Jaguar E-types at the 2009 Vancouver ABFM (Photo: Warwick Patterson)

One of the big local early-season events for classic car fans, and British classics in particular, is the Vancouver All British Field Meet. Held in the lush Van Dusen Gardens, this is a great gathering, offering up a wide selection of drool-worthy machinery. The 2010 edition will be celebrating British-built Fords, plus the Jaguar E-type which celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

This annual celebration of the British motorcar and motorbike is the largest of its kind in Western Canada, with more than 5,000 attendees and 600 cars and motorbikes displayed at the beautiful VanDusen Garden on Saturday May 22, 2010. The garden setting, brass band music, piper, concessions, swap meet, artists gallery and vendor booths all complement the wonderful display of cars and bikes.

2009 Vancouver ABFM (Photo: Warwick Patterson)

New this year, Hagerty Collector Car Insurance, the world’s leading provider of collector vehicle insurance will be on site to present a series of seminars called “Cars That Matter “ – focusing on the past 25 years of British classic car values – on the Great Lawn at VanDusen Gardens. This series is no cost to show attendants and will run at scheduled intervals throughout the day.

The Cars That Matter sessions will be conducted by Dave Kinney, arguably one of North Americas most knowledgeable collector car experts. Kinney is a member of the American Society of Appraisers and has over thirty-five years experience in various aspects of the special interest, antique, classic and production vehicle areas of the market.

In addition to the Hagerty’s Cars That Matter series Hagerty will be encouraging Vancouver’s youth to get involved at the show through their Operation Ignite! Connecting Kids with Cars initative by hosting their signature Youth Judging Program. A joint initiative with the ABFM to help ensure the future of the collector vehicle hobby, young people under the age of 18 will have the opportunity to learn about the basics of judging a cross section of classics on the field including those cars entered in the Young Timers class for owners under the age of 25.

The youth program will be conducted by Tabetha Salsbury, Hagerty’s Youth Program coordinator who has a degree in Automotive Restoration from McPherson College, McPherson Kansa. Parents and Grandparents of young people seventeen and under should contact show organisers to reserve a place for their young enthusiasts in this interesting free program.

“In addition to our recent announcement of offering Collector Car Insurance to Canadian markets we are eager to share our other resources with car enthusiasts in Canada”, says McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance.

“Dave Kinney’s expertise with collector car values and our Youth Judging program provides reasons the entire family can take away valuable insights from the show.”

Hagerty’s Operation Ignite! “Connecting Kids with Cars” is a suite of programs designed to grow the interest of the hobby among young people through interactive events including Youth Judging, Young Designers Contest, Scale Model-building Contest, Kid friendly Car Show Kit, Motorsport Paddock Tours and a youth -oriented website. Through these programs, young people will gain hands-on experience that will increase the education of and enthusiasm for collector automobiles, boats and tractors.

See you on Saturday!