Meet the Team
Classic Travelling was founded in 2003 by Sarah Dowding, a life-long car and driving enthusiast with a love of travel. Her team all have one thing in common – a deep appreciate for vintage and classic cars, and a drive to create unforgettable experiences.
SARAH DOWDING
Founder & CEO
SARAH DOWDING
Founder & CEO
Sarah, Classic Travelling’s founder and director brings extensive touring and motoring experience, having driven over 500,000 miles across Europe, North America, and southern Africa.
Sarah has always been a car enthusiast, from Corgi cars as a child to now owning a variety of classic cars that are all used on the various tours.
Sarah runs day-to-day operations and accompanies most group tours as Tour Director and Journey Host. She has a passion for ensuring everyone has a memorable and enjoyable touring experience, with over 20 years of experience, attention to detail, knack of finding excellent, scenic routes and superb hotels, and helping to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because
Sarah has always been a car enthusiast, from Corgi cars as a child to now owning a variety of classic cars that are all used on the various tours.
Sarah runs day-to-day operations and accompanies most group tours as Tour Director and Journey Host. She has a passion for ensuring everyone has a memorable and enjoyable touring experience, with over 20 years of experience, attention to detail, knack of finding excellent, scenic routes and superb hotels, and helping to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because
Mel Bacon
Tour Manager
Mel Bacon
Tour Manager
Mel is known for her capability, hard work, and a ‘can-do’ attitude, managing tours in the UK and Europe with enthusiasm.
Mel owns an MGB and adores driving and travel. She is also a keen sailor, skier and has her private pilots licence.
Mel accompanies Sarah on many tours and invaluable for her calm nature, welcoming presence and chatty character.
Liz Dowding
Tour Manager
Liz Dowding
Tour Manager
Liz, Sarah’s mother, has been involved since the start in 2003, contributing significantly to Classic Travelling’s foundation.
She has driven many, many recce trips and accompanied a number of tours.
She is always at Goodwood Revival and Members Meeting too, so is well-known and loved by everyone in the Classic Travelling community.
Joe Coleman
Tour Mechanic
Joe Coleman
Tour Mechanic
Most of our tours to mainland Europe and worldwide (excluding the UK or Ireland) are accompanied by our knowledgeable, capable and friendly mechanic, Joe Coleman of Oldtimer Services.
Joe has saved the day far too many times to remember for numerous people with all sorts of mechanical issues with his excellent roadside and car park repairs. He has accompanied Classic Travelling tours since 2010.
Sarah's Story
Watch to learn more about Sarah’s history and passion for Jaguar E-Types.