Knebworth House got into gear this bank holiday weekend for the 27th Classic Motor Show.

On Sunday and Monday over 10,000 motor enthusiasts had the chance to discover more than 1,500 cars old and new on the hottest August bank holiday weekend on record.

From a 1947 Ford Panel to a 1950s red Cadillac and a wealth of events in the show arena, there was plenty for visitors to see as they cooled off with ice creams and cold drinks.

Organiser Stephen Smith from Gemini Events said: “It was my most enjoyable show ever since we began running it in 2011.

“It brought a new generation to enjoy the cars. When people think of a classic car show, they think of old blokes in flat caps, but we’re passionate about the next generation. It was great to see so many families enjoying the show.”

One highlight was the famous “Decibel Duel”, a contest for the loudest engine in the show, decided by whichever engine gets the biggest cheer. The crowd roared this year for an American V8 Corvette, which only just beat a little Austin Metro fitted with a Mini Cooper engine.

On Monday, judges awarded numerous prizes in the concours, including Best in Show – awarded to Gary Neale for his 1956 Ford Thunderbird.

Best Club Stand went to the “Granada Nutz”, who brought a party atmosphere as they celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Ford Granada Mk 2.

In association with the Classic Car Show, Archant’s Hertfordshire Motor Show was present for the second year running, with exhibitors Glyn Hopkins with Renault, Tesla with Lexus and Toyota brands, Marshalls Vauxhall and Master Cars Hitchin.

Event manager Sarah Scott-Foster said: “This event is a great opportunity for our local dealers to come and show their products to a captivated audience.

“We have had a great response to our classic car photo competition.”

The competition, on display at the Archant marquee, invited people to send in their best pictures of classic cars. Simon Franks won a bottle of bubbly for his photo of a Chevrolet.

Martha Lytton Cobbold, managing director of Knebworth House, told the Comet that this was the stately home’s busiest show this season.

“It’s just lovely to see so many people enjoying the countryside in Knebworth,” she said. ”There were wonderful classic cars in a heritage site, which goes well together.”