Veteran, Vintage & Classic Cars (Pre 1970) and Caravans
The Great Dorset Steam Fair is always privileged to welcome a wide range of veteran, vintage and early classic cars, with examples from the dawn of motoring at the beginning of the 1900’s up to the late 1960’s. These are brought to Dorset from all over the UK and abroad by their enthusiastic owners.
There is a daily parade of cars in the main ring that is really popular with visitors. They’re sure to bring back happy memories of days gone by. Many makes of car are displayed – here you will see history in motion- a moving picture of the development of car vehicle manufacture in the UK. Walk among them, which you are welcomed to do, as they stand on display between parades, you could easily come face to face with reminders of times past, those memories special to you.
Modern Classic Cars (1970-1995)
A new section for the 2022 Great Dorset Steam Fair is the introduction of a Modern Classic Car Section. GDSF Managing Director Martin Oliver says “it is definitely time to open up the show to “younger” car exhibits and for many years we have been asked by the public (and by modern classic owners) to consider the inclusion of a Modern Classic Car Section. With the GDSF now entering its 52nd year, visitors who grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s tell us that they would love to revisit their youth and see modern classics at the show. I am certainly of this opinion. It is a natural progression for us as a heritage show as the decades go by and we look forward to adding this new section to the show’s rich history.”
Commercial Vehicles
At the Great Dorset Steam Fair nearly 400 commercial vehicles, great and small, are on display – bearing a wide selection of familiar names in British road haulage. Names of manufacturers and operators that bring back memories of days past and almost forgotten, when British lorries and workmanship served the transport needs of the nation and beyond.
Minor LCV Register
LCV stands for Light Commercial Vehicles, hence the Minor LCV Register specialises in all forms of the commercial variant of the humble Morris Minor, the Minor Vans and Minor Pick-ups. In 1992 the LCV Register was founded to actively promote the saving and restoration of these classic commercials and since 1993 the Minor LCV Register has exhibited at the show.
Diesel Heavy Haulage
Alongside the steam road “locos” in the Heavy Haulage Arena, you will see the display of the more modern diesel heavy haulage featuring some of the biggest internal combustion engine haulage lorries built. When coupled to the huge loaded trailers in the arena, the diesel heavy haulage lorries give an amasing demonstration of strength and power.
Vintage, Veteran & Classic Motorcycles (Pre 1970)
Motorcycles are as much an important part of the country’s engineering heritage as traction engines, tractors and other working vehicles and equipment that visitors can also see at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Not only did they transport Britons to their places of work; motorcycles also served as working vehicles themselves. In this year’s Section you will see a large number of machines from the beginning of motorcycle manufacture, from what were once leading makes, through to the late 1960’s.
Modern Classic Motorcycles (1970-1995)
This year’s Great Dorset Steam Fair sees the introduction of a Modern Classic Motorcycle Section for the first time in its history. Managing Director, Martin Oliver, says “We are always looking to evolve and we now feel the time is right to open up the show to “younger” motorcycle exhibits. For many years we have been asked by the public (and by modern classic owners) to consider the inclusion of a Modern Classic Motorcycle Section. With the GDSF now entering its 52nd year, visitors who grew up in the 1970’s, 1980’s & 1990’s tell us that they would love to revisit their youth and see modern classic bikes at the show. I am certainly of this opinion. It is a natural progression for us as a heritage show as the decades go by and we look forward to adding this new section to the show’s rich history. The new section will complement the established Vintage Motorcycle Section at the show.”
Military Vehicles
Preserved Military vehicles have attended the Great Dorset Steam Fair since the earliest days. Here you will find a vast range of over 100 military machines including tanks, trucks, jeeps and motorcycles.
