March 23-24

British Auto Roundup

 by Jim Predmore Treasurer,

Mini Owners of America San Francisco

Spring is here and it is finally time for car events. One of the first events of the 2024 Season was the Clovis British Auto Roundup. Hosted by the Valley British Auto Club in Clovis, CA, this two-day event is one of the premier British car shows on the West Coast. The event features a Saturday morning drive through the Sierra Nevada Foothills and a Sunday car show on the streets of historic downtown Clovis.

This year, seven MOASF members motored to the show from different parts of the Bay Area and Central Valley. Pat Kaye in his ’72 Austin Clubman and Mike Singer with his ’69 Morris Mini Mascot had already clocked about an hour's drive on Saturday before we all met in Dublin, CA. 

We were then off for the 160+ mile run to Clovis. Pat set up a quick stop along the way at Robert and Susan Milner's farm in Manteca. Robert is a longtime friend of Pat's and a recent MOASF member. We had a great time touring several outbuildings with plenty of unique classic cars including their beautiful MGB GT with an alloy V8 engine. The surprise of the day was Robert's most recent project. He's in the early stages of restoring a 1962 Austin Super. The car has a great history and I'm sure you will hear more about this Mini in future issues. 

Meanwhile, Andy Biddle (South Bay) and Dr Bill Wilson (Central Valley) were already near the Saturday rally/drive start in Clovis when Andy's Mini (Dinky68) developed problems. Some quick thinking (or panic) led them to Dr Bill's house to jump in his beautifully restored MGB and run the rally in reverse to catch up with all the British cars on the run.

 Pat and Mike stayed at a downtown Clovis hotel across the street from the Sunday morning car show while Andy and I enjoyed the overnight hospitality at Dr. Bill and Viki's wonderful home in nearby Fresno. Andy and Bill even had some spare time to get Bill's race car sorted and running again! I believe Andy's expertise comes from having seen every problem a Mini could possibly have :)

Mother nature did not cooperate over most of the weekend, and Sunday's car show had its moments between beautiful rainbows and times of heavy rain that sent us all running for cover. The streets were lined with some wonderful and amazing British marques. The club president, Jon Brothers, and his team did a great job putting this annual event together. The Charity Show benefits the Local Veterans and is a boost to downtown Clovis, which also holds the annual antique show on the same day. Jon was showing his 1970 Austin Cooper S (famously known as the Qvale Mini). Martin Connelly (VBAC and MOASF Member) has recently sold his beautiful '72 Austin Mini Van and is looking for a new project. I counted seven classic minis at the show and coincidentally four of them had the original hydrolastic suspension.

The MOASF gang spent the day enjoying the cars, roaming through the street vendors, and ducking into a lunch spot during one of the heavy rain spells. I don't think any weather can stop British car fans from having fun, and this day was no different. The charity raffle had some really nice raffle items, including a $2000 motorized scooter. Some of us donated lots of money trying to win that scooter or a free weekend at the track.

This year's event marque was MG, celebrating 100 years. There were seven different awards presented. From the President’s award to best restored/unrestored, and others. Our MOASF members Robert and Susan Milner won the Best of Show Participants Choice for their beautifully restored 1967 MGB GT. I can't wait to see what Robert does with his Austin Super project! 

After many more stories, and thanks to all for a wonderful weekend, the MOASF members all left for home with great memories. Some as close as 10 miles, others as far as 200+ miles, we all left to brave some rain again after our first fun 2024 event. I hope to see you all there next year!