THERE'S nothing quite like the sight of a car from the past.Like an old song, the gleaming paintwork of a vehicle remembered from childhood or as a first-bought car can spur a dozen memories.

THERE'S nothing quite like the sight of a car from the past.

Like an old song, the gleaming paintwork of a vehicle remembered from childhood or as a first-bought car can spur a dozen memories.

And it's not just the shape of an old Cortina or Zephyr, Ford Prefect or Austin Seven, Consul or Sunbeam. There are so many little things so easily forgotten which modern motorists just take for granted.

But the cars, buses, fire engines, lorries, motorcycles and military vehicles which lined Felixstowe's prom for the annual historic vehicle run still had them all.

Front bench seats, gear changes on the steering columns, chrome push button door handles, wind-down windows, running boards, dashes which boasted so little equipment, indicators which flipped out of the vehicle's frame, no seat belts, leather seats and big brass squeeze-me horns.

How would today's new drivers, used to all kinds of technology and in-car entertainment at the push of a button, have survived?

The wonderful array of old cars and the fantastic condition of many of them –testament to the dedication of owners of which they are the pride and joy – was great to see, and more than 15,000 people turned out for the pleasure.

The range of cars seems to get better each year as well.

This year's exhibits included two steam cars – one from 1904 and a Stanley from America, built 1922 – and many from the 1920s and 1930s.

Cars have to be at least 30 years old, and so there were many family favourites from the 1960s, including Ford Cortinas, an early Ford Escort, Triumph Heralds and VW Beetles, as well as Rolls Royces, and assorted sports cars.

American cars also caught the eye, including a stunning bright red Cadillac 59.

Two special local vehicles were one from Ipswich sports car manufacturer Trident and Felixstowe furnisher Bloomfield's oldest delivery van.