NEWTON Abbot was buzzing with activity on Saturday, when the town centre hosted its first classic car gathering since the pandemic.
More than 40 cherished vehicles were displayed with everything from Minis to Rolls Royces wooing the crowds.
Live entertainment was provided by The Liberty Sisters whose old time hits had onlookers cheering and some even dancing.
Also popular were the animatronic dinosaurs and Flintmobile, provided by A-Plan Insurance whose opening of their new branch coincided with the show.
The event was organised by Newton Abbot Town Council in partnership with the Teignbridge Classics car enthusiasts group.
Under benevolent skies, the streets quickly filled up with people saying the town was the busiest it had been since the Covid crisis.
They took to social media with comments such as that by Laura Wood who said: ‘Whoever organised this event it was a fabulous day Newton Abbot, let’s have more days like this.’
Sheila Austin said: ‘It was a brilliant atmosphere in the town today, should be more days like this. Something for young and old, well done.’
Mayor Cllr Carol Bunday was delighted saying: ‘This is the Newton Abbot we all know and love, full of activity and atmosphere.
‘People clearly love seeing the wonderful old cars which prompt such warm memories, and with life being pretty tough right now we’re really pleased as a Town Council to arrange free family events like this and I promise, there are more to come.’
Sally Henley, Town Development Manager, said: ‘I’m so grateful to Teignbridge Classics for getting members not only to show their cars but provide the marshals too, it was a huge success.
‘We’re already planning for another two shows next year with hopefully even more vehicles taking part, watch this space.’
Teignbridge Classics co-founder Jamie Theobold said: ‘We’re getting some fantastic reactions, really positive feedback.’
Fellow co-founder Alan Perrins added: ‘We’re coming back on May 27, everyone seems to be enjoying it, it’s chilled out and relaxed.
‘I just think it’s great.’
Exhibitor Brian Level, who showed his W123 Mercedes, said simply: ‘Wonderful day.’