Barnet’s deputy mayor parades along the High Street in an open top Bentley on his way to classic car show at The Spires

Riding along in an open top Bentley, Barnet’s Deputy Mayor Councillor Danny Rich just about made it to the top floor of The Spires Car Park for the official opening of the 10^th annual Barnet Classic Car Show.

So packed was the show with a near record turnout of 147 vintage and classic cars and motorcycles that the Bentley was getting a little hot by the time it had finished the parade through the High Street and reached the top of the car park.

“Luckily we got the mayor there just on time,” said Paul Griffin, owner of the 3-litre Bentley.

“The parade of cars was rather slow going up from Barnet Playing Fields and she was getting rather hot, but luckily didn’t boil over.”

Councillor Rich, who was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor Laura Lassman and Councillor David Longstaff (Barnet Vale), described what he said had been an exciting journey up Barnet Hill and along the High Street.

“We were being cheered all the way, which is unusual for a councillor – but of course, the cheering was for the magnificent Bentley car and not for me.”

Howard Pryor, one of the show stewards welcomed Councillor Rich, who said he was delighted to open the classic car show which had become a real local institution, run entirely by volunteers who enjoyed organising such a popular event.

A display of Jaguar cars – many from the 1960s and 1970s – was this year’s highlight.

There were plenty of admiring eyes looking inside John Bishop’s 1969 Jaguar E type 4.2.

Joekan Kanaan (right), who used to be a Jaguar specialist calling himself Jaguar Joe, complimented Mr Bishop on the car’s condition. “It is in immaculate order,” he said.

Stewarding the cars on their arrival at The Spires was long-time club member Paul Johnson (above) who now lives in Cirencester but returns every year for the show.

“I love coming back to Barnet for the show and seeing everyone. It is a wonderful club, so friendly, and great fun to help with the show.”

Chris Martin, one of the show organisers, said the final count of the cars and motorcycles on display was 147 which was an exceptionally good turnout.

“We were vastly overbooked this year and had to turn people away – that’s an indication of how popular the show has become.”

Proceeds from the event were in aid of the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.