Sunday 16 June 2019 - Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb

This was our third visit to Shelsley. We previously visited in 2013 and in 2017.

 

Today the occasion was to celebrate Sue's dad's 82nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Richard.

 

Having stayed with Dot overnight, we didn't need to start too early to reach Shelsley for breakfast at 9am. Then we wandered around the pits, and past some classic cars, to viewpoints up the 1000 metre hill that climbs up 100 metres. It has some interesting corners on the way up. Practice runs take place in the morning, with competition in various classes taking place in the afternoon.

 

The elegant Facel Vega featured in my Observers book of Automobiles in the late 1950s, but I never saw one, so this was a treat...

 

 

The well turned out Railton is another rarely seen vehicle.

 

 

The last two pictures are of vehicles brought by visitors. Lots more polishing took place after a sharp shower that slowed all the cars on their practice runs.

 

 

After our picnic lunch - thanks for the spread, Diana - Sue and I wandered around at various points on the hill. Here's a small selection of my photos.

 

The Ford Escort's steering on a steep corner didn't do too well.

  

 

The marshal on the left is carrying the windscreen, but apart from that there were just a few dents, and the car could be free-wheeled back down the hill.

 

This Mini is very similar to the woodland green one that provided me with transport for most of the 1970s (BVN406B).

 

The six-wheeler seems to use go-kart wheels, but a much bigger engine.

 

The model below has an air of being home made, but I'm sure it's a great vintage rarity.

 

Sue took this picture of her mum and dad during our afternoon tea break.

 

An enjoyable day out, if a bit different from our usual activities.