ALMOST 1,500 vehicles covering more than 100 years of motoring are to go on display at the Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham Castle. 

1976 Citroen van, 1969 modified Morris Traveller, and 1965 Ford Mustang
1976 Citroen van, 1969 modified Morris Traveller, and 1965 Ford Mustang (Contributed)

The yearly event, organised by the Crash Box and Classic Car Club of Devon, will take place on Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 between 10am and 4.30pm both days. 

Local enthusiasts own many of the vehicles which will be on display, including Crash Box Club member David Nation from Crediton.  

David Nation of Crediton with 1934 pre-series Morris in 1981
David Nation of Crediton with 1934 pre-series Morris in 1981 (Contributed)

Mr Nation owns a 1934 Morris 10/4 which he bought 52 years ago.  

“I just love the efficient and so well organised Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham Castle!” he said.  

“It reminds me how much we've come on since the first one all those years ago when only around 80 vehicles arrived and chaos ensued because, as rally secretary I insisted we park them up in the castle courtyard!  

“Vehicles were so tightly packed in that they couldn't manoeuvre when they needed to and newcomers had to be accommodated on the approach road and even on the surrounding grass.  

“What a contrast with the slick operation nowadays.” 

Alongside 300 individual car entries there will be more than 60 vehicle club displays, 40 full-size and miniature steamers, as well as motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors, trade stands and “autojumble”. 

The line-up of 40 steamers includes miniature and full-size engines
The line-up of 40 steamers includes miniature and full-size engines (Contributed)

A new attraction confirmed for this year’s event is a special display of Second World War vehicles to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

Line-up of Triumphs
Line-up of Triumphs (Contributed)

Rally Chairman for the 49th Historic Vehicle Gathering Mike Overfield-Collins, from Crediton, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming many enthusiasts and supporters to enjoy one of the largest displays of vehicles covering over 100 years of motoring.  

“There really will be something to interest everyone.” 

The annual event also raises funds for various local charities. This year’s chosen local charities are the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, Veterans with Dogs (Exeter) and Teignmouth Shopmobility. 

In addition to these, there will also be a voting system to allow exhibitors and visitors to vote for any of the good causes that have a presence at the Historic Vehicle Gathering over the weekend.

These votes have helped determine in recent years how the club supports more local charitable groups. 

The Crash Box and Classic Car Club of Devon has been staging the Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham Castle, Kenton, near Exeter, Devon, since 1975.  

The club has been able to donate more than £250,000 to charity over the years. 

For more information about the event, you can visit historic-vehicle-gathering.info.