MARILYN Barnard was proud to show off her husband’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air at a car rally near Abingdon.

The American sedan is owned by Raymond Barnard, and the couple drove over from their home in Didcot on Sunday to Lodge Hill Garage, Abingdon, for a national Drive It Day rally.

Herald Series:

  • Derry Aust from Witney with his 1938 Triumph Dolomite

Mrs Barnard said: “I really enjoyed sitting behind the wheel when we arrived at the rally.”


Father-of-two Mr Barnard, 67, a retired building contracts manager, said: “I drive the Chevrolet and Marilyn has got a new Mini.

“I bought the Chevrolet in Yorkshire a couple of years ago and I have had some work done on it – I reckon it must be worth between £20,000 and £25,000.“The car turns lots of heads when I drive through Didcot – it’s Indiana white over turquoise blue with lots of chrome.

“We really enjoyed meeting all the other classic car drivers.”

Herald Series:

  • Peter Venables from Kidlington with his 1924 Morris Cowley

Nigel Murrin, co-director of the garage, said 35 MGs turned up on route to the Cotwolds, followed by another 40 vehicles including a Rolls Royce, a Bullnose Morris and an Austin Healey.

He added: “It was a wonderful day and funds raised will go towards a permanent memorial for the Air Transport Auxiliary.”