2009 Memphis Euro Fest, October 1st - 3rd, 2009

back to the Previous Events page     back to the 2009 Events page

Stories About Those Little British Cars
By Kathy Kresser

A group of MG, Triumph and Healey owners trekked to the Memphis 2009 Euro Auto Fest on October 1-3, 2009. Over half of the trekkers encountered car problems over the weekend, just part of the experience of owning a small British car.

On a near perfect weather day, set in the shaded, manicured lawns of the Youth Villages Facility, the show field exhibited fine British cars. One in particular caught my attention, a 1954 Sunbeam Alpine Roadster owned by Woody Woodliff. The blazing black exterior with gray leather interior gave this automobile a rich appeal. The supple leather bag nestled in the front seat added another rich aspect. But, the tool kit in the boot was the best. The original, miniature-size whisk broom and equally small drop light were the ultimate. Okay, the basket filled with wine, cheese and spotted dick and the offer to share the goodies later in the day had its own lure.

In talking with Woody, he told me it was purchased in 1993. After an engine and transmission rebuild and a new paint job, the car was ready to drive. Woody said “Being a photographer, just the looks of the car, its sculpture and tactility made it a must have car. A blind person could polish this car and understand the beauty of its curves.” The three different measure standards -- Metric, American Standard and Whitworth -- still surprise him each time he works on the car.

I find the irony of the dated reverse polarity on the car and the modern day blackberry phone on the dash a funny technological connection.

The featured marque of the Fest was the Classic Mini. The Mini celebrates its 50th birthday this year. The Minis donned black balloons and pointed birthday hats. Happy Birthday to the Mini!

I love to take snapshots of the future owners of these autos. William enjoys a seat behind the wheel of his dad’s Morgan. He is very young, but one can sort of see that excitement of owning a classic.

Show after show, one sees cars that are staged with appropriate items. This Memphis show was no different. Bob and Darla Bridges had a shrine dedicated to the Queen Mum, others had bottles of wine and glasses on the back seat drop down table, others had cheese, Grey Poupon and biscuits, and Simon Dix had a bottle of oil positioned next to the front tire. I guess since the car uses oil like gasoline, it was appropriate. Chris Kresser should have a gasoline can next to his car – an inside joke.

Thanks to the Memphis team for a great day and for the Hagerty bag filled with Autozone products – something attendees now expect at the Memphis show. The Euro Auto Fest schedule of events included the hospitality dinner under the Main Tent at the Youth Villages, a rally after the show followed by the banquet. The Fest benefits the children of Memphis through the Youth Villages. A good job by everyone!