Vintage vehicle owners saw their motors restored to their past glories at the Essex Classic Vehicle Show on Sunday.

Gazette: Across the pond – plenty of American cars were on show, as well as British classics (Credit: Steve Brading)Across the pond – plenty of American cars were on show, as well as British classics (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

The annual event, which is held at Lower Castle Park as a fundraiser for the Headway Essex charity, raised £11,000 as 2,000 visitors attended the show in warm and sunny weather conditions.

Gazette: For sale – some owners took their chance to sell their vintage cars at the show (Credit: Steve Brading)For sale – some owners took their chance to sell their vintage cars at the show (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

A total of 285 classic vehicles were on show representing a century of motoring history, with one car – a Humber 14/40 Tourer – having been on the road since 1927.

Gazette: Glaring – pop-up headlamps were all the rage back in the day (Credit: Steve Brading)Glaring – pop-up headlamps were all the rage back in the day (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

Flying the flag for modern supercars was the Lamborghini Gallardo, which would have cost close to £150,000 when it was still in production in the late 2000s.

Gazette: Gleaming – the good weather conditions made the cars look even better (Credit: Steve Brading)Gleaming – the good weather conditions made the cars look even better (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

The show did not only attract car enthusiasts, however; families, too, were out in force as youngsters were offered to sit at the wheel of classic motors and enjoy games at a range of fairs and stalls.

As the charity for which the event was held, Headway Essex has been a major beneficiary from the Essex Classic Vehicle show over the years – and the £11,000 raised at the weekend delighted the event organiser and fundraising manager, Douglas Flood.

Gazette: Petrol head – the innards of some car engines were there for all to see (Credit: Steve Brading)Petrol head – the innards of some car engines were there for all to see (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

He said: “We had excellent weather which helped bring in the crowds and around 2,000 people enjoyed this spectacular local event.

Gazette: Polished performance – one youngster ensures a car is in good nick (Credit: Steve Brading)Polished performance – one youngster ensures a car is in good nick (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

“Once again, we had high octane performances from free running troop Team Kinetix and music to suit all tastes; it is clear the show retains loyalty with many visitors, car clubs and car exhibitors returning from previous shows.”

Gazette: Quirky – the retro design of Morgan cars always draw onlookers (Credit: Steve Brading)Quirky – the retro design of Morgan cars always draw onlookers (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

The overall prize for the event went to the owner of a Cadillac Biarritz 1957 convertible, though visitors were also intrigued by cars which had cultural nots to films and TV shows such as Back to the Future, Happy Days, and Life on Mars.

Gazette: Rally – some cars on show had been raced at competitive rallies over the years (Credit: Steve Brading)Rally – some cars on show had been raced at competitive rallies over the years (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

Mr Flood added: “It was so enjoyable to see so many people having a good time and raising such an amazing amount of money.

Gazette: Tight squeeze – one onlooker takes a look at the Messerschmitt bubble car (Credit: Steve Brading)Tight squeeze – one onlooker takes a look at the Messerschmitt bubble car (Credit: Steve Brading) (Image: Steve Brading)

“We’re also incredibly grateful to all the classic vehicle owners for their support in making this such a wonderful event.”