CAR fanatics and families were treated to perfect weather in Cutteslowe Park for the an-nual Oxford Mail Motorshow.

Hundreds of people flocked to the event yesterday, with dealers from across the county showcasing the latest models, as well as helicopter rides and collections of classic cars.

It is the 17th year the Oxford Mail has staged the event, with the latest cars from Audi, Mercedes, Ford, Volkswagen, MG, Toyota, Nissan, Dodge and Jeep all on view.

There were also a selection of classic Minis plus lupus sufferer Jon Kingdon’s souped-up AMG Mercedes 336, which he is touring around the county to raise money for research into the illness.

The 58-year-old, from Grove, said: “It is a great day out, and people love looking at the car. This is my passion, even when I was so ill I could not get into the garage to do any work on it.”

Mini-lover Simon Strong, 44, from Headington, said it was the first time the South Central Mini Club had exhibited its cars at the show, close to the car’s spiritual home in Cowley. He said: “They are great cars, easy to modify, cheap to keep and run, and they draw the crowds in because people love them.”

Four generations of Megan McCuaig’s family came to look at some of the best new fare the local dealerships have to offer. She said: “My dad and grandad are car fanatics, but it is also a good day out for the rest of us.”

Gabriel Nagy, 33, from Headington, gave 11-month-old son Daniel his first ‘go’ on a Harley-Davidson. He said: “I’d really like a bike, but because I have just bought a new car, my wife says it is three years before I can get one.”

And Simon and Sarah Hay, from North Oxford, took son Max, two, on his first helicopter flight. Mrs Hay, 39, said: “Max loves helicopters and it’s such a beautiful day that we could not give up the chance.”

Motor dealers said the event was a great way to get feedback from the customers on what they want.

Alan Reed, general sales manager at Oxford Harley-Davidson, said: “I have never seen so many people with cameras taking pictures of the bikes and their kids on them.”

James Newman, of Ridgeway Group, said: “It is a great event, and all about having a look at what is available.”