Saturday 14th June 2025 was a warm and sunny day in exotic Dunstable, perfect weather for a classic car show.
This year's Dunstable Classic Motor Rally was held, as usual, in Priory Gardens in the town centre, beside Dunstable's landmark Priory Church of St Peter. The Priory Church, despite its considerable size, is only a partial remnant of an even larger priory church founded in 1132 by King Henry I. Its imposing Norman architecture provides a perfect backdrop to events in the gardens.
Great turnout
Over 200 classic vehicles were on show, and a truck convoy through the town added an extra dimension of interest for enthusiasts. Food concessions ensured that participants and visitors were well fed, and live musical entertainment provided a welcome diversion for those who needed a break from staring at old cars.
The winners
Once again, the show, a free event that was established in 2009, was sponsored by Regtransfers, and Regtransfers' marketing manager, Angela Banh, was there to represent the company. Dunstable's mayor, Councillor Sally Kimondo, was there to present the trophies, supported by deputy mayor Councillor Richard Attwell.
The two councillors chose three winners: Jim Waites with his Royale Sabre kit car, displaying the registration JIW 420; Vaughan Dingley with his TVR Tuscan, registration V3 GHN and Steven Hill with his Austin-Healey, registration BXC 343B.
The Regtransfers trophy winner was chosen by Angela, and it went to John White and his 1963 Daimler V8-250, registration 591 FLY.
Marking an important date
Amongst the additional attractions were crazy golf, a History Alive trail, arts and crafts and musical entertainment from, amongst others, The Memphis Belles, and the Unabout Theatre Show ‘A Royal Night Out; WW2 and the Blitz' with Lieutenant Palmer. The knowledgeable Lieutenant Palmer had the rapt attention of children with his display of military ordnance, which he was happy to explain.
The 1940's and military themes of some of the entertainment and displays were in recognition of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, commonly known as VE Day, which took place on 8th May 1945.
The day was a great success and Regtransfers would like to thank the organisers, participants and visitors for making it yet another fantastic rally.
The convoy
14th of June was also the date of the 10th annual Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy. The convoy which follows a route from the North Hertfordshire Showground, through Dunstable to the Leighton Buzzard Showground, raises money for the charities Scotty's Little Soldiers (supporting bereaved children of military service personnel) and the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service.
The event was made even more special by the RAF Battle of Britain fly-past, which included Lancaster Bombers and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses.
Locals are already looking forward to next year's classic car rally and truck convoy.
Winner photographs courtesy of Dunstable Town Council
