The UK's auto industry may be a mere shadow of its past but all over the world you'll find enthusiasts keen to own, restore, or just admire a British car. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Name notwithstanding, the attraction probably has something to do with the large number of British immigrants who settled here after the war and, to an extent, with the year-round temperate weather in these coastal areas. (Note: There are now more Chinese migrants than Brits but they have no automobile heritage to encourage them.)
Each spring this enthusiasm expresses itself in what is arguably the largest show of its kind in North America, the 24th annual All British Field Meet, to be held in Vancouver's beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden on May 16th, 2009. The show will celebrate 100 years of the Morgan Motor Company and pay tribute to the 50th anniversaries of the Mini and Sunbeam Alpine, classic British marques. "There are not many automotive manufacturers that can claim 100 years of production, so we are especially honoured to welcome all Morgan owners to the 2009 ABFM, which will take place six weeks prior to the official Morgan Centenary Festival in Malvern Link Worcestershire, England," said Patrick Stewart, event co-chair. "We hope to see a record 100 Morgans on the Great Lawn of the Garden." 100 Morgans in one place? That's roughly one-fifth the factory's annual production!
As for the Mini, little can be added that hasn't already been written about this classic icon. Though now owned by BMW, the Mini is a survivor. Incidentally, as a journalist I test drove the original before any of my colleagues in North America, prior to its launch. The Sunbeam Alpine, of course, is long out of production. Five distinct models were made between 1959 and 1968 including a limited number of GT and Coupe models. With the majority of these cars having been exported to North America, there should be a record turnout. And yes, I test drove the Alpine when new; my rave remarks were quoted in Sunbeam ads. More than 570 cars and bikes, together with commercial vehicles, will be on display, competing for prestigious awards. An event not to be missed if you live anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
With the exception of the Nash (Austin) Healy, thouse are the cars I dreamed of as a teenager. Harley
May 7, 2009 @ 9:29 am