Bristol American Car Show

S H O W R E P O R T

BRISTOL AMERICAN CAR SHOW

Keynsham, Somerset June 5, 2022

Words and photography: Mike Renaut

With torrential rain forecast – that thankfully never arrived – a number of owners evidently weren’t prepared to risk getting their classic cars wet to attend Pre’50 American Auto Club’s event, instead opting for moderns. But for the many who did take a classic they found a friendly, well organised and still busy show held at a new venue, Keynsham Rugby Football Club, that’s easier to get to and has arguably better access for larger vehicles.

The show field was almost full by mid-morning with a few stragglers rolling in at midday. While there were some familiar faces – and a few cars previously featured in Classic American – a handful of cars also debuted at the event. One such was Paul Wells’ 1958 Oldsmobile 98 (watch out for a feature on this fantastic car in an upcoming issue). Having just finished its extensive restoration Paul was then delighted to win the Best in Show prize.

In spite of being called the Pre-’50 Club, in fact the club caters to any American vehicle over 25 years old and the show welcomes all American vehicles old and new. Indeed, a display of modern police cars particularly intrigued the crowd. This all-inclusive get-together welcomes hot rods and customised cars as well as bikes, military vehicles and there’s an area set aside for non-American classic cars too.

See www.pre50aac.com or the Pre50 American Auto Club Facebook page for more info on the club and future events.

1958 Edsel Pacer in a very attractive colour scheme.

Police cars on display included Chargers, Magnums and Crown Vics.

1970 Plymouth Custom Suburban wagon was largely original.

One of a pair of top-quality lowrider 1965 Cadillacs on display.

Mild custom 1965 Ford Galaxie had LTD trim package.

To pre-order your next issue of Classic American, head to classicmagazines.co.uk/pre-order-ca

Alternatively, scan the QR code on this page and order your next copy today. We will send it directly to you!

Classic American News

Live music...

GET READY TO RIOT!

We are thrilled to see that the Rhythm Riot is back after a three-year gap and is all set to pick up from where it left off, with thousands of people from around the world descending on Camber Sands for a non-stop, all-action weekend of 1950s music and dancing, and a full-on celebration of classic cars, clothes and midcentury style. Moving to new dates in October, there’ll be more daylight, and warmer weather can be expected, which is great news for classic car owners and the crowds who gather for the cruise into Rye on Sunday afternoon.

The biggest Rhythm Riot line-up ever will feature a spectacular international array of 26 bands and more than 85 hours of DJ sessions. Particular highlights include a five-hour session on Thursday night, featuring vintage vinyl records played though a huge all-valve sound system, and Sunday night’s all-star Winter Dance

… Dancing!

Party show – an homage to the fateful show of February 2, 1959 in Clear Lake, Iowa – and featuring the best of the American and UK scene performing the hits of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and Dion & The Belmonts.

As we write, it’s looking like a sell-out is on the cards… so head on over to www.RhythmRiot. com and make your bookings now.

… at Rhythm Riot!

Classic American News HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

It’s great that shows are back after a hiatus of a couple of years and here are a couple of our favourites… Carrot Town’s show’s back!

The show that will feature anything American, as long as it has an engine, is back for 2022!

The American Car Show 2022, in association with Carrot Town Garage, will hold its everpopular clubs’ and private owners’ showcase day on Sunday, July 24 (10am-4pm) at Stonham Barns Park – one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations. The show is all about American cars with muscle, power and fabulous paintwork. Stuart Davies, who founded classic American car dealership Carrot Town Garage, which sponsors the show, said: “We are delighted to be back at Stonham Barns Park for this second show. We search America for cars that we would want to own ourselves and import them ready for sale in the UK.”

Offering facilities to suit all ages, Stonham Barns Park has an indoor soft play area, pirate-themed adventure golf, footgolf, a shopping village, owl sanctuary, meerkat castle, golf park, fishing lakes, children’s play area and fair rides. To enter a club, or your own vehicle, contact Stuart Davies at CTG on 07713 267334 or visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk

Tickets for the event are £10 per adult (under-12s get in free). For further information visit or call 01449 711111. For more information about forthcoming events at Stonham Barns Park, contact the events team on 01449 711111 or email events@stonhambarns.co.uk

Redhill Dream Cruise 2022

The Redhill Dream Cruise takes place on Saturday, August 20 at 7pm. Head for RH1 1NP – the onus is definitely on old-school Chelsea/Swedish-style cruising through the streets in classic American cars and trucks. There is a town centre route and a longer scenic route, both of which fully overlap, and there are plenty of eateries and vista points around town which will be signposted this year. Check out Instagram and Facebook for latest info – and remember: keep it low and slow!