AROUND 90 pre-1977 classics turned up on Lion Green for breakfast before being waved off for the 9th run by Haslemere’s New Mayor Cllr. Malcolm Carter on May 28.

A car enthusiast, Malcolm joined one of the town’s previous mayors, Brian Howard, in his 1949 Alvis TA14 on the tour which went for around 60 miles through Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex with a halfway stop at Lasham Airfield.

The route is navigated using Tulips which are a pictorial representation of the route first used on Dutch rallies in the 1950’s. The route is devised by show organiser James Ewing who often navigates on classic European events.

The tour vehicles returned to take up their places on Lion Green and were joined by a further 140 show cars. Organisers were especially grateful for the help of the 1268 (Haslemere) Squadron ATC who did a wonderful job parking the classic cars on the green and were a credit to their organisation.

Around the perimeter of the Green were 50 stalls, selling produce, crafts, vintage and classic car related goods. There were many types of food to eat and the Haslemere Festival Bar was doing a brisk trade along with the Women’s Institute members who were serving traditional cream teas.

Entertaining the crowd were George’s Coastline Jazz Band and the South Downs Ukulele Orchestra.

The show is open to all pre-1977 vehicles whether veteran, vintage or classic. From exotic sports cars, elegant pre-war tourers, everyday family classics to Americana and hot-rods and there were entries from most of the major marques. Many of the cars taking part are ‘affordable’ classics but there are always some unique and special vehicles to be seen.

Crews are encouraged to dress in period outfits to match their cars and enter the popular ‘Best Dressed Car and Crew’ competition, judged by Adrian Hardwick, Sales Director of sponsors Keats of Haslemere and the Mayor.

A difficult decision was reached and the runner-up prizes were presented to two rather different Fords - John Childs with his Wartime 1943 Ford GPW Jeep and Roy Hunt with his spectacular Ford Skyliner with a retractable hardtop. The stylish winners were David and Jan Jeffcoat and guests in the ‘Beast’ a 1927 Sunbeam 25HP Tourer.

Adrian said: “There were so many fantastic entrants this year, with cars from around the world. It was particularly difficult to select a winner, but it was decided that David and Jan Jeffcoat and their crew who drove in a splendid 1928 Sunbeam 25hp tourer, had just gone the extra mile.”

For the first time in the show’s nine years the public completely agreed overwhelmingly with the result and David also picked up the ‘People’s Choice’ award, as the car the public would most like to take home. He received a day out at Brooklands from the Brookland’s Trust Members who sponsored the competition. Runners-up were Lisa Costello with her 1961 BMW Isetta and Roy and Julie Reynolds in their 1954 Sunbeam 90 Coupé.

Several of the Haslemere Hogs were in attendance, on display in the back of Peter Taylor’s 1959 Peugeot 403 Pick up. After much anticipation the HCCS pig finally made his appearance at the show. ‘Road Hog’ was designed for the HCCS, by local illustrator and car enthusiast Derek Matthews. Haslemere Hogs raffled ‘Road Hog’ on the day and he now has a new home with Carmen Ashton Jones.

The day had started out bright and sunny with people picnicking and enjoying a Pimm’s amongst the cars. Unfortunately, it was another first this year and after 9 dry years the show was brought to a rather abrupt end mid afternoon with a burst of ‘Monsoon’ rain.

The HCCS is very popular within the local community and attracts visitors from all over Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire as well as further afield. Entrance for the public was free, but visitors were asked to buy a lucky programme with prizes donated by businesses.

All the revenue from this goes to support the show. The winning numbers are: 10084, 10094, 10110, 10119, 10145, 10227, 10274, 10346, 10384, 10398, 10402, 10458, 10462, 10483, 10491, 10507, 10517, 10532, 10542, 10543, 10606, 10611 if you have a winning number contact James on 07802 347727 or email [email protected]

The show, which raises funds for the Haslemere Festival, is organised by classic car restorer and broker James Ewing, who said: “The day is an excuse to share my passion with the community, it is run entirely by volunteers and supported by many local business’ and individuals. My thanks go to all who helped make the day a great, if slightly damp success, especially the car owners as without them displaying their ‘pride and joy’ there wouldn’t be a show."

Rita Tinney, Director of Keats Estate and Letting Agents, added: "We were so pleased to support the show this year and once again it was a real success. The event was so well organised and everyone had a great time.”