Category Archives: Motors

Hawarden Classic Car Show

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Hawarden Classic Car Show

Gladstone Playing Fields, Hawarden

Saturday 18th June 2022

Now this was pretty impressive. A classic car and motors show, right on my doorstep, in Hawarden, North Wales. Plus it was free entry! Organised by charitable organisation Deeside Round Table, with plenty to do and see.

There were vehicles on display from various places and of differing ages, all of them classic. Food and drink; music; stalls to browse; games for the kids – a nice, community, family event on a summer afternoon.

We got there late (I did warn my crew of the potential issues) and some of the cars were already leaving – including a beautiful gold Trans Am that I missed getting a phot of. A word to the wise: when it says the event is on till 4pm, don’t turn up for the last hour.

Any readers of previous Motors blogs at the Virtual Hot Tub will know that I’m a big fan of American classic cars, in particular, muscle cars from the late 60’s and 70’s. There were a few of those types of vehicles on display, plus a healthy showing of British classics from over the years (plus many other countries).

I did manage to take a few photos of the cars on display – hope you enjoy. It’s been a while since a Motors update on at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, I’ll try harder to update more often.

Liverpool Comic Con – Part 2

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Liverpool Comic Con

Friday 8th March – Sunday 10th March 2019

Exhibition Centre Liverpool

 

Welcome back to my over view of Liverpool Comic Con.  Last time, I shared photos of some of the amazing Cosplay outfits to be seen at the event.  This time, I thought I’d share some pics of the eye-popping props on display.

The selection of display items at this convention was another selling point, with plenty to view.

Star of the show was a full scale X-Wing Fighter, which dominated the exhibition hall on entry.  It was spectacular: the size and detail both being extremely impressive.  Even though, as I stated previously, it was a Disney Star Wars ship and not the version from the classic trilogy, it was pretty cool.

Just imagine how ace it would’ve been if it was a full scale Incom T-65  X-Wing Fighter, as flown by Luke in Episode IV?!  If only.

There were several vehicles from film and TV also, including BA’s van from The A-Team and KITT from Knight Rider.  Both awesome.

I’ve seen a Back to the Future DeLorean before, but it’s always a treat.  This one was, of course, tricked out with other props from the film too – like Marty’s hover board.

In addition to vehicles, I also saw costumes from Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century – two Glen A Larson classics from my childhood.  I was pretty stoked to witness these first hand, being a huge fan of both television programmes.

Not to mention there was a ton of Star Wars costumes, helmets and gadgets that I didn’t get round to photographing.  I did take a pic of my all time hero R2 D2 though (and one of Johnny 5 from Short Circuit, another star of the day).

I assume all the props I saw were reproductions rather than actual items used in filming (I could be wrong).  However it was still a thrill to see them.  If only I could’ve actually sat in the vehicles…

Visit the Liverpool Comic Con Website here.

More from the American Classic Car Show

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

Part 2

Last summer I paid a visit to the American Classic Car Show at Tatton Park.  This was back in early July 2016.  I promised some more photos of the amazing automobiles seen on that visit, but didn’t get round to sharing – until now.

We’re in the grip of miserable January right now, but it was a fine summer’s day when we went to the car show.  My apologies if these shots remind you of warmer, brighter days.  But just look at those cars!

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On display were all types of classics, from 50s chrome and fins to 70s muscle cars and beyond.  I always enjoy spotting vehicles similar to those that appeared in some of my favourite films and television shows.

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The car show is loads of fun with plenty for all the family to enjoy, with food and drink, music and entertainment, not to mention shopping – in addition to the cars on show.

A trip to the Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show is highly recommended!

Check for events info at Tatton Park here.

Hope I haven’t repeated any of these photos in the earlier post.  You can see the previous post here.

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The sensational General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard.  Loved that show, and I love Dodge Chargers!  Apologies for the flag.

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Below (in white) you’ll see a Ford Galaxy 500 – as immortalised in song by the awesome Reverend Horton Heat!

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American Classic Car Show 2016

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

Over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd July 2016, there was the annual Stars and Stripes Classic American Car Show at Tatton Park.  Featuring all kinds of classic vehicles from the USA, and from different eras, it was – as always – a fantastic day out.

Luckily the weather was pretty good this year, so my family and I made our way to the park for a day out.

There were plenty of cars for me to drool over, dozens of stalls selling all sorts of paraphernalia, even a mini fun fair for the kids.  Not to mention food and music.  Of particular interest to our party this year was an Elvis impersonator, who was doing a mighty fine job.  Thank you very much.

As always, I took a crazy amount of photos, which I can share with you here now.

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And now, one of my favourite cars ever.  A Plymouth Barracuda (in lime green with racing stripes): img_4763

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Finally, a pic of my daughter looking super cool! img_4737

Cool Car Pics

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It’s about time for some action in the Motors section.  So here are a couple of photos I took at the recent Wales Comic Con in Wrexham.

First up is a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, which I’m guessing was in attendance due it’s appearance in Smokey and the Bandit.  It’s an iconic car, and an old favourite of mine.  Probably had a Matchbox toy of this one, long ago.

Then we have got Optimus Prime and Bumblebee from Transformers.  Bumblebee is a very nice yellow Chevrolet Camaro.  I’m not a huge Transformers fan, but seeing these vehicles was pretty cool.

Hope you enjoy the pics!

Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac Firebird

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Camaro
Trans Am

Apologies for any inaccuracies in my descriptions!

More Classic American Cars

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

The American Classic Car Show is this weekend at Tatton Park – 4th July weekend.  My, how time has flown since my last post about this great event.

In the last article, I shared some photos of classic chrome and fins autos from the 50’s rock’n’roll era.  This time, I thought I’d share some cars from a slightly later period – the muscle cars of the late 60’s/early 70’s.

These are the cars I really love.  They’re the cars on all those classic cop shows like Starsky and Hutch; or brilliant films like Vanishing Point.  These are also the cars that I had Matchbox and Corgi replicas of – they were my favourites then, and they still are now.

Why don’t cars look like this any more, he asks with a tear in his eye…

Enjoy the photos.  And if you can get to Tatton Park this weekend, enjoy the show.

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And I saved the best till last.  There were many great car shows from my childhood, and many iconic cars.  The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard is my all time favourite, though.  A beautiful Dodge Charger, it makes me weep when I hear how many of these cars they wrecked making that programme.

A word about the flag, too.  I do not generally discuss politics on my blog, but I will declare that I’m no right winger.  In fact my opinions are very much the opposite.  I appreciate, however, that the Confederate flag shown on the top of the General is considered offensive.  However I have decided to show the car here for posterity, as it’s a fine machine.  The flag remains obscured for reasons of sensitivity.  I admire the car, remember the silly television show, but do not advocate prejudice.  Peace.

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The Tatton Park website is here.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN

01625 374400

American Classic Cars

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Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park 

Every year on or around July 4th, there’s a Classic American Car Show at Tatton Park in Cheshire.  I’ve been a few times over the years – weather permitting – and had a great day out.

Obviously there’s plenty of American autos to see; of all ages, varieties, colours and shapes.  Plus you’ll find tons of entertainment, from live bands, food, rides for the little ‘uns and a motorcycle Wall of Death.  Not to mention there’s practically a whole village of market stalls selling everything from car parts, to toys, memorabilia, cowboy hats and cowboy boots – the list is endless.

I thought I’d share a few photos from my last trip to the show in 2014.  To get the motor runnin’, here are a few fine examples of the fin and chrome variety…

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The Tatton Park website is here.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN

01625 374400

Evel Knievel: Evel Genius

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Evel Knievel Touring Exhibition

Although I don’t remember that much from the 1970’s, I remember the important stuff.  Like the Six Million Dollar Man.  And Starsky and Hutch.  And Kojak, the Dukes of Hazzard, Raleigh Choppers, and Spangles.  Oh, and some obscure film called Star Wars.  I don’t remember Bowie, T.Rex, Zeppelin, Sabbath or the Pistols.  Or skateboards – that would all come later.

One thing I do remember from those days was Evel Knievel.  Mostly because my friend Justin had ALL of the Evel toys.  He had the wind up stunt cycle, a rocket bike, even the very cool and fully equipped Scramble Van.  The van had loads of tools inside to fix up Evel’s Harley Davidson stunt bike.  I loved those toys (though I couldn’t be envious, I had plenty of Action Man and Star Wars stuff of my own).

Evel Knievel was an icon of my childhood, right through into the 80’s.  I don’t even know if I saw any footage of him performing any of his stunts.  I didn’t need to.  The name Evel Knievel became another word for daring, for bravery, for facing fear.  And despite the numerous crashes that the real Evel suffered, his name became a synonym for mastery of the most dangerous stunts – or obstacle – that anyone could face.

Evel Knievel was the ultimate in motorcycle stunt riders.  More than that, he became a real life superhero – able to take on the most lethal challenge and survive.

A couple of years ago, whilst attending one of the Memorabilia events at Birmingham NEC, I was able to view some actual artifacts from Evel Knievel’s career.  The Evel Knievel Exhibition was in town, so I was able to view the items first hand.  Here are a few photos of the event.

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Selfie with Evel shirt

The Evel Knievel website is here.

1967 Mercury Cougar

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As promised at the start of the year, I wanted to add a few new sections to my blog.  As I don’t have enough hobbies and interests to cover on here already, you see.  The next new arrival is this – my Motors section.  I should call it Me and Motors actually (for all you people who’ve had Sky a long time…)

You won’t find anything too technical here, as to be honest, I have no idea what horsepower is.  Nor am I impressed with Audi or BMW – so don’t expect any posts relating to cars like that.

What I am interested in is Classic Cars.  In particular, American Classic Cars.  Even more specifically, classic American muscle cars from the late 60’s and early 70’s.  The type of cars that I saw on television shows like Starsky & Hutch and The Dukes of Hazzard when I was a kid.  The type of cars I had Matchbox and Corgi toy versions of.

Cars like this 1967 Mercury Cougar.

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I saw this car in the local area recently and tailed it (just like a 70’s cop show).  When it stopped I had a quick chat with the owner, and got this photo.

A fine looking car.  Bright yellow, with a black top.  Hidden headlights.  The sort of car that makes me glad I’ve got Vanishing Point on DVD.

I did actually have a Matchbox toy of a Mercury Cougar, though it was orange if I remember.  Still got it somewhere.

Stay tuned to Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub for more exciting pics like this!