Classic car rally revs up interest

Cars old and modern, from the classic to the quirky, arrived at a county castle this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Shropshire Alternative Car Club.

From a Bond Bug to a 1956 Cobra, the vehicles are lovingly cared for by their owners in the SHACC.

About 40 vehicles arrived at Whittington Castle for a meeting on Tuesday and quickly drew an appreciative audience ranging from fellow members to local teenagers.

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Many of the vehicles were kit cars, built by their owners. One, a 1960s replica Cobra, has even taken to the track at Le Mans, as the original Cobra did half a century ago.

There were also cars synonymous with different eras, such as a Ford Escort rally car, an Audio Quattro, a VW camper van and even a Reliant Robin.

Yoland Brown, who runs the organisation with her husband, Roger, said: "The Shropshire Alternative Car Club was originally formed as a focus for kit car enthusiasts in the county.

"But as the name implies, it was quickly extended to welcome vintage and classic enthusiasts, those with factory built 'alternative' cars, or in fact anyone with an interest in cars."

She said it was run on informal lines, with no constitution but with a programme of meetings and a regular newsletter. The club organises regular vehicle 'runs'.

Mr Brown said: "We all have an interest in cars, whichever we have ourselves. It is a pleasure to meet up and exchange news and advice."