In photos: Finely tuned classic British cars displayed at B.C. festival
Vancouver's annual All-British Field Meet is an open and welcoming event allowing the casual observer to experience classic British steel in its natural repose: parked, with the bonnet up. This, the 31st year of the event, was no exception, with more than a hundred examples of the best of British scattered like liquorice allsorts across the delicately manicured lawns of the Van Dusen Gardens. Step from the bustle of Saturday afternoon city traffic into a lush green paradise, and feast your eyes on probably the most varied selection of cars you'd see this side of Pebble Beach.
A brace of Morgans greets the visitor upon first entrance to the 31st annual All-British Field Meet. Hang on – given that they've got frames made of wood, shouldn't that be “a grove”?Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Should the owner of this Morgan 4/4 be required to stop for roadside repair, at least he will have the patriotic inspiration of a Union Flag to accompany his work.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
This Morgan Three-wheeler has a spectacular solution to spare tire storage, with the wheel streamlined right into the bodyshell.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
British car enthusiasts set off for the ABFM from all corners of the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to luck and mechanical know-how, a large percentage of them actually arrive.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Far from being a stuffy, period-correct affair, a little mechancial creativity is encouraged at the ABFM. This 1960s Ford Cortina GT has the four-cylinder screamer out of a Honda S2000.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
TVR is one of the nuttiest British marques, characterized by a tendency for tire smoke and wild styling. This Tuscan is no exception.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Sometimes an owner just gets lucky. This TVR Tasmin 2+2 is an extremely rare beast, which the owner happened upon in excellent condition, for sale at a previous ABFM.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
The Jensen Interceptor has perhaps the coolest name of any car ever. Under that long hood is a Chrysler V8.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
A lesser-known marque, Alvis produced many interesting cars from the 1920s through to the 1960s.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
They never built anything like this however. This Brooklands-style roadster is a fully custom-bodied affair based on a four-doored Alvis Speed 25.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Mini variants always charm, from the Jeeplike Moke to this, a miniature van with a visor like a bank teller.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
A mallet sits ready under the bonnet of the custom Alvis Speed, ready to help persuade an engine back to life.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Back before economies of scale created the monstrosity of the modern Bentayga SUV, Bentleys were far more genteel affairs.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
The ABFM always offers a heavy Rolls-Royce presence. Here, Hellen Poon's 1937 25/30 saloon sports appears original next to the shiny restored paint of other Rollers.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
This original-condition Austin 1300GT proves that you don't need deep pockets to own something unique, just patience and a decent toolbox.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Great Scott! Three DeLorean DMC-12s line up to create a rift in the space time continuum.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
The “Big Healeys” (Austin Healey 3000s) are always fan favourites, with an active local club.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
For all the joking about the suspect reliability of British Cars, this squadron of MGs managed to drive the entirety of the Pan America highway, right from the bottom of South America.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Remember when cars had real colours? This 1950s MGA is spectacular in a factory shade called Jade Peacock. A bright yellow Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite grins in the background.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
What perfect spring afternoon would be complete without a spot of light reading?Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
A classic Bentley's flying B hood ornament gleams in the sun as onlookers admire a more modern variant.Brendan McAleer
The modern British sportscar still has plenty of carbon in it, but instead of being Ash-framed, it's now the carbon-fibre chassis of a McLaren.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Complete with surfboard and folding camper, this Nash looks ready for a day at the beach.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Harjeet Kalsi's Lagonda is an otherworldly sight. Handily, he's an electrical engineer.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
A fortification of Land Rovers surround a couple making tea.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
A little hyperbole never hurt anyone. Even today, the Land Rover brings a smile to everyone's face. Unless you're trying to get one of the doors lined up.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
A rainbow of Triumphs waits underneath the trees.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
The hallmarks of any well-loved British classic are fender badges. This stunning Jaguar XK140 has more than seven that are proudly displayed.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
A Jaguar XKE pulls a couple of interested ladies over for a look. Still one of the most beautiful cars ever made.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
This rare invalid carriage provided mobility for soldiers wounded during WWI. One is not sure how they got around after doubtless being further injured by such a dangerous contraption.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
The Norton motorcycle was a favourite of tearaway British cafe racers during the 1950s and 1960s.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
This perfect Lotus Elan provided the inspiration for the first Mazda MX-5.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
The Lotus Super Seven is one of the most-copied kit cars in the world. Offering an extremely pared-down experience, it's as elemental as driving gets.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail
Painted up like John Lennon's Rolls-Royce, this engine-swapped Wolseley is completely ridiculous, with a BMW motorcycle head sitting atop the original BMW block. British humour, at its finest.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail