By Erik Jordan

Date: Sept 10, 2016

Location: the Veranda at the Salt Block, Hickory, NC

Event: the fourth Autolawn European Classic Car Show

Written in part using the event brochure with permission from the directors of the event

The fourth Autolawn Party was an exciting, community event held on Saturday, September the 10th on the SALT Block veranda in Hickory adjacent to the event beneficiary, The Hickory Museum of Art. The Autolawn Party is a celebration of the road's number one traveler - the automobile. Its co-directors, Kit Cannon and Charlie Zagaroli envisioned a celebration that is centered around a European classic car show for the automotive enthusiast, but it is more than that. There was something fun for everyone. Events include the car show, food available from the Hickory Elks Lodge, adult beverages and beer garden, art exhibits, children's activities, music by the 'Bob Sinclair and the Big Deals' band, raffle prizes, rides and drives offered by an event sponsor Paramount Motorsports and the inevitable awards ceremony. It was an event open and free to the public who could also vote for their favorite classic car.

The Autolawn European Classic Car Show is unique for its size and scale in having only 80 entrants. This years event celebrated the wonderfully beautiful British Classics that included Rolls Royce, a 1934 20/25 was voted best in show, MG's, where CVBMC member John Merhar won best MG for his 1951 MG TD, Jaguars where a beautiful black XK 140mc FHC took first prize, Triumphs, and Morgan where CVBMC member Gene Spainhour won the best Morgan trophy with his 1935 Morgan Super Sport Barrel Back. Other members showing their cars included Mike Outen Sr and Mike Jr who entered their all original, only 624.9 miles on the odometer, 1974 Fiat 124, Tom Monroe and his ERA GT-40, Steve Monroe and his Austin Healey Sprite, Gary Shaver with his Austin Healey 3000 and yours truly in my 1985 Morgan +8. Also on the grounds were Lotus, one of which was a retired Australian Lotus Eleven racecar. Among the spectators were many of our card carrying, dues paying members of the Catawba Valley British Motor Club. Not to be overlooked, also visiting the show was one of my co-workers and his daughter, Tracey and Samantha Setzer.

Most European marques were present including Ferarris, BMWs including a stunning 1972 BMW 3.0 CS Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Mercedes Benzs. Let us not forget all the wonderful Porsches that were on the grass. Best in class Italian was a wonderfully restored 1967 Lamborghini P400 Miura.

The intention of the founders of this event was to provide a wide range of high-quality vehicles in an intimate yet informal setting, without the pressure of traditional Concours events. Each year this event highlights a different region or marque and awards are given in peer-judged and selected categories.