HUNDREDS of families gathered in brilliant sunshine to wave off more than 500 historic cars on their way to Felixstowe.

WORDS:AMANDA CRESSWELL

PICTURES: JERRY TURNER

HUNDREDS of families gathered in brilliant sunshine to wave off more than 500 historic cars on their way to Felixstowe.

The 33th Ipswich to Felixstowe Historical Vehicle Road Run was as popular as ever attracting large crowds and its biggest entry to date.

Rolls Royces, a 1922 Stanley 735 steam car, buses and old military transport piled into Christchurch Park creating a bizarre but fascinating sight in the town centre. Some vehicle owners went the extra mile and even wore historic dress for the occasion.

Colin Norfolk, Rally Director, was delighted with the turnout.

"The event began in 1971. We had 68 cars and now we have got 532. We had to turn away 100 because we just couldn't accommodate them.

"The event is so popular because people can mingle with the vehicles. I was getting some printing done and a chap who had queued up behind me said 'This is one traffic jam I don't mind getting caught up in'.

"It is good to see so many people milling around. We have had more spectators than ever before."

Sunday's event was supported by Ipswich Buses, who are celebrating 100 years of municipal transport.

Among the vehicles taking part included two steam lorries, a 1971 Trident Venturer built in Ipswich, commercial vehicles and more than 100 motorcycles. Entries came as far afield as Wales and the south coast.

The event culminated in prize giving at the Felixstowe Leisure Centre.

Spectator Julian Maxim, 49, of Wherstead Road, Ipswich said: "We come every year to this. The park looks so beautiful with all the cars, especially the old ones. The event is getting bigger every year."