Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill

By Greg MacLeman
Events
 | 21 May 2018
Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

A diverse array of classics ranging from an Austin-Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite to a Porsche 968 cabriolet gathered at Botley Hill, Surrey – the highest point in the North Downs – on 19 May for the regular 'Woldingham Ring' monthly meet.

And the fantastic spring sunshine doubtless swelled numbers.

Botley Hill Farmhouse played host to the meeting, giving over its extensive car park to a wide variety of historic vehicles.

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Organiser Ian Dixon Potter and his lovely 1972 BMW 2500

Organiser Ian Dixon Potter, who has held the event for the past two years, arrived in a smart, recently acquired 1972 BMW 2500.

“The car had spent the past 41 years in Cheshire,” he explained. “I like the style – it’s a classical saloon. It has a lovely four-speed gearchange and powered steering with plenty of feedback. The suspension isn’t hard like a modern BMW. An online report claims there are just six left!”

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

This MG turned heads upon arrival

Among the late arrivals was a handsome T-series MG, drawing attention with a delicious overrun exhaust note as it pulled into the car park.

It seems a fitting addition, given the model’s popularity with pilots during WW2. Nearby RAF Kenley served as a front-line fighter station during the Battle of Britain, and on The Hardest Day – 18 August 1940 – Hurricane pilot Harry Snow Newton was shot down, bailing out in the skies over Botley Hill and landing near the farmhouse.

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car
Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Colin Sutton's 1966 Morris Minor GPO van holds an array of GPO artefacts

Colin Sutton arrived in his 1966 Morris Minor GPO van, which quickly became a talking point as the rear doors were opened to reveal an impressive collection of GPO artefacts.

“I bought the van in 2011,” said Sutton, “it was finished in Olive Green so I had it resprayed the correct Mid-Bronze Green. None of the original equipment remained, so I bought one of the rear racks and made up another as best I could. I understand it had seen service, but the number plate doesn’t reflect what it used to be.”

Sutton is on the lookout for ‘Poles and Holes’ equipment to add to his collection. If you think you can help, please get in touch on 07484 777746 or email csutton46@btinternet.com.

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car
Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Colin Robertson brought his 1973 Dolomite Sprint to the Surrey meet

Triumphs were out in force throughout the morning, with a pair of Stags, C&SC features editor Greg MacLeman’s big saloon, a charming Vitesse and a sharp TR4A all on display.

Triumph Sports Six Club officer Colin Robertson, meanwhile, arrived in his 1973 Dolomite Sprint.

“I’ve owned it for about five years now. I’ve been into Triumphs on and off since the early 1970s when I bought my first Spitfire. My second one was built up from a box of bits! It took two years to put together.”

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car
Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car

Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car
Dozens of classics scale Botley Hill – Classic & Sports Car
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Greg MacLeman

Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC