The Spring Drive is an annual, low-key road rally organised and run by local 356 owners. The route changes each year, but the format of the day is similar. Meet for breakfast, where the route maps are distributed. Follow the roads to a specific point of interest for a coffee break. Continue following the directions to a pre-arranged pub for a spot of lunch.
Our starting point was Honeydale Farm Tea Rooms, where the car park filled up nicely with nine Porsche 356s and a Porsche Junior tractor for company. I highly recommend visiting the tea rooms; it’s a great venue with friendly staff and a great menu. Once drivers and navigators were fuelled with coffee and breakfast, the route maps were shared, and we were ready to set off.
Even if I say it myself, I’m good at navigating. However, I was surprised that I was handed a detailed Tulip Roadbook for the event. Today would be a school day, and I would be on a rapid learning curve. Thankfully, Richard’s hand-drawn diagrams, road notes and mileage indicators were easy to follow. I was impressed by the level of effort that goes into planning and organising these non-competitive rallies.
Leaving Honeydale Farm, we ventured out into Kent, past Brands Hatch and onto the quieter roads. As is inevitable with a group of cars, we split up after a short while. At one point, Richard and I became stuck behind a very slow-driving Ford, which left us playing catch up. On passing the gates to Groombridge Place, I called one of the other navigators to check how far behind we were. From our conversation, we were ahead of the others. If we could make it to our first stopping point near Buxted in East Sussex before everyone else, this would provide me with a good photo opportunity. Parked up outside the entrance to Crosthwaite and Gardiner, we waited patiently for the others to arrive, only to find out half an hour later that they were all inside enjoying another coffee.
Crosthwaite and Gardiner
Situated on a picturesque farm, Crosthwaite and Gardiner are a world-class engineering and manufacturing company specialising in services for the historic motor racing community. Entering their premises, we were welcomed with fresh coffee by Philip Jordan and given a chance to take in the incredible sight of the numerous engineering delights within the workshop. There was too much to talk through, but to give you an idea, a bare, newly-built Cooper race car chassis was next to the bar. Behind that was a Bugatti T35, part way through a rebuild. Hanging on the workshop walls was an impressive collection of racing bicycles that covered at least half a century of history. Nestled at the end was a lovely Guards Red Porsche 911.
From here, we were privileged to be taken on a site tour by founder Dick Crosthwaite and Managing Director Ollie Crosthwaite. Due to the nature of the projects and clients Crosthwaite and Gardiner work on, we were asked not to take pictures or share any details, which is understandable. As a historic motorsports fan and wannabe engineer, I was like a kid in a candy store. The skills and knowledge within this company’s walls are unique. What would you expect from nearly 50 years of building, restoring, maintaining and optimising some of the finest competition cars ever made? Thank you, Dick, Ollie, Philip and the team, for making us feel so welcome, sharing your passion, and showing us around your wonderful workshops.
One Response
Great pics Dereck, and lovely to have you along for the ride!