Car Event "Bromley Pageant of Motoring" regenerates for public viewing
The Bromley Pageant of Motoring, a celebrated classic car event, marked a successful comeback in 2024 after a brief hiatus. The event was held at a new venue, the South of England Showground near Ardingly, following a relocation due to the extension of London's ULEZ.
The 2024 event showcased an extensive collection of classic cars, including rare models such as Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts, Capris, Fiestas, and other notable British and European marques. The significance of the Bromley Pageant lies in its role as a major gathering for classic car enthusiasts, offering a platform for both trade stands and autojumble sales alongside food trucks and social activities.
Notably, the event is well regarded for its diverse display, including rare and well-preserved vehicles like a 1904 Singer, alongside clubs such as the Surrey and Sussex BMW Owners Club displaying iconic models like the E30 M3 Evo3 and E28 M535i. Club displays were numerous and varied, with the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, Southside Motorsport, Stag Owners' Club, TVRCC's Selkent region, Vauxhall Cresta Club, BMW South East Enthusiasts, Ford, Mini, and MG clubs all participating.
The TVRCC's Selkent region celebrated 60 years of the rebooted TVR company, and the Stag Owners' Club's South East London branch organized an enormous display of Triumph Stags. Rarities in the one-make area included a Datsun 160B from the Netherlands and a Marina with a supercharged, diesel B-Series motor.
The layout of the event remained similar to previous iterations, with a live action arena, car club areas, and a one-make parking area. The trade and autojumble area offered plenty of goodies, with several retailers hosted in the Norfolk Pavillion, including the platform's own stand.
Despite minor issues such as teething troubles with traffic and a bike show, the day was a successful comeback for the event. The award ceremony concluded the day, with the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club being awarded the coveted Best Club accolade. The big one, Best in Show, went to the 1986 Audi Quattro 10V belonging to Gary Dyer.
As the Bromley Pageant of Motoring looks forward to its return in 2026, it continues to be a popular and inclusive community event, drawing both passionate collectors and the general public. The event successfully upheld its tradition of celebrating automotive heritage through an engaging and accessible gathering at its new Ardingly location.
Enthusiasts also gathered at the event to share insights and discuss various topics beyond classic cars, such as lifestyle and home-and-garden. For instance, a talk was held on "How to Restore a Classic Car - Lessons from a Pro," which shed light on valuable tips for car enthusiasts looking to embark on their own restoration projects.
Moreover, participants could browse and purchase items related to lifestyle, home-and-garden, and cars at the numerous trade stands set up around the venue, offering a diverse range of products that catered to the interests of attending car enthusiasts.
