Thousands of car enthusiasts descended on Ryde at the weekend for the 22nd Classic Car Extravaganza, which boasted a record-breaking 572 cars.
The free, 2-day event went down a storm with a variety of vehicles on display from across all eras, including some that have not been seen on the Isle of Wight before.
It was a tale of 2 halves as Saturday boasted 1 of the nicest and hottest days of the year, drawing in strong numbers. The rain clouds moved in on Sunday though, but the showers failed to dampen the spirits of the exhibitors and spectators that had gathered.
A special service remembering the life of former organiser Vic Gallucci, who died in May, was held on Sunday afternoon to give everyone an opportunity to celebrate his life and thank him for his amazing efforts in putting on the Classic Car Extravaganza over the past 2 decades.
Paddy McHugh, the new organiser of the 2-day event, confirmed that 572 cars were in attendance on Saturday, with around 535 on display on Sunday. This year, for the 1st time, trophies were presented across 4 categories.
TV’s Sarah Crabtree, from Evoke Classics, was mingling with the crowds across the weekend. She was also 1 of the judges.
Sitting down and speaking to Island Echo, she said:
“I got to know Victor a couple of years ago and loved what he was doing. It is renowned in the industry. He gave me a call and said ‘Crabbers, we would really love you to come down. Will you come down from Yorkshire? I know it’s a long way’. He made such an effort and everyone else makes such an effort to get here, so I thought yeah, why not! I had never been to the Island before and I was blown away.
“After last year’s event, I said to Vic that of course I would come back. I had only spoken to him on the Friday before he died – he called me 3 or 4 times a week like he did so many people. I promised I would come back.
“This year it was a really big task for Paddy to take on, so hats off to him. He has done a fantastic job. Someone had to keep it alive for Vic, it had to carry on”.
On the topic of the future of the classic car industry, with electric vehicles taking off, Sarah said.
“I think it is going to be hard for people to move on from classics. There will always be an interest in classic cars and as long as nostalgia is there in the directory, classic cars will continue to be on the road. Nostalgia is why we are all here.
“With the ULEZ expansion, people are now looking for older cars. People have been looking for historic vehicles over 40 years to beat the charge.
When asked what was her favourite vehicle on display, Sarah said:
“How do you choose, look how many cars there are here! It has to be the beautiful Saab Sonnet though. I don’t remember ever seeing one other than in a magazine. It was great to see it in the metal”.
This year’s extravaganza was raising money for MAD-Aid (Saturday) and Mountbatten Isle of Wight (Sunday).
As always, the show will return in 2024 and will be bigger and better than ever, as the late Vic Gallucci would say. It is thought that the event will be developed further under the helm of Paddy McHugh, bringing about a new era for the events calendar staple.
2023 Winners
Best in Show – 1961 Facel Vega (Tom Reah from Kent)
Best Club Award – Armstrong Siddeley Owners Club
Most Unique Vehicle – 1955 Ford Zodiac (Kevin Barnaby and Stuart Laird)
Best American – 1938 Plymouth Coupe (Keith and Wendy Overy)
PHOTO GALLERY:
I didn’t know about this event otherwise I might have attended with my VW splitscreen camper. Was it advertised anywhere? How does one apply and to whom?
Its on every year normally same weekend
Make the most of it, 2030 they will have all these vehicles off the road.
I think that they will still be allowed on the roads , but all new cars sold from then on will have to be electric.
Don’t panic
Only if the climate cult and its net zero fanatics finally get their way. It will be a watershed for market-demand democracy in this country. Thenceforth it will be ideological imposition by an authoritarian government.
I pray you are right, with all the climate b@llocks I think people
will be in for a shock.
Just the opposite …. Everyone will be holding onto their pride and joy ( and everyday petrol car) for as long as is practically possible because they either can’t afford to spend £40K plus on an electric car OR they live where they can’t charge it, even if they could afford it – You know, those thousands who live in terraced victorian houses where the front door is in the pavement. 🙁
The whole thing stinks of Double Standards. Its alright to have Old polluting cars racing around the Island, but as soon as anybody speaks of Motorcycles / Scooters, the world is coming to the End….. As for 2030, I will be able to carryon, riding my Lambertta, as its being Converted to Electric………
I’ve heard Braun are one step ahead and they are converting hairdryers into Lambrettas.
Sounds like you’ve been drinking down the king lud. I wish you and your hairdryer good luck
This is the sort of response, I was half expecting…. I am a 57 Year Old, not some sort of a yob. I havent had a drink in 20 Years Plus. I used to restore Old Classic Cars, I used to run the Surrey Branch of the Capri Club, in the early ’90’s, I drove a Brooklands Capri. But after having a Heart Attack, which resulted in a Quad By-Pass, I am able to get under cars. So i am Restoring a Lambretta, to keep my mind and soul in good Health.
Only winner are the fery companies whom these mugs paid out to to come over