I went on this for the first time last year and had a good time so booked-up again for this year's run. It's been going for over 40yrs now and is organised by Ipswich Transport Museum (who have an excellent collection of vehicles of local manufacture/use/significance). Vehicles on the run have to be at least 30yrs old and it essentially ends up as a show at two venues with a 13-odd mile drive in the middle, which takes 1-2hrs as there are approaching 600 entrants. Here's how our day went:
Ipswich-Felixstowe Run 2014 - Christchurch Park by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
We arrived at the park and the marshalls got us in neat rows ready to leave in some sort of orderly manner, except it went a bit awry when the Trigger fleet arrived. The Pontiac followed us all the way, good to see something like that on the move.
I then wandered around and did my best to get photos without people getting in the way. Not the day for a long lens....
1931 Vauxhall + Passenger by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Does the rear passenger have to be airlifted in and out?
1965 Jensen CV8 MkIII by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Hearing this as it parked-up and having a look made me realise they're rather more attractive than photos suggest and decide they're really rather appealing.
1975 Crompton (Leyland) Milk Float by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Father Dougal.
1979 Volvo 245DL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
What I like about this event is how it throws up a few local-from-new things which have recently gone to enthusiastic new owners, this splendid Volvo being a good example.
Dog in shades by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Honda Civic and Datsun Sunny comparison by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Trigger points out the finer examples of Honda engineering, Sunny owners drink coffee.
1931 Chevrolet 3.2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Pipe-smoking man had a wistful look about him, was later seen driving something tall and old like a Model T. My son liked the Ferraris next to it, what can I do?...
1959 Fiat 600D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
This local one had apparently been off the road since the early '70s after some mechanical malady, and has been restored over the last 10yrs.
1968 Austin 1300 Countryman by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
I didn't notice him at the time, but both times we've been Mrs SL has been disturbed by the man on the left in his too-tight shorts.
1972 VW Beetle 1302S by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Not rat-look, no stupid hanging thing off the mirror.
1982 Colt Starion Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Yet another one that's been local from new, recently restored. Fantastic stuff coming out of the woodwork.
After a while the marshalls got cars leaving, as there were quite a few rows before us I had time for a few action shots. Mrs SL perhaps not impressed by the toilets as a backdrop, but I felt they were appropriate...
1978 Ford Granada 2.3GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Great to see an unspoilt early Mk1. Its registration leaves me with an urge to purchase some mid-range Mazdas.
1979 Volvo 245DL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Father Jack.
1983 Lancia Beta HPE 2000ie by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1972 Lancia Fulvia 1300 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1975 Ford Cortina 2000E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
RWDnotAE86TriggerLifeonMars
Leaving the park by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Eventually it was out turn to leave. The passenger in the Hillman had a particularly extravagant two-arm wave, their dog just looked bored.
Bystanders by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
There's a lot of waving to be done on the journey.
Ipswich-Felixstowe Run 2014 - On the prom by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Eventually we all get down to Felixstowe and park up along the seafront. Lovely.
1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
But it does get a bit crowded sometimes. Standing on the beach best for photos.
Attracting a glance... by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
That Civic again by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Which gives the opportunity to get some different shots.
1974 Ford Escort 1300E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Better venue than the usual damp, sheep-poo strewn field which they couldn't even be bothered to cut.
1978 Ford Escort Mexico by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Insert your favoured OSF stereotype here.
1977 Jaguar XJ-S 5.3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
The words louche classiness come to mind when I think of this car.
1983 Bedford CF2 350D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Cap-wearing CF driver looked right at home.
1952 Morris Oxford by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Lovely patina on this, used locally by the first owner then his daughter until 2010. Pink T-shirt man was trying to describe where he was, said he was by the Minors. Come on man, they look nothing like Minors...
1959 Vauxhall Velox 2.3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Fins ain't what they used to be (other 1970s/80s car magazine headlines are available).
1972 Triumph 2000 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Classy and purposeful.
1977 Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1958 Peerless GT Phase 1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1978 Leyland Cars Mini 1000 Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1971 Range Rover by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1976 Hillman Hunter Super 1725 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1948 Buick Eight by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
And some others.
Then it was time for home, but a wait for fish and chips gave me the chance to grab a few more shots:
The little brown Starlet by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Second-best car of the event. Great to know it's still around.
Trigger and his Cortina by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Looked great in its new paint.
1979 Citroen GS X3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1978 Leyland Cars Mini 1000 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Pointing competition.
1931 BSA 3-wheel van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
This looked comically impractical and unstable.
1989 Dodge Ram by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
Not on the event, but there were a few other things driving around. Insert your favourite line-dancing/serial-killer stereotype here. Amongst the stickers and things written were "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES" and "Louder Than Your Mum Last Night!"...
1986 Fiat X1/9 VS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1968 Austin FG 3.0 petrol by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1985 Mercedes 500SEC + 1992 Dodge by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
1962 Bedford J 531VBJ Ex-Suffolk Fire Service by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr
That'll do, time for breakfast.