The 2026 Dunstable Classic Motor Rally
Saturday 13th June 2026 was a pleasant, sunny day in Dunstable's Priory Gardens, great weather for a classic car show.
The gardens beside Dunstable's large Priory Church provide the Classic Motor Rally's regular venue. The 12th-century church itself, along with the garden's flowers and shrubs, is the perfect setting for the free event and, no doubt, one of the reasons so many people attend.
Sense of pride
Over 200 classic vehicles were on display this year and, as last year, the truck convoy that also passed through the town helped to bring out the crowds. For the rally's visitors, food concessions offered sustenance and musical entertainment provided an alternative attraction for people who were, perhaps, just a little less enthusiastic about old cars.
Features aimed at children as well as adults meant that even the smallest attendees with the shortest attention spans were kept entertained. Teaching Talons offered access to a fascinating line-up of furry and feathered characters, including owls, rats and a parrot. Meanwhile, Unbound Theatre presented 'A Frantic Fable’, which turned out to be The Wind in the Willows.
Dunstable Town Council was very pleased with this year's event, and told Regtransfers, "More than just a motor show, the rally creates an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy something as a community. It celebrates local heritage and motoring history while creating a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages.
"The event also has a positive impact on the town by bringing more people into the centre and supporting local businesses, food stalls and traders. As a free event, it remains accessible to everyone and encourages involvement from local community groups, volunteers and exhibitors.
"Overall, the Dunstable Classic Motor Rally has become an important community event that not only showcases classic vehicles but also helps create a sense of pride, supports the local economy and brings people together."
This year's winners
As with previous shows, Dunstable Classic Motor Rally was sponsored by Regtransfers.co.uk. Regtransfers' marketing manager, Angela Banh and Dunstable's Deputy Mayor, Robert Blennerhassett, presented trophies to the winners of the various categories. The Regtransfers trophy winner was chosen by Angela.
The prize-winning cars in each of this year's categories were:
The Town Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s Choice:
1st: Austin-Healey with FAS 854
2nd: TVR Sagaris with TVR 54G
3rd: Plymouth Roadrunner with WKC 72H
The Sponsors and People's choices:
Sponsors Choice: Jaguar XJT with 888 GA
The People's Choice: Honda Civic with R13 VTC
End of the truck convoy?
This year, and previously, the Dunstable Classic Motor Rally has coincided with the annual Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy. The convoy has been an extremely popular sight as it travelled from Leighton Buzzard, through Dunstable, on its way to the finish point at Billington Showground.
Sadly, this year's convoy was billed as the last such event. The organisers have said that the 2026 convoy will have to be the last.
Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy
They have cited bureaucracy and extra costs due to changes insisted upon by Central Bedfordshire Council as the reasons. The many thousands of spectators who have enjoyed seeing the trucks pass along the convoy route will be very disappointed by the news.
On the bright side, Dunstable's Dunstable Classic Motor Rally 2026 is a separate event and thus not directly affected. We're already looking forward to next year's rally!
