If you’ve ever thought Bullitt could’ve used a few more lilacs or that all American Graffiti needed was another bushel of roses, you’re in luck.
There’ll - it’s hoped - be no car chases this weekend, but 29 cars, trucks and motorbikes built before 1978 will grace the fields of the Bowen Island Classic Motor Show.
Raef and Darla Grohne started the event last year as a fundraiser for Bowen Island Museum and Archives.
Raef described the show as “a garden party with cars.”
An architectural photographer by trade, and Bowen resident of five years, Raef said that the idea came from noticing interesting cars around the island.
“I figured there must be more,” he said. “In talking to a bunch of people I realised, ‘My neighbour has this in his garage.’”
So the enterprising Islander decided to bring all the cars together.
Held on his five-acre property on Adams Road, Raef said that last year’s event attracted more than 300 people. He says he expects more people at this year’s show. It not only coincides with the People Plants and Places Tour but there are a few more vehicles on display.
Raef said that the majority of the vehicles entered are from Bowen, but there are always a few entries from off island.
The featured car will be a 1953 Mercedes 220, in original condition, which Raef says has a unique body style.
While that car doesn’t live on Bowen, there’ll be a 1928 Ford Model A Roadster, customized in the fifties hot rod style, owned by islander Tim Misko.
Raef’s own contribution to the show is a 1958 Dodge Power Wagon.
While entry to the motor show is by donation, the suggested entry fee is $10. There’ll be draw prizes, beer, wine, summer sodas and pizza from Tuscany. A takeaway with donation will be a program featuring the pictures and stories of all the cars. All proceeds will, same as last year, go to the Bowen Museum and Archives.
The show will be from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday July 21, at 1141 Adams Road (Raef and Darla’s property next to the satellite fire hall).
