25th Anniversary for British Car Show
at Van Dusen Gardens on May 22
 CLASSIC British motor cars on display include Rolls Royces and Bentleys as shown above. |
VANCOUVER – It’s a silver anniversary event for Canada’s Biggest British Classic Car Show.
Jaguar owners and enthusiasts are expected to gather in record numbers at the annual event which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The E-Type Jaguar, which turns 50 years old and is arguable one of the world’s greatest sports cars, will be celebrated at this year’s All British Field Meet at Van Dusen Gardens on May 22 this year.
“We are anticipating some reaction to the 50th anniversary of the E-Type since it is strictly only 49 years since the introduction of the production model in Geneva 1961,” commented Patrick Stewart, event co-chair.
“However we have chosen to mark the 50th this year by recognizing the first public appearance of the E2A in prototype form at LeMans June 1960.”
The world’s most famous E-Type E2A survived its early racing and testing days to be sold in 2008 at auction for $4,957,000, a record amount paid for any Jaguar.
The magnificent design of the E-type was well ahead of its time, featuring long flowing lines, beautiful curves and a low slung body, giving a sense of motion that has seduced owners and admirers over the past half century.
Between 1961 and 1975 more than 72,000 cars were built, with the majority exported to the U.S. and Canada. Expect to see a record number on display at the Van Dusen show.
In addition to the Jaguar E-Type, the all British show will feature English-built Fords as one of the show’s three featured marques.
The most common models expected to show are Ford Prefects, Populars, Zephyrs, Anglias and Cortinas. In 1950, Ford was the best selling import car in Canada and the U.S. Between 1948 and 1970, approximately 250,000 English Fords were sold to the U.S. and more than 235,000 into Canada by 1973.
In two-wheel class, the show will feature 100 years of BSA motorcycles with plans for a record display including motorcycles under restoration presented by the British Motorcycles Owners Club of B.C. (BMOC).
Interest in classic and vintage motorcycles has soared in the past few years and prices have reflected this trend. Expect to see a line-up of Nortons, Royal Enfields, Velocettes, AJS, Matchless, Triumphs, Francis-Barnetts and a good number of BSA models.
The annual walk down memory lane promises over 600 classic cars and motorcycles displayed in the beautiful surroundings of Van Dusen Botanical Garden.
Adding to the automotive splendour will be the brass band music of Little Mountain Brass Band plus classic car parts for sale, a food concession and vendors offering all things British.
The event is produced by the Olde British & Classic Car Society, which encourages the understanding, appreciation and preservation of classic cars, vehicles and motorcycles for the enjoyment of their owners and the general public.
For more details, visit www.westerndriver.com/abfm, or call (604) 736-6754.
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