Welding in the blazing sun....

... is not a lot of fun, but if you're at Glastonbury, Latitude, or any of the big events this Summer, don't forget to look in on Flaming Cactus.

Counsel and I continue to work our way through The Great Collector's Emporium and make videos of the engines running to accompany the online catalogue which should be out in the next couple of days. Some say the auction house is leaving it a bit late, but the auctioneer has a point in that if it's released too early, there's time for people to have second thoughts. I can understand that - I keep persuading myself that such and such would be fun to run about in, but on the other hand, do I want the extra hassle?

The Austin 7 Chummy needed a new coil before it sprang into life...

... and the Hillman Minx with the Tickford body ran as sweetly as any of the collection. A shame there's some rodent damage to the hood lining, but it's still a pretty car. With a flat-head up front it would be exciting - and still a side-valve!

A good clean-up, re-magnetisation, and test run of the Talbot-Darracq's magneto had the desired effect...

... and the Hillman 14 Tourer (in the middle) obliged after fitting a new float in the carb. Strangely, the brass float was cracked vertically in several places, but the seam still intact. The Flat-Nose Cowley on the far end of the line, fired up without any fettling. It was always a good engine and performed well on the road.

The date for the Great Day is now set in stone. We've four more cars to confirm as runners (32 so far) but I think there's a possibility that two of the fleet may not cooperate.

I took myself off to a local 'Cars on the Green' event and was surprised to count only two vintage and one veteran amongst the gathering. The other 200 or so were all from the late 50's onwards. I've always fancied a Harley; I know from experience that sharp corners and small roundabouts can be a challenge, but the WLA's always look wonderfully comfortable.

We were treated to a couple of passes by a Hurricane, after which, it being around 32°C, I went home to cool off...

... and found this chap sitting in the shade with the same idea.