Ray's drive to show is no Minor achievement
It has been his pride and joy for more than 20 years – and this week it is embarking on a 500-mile journey back 'home' to the Black Country.
Classic car enthusiast Ray James has lovingly looked after his 1963 Morris Minor since he bought it in 1986, proudly showing it off at Sandwell's Historic Vehicle Show for many years. Now after an absence of 10 years the former Tipton resident will be travelling more than 500 miles from the Scottish Highlands, where he now lives, to take part in the event this Sunday.
Former aviation worker Ray, aged 64, used to live in Galton Close, before he moved up north, settling just 28 miles from John O'Groats.
He said: "I've had the car since 1986 and put it on the road in 1990. When I lived in Tipton I always went down to the rally. I thought I wouldn't get the opportunity to ever go again, but this year I have so I got a form and will be there on Sunday."
Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out for this year's 31st event in West Bromwich.
More than 500 cars, vans, buses and military vehicles will be wheeling into Sandwell Valley Showground.
Ray, who has four children and one grandchild, is no stranger to clocking up the mileage. The former Don Everall Aviation worker drives his 22-year-old car on a 1,000 mile round trip to Dudley twice a year – for a haircut.
The divorcee has made the journey for his £6.50 cut at Wanna Haircut in Sedgeley Road, Woodsetton for the last few years as an excuse to meet friends.
