September has always been one of those months when the weather can go either way.  It can be sunny and warm as a result of an ‘Indian Summer’, or it can be cold and wet, a precursor of the winter ahead.  It was therefore with trepidation that we looked toward the sky on the morning of Pre 80’s Extravaganza ’07, and to our delight the forecast was for a dry but cloudy day but hopefully no rain.  I arrived at Papplewick at 8:45 to find a couple of cars already there, and it wasn’t long before the queue had grown to around ten cars and their owners waiting for the gates to open.  After a short delay whilst we sorted out final details with Papplewick staff, the gates were opened and Extravaganza ’07 was under way. 

We had arranged a time line in chronological order from Grantura to 3000S with the 1300 the only vacant slot, and a ‘specials’ area for those cars which no longer bore the specification laid down by TVR.  This area included a bright red Vixen V8 with huge back wheels and an exhaust note to match, and a Taimar with Porsche 911 style rear end, one of two cars modified by Dave Wallis of Tower View Race Services. 

Martin Lilley and Mike Bigland were invited as guests of honour, unfortunately Martin Lilley was unable to attend due to prior commitments but Mike arrived in his beautifully restored Taimar.  He was kept very busy answering a myriad of questions, as was John Wade of JW Developments and Adrian Venn from Exactly TVR, my thanks to all three of you for your patience and involvement.  Stiff competition prevailed in the Concours de Elegance and after a tie break, decided by Mike Bigland, the results were as follows:-

 

1st James Meldrum, Tuscan V8 SE
2nd Craig Polly, 1800S
3rd Ian Renwick, 3000M
4th Steve Brice, Vixen S1
5th John Horne, Griffith 200 Hybrid
6th Mark Keith, Grantura 2

 

 

A total of 57 Pre 80’s cars attended plus at least 25 ‘other’ models which were parked at the back of the main car park.  In view of comments relating to post 80’s parking, Extravaganza ’08 will have a dedicated, but separate, area within the complex.

Papplewick was enjoyed by everyone and we can only hope next years event will be as successful.  We have already earmarked a venue and will post as soon as the club has confirmed the date, which will again be mid September.

My special thanks must go to my wife Lyn, for doing anything asked of her, Glyn Bonser for his help with the organisation and Glyn’s mates, Matt Wheldon and Rhys Williams who spent most of the day marshalling cars in and out of the event.

Geoff Gwynne.

 

Photographs with thanks to Mark Bennett