With some sun beating down too – though the ground was decidedly ‘springy’ hinting at what had gone before… – enthusiasts converged on the Leicestershire site, with the ever-popular autojumble first port of call for many.
They were greeted by the usual field full of stalls, with many rare and hard to find parts, as well as complete machines, offered. Founders Day autojumble has a reputation as a being the place to pick up vintage and veteran parts and machines and there were a smattering of motorcycles to tempt – including a veteran (or very early vintage) AJS single, a JAP-powered 250cc OK Supreme ‘racer’, a few Velos (including a Mk.II cammy) and other such delights; many not displaying prices though, probably working on the ‘if you have to ask you can’t afford it’ principle, though the OK had a £8000 ticket on it; it was still there when I left.
The ‘show’ element is given over to clubs, with many in attendance and a good, esoteric mix; the BSA Owners Club rubbed shoulders with the VJMC, with such relative obscurities as the Cammy AJS Register in attendance too (and providing my ‘machine of the day’ a lovely circa 1934 ohc job; it was one of only two machines on the stand, but was glorious) joining in the fun.
Talking of fun and games; as usual the trials boys put on a display in the parade ring, using a variety of pre-65 machinery, while this year’s ‘theme’ was military machines – several riders had come dressed the part, too.
More images and full story in November issue of The Classic MotorCycle, on sale October 5.
