No classic car show would be complete without a Mini!
Gothic Overtones
Tidy MGBGT with attractive two-tone paintwork. dazzling assortment of vintage aircraft and cars from the early 1900s. However, while the priceless aeroplanes are hidden away on another part of the sprawling estate, the Classic Rally was taking place in the grounds behind the stunning Mansion House. 22 www.cprmag.com
It was this building that was once the home of Richard ‘Mad Jack’ Shuttleworth who was a keen pilot and racing driver in the 1920s and 30s; even today there is still a race series for pre-war sports cars named in his honour (see Donington Historic Festival feature).
The ancient house with its Gothic overtones makes a superb backdrop for the show and the grounds in which it is set provide enough space to accommodate several thousand cars. On a warm, sunny day, you would spend a long time trying to find a better location for a car show than this. Unfortunately, it was anything by warm and sunny at the Classic Rally and by midmorning it was obvious that the light rain and drizzle that swept the country at breakfast time had been enough to deter many owners from bringing their cars out. The number of cars and visitors was well down on what was expected and if I’m honest I really couldn’t blame them. I was cold, and I had about three extra layers on! It’s a great shame, as this