“Drive ‘Em, Don’t Hide ‘Em” is the mantra of the British Car Week organization (https://www.britishcarweek.org/) British Car Week is an annual awareness week intended for owners of Classic British Cars to get their cars out of the garage and drive them.
Want to drive your car and need some ideas for places to go? Plan on joining the IFLBCC for our CBCF Pontiac, IL Rally/Cruise-in on June 3rd. Drives, pop-up car show, car collections and more! It doesn’t matter whether your car is in better than new condition, or perhaps it’s a less than perfect unrestored gem, we love them all! As long as it can be safely driven down the road, this is a great opportunity to show off your favorite car and take advantage of what British car motoring is all about. We’re calling all owners of classic British cars to get together with other car owners in the central Illinois area and [gently] kick tires, share stories, answer questions, and have a good time.
Did you know the British Car Week culminates with the IFLBCC sponsored Champagne British Car Festival’s car show on June 4, 2023? (CBCF-Bloomington.com) We’ll be hosting John Twist’s Rolling Tech Sessions during the Sunday car show and best of all, you’ll have the chance to show your car off to the general public who rarely, or in many cases never, have the opportunity to get a real-life, close-up glimpse of these exquisite, entertaining British automobiles of days gone by.
Nigel Keen and John Twist at the 2023 Chicagoland Autojumble in Wheaton, IL
The Chicagoland MG Club again sponsored their popular swap meet and autojumble at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL. The Illinois Flat Land British Car Club (IFLBCC) members have made the pilgrimage north for many years, searching for those rare and parts and accessories to complete their project cars and to promote the club. This year, members departed the central Illinois area around 6:00 am insuring that we would arrive when the doors opened to the public around 8:00. Many notable celebrities in the British car community, like John Twist, author Burt Levy and MGA Guru, Barney Gaylord were present. As a club, our goal was to promote the June 4th, Champagne British Car Festival’s Car Show and weekend activities to all of the Chicagoland car clubs and attract possible vendors. We were able to reconnect with several members of the Austin Healey Club and subsequently agreed to create a co-promotion of their British Car Union car show and our CBCF weekend.
Nigel Keen and David Fitch loaded down with Autojumble bargains!
This year the entire show was packed into a single building which made navigating the stacks, tables and boxes a little challenging but always worth the effort! So many of the vendors are experts in their marque so even if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you’ll certainly learn a few things along the way. Each of the Flatlander’s were looking for a few specific items so as a team we were able to spread out and “bird-dog” for each other. Need a TR3 gauge, a shop manual, some British wiring? If it’s there . . . we’ll find it! After a half-dozen trips up and down the aisles and loaded down with bargains, we packed up the car to head home but not before a stop for some natter and noggin at The Seven Dwarfs.
The final IFLBCC driving event of 2022 featured a Fall drive down some of Central Illinois’ scenic back roads to Haynes on Main, Mackinaw Valley winery PLUS a “Surprise” stop at a private collection of cars, neon, trains, toys and MUCH more!
The 8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” cruise began just west of Bloomington, on October 29, where owners of approximately fifteen British vehicles gathered for the day’s Drivers Meeting. Alan Kleinschmidt was the event organizer and led the Drivers Meeting and the drives throughout the day.
Cruise organizer, Alan Kleinschmidt, holds the Cruise Drivers Meeting
Our first destination was a “Mystery” location until that morning. Alan had arranged for our group to drive to an unidentified location where members were treated to a vast collection of vehicles, man cave memorabilia and a train layout with 1,050 feet of track.=
The owner of the collection had his friend act as the Conductor for the various scaled trains that traveled through many villages and Disney themed vignettes. The layout included 92 buildings, 232 characters, 6 monorails and 2400 miniature lights. This beautiful facility was spacious and allowed out group to leisurely browse the collection or sit and visit.
Leonard Lee and Rudy checking the Web as the Elimons, Judy Bess, Mike Shuck and Carol Brown take a break from touring the beautiful private collection.
A small corner of Dr. Kruger’s vast collection of cars, memorabilia and collectables
The next stop on our adventure was Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch. It was a beautiful Fall Day, so to add to our experience we traveled along Old Peoria Road and a variety of twisty scenic roads.
Haynes is a wonderful smalltown tavern that set aside a private dining area just for our group. Several members that could not make the start of the drive joined us for lunch.
Mike Shuck, Todd Reid, Rudy Mortimer, Gary Brown and Alan Kleinschmidt making the tough decisions on what to have for lunch.
After lunch, the group continued on to Mackinaw Valley Vineyards for a little taste of the grape. The winery features a large variety of wines for tasting as well as an extensive gift shop and beautiful grounds. After selecting our beverages, the group retired to the large deck that overlooks the expanse of grape arbors.
Alan Kleinschmidt and Gary Brown wine tasting at the Mackinaw Valley Winery
Late that afternoon we bid goodbye to our friends and IFLBCC group cruises for 2022. We still had our November and December Natter ‘n Noggin to look forward to and to take a moment to look back on all of the terrific Club activities that 2022 had to offer.
By the time you’re reading this the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club will have begun planning our premier event of 2023, the 3-day Champagne British Car Festival. The featured marque for 2023 will be All MGs. We’re delighted to announce that John Twist will be speaking at the Saturday banquet and hosting his popular “Rolling Tech Session” during the Sunday car show at David Davis Mansion.
WHAT: A Fall drive down some of Central Illinois’ scenic back roads to Haynes on Main, Mackinaw Valley winery PLUS a “Surprise” stop at a private collection of cars, neon, trains, toys and MUCH more!
FOOD AND DRINK: We’ll be visiting Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch. The group will also caravan to the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard for a glass of wine and excellent views from the veranda. Along the way . . . . that MYSTERIOUS private collection that you do NOT want to miss!
WHERE: The cruise will begin forming at the Circle K station, 2302 W Market St, Bloomington, IL 61705, Saturday, October 29th at 10:00 am. We will depart Circle K promptly at 10:15 am. If you can’t make the cruise, please feel free to join us at Haynes on Main for lunch!
After lunch, a group will drive to Mackinaw Valley Vineyards for a little taste of the grape. When leaving the Vineyard, those who want to head back can take Rt 9 to Bloomington. Those who want more adventure, you can follow us back along Old Peoria Road and more scenic roads.
WHEN: October 29th, 2022. Lunch at Haynes on Main, Mackinaw, IL will begin approximately 12:00 PM.
WHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, our “Surprise” private collection stop, lunch and then our final stop at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 33633 State Rt. 9, Mackinaw, IL with a glass of wine and good friends.
RSVP:RSVP is important so that Haynes on Main can get set up for us. If you have any questions or comments about the event please email Alan Kleinschmidt at [email protected] or call Alan at 309.824.6490
WHAT: Join us for the IFLBCC Cruise-in and Picnic at the Sugar Grove Nature Center in Historic Funks Grove! The Sugar Grove Nature Center (SGNC) pavilion and firepit provide the perfect Fall setting for a safe and “socially distanced” gathering.
The pavilion has lots of picnic tables and can be partially sheltered if necessary.
SCNC provided privies are available nearby.
Please bring whatever you would like to eat & drink, along with table service for yourselves.
Weiner roasting sticks will be available for use at the FIRE PIT!
Limited seating on the fire pit ring. (Tip: Bring camping chairs?)
From the SGNC website:
The Grounds, Trails, and Imagination Grove are open daily from dawn until dusk, as are the Picnic Shelter, Corn Crib, and Privies. Imagination Grove will not have nets, containers, or toys available for public use. You may bring your own, but please take them with you, along with any trash or other items that you have brought. We suggest you bring your own hand sanitizer and please practice social distancing.
WHEN: Saturday, October 15th, 2022 from 4:00PM to 7:00PMWHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, an afternoon lunch and some Natter ‘n Noggin around the fire with good friends.
BONUS:BRING THOSE BRITISH CARS!
RSVP: If you think you’re coming, please click GOING on the IFLBCC Halloween Weiner Roast event:
We’ve created a Route 66-themed Poker Chip Run and Pop-up ALL British car show destination to showcase the restaurants and attractions on the Mother Road in our area. Over 40 British cars cruised down old Route 66 on Saturday June 4th, 2022 to our ultimate destination . . .Historic Atlanta, IL.
British Car Week is an annual awareness week intended for owners of Classic British Cars to get their cars out of the garage and drive them. While doing so, all who are involved will help create awareness of the classic British car hobby in local communities wherever there is participation.
Did you know the British Car Week culminates with the Champagne British Car Festival on June 5, 2022? CBCF-Bloomington.com
It doesn’t matter whether your car is in better than new condition, or perhaps it’s a less than perfect unrestored gem, we love them all! As long as it can be safely driven down the road, this is a great opportunity to show off your favorite car and take advantage of what British car motoring is all about.
British car events are always a lot of fun, and a great place to meet others who share the same enthusiasm for our beloved old British transportation of the past.
WHAT: Join us for the final IFLBCC Cruise-in and Picnic at the Sugar Grove Nature Center in Historic Funks Grove! The Sugar Grove Nature Center (SGNC) pavilion and firepit provide the perfect Fall setting for a safe and “socially distanced” gathering.
The pavilion has lots of picnic tables and can be partially sheltered if necessary.
SCNC provided privies are available nearby.
Due to COVID, we will not be providing or sharing food items.
Please bring whatever you would like to eat & drink, along with table service for yourselves.
Weiner roasting sticks will be available for use at the FIRE PIT! (Tip: Bring camping chairs?)
From the SGNC website:
The Grounds, Trails, and Imagination Grove are open daily from dawn until dusk, as are the Picnic Shelter, Corn Crib, and Privies. Imagination Grove will not have nets, containers, or toys available for public use. You may bring your own, but please take them with you, along with any trash or other items that you have brought. We suggest you bring your own hand sanitizer and please practice social distancing.
WHERE:Sugar Grove Nature Center, 4532 N 725 East Road, McLean, IL 61754 – Directions
WHEN: Saturday, October 16th, 2021 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM
WHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, an afternoon lunch and some Natter ‘n Noggin around the fire with good friends.
BONUS: Weather permitting (and interest) a drive is being planned . . . . .so BRING THOSE BRITISH CARS!
RSVP: If you think you’re coming, please click GOING on the IFLBCC Halloween Weiner Roast event: https://fb.me/e/2Rtv3BK2T
We hope you’ll enjoy the complimentary appetizers provided by the IFLBCC. A cash bar with a wide variety of beverage options will be available.
If you’re already registered for Sunday’s show, you may pick up your Welcome Packets at the reception.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to meet fellow British car enthusiasts, hang out and check out each other’s cars! Not registered yet!? Click here . . . http://www.CBCF-Bloomington.com
Champagne British Car Festival Celebrates its 28th year in Central Illinois!
The Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF) had its beginnings as an all-British car show held at a community college in Springfield, IL. It soon relocated to Urbana-Champaign in the spring of 1992. In 2010, the festival moved to Bloomington, IL where the show found its current location at the David Davis Mansion on the City’s near east side.
What’s happening at the Champagne British Car Festival THIS YEAR?
The fun continues Saturday June 1st with a self-guided “rally-style” tour of local car collections and a delicious sit-down banquet at the highly rated Biaggi’s Italian Restaurant.
The Saturday evening banquet features this year’s Honorary Chairman and Guest Speaker, Burt Levy, the “World’s Fastest Novelist”. Burt authored The Last Open Road , a story that transports the reader to the summer of 1952 and incredible characters that leading us on one hilarious adventure after another. http://www.lastopenroad.com/index.html
The weekend culminates on Sunday, June 2nd with the Champagne British Car Show on beautiful Clover Lawn of David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, IL. The David Davis Mansion provides a wonderful backdrop to display over 125 British cars. The festival includes music, vendors, food and beverage options, tables and chairs to enjoy your meal and drinks. The entire grounds will be festooned with colorful Union Jacks and British car manufacturer’s flags.
More than 125 British cars are expected at this popular annual event, organized by members of the Flat Land British Car Club. Along with the usual influx of MGs, Triumphs, and Austin-Healeys, other British marques on display include Jaguar, Bentley, Cobra, Morgan, Lotus, Mini and Rootes.
ALL Lotus cars get the Featured Marque spotlight at the 28th annual Champagne British Car Festival being held June 2nd at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington, IL.
Lotus cars return as the 2019 CBCF Marque of the Year. Lotus Cars is a British automotive company[4] that manufactures sports cars and racing cars in its headquarters in Hethel, United Kingdom. Lotus cars include the Esprit, Elan, Europa, Elise, Exige and Evora . Lotus has had motor racing success with Team Lotus in Formula One. ALL vintage and modern Lotus cars are encouraged to come strut their stuff as the Featured Marque for 2019.
The festival’s car show runs from 9:00 am until the awards ceremony at 2:30 pm on Sunday, June 2. Awards are presented for the top three cars in their individual classes and for the spectator selected “Peoples Choice”. The State Farm Cup is awarded for the car selected as the best among the previous year’s class winners.
As with most car shows, the enthusiasts who volunteer their time and efforts have made the CBCF what it is today. The Champagne British Car Festival has become an annual event for many British car enthusiasts in the Midwest since 1991.
Got A Question About the Champagne British Car Festival?
