I think I’ve got a new favourite place.
Bicester Heritage - Sunday Scramble
Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside sits Bicester Heritage, on the site of 1920s RAF Bicester. The airfield’s redbrick buildings and hangars have been extensively restored to provide a home for over 40 classic motoring businesses, ranging from restoration companies, vehicle storage providers and even a micro-brewery.
Their “Sunday Scramble” events are an opportunity for the general classic car enthusiast to visit the site, and enjoy a huge variety of rare classic cars set against the backdrop of the companies at the heart of Bicester Heritage throwing open their doors in an open-day style exhibition of the site’s work.
This was an arranged day out with the newly formed Young Members of the Midget and Sprite Club, and it was an exciting opportunity to catch up with new friends in the relaxed atmosphere of Scramble.
We met up with Alex and Billi, who’d made the journey down from Leek in their Midget ‘Bridget.’ Before long we found our pals Amy and Richard, who had taken it upon himself to compete with a Mercedes F1 car for the award of Noisiest Vehicle – although I think it’s fair to say the prize for biggest exhaust flame would easily be taken by his Mark II Sprite, which sat alongside Amy’s modified Austin A35 outside the former Blast House now home to Pendine Historic Cars.
The MASC Young Members are a group of under-30 Spridget owners who are enthusiastic about keeping our beloved classics in use on the roads. Many have restored their own cars – or are in the process of doing so. As the Young Members section continues to attract more members through social media, we’re slowly becoming more recognised throughout the classic car scene – including being invited to represent the club on a “Pride of Young Members” feature stand at this year’s NEC Classic Motor Show.
The gorgeous setting of Bicester Heritage coupled with the stunning cars the event attracts make for a very pleasant morning. The crisp autumnal sunshine which made the event even more enjoyable, but regardless this event will become a regular on my calendar. There’s something slightly surreal about seeing so many classic cars in one place, in an environment that totally befits them. The whole place had a friendly, welcoming air. It was the last show of the season for me, so I’m pleased to have taken the Midget to such a wonderful, well-organised day out. Thanks Bicester, see you again!
