“IT’S better than ever.”

That was the verdict of one classic-car enthusiast as the sun shone on the third annual Cowley Classic Show yesterday.

More than 180 vehicles and 400-plus visitors gathered at Court Place Farm in Marsh Lane, Marston, to celebrate the vehicles that put Oxford on the motor-industry map.

Although the show was dominated by MGs and Morrises, nestled between the ranks of Minors and Minis were exotic cars from further afield, including Ferraris, Fords and Studebakers.

Organiser Malcolm Fearn said: “It’s been a really good day and we’ve had a much wider range of vehicles than we have had before.

“As well as the Morris and MG from Cowley and Abingdon, we’ve had some commercial vehicles and motorcycles, so I can definitely see there will be more of them next year.”

Young visitors were asked to vote for their favourite car on show.

Other attractions included vintage-bus rides, sideshows, an inflatable slide, live music, cream teas and a display of the wicker man that will be burnt at this year’s South Park Bonfire Night display in Oxford.

Mr Fearn said: “Last year we raised £1,500 for Maggie’s Cancer Centre at the Churchill Hospital and this year we hope to top £2,000”

Former Cowley development engineer Peter Tothill, from Stadhampton, displayed his 1958 MG Magnette.

He said: “It is an excellent show because there is such a wide variety of cars.”

Marston resident Mick Freeman brought along his Mini Traveller, which is thought to be the oldest in existence, and helped run the display from the Oxford Bus Museum at Long Hanborough.

He said: “It’s better than ever.

“I’ve been to all three shows and it’s like everything else, it takes time to get established, but this year you can see it’s well patronised and next year I think it will be better still.”