Classic Cars at Speech Day
29 May 2018
Once again, our annual Classic Car display at Speech Day attracted a wonderful selection of Veteran, Vintage and Classic cars, with 122 cars adorning the North Front. We remain extremely grateful for the continued support of our ever-loyal Classic Car drivers, without whom the event would not be possible. With the display now in its 8th year, the numbers having grown from 35 cars to 122!
This year, we had some extra special cars in attendance, including the 1962 Lotus Type 25 driven by Jim Clark, a 1907/1916 Berliet Curtiss and, a firm favourite, the 1959 Bristol Teardrop Special – the only one of its kind.
Our Classic Car owners were welcomed with coffee and bacon rolls to make up for their early start, followed by a delicious lunch in the State Dining Room, which was interjected by the Speech Day Air Display by The Great War Display Team, celebrating 100 years of the RAF.
As you may know, each year Hagerty Classic Car Insurance sponsors our Classic Car Display, with their Marketing Director, Marcus Atkinson (Chatham 90), giving his time and expertise to ensure the Display runs smoothly. Without Hagerty’s loyal support, it would be impossible to lay on such a wonderful day out for our drivers, let alone serve such a delicious lunch.
This year, Marcus suggested presenting a trophy named in memory of Ronald ‘Steady’ Barker (Grenville/Walpole 38), to be presented to one person taking part in the Display each year. Steady was an internationally renowned motoring writer, with a passion for motor cars. In his later years, worked tirelessly with Caroline Whitlock to secure some very special cars for the Display. He died, aged 94, in 2015. His presence at the Classic Car Display has been missed ever since. The ‘Steady Barker’ Speech Day Trophy will be presented to a person or vehicle with a story that really stands out.
During the puddings, Marcus awarded the inaugural trophy to Dr Richard Pawson (Current Staff) for his 1939 Daimler DB18 Drop Head Coupé, which belonged to King George VI. Richard explained the history of his car to our guests after he accepted the trophy. Richard submitted the story of his car and its amazing provenance in advance of the display:
“The Daimler DB18 Drop Head Coupe that I will be displaying on Speech Day, belonged to King George VI. It was his personal car, not a state car, and we have pictures of him driving it with Queen Elizabeth, and the then princesses Elizabeth and Margaret in it (not to mention the corgis). Daimler records show it was built for the King, and they did all the coachwork, which was unusual for that time.
Also, extraordinary, is that the car was given as a present to my father, about five years ago. My father is a very well-known Christian preacher - who has written many books. The car was given to him by a Malaysian businessnessman who had read his books and listened to many of his sermons. He wanted to honour my father for a lifetime of ministry - though my father was both shocked and embarassed by the gift. My father, though still alive, is sadly too old to drive it now, so I look after it, and have been gradually restoring it.”
A wonderful day was had by all and we simply could not have done without the all the help received from Marcus, our wonderful catering teams, classic car drivers and Stowe staff. A great many thanks to all who lent a hand at this year’s display, thank you for being part of our largest display to date.
We will be holding the display again next year, so please do save the date of Saturday 25 May 2018 and let us know if you would like to bring your Classic Car and take part.
Click here to view the gallery of images from the day.
Sasha Moss
Old Stoic Events Co-ordinator