Classic vehicle enthusiasts from across East Devon are gearing up for one of the largest gatherings of classic cars and motorcycles in the area, when the annual Exmouth Classic Vehicle Gathering returns on Sunday, August 11.

This annual event takes place on the Imperial Recreational Ground, next to Exmouth’s Rugby Club in Exmouth, and is being organised by local members from the Morris Minor Owners Club Devon Branch (MMOC) and Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club.

First held in 2004, the Exmouth Classic Vehicle Gathering attracted nearly 50 cars. Since then, it has steadily grown in size to welcome more than 200 classic cars and motorcycles, including those belonging to various local vehicle clubs. The event also helps raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Morris Minor Owners Club spokesperson Nickie Tilley of Exmouth said: “We wanted to stage a local car show that was less formal than many other organised events in the region, whereby we did not impose a strict cut-off date for the age of vehicles we would accept, or have rigid arrival and departure times for vehicle exhibitors.

"We also recognised that some more recent vehicles are of interest with show visitors.”

Twenty years on that approach continues to attract individual exhibitors and clubs who say they love the Exmouth Classic Vehicle Gathering’s friendly and relaxing atmosphere by the River Exe. Local clubs who attend add further diversity to the vehicles on show. They include the BMW Car Club Devon Region, Crash Box & Classic Car Club, Exeter Classic Motorcycle Club, UK Cruisers Club for owners of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, MX 5 Owners Club and Torbay Old Wheels Club.

The organisers will be looking to collect any voluntary donations made on the day for their nominated charity, the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Since 2010 this annual event has raised over £12,000 for the charity. The Exmouth Classic Vehicle Gathering takes place from 10am until 4PM. For further details, contact Nickie Tilley on (01395) 225614 or Lorna Moggridge on (01823) 672553.