Customs captivate at Beaulieu
Now in its third year, Victory Wheelers South-coast based bash, South Coast Internationals goes from strength to strength. Held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum from 18th – 20th June, it started as a one day event in 2008 with 200 custom cars on display in the Beaulieu Arena. In 2009 it moved to a three day event with a large contingent of custom car enthusiasts spending the whole weekend at Beaulieu, their numbers swelling further on the Sunday’s Hot Rod and Custom Car Drive-In-Day,
This year’s event proved equally successful with 150 custom cars arriving for the weekend, increasing to over 500 Hot Rods and Customs, Classic Americans, Chops and Bobbers sunning themselves in the picturesque Beaulieu grounds on Sunday.
Friday evening saw a steady stream of custom vehicles heading for Beaulieu and by nightfall, over 150 vehicles were parked and their owners happily camping in the Beaulieu parkland with entertainment provided during the evening by Ace Trio. On Saturday 130 vehicles took part in Cruise-Out through the picturesque New Forest to the waterfront at Christchurch for a lunch stop, returning to Beaulieu through more of the beautiful New Forest. In the evening it was time to stroll over to the Surf City Diner and party till late with live music from Dr Blue and ZZ Eliminator, with surf boards optional!
On Sunday, more hot rod and custom cars joined the event to provide a stunning display of vehicles on the Beaulieu Arena, bringing the final tally of vehicles to over 500, including many custom bikes. In addition, there were a number of trade stands selling custom related merchandise and accessories, a free Speedway, funfair ride and live music, again from Ace Trio. The day is becoming a ‘must-do’ event for Beaulieu’s visitors who, this year numbered 5,000.
Assisted by Burlesque performer, ‘Dolly Divine’, the Hon Ralph Montagu presented prizes, including Autoglym car cleaning products, to the 6 best cars in each decade from the 1920s to the 70s. Best Club Car went to Dave Weaver in a 1957 Chevrolet, packing over 1,000hp under (and over) its bonnet and Best in Show, given by Custom Car Magazine, went to Gary Chester in a 1932 Ford Model B 5 window coupe. The People’s choice, both Beaulieu visitors and show entrants, was a 1941 mustard yellow Cadillac Lowrider, driven all the way from Belgium by Hugo Vervliet.
Custom Car magazine, Milkcow gave a trophy for the Best Tradition Rod, awarded to Brian Lucas in a 1932 Ford Roadster and American Car World awarded the American Choice to Shaun McGee in a 1953 Hudson Hornet.
A new award was presented this year in memory of last year’s Victory Wheelers Chairman, Alan Partridge, from Stubbington. Known to all as ‘Big Al’, he died at the end of last year, after a short illness. The award, given to the member of the club who best exemplifies his spirit, was presented to Martin Griffin by Big Al’s children, Alex, Tom and Violet and his father Patch.
Keith Ellis, this year’s Victory Wheelers Chairman, said:” It has been another brilliant weekend event, with even more vehicles and trade stands than last year and the variety and quality of vehicles consistently strong.”
The Hot Rod & Custom Drive-In-Day was supported by Custom Car Magazine.
The next South Coast Internationals event will take place over the weekend of 17th - 19th June, 2011.
