On a recent visit to South Africa, my husband John and I, together with our local hosts, Odin and Liana Knutsen of Somerset West, were fortunate to join a South African Bentley Drivers’ Club event in the Cape.

The venue, La Petite Dauphine, is a wine estate nestled in South Africa’s Franschoek Valley, overlooked by the majestic Franschoek Mountains.

This area, renowned for its wine farms and fine restaurants, was first settled in the 1680s when 176 French Protestants were forced to leave France to avoid religious persecution. They settled in the Valley and established farms along the Berg River — many of the estates still have French names, a reminder of the contribution that these French Huguenots made to the wine industry.

As the Bentleys began to arrive, we were warmly welcomed by John White and Stuart Maxwell, the organizers, and after cooling glasses of superb South African wine, we enjoyed a fine luncheon. We both opted for the Ostrich Filet for our main course! Good company and brief speeches completed the program.

Our thanks to the South African chapter of BDC for including us in this fun event.

Vic Darkwood (2012), in The Gentleman’s Guide to Motoring, observed, “Once you have mastered the various controls and abstruse mechanical widgets associated with driving a car, and then purchased a vehicle that you aren’t ashamed to be seen dead in (always a sensible precaution), it is time to pose possibly one of the most crucial questions that the fledgling gentleman motorist is ever likely to have to ask himself:

‘What in heaven’s name is one supposed to wear?’”

The answer to this important question is complex. Appropriate clothing should be governed by comfort and by the nature of the event. One might also take into consideration the perceptions desired of others regarding one’s appearance.

One’s attire varies whether the event is a shakedown drive, a “Cars & Coffee” event, a cruise-in, a local or regional car show, a road rally, a concours d’elegance, or a leisurely drive. As A. B. Filson Young (1904) in The Complete Motorist stated, “The kind of clothes one wears when motoring is important.”

I first became aware of this question shortly after returning my E-type to roadworthiness. The pressing question for me was, “What hat should I wear?”

This is especially important when driving top-down in Florida. According to Darkwood (2012), “[A] gent should don a cap of a peculiarly jaunty nature.” Over time, I have collected an array of baseball caps, drivers’ caps, bucket-style hats, and a few Panama hats. All of these have found their places in my driving experiences.

The baseball caps and bucket hats tend to be suitable for less formal events such as shakedown drives and “exercise” drives. The drivers’ caps seem to be most suitable for participating in experiences with others, such as car shows and road trips.

My stylish Panama hats are reserved for the most important events. Unfortunately, inasmuch as I cannot wear them while driving top down (the brims flutter in the wind and the wind blows them off), I resort to wearing a driver’s cap or a baseball cap while driving and donning the Panama after arriving.

I never considered wearing gloves while driving until a chance visit to a local Coach store. Pairs of leather driving gloves caught my eye and I thought how cool it would be to try them. Little did I know at the time that this was expected of drivers of British sports cars.

Several pairs of driving gloves are now in my wardrobe. My favorites are two pairs of string-backed gloves that I think are especially fashionable in the E-type. Darkwood (2012) stated, “The string-backed sporting glove is best suited to later-model cars such as the Triumph Vitesse or a 1960s MG and lends a man an air of devil-may-care jauntiness.” I often seek “devil-may-care jauntiness.” The leather gloves tend to be used more in the Mk2.

Driving gloves are not only fashionable, but they also provide a special feel when gripping the large, skinny steering wheels of both cars.

Outerwear options are limited in Southwest Florida because of its climate. Sad to say, opportunities to wear tweed sports jackets with elbow patches are few and far between — although on one occasion, I drove the Mk2 to the club Christmas Party while wearing my Gieves and Hawkes suit. Otherwise, the attire is generally car-themed T-shirts or polo shirts.

T-shirts are reserved for the less formal activities including shakedown drives, exercise drives, most cruise-ins and Cars & Coffee. Polo shirts are appropriate for the more formal car shows and drives. Motoring jackets are also worn early morning during the winter months, January and February. I have a few of those in my wardrobe as well.

Finally, there is the question of footwear. The British car driver needs footwear that is comfortable, stylish, and enhances the driving experience.

For a long time sneakers satisfied these requirements for me. On occasion, I wear my vintage Jack Purcells when driving the E-type. They are lightweight, supportive, and enable me to operate the car’s pedals without difficulty. In recent years, I have started wearing moccasin-style driving shoes. I have amassed a collection of leather and suede shoes in several colors. These too fit the bill. I especially like the narrow build of the shoes and how they relate to operating the pedals.

Although I have an interest in racing shoes, inasmuch as I do not race I have not tried them. I have noticed, though, that they are becoming more stylish and perhaps one day I will give them a try.

That’s it — head to foot! Answers to the question “What do I wear?” are almost infinite. Drawing from quantum physics, “It depends.” The British car driver is best served by considering the above elements and deciding which combinations of these elements best satisfies the criteria of comfort, appropriateness, and style.—Cecil Carter

With the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, most club activities are on hold. The April 14th meeting was a virtual one, held after the submission deadline. A report of that meeting will be in the next edition of the Marque.

At this point, the next club activity scheduled is the Memorial Day drive to Arcadia. We will continue to monitor our situation, keep members apprised, and plan appropriately. In the meantime, members are encouraged to stay safe.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — For the fourth time over 100 British, Italian and German (B.I.G.) cars graced the grass of scenic Jaycee Park in Cape Coral. On March 1st, 111 well-polished cars, some rare, in the shade under majestic oaks on the bank of the Caloosahatchee River.

The owners compared, kibitzed and voted on their favorite car in each class, while their passengers and the public spectators oohed and ahhed. Participants and spectators showered the show’s organizers with compliments.

This year this annual event, first established in 2013 by the Triumphs of Southwest Florida, was hosted and organized by the Southwest Florida Alfa Romeo Owners Club. The Park was divided by winding trails and trees into three sections, one each for each nationality.

Just north of the British cars in the show was a permanent pavilion where Boy Scouts cooked and served hot dogs and hamburgers. At the southern end of the Park between the British and Italian cars was a large gazebo where the awards were presented.

There is still room for more cars in the Park, but as the show grows each year, a limit will take effect when the participating cars reach 200.

Half of the cars on display were British — maybe because the British sports car invasion of the 1950s brought so many of them across the Atlantic first and because there were many more British marques. The British cars were divided into 11 classes, which all were awarded trophies. Their vintage range was from 1952 to 2015.

There were 20 Italian cars, of which 14 were Alfas — which is exemplary considering Alfa Romeo did not import Alfas for 20 years, 1995-2015. The Italian cars were divided into five classes that were awarded trophies. The 35 German cars, from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche, were divided into eight classes. Their vintage range was from a1959 BMW 600 to a 2019 Porsche 718.

Janet Wood, a BCSWF member, received the prestigious President’s Award (i.e., Best in Show) with her 1956 Jaguar XK140.

Other BCCSWF award winners were Ed Major, 1973 Triumph TR6, 2nd in Class Tom Lambert, 1953 MG TD Mark II, 1st in Class Janet Wood, 1956 Jaguar XK140, 1st in Class and the aforementioned President’s Award Bill Newman, 1972 Mini 1275GT, 2nd in Class and Hermann Schaller, 1954 Lagonda 3-Litre Mk1 DHC, 1st in Class.

Congratulations to the winners!

Fifteen members of the BCCSWF gathered Saturday, February 29th, to have breakfast at the Café Restaurant in Cape Coral. (Several members, who drove their British cars, will receive additional points for doing so.)

Participants enjoyed delicious meals, enhanced with impeccable service. Conversation was also lively as several members were anticipating the B.I.G. Show to be held the next day (see accompanying article). Of course, there was some crying in our coffee as members commiserated about the joys of owning a British car. —Cecil Carter

February 11th

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Cecil Carter.

Guests and new members were recognized by the President, including two visitors from New York were recognized. There were no new members present.

It was reported that the minutes of the January meeting are on the club website and in the British Marque. Tom Brewsaugh, Club Treasurer, presented his report, which was accepted as presented.

Events that occurred since the last meeting were discussed. The Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club Show was an overwhelming success. The BCCSWF received the Outstanding Club Participation trophy for having 19 members registered and participating. (The trophy was proudly on display during the meeting.)

The event also received excellent coverage in the local newspaper. Hermann Schaller, Event Chair, thanked members of the club for their participation and support. He also presented Angela Sergeant with the event’s Commodore’s Trophy.

Bill Newman reported about the January 25th Celtic Festival held in downtown Ft. Myers. The weather was perfect for the event, which featured 12 beautiful British cars. Kudos were given to Bill and Mary for promoting the event by appearing at 5:30 a.m. with their two Minis for an early morning television interview.

President Cecil reported on “Cars on Fifth,” held February 8th in Naples. The event attracted approximately 600 cars. Fifteen British cars were among those displayed. Hermann Schaller’s 1954 Lagonda was awarded Best in Show for the British car contingent.

Upcoming events (as of the meeting) were discussed. They included the following:

February 15 — Jaycee Park Charity Show, Cape Coral.

February 16 — Gold Coast British Sports Car Club show, Palm Beach (new date: March 29th).

March 1 — British, Italian, German (BIG) Show, Cape Coral. Event chair Dennis McKinley provided details. President Cecil solicited help with parking.

March 21 — BCCSWF Picnic/Potluck, Alva, Franklin Locks.

March 28 — Classic Car Cruise to Nassau, Nassau, Bahamas.

April 11 — Wheels Across the Pond, Jupiter.

April 17-19 — MG Gathering of the Faithful, Howey-in-the-Hills.

October 28-November 1 — International Jaguar Festival, Ft. Myers (Sanibel Harbor).

The Café Restaurant, Coralwood Mall, Cape Coral, was selected as the site for the monthly breakfast gathering.

Chris Cosden received the traditional BCCSWF birthday wishes. The 50/50 was awarded to Mary Jane Cosden. Cecil is still seeking help with the club website.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned, next meeting March 10th. —Isabel Munoz

March 10th

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Cecil Carter (with assistance from Jeri Schaller, who lent him her eyeglasses!).

Guests Maureen Larkin and Leonard Lewis and new member John Orr were recognized and welcomed by the members.

Minutes of the February meeting will be on the club website and in the British Marque. Cecil had a hardcopy of the minutes available for review. Cecil also stated that minutes would be e-mailed to members in the future.

Tom Brewsaugh, Club Treasurer, presented his report. The report was accepted as presented.

Events that occurred since the last meeting were discussed:

The monthly Saturday morning Breakfast Gathering was held at the Café Restaurant in Cape Coral. Fifteen members were present and enjoyed the activity. The food and the service were excellent. Cecil learned that the owner of the restaurant has an MG. He is now trying to recruit him to the club.

The March Breakfast Gathering will be March 28th at Muscle Car City in Punta Gorda.

Cynthia Mahoney reported on the British, Italian, German (B.I.G.) Show, held March 1st in Cape Coral. There were 111 cars registered, 54 British cars. Several BCCSWF members won awards, including Janet Wood, whose 1956 Jaguar XK140 received the President’s Award for Best in Show. Cynthia received applause from the membership for her work, and that of Dennis McKinley and others, in putting together a great show.

Peter Blackford reported on his attendance at the Amelia Island Concours, March 6-8. As expected, the show was “world class.” Best in Show awards went to a Duesenberg limo and a Porsche 917. A brief discussion ensued about the feasibility of club members going to Amelia to participate in Cars & Coffee sometime in the future. Peter also gave a brief report about his trip to Goodwood in September 2019.

Upcoming events were discussed. They included the following:

March 14 — Lotus Show, Naples Motorsport, Naples.

March 15 — St. Petersburg Grand Prix, St. Petersburg. Cecil and Isabel to represent BCCSWF, compliments of Bill and Mary.

March 21 — BCCSWF Picnic/Potluck, Alva, Franklin Locks.

March 28 — Classic Car Cruise to Nassau, Nassau, Bahamas.

March 29 — Gold Coast British Sports Car Club show, Palm Beach.

April 11 — Wheels Across the Pond, Jupiter.

April 17-19 — MG Gathering of the Faithful, Howey-in-the-Hills.

October 28-November 1 — International Jaguar Festival, Ft. Myers (Sanibel Harbor).

Clayton Rizor, Mary Newman and Marcia Ling received the traditional BCCSWF birthday wishes. The 50/50 was awarded to Mary Newman.

Cecil is still seeking help with the club website. He also reviewed the point system and encouraged members to participate actively. Mary Newman supported active participation especially by submitting brief articles for the Marque.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. —Isabel Munoz

[Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Gold Coast British Sports Car Club show and MG Gathering of the Faithful were cancelled subsequent to our March meeting, and Wheels Across the Pond was moved to October 31st.]

NAPLES, Fla. — Fifteen British cars participated in “Cars-on-Fifth” in Naples, on Saturday, February 8th.

Cars-on-Fifth is one of the premier car events held in Southwest Florida. The event, which is sponsored by the Ferrari Club of Naples, showcases more than 600 cars along Naples’ Fifth Avenue. The British Car Club of Southwest Florida is one of the supporting organizations. Proceeds from the event are donated to St. Matthew’s House, an agency that provides services to indigent individuals in the area.

The day started out with frigid temperatures, but temperatures rose later in the day to make it perfect for displaying the cars. Temperatures were in the mid-70s without a cloud in sight.

The British cars gathered early in the morning in a nearby shopping plaza and at 7:15 a.m. caravanned to Fifth Avenue. By 8:00 all cars were in place.

There was a good mix of British marques that included Aston Martin, Jaguar, MG, Triumph and Lotus. This year a 2020 McLaren, one of the British supercars, joined our delegation.

BCCSWF member Hermann Schaller received one of the Best in Show awards for his beautiful and rare 1954 Lagonda.

By 10:00 a.m. Fifth Avenue was crowded with spectators who appreciated all of the cars, especially the British cars. A local band and a DJ, multiple vendors, and several hospitality hosts added to the festive atmosphere.

In keeping with tradition, at 3:45 p.m. all cars were started and the police-escorted exit parade began. The drivers proudly took their places among the cars and slowly exited Fifth Avenue, enabling all to admire the uniqueness of British cars.

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — On Sunday, January 19th, nineteen members of the British Car Club of Southwest Florida displayed their beautiful British cars at the Land-Yachts Commodore Cup Car Show held at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club in Port Charlotte.

The Yacht Club sponsored the show with support from the Vintage Motor Car Club of America, Southwest Florida Region. BCCSWF member Hermann Schaller chaired the well-organized event.

Approximately ninety-five cars, American and “foreign,” gathered on the pristine grounds of the Yacht Club for viewing by participants and spectators. The day was perfect for the occasion.

British cars ruled the day! The BCCSWF received the trophy for “Best Car Club Participation.” Several BCCSWF members were awarded individual trophies for their efforts. The results were as follows:

MG TD to 1952: 1st, Bob and Susan Engelhart, 1952, 2nd, Rich Olsen, 1952, 3rd, John Sergeant, 1952.

MG Other: 1st, Martha and Tom Lambert, 1953 TD.

Jaguar: 1st, Cecil Carter, 1966 E-type.

Austin-Healey: 1st, Ed O’Neal, 1960 3000 Mk1, 2nd, James Wagner, 1960 Sprite Mk1 (Bugeye).

Triumph Early: 2nd, George Krause, 1956 TR3.

Triumph TR6: 1st, Christopher E. Cosden, 1974 TR6.

Triumph Late: 1st, Dennis McKinley, TR7, 2nd, Dennis Labbe, 1967 TR4A.

Euro Micro Cars: 2nd, Bill and Mary Newman, 1972 Mini 1275GT.

BMW Other: 1st, Jeri Schaller, 2019 230i convertible.

Commodore Cup: Angela Sergeant, 1959 MGA.

Best European in Show: Hermann Schaller, 1954 Lagonda DB 3-Litre DHC.

The British Car Club of Southwest Florida was asked to participate in the Celtic Festival in downtown Fort Myers again this year on January 25th (our 13th year).

The Festival, put on by the City of Ft. Myers, is held on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River and includes Irish and Scottish musical groups, vendors of Celtic goods, food and drink. The City also provides trophies for the favorite cars by decade as selected by the Festival attendees.

This year we had twelve cars in attendance. Mary and I brought our 1972 Mini 1275GT and 2016 MINI Cooper S. Glenn Vrooman had his Jaguar Mark II. Cecil and Isabel Carter also brought a Jaguar Mark II. Clay Rizor had his Jaguar E-type.

Rich Olson, John Shoemaker and Tom Lambert each brought an MG TD. Headley Wilson had his MGB.

Ed O’Neal brought his Big Healey. Paul Brown came with his Triumph Spitfire, and Dennis McKinley brought his TR7.

The weather cooperated perfectly this year with bright sunshine and calm winds. There was a large spectator turnout and the music, food and Guinness were great, as usual.

Decade winners were as follows:

1950s and earlier — John Shoemaker, 1952 MG TD.

1960s — Ed O’Neal, 1960 Austin-Healey 3000 MkI.

1970s — Bill and Mary Newman, 1972 Mini 1275GT.

1980s — Paul Brown, 1980 Triumph Spitfire. —Bill Newman

The meeting of January 14th was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Cecil Carter.

Guests and new members were recognized by the President. The guests were Jean and Jerry Truman of Massachusetts.

Minutes of the November meeting are on the club website and in the British Marque. There were no minutes taken during the December Christmas Party.

Tom Brewsaugh, Club Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report. The report was accepted as presented.

Cecil reported that the club’s Christmas Party was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening. Cecil thanked the planners, Isabel Munoz, Cynthia Mahoney, and Marcia McCartt, for their outstanding efforts. He also presented Marcia with the club “Spirit Award,” which he forgot to do during the Party. Marcia is now the custodian of the Award throughout 2020.

Upcoming events (as of the meeting date) were discussed. They included the following:

January 19 — Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club Show, Charlotte Harbor.

January 25 — Celtic Festival, Ft. Myers.

February 8 — Cars on Fifth, Naples.

February 16 — Gold Coast British Sports Car Club Show, Palm Beach.

March 1 — British, Italian, German (BIG) Show, Cape Coral.

March 21 — BCCSWF Picnic, Alva.

March 28 — Classic Car Cruise to Nassau, Bahamas.

April 11 — Wheels Across the Pond, Jupiter.

April 17-19 — MG Gathering of the Faithful, Howey-in-the-Hills.

Inasmuch as the Celtic Festival would be on the last Saturday of the month, the monthly breakfast gathering was cancelled. It was suggested that members who wanted to have breakfast before the Festival could go to the First Watch restaurant, which is close to the Festival venue.

Three club members received the traditional BCCSWF birthday wishes. The 50/50 was awarded to guest Jerry Truman. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. —Isabel Munoz

[Exec. Ed. note: The Gold Coast British Sports Car Club has rescheduled its February 16th show. It will now be on March 29th, and the location will be Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, Fla. —BV]

FT. MYERS, Fla. — To start the 2019 holiday season, the British Car Club of Southwest Florida held its annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 10th. The venue for the party was the tastefully decorated Crown Plaza Hotel in Ft. Myers.

Forty-seven club members and guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining, entertainment and games. Dinner was preceded with inspiring words from Cynthia Mahoney, followed by our traditional opening of the Christmas crackers. Lorena Vargas, a local recording artist, serenaded the club members with beautiful renditions of several popular Christmas carols throughout the evening. Awards and gifts were the order of the evening.

The award for outstanding participation went to Larry and Marcia McCartt, who amassed the most club participation points during the year. Outgoing Secretary Mary Newman was presented with a special gift in appreciation of her continuous commitment and dedication to the club. Mary Jane Cogsden was the winner of the special President’s two-drink drawing.

All club members received gifts through the drawings. The club Spirit Award, which is presented annually at this event, was overlooked by President Cecil. Perhaps his brain became foggy as the evening wore on. This award would be presented instead at the January 2020 meeting.

Club officers for 2020 were presented. Serving are Cecil Carter, President Ken Taylor, Vice President Tom Brewsaugh, Treasurer and, Isabel Munoz, Secretary.

A special thanks was given to the organizers of the party: Cynthia Mahoney, Marcia McCartt, and Isabel Munoz. The annual Christmas party was a perfect culminating activity for 2019.

ARCADIA, Fla. — Remembrance Day is observed every year on the nearest Sunday of the anniversary of the end of World War I, November 11, 1918. Britons worldwide dedicate this day to the remembrance of their war dead. This year members of the BCCSWF were invited by members of the Royal Air Force temporarily stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., and the British American Club of Englewood, Fla., to participate in the observance.

November 10th was a perfect day to motor to the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Arcadia. One might recognize that this is the site of the club’s annual pilgrimage on Memorial Day to pay tribute to the twenty-three British pilots who died while training during World War II. These pilots were again given their proper recognition.

Twelve club members caravanned to Arcadia in six beautiful and well-prepared British cars. There were no incidents or love bugs to damper enthusiasm. The cars were prominently displayed at the site and well-received by those in attendance.

The impressive ceremony was led by RAF members. The ceremony included several readings, an Act of Remembrance, and the laying of wreaths and roll call. A bugler played “Reveille” and the participants sang “Amazing Grace” with the accompaniment of a bagpiper. After the program, club members stayed around for a few minutes to interact with other guests and to show off the British cars.

Of course, no road trip is complete without a meal. The venue of choice was the Celtic Ray in Punta Gorda, where we enjoyed a satisfying lunch in an authentic Irish pub setting.

The drive home was uneventful, which was gratifying. The first signs of fall in Southwest Florida brought a significant event and perfect driving weather. —Cecil Carter

The meeting was called to order by Cecil Carter at 6:30 p.m. New member Mark Eger was present. He is the owner of a 1953 MG TD. Also present were Jim Wagner, who has 1960 Bugeye, and Ed McMann, who has an MGA 1600 and a TR4A.

Secretary Mary Newman reported that meeting minutes were on the website and in British Marque. She also stated the club is always looking for members to write articles for the Marque.

Treasurer Tom Brewsaugh then gave his report.

Events

The Saturday breakfast at Muscle City Car Museum had 12 people in attendance.

Twelve members also attended the “Welcome Back Pool Party” hosted by Larry and Marcia McCartt and all had a good time. We thank them for hosting the party at their home.

Bill Newman reported on the Safety Harbor show hosted by the Tampa Bay Austin-Healey Club on October 26th. There were about 215 cars in attendance, including Cy Ling and his Jaguar XJS, Dennis McKinley and his TR7, and Chris and Mary Jane Cosden and their MG TD. Aldis Lemesis and his 1962 Jaguar XKE won 2nd place, and Bill and Mary Newman won 2nd place with their 1972 Mini Clubman.

Twelve members attended the Remembrance Service in Arcadia for the fallen British pilots in the Pine Ridge Cemetery in Arcadia. The ceremony was hosted by the Royal Air Force. There was also a flyover by vintage aircraft.

Bill and Mary Newman attended the 60th Mini anniversary celebration in Wytheville, Va. There were over 200 Minis in attendance, and the Newmans’ 1972 Clubman performed very well. The event was put on by Classic Minis United. It was staged over several days and included many spirited runs on roads that were very twisty and mountainous.

Future events (as of the meeting date) included:

November 16 — Luncheon Run with the Gold Coast British Sports Car Club to Joanie’s Blue Crab Café in Ochopee, Fla.

December 10 — BCCSWF Christmas Party at the Crown Plaza, Ft. Myers.

January 20 — Punta Gorda car show.

Officer nominations

Cecil opened the floor for nominations for officers for 2020. They were Cecil Carter, President Ken Taylor, Vice President Tom Brewsaugh, Treasurer and Isabel Munoz, Secretary. A motion was made by Mary Newman to accept the slate of officers and seconded by Hermann Schaller. The motion carried.

The meeting then adjourned. —Mary Newman