Trident sports cars were born and revved in Ipswich

Ipswich was never going to rival the West Midlands or Dagenham as a car-producing area of Britain, but 50 years ago its own niche factory started producing sports cars for a specialist market.

Trident Cars were based in Turret Lane and between 1966 and 1977 and over that decade produced either 85 or 130 cars – depending on which figures you accept. Some of its vehicles were sold as kits for the owners to put together.

It is thought that between 19 and 25 of the cars survive and can be 
driven – and the vehicle owned by 
John Landsbury from Hadleigh 
has a particularly spectacular history.

Mr Landsbury’s Trident Venturer took part in the historic London to Mexico Rally in 1970 which was an appetiser for the Mexico World Cup that summer.

Its bodywork was signed by members of the England World Cup squad which ultimately reached 
the quarter finals of the 
competition before suffering one of the nation’s worst ever sporting defeats – losing 2-3 to West Germany in the quarter finals after being 2-0 ahead.

The car is still roadworthy – although it does need some work and a new MoT certificate before it can take to the road again.

And Mr Landsbury said 2016 would be a very significant year for 
everyone with an interest in the company.

“It is 50 years since they started producing cars in Ipswich and there is quite a lot of interest in that. My car has an interesting history and I was asked to enter it in a classic rally in Blackpool soon but I think that will be too far to take it on the back of a lorry.”

He has bought another Trident – but that will need some work to bring it back to full working order.

Mr Landsbury said: “I haven’t taken delivery of it yet and it will need some work – but it should be running again after about three months.”

There is a Trident car on show at Ipswich Transport Museum and the active Trident Car Club is expected to mark the Golden Jubilee of the company at rallies this year.

Saturday 28th August – Lavenham Carnival and Rare Breeds Motor Show

12 noon to 6pm.

The Tropicalia Samba dancers and drummers are booked and the hilarious and flexible, Abigail Collins, returns to perform in character as Garden Veranda (her very own take on Carmen Miranda).

Join in the festivities and follow the colourful procession, which leaves the Market Place at 12noon, and leads the crowds to the Recreation grounds. Come along and… 

• View the Rare Breeds Motor Show display, the Hilly Ridge Alpacas and Samba workshops
• Enjoy land zorbing, archery, bungee trampolining, bumper cars/boats and an inflatable assault course
• Visit the Children’s activities tent for clown magic, balloon twisting, face painting, and arts and crafts
• Peruse the numerous craft and charity stalls and taste the sumptuous food and beverage offerings
• Or simply sit back and enjoy the various acts and displays in around the main arena and performance tent

Admission to the Carnival grounds is £5 per adult, 15’s and under gain free admission. Entrance programmes will be sold in advance at Number Ten Wine Bar and Kitchen, The Cock Horse, Lavenham Butchers, Sparling and Faiers Bakery and The Lavenham British Legion. They will also be available at the gates on the day.

Additional parking fields will be available at Rectory Meadow (opposite the Church), the common (where Water Street joins the Brent Eleigh Road) and the meadow on Frogs Hall Road. A free bus service will be provided from these car parks to transport you to the Recreation Grounds.

Saturday 21st August – Stonham Barns Classic Cars Show 2016

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A day of family fun with 100’s of Classic Cars will be at stonham barns in Suffolk

Sunday  21st August

Including Arena displays from Ridgeside Falconry, Phoenix K9 Dog Agility Team, Suffolk Land Rovers Club and Diamond Majorettes.

Take your time looking around all the Trade Stalls and Auto Jumble.

Enjoy Entertainment from Rock “n” Roll DJ Nadge with Foxy Rock, Rock “n” Roll Club & The Scratch Band

Fun fair, Donkey Rides and Zorbing.

Opening Times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Adults £7.50
OAP’s/Con £5.00
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