Hey, there’s a car show!

Many years ago while visiting Vancouver Island in Campbell River, we came across a car show in the downtown area. It was amazing to see quite a few hundred vehicles that primarily existed on the Island. I was impressed by the variety of different cars, motorcycles, and trucks on display. Having a show car myself and attending many events with nothing but the smell of carnuba and tire prep, I was reflecting on what these exercises of “showing” meant.

I remember the day I showed the original owner of my show car what 2 years of work, 4-5 nights a week and 6-7 hours per day meant. She marvelled at how lovely her car looked and her husband said “you painted the car” then just walked away.

Just to clarify, the restoration incorporated replacement of many sheet metal parts, like fenders, doors, trunk panels etc. To sum it up, the only sheet metal I could use was the roof, the trunk and the hood, all other was replaced or extensively repaired.

Of course, I also overhauled the engine completely, rebuilt the transmission, replaced all bearings in the rear differential, replaced all of the brake components and the cooling system. Not to be missed, the interior was reupholstered, with new carpeting replacing the yellow and green shag, the gas and brake pedals were also replaced. Ya right, I “painted the car” which by the way was painted a specific colour blue because it was the original owner’s favoured choice. rivertownplayers to stay up to date on their schedule all summer long, though you may run into them during a stroll through your favourite park!

By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

At a “car show” every single vehicle has a story as to how it got there and why the owner chose that vehicle. The stories can be quite fascinating and interesting besides being very personal.

To recognize various peoples efforts with their vehicle contributions, for all of us to see, a judging process has been incorporated. Some shows will have categories like many of the following. How far did you travel to attend the show, how long has the vehicle been in the family, the crazy glue award (explained as, did the restoration process bond the family together), special meaning award and more. Trophies were given out to acknowledge each contribution to the various stories or histories provided.

My favourite story belongs to a young man who was showing a beautiful 1966 GTO which he and his father had restored. His father was the original owner and when the time came to restore it, sleeves were rolled up and both of them “went to town” on it. Yes, those were his words! The story seemed impressive but not spectacular as what they had done was a similar restoration process, as many others had done. This person did not know he was being evaluated for an award so his comment was totally open.

He summed up his qualification for the “Special meaning award” by admitting how his personal connection to the vehicle was primarily the result of the following statement “I was conceived in the back seat.” Big check mark on that one!

Many people have spoken of first time vehicle experiences they had in that very vehicle or something like it, or that vehicle is from a childhood or teenage infatuation with a rolling piece of shiny metal. The reasons were endless and incredibly heart warming.

It really is a car show where people make public their own personal expressions not just a competition and to that I say thank you to all who participate.

Any questions or concerns please contact me at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca.