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This summer must have been an extremely frustrating time for anyone sweating away on a long-term restoration project while the sun shone brightly over the garage or workshop nearly every weekend and outside temperatures soared to equal, and in some cases exceed, those experienced by holidaymakers relaxing in popular Mediterranean hot spots. It was probably even more annoying for all the dedicated heroes slogging away on the final leg of a major rebuild and praying the good weather would still be around by the time their pride and joy was ready for a few shake-down outings. So guys, if that sounds like what you’ve been up to over the last few months, I’m very sorry to rub it in, but it really has been a glorious show season, probably one of the best for a very long time – and it’s not finished yet. All the events I’ve attended so far have included an interesting selection of superbly presented vehicles. Take Lichfield’s ‘Cars in the Park’ for instance. This massive two-day show was held in early July on one of the hottest weekends of the month and I can’t remember seeing so many Vauxhall Victors and Crestas, BMC Farinas and 1100s, and Ford Zephyrs and Zodiacs parked up in one place since Derby County won the second division championship back in 1972! Well-presented ’Fifties, ’Sixties, ’Seventies and even ’Eighties saloons always seem to attract a lot of attention at car shows, sometimes more than a neighbouring overrestored sports car. Visitors seem to enjoy spending time reminiscing about a car they were once associated with; whether it’s a model they were transported to school in every day or sat in the back of for hours on end during the annual family holiday. As we all know, classic cars are great social levellers and chatting to a bunch of enthusiastic owners at a show is fantastic way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.