During the weekend commencing Friday 8th July 2005, the largest ever gathering of Longbridge built motor vehicles massed in Cofton Park, opposite the factory at Longbridge in South Birmingham. The event was staged to celebrate and commemorate the founding of the Austin Motor Company and 100 years of continuous motor vehicle production at the Longbridge factory.
The event was organised by the Federation of Austin Clubs, Registers and Associations in conjunction with Greenwood Exhibitions of Bromsgrove.
The event commenced on Friday 8th with a superb celebratory dinner at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich. On the Saturday and Sunday Austin and Longbridge designed vehicles will assemble from all over the UK and further afield, for what was the greatest UK factory gathering.
Birmingham City Council approved a parade of 100 Austin and Longbridge built vehicles spanning the one hundred years, from the earliest known surviving examples right up to the latest MG and Rover products, to drive in a procession from Victoria Square in front of the Council House in Birmingham onto Cofton Park where they remained on view as part of a display to the public. The parade included 3 Austin Healey's, a MkVI Sprite owned by Chris Parker, 100 owned by John Wheatley, and a 3000MkIII owned by Peter Dodson. The parade was set on its way by Birmingham's Lord Mayor, and Sir Stirling Moss.
At the Park, visitors were able to see many examples of Austin vehicles assembled by the 22 clubs affiliated to the Federation. Austin Healey's, Stately Sheerlines limousines, diminutive Austin Sevens and Minis, Taxicabs, Military vehicles, Devons, Cambridges, 1100s, 1800s, Maxis, Allegros, Montegos, Princesses with their distinctive wedge front and even a replica Austin Whippet bi-plane from the 1920s.
The number of Austin vehicles participating in this strictly 'one-off' event
was in there thousands. This was once in a life time opportunity to view the
many products from the Longbridge factory as are ever likely to be assembled
together in one place.
Additionally, visitors had the opportunity of browsing through some of the many
autojumble and trade stalls. There was a beer tent were one could enjoy a pint
of 'Centenary Ale', courtesy of Hook Norton Brewery. There was plenty to interest
visitors and enthusiasts. Another event include a tour of the nearby Austin
Village.
Website: www.austinmotor.co.uk for information and event details
