Charity car show to raise thousands in Newcastle

Charity car show to raise thousands in Newcastle

22 January 2014

THE Slieve Donard Hotel is gearing up to host the annual Newcastle car show which attracts several thousand enthusiasts from across the Province.

The stars of this year’s show — which begins next Friday, January 31 and continues over the weekend — will be a number of stunning models designed by Crosslé Cars.

The Northern Ireland company, which has played a part in the careers of Formula 1 motor racing legends including Nigel Mansell, John Watson, and Eddie Irvine, takes centre stage at this year’s annual Vintage, Classic and Sports Car Show in the resort.

Established in 1957 and still based in its original factory in Holywood, Crosslé is the world’s longest-established racing car constructor.

Crosslé’s Formula Fords have been a popular choice of aspiring racing drivers around the world with thousands of young hopefuls having had their first motor racing experience in a Crosslé, including local Formula One greats like Irvine and Watson.

The stars of the Newcastle show are two Crosslé icons; a 1970 16F Formula Ford and the 9S sports racing car. Joining them will be a Crosslé 80T trials car, built for climbing grassy or rocky slopes.

In addition to the Crosslés, there will be 40 other collectors’ cars from the 1900s to the 1980s. Sure to catch the eye will be a 1909 Model T Ford and a British rallycross championship-winning Metro 6R4.

Now in its 20th year, the Vintage, Classic and Sports Car Show is run by local car enthusiasts and attracts more than 3,000 visitors over the  weekend.

The show has raised more than £130,000 for local charities and proceeds from this year’s event will go to Cancer Research UK.

Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for under 15s. Opening times are 2pm-10pm on January 31, 10am-10pm the following day and from 10am- 5pm on  February 2.