British Invasion

Pip-pip, cheerio, and goodness that’s a fine-looking Triumph/Jaguar/Austin-Healey.

That’s the essence of the British Invasion, a celebration of all things British. It was founded in 1990 and has grown into what’s believed to be the largest all-British car show in the U.S.

How big? In 2014, the show featured 660 British motorcars, and more than 800 people attended the Friday night reception organized for people with cars in the show.

This year’s Invasion occurs Sept. 18-20 at the Stowe Events Field off Weeks Hill Road.

Judging covers 61 separate classes, with more 150 awards.

Best of Show in the British Classic last year went to Bob Cushman of Bedford, N.H., for his 1959 AC Bristol Roadster.

The Best of Show in Concours d’Elegance went to Walter Scott of South Londonderry, Vt., for his 1955 Arnolt Bristol Bolide.

Volunteers help with the field layout, parking, registration, regalia sales, admission, judging and the final cleanup.

Friday

The show runs Saturday and Sunday, but things start on Friday for the participants. A caravan of British cars will leave the Events Field Friday for a driving tour through the Vermont hills — on paved roads only. Then comes a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. for people who have entered cars in the show, plus vendors.

On Friday night, Stowe’s Main Street will be shut down from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. so British motorcars can be parked along the thoroughfare. People can admire them while listening to live music, eating and drinking, or visiting shops and restaurants.

Saturday-Sunday

Cars will be parked at the Events Field for public admiration and for official judging.

The British Pub will be open both days, serving English ales, wine and mixed drinks.

A 70-minute drive through Smugglers’ Notch will leave from the Stowe High School parking lot Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and end at the Events Field.

A tailgate picnic competition on Sunday is a battle over tastiness and elegance. Awards will be given for most elegant, most creative, most british, best costume, best tasting, and most humorous.

A British Marketplace and Auto Jumble will be open both days of the show, selling British and British-like products and services. Up for sale will be everything from hard-to-find spare parts to motoring teddy bears, British candy and Barbour jackets.

The British Car Corral will be open both days of the show, offering opportunities to buy or sell a British motorcar or motorcycle.

On Sunday, people attending the show can vote for their favorite British classics according to the vehicles’ color — red, white, blue, British racing green, black or two-tone.