Cruizin to Cranleigh Classic Car Show 2009 - report

Fresh of the back of the Ashington show, the Cranleigh Classic Car Show was held on the Sunday. This seemed to cause some angst among some owners as the Solent Renegades were also holding their show on the Sunday leaving the dilemma of which to go to.

During the afternoon at Ashington it soon became clear that several of us had registered or were planning to register for Cranleigh, and all coming from a similar direction, so a plan was formed to meet in a lay-by on the A24 just past Southwater at 11am and roll to the show together.

Question: How many yank motors can you fit in the average size English lay-by?

Answer: 9 (if there is a Waitrose truck already in it!)

Once assembled with present and correct we set off in a cloud of smoke and noise as 9 v8’s went full bore joining the dual carriage way. The journey to Cranleigh was pleasant enough with many heads turning along the way. As our procession entered the main high street people were stopping in their track to admire the procession with a few shouts of support for our chosen pass time.

I know it’s becoming a familiar line but the turnout was massive – probably exceeding 700 vehicles of all ages, makes, sizes and origins. The good weather no doubt had a lot to do with it, but all the shows so far this year seem to have had bigger attendance than in previous years – as a result I guess we’ll be seeing the oil companies out of the recession first!

Cranleigh as well as being a car show also plays host to motorcycles, commercials and autojumble / stalls, although the majority of these catered for the British / European enthusiast unless you wanted a die cast of your favourite Muscle Car.

The catering was a little sparse unless you only wanted an ice cream, so having had a good walk round and in need of some sustenance the urge came to make a move elsewhere.

Before departing word went round about a first time show in Seaford to be held the next weekend, and to keep an ear to the ground to get further details.

Happy that my next outing was on the horizon, I fired up the old girl and got back to what I enjoy most about the car – driving it!

To view the pictures of Cranleigh 09 “click here” to visit the gallery.