A Rather Pleasant Evening...

[SharkyUK]

Well, that was a rather pleasant and unexpected surprise...

The other night, a friend invited me over to his parents place as they were holding a charity event with a few cars turning up for good measure. The event was to be held on their back lawn and, being fairly local to where I live, I wasn't going to turn down the opportunity! I wasn't sure what to expect and was one of the first to arrive. Soon after, an incredible array of cars started to roll in. Many of them were historic rally cars as my friend and his parents are all heavily into their rallying. Within a short amount of time, their back lawn was full of amazing vehicles - from a 103-year-old Sunbeam to classic Minis to, well, an assortment of wonderful metal.

This was all set against a backdrop of their beautiful home, with stunning views, the golden sun setting behind the hills, and a live band providing entertainment.

Probably one of the best car meets I've been to in a long time and raising a few quid for a local cancer centre, too. Fabulous!

 

[SharkyUK]

 

[SharkyUK]

 

[hoolio]

Three exhaust on the Porsche? I’m going to plead ignorance and the fact I have covid so my brain is only functioning on one brain cell but………………

Looks a lovely evening though.

 

[photo_ed]

I saw these on your Instagram last night Andy - and I thought then; that looks an absolutely cracking event.
A beautiful evening and setting too!
Very nice my friend.

 

[photo_ed]

Three exhaust on the Porsche? I’m going to plead ignorance and the fact I have covid so my brain is only functioning on one brain cell but………………

I think it’s a competition spec exhaust based on the ones fitted to the 70’s RSR. Single side pipe for ‘quiet’ mode, the twin straight pipes for full noise…

 

[SharkyUK]

Three exhaust on the Porsche? I’m going to plead ignorance and the fact I have covid so my brain is only functioning on one brain cell but………………

Looks a lovely evening though.

Get well soon, mate!
It was a lovely evening. This is how car meets should be. Chilled, respectful, and full of interesting cars and owners. I can't wait for next year's event!

I saw these on your Instagram last night Andy - and I thought then; that looks an absolutely cracking event.
A beautiful evening and setting too!
Very nice my friend.

I think it’s a competition spec exhaust based on the ones fitted to the 70’s RSR. Single side pipe for ‘quiet’ mode, the twin straight pipes for full noise…

Thanks, Ed!

Don't get me wrong, I love modern supercars/hypercars and the spectacle they provide. But this, for me, was another level. It felt like a large family gathering and every person I spoke to was so friendly and passionate about their hobby/sport/vehicle. The location, weather, and live music just made it extra special.

Only a few weeks earlier, my friend and his parents had a couple of their friends drop-in on the same back lawn in their helicopter...!



Yup, the legend that is Ari Vatanen and David Richards (left, head of Prodrive).

 

[Mavo]

Looks an amazing event!

If it’s an annual gathering I know a lad from Swansea who would love to join you next time!

 

[Chipper]

An amazing set up……Fair Play^ The 1981 World Rally Champions Ari and Dave

Your friend must be a Big Hitter in the rally world to get those two gents to just pop by

 

[Titan]

What an evening that was.

If Carlsberg did perfect car gatherings.

And just to casually see two absolute legends from the world of rallying just casually drop in, in their helicopter....

Wow!!!

And that R5 Turbo, just perfect

 

[SharkyUK]

Looks an amazing event!

If it’s an annual gathering I know a lad from Swansea who would love to join you next time!

To be honest, I only found out about the event a day or so beforehand when I randomly bumped into my mate and his folks whilst driving home to Wales following a trip to the Lake District! I didn't really have time to spread the word nor did I know what to expect. Next year...

An amazing set up……Fair Play^ The 1981 World Rally Champions Ari and Dave

Your friend must be a Big Hitter in the rally world to get those two gents to just pop by

The family has known Ari for many years. Very often, he will borrow one of their cars during his stays over in Wales/UK.

What an evening that was.

If Carlsberg did perfect car gatherings.

And just to casually see two absolute legends from the world of rallying just casually drop in, in their helicopter....

Wow!!!

And that R5 Turbo, just perfect

I'm going to take #165 along next year. Well, my wife will as I'll probably take the Porsche again (or whatever I'm driving when it comes around!)

I certainly wouldn't say no to that R5 Turbo. Or Alpine. Or... well... I'll take them all! What a car collection that would be.

 

[Titan]

I certainly wouldn't say no to that R5 Turbo. Or Alpine. Or... well... I'll take them all! What a car collection that would be.

Would be a good choice to have, great to see such. wide variety of makes/models.

They nearly could have had a mini time trial with the rally cars, driving around the
straw bales in the field next door, Gymkhana style

 

[Big Dave]

Looks like a FABULOUS event...

I remember watching the legendsAri Vattanen /Dave Richards on the Manx rally back in the 80,s, absolute legend pairing......

 

[SharkyUK]

Would be a good choice to have, great to see such. wide variety of makes/models.

They nearly could have had a mini time trial with the rally cars, driving around the
straw bales in the field next door, Gymkhana style

I might suggest that for next year - they certainly have the land, personnel and vehicles for it!

Looks like a FABULOUS event...

I remember watching the legendsAri Vattanen /Dave Richards on the Manx rally back in the 80,s, absolute legend pairing......

Amazing watching them in action. I've been watching that "Dear God" incident from the 1983 Manx where Ari clipped the wall, got a puncture, and slid the car through that tight gate on the road whilst maintaining silly speeds and shredding his tyre! I've been along that very road at speed (nothing like Ari though, of course!) and it's mind-bending how fast rally drivers go. A different breed.

I've also been watching Ari doing his Pike's Peak Climb Dance. Classic.