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Classic, custom car owners gear up for PoCo car show

More than 500 vehicles are registered for the 14th annual display in downtown Port Coquitlam on Sunday.
car show
Bruce Richardson, president of PoCo Events Society, which hosts the annual Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show, with his 1939 Chevrolet that he bought in 2003 for $350 and took 12 years to restore it and make it drivable. Richardson will have the vehicle on display Aug. 19.

He bought the car for $350 after spotting the ad in the Buy ’n Sell magazine.

And Bruce Richardson figures it was the cheapest thing he bought while he restored the 1939 Chevrolet.

In 2003, the Port Coquitlam resident picked up the vintage vehicle from its Coquitlam owner and, over the next dozen years, travelled to Salt Spring Island to grab some parts from fellow car enthusiast to bring the beauty back to life.

Three years ago, Richardson was finally able to put it on the road — and display it in the annual Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show, a massive exhibit he’s helped to organize for years with PoCo Coun. Dean Washington and others.

Sunday, the retired SD43 electrician will display his wheels once again in the 14th annual show ’n shine, the city’s largest tourist draw that brings in vintage, classic, custom, muscle and replica cars from around B.C. and elsewhere.

More than 500 owners have signed up for the day, Richardson said, with about 175 of them taking part in the 5th annual car cruise the night before — a parade around the city that launches from the Leigh Square Community Arts Village at 6 p.m. Aug. 18.

Richardson, who is the president of the PoCo Events Society, which hosts the car attraction, said he anticipates another large turnout of visitors on Sunday to inspect the vehicles and to take part in the day’s activities.

blues bros

Dominion Lending and Pennington Holdings will start the event with a public breakfast — with many city council members behind the tables and the grills to flip pancakes and to serve up the nosh.

Doug Harder, this year’s Wall of Fame honouree, will run his model car workshop for kids in The Outlet, from 1 to 3 p.m., while tribute acts and Terry Fox Rock School bands will take to the Leigh Square bandshell stage, beginning at noon.

Also, as in past years, title sponsor Metro Ford Motors will have a selection of their vehicles at the main corner of Shaughnessy Street and McAllister Avenue.

But while participating vehicle owners are eager to show off their restoration talents, they’ll have their sights set on the big prize, won last year by Langley resident (and first-time participant) Tom Hoeltgen for his 1933 Ford Roadster.

“Everyone wants a piece of that,” Richardson joked.

As for Richardson’s black satin machine, which he’s tricked out with skulls, he’s still got a bit more work to do to the interior. “It’s a never-ending project,’ he said, shaking his head, “but I think all owners say they’ve got a labour of love on their hands.”

• Sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, the 14th annual Port Coquitlam Car Show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown PoCo on Sunday, Aug. 19. Call 604-674-2899 or visit pococarshow.ca for details.

jcleugh@tricitynews.com

 

alive and kissin

BANDSHELL ENTERTAINMENT

12 p.m.: The Adam Parrish Experience
1:05 p.m.: Alive N Kissin’
2:10 p.m.: Bad Moon Risin’
3:20 p.m.: Giggle Dam Band
5:15 p.m.: Mary Janes Last Dance
6:15 p.m.: Giggle Dam Band

MODEL CARS
Kids aged five to 15 can learn how to build a 1/24-scale plastic model classic car or hot rod during the Downtown Port Coquitlam car show on Sunday.
The workshop runs from 1 to 3 p.m. in The Outlet at Leigh Square Community Arts Village (behind PoCo city hall). Registration is free; however, space is limited to 50 entrants. Visit pococarshow.ca/modelcar.

SATURDAY NIGHT
Grab your lawn chairs to watch some 175 custom and classic cars roll through the streets of Port Coquitlam on Saturday night.
Starting at 6 p.m. from Leigh Square Community Arts Village, the parade will be led by three pace cars from Metro Ford Motors — winding through Citadel Heights before making its way to the northside and returning to Leigh Square by 8 p.m.
This year, participants and their riders are being asked to dress in a costume the same era as their vehicle, said event co-ordinator Bruce Richardson. “It’s a way to get the wives involved,” he said, noting a prize will be handed out to the best dressed.
The car cruise is sponsored by Fremont Self Storage. Visit pococarshow.ca.

cruise map