GARDEN PARTY ANNUAL BRIT BASH DID NOT DISAPPOINT
ISLES APPEAL: All-British Field Meet boasts classic rides and small fleet of new models
Last weekend I spent a very hectic Saturday driving into Vancouver twice, but as I love to drive — even in this city! — I am not complaining.
First it was to the All-British Field Meet for a 6:30 a.m. arrival to snap photos of all the cars entering the show. There were 500 cars on display, 497 classics and a baker’s dozen new British cars from the local dealers.
I had a fellow come up to my booth and ask me if I kept my old photos of the cars entering the show. Turns out I started taking photos of him driving in with his little kids and this year his son drove the car in. I am going to find all the old pics for him to create a truly special photo album.
I have to say one of the highlights of the show was Nigel Matthews being awarded the annual Lewie Award for his outstanding contribution to the classic car hobby. The Richmond resident was the guy at ICBC who helped get the collector plate program off the ground and these days he works with Hagerty’s Insurance in Canada. He also travels the world as one of the pre-eminent show judges.
Jonathan Parker’s 1966 Austin Vanden Plas Saloon that won Best Original Unrestored classic, while Phil Sandham, who drove 1,732 kilometres to the show in a 1969 Jaguar E Type, took home the Long Distance Award. Entrants Choice overall went to Craig Wallace’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Other highlights were the Healeys, as they always are, and the big number of Rolls-Royce and Bentleys. Not quite brass era cars, but just so cool looking with lots of great details to look at.
On Saturday I’ll be at the Tradex for the swap meet and on Sunday I’ll be doing the rounds as there are a number of really cool shows to see in the Lower Mainland. First a stop at the Maple Ridge High, then a drive into Vancouver for the show at the Whip Restaurant, then over the bridge to North Van for the Mustang show.
I won’t be taking a kid to any cars shows this weekend, but how about a kid brother?
Shows May 25-26
What: 49th Coastal Swap Meet Where: Tradex, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
When: Friday: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $8. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult get in free. Parking $6
Registration: $45 per stall first come first served
Info: 604-540-6141 or info@ coastalswapmeet.com Website: coastalswapmeet.com
May 25-27
What: 16th Annual Saanich Firefighters’ Rock & Roll for Little Souls Invitational Car Show Where: GR Pearkes Recreation Centre, Victoria
When: Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: By donation Info: 250-592-9207 or mcm3@ shaw.ca
Website: rockforlittlesouls.com
May 26-27
What: 45th Annual Northwest Corso Econo Run Car Show
Where: Run starts at Harrison Hot Springs and cars will be on display at Gardner GM Chevrolet Buick GMC in Hope
When: Saturday noon to 2 p.m. at Gardner GM; Sunday morning at Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free
Registration: Open to Corvairs Info: 205-203-5574 or info@ westerncanadacorsa.ca Website: westerncanadacorsa.ca
May 27
What: GVMA’s 34th Annual Spring Show
Where: Harbourside Place, North Vancouver
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Registration: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. $20 and open to Mustangs and Ford-powered vehicles. Info: 604-858-6763 or gvma@ telus.net Website: gvma.org
What: The Whip Restaurant and Gallery East Van 10th Annual Vintage Bike and Car Show
Where: 209 East 6th Ave., Vancouver
When: Noon to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Registration: 10 a.m. Minimum donation $10 for cars $5 for motorcycles. All proceeds go to Ronald Macdonald House Info: 604-874-4687 or info@ thewhiprestaurant.com Website: thewhiprestaurant.com
What: 7th Annual Maple Ridge Secondary School Show ‘n’ Shine Where: 21911 — 122nd Ave., Maple Ridge
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Registration: 9 a.m. $15. All proceeds towards MRSS Dry Grad Evening
Info: 604-463-4175 or trevor_ randle@sd42.ca
What: VI Cruises Rendezvous & Spamfest
Where: First Nations Campgrounds, Old Island Highway, Qualicum Bay When: 10:30 a.m. start time
Admission: Free
Registration: No cost, no prizes, no trophies, just good times Info: 250-338-6134, flleigh@telus.net, 250-248-7384 or vicruises@gmx.com
What: Mopar Car Show Where: Coombs Fairgrounds, 1014 Ford Rd., Coombs
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Registration: 9 a.m. $10 and open to Mopars and AMC only Info: 250-927-5744 or westcoastmopars@gmail.com Website: westcoastmopars. proboards.com
What: Lakers Car Club Spring Round-up Show ’n’ Shine.
Where: 3rd Avenue, Downtown Williams Lake
Admission: Free
Registration: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. $10 and open to all vehicles Info: 250-267-6772, 250-3922155, noslowsled@yahoo.ca or sljdschell@gmail.com
Website: lakerscarclub.ca
Competition May 25
What: Night drag racing Where: Mission Raceway Park Drag Racing
Info: 1-877-826-6315 Website: missionraceway.com
May 26
What: Vancouver Flat Track Club Motorcycle racing
Where: Pemberton Speedway, Pemberton
When: Practice at 5:30 p.m.; Racing at 7 p.m.
Admission: $10
Info: 604-329-0757 or vancouverflattrackclub@gmail.com Website: vancouverflattrackclub. com
What: Oval track racing
Where: Agassiz Speedway When: Racing starts at 7 p.m. Info: 604-792-FAST (3278) or agassizspeedway@telus.net Website: agassizspeedway.com
What: Oval track racing Where: Saratoga Speedway
When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: 1-250-337-5024 or race@ saratogaspeedway.bc.ca
Website: saratogaracing.ca May 26-27 What: Drag racing
Where: Mission Raceway Park
When: Racing starts at 9 a.m.
Weather permitting Info: 1-877-826-6315
Website: missionraceway.com
May 27
What: Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association ‘Dennis Munson Memorial Drag Race’
Where: Sechelt Airport, Sechelt When: Gates open 7 a.m. Racing at 9 a.m.
Admission: $10 per adult, Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult
Info: 604-230-5067 or cnaustin@ telus.net Website: scdraonline.ca
To have your event listed, contact Cam at camhutchins@shaw.ca