As we get close to the end of the show season, for me, at least, there is one last ‘must do’ show for the Citroen BX to get to. The Retro Works Show 2022 is quite different to every other show I get to in the year. Beyond being ‘local’, it’s a vast mix of different types and ages of cars and an event I’d hate to miss. So let’s have a quick look at this year’s highlights.
This Years Retro Works Show
This year’s event was held at the usual venue, Cheshire Lakes, back at the start of the month, on the 4th of September. However, the layout was a little different to last year’s Retro Works show, being held in an other area of the site. The show is relatively short, running from around 10 am to 2 pm ish, with catering on site. The event is free entry (with a polite request for a donation to the organiser’s chosen charity) and even has awards!
Despite the initially overcast weather, there was a great turnout, and I’m pretty sure more cars than the previous year. The organisers are great at getting everyone onto the show field and lined up, so there’s no ‘coolant roulette’ to play. Within a half hour of arriving, there is a massive range of cars to see, from a rattle of 2CVs to a spread of sporty Fords.
Special Guest Cars
This year’s Retro Works show had a dedicated area to some pretty interesting ‘Special Guest Cars’. And they were pretty special too. It’s a credit to the organisers for how they are trying to build on the show year on year. I can’t wait to see what they have next year!
Judge Dredd – City Cab
Amongst the ‘Special Guest Cars’, there were two that really jumped out at me. The first is this City Cab from the film Judge Dredd. I’ve always admired just how different this futuristic film car looked, like something from a comic, only it’s an actual real driveable car!
Based on a Forward Control Land Rover, which is an oddity in itself, I’ve never seen one outside of a museum before. And to get up and close and really see the detail that has gone into the build was fantastic. I’d love to build show cars like this for a living.
Ford Triplex Transit
Not just any transit van, but a beautifully restored ‘Triplex’ van. I’ve always had a thing for the ‘Backbone of Britain’, and I’ve done a fair few miles at the wheel of Mk4s and Mk5s. This Mk2 transit in Ford/Triplex livery brings back fond memories of the works vans that would have been on the road when I was a kid.
And it’s a van with a fascinating history and some serious dedication from the current owner to get it in a near showroom finish. You’ll have to Google it for yourself. I can just imagine it supporting an Escort Rally car in the old Lombard RAC rally.
Citroen AX
The Retro Works Show is the annual national meet of the Citroen AX owners. So not surprisingly, there are quite a few at the show, all lined up and looking as ’90s as possible. I spent a chunk of my youth crammed into the back of an N-reg diesel and a few years driving them. So, it’s not a surprise that they always bring a smile to my face.
Perhaps if I had the room, I could have one as a run-around. The AXs are great little cars, simple and reliable. But I’d struggle with the dilemma of which one to choose. A red GT with a similarly styled body kit to the BX 16V, giving a little and large look to the drive. Or a more basic Mk2 Elation model to rekindle the years of my youth? Tough to decide!
Truck Show
A welcome surprise occurred when the family walked to the on-site catering area to find a lorry gathering at the venue. The kids weren’t too bothered, but the big kid inside me was pretty excited to see the many liveries and ages of lorries.
Welsh Car – 1974 Gilbern Invader Mk3
The range of cars at the show makes it impossible for me to settle on a ‘car of the show’, but this would be in the top 5. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Gilbern outside a museum. The only Welsh car manufacturer, taking its name from Giles Smith and Bernard Friese, who founded the company.
I confess I knew little of the Mk3 Invader before taking a trip down the Google rabbit hole. And it’s quite a fascinating hole to fall down. I’d recommend starting with the Gilbern Owners Club. This particular example looked immaculate, and what a great colour. This Gilbern is clearly a car that has seen a lot of love, like so many at the Retro Works Show.
Vauxhall
Given that the Retro Works Show takes place just down the road from the Ellesmere Port manufacturing site, it’s perhaps not a surprise to see so many Vauxhalls at the show. And having grown up not so far away, I do enjoy seeing some of the plant’s finest cars on display.
I’ve recently confessed my admiration of the Astra following the ‘Festival of the Unexceptional‘. The once very common Mk3 Astra seemed to have all but disappeared, but over the last three years, I’ve seen more and more. From pride and joy examples to family hacks clinging on for life. They never fail to bring a smile to my face.
Volvos with presence
A Volvo estate is pretty high on my bucket list of cars to own, for at least a short while. Ideally, a 240 estate. So I am naturally drawn to the Volvos that have made it to the show. However, it’s easy to forget the sense of presence these big old cars have. I’m sure if this GLT car up behind me on the motorway, it would dominate the rearview mirror of the BX. And I doubt I’d miss the S60 R as it flew by.
Competition
This year’s Retro Works Show saw several competition cars mixed into the spread. And not just replicas of RipSpeed specials. Actual vehicles used for competition, some even showing battle scars from hill climbs and rallies. I do love seeing competition cars that are clearly used for the job they were intended for. It always seems sad to see rally cars in museums denied their muddy and gravelly freedoms.
Ford Anglia
While they may have been made locally at Halewood, I know rather little about the iconic Ford Anglia. After a short while wandering through Wikipedia, I guess this is a 105E, and what a lovely thing it is. Such a different design to modern cars, which has such a character from every angle. I could sit and watch this particular example for hours.
Hot Hatches
Of course, you can’t have a ‘Retro’ car show without Hot Hatches, and just about all the 90’s options were on show. From the genre-defining Golf GTI, glorious Renault 5 GT turbo and, of course, the Ford Fiesta XR2. Even a smattering of 205 GTi to complete the full top trumps set. But if I could take just one home, it would be the Renault. So clean you could eat dinner off it, especially those Ronal Turbos.
Something Complete Different
The Retro Works Show really wouldn’t work without the variety it brings. While I might enjoy my walk down memory lane with 90’s cars that could happily sit in a museum, there is much more to the show. The modified vehicles that have journeyed to be here are an incredibly mixed bunch.
Unique in practically every day, they are as much a credit to the owners as the ingenuity that has gone into them. The mix of rat-rod and steampunk that has gone into this VW beetle really shouldn’t work, but it really really does. Layer upon layer of fantastic design gives something to gaze on for hours curiously.
The @haybaletruck is a fantastic bit of machinery and a real crowd pleaser. Looking over it, I find a very well-executed build, with enough cooling for a jet engine! The paintwork is a perfect finish that sets the unique build off beautifully.
My Memorable Cars
The attendance at this year’s show presented a wonderful mix of vehicles I would love to take home. I’ll try to run through my most memorable at the risk of boring you with thousands more words.
Who doesn’t love a mini? Well, this Austin Cooper ticks a huge number of boxes for me. External hinges, check. Almond Green with old English white roof, check. Presented as though it had just rolled off the factory floor, check!
The Buick Riviera, what a car! Okay, this wasn’t a boat tail, which would be my first choice. But look at the paintwork! Generally, I wouldn’t say I like black cars, but the finish of this car was truly amazing.
All of a sudden, I have a lust for a camper van. Just look at those decals! It also brings back memories of my sister’s Barbie camper van and the joys of sending it flying into her Barbie house.
The Lada Riva, a statement of keeping it simple and just churning out the same thing year on year. With an impressive manufacturing run from 1980 to 2012, I have no idea how old this example was. I’m just glad it exists.
This is the only Renault 17 I’ve ever knowingly seen, and what a fantastic shape and colour.
As I know little about BMWs, I’d guess this was an M3 E36. Regardless of the model, it is an iconic shape and one of few cars that seem to improve in style with the roof off. It also reminds me of the North Wales Police unmarked car prowling the A55.
And penultimately a 90’s staple, the Ford Escort, which pretty much has the livery of my old Scalextric Fiesta xr2i!
Finally, this classic Mini Clubman Estate. There is no faulting this car. It is as perfect as this picture looks.
Wrapping Up Retro Works Show 2022
This year’s Retro Works Show has clearly been another success. Bringing in a vast array of cars from the 60s to the ’00s. It’s close enough that I can bring the whole family too, and the kids do love a trip in Daddy’s red car. But by 12:30, they’re getting hungry, and it’s time to head home.
While it’s taken too long to get around to writing this adventure up, I’m already looking forward to next year. However, maybe I’ll bring something different?
M
NEXT – Smallwood Vintage Rally 2023
PREV – Festival of the Unexceptional 2022
Back to Automotive Show Articles
Back to Automotive Articles
Pingback: Show - Smallwood Vintage Rally '23 - BX Project