OF A CERTAIN VINTAGE
European classics go on display
Stanley Park is an idyllic setting. Large expanses of green grass, tall shade trees and the nearby Elbow River combine to make this venue a summer destination.
Add to those charms a few hundred European classic cars, however, and the park becomes a must- visit site for any self- professed gearhead.
That’s right, it’s time for the 26th annual European Classic Car Meet. Hosted by the Vintage Sports Car Club of Calgary ( VSCCC), the show rolls onto the lawns at Stanley Park Saturday.
“The show has been progressively getting bigger,” said Chris Durtnall, vice- president of the VSCCC.
“Last year, we had 315 cars and we’re hoping this year it will be bigger than ever.”
Over the years, several other car clubs have joined the VSCCC the day of the event, making the European Classic Car Meet something of an umbrella show.
For example, Club Vee- Dub, the local Volkswagen group, joins in as part of their Das Volks Weekend ( www.clubveedub.ca).
Other groups include the Alberta Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America ( www. fca- alberta. com), BMW Club of Southern Alberta ( www.bmwcsa.ca) and the Porsche Club of America, Wild Rose Region ( www.porsche.ab.ca).
While For Sale signs are not allowed on vehicles displayed on the grass, for the second year in a row, the VSCCC is allocating space for a car corral area and cars for sale will be showcased there.
“We wanted to set aside some room for people who want to sell their cars,” Durtnall said. “It’s a nice little added attraction and there’s room for probably 10 to 15 vehicles.”
Also attending is the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group, Rocky Mountain Section ( www. cvmg- rms. ca). Last year, the group brought out more than 50 machines and members of the public are welcome to join in with their own vintage powered two- wheelers.
“It’s great to see the old motorcycles with all of the other vehicles,” Durtnall said. “I really don’t think there’s quite another show like it, and it really is a premier event in Western Canada.
“We’re trying to make it a bit more refined, but also a bit more relaxed. There will be three food trucks, an ice cream truck and a coffee stand all on site.”
The VSCCC is also trying to draw more vehicles from out of province and Durtnall expected there would be participation from B. C. and Saskatchewan, together with enthusiasts from northern parts of the United States.
The marquee car at this year’s show is the MGA, as the vehicle celebrates its 60th anniversary and he Calgary MG Club will be out in force ( www.calgarymgclub.org).
MG club member Tim Green of Bragg Creek plans to have his 1960 MGA on the grass. Green’s car underwent a body- off restoration about 10 years ago and he bought the MGA in 2014. While the Chariot Red bodywork and the chassis are still in fine condition, Green has been performing a rolling mechanical restoration as he updates the wheel bearings, brakes and clutch.
“I drive it on a daily basis, except in the winter,” Green said of his British sports car. “As long as the weather is nice, the top stays down.”
Durtnall said the show will likely have many surprises.
“You never know what you’ll see on the day of the show, because when the sun comes out, lots of different vehicles usually turn up.”
While the European Classic Car Meet is free to the public, the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre is the designated charity for the event and donations will be accepted both online and day- of- show at Stanley Park. To donate online, visit www. aarc. ab. ca, hover over the Donors tab, then click on Make a Donation.
The show is open to the public from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. at Stanley Park, 4011 1A Street S. W., Calgary. Vehicle registration begins at 8 a. m. It’s $ 25 to register at the gate.
If you would like more information, email Chris Durtnall at chrisdurtnall@gmail.com, or call him at 403- 901- 5802.