THE Crash Box and Classic Car Club has announced that owing to the ongoing uncertainty and restrictions relating to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, it has had no choice but to postpone the annual Historic Vehicle Gathering for a second year in a row.
This was due to have taken place at Powderham Castle, near Exeter, over the weekend of July 10 and 11.
Richard Nunn, the rally chairman said: “We have not taken this decision lightly but we have to protect the wellbeing of the large number of volunteers and the public who attend the event. There is also the uncertainty arising from the yet-to-be-announced Step 4 regulations relating to large gatherings such as our show.
"The Historic Vehicle Gathering would have taken place only a few weeks after the proposed end of the current Lockdown, so there is a risk of this date being changed and we would then not be able to run the show.
“The Crash Box Club regrets the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the cancellation of the show which has now been running for 47 years. However, there is some good news - we can now announce that the next Historic Vehicle Gathering will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10, 2022.”
One of the many attractions expected to attend the 2022 event is a rare Austin 18hp six-cylinder two-door coupe built for Edward VIII, Prince of Wales.
Now owned by Steve Hayes of Brisbane, Australia, the Austin is set to make a trip "back home" to the United Kingdom starting in June of next year and will attend this annual event. As one of just 14 Coupes built by Salmons and Sons Ltd, this 1934 example was later shipped to New Zealand for the 1935 Royal visit.
Over the years, the success of the annual Historic Vehicle Gathering has meant the Crash Box Club has been able to raise in excess of £200,000 for many charities, most of which have been local.
For more information about the Historic Vehicle Gathering, visit the dedicated website at: https://historic-vehicle-gathering.info/ or the "Historic Vehicle Gathering" page on Facebook.