Exclusive Collectibles Draw Crowds at Grampian Transport Museum
Serving up Rare Gems: The How Many Left? Show at Grampian Transport Museum
Hey there, judge! Step onto the turf of Alford in Aberdeenshire, where the Grampian Transport Museum reigns supreme, a lauded hub for enthusiasts of vintage machinery, particularly classic cars.
Got your attention? That's what How Many Left? is all about. This riveting event, set on the museum's dedicated oval track, sends hearts racing with a roll call of forgotten gems, once everyday sights but now dwindling in numbers, with a mere 500 or fewer units still trundling on the road according to the DVLA database.
Plume your magnifying glass as a bevy of lesser-spotted models, trim-level curiosities, and remarkable survivors hobble onto the stage. Tiptoeing on the brink of extinction, some of the precious rarities on show included a 1967 Vauxhall Viva Brabham (one of six surviving examples), one of the trio of existing Rover 115D Ascots, and the lone remaining automatic Opel Commodore in the UK - one of a scant three specimens.
Let the games begin! The action-packed schedule brimmed with vehicle rides and a leading parade, showcasing a selection of the rare beauties on display. The Holiday Challenge added a dash of merriment, with two-person teams packing their cars with inflatables and bags, tackling obstacles and performing precision reverse parking maneuvers under the watchful eyes of a crack panel of judges.
Time to hand out the prizes! The Rarest Survivor award went to David Skene and his cherished 1989 Hyundai Pony 1.5 GLS Auto, one of only three examples still prowling the roads. The Most Unusual prize was bestowed upon Steve Jeffries and his trophy-worthy 1971 Gilbern Invader Mk1. The Commentator's Choice awards saw Neil Scott's 1973 Jensen Healey heading home with a prize.
The curtain falls, but don't bid adieu! Dates for next year's How Many Left? show have yet to be announced - keep your eyes peeled on gtm.org.uk for all the deets!
Gems in the Spotlight 💎
- 1967 Vauxhall Viva Brabham: The scarcity of this beauty is evident as only six examples still exist[1].
- Rover 115D Ascot: Triumphant in its rarity, this model is one of just three remaining contenders[1].
- Automatic Opel Commodore: Marvel at this rare gem, as it's the sole automatic version of the model and one of only three examples left in the UK[1].
- 1989 Hyundai Pony 1.5 GLS Auto: This motor took home the Rarest Survivor award, with only three examples still zooming down the roads[1].
Embrace the allure of home-and-garden gatherings and find yourself captivated by the classic cars on display. Imagine a world where iconic automobiles such as the 1967 Vauxhall Viva Brabham or the Rover 115D Ascot date back to your vintage home-and-garden parties. Such rarities wouldn't be out of place in your home-and-garden settings, showcasing their unique charm and glorious history.
