Post 4th of July blues? How about some classic cars...

"Hobbes.drives.an.A5" (Hobbes-drives-an-A5) 07/05/2014 at 14:32 • Filed to: None

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Hey America, how's that hangover today? I thought you might like some classic car goodness from the little ol' country you won independence from 238 years ago.

Last Wednesday saw an eclectic gathering of cars at the annual Classics in the Walled Garden at Luton Hoo, about 30 miles north of London. This is a meet that's growing every year and you get a good mix of interesting machinery. Most entrants have to be over 20 years old to qualify, but quite a few dispensations are given to 'interesting' new cars. This time there must have been around 300 cars on show, plus a couple of random fire engines, which was good to know as there were quite a few Ferraris about.

Actually, the Ferrari Owners Club were out in force, and there must have been a few dispensations given for cars less than 20 years old. So we had 458s (coupe and spider), plus a couple of 430s.

I know a lot of people have said the 430 looks ugly and outdated compared to the 458, but when you see them sitting side by side in the flesh, I'm not so sure. I think it still looks pretty badass, particularly in red with gold rims.

Also, that numberplate is so right...

Older cars included a stunning F50 (hard for me to get my head around the fact this car is over 20 years old), and a gorgeous silver 330GT.

The rims on the F50 were sooo sweet...

Outside the walled garden (I guess he arrived at the party fashionably late) was a truly beautiful 512BB. The bodywork and interior looked their age, which is no bad thing in my book, but the engine and running gear are apparently completely sound. This was always my favourite Ferrari as a kid (I had a poster of this in my bedroom rather than the obligatory Countach), and it was fantastic to see this beauty out and about enjoying the summer evening.

Also separated from the main Ferrari collection was this yellow Dino. Oh my. I love the tiny prancing horse on the chrome wing mirror. Perfectly reflects the beauty and delicacy of the car.

It wasn't just Italian exotica on show. There was so much variety, you'd be hard pressed not to find something to fall in love with.

I'm assuming from the numberplate that the TVR Cerbera below has a nitrous kit fitted. Because what a Cerbera really needs is MOAR POWER.

This Volvo P1800 had a full roll-cage and racing harnesses. The driver seemed pretty chilled though.

I loved the fact that these two rear-engine cars are parked side by side. 2CV and 911 FTW.

I chatted with the guy who owns this little Morgan three-wheeler. He told me he'd always been a huge fan of Morgans, but thought he'd never be able to afford one. When he got to 65 and the three-wheeler arrived he decided it was 'now or never' . He looked like one of the happiest people at the whole gathering.

There was an amazing selection of British machinery from the old and outrageously expensive to the newer and more affordable...

Hello little Mini, you are SUPER SHINY .

D Type. Hnnnnnnnnn

We also had an interesting mix of German models and, thankfully some sweet American muscle too...

And... Willys Jeep!

It was a fantastic evening and a lot of money was raised for some great local causes. Of course, the danger of events like this is that you start thinking how great it would be to have your own classic to bring along next year…

tapzz > Hobbes.drives.an.A5 07/05/2014 at 18:41

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Really love the Morgan!

I loved the fact that these two rear-engine cars are parked side by side. 2CV and 911 FTW.

The 2CV has it's rampaging 0.6 cc two cylinder boxer in the nose, though...

Hobbes.drives.an.A5 > tapzz 07/06/2014 at 06:02

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Oops, you're totally right. I don't know why I have always thought the 2CV had its engine in the back...

The Morgan is a beauty isn't it.