Complete Kit Car – September 2019

http://www.completekitcar.co.uk September 2019 23

Why should I be there? On Father’s Day the

inaugural Motoring at the Manor set the valleys

of South Wales alive around the Celtic Manor

Resort, near Newport, with the sound of historic

competition cars in action, contrasting with the

tranquility of extensive static displays of classic

cars, older F1 cars, classic rally cars (always a Welsh

favourite), supercars, plus a Concours d’Elegance,

which included a selection of kit cars and specials!

One of the five concours classes held on the Celtic

Manor polo lawn included a unique gathering of

Welsh-built cars, including a few locally made kits,

with an impressive line-up of modern Darrian T90s,

plus older Davrians. These were joined by a rarely

seen Hensen M30 (made in Wales in the ’80s), plus

inevitably the motoring pride of Wales, Gilberns,

including the one-off mid-engined T11 prototype,

brought all the way from Kent especially for the

occasion. Another Gilbern, a 1972 Invader Estate,

took the Shooting Brake class Concours honours.

This Welsh self-build wizardry was joined by other

kits and specials, with some Lancia Stratos replicas

waving the replica flag on challenging Celtic Manor

tracks, plus a Ford RS200 that we weren’t entirely

certain was a very convincing replica, or genuine!

A varied collection of classic cars included more

kits on display, such as a Dutton Melos and a

unique MG based AF Sport. For a first attempt in a

region slightly deprived of regular classic car events,

Motoring at the Manor can be deemed a success,

with the hope and promise of it becoming a regular

event in future.

WELSH WIZARDRY

Line-up of locally made Darrian T90s and Davrians made for an unusual sight.

Henson M30 (foreground) a 1980s Welsh built kit car.

Gilbern T11 prototype behind is the only one of its

kind. We featured it in our Stoneleigh 2014 issue.

Rare Rene Bonnet Djet was one of the earliest

mid-engined road cars on the market. Not many

of them in the UK.

There was a strong rallying theme at Motoring

at the Manor... so this Lancia Stratos replica

fitted in perfectly.

There were Gilberns aplenty throughout the

event. Perhaps that’s unsurprising given that

they were built locally.

Representing modern sports cars were this BAC

Mono and, just lurking in the background, a

new Alpine A110.

Rallying is big in Wales, which is why the Darrian and

Davrian have always proved popular. The enigmatic

car maker still produces cars.

Ford RS200 replica one of many rally-themed

exhibits at the South Wales show. It’s hoped the

event will be repeated next year.

Gary takes a trip to Motoring at the Manor, a new Welsh classic car show

which attracted more than a few home grown oddities.

Words and pictures: Gary Axon

What: Motoring at the Manor

Where: Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales

When: June

W: http://www.celtic-manor.com/whats-on/weekend-of-

sport-and-speed/motoring-at-the-manor

THE DETAILS

OUT &

ABOUT

023 Out and about Manor.indd 23 01/08/2019 11:38 am