AACI event succumbs to April Showers

12/04/2006

It's early Sunday afternoon and already the cars are leaving

12.4.06. Traditional April showers threw a spanner in the works at last weekend's AACI Spring Nationals at Billing Aquadrome. Though this didn’t stop the festivities planned throughout the weekend, it did put a damper on Sunday’s usual show and shine and resulted in a much smaller turnout of cars on display. However, though there may have been fewer cars to view, the quality was certainly high and a number of new vehicles were making their show debut.

This absolutely flawless '58 Chevy was a worthy prize winner. The car was making its debut and shone like a beacon

This lowered late-model 'Vette really stood out and featured many detail touches such as quad tip exhaust system, polished aftermarket wheels, reworked drilled brakes and a super detailed engine bay

This trick GTO was first spied at the recent Xtreme Wheels Show and illustrates what you can achieve with a stock, flawless body given a bit more attitude and set of custom wheels.

The heavens opened mid-Sunday afternoon, causing the display field to empty of spectators rather quickly, much to the benefit of the beer tent, and though there was a brief sunny spell afterwards, the rain then set in for the day. Threre was no other solution but to bring the judging of the cars forward and the event to a premature close. This was a real pity for the organisers and traders most of whom I would imagine would have been lucky to have broken even, and it was a big disappointment for all of those enthusiasts who had travelled many miles to be there.

Neatly executed '40s Ford Coupe featured Cosworth Ford four-cylinder power

A small turnout of rods were on display, including this fine '32 three window coupe

Oldsmobile Super 88 with its upsidedown rear fins must rank as an automotive styling icon

Immaculate and rare Pontiac Bonneville was a welcome sight

The parade of winning cars was a somewhat soggy visual experience for spectators

There seemed to be a large number of cars for sale and so, for those who were unable to be there or decided against it because of the weather, here’s a mostly pictorial report showing some of the great examples of American iron that you could have purchased at the event – and probably still can – we've included telephone numbers where possible.

Fabulous Saleen Mustang with ony 6,000 miles and under 12 months old was for sale at £29,950 - they are £37K new in the UK Tel: 07836 564030

This lovely '65 Shelby clone 'Stang was for sale for the right price. Call 07952 233587

One of the stars of the show was this lovely 1966 Coronet 440. It looked in great condition both inside and out and was for sale at £8750. Call: 01536 514956 or 0791 702 1472

£12,750 for an 04 plate Dodge pick-up seems good value. Call: 0791 814 5388

Supercharged 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo with 13,000 miles was on offer for £17,995. Call: 07889 163357

This tasty circuit-race inspired Falcon was for sale but there were no further details. Inside, the car was stripped out and featured just two bucket seats and a full roll cage

They don't make them like this anymore. Stunning convertible Olds Ninety Eight was another car up for grabs. Call: 07836 349356

How about a lowered Chevy truck with a hot motor? Call: 07860 444814

Supercharged Mustang for sale at £13,995. Call Dell on: 07764 944555

1950 Chevy Fleetline with matching trailer was for sale. Call: 0208 220 2351

Late '50s Chevy was on sale for £7250 ono. Call Steve on: 07950 678373

1997 Supercharged SVT Cobra Mustang. Call: 07813 833112