It’s that time of year where we take a break from the usual shenanigans of static ‘stance-orientated’ car shows, and head deep into the British countryside… more specifically, the idyllic Shelsley Walsh in Worcester, to the historic hill climb. It’s here that every year, members of the Retro Rides forums get together for one big event, the ‘Gathering’. Now, this isn’t like any typical car show. Here you’ll find cars that you won’t see anywhere else, in fact, a lot of them only attend this one event on the calendar, and I’m pretty sure a lot of them aren’t even that active on social media. I know right, that sort of messes up our usual style of event coverage, but let’s go with it. Anyway, I’ve been attending the Retro Rides Gathering since 2013, and it just keeps getting better, year on year (regardless of the weather). Over this time I’ve noticed that more and more classic car enthusiasts are finding out about this motorsport-orientated event, bringing a higher calibre of cars each time I visit.
IF IT’S RETRO, IT’S COOL…
It’s as simple as that. There’s a huge sense of appreciation for all marques at this event – and no whining about what and what isn’t acceptable like in the VAG scene. You’ll see everything from rat-look to fully prepped race cars. And it’s not just the high-performance cars that get a go up the hill climb either, the variety of cars can be hilarious at times – even a hearse went up this year (which you’ll find below)! I’ve done my best to select the images that show off what the Gathering is all about… A broad range of cars, but still focusing on what you guys and gals come to Slam Sanctuary for. But first, let’s take a look at some of the cars that ventured up the hill.
Steven Foxall’s static BMW M50-turbo’d E30 on Schmidt TH-Line’s
Retropower’s Audi Sport Quattro SWB rep
Joshua Tamwar O’Sullivan’s Mazda MX5
James Ibbotson’s static Hillman Imp on Alleycat & Revolution wheels
Pipey McGraw’s W8-powered Volkswagen K70
Jonathan Briggs’ Renault Extra Van w/GT Turbo conversion
Andy Bower’s Mk1 Ford Capri
Luke Herbert’s Mk2 Volkswagen Polo
Adam Hazlewood’s M52-swapped BMW E30
Tom Barry’s BMW E30 325i
David Whitefield’s Cadillac Brougham Hearse
Richard Woolmer’s Austin A35
Alex Penberthy’s Mk2 Volkswagen Polo
Daniel Lark’s C33 Nissan Laurel
Luke Drinan’s Mk2 Ford Escort
Rob Phillips’ M50-swapped BMW E30
Murray Eversham’s Ford Escort RS Turbo
James Cass’ C32 Nissan Laurel
Mark Brown’s BMW E30 M3 on KW suspension & BBS Magnesium split rims
ON TO THE CLUB FIELD…
If the burnouts, tyre smoke and the sound of cars going up the hill climb get a bit too much, there’s always a chance to take a stroll through the club field. Now, unlike most static car shows, the display part of the Gathering is made up of club stands – these are pre-booked prior to the event. This works really well, guaranteeing groups of friends the ability to park up together for the day. There’s also a “Retro Parking” area, too, which allows cars that turn up on the day to still be involved.
Benny Rees’ 1976 Toyota Celica GT on WORK Equip Spirit 11’s (front) & SSR Riverside R109’s (rear)
Rich Tapp’s Nissan Skyline R32 on OZ Futura’s
Lily Carton’s Nissan Silvia S14
Dean Meeson’s Lotus Esprit on AccuAir suspension & custom Lotus splits
Chris’ bagged Ginetta G15
Joe Scott’s BMW E21 on Compomotive TS501’s
Luke Polyblank’s Toyota AE86
Anthony Steel’s Volvo 240 on Advan SA3R’s
Carl Raine’s Fiat 126
Audi RS2 Avant
BMW E34 Touring
C10 Nissan Skyline
Mark Bullock’s Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo
Conor Elliott’s Volkswagen Mk2 Golf
Si McNally’s VR6-swapped Volkswagen Mk2 Golf on Fifteen52 Formula TR’s
Eden Cayless’ VW Type2 on Gotti’s
Arfan Talib’s Mercedes-Benz W126 “Trasco” 1000SEL on BBS RF’s
Lala Miah’s BMW 635CSi on Air Lift suspension & custom-built M-system Throwing Star splits
BMW E12 Alpina B7 S Turbo
William Harris’ Austin Mini Clubman
Adam Burton’s Mercedes-Benz W123 on hydraulic suspension
James Ibbotson’s static Hillman Imp on Alleycat & Revolution wheels
Robin Whitfield’s ‘Bosozoku-style’ Nissan Sunny
Sean Robbins’ bagged Datsun 240Z with BMW M52 2.8l engine swap on Extreme Offset Wheels
LET’S END WITH A BURNOUT…
There’s not much more I can say really, other than if you haven’t been to Retro Rides Gathering before, don’t let yourself miss it again – book it in the diary for next year. You’ll be amazed by the unmatchable vibe that it possesses. With wacky, rare and intriguing cars, it’s completely different to any other automotive event on the calendar, something I constantly tell people when they ask about it. We will be back again next year, without a doubt.