Vintage vehicle enthusiasts have put together a treasure trove of racing history as a spring treat for visitors to Angus.
Just a gear change or two from Glamis Castle, Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club will take the covers off their traditional Tartan week display at their Bridge View House HQ on the Glamis to Kirriemuir road, with a host of rarities among the collection of Courier Country-owned machinery.
The Angus base houses a permanent display of SVVC vehicles and memorabilia, but each spring the group stages a themed Tartan week event and a delve into sporting heritage has unearthed some rare gems.
The eclectic display rangers from pushbikes to rally cars and SVVC director Stephen Dear said the willingness of local owners to part with their pride and joy for the week-long display was the key to success.
“Without the help and generosity of members and friends we just wouldn’t be able to put on such an interesting and varied display,” he said.
“This collection of cycles, motorcycles and cars has never been under one roof together so it’s a rare opportunity to see them and there should also be something for everyone,” he added.
The bicycles on display include a rare example of a 1940s Dundee-built D W Lindsey racer, a maker who operated from premises in the city’s Victoria Road and was renowned for his lightweight bikes, but also created roadster and tandem models.
Motorcycle rarities include a 125cc BSA Bantam race bike and an ex-works 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet trials machine, the sister bike to one ridden to great success by the legendary Johnny Britain in events including the British Championship and the famous Scottish six-day trial.
The oldest car in the collection is a remarkable Arrol-Johnston, which produced the first automobile manufactured in Britain, and the immaculate green example on display is a stunning recreation of the 20HP light speed car, a special for the 1911 European racing season.
“Only three of the factory-built specials were made and this recreation is the only one still in existence so it is a very rare machine,” added Mr Dear.
“We also have a couple of Austin 7-based racers, a rare Frazer Nash and icons such as the Mini, Healey 3000 MkIII and the famous rallying Ford Escort MkI among the display of cars.”
The display runs at the SVVC base until Saturday April 8.
