So, February kicked off with a trip to the Leighton Buzzard Cars and Coffee gathering organised by the Car Collective Ltd. I rarely miss this event although last month it clashed with the Bicester Scramble. My chosen ride for today was my trusty black Focus ST, although I often take my XJ-S. There’s always a great selection of vehicles here and I make no secret that my favourite of all the regulars is this rather lovely Jaguar XFR S.

The selection of vehicles, all lovingly cared for by enthusiastic owners, covers all makes and tastes. Among today’s gathering was this delightful Escort Mk2 estate. In fact Ford simply changed the front of the car by applying new wings and grill, everything from the A post back is Mk1 estate. The owners bought it two years ago with the sole purpose of preserving it. Something they’ve achieved in spades. The only job planned for this year is a complete underseal to replace the last application.

Of particular note, was the South African Granada V8 Perana. The makers are famous for the Perana Capri Mk1, of which there were about 400 made. Not sure how many V8 Granadas were made but it was great to see this one. 

Among the exotics on display was this McLaren 321;

there was also quite a selection of motorcycles for the two wheeled addicts, this Triumph Speed Triple R caught my eye.

And it wouldn’t be Cars and Coffee without the occasional dog to brighten things up:

The Car Collective Ltd organise this meeting on the first Sunday of every month at Jackson and Phillips Garage LU7 1BY, although the 7th July meeting will be held at Pages Park (see Eventbrite for details).

_{All photographs by Peter Mallett}