New cars, old cars, loud cars and two-wheelers were all on show at the 25th annual Antique Car show and Steakout at Arawak Cay.
The show is collaboration between the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas and the Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach. Funds from the show go towards two scholarships at CoB and to the Ranfurly Home for Children. Volunteers raise money selling lunch tickets and soliciting donations from the general public.
The Antique Auto started as a result of a fund-raising project of The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach, an Antique Car Show proposed by Don Aranha, Kiwanis President at the time, that was held at R. M. Bailey Park in August of 1986.
Kiwanians searched the island for owners of vintage vehicles and about a dozen cars made the show. Aranha, Charles Johnson (both Kiwanians) and Murray Forde (a Rotarian) began talking about forming a vintage club.
The club was formed and it was decided that:
1. The definition of “Antique” would be “1969 or Older”. This definition was changed two years later to “20 years or older” and remains.
2. “Special Interest” vehicle is one of low or custom production
In November, 1987, the club adopted a logo designed by Dwight Aranha (Don’s brother). By that time, membership had increased to nine.
The Club’s First Antique Car Show was held in Feb, 1988 at Tyreflex on Wulff Rd with a $1 admission fee.
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The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach and the Rotary Club of East Nassau helped. Over 1,000 people attended and the net profit was $1,317, most of which was donated to the two Service Clubs.
An Antique Car Show has been held annually ever since and for the past few years they have been held at Arawak Cay, which has proven to be a very good location.
The Club also holds a monthly “Fun Run” (like a Cruise Night, but on a Sunday afternoon) driving various routes around the island, concluding at either one of the member’s homes or a local restaurant for refreshments and fellowship.
Membership has grown steadily over the years and presently stands at 53, including two honorary members; Tim Aylen, who serves as the Club's Webmaster and Ricky Capron, who has served as Senior Judge for the Club's annual shows for several years. The Club meets at the Green Parrot Restaurant on East Bay Street, Nassau on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. back to top.
Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas
For a link to the music from the video click here
