v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Page 72 • The HERALD • 12th March 2026 AUTOPAT A Family Business Established since 1982 PROMPT & EFFICIENT v Servicing v Mechanical Repairs v MOT’s - Petrol & Diesel v Air Conditioning Service Unit 3, Hardley Ind. Est., Hythe 023 8084 0163 023 8084 9370 Prospect Place, Hythe SO45 6AU • MOT’s • MOT Repairs • Air Con • Auto Electrics • Servicing • Welding • Diagnostics • Suspension • Tyres • Clutches • Cam Belts • Brakes 145 Long Lane, Holbury SO45 2NZ Tel: 023 8024 3300 FOR ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS LOCALLY • Free fit batteries (most cars) • Free fit wiper blades • Battery chargers • Oils • Braking • Service parts • Tools/tool hire • Car paints • Engine management diagnostics/reset • Towing accessories • Number plates • Exhaust systems • Steering/suspension • Haynes manuals W: www.cobramotorcomponents.co.uk E: sales@cobramotorcomponents.co.uk SIMPLY RALLIES RETURN TO BEAULIEU FOR AN EXCITING 2026 SEASON Beaulieu’s much-loved calendar of Simply Rallies is nearly here, much to the delight of petrol-head enthusiasts. Among the returning favourites are the hugely popular Simply Ford, Simply Japanese, Simply Audi and Simply BMW, with many more in between. Plus, a brand-new rally brings a diverse range of classic cars, spanning various makes, models and eras, to Beaulieu. NEW for 2026, owners of all pre-2005 vehicles are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 26th April for Drive-It Day, a fantastic celebration of motoring heritage showcasing an impressive array of classic cars. Originally launched in 2005 by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, the event commemorates the 1900 One ousand Mile Trial, which demonstrated the potential of the newly invented motor vehicle. Participants can admire a wide variety of vehicles, chat with fellow enthusiasts and may even be selected for the Best in Show Award, while entry to the rally includes access to all Beaulieu attractions, with a portion of each ticket donated to the children’s charity NSPCC. Kicking o the season is Simply VW on Sunday 24th May, a vibrant event that’s a must for van and car lovers alike. Sure to be lled with everything from sturdy Transporters to quirky Beetles, it’s the perfect start to a fun- lled year of motoring events. Just around the corner, Simply Porsche rolls into Beaulieu on Sunday 31st May. Held in association with e Independent Porsche Enthusiasts’ Club, it’s an unbeatable chance to admire a stunning selection of classy motors in the spring sunshine in the heart of the New Forest. One of Beaulieu’s largest and most popular Simply rallies, Simply Ford, returns on Sunday 7th June. Sponsored by Foray Motor Group, the day brings together hundreds of enthusiasts to admire models ranging from classic Escorts to modern GTs. Simply French adds a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to Beaulieu on Sunday 28th June. Rally-goers can expect to see everything from daily Citroens and Peugeots to rarer makes such as Panhard and Facel Vega. Fans of the nation’s favourite 4x4 should mark their calendars for Simply Land Rover, returning on Sunday 5th July. Participants can camp the night before and display their vehicles in the Expedition Camping area during the rally, with camping units shi s focus to performance machines, with Simply Audi on Saturday 18th July and Simply Japanese on Sunday 19th July, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to marvel at German and Japanese automotive excellence. Whether attending one or both rallies, visitors will nd a mix of high-performance cars and everyday favourites on display at each event. Simply Mercedes takes the spotlight on Sunday 9th August, showcasing a dazzling array of luxury saloons and sleek sports cars. e following week, Simply Jaguar roars into Beaulieu on Sunday 16th August. Held in association with the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, a stunning selection of both Jaguars and classic Daimlers will be on display. Up next is Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23rd August, with the Aston Martin Owners Club returning as show partner. is year, the club will showcase a stunning collection of Vanquish models to celebrate 25 years of the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. is iconic model, famously featured in the James Bond lm Die Another Day, introduced cutting-edge technologies such as drive-by-wire throttle and Formula 1-inspired paddle shi . September brings another one of Beaulieu’s most popular Simply rallies, Simply BMW on Sunday 20th September, with everything from iconic models to the latest high-performance cars on display. e following weekend is dedicated to all Italian makes, as Simply Italian takes place on 27th September. e rally will feature Fiats, Ferraris, and everything in between, promising something to delight every fan of Italian cars. Closing out the extensive Simply Rally calendar is Simply Smart, held annually on Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 8th November this year. A vibrant array of Smart Cars will ll the Beaulieu grounds, from the compact ForTwo to the sporty Roadster. Both clubs and individual owners are encouraged to participate in Beaulieu’s Simply Rallies, o ering a great opportunity to catch up with fellow owners and available when booking participant tickets. Visitors can also book a session on Beaulieu’s o - road Forest Drive course, in partnership with Land Rover Experience West Country, navigating steep slopes, bumps, and water crossings through the surrounding woodlands. Plus, the Land Rover Rummage gives enthusiasts the chance to browse essential spares and get their vehicles ready for the next adventure. The next weekend Drive-It Day at Beaulieu is on 26th April Continued on page 73
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