THOUSANDS of motor enthusiasts are expected at this year’s Cowley Classic Car Show which is set to be the biggest to date.

In a bid to celebrate the centenary year of William Morris car-making in Oxford, The Rotary Club of Oxford Isis is showcasing classic and vintage cars at Court Place in Marston on Sunday, August 18 for its sixth annual event.

Malcolm Fearn, 71, from Cumnor Hill, who is helping to organise the event, said: “We’re really excited about it.

“We’ve got a much wider range of cars this year, from 1930s Bentleys to Aston Martins and even some cars from 2002.”

It is expected that there will be about 250 cars on show in total.

The show will raise funds for Kidlington-based charity ROSY, which supports respite care for people who look after Oxfordshire’s sick youngsters in their own homes. The event will also support other local and international charities to be decided at a later date.

More than £3,000 was raised at last year’s show and this year a competition will run for the “Best Car in Show” to be judged by local classic car owners.

Ivor Spackman, 64, of Eynsham, president of The Rotary Club of Oxford Isis, said: “We were looking for a charity in Oxfordshire and ROSY fits our criteria. It’s a good local charity.

“The show is something of interest, raises money for a good cause and also allows the public to get involved in a range of activities that are not to do with cars.”

The activities at the event, which runs from 12pm until 5pm, include free rides in vintage buses from the Oxford Bus Museum and Morris Motors Museum in Long Hanborough, a petting zoo, bouncy castles, and food and drink stalls including burgers and curry.

One of the hundreds of people bringing their car to the event is Ron Mobbs, of Wheatley.

The 65-year-old, who is also a member of Oxford Isis Rotary Club, is looking forward to bringing a 1936 Morris Eight motorcar and a 1950 Bedford O type lorry to the event.

He said: “It’s going to be bigger and better this year and it gives people the chance to have a good look at classic cars.

“It’s a proper family day out and always brings the community together.”

  • To exhibit your vehicle visit cowleyclassiccarshow.org.uk