On May 8th I spent a sunny afternoon with Cllr Allison Gwynne in Denton’s Civic Square, getting up close to some truly iconic vehicles. 

This was all part of Tameside Car Collectors’ classic car show, an event which has had to hibernate over the last two years thanks to Covid. I’ve had the privilege of presenting the ‘Best in Show’ awards at the event in the past, and it was great to see the show back on the road and better than ever. 

There was a range of vehicles from the 1920s right up to the 1990s, all telling a different part of our automobile history. Highlights for me included a Renault NN from 1929, and a 1962 Morris Minor. 

But as a history – and especially a local history – buff, I was particularly excited by the presence of a Daimler CVG6 bus, which served Manchester through the 50s, 60s and 70s. These beautiful busses are indelibly tied to the transport history of our great city, and it was fantastic to see one taking pride of place in Denton Civic Square. I was even allowed to do my best impression of a bus conductor, before I had to step aside and let someone else have a go. 

Wandering around, I was reminded of the fact that these shows are more than just refuges for car enthusiasts. They are community-led events that allow us to step back in time and see how travel has changed in so many ways. It really is remarkable to see cars that have been so perfectly preserved and speak to the history of our nation. 

Huge congratulations to Tameside Car Collector’s for organising such a fantastic show, and I know that I won’t be alone in looking forward to the next one. For more information on Tameside Car Collector’s upcoming events, do visit www.tameside-car-collectors.co.uk

Andrew Gwynne MP