NEWS

An abridged version of Simon Thorpe's account of the day

Although a Club member since a young age, Wiscombe marked a first competitive visit — its bluebell-lined Devon hills providing a stunning backdrop despite an earlier forecast of rain.

The Saturday 500 Owners Association event offered valuable practice on a technically challenging hill. Club spirit shone when an exhaust manifold gasket failed mid-event; David McRobert swiftly rallied the paddock, with Kevin Morton supplying a spare and the repair completed with minutes to spare. Morton himself later replaced a blown head gasket overnight — an impressive feat.

Sunday's paddock offered extraordinary machinery, from Vijay Mallya's Sunbeam Tiger to a diminutive Elfe cyclecar, with a Type 49 Bugatti and 4½ litre Bentley among the spectating cars.

Come the competitive runs, Tom Waterfield took FTD in the Cooper, with Ian Baxter 1st Pre-War and Patrick Blakeney-Edwards 1st Vintage. A special mention to David Saxl, who rounded off a wonderful day with an epic drive home to London in his Riley — the true spirit of the Club.

Results can be viewed here , and the full account of the day can be read in our members-only news sheet.