Sarah Dowding
Founder & Tour Director
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 23 years of experience, attention to detail, knack of finding excellent, scenic routes and superb hotels, and helping to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Jamie Robinson
Business Development & Tour Manager
Jamie is a familiar and trusted face in the automotive and travel world, known not just for industry experience but for a genuine commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences. After five years as Managing Director at Classic Grand Touring, Jamie developed a deep understanding of what customers truly value — thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and unforgettable journeys from start to finish.
With a lifelong passion for cars and travel, Jamie takes great pride in designing unforgettable experiences. Approachable, knowledgeable, and highly attentive, Jamie brings a hands-on, customer-focused approach to everything we do. This dedication continues to enrich Classic Travelling’s tours, ensuring every trip is not just well organised, but genuinely memorable.
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, 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 Support 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.
