Through the Windscreen: Spring 1999

Well folks, here we go again! After the long winter of our discontent, including military action, political shenanigans, and everyone telling us what’s bad/good for us, we can escape from all this and into the wonderful world of our little British cars during the year ahead. What do we have to look forward to? Many, many, local and national events, but as usual, I’d like to mention the main attractions for each marque of our cars. These are the major meetings and should seriously be considered by enthusiasts who wish to see the best of the best in their particular favorite marque.

I’ll start with MG and MG ’99 up in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, where the North American MGB Register will hold their annual convention on the campus of the University of BC. Subtitled the Spectacular Drive of your Life, the event includes a “Sea-to-Sky Drive” to Whistler Mountain, with a visit to an MG museum thrown in for good measure. Lots of other activities, including a car show overlooking Vancouver Harbor with the mountains as a backdrop! Hosted by the Canadian Classic MG Club, call (604)535-0648 for more information on a meeting all MGB owners and others should be heading to!

The MGAs will be catered to by their 24th Get Together at the superb Cal-Neva Resort at Lake Tahoe. The meet starts on Monday, June 14, and ends with farewells on June 18. The Sacramento Valley MG Club are hosts, led by Lawrie Alexander, and if you’ve never attended one of the major meets organized by Lawrie—then you’re in for a treat, should you decide to attend the GT! Car show, rallies, scenic tours, and the National Car Museum in Reno are just a few of the attractions offered. Get further information from (560)672-2319.

The featured guest at the University Motors MG Summer Party to be held August 18-22 will be noted British automotive journalist and author Graham Robson. The event will celebrate the MGC and will be held in conjunction with the American MGC Register’s national convention. Graham has written numerous books on MG and Triumph cars, and will undertake a talking tour of the MGC automobile. Some 600-plus MGs are expected to attend this annual event now in its 23rd year. (616)682-0800 is where you let your fingers do the walking for more details!

The New England MGT Register will celebrate their 35th anniversary in Kennebunkport, Maine, on June 2-6. Later in the year, they will hold another GoF at Alexandria Bay, New York. For details of both NEMGTR GoF events, write Drawer 220, Oneonla, New York 13820. Out on the west coast, the GoF West is scheduled for Chateau Whistler in British Columbia (popular venue!) this year. Running from August 2 through 6, the full program can be obtained by calling (604)888-4384.

Too far to Canada or Maine? Then try the GoF Central in St. Louis on July 15-19. They always have a good time, and there are many attractions for all the family in the Gateway City.

Let’s stay in St. Louis, and it’s the turn of the Austin-Healeys, where Conclave ’99 will be held at the Sheraton West Port Inn, starting June 20 with the car show. The following day, the Gateway International Raceway will host the assembled Healeys for a flat-out timed speed run day! Ron Varley and John Thousand will be delighted to field your inquiries at (314)843-7913.

On the west coast we have Fiesta de los Healeys from August 9-13. This major Healey event is to be by the blue Pacific this year, and all clubs involved will be staged at the Town and Country Hotel Resort in San Diego. Information from (619)278-0414. Warning—these guys know how to party!

We can’t forget the major Triumph meets, of course! Head northeast for the Vintage Triumph Register national convention in Portland, Maine. The New England Triumph Register is responsible this year for the annual shindig and promises a wide variety of events to suit every taste (including Maine lobster!). Bob Grove can supply all the information you’ll need, and you can reach him at (207)439-3038. July 28-August 1 are the key Triumph dates for your diary!

Later in the year, on the west coast, Triumphest will take place in Pleasanton, California, from September 30-October 3. All the usual activities we’ve come to expect from the Triumph Travelers Sports Car Club will be there, plus a few surprises! Call (510) 656-3607.

So there you have it, and that’s by no means a complete list. But these are the majors and we thought we’d highlight them in the last year of this century. Then, just think, we’ve got a whole new millennium not touched yet! Hope to see you in ’99. Get out there with your British classic!