Pride of place among a record turn out of over 100 classic and vintage cars that filled the upper deck of The Spires' car park was a 1980s version of the Arkley sports car.
It is the first time one of these elusive Barnet-made cars has been on display at the annual show of the Barnet Classic Car Club since its formation ten years ago.
Ted O’Day of Epping answered the club’s long-standing appeal to find an owner prepared to exhibit an Arkley car.
Around 1,000 were produced in the 1970s and 1980s at John Britten Garages in Barnet Road, Arkley.
Mr O’Day (above far left) bought the car eight years ago for his son Chris Fisher (far right). Originally it was a MG Midget but was converted and rebodied with Arkley fibreglass panels.
Welcoming them both was the club chairman Derrick Haggerty (centre) who was delighted by the appearance at long last of a locally made car which has a permanent place in the club’s logo.
“Seeing an Arkley here at the show has made our day. Of course, it has pride of place.
“We have well over 100 classic and vintage cars on show, a record turn-out. There has been a great atmosphere with crowds of people on the top of the Spires’ car park and for the parade through the High Street.”
Chris Fisher (left) brought along trophies that he has won in the Arkley. For three years running he was the overall winner in his class in the Historic Sports Car Club events.
Club committee member Chris Martin – seen here with his 1935 Riley Imp Sports 9HP – was responsible for communicating with entrants to the show.
“We had 109 acceptances, and we think all, but a couple managed to get here. This is easily our best-ever show. For the first time we have filled the two bays of the car park.”
One of the oldest cars was Paul Griffin’s 1923 3 litre tourist trophy Bentley. “She was first registered in July 1923 so will be 100 years old this summer – and to celebrate she will be racing in July in Le Mans in an event for vintage 1920s Bentleys.”
Among the entries were seven vintage motorcycles including a 1931 Velocette GTB 250 owned by Rex Martin.
He said there is probably not another like it because it was converted into an electric hybrid with an electric motor in the back wheel.
David Kuti was mesmerized by the beautiful finish to the engine of a 1930 Ford Model A. “Just look at that copper pipe work. What an amazing car.”
Another eye-catching entry was a 1982 Rover 3.5 SDI owned by Roger Cornish whose nickname for is car is Bulldog – a reminder of the years he spent breeding bulldogs.
Collections at the show were in aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.
Proceeds from the refreshment stall which was organised by members of the Bull Players were in aid of the Bull Theatre.
Pina Griffin (above, left) with Loretta Prior were busy serving customers – including Sebastian and Raphael.
The Players are busy preparing for their next production at the Bull, a murder mystery The Italian Affair at the Bull on Sunday 2 July.
