When Cam spotted this early Chevy Belair Custom in Edmonton last weekend he thought of Dan Belanger’s classic Belair. Bob and Dan’s Car Show is still going strong and with Dans passing serves as a tribute to the one-of-a-kind man.Cam Hutchins I was on a big road trip to Saskatchewan last weekend so missed the action-packed car show weekend here in B.C. The reason for the road trip to Loon Lake, Saskatchewan was to see our son and we cant fly because we have our dog Stella with us.I was reminded how great we have it here when I couldnt find one car show to attend last Sunday in Edmonton. However, the night before we watch a great procession of cool cars driving up and down that citys Whyte Avenue. There was an early Fifties, customized Belair, a couple of older compacts that looked better suited to the track than a city street, what with their tunnel rams and big four barrel carbs sticking out of the hoods.On the way to Edmonton we saw a row of Ford and Mercury trucks along the highway and I had to stop to capture some images of these classic old trucks. In Canada, Ford and Lincoln/Mercury were divided into two separate dealerships so the Ford trucks got a new grille and sold as Mercury pickups in Canada only. Closer to Edmonton we came across the Little Lot with lots of cool old iron for sale, many on consignment. The car I think may stay there forever is the 1979 Datsun 210 with only 85,000 miles that runs well. Just how well a 1200 cc engine can run Ill leave up to you. I love Nissan/Datsuns, but they certainly had some ugly designs in their past. To be fair, many manufacturers made some really ugly designs, but that doesnt stop people from loving the VW Thing, one of which was also on the lot. The granddaddy of all used cars on the lot was a 1964 Galaxie XL. This example apparently originally sported a 4-speed manual with 390 V8, but now has an elusive 427 Side Oiler with solid lifters and dual 4 barrel carbs. Just 3,000 clicks on this powertrain, and if theres a reader who wants to shell out $28,900 for this beauty, Im happy to tag along.In a little more than a month weve got another big road trip planned, this one my annual drive south to Northern California to cover the vintage car races at Weathertech Raceways Laguna Seca in Monterey. I have been attending these races since my parents first took me to in 1983. If youve never been, it is like going to a car museum where you are not only allowed to touch the cars, they get raced at crazy speeds against other vintage racecars on one of the worlds most iconic tracks. This weekend I will be attending a car show in Lloydminster but will be missing a number of great local shows, including Deuce Days in Victoria. This show is one of the best in BC and I do not relish missing it. The last time I missed it, I was touring Jay Lenos collection in Burbank, but Im not sure the Lloydminster show is going to compare to either Deuce Days or Lenos. But considering I will have my son with me, I am not complaining!Were still on the road, so next week more roadside attraction stories.SHOWSJULY 19What: Aldergrove Fair Days Show ShineWhere: 26770 29th Ave., AldergroveWhen: 6 pm. to 9 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: Free and open to all vehiclesInfo: pattybennett@telus.netWebsite: aldergrovefair.caJULY 20What: Ultimate Car ShowWhere: Hard Rock Casino, 2080 United Blvd., CoquitlamWhen: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. $20 (cash only)Info: 604-523-6888 or mlaw@hardrockcasinovancouver.comWebsite: hardrockcasinovancouver.com/event/ultimate-car-show/What: Hot Rods Classics Customer Appreciation NightWhere: 43813 Industrial Way, ChilliwackWhen: Start at 5 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: FreeInfo: 604-792-9005 or sales@hotrodsclassics.caWebsite: hotrodsclassics.caWhat: Marketplace IGA Show ShineWhere: 1100 Gibsons Way, GibsonsWhen: 11 a.m.to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 10 a.m. $5 and open to all vehicles. All proceeds to selected charities on the Sunshine Coast.Info: mrcutter@dccnet.com or shanks@dccnet.comWebsite: coasterscarclub.caWhat: Bowen Island Classic Motor ShowWhere: 1441 Adams Rd., Bowen IslandWhen: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission: By donation. Children freeInfo: 604-618-6413 or info@bowenislandmotorshow.comWebsite: bowenislandmotorshow.comJULY 21What: Northwest Deuce DayWhere: Victoria Inner HarbourWhen: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: freeInfo: 250-385-8571 or al@deucesnorthwest.comWebsite: northwestdeuceday.comWhat: All-Ford Show ShineWhere: Orchard Ford, 911 Stremel Rd., KelownaWhen: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Admission: Free.Registration: 9 a.m. $20 and open to all FordsInfo: 250-878-2700 or okmustang@shaw.caWebsite: okmustangsandfords.comWhat: OConnor Chrysler Car ShowWhere: OConnor Chrysler, 45730 Hocking Ave., ChilliwackWhen: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. $10 and open to all vehicles. Proceeds to Little Heroes Hockey Academy. Open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-792-2754 or
Origin: West is best for carnut culture