Stunning classics swarm Severn Valley Railway

| 27 Jul 2015

A delightful mix of classics and steam greeted attendees of the Severn Valley Railway's Classic Day on 26 July, which saw gatherings of chrome-laden tin at five of the heritage railway's stations. Ian Seabrook reports. 

The timetable allowed plenty of time to stop off and enjoy the classic delights at each station, with cars ranging from a Heinkel three-wheeler to a 1925 Rolls-Royce 20HP saloon. 

Severn Valley Railway

Commer Imp van and an Austin-badged Minor van – commercial versions of British family favourites

Classics even filled the concourse of the Kidderminster station, with a gathering of Minis from the first three years of production creating quite a stir. The owners of these cars certainly appreciated having a roof over their heads during a rather damp day.

Severn Valley Railway

An exceedingly rare Morris Oxford Series IV owned by Ben Butler

The first stop is Bewdley, with P Bullar's 1959 Heinkel clashing nicely with Anthony Key's delighful Austin A40 pick-up. They were joined by Paul O'Brien's Ford Cortina GT and Pierre le Cornu's Humber Super Snipe, as well as Geoffrey Grayson's Daimler Empress.

Severn Valley Railway

The weather didn't put off these Midget enthusiasts

At Highley, home to the railway's marvellous Engine Room museum, there was a fine collection of early Land Rovers, including a rare Series One long-wheelbase and a very tidy Series Two owned by Randell Proctor. 

Severn Valley Railway

Thought to be the only road legal Bedford HA pick up, with the conversion officially sanctioned and carried out by Walker Bodies

Arley station boasted some real treats, including a Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe and the aforementioned Rolls-Royce 20HP, both owned by Steve Copson. Other treasures were an immaculate Sunbeam-Talbot 90 and A Vincent's 1954 MG Magnette ZA – a car he has owned for some 25 years.

Severn Valley Railway

This pair of baby motor cars added plenty of colour – the Sunbeam Stilleto has considerably more power than the Austin Seven

Upon reaching the end of the line at Bridgenorth, passengers were treated to the sight of an exceedingly rare Bedford HA pick-up as well as a great line up of traditional British classics – from Triumph Spitfire to Morris Minor Traveller. Particularly eye-catching was the Hillman Minx IIIC belonging to Roy and Ann Lewis. 

Severn Valley Railway

Bright and cheery Hillman Minx IIIC was in delightful condition

Severn Valley Railway

Triumph Spitfire and Morris Minor Traveller seen at Bewdley. Some felt the need to dress to suit

Severn Valley Railway

Variety was on the menu at Bewdley – Austin A40 Pick Up, Heinkel, Ford Cortina Mk1 GT, Humber Super Snipe

Severn Valley Railway

Rare Daimler DB18 with Hooper's Empress saloon body. 2.5-litres with preselector transmission

Severn Valley Railway

1950s sports saloons, with this Sunbeam-Talbot 90 and MG Magnette ZA looking ready and raring to go

Severn Valley Railway

Car of the day might just be this fantastic Vauxhall PA Cresta Friary estate. A riot of angles and chrome