Celebrating their 1911-2011 anniversary, Bristol Motor Club ventured back to the now National Trust (NT) owned statelyhome hill climb at Dyrham Park.

Despite traffic jams back to the nearby M4 as approximately 4500 tried to access the single entrance — and NT’s cautious attitude to motor sports — over 130 competition-to-concours cars entered. They made a fantastic sun-kissed spectacle in two ‘parade’ ascents of the 0.8-mile climb.

Walton took his 1958 Frogeye Sprite, fitted with a new wood-rim steering wheel immediately before the event. This definitely made it 10 mph faster and power output now could be over 50 horses. We still don’t know as the rolling road we planned to use broke in horror at the thought of measuring such power!

Star entries included loyal club member, and star Ford driver, Vince Woodman with his unique 464 bhp Capri with 24v Cosworth V6. Lotus were strong with a V8 30, 23B and Formula 3 single seater 69.

I also admired the one-off Emeryson sports, Steve Burridge’s original Ford GT40, a couple of Lotus Cortinas [including the ex-works KPU 381C], a selection of now rare Marcos (manufactured locally), Turners galore, Morgans with superb histories and a seductive Swallow Doretti.

But, if I took just one machine home it would have been one of the two AC ACE Bristols.... Or any of the Lotus Elan flock... Or (fill in your own fantasies here).

I returned home in convoy with Charles Helps/photographer Andrew Morland and original Helps Lotus 6, ending a perfect sunlit drive home with a perfect waterside pub and some excellent company.

One day, all days will be like this. It’s called death in paradise.

JW