The "Classic Car" group of '1904', known to us all as the "Oilies", had a fun run in Wiltshire on 18th April.

On a glorious spring day 24 Oilies set off from near Chippenham to explore the Wiltshire Downs in 12 beautiful old cars. They (mostly) followed the plan set out by Oilie Member and '1904' Joint Sec. Jonathan Bird through leafy lanes and on past picture-perfect cottages, travelling deep into this easily but unfairly by-passed county. There are 8 of the curious and mostly 18/19^th Century follies called “White Horses” scattered over the chalk slopes of the Wiltshire Downs and the route passed 6 of them. Some are resplendent and unmissable and some not easily spotted or rather neglected, perhaps “Brown Donkey” would be a better description of one or two.

The real discovery, though, was that there are some of the most exciting and enticing driving roads in the country out there. Long swooping curves, high almost straight stretches, and sudden tricky bends, with hardly any traffic. So, some safe fun could be enjoyed by those who like to drive, as well as marvellous wide vistas. The road went through the middle of Avebury Stone Circle in a fashion uninhibited by any planning law but allowing a close view without paying a penny for entrance.

Ending after Melksham’s maze of ring road roundabouts, the Oilies and their old girls were invited into a huge barn of million-pound supercars: Mclarens, Ferraris, Zagato Aston Martins and even a Koenigsegg! The 1904 Classics held their own and all had succeeded in completing the 75-mile route. The Oilies and guests were rewarded with a slap-up meal and a good old chin-wag amongst the billionaire’s playthings. 

Some more photos of the day can be seen below ...

Maybe you too might enjoy the fun of being an Oilie as a member of Bristol 1904 Arts ?