The 12th edition of the British Classics 2024 tour was held on the perfect spring day of March 17.
Classic British cars took centre stage at Warland Reserve in Victor Harbor after completing a majestic coastal and scenic tour through the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula.
This year, the event was a collaboration between the Historic Motor Vehicles Club (HMVC) and the MG Car Club of SA, with MGs as the featured cars in recognition of its Centenary Year.
There were three esteemed judges, Ben Finnis assisted by Ebon Nash from Collectable Classics, Glen Haythorpe from HMVC and Anthony Pearson from the MG Car Club of SA, each were assigned two distinct categories to evaluate, ensuring a thorough assessment of the vehicles on display.
Amidst the sips of tea and consumption of tasty scones jam and cream, attendees shared stories of their own encounters with classic cars, swapping anecdotes about restoration projects and memorable road trips.
As the day unfolded, it became clear that the joy of classic car appreciation extended far beyond mere observation—it was a celebration of heritage, camaraderie and the simple pleasures of life.
Adding to the prestige of the event this year, was the Navigators Award, carefully adjudicated by Leigh Blacket of HMVC.
The Navigator’s challenge was designed to recognise the delightful variety amongst classic British cars entered on the day, each with their individual nuances, their charm, and eccentricities, which no doubt added to each navigator’s challenge, from the quaint quirk of having instruments marked in miles or kilometres to the occasional calibration error or instrument reading problems.
The mix of imperial and metric measurements sparked playful conversations and friendly debates.
Whether marvelling at a speedometer frozen in time or chuckling at the occasional discrepancy in readings, calculations and dare I say it.. “Take a u turn” or “go round again” direction from a navigator, all contributed to the light-hearted atmosphere of the Navigators Challenge.
Indeed, the spirit of camaraderie and celebration, embraced at the 2024 British Classics Tour is a part of the rich tapestry that makes the day enjoyable fun and worth the effort. After all, what’s a British classic without a dash of whimsy and a touch of good-natured jest?
The winning entries were The Navigators Award Presented to Navigator – Jess Hearse – Rolls Royce Presented by City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins; Best British Presented Vehicle – Jim Pearse and Jackie – Morris ICV Presented by City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins; Best British Classic Commercial Vehicle – Jim Pearse and Jackie Morris ICV RAA (Utility) Presented by City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins; Most Collectable British Classic Vehicle – Luigi Anton Lippis – MGA Twin Com Presented by Ebony Nash for Ben Finnis Collectable Classics; Best British Classic Family Car – Nigel von Sanden – 1956 Jaguar XJS Presented by Ebony Ben Finnis Collectable Classics; Best British Convertible – Geoff Barnes Triumph 1800 Roadster Presented by Stephen Marlow (Co Host MGCCSA); People’s Choice – Brian Triplow- Morris Tourer 8/40 Presented by Robert Durant (Co Host HMVC).
