Blog Post

The journey: Restoration Show Day 1

Elliot • Mar 25, 2019

After three solid days at the NEC, (and a full day in the office today) I'm finally able to sit down and reflect on what an amazing time we've had at the 2019 Restoration Classic Car show. I'll cover it off in three separate posts, detailing the highlights of each day.

It all started with the fantastic team at NGM Services Ltd. Our driver Bill, transported the MGAlzheimers and Bessy from their respective garages and over to the NEC, with the kind of care and attention that you'd think was only reserved for multi-million pound race cars. More on NGM later.

Bess was quickly in place in prime position on the GCCGstand. She shared the space with one of the most eclectic and diverse collections of cars on any single stand in the show. From a quirky Talbot Alpine, the chassis of a Volkswagen Beetle, or luxurious Saab 900 cabriolet, we really had it all. As the public piled in, it became quickly apparent just how much love there was for the old Vauxhall. Within minutes, people we sharing their memories of being collected from school in one, having on as a first car, or even modifying one with a V8 and a lowered roof line.

Bess sat next to a 6 foot tall timeline, that told her story from today, right the way back to 1956. Her near side doors open so that passers by could marvel at the original interior, which is still in very good condition. A selection of her original paperwork sat alongside some photographs of her taken in the 80s and 90s. To add to the atmosphere, I hooked up a small speaker playing songs from the era.

One lady spent a few minutes looking around the car, circling it a few times:
"My husband and I had the most wonderful holidays in a Wyvern just like this. We went all over Europe."

I offered her a seat inside. She smiled and shook her head. But she did poke her head in through the open window. Upon hearing Sinatra singing 'The Way You Look Tonight', she slid onto the bench seat and sat with her hands on her lap until the final bars had played. She got out, held my hand, thanked me and walked away.

Another couple, Dave and Jackie, told me all about their days courting. He had a Vauxhall just like Bess. Almost 60 years on, they sat side by side, grinning like care-free kids. Not only that, Dave was a treasure trove of information on all things paint and bodywork.

James and I headed home on Friday night (via the pub) with a feeling of real warmth, and excited about the special visitors we had lined up for Saturday...

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The journey: The Reveal

by Elliot • 19 Feb, 2021

Firstly, in addition to sharing the video of the reveal I said I would share details of the JustGiving page that we've set up to raise some funds for The Royal British Legion , The Alzheimer's Society and Mind in his memory. You'll find the page for donations HERE , and I've also updated the original post with the same link. Alternatively, you can click on the charity logo image below.

The Journey: Goodbye Grandad

by Elliot • 14 Feb, 2021

If you knew my grandad personally his funeral will be held on 25 March 2021 at Sandwell Crematoriu m, although it is likely that Covid-19 restrictions will limit numbers. In lieu of flowers, all we’re asking is that you do what came so naturally to him - Tell those people precious to you that you love them. If you’d like to make a donation to his memory, we will be splitting the proceeds three ways. To the Royal British Legion, the Alzheimer’s Society and of course, to Mind. You can do so by heading to our JustGiving page . For now though, there are plenty of wonderful memories for us to immerse ourselves in. How lucky we are to have them. And how lucky we were to have you; Ron, Ronaldo Longero, Corporal R.S Long, ‘Old Grumpy’... Grandad. Sleep well. We love you.