The Historic Wheels Club 47th rally at Brodie Castle attracts 300 vintage vehicles and 2500 attendees
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A motoring club’s annual gathering at a historic local venue was its most successful yet.
The Historic Wheels Club (HWC) chairman, Darren McWhirter, has confirmed that around 2500 people attended its 47th rally at Brodie Castle on Sunday, August 13, featuring a record 300 entries.
He said: “It was an excellent second year back after some unprecedented times and we had brilliant weather that defied the forecast for the afternoon!
“The numbers are being finalised but the event was highly successful. Our committee is deciding on the recipients of the proceeds this week but national Huntington’s and prostate cancer charities are likely to benefit, as well as local organisations.”
Each August, the club holds a major rally at Brodie Castle, preceded by a run out the day before. However, for the last two years the run has been in Brodie itself due to the sheer number of entrants.
Mr McWhirter explained: “Moving 300 cars is hard work ... We used to have the run start at Macallan Estate and on down to Brodie but we’ve become a victim of our own success!”
There were a wide range of unique cars and motorbikes from over the past century on display at the castle this year.
“They included a Rolls Royce that was over 100 years old!,” said Mr McWhirter. “However, the fifties and sixties era is where my head’s at so I was most impressed by a 1961 AC Ace, of which there are only a few left around the world.
“Moray Estates also sent over a 150 Grifo which is also exceptionally rare - there are only around 100 left in existence.”
The objectives of the HWC are to: promote interest in vehicles; put members in touch with one another; assist members in repairing, buying and selling vehicles and spares; and hold regular meetings, local runs and weekend excursions as well as the annual rally.
Mr McWhirter said: “We hold regular meetings throughout Moray and Highland, including in Forres, Elgin and Nairn. The next one will be in the Grantown-on-Spey/Aviemore area. We have members everywhere so we regularly move them around - up-to-date details are on our Facebook page.”
HWC has 170 paid memberships.
“These cover families so we have actually around 250 plus active members now,” said Mr McWhirter. “Our meetings are growing in popularity. Four or five years ago there was an average 15-20 attendees, now it’s more like 60-80, including younger members who are helping to form a succession plan. We are going from strength-to-strength.”
See historicwheelsclub.org for more information.
