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Chemainus car buffs get a chance to go back in time

Classic auto show along Maple Lane draws hundreds of spectators
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Christina Wachs and her eight-year-old son, Jacob, were among those taking in the sights and sounds at a free car show Sunday in along Maple Lane in Chemainus. (Photo by Warren Goulding)

A few hundred car buffs strolled along Maple Lane on Sunday, soaking up the atmosphere and chatting with proud classic vehicle owners.

With music from a bygone era playing and hamburgers grilling, it was clear the return of a car show to Chemainus was a brilliant idea on the part of the Business Improvement Association. Car shows had been a part of summer in Chemainus in previous years but this was the first attempt in a while and it was a winner.

It seems everyone loves a car show, including the exhibitors.

“It’s a family thing and you get to know everyone,” said Wayne Atkinson of Victoria, who brought his 1933 Ford two-door coupe to Chemainus.

Atkinson, who comes from an automotive family, used to race at Western Speedway and is a member of Torque Masters. He attends a number of shows every year and enjoys showing his Ford that boasts a 350 ZZ Corvette engine that puts out 385 horsepower.

“My grandfather had Atkinson Motors in Victoria and the whole family was in the automotive business,” said Atkinson, who was accompanied by his wife Daphne.

“I went another way and spent 50 years as a glazer in the glass trade. I just wanted to do this as a hobby,” he added with a smile.

Christina Wachs and her eight-year-old son, Jacob, were among the folks taking in the sights and sounds. With 1950s and early ’60s music as a background, Wachs fit right in dressed as she was in an Elvis Presley costume.

“I wish I could wear this all the time,” Wachs said. “It makes people laugh and I love to see everybody smile.”

It was clear young Jacob was enjoying the wagon ride through the collection of cars, trucks and a couple of motorcylces.

“We love the old cars, the mood and the music,” Wachs said, as Jacob shook his head in agreement.