Retro Rides Gathering 2016

 

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

@stevenfoxall

 

 

Retropower’s Audi Sport Quattro SWB rep

@retropower_marc

 

 

Joshua Tamwar O’Sullivan’s Mazda MX5

@joshuatamwar

 

 

James Ibbotson’s static Hillman Imp on Alleycat & Revolution wheels

@jamesandrew_67

 

Pipey McGraw’s W8-powered Volkswagen K70

@pipey_mcgraw

 

 

 

Jonathan Briggs’ Renault Extra Van w/GT Turbo conversion

@brigsygtt

 

Andy Bower’s Mk1 Ford Capri

 

Luke Herbert’s Mk2 Volkswagen Polo

@lukeherbss

 

Adam Hazlewood’s M52-swapped BMW E30

 

 

 

Tom Barry’s BMW E30 325i

@tom.barry

 

David Whitefield’s Cadillac Brougham Hearse

 

Richard Woolmer’s Austin A35

 

Alex Penberthy’s Mk2 Volkswagen Polo

@alex_86c

 

Daniel Lark’s C33 Nissan Laurel

@sundance_lark

 

Luke Drinan’s Mk2 Ford Escort

@lukedrinan

 

Rob Phillips’ M50-swapped BMW E30

@rob_phillips

 

Murray Eversham’s Ford Escort RS Turbo

@murray_eversham

 

James Cass’ C32 Nissan Laurel

@jamesblackletter

 

Mark Brown’s BMW E30 M3 on KW suspension & BBS Magnesium split rims

@mark_e21

 

 

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)

@shootall

 

 

Rich Tapp’s Nissan Skyline R32 on OZ Futura’s

@flatliner32

 

Lily Carton’s Nissan Silvia S14

@lilyfive

 

 

Dean Meeson’s Lotus Esprit on AccuAir suspension & custom Lotus splits

@dean_esprit

 

Chris’ bagged Ginetta G15

@cjimp

 

 

Joe Scott’s BMW E21 on Compomotive TS501’s

@joe_e21

 

Luke Polyblank’s Toyota AE86

@lukas_ae86

 

Anthony Steel’s Volvo 240 on Advan SA3R’s

@letpigsfly1

 

Carl Raine’s Fiat 126

@93carlraine

 

Audi RS2 Avant

 

BMW E34 Touring

 

C10 Nissan Skyline

 

 

Mark Bullock’s Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo

 

Conor Elliott’s Volkswagen Mk2 Golf

@thatconorkiddy

 

Si McNally’s VR6-swapped Volkswagen Mk2 Golf on Fifteen52 Formula TR’s

@si_wcs

 

Eden Cayless’ VW Type2 on Gotti’s

@eden__rh

 

Arfan Talib’s Mercedes-Benz W126 “Trasco” 1000SEL on BBS RF’s

@arfan.retrobling

 

 

 

Lala Miah’s BMW 635CSi on Air Lift suspension & custom-built M-system Throwing Star splits

@lamodz_official

 

 

 

BMW E12 Alpina B7 S Turbo

 

 

William Harris’ Austin Mini Clubman

@hegnirst

 

 

 

Adam Burton’s Mercedes-Benz W123 on hydraulic suspension

@hardslamadam

 

James Ibbotson’s static Hillman Imp on Alleycat & Revolution wheels

@jamesandrew_67

 

 

Robin Whitfield’s ‘Bosozoku-style’ Nissan Sunny

@epic_specialz

 

Sean Robbins’ bagged Datsun 240Z with BMW M52 2.8l engine swap on Extreme Offset Wheels

@seannaayyy

 

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.