For many years now the Winter Classic at Newark Showground has launched the show season with a celebration of everything two-wheeled. With displays of machines from the earliest days of motorcycling, through British classics, Japanese rockets of the 70s, 80’s retro all the way to up to the most up to date machines available in showrooms; there’s genuinely something for everyone.
Mixed angst the machinery is an auto jumble that presents an opportunity to rummage for hidden treasure and numerous trade-stalls offering tools, consumables and spare parts; there are also celebrity guests with Henry Cole entertaining the crowds this year. For most Vespisti though, it's the dedicated Scooter World hall that draws the attention, and this year there was certainly plenty to see.
Veteran Vespa Club
It’s become something of a tradition for the Veteran Vespa Club to put on a display and this year was no exception. With historic Vespas ranging from the simply delicious Vespa 98 all the way up the final disc models to feast on, it’s an area that always attracts the connoisseur. The club also has its own ‘VIP’ lounge, OK it’s some lawn chairs and a kettle but its a place for club members to take the weight off their feet, chat scooters and enjoy free refreshments. Looking the queues for the various coffee stalls around the showground, notwithstanding the calendar of events organised by the club, it’s a facility that probably justifies joining in itself (As an added bonus members also qualify for discounts at our shop).
Severn Boars
Another club that always puts on a superb display of machines is the Gloucestershire based Severn Boars S.C. Few scooters have combined the classic lines of a Vespa with images of the iconic Sophia Loren than the ever popular rustoraton which forms part of their display.
Kinsley Drifters
Also displaying at Newark, were the Kinsley Drifters from West Yorkshire. Although their pair of monotone muraled PXs complimented one another perfectly, they told very different stories.. Whilst ‘Steptoe and Son’ pays tribute to the iconic comedy, ‘Audrey’ tells the story of one family’s involvement with the mining industry.
Stateside
It's not just clubs that display at Newark, there are plenty of individual displays too. Although the GS we've used in our headline image made our mouths water, we’ll close our round up by returning to the Veteran Vespa Club, where there was a real rarity on display. Although many members of the public may have walked past without realising what was in front of them; our pick of the crop was the original paint Rally 200. That's scarce enough in itself but this was a US market machine, displayed so that it was possible to view the quirks which make this model so different from its European market siblings.
Back to the workshop
If you’ve never been to the winter Classic, it’s well worth the trip (particularly as the organisers have addressed the heating this year!). It’s an opportunity to get your mid-winter fix of scooters and catch up with friends before the rally season starts in earnest at Easter. It’s also the perfect inspiration to get that winter project finished, but don’t worry if you missed the auto jumble; we’ve got you covered. Whether it's parts, oil, accessories or indeed a new or used scooter; classic or modern, we’ll get you ready for the riding season ahead.
