It's

This is the worldwide club for all owners and enthusiasts of Standard Cars

"Dedicated to the preservation of Standard Cars 1903-1963"

Ron and Margaret Waters, proud owners of a Flying 10, at Bourton on the Water

SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 2008

Saturday started off much brighter than the day before and continued to get warmer throughout the day. We had chosen the right weekend after all!

The RAC Campus is rather sprawling but I think everyone found the Dining Room for Breakfast. There was choice more than enough for everyone, cereals and continental, fruits juice and a full fry-up. A buzz of expectation and lively conversation was in the air.

Rally control was soon lively with additional cars and members joining us. Soon it was time to assemble for the main roadrun around the Cotswolds. The Marshalls allowed the cars to leave at 30 second intervals, so as not to cause bunching and potential hazards to modern traffic. A strong representation of Edwardian and Vintage cars led the way followed by the remainder in roughly ascending age order. They made quite a sight on the road.

Organiser, Len Barr, had helpfully arranged for a private carpark in the village, just a short walk from the centre, a useful facility in a town where tourist traffic makes finding a parking spot quite difficult. So we were all able to park together and make the short walk to the Cotswolds Motor Museum. In addition, a couple of cars were able to park immediately in front of the museum.

(click on any thumbprint to see an enlargement)

A number of additional cars had already arrived at Bourton when the first roadrun cars got there, These included Steve Burts superb Teignmouth, Car of the Show in 2008, David Groom's Model SLO and a Standard 10 pickup from East Sussex.

(click on any thumbprint to see an enlargement)

As lunchtime approached, almost all of the party availed themselves of one of the many hostelries in the village for lunch. Conan Lewis captured some of the cars crossing the River Windrush outside the Museum as they set off on the return trip.

The roadrun back to the RAC was in my view through some of the prettiest Cotswolds countryside, starting with a steep climb out of Bourton itself.  Whilst Len had provided for a Tail-end Charlie, complete with a trailer to pick up  any broken cars, in fact his services were not needed - as all the cars completed the round trip without breakdown. A credit to all the owners involved and of course to Standard engineering! The oldest car on the run was the 1910 six cylinder Model G which performed perfectly throughout.

Back at the college, most people chose to leave their cars on the Rally field to make an interesting display. The owners then left to make themselves ready for the evening's Gala Dinner.

Here are more of the cars attending:

Returning via a very direct route, it was just 4 mikes back to the RAC, which was accomplished before nightfall. At this point  most retired to the Student bar and relived their college days, even if the price of beer has gone up somewhat!

The next page will feature the Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Car ready, or not, you are welcome to join in the fun at the 2010 International Rally. Info coming soon.

Photos and report by Phil Homer

If you would like your photos of the rally to appear here, just send them to webmaster@standardmotorclub.org.uk