Introduction:
Retro Rides: A Celebration of Nostalgic Car Culture
Retro Rides is an eagerly anticipated classic car event that celebrates retro car culture in the UK. Founded in 2004 as an online forum, Retro Rides quickly gained popularity and transitioned into an in-person event in 2007. The festival attracts car enthusiasts who appreciate the simplicity and charm of vintage vehicles without the modern-day technology found in modern cars. From Chevrolet lowriders to Datsun 240Zs with outrageous engine swaps, Retro Rides showcases a wide array of vehicles that evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement.
The Volvo 850 T5-R: A Classic Showstopper
One standout car at Retro Rides was the top-spec Volvo 850 T5-R. This vehicle, with its buttonless key and ignition barrel, embodies the essence of Retro Rides. Under the hood, the 850 T5-R boasts a powerful 2.5-litre five-pot engine that produces 236bhp. Despite being nearly 20 years old, the car still impresses with its smooth power delivery and distinctive yellow paint. Its unique design, reminiscent of traditional 1990s Volvo styling cues, attracts fellow motorists and festival-goers alike. The narrowness of the Volvo 850 T5-R compared to modern cars highlights the enduring appeal of retro vehicles that are neither technically impressive nor conventionally pretty.
The Audi 80 Avant Diesel: A Love Affair with DIY Engineering
Another notable car at Retro Rides was the Audi 80 Avant Diesel. This Audi has had quite a journey, from being purchased at an auction for £900 to undergoing a £15,000 transformation by its current owner, Martin Tiffin. Originally bought for practical purposes, the Audi 80 Avant Diesel became a beloved machine that Tiffin now sleeps in and cherishes. Its 1.9-litre engine has surpassed 300,000 miles without fault, showcasing the car’s remarkable reliability. Tiffin’s unwavering attachment to his Audi 80 Avant Diesel is evident in his refusal to sell it, even considering converting it to electric to comply with ULEZ regulations.
The BMW 840Ci: Restoring a Childhood Dream
Lukas Wagel’s devotion to the BMW 840Ci is evident in the £30,000 he has invested in restoring his dream car. From a young age, Wagel fell in love with the E31 BMW 8 Series and embarked on a journey to bring his childhood dream to life. His Individual-spec 840Ci is almost entirely new underneath, with a new engine, suspension, and refurbished alloys. The painstaking restoration process took two years, but for Wagel, selling his beloved BMW 840Ci is out of the question.
The Supercharged Mini Mayfair: From Rot-Box to Rocket
The Supercharged Mini Mayfair is a testament to the power of restoration. Once an “absolute rot-box,” this Mini Mayfair has been completely transformed into a sub-tonne rocket with all the luxuries one would expect from a Mayfair model. The front and rear subframes have been rebuilt, and the engine has been upgraded with a high-lift camshaft, forged pushrods, and a supercharger. With 130bhp and weighing around 700kg, this Mini Mayfair delivers an exhilarating driving experience.
The Lancia Flavia: A Labor of Love
Rescued from neglect on eBay, the Lancia Flavia underwent a thorough restoration by its owner. The car’s paintwork, which had been resprayed multiple times over its 51-year life, was restored to its original glory. This particular Flavia received an engine upgrade to a larger 1.8-litre unit, thanks to the previous owner including both engines in the deal. The owner’s passion for Lancias and extensive knowledge of the brand enabled them to revive this Flavia and make it shine once again.
The Fiat Uno Turbo IE: A Lifelong Love Affair
The Fiat Uno Turbo IE holds a special place in the heart of its owner, who fell in love with the car at an early age. After three years of meticulous detailing and restoration, this Uno Turbo IE has been brought back to its original condition. Every serviceable item has been replaced, and the car now features new 14-inch alloys and a 1.3-litre petrol engine that generates 118bhp. With its immaculate condition, this Uno Turbo IE is a testament to the owner’s enduring love for this iconic Fiat model.
The Ford Escort AA Van: A Road-Legal Impression
The Ford Escort AA Van is a unique creation that pays homage to the iconic AA vans. This 1990 Mk4 Ford Escort has been modified to resemble a Mk3, complete with carbon fibre bumpers, carbon fibre front splitter, and chopped-off front wings for a cleaner look. Powered by the Skoda Fabia VRS’s 1.9-litre diesel engine, this van combines authentic design elements with modern enhancements. The owner’s attention to detail even extends to using a Ford engine cover to make the engine look more authentic.
The Porsche 944 S2: Restoring to Perfection
The Porsche 944 S2 stands out not for its upgrades but for its meticulous restoration. This car is cleaner than it was when it left the factory, with glistening split-piece alloys, flawless bodywork, and an immaculate exhaust tailpipe. Its 208bhp 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine is as clean on the inside as the car is on the outside. The owner’s dedication to restoring this Porsche 944 S2 to its original condition is evident in every detail.
The Opel Monza GSE: Elegant Restoration
The Opel Monza GSE exemplifies a high standard of restoration, with no visible signs of daily use. Powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, this Monza boasts MacPherson struts, 18-inch alloys, and a color scheme that complements its angular shape. As one of the last pre-facelift cars produced, this Monza showcases Opel’s commitment to timeless design and performance.
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Stylish Sophistication
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a second-generation Type 34 model that exudes elegance and style. Despite its unassuming appearance, this Karmann Ghia was once the fastest production Volkswagen of its time. With its beautiful proportions, glistening cherry red paint, and aggressive louvres at the rear, this Karmann Ghia is a true showstopper. Designed to be a more stylish alternative to the Beetle, the Karmann Ghia represents Volkswagen’s pursuit of sophistication and performance.
The Chevrolet Lowrider: Bouncing American Metal
A hopping, skipping, and jumping Chevrolet lowrider is a crowd favorite at Retro Rides. While the car appears standard on the outside, its chassis has been reinforced to handle the weight of nearly three tonnes of bouncing American metal. The absence of rear shock absorbers enhances the lowrider’s bouncy nature, creating a unique driving experience. Despite occasional faults, such as snapping at last year’s Classic Motor Show, this Chevrolet lowrider remains an impressive feat of engineering.
The Audi S4 Avant: A Sleeper Performance Car
The Audi S4 Avant may appear ordinary on the surface, but beneath its unassuming exterior lies a performance powerhouse. Equipped with turbos from the RS6, Bilstein dampers, Brembo brakes with Porsche calipers, and an uprated intercooler and fuel pump, this S4 Avant rivals the BMW M3. With its mapped engine producing around 530bhp, this Audi is a sleeper car that defies expectations.
The Mercedes E36 AMG: Mafioso Charm
The Mercedes E36 AMG coupé exudes a sense of Mafioso charm with its black paint, cream leather interior, and blocky, flat-faced alloys. Based on the 320TE, this E36 AMG features AMG’s M104 3.6-litre straight-six engine, which delivers 272bhp and 284lb ft of torque. With its subtle design details and powerful performance, this E36 AMG represents an era of AMGs that prioritized style and driving pleasure.
Conclusion:
Retro Rides brings together car enthusiasts who appreciate the nostalgia and simplicity of vintage vehicles. From the iconic Volvo 850 T5-R to the meticulously restored Porsche 944 S2, each car at Retro Rides tells a unique story and showcases the enduring appeal of retro car culture. These vehicles embody the passion and dedication of their owners, who go to great lengths to preserve and restore these classic cars. Retro Rides is not just a celebration of automotive history; it is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of vintage vehicles that continue to captivate and inspire car lovers today.
