All British Autojumble Delivers Pounds of Fun

There's just something about British automobiles.

They have style, character, and many look like they can fit in your back pocket.

Hundreds of the likable vehicles lined Main Street on Saturday, bringing smiles to the faces of the organizers as well as the patrons of the 26th annual All British Field Meet and Autojumble, hosted by the Tampa Bay Austin Healey Club.

"We have more than two hundred beautiful and rare cars here," TBAHC spokesperson Warren Maxon said. "We're fortunate to have great weather, and everybody has benefited from this event."

Indeed proceeds from the event, which is the largest of its kind in Florida according to Maxon, will go towards the Special Olympics of Pinellas County.

"It's good for the community, because it brings spectators in from everywhere, and it brings a buzz to the city," Mayor Andy Steingold, who presented the Mayor's Choice award, said.

People came from all over the Tampa Bay area and the entire state of Florida either to participate in the show or just to enjoy the scene.

Patrons were treated to a concert by Beatles cover band the Nowhere Band, they got to choose winners of the many category awards, buy British paraphernalia and even got their pictures taken with an Austin Powers lookalike.

But the cars and the venue were the real draw for most people.

"You have everything from Minis to Rolls Royce's and everything in between," Richard Tew of Palm Harbor said. "It's fun."

"I come to Safety Harbor because this is a lovely venue," South Tampa's Larry Vickman, who's 1978 Aston Martin won a Best in Class trophy, said. "It's a friendly, easy event, and the people are so nice. I love it."

City officials were pleased with the turnout as well.

"We've got a great turnout, with a lot of people from out of town," Vice Mayor Joe Ayoub said. "It's fortunate we have this event in Safety Harbor."

"It's a win for the Tampa Bay Austin Healey Club, a win for the Special Olympics of Pinellas County, and a win for the people of Safety Harbor," Mayor Steingold pointed out. "So it's a win-win all the way around." 

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