Classics reach for the Sky
The biggest “Wings and Wheels” show in Canada, the 24th Gathering of the Classics, was held at Edenvale Airport, near Stayner, on 10th August. Mix vintage planes with classic cars, military vehicles, hot rods and motorcycles and you have something for everyone. Some 250 aircraft, from the vintage era to the present day, were on display, allowing spectators to get close to the action. An estimated 120 classic, custom and luxury automobiles were also on the show field.
Robin Hadfield, who describes herself as the Chairman of the event, said: “It’s our annual fundraiser for the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation, which helps to keep classic Canadian aircraft in flying condition. The show features a B25 Mitchell bomber, Harvard and de Havilland Tiger Moth. We also have the only flying Fairchild and Howard. On the car side we have had a wonderful turnout of Morgans and Rolls-Royce.”
This historic airfield, dating back to 1939, was home to Ontario sports car racing in the fifties and present at the show was the ex-Tommy Hoan 1949 M.G. TC, which raced on the Edenvale circuit as far back as 1950. Lovingly cared for by David Holmes the car will also appear at the Put-In-Bay Road Race Reunion, in Ohio, on 27 August and at the Watkins Glen re-enactment in New York State, on 5 September. After more than sixty years David is contemplating returning the car to its original black colour scheme.
Another M.G. at the show was the restored 1949 yellow T.C. of Phil Hall, from Horse Shoe Valley, near Barrie. This is an EXU version featuring chrome bumpers and original wire wheels, a home restoration described as a labour of love. Phil is an M.G. man lettered all through, currently seeking a new Abingdon project to add to his stable.
Malcolm and Brenda Taylor are here from Palgrave in their 1960 Triumph TR3A, with unique burnt sienna paintjob. Mal raced the car at Harewood Acres and Mosport during 1967-70, sharing driving duties with Chris Robertson. The current show finish gives little clue to its racing heritage.
Kim McCartney from Toronto fields the exotic black 1959 Porsche 356A coupe, a California car. This type of Porsche played a prominent part in Ontario sports car racing in period in the hands of such drivers as Ludwig Heimrath and Klaus Bartels.
Fritz Engler brought the rare 1971 VW Type 3 from Mississauga. After an unhappy experience with a Dodge his father bought the Volkswagen and it has been in the family ever since. The aircooled engine has also been completely rebuilt after 100,000 miles. The VW has also been resprayed in the original Clementine L20D colour and features EMPI Sprintster wheels, a dealer option.
Doug and Judy Johnson entered their red 1977 Triumph Spitfire, the tilting-front-end showcasing the immaculate engine compartment. Nearby was the silver 1961 Daimler Dart SP250 of John Burgess from Caledon. The red 1957 Ford Thunderbird of Wayne Pitman from Collingwood attracted much attention, placed among the import cars.
http://www.classicaircraft.ca/Home.html
Written by Rupert Lloyd Thomas
