September 18, 2005:
British Invasion 2005
Another year, another trip to Stowe for British Invasion (see also 2003 and 2004)
Once again, a serious amount of rain made the show field very muddy, and I think many cars were put off - the attendance looked down from previous years, and modern MINIs counted more than classics this year, for the first time (14 moderns, 11 classics):
Many other British cars too, old & new, including a handful of $$$$$ Astons - all owned by the same guy (that’s just showing off)!
Throughout Saturday the weather threatened rain but held off:
I was thrilled this year to get first prize in the peoples choice - what’s more, the prize plaque was the correct color for GBMINI#3:
A really nice Mini pickup, owned by Shannon, got first in the classic Mini section:
On the Sunday, more overnight rain caused the “backseat driver” event to be cancelled. There were a few “tailgate picnic” entrants and a reasonable turnout for the “parade of colors” displays, but many people had headed home. But this Mini / MINI pair had accidentally posed for me …
Josh Wardell (2005/09/18 @ 10:01 pm)
Congrats Ian! I think it was the teddy bear that gave you the edge.
Glad I didn’t go. I would have spent the whole day on my knees pleading for a ride in the Astons.
db (2005/09/18 @ 11:15 pm)
In that first pic, the MCS in the lower right strangely looks VR…how is that possible?
jared (2005/09/19 @ 12:00 am)
db,
That guy found an S hood on a junked car and had it painted VR. It’s still a Cooper.
jordan (2005/09/19 @ 12:37 pm)
congrats on award ian, is there any ducks available in the memory of maxamini?
snid (2005/09/19 @ 3:34 pm)
The Velvet Red “S” is a Cooper that was totalled, and rebuilt (very well) with some S body parts.
RB (2005/09/19 @ 11:04 pm)
Love those rims on the silver Aston.
Bilbo Baggins (2005/10/01 @ 11:56 am)
Great photos, ty.
Especially liked the mini/MINI photo.