Irish Car+Travel was invited to a special press preview of the fastest car ever built, Bloodhound SSC, in the RDS Simmonscourt ahead of tomorrow's opening of the RIAC National Classic Car Show, writes Trish Whelan.
While the Bloodhound SSC with its Rolls-Royce EJ200 jet engine from a Eurofighter Typhoon - looks just like a long jet engine with a seat - was the absolute star of the show (pictured), we got to meet with many members of the Vintage Car clubs around Ireland, getting their cars in place ready for tomorrow's opening.
But first a few words from Show Director Bob Montgomery (pictured above) who says he has now 'stopped worrying' about having everything ready on time. "I even had my best night's sleep in around three months last night," he quipped.
"I have been planning this show for the last 12 months - the biggest thing is sourcing the cars. There's a fantastic selection of cars in this country," he added. He said some 18 clubs from all over the country had taken part in last year's show in February, but this year this number has stretched to 40 clubs. Bob says this is an indication of how the whole think has grown. "We're using every bit of space available here in the Simmonscourt halls and I'm told it's the first time this has happened since the start of the recession in 2007."
From the fastest car ever built, we came across what is perhaps the smallest car a person could squeeze into, the tiny Peel P50. Here Ron Corry and Eugene Markey from the Breffni Vintage Club based in Belturbet were minding the stand (pictured). The Peel is owned by Patrick Monaghan from Enniskillen, a member of the Breffni Club, who has owned it for about five years.
Cecil Troughton and his wife Betty from Poyntz Pass, Newry were there with their 1949 Series 1 Land Rover which Cecil says has been in the family for quite some time. "It was a lucky yard find," he said. He had undertaken the restoration work himself, and he and Betty have taken it on holidays around the County Down coast. (Pictured below)
Another 'barn' find lovingly restored was a 1959 MG Alfa 150cc, assembled by Booth Poole in Dublin and owned by Bobby Kinsella from Clondalkin.
Keeping the car spic and span were Paul Noctor and Tommy Sheridan, both from Swords and members of the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club (pictured below). The car still starts and runs. There's a photo-account of how the car was restored from a 'wreck' to its pristine condition.
The Keenan family of Niall, Paul, Sean and Dad Pat from Abbeyshrule, Co Longford, have been busy restoring a few Citroen 2CV cars. One was a barn find, found 'just down the road from us in Ballymahon', Pat explains. In the centre of the photo is an Offaly registered car currently being restored. The finished product is on the left of the picture. All were originally sold in Ireland. Pat is one of the Dealer Principals (with David Bauer) of Keenan Bauer Motors, Mullingar, who were awarded the title Citroen Motors Ireland Dealer of the Year 2013.
Andrew Bailey from Stepaside, in South County Dublin was busy polishing up his Riley 124 Special. "I bought it in Germany last November and drove it back to Ireland," he told us.
His son Sam was taking good care of a 1932 Woleseley Hornet Special, the only Wolesleys regarded as being sporting enough to be accepted by the Vintage Sports Car Club. In the early 1950s, the car belonged to Basil Bryan, a farmer from Mullinahone.
Sam Bailey
It was then bought by the owner of Corcoran's Pub in Frenchpark. Found by Kieran White and the late John Porter, it was bought in 1999 by John Wilkinson in a derelict state. He restored it to its present condition and sold it to its current owner, Christopher Lee, of Bagnalstown, in 2001. (Pictured below).
Andrew Bailey and his wife
The MG Enthusiasts Club Ireland were well represented with many cars being moved into place in the hall. A red MG TF, from the 11950s, is owned by Pat O'Brien of Templeogue, in Dublin. An MGB GT 19973 owned by Geoff Seymour from Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow, has been completely restored from the shell up. "I've had it from '71 when it was a dark green colour," he said. It was one of the last such cars assembled by Booth Poole in Dublin, and Geoff is the car's third owner. It's black now!
On our rounds, we also met with Rally legend Paddy Hopkirk, who was considered to be the Stirling Moss of his time in rallying. He won the Monte Carlo Rally back in 1964. Paddy is pictured with motoring journalist and former racing driver Martin McCarthy. The show takes place tomorrow Saturday, and Sunday.
