Classic and vintage cars took centre stage for annual Barnet show which is highly popular for family outings  

Spectators and enthusiasts lined up to see the annual parade along the High Street ahead of the 13^th annual show held by the Barnet Classic Car Club.

Seventy cars made it all the way to the top deck of the car park at The Spires Shopping Centre ready to be inspected and appreciated by masses of admirers.

The club’s annual show has become one of the town’s premier events and is always well supported with the proceeds going to the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

A welcome was on hand from committee member Paul Johnson as the cars arrived at The Spires’ entrance – ready to climb two floors to the top of the car park, the smell of petrol exhaust fumes filling the air.

The show prides itself on being a family event, a moment to stop and stare at some fine vintage cars.

One toddler – clearly a future classic car enthusiast – toured the show in his own miniature Mini Cooper.

In one of his final events during his term as Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Danny Rich, arrived in style in a 1923 three litre Bentley.

He was welcomed by show marshal Howard Pryor (left) together with the car’s owner Paul Griffin.

Councillor Rich said the parade through the High Street had been a delightful experience.

“Arriving in a vintage Bentley is one of the few times a local councillor ever gets cheered in the High Street – even if the cheering was for the Bentley and not for me.”

Thought to be the oldest car at the show was a 1904 Wolseley which was completely rebuilt by its owner Ken Goddard – above with his wife Ann.

He bought the car in 2009 as “a collection of bits and pieces” after previous attempts to restore it and he spent 18 months on a complete rebuild.

For the last 15 years Mr Goddard has exhibited the car at rallies. It clocks up about 1,000 miles a year.  

A first for the show was a four-wheel amphibious Dutton Surf – registration number WE 60 WET – owned by Jeff Finegold.

The car, which is one of 300 made by Tim Dutton in 2021, makes a regular appearance at the annual classic boat show at Henley on Thames.

Mr Finegold’s wife Vicki said it was great fun when the car was out on the water – at Stanstead Abbotts Marina on the River Lea or Harefield Marina at Uxbridge.

Manning the club stall were Marty Collins (left) and Chris Frost ready to welcome potential new members.

Stalls were manned by volunteers and supporters of Noah’s Ark, Barnet Rotary Club, and a tea and cake stall provided The Bull Theatre.

Live entertainment included music by Boxty and performances by students from the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School.