6th Annual BL Autumn Rally 2018 - Report

As I sit and write this report it is hard to believe an event that started 6 years ago as a small gathering of cars from the Allegro, Landcrab and Maxi Clubs has now grown to the scale it has! Once again this year the weather didn’t disappoint and we managed to squeeze approximately 220 cars onto the show field at Milton Keynes as well as fitting a few others in the overflow areas adjacent to the field. This was at least 60 cars up on last year’s event.

Everyone seemed to have a thoroughly enjoyable day, and was kept busy admiring the sea of beautiful BMC, British Leyland and Austin Rover cars on display and exploring the many interesting facets of museum. The ladies in the tea shop worked flat out all day keeping everyone supplied with tea, sandwiches and homemade cake. I was also able to secure a couple of small autojumble stalls this year which made a welcome addition for people to have a rummage through the parts and memorabilia on offer.

With so many beautiful cars on display the judges had a difficult job choosing the worthy award winners. The ‘Best in Show’ Award went to a stunning Almond Green Mini Cooper owned by Barry Chipman. Barry has always supported the show and also restored the car himself. This year’s ‘People’s Choice’ Award went to Brian and Trevor Ford’s Morris Marina Special, another beautiful car.

This year approximately 20 Allegros were in attendance and the Allegro class award was won by Colin Corke with his lovely L-registered Harvest Gold 1300 Deluxe, with Clare O’Sullivan’s immaculate Vermillion 1.5HL a worthy runner up. Once again, many thanks to Teresa Vincent for making the beautiful award certificates. It was great that Teresa’s Rover 100 Convertible was the runner up in the Metro class and she got to take home one of lovely certificates.

I would like to personally thank everyone who supported the show and brought a vehicle along. I was delighted, and also overwhelmed, by the turnout and without a doubt the event helped to end the outdoor show season with a bang!! The date for next year’s event is Sunday 29th September. I hope as many members as possible are able to come along.

 

Tom Morley