Heading way out West

It’s a great idea and surely one that should be adopted way more: a mid-week afternoon classic car meet. Classics on the Green and Classics on the Common have spearheaded the drive for afternoon-into-evening weekday meetings and while the phenomenon strengthens, surely there’s room for a few more?

The Special fired up the Isuzu for an afternoon gathering in Pembroke, about 50 miles from our HQ. Strong winds buffeted the Trooper’s bluff flanks on the journey down, although it didn’t accurately mimic a tea clipper in a stormy Bay of Biscay.

But could the weather gods have favoured the gathering of classics in Pembroke? Clearly there was some climatic influence going on, because the gathering (where else would you see a Renault 18 estate and the most wonderfully patinated 1947 MG TC?) was held in sunshine. Hurrah!

A mid-1930s Morris 8 tourer, a lovely right-hand drive Citroen ID a late Ford Capri 2.8i and a late Austin Maxi added to the mix, as did the most stunning Ford Escort MkII, and two fine Triumph saloons – a 1300 and a 2500S.

As an aside the Capri’s ‘V.A.L AUTOPARTS’ registration plate was rather close to home or, more specifically, close to our ex-Oklahoma Motors Isuzu. Oklahoma Motors and VAL Autoparts, based in Carmarthen, were owned by Gerald and Val Jenkins and operated side-by-side from the same site. Seeing that plate was a reminder of great motor factor that’s greatly missed.

But as always a good display of cars needs a bunch of decent enthusiasts and that was the case here. We received a very warm welcome so we’re looking forward to the next one.

Great timing, good location, great cars and great people: in other words, a great classic way to while away an afternoon.