Wallingford Vehicle Rally – Back With A Bang

Owning a classic car is a very social thing. Yes, we all enjoy our time at home, tinkering in the garage or polishing that luscious chrome to perfection, but that’s not what it’s all about. There is the driving first and foremost, which is what separates our cars from the norm. And then of course, there is the social side of things. The big events, the small events, the meeting up with like-minded friends and enthusiasts to talk all things classic. The social side of classic car ownership is deeply important. It’s what connects us. And thanks to modern day connectivity, we have all been able to weather the pandemic storm via online channels. But for the last two years, those channels have been doing some heavy lifting. They must be relieved, then, that 2022 seems to be making way to real world, in person, physical events again. This means absent gatherings are now back, gatherings like the wonderful Wallingford Vehicle Rally.

The last time a procession consisting of over 300 cars paraded through the Oxfordshire town of Wallingford before settling on the grassy Kinecroft was 2019. Given everything that has happened since, that seems like a very, very long time ago. This event, with its stalls, its home made fudge, its food and it’s incredible selection of all manner of classic motors was missed. Dearly. A fun, light, happy day out, this event is perhaps the perfect example of what a classic car show should be.

This year, we were treated to another incredible selection of cars. Some were familiar from past events, while others were new for 2022. First, the cars toured through the town in convoy. This alone is an event in itself. The streets lined with spectators, children pointing and smiling in wonderment, drivers waving, a sea of shining chrome and pleasingly eclectic paint hues glimmering as they drive by in the summer sun. The locals love it, with many households bringing the garden furniture to the front of the house for a comfortable seat. It’s happy, it’s fun. We like that.

The cars then make their way into the field, where they park up for the day. Hundreds of cars, with little regard given to any sort of trend or following. If you want to see a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air parked behind a 2CV, this is the show. Big Americans, traditional Brit classics from Austin and Triumph et al, modern classics, super cars, a military tracked tank and even a carboat (no, really, look at the pictures). It’s all here. Something to satiate every automotive wont. Local companies like the excellent Porsche specialist, Wrightune, put up stands and showcased impressive metal for people to look over. Something, truly, for everyone.

With everyone parked up, there was of course a veritable smorgasbord of metal to drool over, but that’s not where the fun stopped. At the top end of the field, there was a small marked out area with, curiously, a slightly dead looking Renault Megane in the middle. As it turned out, this was made into a convertible by volunteer firefighters as part of an RTC demonstration, in which they cut the Mayor free. If you want a slightly more flexible than normal Megane, hit us up.

Aside from the Megane, there were attractions for the kids, stands selling automotive themed wares such as parts and toys, sweet stalls, and of course a selection of eateries for tasty show-goer sustenance. There was a free ‘hydration station’, too. Good for people and hot doggos alike. Further up the field, we had a massive bike sale, with used bikes fit for the whole family, and we also we had The Sporting Bears on hand, giving out passenger rides in an array of classic metal in return for charity donations.

The return of the Wallingford Vehicle Rally was, make no mistake, most welcome. A proper grassroots, feel-good classic car show for all the family, this was a welcome return to British summer normality. A brilliant day out from start to finish, this is the kind of event others should strive to emulate. And what’s more, it’s all for a good cause. The event has no entry fee, but instead has charity buckets in which you can donate, and donate you will. The effort that goes into this event makes donations worth it, and to have such a great day out with charity at its heart, what’s not to like about that? We’ll be there again next year, with a stand and some of our cars, and we would encourage you to be there, too. Maybe even keep an eye on the Wallingford Vehicle Rally site and get ready to secure your place in the opening parade. Until then, we’ll whet your appetite with a selection of pictures from 2022’s show…