Classic cars rev up for visitors in Sunderland with vintage show

Ken Jones at the wheel of a Bristol RE 1969 Semi Automatic from the Rodger Burdett collection at he vintage bus and car show held at auburn recreation ground. 27-08-2028 Picture by FRANK REID

Now in it’s 34th year, the Historic Vehicle Rally, held just yards from the city’s seafront, is organised by the North East Bus Preservation Trust.

The rain stayed away as more than 150 vehicles were on display at Seaburn Recreation Park.

Gordon Gunn, stall manager for the trust, has been attending the rallies for more than 10 years .

He said: “It’s a great rally this one.

“I think it’s the combination of the vehicles, both classic cars and buses, and the location means it’s right beside the beach.

“It’s for all walks of life. We try and cater for everyone.”

Ripley Cave from nHebburn at the wheel of a Mini 40 at the vintage bus and car show held at auburn recreation ground. 27-08-2028 Picture by FRANK REID

Among those exhibiting was Tony Consfield, 67, of Darlington, who had his 1997 Renault 16 on show.

He said: “The Renault 16 was manufactured from 1965 to 1980 there was 1.8 million made of that model.

“There’s now only 20 between England and Ireland that are in a nice condition.”

Tony Cansfield with his Reanailt 16TX 1979at the vintage bus and car show held at auburn recreation ground. 27-08-2028 Picture by FRANK REID

There were plenty of enthusiasts, young and old, taking a look around the huge range of vehicles on show.

David Faulkner, 69, of Ashington, has taken his Citeron Traction Avant 1952 to France for a classic car rally before.

He said: “Seaburn is a friendly rally, having said that you get to know a lot of people when you’ve been going to rallies for seven years.”

Around 40 buses were on display, with many open for visitors to get on board and have a look around .

The vintage bus and car show held at auburn recreation ground. 27-08-2028 Picture by FRANK REID

Jackie Soppitt, 77, of Seaham, was a bus driver for 50 years and has passed on his love for the vehicle to ‘bus mad’ grandson Daniel, eight.

He said: “He’s been interested in buses for quite a few years. We go round all the buses together - a lot of them we can go inside and get in the driver’s seat.

“We’ve had a really great morning, we’ve almost been round them all now.”