year, Vic produced an even bigger Show with a very large and impressive line up of vintage, classic, custom and downright unusual vehicles.

The weather was superb and the show is still very popular with the Armstrong Siddeley contingent and nine cars crossed the Solent for the long weekend of the 18th to 21st September. There were 2 Hurricanes, a Typhoon, a Whitley, a pre-war 16hp, a Star Sapphire and a super Siddeley Special, plus two modern cars.

It has become a tradition to meet up at Arreton Old Village in order to visit Farmer Jacks for any necessary provisions and to meet up with those who had earlier or later departures. Another tradition was the customary visit to Godshill to show the cars in the car park and to enjoy lunch and those very decadent cream cakes.

On the Saturday all were duly assembled on Newport Quay by the riverside and soon drew lots of interested visitors. It was also pleasing to be joined by four IOW residents with another Whitley, a 12hp Sports Coupe and a Sapphire 346. The day began somewhat damp but soon developed into sunshine and time was spent relaxing and chatting and indulging in a bit of retail therapy around the shops of Newport. During the day funds were raised for the local Round Table.

On Sunday the weather was hot and sunny for the display on Ryde Esplanade and with plenty of visitors, money was raised for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. The Best In Show Award for Sunday was presented by the Mayor to Chris Warner for his superb Siddeley Special. A special visit was organised for the ladies to a Donkey Sanctuary for their open day and later to the Cider and Sausage Festival in Godshill.

After the IOW shows some members stayed on for a short break and a trip around Portsmouth Harbour on the Waverley was organised and proved to be most enjoyable.

Following the show the organisers said that over £1700 was raised for the Hospice and £900 for the Round Table. Our thanks must go to Brian and Angie for organising the AS entry and we look forward to next year's show which will be on 17th and 18th September.

Posted in Events on the 25th October 2015 at 8:22pm.

Tags: Isle of Wight