Classic Cars

While car enthusiasts often get the bug early in life, the Island’s significant population of retirees has been a major factor in the growth and popularity of events and activities. The weather doesn’t hurt, either.

Of course, every enthusiast has their favourite. A car that, if they could pick one from the myriad of makes, models and equipment options, would be a true ‘gotta have.’ Often it’s that a particular car reminds them of days long past, when they had one — and never should have sold it — or admired with a nose-pressed-against-the-showroom-window kind of wishful longing.

For many, the day-to-day demands of work and raising families meant their dream car was just that. So it comes as no surprise that, when some retirees finally find themselves with the time and resources on hand to pursue their elusive dream machine, that’s exactly what they do.

Sometimes it means resurrecting an abandoned field car or one that needs work and bre

athing new life into it, either as a hobby project or with the help of restoration professionals. Sometimes it means scouring publications and the internet until they find exactly what they want, ready to go. The end result is the same — eventually there is a new occupant in the garage.

The moderate climate means you can enjoying driving most of the year and many enthusiasts take the advantage to enjoy their vehicles. Any summer weekend on the Island you can find Show ’n Shines (outdoor car shows) with anywhere from 50 to over 1,000 vehicles. The public is always welcome to come down, look over and appreciate the array of paint, chrome plating and horsepower. Most shows are open events, featuring cars from the mid-1920’s through the muscle car era — around 1973 — with a few newer, special interest or limited production vehicles thrown in for good measure.

Some events are hosted by clubs with a narrow interest in only certain makes or models of vehicles and restricted to those. Examples would be the British Sports Car clubs and Corvette clubs. There are also all-Ford, all-Chevy or all-Mopar (Chrysler) shows and events for only 4X4 and off-road vehicles. You’re bound to find something interesting at all of them. No matter what your preference, events keep everyone enthused.

Ask around or check the internet for schedules, as every weekend sees multiple events at different venues around the Island. In fact, some Island car events have received international recognition.

Every June, the Father’s Day Car Show in Qualicum Beach hosts a three-day event which culminates in a Sunday show ‘n shine with 10,000 to 15,000 spectators on the main streets of this quaint mid-Island town. It received mention on the Oprah show as One Of The 10 Best Things To Do On Father’s Day.

August sees the annual Thunder in the Valley drag races in Port Alberni draw huge participation and crowds, in part due to it’s appeal of racing on the local airport — just like in the old days. It’s a great example of the effort put in by grass-roots organizations to produce a fun weekend for everyone.

The city of Victoria, from time to time, is the site of the incredible Deuce Days event held on the downtown waterfront area around the Empress Hotel and legislative buildings. The next one is mid-July 2010. While it’s open to cars and trucks up to 1951, the main attraction is Deuce hotrods.

Deuce is the affectionate name for a 1932 Ford, a favourite among hot rodders and the first production year of the legendary flathead V8 engine — although the majority often have newer, more powerful engines installed. You will not find a more spectacular or enjoyable venue for a car show and the event attracts cars from Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest through southern California and Arizona.