Great photos Paul! While we didn't exactly have Sicily weather, the wife and I made our annual trek to Vancouver, Canada for the big British car show held in the beautiful Van Dusen Botanical Gardens. Probably the best location for a car show. We had typical Northwest Spring weather Saturday morning of the show, with rain showers before the skies cleared and sun in the afternoon. With the rain, I didn't make my usual rounds to take photos before the gates open and the crowds arrive. Instead I went to look at the bonsai show they hold there every year, which captivates me almost as much as the cars. Anyway, I used up most of my phone battery on plants, but here are some images I did capture.
Morgans that braved the rainy morning. Numbers were slightly down this year as many locals chose to stay home.
If I was to have another Morgan, it would be from this era - a 1963 Plus Four.
Undaunted by the weather, the vintage Rolls Royce and Bentley group showed up and with some cars I'd not seen before.
Its only original once.
I love the lines on this Bentley sedan. Year? Model? Julio?
We followed this old girl onto the field and she made the most wonderful smells. - 1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Touring
I could have stared at this engine compartment for much longer and did come back a second and third time! I always noticed something different. This car has so much brass!
I guess in those days, it was wise to carry a spare can of petrol. Note the "Shell" brass cap.
I was surprised at how tight the cockpit was on this big car. I do wish someone would make a model of it.
I've seen picnic baskets on cars before, but don't recall seeing one that locks. Love the brass devil. I swear he thrust his pitchfork at me if I got too close.
Another majestic Rolls Royce, a 1927 20 HP Tourer
This is a 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom I Pall Mall Touring Limo. That's 96 years of great patina folks!
Proof that wicker isn't just for furniture, a 1953 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith
From playing with my Dinkys as a lad, my Rolls Royce favorites are the Silver Clouds like this early 60's SC III
The pre-war (WWII) sports cars were out as well and a couple I'd not seen in the 27 years coming to this show. This, a 1924 Vauxhaul 14/98
A 1933 Riley 14/6 Special with a Goodwood racing history before coming to Canada in 2018.
A real contrast to the McLaren behind it, this is proof you don't have to go real fast to have fun. I know which one I'd wish was in my driveway.
And now for something completely different, this is a customized 1965 Jaguar Mk 10 owned by famous shoe designer John Fluevog. The crocodile leather trimmed seats are impressive!
Another oddity and something I had never seen, a Nissan Safari kitted as a fire tender. It was in the for sale section, but with no information other than a contact number.
Two XJ Coupes (both 1976) were the only early Jaguar XJ's on the field. Not sure what happened to them all? Its always an adventure taking an older car on a over 1,000 mile round trip. I have to say, our old girl (on right) who just turned 48, did phenomenal.
I like to share my cars. This chap is restoring an XJC from pieces, but had never sat in one to know how it feels. His joy at getting to do so made my day!