The 1949 MGYT (on the right) won the top prize for Dave and Ann Stowe from the Arden Club Picture: Nigel Knowles

LET’S do the time warp again! That was the resounding reaction of the drivers of classic Fords and MGs who enjoyed the Bank Holiday weekend in Jersey.

For Islanders old enough to remember, it was like motoring three or four decades ago, with Escorts, Capris, Minis and MGs filling the streets, country lanes and car parks at the Island’s coastal attractions over the three days.

Many of the MG owners had been here, done that and received the regular visitor anniversary badges, but for many of the Ford owners it was a first taste of Jersey – and it is unlikely to be the last.

Their event was organised on behalf of Classic Ford by independent tour operator Continental Car Tours, and magazine editor Simon Woolley, who travelled over with his family, said: ‘Classic Ford readers had a cracking weekend in Jersey. It was one of the best tours we’ve done in the 11 years that we have been running them.

‘The weekend ran like clockwork and we had a great time exploring the whole of the Island, although some of the narrow lanes were a little challenging for the bigger Fords!
‘I would like to thank the people of Jersey, its classic car enthusiasts, and JJ Gallagher in particular, for making us all feel so welcome over the three days we were in the island. We will be back!’

There were officially 55 cars on the tour, involving around 110 people, with one couple driving their Lotus Cortina down from Aberdeen to catch the Weymouth ferry.
The programme of events included driving tests at Le Braye on Saturday morning, and Island tours, taking in St Catherine and the command bunker at Noirmont headland among other destinations. Many of those Fords joined the MG Owners at the People’s Park for the static display on Saturday afternoon.

MG Owners Club organiser Sandra Buckley said: ‘There was a fabulous display of vehicles at the People’s Park. As well as MGs, we had 40 classic Fords along with several classic Minis. There was a 1921 Model T Ford, 1930 MG 18/18 Mk 2 and a Lincoln Zephyr and many others.

Ann Stowe from the Arden Club in their 1949 MGYT, the Best Jersey Car/Best MGBGT Rubber Bumper went to Phil Hey in his 1976 Aconite BGT and the Pre-War category winner was a C-Type Midget owned by Tom and Wendy Johnson from Hertfordshire.’

Mrs Buckley thanked Condor Ferries manager Steve Bailey and general manager Simon Edsell for their support, and the Constable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft, for hosting the welcome vin d’honneur at the Town Hall. Mr Crowcroft also presented the Anniversary Awards and the Tourism Long-Distance Award.

‘The stars of the evening were Malcolm and Eileen Howse from the Epping Club, because they have made 25 consecutive visits, winning the Silver Jubilee Award,’ said Mrs Buckley.

She added that Steve Bailey announced that the Howses would be the guests of Condor Ferries next year, with the company covering the cost of getting them over for the 2011 event. The couple, along with anyone celebrating their tenth visit, will also be shown up to the bridge of the vessel during the crossing.

‘It was a very successful event and a large number of entrants have already confirmed that they will be coming back next year,’ Mrs Buckley said.

The Jersey tour will be featured in the July issue of Classic Ford, which goes on sale on 1 June.