Chilliwack – A pretty and powerful piece of history is rolling back into Chilliwack with the always popular Fraser Valley Classic Car Show on the Atchelitz Threshermen’s Association grounds.
“We’re seeing a lot of new people this year; this show ties into the entire tourism triangle which is a huge economic driver,” says Show Manger Harv McCullough.
That triangle of Heritage Park, the Chilliwack Tourism Information Centre, and the Atchelitz Association Museum attracts tens of thousands of people annually, he says, coincidentally halfway through Tourism Week in Canada.
“The spinoffs to these shows is incredible.”
The FVCCS, held July 17, separates itself from many classic car shows by only allowing stock vehicles 1979 and older to enter — no hot rods, modified vehicles, or kit cars.
“It’s purebreds,” says McCullough.
“They’re what vehicles looked like when they rolled off the factory line.”
While cars are judged according to category — divided into four groups for both domestic and import — the biggest hit every year is the People’s Choice Winner.
Last year, the runaway champion was a faithfully restored 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Super Cobra Jet, owned by Chilliwack’s Campbell Murray.
“It’s the car I’ve always wanted,” Murray says. He hunted for it, finding it in the Interior through word of mouth more than 30 years ago.
His commitment to the rare muscle car shines through, from its red rear spoiler to its rare external radiator oil cooler. It’s proudly displayed as this year’s poster car, following the longstanding tradition for People’s Choice winners.
McCullough convinced Murray to enter his Mustang after delivering a car of his own into Murray’s shop at Broadway Motors, a BCAA-approved garage that Murray and his partner Carl Bier bought from Bier’s father more than 20 years ago.
Broadway’s owners not only appreciate classic cars, they also repair and maintain them, thanks to decades of experience and one of the lowest lifts in town.
“They not only talk the talk, they walk the walk” says McCullough, “I’m just glad Campbell entered his car in time.”
Even if he hadn’t entered, Murray wouldn’t miss the FVCCS for almost anything.
“I just love cars and I’m in my glory there,” he says.
“It’s got every kind of car from every kind of class for every kind of taste. This show has authentic restored and unmodified vehicles that are from 1979 and older.”
The FVCCS evolved from the longstanding Minter Gardens Classic Car Show. Dozens of classics have already registered for this year’s event, which is once again generously sponsored by Great Canadian Oil Change.
Anyone considering entry should sign up soon at www.fvccs.ca. Entry is free and doesn’t require membership in any clubs or associations. All vehicles must register in advance — none will be allowed to register when the show opens July 17.
Supported by Tourism Chilliwack, this year’s show also has Trevor McDonald playing live music that afternoon.
The FVCCS runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17 at the Atchelitz Threshermen’s Association Museum, located alongside Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way. Great food and refreshments will be available to purchase. For more information, visit www.fvccs.ca.
To contact organizers, use the FVCCS ‘Contact Us’ page at goo.gl/cje2xy.
