Clady Run is plenty of fun!

Once again this year’s Clady Vintage  Run proved a hit with NIIMC members as they joined a range of motorbike and car enthusiasts who congregated at Killead Parish Church  on the evening of Friday 16th August 2013.  Ten club members turned up hoping that the weather would hold so that they could enjoy a dry trip round the old Clady circuit before returning to the church hall for some refreshments. Thankfully , despite some menacing clouds at times the rain did not appear so all the motorcyclists stayed dry and those driving cabriolets were able to “go topless”as the impressive throng of bikes and cars made its way round the circuit.

The club members cars included Johnny’s Ferrari 348 TS, Ricky and Graeme’s Fiat X/19’s, Deirdre’s Panda, Dixy’s 500 Abarth, Alastair’s Alfa Sprint, Cyril’s Fiatina, Mark’s Alfa GTV (freshly painted and looking smart) and of course not forgetting Herbie’s Fiat 1500 Cabrio.  Brian Mackey was there too but he had sneaked into the carpark in his primrose yellow MGB GT instead of the Fiat 850 Coupe which we are more accustomed to seeing him in. I’m not sure what part of the MGB is Italian but we will let Brian off for this minor misdemeanour on this occasion. Other Italian cars included a Maserati 3200 GT driven by William who is now the latest recruit to the club (welcome to NIIMC William) and a Fiat 126 driven by William’s brother.

I choose not to drive to the event, preferring to travel in Cyril’s Fiatina – this gave me the opportunity to experience the impressive acceleration of his Guy Croft prepared 2 litre Fiat Twin Cam engine and the chance to take a few photos on the move (or at least attempt to).  I had mixed success but some of the photos aren’t too bad – I am sure you will agree that Herbie really looks the part in his NIIMC coat cruising along in his classic Fiat – I’m really not sure whether Herbie or the car is more eyecatching!!!

The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm and welcoming with plenty of car and bike lovers keen to trade stories about their ownership experiences. To round off the evening tea/coffee, sandwiches and traybakes were served in the hall and these went down a treat, especially for those of us who hadn’t had any tea before the event.

The Italian marques were definitely well represented and much admired – thanks to all for supporting this worthwhile charity event.

Tim Logan

Club Secretary