Kempton Park Off-Road & Racing Show

Whatever spin you might like to put on the reasons for attending the Kempton Park Autojumble at the beginning of December, which incorporates an off-road and racing show, it was absolutely heaving with visitors. Ian Kerr realised that mild weather, mercifully devoid of rain, was enough of a reason, but the queues for the normal admission time of 9.30am stretched back for literally hundreds of yards at both entrances for over an hour, with many probably wishing they had taken the early-bird option, as those that had could be seen smiling as they left, loaded with parts and motorcycles snapped up before the rush.

While some of the ‘barn find’ bikes as ever made up the majority of bikes for sale on the many diverse stands packed with various parts, an awful lot of restored machines and fairly modern bikes were for sale in separate line-ups as well as on stands dotted around the autojumble area, which was noticeably larger than normal.

A pair of immaculate classic Triumph TR5 Trophy machines for sale attracted a lot of attention, but despite these and some of the concours machines forming part of the show area, the bike getting most of the photographic attention was a DMW Deemster on the stand of Kempton regular, Pete’s Bikes.

An ex-police machine with provenance, it caused virtually everyone passing to examine it and many to snap the odd picture, although by the end of the day it still remained unsold for some reason!

Given the title of the show, many of the bikes on offer were competition machines with the odd road race bike getting in the mix outside, but in the main show hall it was almost a 50:50 split with some stunning and diverse bikes on display.

Various local clubs to Kempton took up the stand space around the edges trying to attract new members, including the Hayes and Southall club looking for more people to take part in the almost forgotten sport of Motoball.

On the excellent Speedway display stand could be found the legendary Barry Briggs talking to fans and, from the world of road racing, Phil Read had his own stand, selling memorabilia and signing autographs.

Of technical interest was of course the gargantuan and wacky award-winning ‘Flying Millyard’, powered by a 5.0-litre V-twin engine that originally formed part of a radial aeroplane motor, built by Allen Millyard, famous for his home-built specials and who was on hand to answer questions.

All entries were up for a variety of awards in different categories including Best in Show and Ace Cafe London, who were in attendance, also sponsored a prize for the Best Flat Tracker.

Eric Patterson, who of course founded the event over 30 years ago, was also present with one of his Brough Superiors, showcasing a book that recalls some of the highlights from the three decades of what has always been regarded as the premier autojumble in the south.

While the additional show might be the reason for some to attend, for many it is still a chance to find a few more parts to get a bike back on the road and justify time spent in ‘the shed’ during the winter months.

Among the huge selection of ‘jumble stalls and trade stands offering specialist help and tools there is always something to tempt and, as ever, this event was no exception as witnessed by a few full bags and boxes on wheels heading for the free car parks.

But, for many, it is as much about the social interaction that takes place and it is an excellent place to meet up with old friends, make new ones over a coffee or burger, as well as just enjoying the hustle and bustle of the ‘jumble and having a good day out – which you can always guarantee at one of the seven events each year at Kempton!

View more images and read more News and Features in the January 2020 issue of Old Bike Mart – on sale now!