SOME 1,200 vehicles, from stylish sports cars to classic 1950s US models, drew thousands of admirers to Harpenden Common yesterday evening.

The 16nth Classics on the Common show, a now traditional Harpenden event, attracted crowds of enthusiasts between 4pm and 8.30pm despite the steady rain.

Tom Davis of Harpenden told the Review: “Apart from watching Top Gear I know nothing about cars, but I enjoy wandering around looking at them, wondering which one I'd have if I had the money.

“My favourite so far is the Lamborghini – I can see myself in one of those. The Ferraris are really smart too.”

Proud owners came from all over Britain to show their much-loved vehicles, some defying the passage of as many as 100 years through painstaking restoration.

Bob Kendall of Redbourn said of his 1928 Austin 12: “I've had it since January. It is the twin of another I already had so when it came up for sale I just couldn't resist it.

“It was at step up from the Austin 7, which sold many thousands at the time.

“This was more of a luxury vehicle. It still needs a bit of work- the doors don't fit very well.

“The difficult bit, apart from the hours and hours of work, is getting the parts.

“Not many people have a 1928 Austin door-winding mechanism.

“It goes up to 35mph, but it can't keep up with modern traffic.

“Fortunately people are very tolerant – they don't mind getting stuck behind a car like this.”

David Law of Harpenden Rotary, which has taken over running the event from enthusiasts at The Carpenters Arms pub in Southdown said: “This is always a very popular event. We ran out of space for any more cars some time ago.

“Last year there were 10,000 visitors although this year we may get a bit less because of the weather.

“Any vehicle 20 years old or more will qualify as a classic. We have a couple of lorries , a bus and a 1957 fire engine. I think the oldest car dates from 1907.”

The event raises funds for Rotary charities including the Grove House hospice and the Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Centre in Letchworth.