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Worth the wait: Vintage Stony 2025
Ordinarily a New Year’s Day tradition for pre-war motoring enthusiasts, Vintage Stony roared into life on March 2nd following postponement due to adverse weather forecasts—the first in its 15-year history. Fortunately, patience was rewarded with glorious sunshine, clear skies, and an impressive turnout of both vehicles and visitors. In true British fashion, the unexpected warmth led to immediate queues at the ice cream van. Organisers estimate the gathering attracted its largest-ever audience, perhaps aided by the fine weather and the absence of post-festivity sore heads—not to diminish the quality of the spectacle!
The historic market square of Stony Stratford provided a fitting backdrop, one familiar to fans of Withnail and I, where it doubled as St. Alban's Square in the memorable scene in which Richard E. Grant’s chaotic character disturbed the peace in a formal tea room and quiet pub.
A selection of awards recognised exceptional entrants. Best in Show was awarded to Rob and Leo Harrison’s 1913 Talbot Model 25/50 torpedo, originally owned by the Oakes Brothers, whose mercantile firm had interests in India and China. Interestingly, in 1907 the brothers’ company was listed as the Clément-Talbot agents for India. The tourer was first registered in Ireland but kept in London—rumoured to be a strategic ploy for evading penalties for motoring misdemeanours. After a fastidious restoration by I. S. Polson, the Talbot has competed on track at events such as the Goodwood Members’ Meeting and V.S.C.C. Prescott.
The Spirit of the Event trophy went to a very rare 1911 Fafnir, believed to be a Model 284, which was received by its current keepers as a wedding gift in 1954. The car is historically significant as it was one of the first cars to compete as part of the V.S.C.C. in the 1930s. It also appeared in the 1965 picture Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, adding to its provenance. By coincidence, a 1948 MG TC, KXD 505, previously owned by the film’s director and co-writer Ken Annakin was also in attendance.
A 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30, bodied by Thrupp & Maberly, took home the Best British-Built award, sharing the category with a diverse array of machinery, including a 1930 Alvis Silver Eagle which had covered an applaudable 430,000 miles, a Lagonda Two-Litre Speed Model, a 1914 Vauxhall 16/20 A-Type, numerous Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, and an array of Austins, amongst them "PEG 1" (actually registered DYH 310), which was driven by Sid James in Carry On Cabby. Other marques represented included BSA, Hillman, Humber, Jowett, MG, Riley, Rover, SS, and Wolseley.
Mark Lowther’s Delahaye 135 secured the Best Non-British title. Other entrants built beyond British shores included a 1939 Talbot-Lago T150C, a Bugatti Type 43A Roadster and an Amilcar SGS with bodywork was crafted in the Isle of Man by Boone & Porter. A contingent of American motors from Ford, Dodge, and Cadillac also made an appearance. The Ladies’ Choice award went to a particularly charming Austin Seven tourer, while event sponsor Cherished Insurance selected a non-eligible Bentley Mk. VI special by Racing Green Engineering for its own pick. Best Pre-War Motorcycle was awarded to Richard Upstone’s 1934 BSA Blue Star.
Ever year, after Vintage Stony comes Classic Stony, which falls this year on June 1st and celebrates historic vehicles of all ages. If you can’t wait for a fix of "glorious Goodwood," maybe a dose of sublime Stony will keep you ticking over.
Words and photography: Matthew Pitts Photography (Facebook and Instagram)
Published:
Tuesday April 15th, 2025
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