Coffee & Chrome at Bicester Heritage: August 2024 Show Report
Footman James returned to Bicester Heritage on Wednesday 21st August, with a mid-week Coffee & Chrome Collective meet, collaborating with the host’s Scramblers Assembly event. With the best part of 500 people in attendance, this year’s event proved as successful as last year’s, though a tad chillier and windier – not that the weather put you lovely people off.
A fantastic collection of vehicles were brought along, showing the usual myriad motors that are in attendance at C&CC events. We spoke to a few owners about their pride and joys.
Gerry & Bernadette – 1988 BMW M3
Immaculate and striking in its bold red bodywork, Gerry and Bernadette’s M3 is simply stunning. Their left-hand drive, three door saloon is utterly desirable, and owned by the pair for more than 30 years.
In that time, the bodywork has needed some work with a respray – in the original colour scheme – and that’s about it. The famous German build quality shining through here clearly. Having had the chance to grab one of just 25 early M3s brought to the UK, they have kept and cherished it, loving every inch of the 44,000 miles now on the clock.
Marie – 1967 Volkswagen Beetle
When Marie drove ‘Bobbie’s Girl’ through the gates at Bicester Heritage, plenty of heads turned. And since you can see the colour scheme yourself, it’s easy to see why. But on closer inspection, this is so much more than vivid paint on a convertible Bug.
The attention to detail is considerable, with beautiful interior matching the exterior. Add in a polished engine and bay, dropped suspension, and glistening chrome, and it’s clear to see that Marie has poured her heart and soul into this car.
Which isn’t particularly surprising considering how it came into her possession. While still at university, she found the Beetle on eBay, but was clearly strapped for cash, being a student. Despite that, she put in a bid, won it, and then had to convince her father to help her go and pick it up from up north. Naturally, he consented, and then realised what a great choice Marie had made, falling for Bobbie’s Girl almost as hard as Marie herself.
Plenty of care and attention went into the car, which was then undone somewhat when it appeared as part of a television programme. That said, it’s now even better than it was before, having been stripped down inside and out, and rebuilt to this superb standard.
Steve – 1968 Dodge Charger
Some cars at C&CC events constantly have onlookers around them, and Steve’s Charger was certainly one of them. Looking surprisingly subtle for a legend of Sixties American Muscle Cars, long bonnet, wide track and all, this Charger was restored around 15 years ago, and has been very well looked after ever since.
Steve has had the keys for the better part of a year, and is continuing on that theme, having picked it up in Edinburgh, and loving the big block V8 up front – all 7.2-litres of it. Another car that has near immaculate bodywork, striking paint, and the sort of presence that is normally commanded by an aircraft carrier, it’s no surprise that this ’68 Charger is mentioned here.
Geoff & Finley – 1979 Mini Van
As every at a Coffee & Chrome Collective event, there was a wealth of exotic metal on show. But equally, there are also many more humble machines, and it’s that ‘anti-snobbery’ attitude that makes these events so popular. Which is why this fantastic little Mini Van is featured.
Geoff has lovingly restored it, working on it for the better part of seven years, and replacing just about everything. Anything more than basic mechanicals have been sorted by a highly trained friend, but all the body repairs – of which there were apparently many – were carried out by Geoff.
Driven up and down the length of the country to Mini and classic meets, this beloved van looks good, and drives brilliantly, with a rasping snort to proceedings when driven in and out of Bicester… lovely.
Paul – 1981 Alpina C1
Just one of an estimated 11 brought to the UK in period, Paul’s Alpina C1 is that rare thing – a BMW that has been improved upon. Though that’s only rare when you ignore Alpina’s illustrious back catalogue.
The C1 came along before Alpina was officially recognised as a manufacturer in its own right, and as such, the alterations were carried out by Alpina’s official modifiers in the UK, Tom Walkinshaw Racing. And Paul has images of it sitting outside the workshop with other models after being kitted out, as well as stories from the mechanic who undertook the work. It’s a car that quickly gains attention – even without the period side graphics – as it becomes apparent that it’s largely original.
Repairs have been carried out where necessary, but otherwise, it’s as Paul found it, rescuing it from being scrapped, 30 years ago. The exterior and interior show a little patina, but it simply adds to the character of the Alpina, and it’s a thoroughly desirable machine.
Find out more about Coffee & Chrome meets here.
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