'Flying Teapot' set for transport festival

An unusual pre-war vehicle is set to attend the annual transport picnic of the Letchworth Garden City Classic & Vintage Car Club. The restored ‘Stanley Steamer’ will be on show at the Halls Green in North Hertfordshire on Saturday, 18 June.

As the name suggests, the Stanley is a steam powered vehicle with a boiler under the bonnet - but that's only part of the reason for its 'Flying Teapot' nickname. You see, steam-driven cars can be powerful and in 1906 the Stanely set a world speed record for a steam car... one that wouldn't be broken until 2009.

Event organisers are expecting more than 500 vehicles to attend the picnic, including veteran, vintage, classic and modern thoroughbred cars along with classic motorbikes and vintage bicycles.

As well as the vehicle displays, there will be children’s entertainment, selected trade stalls and attractions, a Car of the Show award, a real-ale bar, and live music.

The Picnic takes place at Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Herts, SG4 7DP. Tickets costs £5 per vehicle on the gate. Gates open at 11am and the event ends at 5pm.