Bristol Classic Restoration Show 2013

3rd & 4th of November Shepton Mallet

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This year’s Bristol Classic Vehicle Restoration Show was again held at the popular venue of the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

The Volvo Enthusiasts Club, as in previous year’s, took a large stand in the Showering Hall, with 3 Volvo’s on display - 2 1800’s and a 740 Pick-up.

Pride of place was Kevin’s, our Founder, recently returned to the road, after 40 years, 1962 P1800 which was used by now Sir Roger Moore in the very first series of TV’s The Saint – ST 1 aka 71 DXC.

Keeping ST 1 company was Gavin’s, of Count Olaf Volvo Specialists - Wellington, Somerset Tel: 07796005177, ‘PUF’ a 1964 1800S which is undergoing the initial stages of a full restoration in his workshop at Foxmoor Industrial Estate, Wellington. Gavin, used to pass by this car on a drive in London on his way to school and never thought one day he would be lucky enough to be its owner. The car will require extensive work to the body which has suffered badly from rust and Gavin had removed, for the show, several sections from the outer panels to allow visitors to see the true extent of corrosion and what was required to rebuild the car. The car caused much interest with visitors who were keen to discuss the work required and methods to be used.

Also on the stand was Colin Hughes, the Club’s Principle Contact, very well converted Volvo 740 Pick-up which as covered a staggering 1 Million plus Miles. The 740 Estate was used as a Taxi before being converted into a pick-up by a motor cycle enthusiast to carry his bikes – Why didn’t Volvo do it, excellent!

Also manning the stand was Chris Tye, a fellow Jensen P1800 owner, who is currently restoring one of the very rare P1800S’s (only 2000 built) which were built by Volvo using almost all the same parts as the Jensen cars but in Sweden, before the new bodyshell of the 1964 1800S was produced with the later seats and interior.

Visiting the Show over the weekend were a number of Volvo’s which included a very rare 1972 1800E owned by Douglas Rice from the USA, who purchased the US Spec car new in 1972 while working temporarily in mainland Europe. After working in Europe Douglas moved to Britain where he still lives and so the car never actually got to the US. The car is very unusual, being one the very last coupe models produced, which was built alongside the 1800ES production. The car features many of the parts used on the Estate, including the interior and steel wheels. Kevin, who is recognised as the authority on the 1800 informed the owner that he knew of only 2 RHD Type ‘W’ 1800E’s in the UK and had only actually seen one in the flesh, coincidently the same light blue metallic (code 111) and black interior.

Throughout the show Members of the Club manning the stand were kept very busy answering Technical and Membership queries. A great show! If you would like to help in the future why not contact Kevin.

Our thanks to all those who came along over the weekend and supported the Show and the Volvo Enthusiasts Club. Also to those members who brought along their cars either on the stand or in the Classic Carpark and those manning the Club display.

Our next visit to Shepton Mallet will be for Great Western Autojumble which this year will also have Club Displays and Live Music from the Rock & Roll Years, so put it in your diary and come along, I am sure it will be a great weekend.