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Car rally on this weekend

Perhaps the only thing in common between Westminster in London, England and New Westminster is a name. But on Nov.

Perhaps the only thing in common between Westminster in London, England and New Westminster is a name.

But on Nov. 6, the Old English Car Club wants to evoke memories of England and the old London to Brighton Veteran Car Run with a two-hour ride from Confederation Park in North Burnaby to White Rock.

The event commemorates the 1896 Motor Car Tour to Brighton by using a route of similar distance - 90 to 100 kilometres.

One Burnaby resident looking forward to the ride is John Clarke, who has many different English cars in various states of repair to go with several American cars.

Clarke, who formerly taught tech ed at Burnaby high schools, said working with old cars is his way of relaxing.

"I've been retired 12 years now, and now I get to engage in all the things I've always wanted to do. - I love working on old cars, and I do all the restoration work myself."

Clarke's fleet includes three MG-As, two MG-Bs, a 1969 E-Type Jaguar and a 1961 Mark 9 Jaguar that he's currently restoring.

Clarke has yet to decide which one he'll have on the road on Sunday, Nov. 6, but whichever one it is will be his favourite - for the day.

"I love all my cars," he said. "My favourite one is the one I'm driving at the time."

The car run starts at 8 a.m. and after the cars arrive in White Rock, there will be a special day planned, with music and activities for all participants to enjoy.

For more information, contact Steve Diggins at 604-294-6031 or Steve McVittie at 604-538-2277 or email celtict@telus.net.

For more on this story and more photos, see www.burnabynow.com.