Strong NIIMC presence at Ballymena Car Fest
After taking a year out last year the Ballymena Car Fest was back again this year at Ballee Playing Fields on Saturday 13th June 2015. Judging by the crowds and the number of the exhibits on display the show hasn’t lost any of its popularity.
There was something to suit all tastes from impressively liveried lorries, buses, vintage tractors, motorbike stunt riders, trade stands and various car dealerships with the latest models on display.
Not forgetting of course a wide range of cars of various ages representing countries across the world – from American cars, Japanese, German, French, Swedish as well as the usual variety of British classics from Austins and Anglias, Zephyrs and Zodiacs, Escorts and E-types. Oh, and I nearly forget the most stylish of them all – the Italian selection.
Club members cars on display were Herbie’s Fiat 1500 Cabrio, Dave’s Alfa 147 GTA, Chris’s Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV, Alastair’s Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint, Peter and Simon’s Lancia Delta Integrales, Cyril, Richard’s and Peter’s 500 Abarths, Ricky’s Fiat X/19, Johnny’s Ferrari 348 TS and James’s Fiat Coupe. The Italian section was also graced with a number of other colourful Italian cars including a yellow Fiat Barchetta, a red Fiat 500 and Chris Connolly’s orange Fiat 131 Mirafiori Sport.
Thankfully the weather held up and at times it was very pleasant w hen the sun crept out from behind the clouds – I was glad I had applied some suncream to my wee baldy head before I left home. The overall standard of cars at the show was generally very good with an interesting mix of old and modern vehicles – Ford fans were in their element as they were perhaps the best represented manufacturer.
As we had entered our cars as a club stand NIIMC members were not eligible to win individual prizes for the best Italian car but in our opinion we should have won the best club stand – the NIIMC gazebo stood out across the playing field and was adorned with Italian bunting for added appeal. Honours didn’t go to us however Peter Simpson’s Lancia Delta did win the trophy for the best presented club car – well done Peter.
Overall it was an enjoyable day with plenty of good craic amongst club members – well worth another visit next year if Ballymena Car Fest returns to Ballee Playing Fields in 2016.
Tim Logan
Club Secretary
