DESPITE the predicted storms, the sun shone down on Lion Green for the 10th Haslemere Classic Car show, which featured more than 200 pre-1978 classics.

Visitors were also treated to cream teas from Haslewey Community Centre and live music by George’s Coastline Jazz Band and could browse a host of stalls.

Just under 100 classic car drivers also took part in the traditional cicular grand tour through 50 miles of surrounding countryside, before they parked up for the Lion Green display and competed for the ‘Best dressed car and crew’ and ‘People’s choice’ competitions.

The tour, which headed south to Midhurst, with a refreshments stop at the Stag Inn, Balls Cross, was devised by show organiser James Ewing, a seasoned navigator on European events.

The eye-stopping convoy of pre-1978 classics caused quite a sensation, as it motored back to Haslemere via Wisborough Green, Alford and Shillinglee.

The showstopper motors at the Haslemere Classic Car Show spanned almost a century and ranged from the smallest microcar to huge American cruisers.

Crews competed to dress to match their vehicles and Adrian Hardwick, of show supporter Keats estate and letting agents, chose Haslemere resident Dr David Nancekievill and his wife Janet as best dressed crew of their immaculate Daimler V8 250.

Runners-up were Alec Fry from Midhurst in an Austin A30 and Ivor Tanner from Ifold in a Riley 1.5.

Haslemere resident Dave Melton won the ‘People’s choice’ competition for the car visitors would most like to take home, with his newly restored Daimler Dart SP250 MK1.

The runners-up were Stewart Copps, from Portsmouth in an MG PA, and Gary Bartlett, from Winchester, in his Ford Capri MK1 1600GT.

The prizes were presented by the town’s newly-elected mayor David Round.

The show, which raises money for Haslemere Festival, is organised by town classic car restorer and broker James Ewing, who said: “It never ceases to amaze me how the quality of the cars and enthusiasm for the show continues to grow.

“The stalls were of a particularly high standard and of course the weather was glorious.

“Thank you to all who helped out on the day, especially 1268 (Haslemere) Squadron ATC, who did a wonderful job parking the classic cars on the green.”

•The winning programme numbers were: 1061, 1105, 1144, 1169, 1176, 1188, 119, 1218, 1232, 1260, 1278, 1296, 1322, 1358,1495.

To claim a prize send an email to: hccs@jamesew ing.co.uk