Drivers were so fired up by Vauxhall's first ever Drivers' Day that the event is likely to become an annual event.

The informal Sunday event, where owners of classic cars and other enthusiasts gathered in an orgy of mutual admiration, took place at the Heritage Centre in Park Street, Luton, and exceeded all expectations, despite the poor weather.

Andy Boddy, senior vehicle restorer at the Heritage Centre, said: "We have had about 130 cars during the day, which was far more than we thought would come along. We are simply astonished, but the News/Gazette preview story last week certainly helped."

On the day, it wasn't all old Vivas and Crestas, as GM marques and other brands were split about 50/50.

Drivers brought their pride and joy motors from as far afield as the Isle of Wight and Scunthorpe and the most unusual car was generally considered to be a 1928 Essex Super Six based on an American chassis but built in New Zealand. One family of nine also arrived in a 1930s bus.

There was even a surprise visit by 'spy in the camp' Ivan Bartholomeusz, heritage specialist for Ford, who drove up in a heavily modified 1957, 5.7-litre Chevrolet step-side pick-up.

He said: "It's been a great turnout with an interesting variety of cars – a highly successful event."

His thoughts were echoed by Robert Knights, who travelled from Colchester in a restored 1977 Vauxhall Viva 1300 GLS.

He said: "It's been a brilliant time and a really great day out for everyone and it's so good to see all the old cars back on the roads again."

The Viva, which he discovered rotting between a pile of tyres and a skip, took six years to restore and is now worth around £3,000.

The Drivers' Day was staged in collaboration with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, to which the Heritage Centre is affiliated.