MORE than 3,700 people visited Wadebridge Rotary’s “Wheels” Classic Car Show on Sunday 14 July, one of Cornwall’s biggest and best classic vehicle shows.

There were over 1,000 classic cars, bikes and other vehicles this year for the 23rd running of the event.

A new record number of visitors enabled a record-breaking £28,000 to be raised for local charities, including this year’s headline charity, Cornwall Blood Bikes.

As well as the myriad of vehicles to see, visitors enjoyed live music from the Blue Angels and St Minver Silver Band, parade ring events, and vendor stands for trade, craft and auto jumble.

The Best in Show Award, sponsored by The Granary, went to a 1958 Lotus Eleven series two in Le Mans spec, owned by Chris Davey of Polyphant, Launceston.

For the first time, there was an award to Best American, sponsored by Stephen Knightley Partnership, which was won by a 1961 Cadillac Sedan De Ville four window with wrap-around rear screen, owned by Nicholas Bennett of St Austell.

Other awards included the Best Motorcycle, sponsored by Mid Cornwall Brokers, which went to a BSA 65 Thunderbolt, owned by Edward Best of St Austell. It was one of six white BSAs bought by Cornwall police in 1966.

The Best Pre-60, sponsored by Concorde, was won by a 1945 Austin ten, owned by 17-year-old Jacob Cann of Threemilestone and the Best Post-60, sponsored by Reg Hambly Insurance Brokers, went to a 1963 Rover 95 owned by Alan Cocks of St Austell.

A 1960 Ford Thames pickup owned by Martin Gibbs of St Stephen took the Best Commercial Vehicle, sponsored by Cornish Insurance and the Best Stationary Engine, sponsored by Cole Rayment and White, was won by John Young from Wadebridge with his 1939 Lister model D4.

Wheels team leader Stuart Hutchison said:

“There would be no Wheels without the exhibitors who bring their wonderful vehicles, the paying public who come to see them, and the many volunteers from Wadebridge Rotary and their friends and families who make sure it all works on the day. I’d like to thank all of them.”

Wadebridge Rotary president Nigel Davey said:

“Wheels is a great example of the way Rotary works in local communities, bringing people and skills together to the benefit of those communities. We are delighted to support Cornwall Blood Bikes this year, who provide an invaluable service to the NHS.”