A 1939 30hp Vauxhall car owned by a Shropshire businessman and restored in a six year programme will make its public debut at the 2008 vintage vehicle rally at the agricultural showground at Shrewsbury.
The rare Vauxhall, owned by Telford-based metal dealer Jimmy Rollason – and his father before him – will be among a record number of more than 1,200 vehicle entries received by the Mid Shropshire Vintage Club for their annual summer event. The rally is now bigger than ever, with entries received this year from across the UK. Mr. Rollason’s Vauxhall is expected to be a main centre of attraction on its first appearance since restoration.
Rally organiser Derek Sheedy says: “The entry for this year is phenomenal. Vehicles have been entered nationwide, many of them exceptionally interesting. We are now undoubtedly one of the biggest rallies in the West Midlands and the Welsh border area.”
The Vauxhall lay untouched for many years – it was last registered in 1934 – under cover in Mr. Rollason’s yard at Wellington, until almost a decade ago when he decided he would like it restored. It was a mammoth task. The tyres had gone, the wheels crumbled and the body in bad shape. But it has been returned to its original splendour – thanks to the dedicated efforts of two men – Barry Lovatt, who works for Mr. Rollason, and Malcolm Davidson.
Mr. Lovatt, a trained engineer with a wealth of experience in restoration, says: “This was a real challenge and it has taken several years of work by Malcolm and myself to bring it back to its original state, including the engine and the coach-built bodywork. But it’s been very satisfying to see the final job.”
Driving the car to the rally will be Neil Dorsett of the Long Lane Service Station at Telford, who has had to master the controls, which include a starter on the floor, central accelerator and footbrake on the right. But Mr. Dorsett says: “It’s a wonderful machine.”
The rally takes place on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1 at the West Mid showground, preceded by a sale of vehicles and equipment on the Friday, conducted by Mr. H.J. Pugh of Ledbury.
Each year the rally features a particular marque of tractor and this year it is the turn of the immediate post-war Nuffield. So far 53 Nuffields have been entered in the tractor section.
A Victorian fun fair with steam-operated gallopers, donkey rides for children, craft area and music both days by the Stiperstones Brass Band will add to the attraction of the occasion.
Mr. Sheedy says: “Actor John Challis will be with us on the Saturday and I’m sure he will be interested in what’s going on and particularly the Vauxhall.”
Admission is £8 for adults, £7 for concessions and children are admitted free. Proceeds are for local charities, including the hospices and Hope House, which have benefited by thousands of pounds from the rally proceeds over the years. |
