A DAZZLING display of vintage motors attracted a large crowd from the South East and beyond for the ninth annual Haslemere Classic Car Show.

Last Sundays’ fundraiser, in aid of Haslemere Festival, also featured a host of stalls selling produce, crafts, vintage and classic car related goods, live music by George’s Coastline Jazz Band and the South Downs Ukulele Orchestra, Haslemere Festival Bar, and traditional cream teas served up by the town’s WI.

The day started with the tour, when around 90 pre-1977 classics arrived at Lion Green for breakfast before being waved off by Haslemere Mayor MalFormer mayor Brian Howard, drove his 1949 Alvis TA14.

Drivers motored a scenic 60-mile circuit through Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex with a halfway stop at Lasham Airfield. The route was navigated using the pictorial Tulips system, first used on Dutch rallies in the 1950s. It was devised by show organiser James Ewing.

On their return, vehicles parked at Lion Green and were joined by a further 140 classic cars. Overseeing the parking, were members of 1268 (Haslemere) Squadron ATC.

The event is open to all pre-1977 vehicles and the display ranged from exotic sports cars, elegant pre-war tourers and everyday family classics to Americana and hot-rods.

Drivers and passengers turned out in period outfits to match their cars and competed to win top prize in the Best Dressed Car and Crew competition, which was judged jointly by Adrian Hardwick, sales director of sponsors Keats of Haslemere and Mr Carter.

The winners were David and Jan Jeffcoat and guests in the ‘Beast’, a 1927 Sunbeam 25hp, and the runner-up prizes were presented to John Childs with his wartime 1943 Ford GPW Jeep and Roy Hunt with his Ford Skyliner.

For the first time since the show began, the public agreed with the judges and Mr Jeffcoat also picked up the People’s Choice award, for the car everyone would most like to take home. He received a day out at Brooklands Museum. The runners up were Lisa Costello with her 1961 BMW Isetta and Roy and Julie Reynolds in their 1954 Sunbeam 90 Coupé.

“There were so many fantastic entrants this year, with cars from around the world,” Mr Hardwick said. “It was particularly difficult to select a winner, but it was decided that David and Jan Jeffcoat and their crew had just gone the extra mile.”

Several Haslemere Hogs from the town’s charity arts project were on display in the back of Peter Taylor’s 1959 Peugeot 403 pick up. The show’s very own pig, Road Hog, designed by illustrator and car enthusiast Derek Matthews, was raffled and was won by Carmen Ashton Jones.

Mr Ewing, Haslemere classic car restorer and broker, said: “The day is an excuse to share my passion with the community, it is run entirely by volunteers and supported by many local businesses and individuals.

“My thanks go to all who helped make the day a great, if slightly damp success.”

Keats director Rita Tinney added: “We were so pleased to support the show this year. Once again it was a real success.”

Entrance was free, but visitors were asked to buy a lucky programme with the opportunity to win one of the prizes donated by local businesses. The winning numbers can be found at: www.jamesewing.co.uk

To claim a prize call 07802 347727 or email [email protected].