A remarkable 45-year-old Ford Cortina GT that has covered 30,000 miles yet remains factory fresh took top spot at the weekend's Classic Motorshow at Old Forde House, Newton Abbot.

The two-day affair, the third in as many years, attracted 172 vehicles, began in the pouring rain and ended under hot sunny skies.

The winning car was entered by Ideford enthusiast Charles Cornish, whose pride and joy is recognised as the best of its kind in Britain.

'It's so untouched under the bonnet that Ford want to borrow the car so it can be photographed to show what an engine looked like originally,' said Mr Cornish, who accepted the best in show cup from Newton Abbot mayor Cllr Colin Parker.

The task of judging the best in show fell to our reporter Nigel Canham.

'There were some superbly maintained and restored cars in the show but the holy grail in classic competitions is originality,' he said.

'We gave Brian Levell, from Abbotskerswell, the runner's up trophy for his outstanding 1981 Mercedes 230E, which was equally untouched, but in the end Mr Cornish's car spends far longer on the road, meaning to keep it in such pristine condition is a real achievement.'

There were plenty of young enthusiasts at the show such as Kingsteignton brother and sister Jamie and Sinead O'Toole.

Both teenagers found themselves attracted to a red Corvette owned by former Albuquerque man, now adopted Teignmothian, John Walsh.

'I just love it, the shape of the wheel arches and the fact it's red,' said Sinead.

Jamie rather fancied the Mustang Mach 1 parked next door.

'It's pretty cool,' he said.

Another youngster, Heathfield teenager James Brock, had a modified Mini at the show and was in awe of the rare 1981 Ford Fiesta 1300 Supersport, the car that spawned the XR2, being shown by dad Stuart.

'I'd love to own it, it's retro and I'm more into classics than new cars,' said the 19-year-old.

Visitors also enjoyed live music, dancing, stalls and tours of Old Forde House.

Organisers Nigel and Jenny Preece, from Kingsteignton, said the event had raised around £1,000 for Help for Heroes and that everyone had seemed to enjoy themselves.

'We got some very good feedback and that's what counts,' said Mr Preece.