Wheel appeal as show classics roll into Walsall park

The eternal appeal of walnut panelling, classic styling, real leather upholstery and a body bursting with character was in evidence at the 23rd annual Classic Car and Transport Show in Walsall.

Hundreds of owners and enthusiasts converged on the Arboretum extension yesterday to admire models dating back eight decades.

One of the oldest cars on display was a 1930s Morris Oxford Saloon owned by Alan Brain, from Aldridge.

Around 500 vehicles in all took part in the show.

HGV driver David Leslie was there with his wife Audrey in their prized 1972 Rover P5.

The 61-year-old from Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, has had the 3.5 litre-engined beauty for five years and drives it to shows up and down the country.

A banger-racing fan who competed at Hednesford for 20 years, he says he would not part with the £15,000 classic.

"It's a fantastic car. Despite its age, we can tow a caravan with it."

Audrey said: "It's like sitting in an armchair."

Other models on display at the Broadway North park included MGs, Sunbeams and Austins.

Retired engineer Pat Smythe, of Northgate, Walsall Wood, was attending the show with his grandson, 10-year-old Joshua.

He said: "It's a good-sized show but not too big, that's what I like about it.

"You can walk round without feeling swamped, and it's got a nice friendly feel to it."

The event was organised by Transtar Promotions, run by husband and wife team Geoff and Linda Price, of Walsall.

Mr Price, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest collection of model buses and coaches in the world, puts on shows around the Midlands.

He said the weather had been kind to them.

"The rain last year was terrible and even this Easter we had to cancel a show at Weston Park because of snow.

"We have to book a year in advance and pay for facilities like toilets and security in advance.

"The situation is you can make a living doing this or you can lose thousands.

"The organisational side is extremely stressful.

"But luckily the sun has shone on us and it's been a fantastic day." The lifelong enthusiast has been involved in the classic car show scene for 40 years.

However recently he started to cut down on the number of events he stages, restricting them now to Midlands venues.

"It used to be 22 but we're down to eight now.

"As I get older, the travelling takes its toll but I still get a great kick out of it," said Geoff, of Park Hall, Walsall. Visitors and exhibitors made the journey from Manchester, Shrewsbury and Derby as well as from across the West Midlands and Staffordshire to see the collection, which also included buses and military vehicles.

They were entertained by the Piston Ring Youth Motorcycle Team who demonstrated their breath-taking riding skills in the ring.