Downtown Squamish makes way for an eye-popping cavalcade of cars Sunday (May 2) as the Spring Thaw Classic Car Adventure winds its way into the downtown for its second annual event.
Organized by local residents Dave Hord and Warwick Patterson, the pre-1979 vintage convoy brings over 130 people in 60 sports and touring cars, including Porsches, BMWs, Alfa Romeos, Minis, an Aston Martin and even a rare Studebaker.
While last year's event ended at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park, a conversation between Patterson and former downtown Business Improvement Association executive director Cinci Csere led to its new stop at O'Siem Pavilion Park.
"As locals, we try to drive people down there anyway," said Patterson.
The Spring Thaw is a three-day driving tour starting in Hope and finishing in Squamish, offering enthusiasts the chance to get their classics out of winter hibernation and onto the beautiful roads of British Columbia.
"This event is for those people who would rather drive their car than polish it," said Patterson. "More than anything, our goal was to gather like-minded enthusiasts for a fun tour that wouldn't break the bank. Keeping a classic car running is expensive enough."
To ensure an adventure, the route will remain secret until competitors receive their entry packages at registration. Way-finding instructions will be detailed and clear, and will not require any calculations or rally knowledge. However the event is not competitive.
"The emphasis is on fun and adventurous driving, but you can be sure there will lots of great prizes to hand out at the finish," states the event website.
It was after a trip to California for a classic car event in 2008 that the local car enthusiasts Horde and Warwick decided to bring the fun closer to home through Classic Car Adventures.
While there are plenty of show-and-shine and high-end luxury tours for classic cars in British Columbia, the pair wanted to host a more budget-minded event that focused on the roads and driving experience.
"Classic Car Adventures is an informal collective of classic car enthusiasts, with a central focus on the joy of driving," states the group's website.
"Spontaneous adventures, social gatherings, road trips to historic races...you name it, let's do it! There's no monthly meetings, no membership fees, all you need is a love of cars and a willingness to get together and drive them."
And it's clear they weren't alone in their desire for such an event. Participants hail from as far as Oregon and Alberta, and are travelling in a wide variety of cars.
Spring Thaw is sanctioned by the Canadian Association of Rallysport and Rally Pacific Motorsports. And the Westcoast Rally Association is overseeing the 1,200-kilometre, three-day rally on behalf of Classic Car Adventures.
Spring Thaw drivers depart from Hope Friday (April 30) and begin arriving in Squamish Sunday (May 2) at 3 p.m.
For more information go to www.classiccaradventures.com.
