Photos: Vancouver ABFM, Cam Hutchins photographer
Chief Judge John Allen shares a moment with an appropriately dressed ABFM spectator in sartorial splendour, capturing the event’s spirit and charm.
The following 13 Sponsored Awards, judged using a points system, are conducted by ABFM‑appointed judges under the direction of Chief Judge John Allen.
The 2026 Vancouver ABFM Awards ceremony began with a lead-off by Piper Mike Chisholm, suitably dressed in Clan Stewart Tartan. Chisholm is also the Chair of the ScotfestBC Highland Games, which takes place on June 19 & 20, 2026, at Town Centre Park, Coquitlam, BC.
First of the People Awards: YOUNG ENTRANT AWARD for car owners 35 and under, sponsored by Silkcat Automotive Specialists.
Winner: Kate Bennett, Car #062, 1964 Morris Mini
JUDGES COMMENTS: “A father–daughter restoration project that began with a wreck and ended with a fully restored car, giving Kate valuable hands‑on learning alongside her dad.”
Continuing the youthful theme, the Vancouver ABFM, together with Hagerty, is pleased to continue its support of Young Guns Garage, a program that encourages young adults to work together as a team while repairing and restoring classic cars. For this year’s Vancouver ABFM Youth Judging Award, the Young Guns team selected a number of cars on the field to evaluate — and here is the result:
🏆 1975 Triumph TR6 — Owner: Todd Cathcart
Photo: Young Guns team with Todd Cathcart (4th from left) and ABFM presenting sponsoring partner Hagerty representatives (right) Natasha deMellis and David Murphy.
The Top 5‑point score was awarded across all categories: electrical, interior, design, exterior finish, and engine.
The third People’s Award is the Edd Award, presented in memory of long‑time ABFM volunteer Edd Langelier. His son, Adam, (far left) proudly continues his father’s legacy by volunteering at the Vancouver ABFM each year.
The Edd Award recognizes Excellence in Volunteering and outstanding support of the classic car hobby. It may be presented to an individual or to a club and its members. This year, the ABFM paid tribute members of the Austin Healey Owners Club of BC, who celebrate their 51st anniversary in 2026.
Ayreon Fitzgerald (far right) holds the Lewie Award trophy, presented by Vancouver ABFM’s Patrick Stewart (far left), surrounded by family members and Colin’s MG TC.
The fourth sponsored award is the annual Lewie Award, celebrating a person who has contributed significantly to the classic car and automotive industry. This year, it was awarded posthumously to Colin Fitzgerald, accepted by his wife, Ayreon Fitzgerald, in a private ceremony at the event.
Rowan Fletcher accepts the award from Marianne Powley, who was honoured to present it in memory of her father.
The final People’s Award is the Michael J. Powley Motoring Mouth Award, recognizing the spirit of a true British classic car enthusiast. Attending the show since he was a babe in arms, Rowan Fletcher comes from a family of classic car enthusiasts.
Best Original, Unrestored Award recipient Bence McIntyre.
BEST ORIGINAL, UNRESTORED CAR, sponsored appropriately by Moss Motors. Thanks to Marketing Manager, Brandin Aguayo and Tony Lee, General Sales Manager for their support and for all that Moss Motors does for the worldwide collector car movement.
Winner: Bence McIntyre, Car #039, 1987 Reliant Simitar SS1, Roadster. JUDGES COMMENTS: Rare, survivor car in pristine condition with original paint!
Steve Stacey (right) receives the Best Restoration Under $50,000 Award from sponsor, Lotus Vancouver representative.
DEBUTING RESTORATION UNDER $50,000: sponsored by Lotus Vancouver.
Winner: Steve Stacey, Car #368, 1956 MGA.
JUDGES COMMENTS: An exceptionally well‑executed restoration, showcased in flawless, mirror‑finish black paint.
DEBUTING RESTORATION $50-$100,000: sponsored by Hagerty.
Hagerty’s Natasha DeMellis presents the Best Debuting $50-$100,000 in Restoration Costs Award to Kent Worden.
Winner: Kent Worden, Car #155, 1966 Austin Healey 300.
JUDGES COMMENTS: A superb restoration, distinguished by outstanding attention to detail and a commitment to originality.
DEBUTING RESTORATION: MORE THAN $100,000: sponsored by Raymond James, Adam Beaudin-Ball Financial Advisor.
Winner: Rob Maitland, Car #384, 1961 AC Ace Bristol.
ABFM Presenting Sponsor, Raymond James’s representative, Adam Beaudin-Ball, presents the Award to Rob Maitland.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: A truly standout restoration, hailed by the judges as a “national treasure,” with the engine restoration having been entrusted to a renowned specialist engine builder in England.
BEST REMANUFACTURED/REPLICA, sponsored by Big O Tires, General Manager, Michael Kelly
Winner: David Cooper, Car #68, 1973 Jensen Healey Cooper
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: 1973 Jensen‑Healey, individually remanufactured. Having owned the car for 43 years, the owner set out to create something truly different, resulting in a one‑of‑a‑kind interpretation of the classic roadster.
MOST ELEGANT CAR ON THE FIELD, Sponsored by Shell Canada. Thanks to Regional Manager, Andy Per, for the high-mileage Pennzoil sponsorship prizes.
Winner: Car #423, Craig Rowland, 1956 XK140
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: The XK140’s timeless design is elevated by a beautifully executed paint job that showcases the car’s flowing proportions and Jaguar’s unmistakable elegant design of this vehicle.
NEATEST LITTLE CAR AWARD, Sponsored by Western Driver. Winner: Car #55, Wil Dos Santos.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: A presentation that honours the distinctive minimalist engineering of the Australian‑built Leyland Mini Moke, complemented by striking Gulf Oil livery.
BEST MODIFIED AWARD, Sponsored by McLaren Vancouver.
Winner: Car #219, Chris Bennett, 1961 Morris Minor Traveller, Estate
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: Extensive mechanical upgrades, including a 1,275cc engine and disc brakes, while retaining a fully stock body for an authentic presentation.
Joan Stewart, Co-event Organizer, Vancouver ABFM, presents the award to Craig Rowland for garnering the Entrants Choice Overall Award.
ENTRANTS’ CHOICE OVERALL, Sponsored by West Coast Dream Machines
Winner: Car #166, Craig Rowland, 1963 Aston Martin DB5, Coupé, Silver: arguably the most iconic grand tourer of its era, combining refined British engineering with unmistakable style. Chosen by a majority of entrants at the show as the car they would most like to drive home (other than their own).
IN TWO WHEEL CLASS: BEST MOTORCYCLE OVERALL, Sponsored by British Motorcycle Owners Club, Nigel Spaxman, president
Winner: #425, Lyle Whitter, 1955 Ariel Square Four: An exceptionally original survivor, once showcased at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. Its owner is still riding at 80 years young.
LONG-DISTANCE DRIVER AWARD, Sponsored and presented by Hagerty — “Never Stop Driving.” This year’s winner, Anthony Koschinsky (right), travelled 2,016 kilometres from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to the show in his 1969 Triumph TR6. Koschinsky has made the trek to the show for the past several years. The award presented to him by Hagerty representative, David Murphy.
LAND ROVER SPIRIT AWARD: Presented each year by Don MacDonald (left) of Rovalution, renowned Land Rover specialists. This award recognizes the Land Rover that most exemplifies the spirit of the brand—whether uniquely configured, vintage, original, or special‑purpose—and whose character surpasses all others in its class.
Winner: #224, Jerry Staar, 1969 Land Rover Series IIA. Reassembled after 33 years in parts and taken on its maiden drive only the day before the show—a remarkable return to the road.
FIRST FEATURED MARQUE AWARD: JAGUAR XJS. Sponsored by Raymond James Ltd., Adam Beaudin-Ball, Financial Advisor. Awarded to Car #227, Carole Borgens, 1990 Jaguar XJ-SC. Awarded for exemplary fit and finish and for maintaining a remarkable degree of originality throughout.
SECOND FEATURED MARQUE AWARD: ROVER. Sponsored by
Open Road Auto Group, MINI, Rolls-Royce.
Adwarded to Car #280, David R.E. Cooper, 1963 Rover P5 Mk 1A. A distinguished example of Rover’s early P5 series, known for its refined engineering, dignified styling, and quietly authoritative road presence.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who prepared their vehicles and attended the 2026 Vancouver ABFM. Your commitment and enthusiasm are what make this event shine, and we, Patrick and Joan, are sincerely grateful for the time and effort you invested to help make the show a success.
We also extend our sincere thanks and recognition to our sponsors, whose support makes it possible for the show to continue and thrive.