Family fun at Leicester Mercury Motor Show
Petrolheads of all ages flocked to the Leicester Mercury Motor Show yesterday.
Thousands went to Leicester Racecourse in Oadby to see a handful of vintage classics as well as the best of what the city's car showrooms have to offer.
While some were there to window shop for their next motor, others came to enjoy a family day out.
It was the fifth Leicester Mercury Motor Show after the event took a year off last year.
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Dave Ward, 53, of Thurnby Lodge, was visiting for the first time.
He said: "I've been taken with the Mercedes and Audis.
"We're not in the market to buy a new car at the moment though so we've just come for a look around – it's been a lovely day. If we win the lottery it's given me a few ideas."
Albert Mills, 68, of Ratby, said: "We've come to the last few shows and it seems to be getting bigger every time."
Manufacturers with outdoor showrooms at this year's event included Audi, Diahatsu, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki and Vauxhall.
Car dealers said they hoped to see extra sales generated in the coming weeks as a result of whetting people's appetites.
Terry Galloway, business manager at Sandicliffe Ford, in Welford Road, said: "It has been great – it's a sunny day and there are lots of sparkling new cars. It's a really good opportunity for dealers and customers to take a look at what's on offer in the area.
"There has been a great atmosphere throughout the day as there are things to do for the kids, and when you go around the stands the staff are friendly without being pushy."
Some of the stars of the show were vintage classics.
With a top speed of 58mph, Ron Powell's 1936 Austin 10 Sherbourne would be left at the starting grid by some of the high-performance sports cars on show.
But the motor, resplendent in British racing green, garnered its fair share of admirers.
Mr Powell, from Houghton-on-the-Hill, said: "It gets out most weekends and is beautiful to drive.
"I bought it in 1978 and spent four years restoring it with friends. It has certainly brought me a lot of pleasure over the years."
Another eye-catching classic was a Porsche 356 from 1953, exhibited by Thurmaston company Classic Car Services.
Steve Hartley, who runs the bespoke upholstery company, said: "It has been quite funny watching the number of people that make a beeline for it as soon as they step through the entrance.
"We were here two years ago and it's been good – we've had a really good response."
For those not quite old enough to drive, there were fair rides and a bouncy castle for entertainment.
See our Motors supplement in the Mercury every Friday for all the latest motoring news and reviews.
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