ON Sunday, June 21, in true moorland weather, a group of enthusiasts met in their classic cars to make a road trip from Crediton to Davidstow Moor, writes Helen Pusey.

The group form part of the Riley Motor Club and Riley Register, which developed and grew in 1925.

This journey had been planned to use much of the old B road as possible, basically, before the days of the A30 dual carriageway, which was constructed in the 1970s and 80s.

The party had to contend with driving rain and strong winds, which was quite a challenge for those who had roofs but no side windows.

Richard and Betty Nunn, who drove a more modern 1963 Riley 1.5, said: “At least we had heat and windows!”

There were five classic cars. The oldest being a 1932 Riley Gamecock owned by Mr and Mrs Stott. The most modern car was a Morgan, dated 1977, owned by Ian and Shirley Walton. Mike Lovibond was the proud owner of a 1933 Riley Ascott while Nick Lloyd drove his 1934 Riley Lynx.

A well-needed Sunday lunch was enjoyed at the Wilsey Down public house and then it was a short leg of the journey to Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum.

Curator David Keast, wife Pat, and Marjorie Colwell, who run the museum, welcomed the group.

The enthusiasts were taken on a tour of the museum and were surprised to learn following the Second World War that Davidstow Moor had also been used as a Formula One racing track in the 1950s.

Riley’s had been in competition with one another. In total three F1 races were held before the closure of the track in 1954.

Graham Lewis, archaeologist for the museum, said: “It was not only wonderful to share the story of RAF Davidstow Moor but enlighten the group on the history of the racing that used to take place.”

Tea and biscuits were later served but too soon the enthusiasts had to brace themselves for the weather and their return journey to Crediton.

The museum opens 10.30am to 4pm. For further information please call 01840 213266.