Victoria turns into a car lover’s dream destination every July and this year was no exception.
Under sunny skies, an estimated 100,000 people packed Victoria’s Inner Harbour for the 11th Northwest Deuce Days, a four-day celebration of classic car culture.
With more than 1,300 collector cars showcased from July 17 to 20, event operations director Orrin Wreggitt said the gathering celebrates not only car culture in general but, more importantly, the 93rd anniversary of the 1932 Ford – known as the “Deuce” among hot rod enthusiasts.
In homage to the iconic American car, Victoria’s Al Clark launched an annual gathering in B.C.’s capital. Over the years, the event quickly became one of North America’s favourite meeting spots for Deuce owners and car enthusiasts alike, Wreggitt said.
“Deuce culture is the start of real hot rodding,” he said. “In 1932, Ford came out with the Ford V8, which revolutionized hot rodding in the car world forever. They got faster, beefier, stronger, and more customizable.”
Not only are Deuces powerful vehicles, Wreggitt said, their beauty also lies in their ability to be finely crafted and tuned to reflect each owner's personal style.
“Everyone makes their Deuce – or their hot rod – their own,” he said. “It's an opportunity to truly showcase your own personality and style.”
With cars coming from as far as Sweden, Finland, Australia, and New Zealand, there was a hot rod to suit every taste. But one vehicle in particular caught the attention of Wreggitt and hundreds of others: an all-black Mendel Coupe, fresh out of Chilliwack’s Stone Speed Shop.
“It is an absolutely remarkable, award-winning vehicle that’s worth checking out,” he said. “Every nut, bolt, washer has been purpose-built for that vehicle from the ground up.
“It is the epitome of what hot rodding is.”
As the event continues to grow and attract a broader crowd each year, Wreggitt extended an open invitation to anyone who missed out to join next year’s gathering.
