23rd annual British Car Show draws hundreds
The 23rd annual British Motorcar Show showcased British vehicles dating from the 1930s to today at the Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes.
Originally held within the Lewes Historical Society complex, the event now has a new home. "The popularity of this show has continued to grow over the years, and one of the unintended consequences is the number of entry cars now exceeds the capacity at Lewes Historical Society complex," said Lewes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betsy Reamer.
Attending the show and displaying his car was Edgar Levi Moss of Frederick, Md. Moss owns a 1974 MG Midget, which he purchased in 1977 and worked on with his father throughout the years. "Different groups from all over get together to come to this event.
"I am part of 16 car enthusiasts and entrants that made the trip from Maryland," he said.
"We love making the drive, especially in our cars that draw plenty of gazes from everyone that sees them. Getting together with others who share a strong passion for cars, restoration and the history is truly a blessing; there is always something new to see, and someone new to share stories with," Moss said.
Nearly 700 attendees got an up-close-and-personal look at more than 88 preregistered cars and nine more that signed up on the day of the event. They came from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and other states - some cars were 70 years old. MG, Morgan, Mini, Austin-Healey, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Triumph, Lotus, and many other manufacturers were represented. The pride taken by the owners of the cars demonstrates their passion not only for restoring and enjoying their cars but for sharing them with others. Car owners often engaged young people, answering questions about cars that were built long before the visitors were born.
Coinciding with Cinco de Mayo, the car show also featured free shuttles to the Merchants' Spring Sidewalk Sale and restaurants in Lewes, giving spectators and entrants a chance to enjoy a taste of what Lewes has to offer.
Cars were voted for by the attendees based on each class and the age of the car.
The Best in Show Award went to Ron Jernigan of Greenwood and his 1961 Austin Healey Bug Eye Sprite.
The winners based on class are as follows:
Category I: Up to 1956: First Place: Mac McMahon, Lewes, 1950 Riley Drophead Coupe. Second Place: Charlie & Lynn Jackson, Red Bank, N.J., 1951 MG TD. Third Place: Peter Zoll, Millsboro, 1947 Bentley Mark VI Mulliner.
Category II: 1957-1962: First Place: Peter Rohrbacher, Bordentown, N.J., 1957 AC Ace. Second Place: T. L. Wright, Seaford, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000, Third Place: Arnold J. Yoder, Greenwood, 1962 Triumph TR3-A.
Category III: 1963-1968: First Place: Jerry Hirst, Rehoboth Beach, 1966 Morgan 4/4. Second Place: Joe Parlanti, North Potomac, Md., 1966 Sunbeam Tiger. Third Place: Wayne Pierzga, Severna Park, Md., 1967 Sunbeam Tiger II.
Category IV: 1969-1974: First Place: Fred & Connie Schuchard, Bridgeton, N.J., 1971 Morgan Plus 8. Second Place: Joseph Yampaglia, Millville, N.J., 1970 Jaguar XKE FHC. Third Place: Phil Mead, Lewes, 1971 MG with '59 Bugeye Front.
Category V: 1975-1980: First Place: Steve McDowell, Woodbridge, Va., 1979 MGB. Second Place: Vince Lee, Lewes, 1976 Triumph TR6. Third Place: Suzy Smarr, Milford, 1976 Triumph TR6.
Category VI: 1981-2000: First Place: Len Claudius, Ocean Pines, Md., 1995 Morgan Plus 8. Second Place: Elwood Smith, Wall Township, N.J., 1998 Aston Martin DB7 Volante. Third Place: Brian Hornbeck, Bear, 1986 TVR 280i.
Featured Marque – Austin-Healey Sprite: First Place: Rich Jones, Gambrills, Md., 1962 Austin-Healey Sprite MKII. Second Place: Chuck Ott, Middletown, 1969 Austin-Healey Sprite.
For additional information on the British Car Club of Delaware and upcoming events, go to www.bccdelaware.com.
