The Lewes British Motorcar Show “The British are Coming…Again!” will welcome a wide array of classic British vehicles to Lewes on Saturday, May 4. The Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the British Car Club of Delaware are co-sponsors of the show. It will be held at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with no spectator entry after 2 p.m. The show is supported by Southern Delaware Tourism.
Twenty-nine years ago, Car Show chairman Mike Tyler and the British Car Club of Delaware originated the concept of staging a British Motorcar Show in the spring to attract visitors to Lewes before the summer season goes into full swing. This year’s event committee has announced that the 2024 show will recognize Lotus as its featured marque.
Lotus Engineering was founded in 1952 and its racing branch, Team Lotus was established in 1958, competing in Formula One racing from 1958-1994. Initially, Lotus sold cars to be used as private racers and had a notable racing history in Formula One. Lotus was the first marque to win 50 Gran Prix victories. The Lotus road car model names all begin with “E:” Elise, Elan, Eclat, Esprit, etc.
Two years ago the show introduced a new class of vehicles – Future Classics. The Future Classics category is comprised of models, year 2001 to the present. In past years, only British-made classic vehicles, produced from model year 2000 and older were displayed. Both future and older classic vehicles are eligible to register for the show. Due to space limitations, only 120 cars can be displayed, so registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Registrations will open online on February 15 through Eventbrite. After capacity registrations are reached, a wait list will be created. Last year registrations filled in 19 days. According to Betsy Reamer, executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, “The popularity of this show has continued to grow over the years and the show’s venue at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal in Lewes allows for staging 120 vehicles with the backdrop of the beautiful Delaware Bay.” Amenities at the terminal include food and beverage service at the Lewes Coffee Company and Grain on the Rocks and public restrooms.
One of the many attractions to attending this show, both as a car entrant and as a spectator, is the show’s proximity to the historic business district with its shopping (Spring Sidewalk Sale bargains!), museums and restaurants.
Four judges will be selecting the winners in each of 11 classes. There will be first, second and third place award plaques for all 11 classes as well as a Best in Show plaque award. The judges are Lewes Chamber of Commerce Board Past President Nikky Fisher, Lewes Mayor Andrew Williams, WRDE News Anchor Charlie Sokaitis and British Car Club of Delaware member Charlie O’Donnell. Dana Mason, another Car Club member, will be coordinating the judging.
The British Motorcar Show concludes at 3 p.m. with the Winners’ Circle Parade from the ferry terminal, across the drawbridge and then down Second Street. The cars will momentarily stop at Bank Street Plaza where Car Show founder Mike Tyler will be announcing the winners and the winners will be given their awards by Mayor Andrew Williams. Show admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and older (under 12 are free).
The British Motorcar Show is scheduled the same weekend as the Spring Merchants’ Sidewalk Sale in the Historic Lewes Commercial District. Their three-day sale begins Friday and ends Sunday, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are other events sponsored by Lewes Chamber members taking place on May 4 including: the Historic Lewes Farmers Market in George H.P. Smith Park from 8 a.m. to Noon; the Peninsula Gallery’s “Larger than Life” art exhibit opens; Cape Artists of Lewes Gallery’s sidewalk art exhibit from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding’s Kentucky Derby Day Watch Party from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.; and Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ Water Family Fest and Native Plant sale. Details about all these
events and others taking place the weekend of May 4 are on the Lewes Chamber of Commerce website’s calendar of events – www.LewesChamber.com.
For more information, call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073.
Lewes Terminal of Cape May-Lewes Ferry
43 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958