ONLY a few days after an article about the monthly Classic and Specialist Car and Bike Night (“Courier” June 21), the June meeting of the event took place and the effect of the power of the press seemed to be much in evidence.

On the evening of Thursday, June 27, 54 vehicles filled the car park (and surrounding area) of The Red Lion in Shobrooke, this firmly beating the previous record of 39.

Amongst the cars in attendance were a number of Jaguars and their Daimler siblings. Attendance by these marques had been encouraged by the event organisers in memory of Jaguar’s famous test driver Norman Dewis, who had died earlier in June.

The early days of motoring were well-represented, with several pre-World War Two cars out and about.

These included an Austin Seven sports car and a Morris tourer. Additionally, a touch of real exotica was added by the presence of two Bugattis, a Type 49 open tourer and a Type 37A sports racing car.

Machinery from classic ‘50s and ‘60s motoring stalwarts such as MG and Austin-Healey was there to be seen, along with examples of slightly rarer brands such as Lotus.

For those with a taste for a bit of mud, there were three Land Rovers, including two early “Series” models.

Representing the 1980s were such as a Mk.2 VW Golf GTI and a very rare Mazda RX7 Convertible. Finally, interesting slices of relative modernity came in the form of various models from the likes of Ford, Renault, Lexus and BMW.

So much for the four wheelers, motorcycles were also present in record numbers at the June meet.

Just as with the cars, the mix of machinery was truly eclectic. Age, size, performance and style all varied widely.

A World War Two-era BSA M20 sat alongside a modern Triumph Speed Twin, diminutive BSA Bantams shared space with considerably heftier Harley-Davidsons.

A beautifully presented traditional Royal Enfield trialler was present, contrasting nicely with a BMW that was a fine example of a more modern custom style.

Finally an Oriental twist was added by machinery from such as Yamaha and Kawasaki.

The next Classic and Specialist Car and Bike Night will be held on Thursday, July 25 from about 7pm and, if you have a machine that means just a bit more to you than simple transportation, you’re more than welcome to take it along and join in.

In the meantime, feel free to check out the pictures of previous events on the meet’s “Facebook” page: www.facebook.com/rlcarbikenight/ .

The page is set to public access so can be viewed with or without a “Facebook” account.