WITH almost 500 vintage cars and 50 bikes on display, the annual classic car day at The Deer’s Hut attracted a record number of visitors for Father’s Day, on Sunday.

Now in its 32nd year, the event, which has been dubbed ‘Mini-Goodwood,’ was a feast for seasoned petrol heads and car enthusiasts – plus a several dozen bikers.

The pub’s managing director Deborah Steel told The Herald: “I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support by all volunteers, my dedicated staff, the Scouts and Guides, Liphook fire service, Hollycombe Steam, the Carnival Committee, Dylan’s ice-cream and our generous local sponsors Clarke Gammon Wellers and the General Wine Company.

“A special thank-you goes to Mr and Mrs Shilling for providing rides for donations in their McLaren 570 Spider and to our regular customers Sue and Rob Neale for their generous donation to help us install a defibrillator at the pub.”

The estate agents who sponsored the show awarded prizes to three participants, including classic car day stalwarts, Gary Brazier and Graham Corbett, aka Laurel and Hardy, for the Whitehill-based pair’s painstakingly rebuilt1929 Ford Model T.

First-timers Angie and Mick Thompsett, from Petersfield, were thrilled to receive a prize for their lovingly restored 1968 Bedford Dormobile camper van.

Alan Perry, from Petworth, a trustee of the Haslemere Education Museum, received a prize for his red 1956 Jaguar XK140, which is one of only 478 right-hand drives made for the UK market.

Making a first-time appearance were six members of the Hogs Back Chapter Harley Club, who brought along a performance chopper and two American Chopper bikes, which they plan to take to Carfest 2018.