Stafford Car Craft 2004 Review
Despite
experiencing all four seasons in one day the Car Craft
2004 at Stafford was graced by a stunning
scarlet RV and an Eagle SS.
Well done to both owners for supporting the show and publicising Eagle's
with such great examples.
First impressions as Jason and I entered the show (in through
the out
door with our VIP Passes) was disappointing.
We
were in a large hall with the u
sual
collection of manufactures showing off their highly polished cars, a hand
full of trade stalls and not a lot else. Being Stafford virgins, little did
we know that we had two further halls with yards of bargains waiting to be
snapped up and a side room full Owners Club displays including Dutton.
It was easy to spot our friends a Luego, supporting by their
new
exhibition stand, and stunning it looks to. After a brief chat we
headed straight for the stalls, and what a range there was. With almost 60
trade stands it started to get really difficult to remember what we saw
where and who has the best deals. The stalls went on and on, far more than
another show I remember.
At the first
stall we came to we were amazed as we managed to
purchased some A3 Eagle marketing posters. (I will
get these scanned on the site as soon as I can, I
think you will like them as much as we do.)
What a great start to the show!
Whilst Jason went
and drooled over the largest collection of V8 manifolds and Holley carbs you
have ever seen, I went and sought out the 25 x
combi spanner set that I had dreamed of having since the last show at
Donnington, much to my relief they were still at last years price of
just £30. Managing to persuade
him that an SS would not be road legal with a twin Holley carb' and that no
he would not see out of the windscreen if his SS was fitted with a fast and
furious style pigeon catcher of a inlet manifold Jason was prised from the
V8 stall.
Trawling
on thought the stalls we came a cross a stand demonstrating an
aluminium welding product that captivated Jason until he parted with a brown
picture of the queen for a tube of what looked like firework sparklers to
me! I have to say the product is impressive and appears to be stronger than
aluminium its self. I will get Jason to post the details
on the message board.
I picked up 25ft of copper break pipe for £4, 12 jubilee clips £1.50, engine
earthling strap and a 10-way
screw fit continental style fuse box £10, 3 kilos of various washers and
bolts £7.50 as well as the slimmest slitting disks you
ever could wish to swap for a pound coin.
As
we took our bounty back to the car, what should grace the courtyard adjacent
to the main entrance? Only John's SS! Gleaming in the sunshine, doors
outstretched like wings of an angel (ok I do tend to get over excited!) But
it was as good a crowd puller as ever, this Mark III SS was never alone.
Sitting inside the car was quite illuminating for me, having not managing to
actually drive one yet. Visibility was surprisingly good. The seats made the
cabin quite spacious even for me at 6 foot tall, however the peddle
position has to be seen to believed. I can only imagine that the original
builder had very big feet or
clown shoes!
Returning
from the car we took a trip through the rows of Lotus 7 clones to visit a
spectacular RV supporting a for sale board. :-( Graced with a 2.3 V6
cologne engine this RV was in immaculate condition. As we admired it we met
another RV owner who was also looking to sell her yellow RV. So it looks as
thought there are some bargains coming in to the market for the summer
season.
Wandering
through the manufactures displays looking for ideas, how toos, and
inspiration, it has to be said that there were some splendid cars on show.
I
like the Toyota MR2 based Veranti, that made its debut today.
The
Shelsley T2
as
well as the classic
shape of the
Beaufords.
I think that the bargain of the day had go to Jason
(yet again) who managed to find a brand new 2.8 Granada radiator for £20, I
just don't know how he does it! Mind you he did pay
almost 3 quid for a burger!!!
For all those of you who missed the show, shame on you! Not only did you
miss some great bargains, you also missed an excellent day out. If Stafford
sets the standard we are in for a great year.
Looking forward to seeing you AND YOUR EAGLE at the next show.
Simon Pownall -
Saturday, 13th March 04
