A classic car enthusiast was given a fantastic surprise to mark his 60th birthday. Steve Garrett and his wife Jacqui travelled up to Warwickshire from the south coast on Thursday 9 May to enjoy a few days away to celebrate his birthday.

They were met at Berkswell Station by a gentleman in a 1926 Austin 12. After an enjoyable ride in the car they arrived in Kenilworth where Steve was given the keys to a Hillman Minx Deluxe Series IIIA. The car turned out to be his birthday present and not a hired classic car!

Not only did Steve have an iconic classic car to celebrate his birthday but two days later he was able to attend the nostalgic Gaydon Spring Classic at the Heritage Motor Centre when friends and family joined them for a celebration.  Hundreds of Vintage, Veteran and Classic cars converged at the popular and nostalgic event which took place on Sunday 12 May. Steve’s son-in-law, who kept the car immaculately clean at the event, was also instrumental in helping to search for it.

It so happened that Jacqui and Steve's first date was in 1971 when they were playing tennis after school and Jacqui suffered a sprained ankle.  Steve cycled to his brother's to borrow his Hillman Minx and take Jacqui to A&E. That particular Hillman Minx happened to be exactly the same colour as the one given to him for his 60th birthday!

After the Spring Classic, Jacqui and Steve then spent a long romantic weekend at a National Trust Cottage at Upton House near Banbury where the car looked very much at home...