Perhaps the only thing in common between Westminster in London, England and New Westminster is a name.
But on Nov. 6, the Old English Car Club wants to evoke memories of England and the old London to Brighton Veteran Car Run with a two-hour ride from Confederation Park in North Burnaby to White Rock.
Steve Diggins, chair of the Vancouver coastal branch of the club, said the ride, which previously ran from Ladner to Mission, is taking on an all-new route this year in the hopes of getting more people and cars participating.
"People come from all over," he said, "and this is a very good route. The thing with this type of event, it's really weather-dependent. If the weather's bad, we'll get maybe 30 or so cars. If the weather's good, we'll get double that."
The event commemorates the 1896 Motor Car Tour to Brighton by using a route of similar distance - 90 to 100 kilometres.
One Burnaby resident looking forward to the ride is John Clarke, who has many different English cars in various states of repair to go with several American cars.
Clarke, who formerly taught tech ed - metal work, wood work and automotive - at Burnaby high schools including Cariboo Hill, Burnaby South and Burnaby North - said working with old cars is his way of relaxing.
"I've been retired 12 years now and now I get to engage in all the things I've always wanted to do. ... I love working on old cars and I do all the restoration work myself.
Clarke's fleet includes three MG-As, two MG-Bs, a 1969 E-Type Jaguar and a 1961 Mark 9 Jaguar that he's currently restoring.
Clarke has yet to decide which one he'll have on the road on Sunday, Nov. 6, but whichever one it is will be his favourite - for the day.
"I love all my cars," he said. "My favourite one is the one I'm driving at the time."
Clarke does admit to having a soft spot for a 1967 MG-A that he bought new and still only has 110,000 kilometres on it.
"I haven't put many miles on it," said Clarke. "I did take one of the MG-Bs to Reno this summer so that put more than 3,000 kilometres on it."
Diggins has more modest transport, as he'll be driving an Austin during the car run.
"I love everything from Austin's to Aston's," he said. "I love the Aston's, but I'm on the low-buck side of things."
Diggins said the car run won't be a race. Rather, participants are encouraged to go at their own speed and enjoy the drive out to picturesque White Rock.
The route will also go by SFU, Gaglardi Way, McBride Boulevard in New Westminster and Scott Road in Surrey.
"At the beginning, we'll be bunched up, but some guys will want to speed there and others will want to take their time," said Diggins.
The run starts at 8 a.m. and after the cars arrive in White Rock, there will be a special day planned, with music and activities for all participants to enjoy.
For more information, contact Diggins at 604-294-6031 or Steve McVittie of the Celtic Treasure Chest at 604-538-2277 or email [email protected].
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