On October 20, 2024, “Lake Biwa Meeting 2024” was held at “Diamond Shiga” in Tsuchiyama-cho, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. The event, now in its 28th year, was held at the venue for the first time, and 33 British cars gathered under the sunny autumn weather. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the elegant and classic atmosphere, with gorgeous British cars lined up in a location rich in nature.
The main event will be the usual British car exhibition, as well as a talk show and rocker cover car race (RCCR) that fans cannot miss. Furthermore, this year, a new attempt was added, “PC competition”, which was very exciting. A rich program was also prepared, including an autojumble and swap meet, a bingo tournament, and special prizes, and entrants were able to enjoy the venue in their own way.
A banner was hung at the entrance to the venue, displaying a 1970 Vanden Plas Princess 1300 from Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, as well as other rare British cars, including pre-war cars such as the 1935 MG PA and 1938 MG TA. All of the cars lined up had an air of dignity, and many visitors stopped to look at them.
Next to the attractive Cooper S, a swap meet where participants brought in parts became popular. There was also a shop selling British-made electrical parts, which was crowded with enthusiastic collectors.
A 1963 Austin Mini Countryman and a 1973 Vanden Plas Princess 1300 appeared in the talk show, which was conducted in the form of interviews with owners by staff. In particular, Vanden Plas, a participant from Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, attracted attention with its explanation of the ADO16’s trunk hinge. Also on display is the Spartan 1964 Lotus Elan S2 and 1954 MG TF 1500. The history and charm of the car were passionately talked about.
The 1966 Austin Mini Cooper S and the sporty 1964 Jaguar Mk2 competed in the first PC competition. Although the event was held at a leisurely pace, it attracted the attention of visitors and was a great success.
Eleven cars will participate in the RCCR, and a Concours d’Elegance will also be held. The elaborate designs of each car also attracted attention as the homemade race cars raced down the steep slopes.
“Lake Biwa Meeting 2024” ended on a lively note with a group photo. The sound of engines echoing in the naturally rich Shiga area and the colorful British cars. I can’t wait for next year’s event.
