Five Lancia's took part in the Classic Car show at Blenheim Palace on sunday 28th August , Martin & Libby in their Montecarlo, Ben Courage and partner in a integrale, Graham and Ann Aylett in their 1938 Aprilia, Tony Wilson with his 2000HF Coupe, and the lineup was completed by "Fay" and I, with Daughter Anna and son in law Andy who had come along for the ride to visit the Palace.
We arrived about 11.15am and was informed that as there were 3 adults and the ticket was for 1 car 2 adults and 2 children that we would have to pay £11 for one adult, I did say my son in law was a big kid and surely 2 children equalled 1 Adult, but they wouldn't wear that one
although they did say as I looked a bit old we could pay £8 for a concession, so daughter coughed up and were admitted . I then asked where are the Lancia's parked? which was answered by blank looks, just then I noticed Graham's Aprilia and pointed it out the the guy on the gate "Ah, he's broken down" .
We went over to the the Aprilia but there was no sign of Graham so we decided to try and find where we should park, we completed a circuit of the cars without finding any, and were deciding where we should park when Ben swept in in the integrale and parked, that will do! so off we went and parked next to him, Graham then turned up minus Aprilia, it appears that while the Aprilia standing still and getting a bit hot and bothered in the queue she decided enough was enough and decided to take a rest, unfortunately she didn't want to start again.
Graham Andy and myself went back to the Aprilia but she was having nothing to do with this starting malarky, so Andy & I pushed, while Graham sat in and steered after offering to push as well, that was fine until I nearly expired pushing it up the slope, Graham jumped out and we were soon joined by a couple of visitors, after which we flew along!
Tony then turned up followed shortly by Martin & Libby who made it through the gate 1 minute inside the 11.30am deadline, after that it was going to cost £11 per person.
Ben and Graham (who had changed into his overalls) then had the bonnet up while trying to figure out the problem, soon a wacking great tool roll was open on the ground, although I couldn't see the kitchen sink!
Eventually all was revealed, the problem seemed to be that the points had closed, eventually we all stood by with bated breath while Graham attempted to start the reluctant Aprilia, having decided that her needs had been satisfactorly administered too, she condescended to start.
All in all a nice day in a lovely setting and although the clouds looked a bit threatening from time to time, the rain stayed away.
A few more Lancia's would have been welcomed but it didn't detract from our enjoyment.
Brian
8227
