A MYSTERY ‘celebrity’ will be keeping his beady eye on a bumper-to-bumper event.

Taking a leaf out of tv’s cult show Top Gear, Stow Motor Show will have its own home-grown ‘The Stig’.

The anonymous ‘Stoig’ – rumoured to be a Stow-based professional test driver – will oversee the family fun extravaganza on Saturday July 14.

He could well be dazzled by an array of over 200 gleaming vehicles, from all eras and walks of life, gathered together by a group of dedicated motoring enthusiasts.

The display will be showcased on Queen Elizabeth II Cricket Field. Any profits will go to three local charities.

“We’ll have an eclectic mix from lawnmowers and supercars to agricultural vehicles and family saloons,” said show chairman Geoff Parke.

“It’s a motor show not a car show as we’re celebrating the internal combustion engine. We’re aiming to appeal to young and old, not just petrol-heads.”

Exhibits from private owners, car clubs and garages will feature classic cars such as Austin Healey, Mercedes, Lotus and TVR; vintage cars including Bentley and Rolls-Royce; modern supercars such as Lamborghini and Ferrari and military models from tanks and Jeeps to Halftracks.

Agricultural vehicles, lorries and motorbikes including Harley Davidson, BSA and Triumph, will also jostle for attention.

With his helmet visor firmly closed and arms crossed, ‘Stoig’ will be silently circulating on the day.

Children can enjoy funfair rides, go-karts and other activities.

There will be motoring and general trade stands, refreshments and a licensed bar, pig roasts and catering outlets. Stow Fire Service will also mount a demonstration.

Live music in the evening comes from Witney-based band Roughcut.

“We’re planning a parade ring for demonstrations,” said committee member Ben Eddolls. “As well as car clubs, small local garages and repair shops are bringing groups of vehicles. We’ve Minis from Cold Aston; Ford Granadas from Nether Westcote and Subarus from Bourton-on-the-Water.

“Anyone with an interesting vehicle is welcome to come and display it but must apply in advance through our website: stowmotorshow.co.uk to obtain an entry pass.

“Now, with more and more like-minded people, we’ve decided to hold it closer to the main town.

"We’ve gained an excellent venue in the cricket field, thanks to Stow Town Council sponsorship.

"This show will really give you the feel-good factor and build up a network of local connections and specialists.”

Tuning up his own 1966 Austin Healey 3000, Mr Parke hopes the show will infect others with his motoring passion. “It’s thrilling to drive something of this age which has performance comparable to man modern cars,” he said.

The show is supporting Kate’s Home Nursing, Sam Pilcher Trust and North Cotswolds Disabled Club.

For further information, contact publicity officer Caroline Fisher on 07910356687 or email carolinefayfisher@outlook.com.