Fareham classic car show sees vintage Minis, Chevrolets, and James Bond's favourite ride roar into town after Covid-19 hiatus
and live on Freeview channel 276
Almost two dozen classic cars – ranging from Morris Mini Minors to an Aston Martin DB5 – lined West Street, while passers-by were entertained by a Titchfield lindy-hop group.
The annual council-run event was cancelled last year due Covid-19 restrictions, but this year’s event has bounced back with car enthusiasts reporting fewer vehicles but strong interest from crowds in the town centre.
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Hide AdArthur Woods attended with his 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air and said the event had enjoyed ‘a good turn out’.
The Gosport resident said: ‘We normally come here every year – previous years there have been more cars, but it’s a good turn out given that we have just got over Covid.’
The 50s fanatic said he bought the classic car 14 years ago for £13,000 and was too in love with it to sell it – despite some ‘silly’ offers.
Arthur said: ‘Three years go I was offered £50,000. I’m not sure if she meant it – it was silly money.
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Hide Ad‘I have always wanted an American car. It’s the whole 50s scene – the music, the fashion. I love it.
‘Sometimes I just sit there and look at it and wonder how many couple went to the drive-in movies in it.’
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Attracting a lot of attention was a classic Aston Martin DB5, made famous in 1960s James Bond movies – with the model in Fareham even bearing the same plate number from the films.
Owner Richard Bray said the car was worth between £750,000 and £900,000 with just over 1,000 made – but his was not for sale.
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Hide AdThe Portsmouth-based 72-year-old said: ‘I bought the car about three and a half years ago – and I spent two and a half years doing it up.
‘The nice thing about a car like this is when you get to share it other people.
‘It’s a bit quieter than two years ago but it’s still busy.’
Entertaining the crowds were dancers from the Lindy Club, based in Titchfield Community Centre, and swing singer Roy Coombes.
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Hide AdThe 59-year-old, who has attended the previous two events, said: ‘It’s been great fun – lots of people have been stopping and dancing. It’s been a brilliant day.’