Historic vehicles impress the crowds at Autoshow

Bo’ and Jez travel to charity show in aid of Rotary International - <em>News</em>

Wednesday 18 July 2007
By Naomi Weston

Jezebel, a 1916 Dennis Fire Engine, and Boanerges, a 1902 James Browne, brought back prizes from the Uxbridge Autoshow on Sunday.

The historic vehicles are maintained by Imperial College London students, from the Royal College of Science, Royal School of Mines and City and Guilds College Motor Clubs.

Jez brought back her fourth trophy in three years from the autoshow, winning the ‘Best in Class’ prize for the second year in a row, fending off competition from other public service vehicles. Students spent a busy day before the show re-assembling vital components of the transmission and polishing her 55 square feet of brass. Jez was accompanied to the show by a crew of seven current and former students.

Bo’ was the oldest vehicle in the show and is one of only two of the type remaining. Visitors to the show nominated the vehicle for the ‘Spectator's Choice’ award, an accolade also won by Jezebel two years previously. Bo' was built in Hammersmith and was driven to the show by a new mechanical engineering graduate, Dave Horton.

Clementine, a 1926 Morris one-ton truck, accompanied Bo' and Jez to the show after a long period of being out of action due to repairs. Current students and recent graduates repaired and refurbished Clementine to good mechanical order, allowing her to complete the return journey to Brighton and back without problems back in May.

Ashley Brown, current Royal College of Science Motor Club chairman said: "After three weekends carrying out repairs on Jez, it was great to return with a prize yet again. It is always a pleasure to go to a show where the crowds are so enthusiastic."

All three vehicles made the ten mile trip to the charity show to support the Uxbridge branch of Rotary International, a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations.

This was the third annual show that the students attended the event with Jez and it was the first year with all three vehicles there. In 2005 Jez won Car of the Show and the Spectator's Choice prize.

The Uxbridge Autoshow is the Rotary Club's veteran, vintage and club vehicles show, held at Middlesex Showground annually. The purpose of the show is to raise money for a range of charities and provide an opportunity for motorists, enthusiasts and members of the public to view some historic and classic vehicles.