Cholmondeley Castle has for several years hosted classic car events. We have visited as members of the paying public on several occasions. The Autojumble there has provided some important items. A length of fan belting was found one year, and lengths of metal-wrapped cable now connect the lights to the wiring loom.
Our Daimler's first appearance at Cholmondeley was during its restoration. We towed the car there and back using a solid drawbar behind our modern car. After all, we had promised to be there, but we were having engine problems.
This year we drove. It's quite a straightforward route, using the M6, M56 and A49, but it is over 50 miles each way. The A49 section is quite hilly in places, especially near Beeston. The cooling had been improved by the removal of the plate in the engine bay as suggested by John Pochin, so we only boiled once - at the top of the climb from Beeston.
We joined other DLOC members in their reserved area. We had a good range of cars on display, with V8 250 saloons, SP250 sports cars, DB18 and the unique Daimler Continental. The show normally attracts over a thousand vehicles of all sorts, from Vintage to modern classics, and this year was no exception.
As seems to be the case at each of our visits to Cholmondely, a cool breeze was blowing, but the rain held off this time.
We decided to enter the main arena for judging, but found that our class was to be judged last. We waited patiently as the other classes paraded. Many were in better-than-new condition. I heard the commentator say "You could eat you dinner off that battery. Look at the way those brake pipes gleam! They don't make cars like that any more!".
We eventually reached the ring, and took up position on the end of the row. After explaining our vehicle to the judges, we awaited the result. "In reverse order...." We received Best In Class! Not bad eh?
The "Best in Show" was judged on the basis of audience applause, but the cheering was a little louder for the winner of one of the other classes.
Travelling home was uneventful. I must be getting the hang of driving.
