Billing 2005
with the sun gods because it sure seems like he has. I have yet to attend an
AACI event where the weather hasn't been glorious and this was no exception.
The sun was melting the tarmac on Sunday and a healthy dose of show cars
boosted the attendance figures.
6:45pm.I had a few jobs that needed doing on my Edsel due to borrowing parts to repair Neil
Frost's 59 Ranger which is over at my place for some mechanical and trim work.
After connecting the caravan up and checking the lights, I found that the offside sidelights
weren't working so a temporary repair was made and we were on our way. I prefer driving at
night as the traffic is lighter and you never seem to be rushing, so a pleasant cruise down to
Billing was the order of the day. A nice steady 55/60 Mph and we arrived at around 11:30 pm
just in time for the midnight Barbie.
First thing upon arrival was to get a cold one and relax for a few minutes then set the caravan
up and kick back and have another cold one.
of the nicest 61 Oldsmobiles in the country. The colour combo is so refreshing (makes you think
its sunny even when its overcast.) I later found out it was a recent purchase from Harrogate.
The previous owner very rarely went out in it which was a shame as it is a real nice car. Have a
good look at it next time you see it .
Oldsmobile was
stunning Futuristic
styling on that rear
end, great colour
scheme, made this
one of my favourites
of the weekend.
what is entering the show from where we camp but I thought they had opened another
entrance as there wasn't many cars rolling past There were a few other shows on this
weekend but it was really quiet. With boredom setting in Stewart and I decided to go for a
walk round the show field and traders stalls. The field was no where near as full as it normally
is on a Saturday and even the people looking at the vendors stalls was down. The traders
must have been as surprised as we were at the lack of people. After a short tour we went
back to camp.
The rest of the day was spent just sitting back and catching up on reading this months car
magazines with the obligatory beverage of course.
Kit from Mr Chilli Drop Shop arrived with his rat rod El-Camino, what a contrast this vehicle is
amongst all the pristine show cars it came as a surprise to many bouncing and hissing it's
way into the camp site It runs full air suspension and despite it's outward appearance
underneath it runs new purpose built subframes and chassis components. The air
suspension is powered by hydrogen and makes the actuating time very quick. He also runs
titanium blocks underneath and gave a great spark show much to the annoyance of Billings
security guards.
Chilli Drop Shop's" rat rod Elky. It is a perfect
example of the back to roots hot rodding that is all
the rage in the USA. Its not everyone's cup of tea
but I loved it. Runs Hydrogen powered Airbags for
that super low look and to sort the body out and
paint would ruin it.
If you want air on your ride then speak to this man
as he is right on the button when it comes to air
suspension
numbers were down due to a few other major shows this did not distract from the quality of the
cars that turned out for this show. Whatever Harry Tune does to get the weather long may he
keep on doing it. Tanks to Harry and his helpers for another brilliant weekend.
among the winners at the end of the
day, as were the 58 Chevy Apache and
58 Edsel Pacer shown right
does Harry Tune do it every A.A.C.I show
this season has had fantastic weather)
shade was at a premium and these lucky
people picked the right spot
there with his 58 Ranger. After a 250
mile jaunt that saw him take in the
American Extravaganza at Stratford and
Billing
award
56 and this was a nice example
estimated car providing luxury,
comfort and power.
coupled with modern "rims n rubber"
glowed in the summer sunshine
myself but I am"biased"
winners. It came as a big surprise to me to be awarded
the trophy for " Best Lost Cause". I felt honoured to
judged worthy of a prize considering the quality of the
cars on show.
another trophy for his
immaculate Chevy Apache
Pick Up
a close for the A.A.C.I I am looking forward to next season.I
hope to see you at some of their shows. Once again MANY
THANKS to Harry for organising some fantastic events long
may you do so.