More than 100 classic cars attend motoring spectacle

Ken Atkinson's Rhodia and the Ruby Anniversary Trophy

More than 100 classic cars headed to one of the North’s leading heritage attractions over the weekend, as part of a special ruby-themed event to mark 40 years of the Lakeland Motor Museum.

The Ruby Anniversary ‘Drive and Ride In Day’ on Sunday 15 April also attracted more than 30 vintage motorcycles from around the North of England.

An eye-catching trophy was on offer for the vehicle judged to be the most interesting or unique on the day. The honour went to Ken Atkinson and the world’s only surviving Rhodia – an ex World War I ambulance – which dates back to 1914.

The Rhodia has been restored by the Greenodd resident from his home workshop in South Cumbria.

As well as being used as a wartime ambulance, this small truck was later used as a taxi, but is now thought to be the only one of its kind left in existence.

Museum Director, Edwin Maher, says, “2018 is year of celebration for the Museum and it is fitting that we got our official 40th anniversary celebrations officially underway with this special ruby-themed Drive & Ride In Day.

It was fantastic to see well over 130 classic cars and motorcycles joining us at the Museum, and the Rhodia was a well-deserving winner of a special trophy on the day.”

Ken Atkinson and his restored ex World War 1 ambulance

Ken Atkinson, winner of the Chairman's Trophy at this year's Classic Drive & Ride In Day.