After consulting the spectator information on the website I decided to start the day by meeting the event at the High Legh Garden Centre where the competitors gathered at about 10:15am for a short car park autotest. Standing at the side of the road watching the cars trickle in was magical, it was fantastic to see them confusing the elderly Garden Centre shoppers. If I’d studied the entry list more closely I’d have been prepared for the most surprising car of the event, but as it was my jaw dropped when I saw the stunning 1939 Lancia Aprilia come into view as it made its way to the parking area.
In between camera clicks it was interesting to take stock of how the cars handled the small circuit. The Minis were clearly the most agile, the 911s sounded the most glorious, although the V8 TR7 and the Sunbeam Tigers ran them close. The Fulvia HF looked stunning, as did the Alfa Giulias, but I think most of all I really wanted a Triumph 2000 - surprisingly chuckable for something of that size.
After watching most of the cars leave to continue through the lanes I headed off to Beeston cattle market to meet them there for a faster, more open sprint section. The drizzly rain wasn’t good for my camera but it was still fine for spectating, and as the cars were all parked up for lunch it was great to be able to have a proper look round the Austin Westminsters, Lotus Cortinas and the lovely Volvo Amazons.
Click to see the full gallery of the 2011 Tour Of Cheshire.
I’ll definitely be out to watch again next year.
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