Driveway Team Warms to the Hagerty Spring Thaw Event

by Nigel Matthews on Thursday, March 27th, 2014

I spend the entire year driving new cars so this seemed like a fun way to spend some fun time in a classic.” – Keith Morgan

The Hagerty Spring Thaw is a budget-minded driving adventure through British Columbia for pre-1979 touring and sportscars.

And that was all cost conscious Driveway editor Keith Morgan needed to know to take part in this un-scored, non-competitive event, which takes place next month entirely within the province of British Columbia.

“I spend the entire year driving new cars so this seemed like a fun way to spend some fun time in a classic,” Morgan explained.

“My old friend George Holt, from Gabriola Island, has a rather fine 1954 Jaguar XK120 roadster so I’m going to ‘nagivate’ for him. Yes, knowing George I will be doing more ‘nag’ than ‘nav’!”

The drive starts on Friday, April 25, in Squamish and finishes in Hope, on Sunday, April 27. To ensure an “adventure”, the route will remain secret until competitors receive their entry packages at registration.

Way-finding instructions will be detailed and clear, and will not require any calculations or rally knowledge.  The event consists of 100 percent paved roads, with some mountainous terrain, and driving is scheduled during daylight hours. Car wash facilities are available at each overnight stop.

The Morgan and Holt Driveway team will photograph the event and their journey along the spectacular 1,200km route over three days. The account of their adventure will appear in Driveway and online at drivewaybc.ca in early May.

Squamish Classic Car Adventures and the West Coast Rally Association organize the Spring Thaw and follow the BC Rally Regulations.

The event is open to sport, touring and classic cars from 1979 and earlier. The organizers say that if people believe they have a unique car that fits, but doesn’t meet the age category they should make contact, regardless.

Entry information can be found Online.

Nigel Matthews is the director of sales and marketing for Hagerty Insurance Canada.

E-mail him at: nmatthews [at] hagerty [dot] com