While hundreds of 1932 Fords cruise Victoria streets, another 200 smaller-scale versions will await visitors inside the Hotel Grand Pacific.
Deuce Days in Scale is a model car show the same day that the cars of Northwest Deuce Days – the largest gathering of ’32 Fords in the world – are displayed around Victoria's Inner Harbour on Sunday, July 20.
“It’s pretty much a scale version of what’s happening outside,” said organizer Phil Dauphinee.
Scale Plastic Automotive Modellers of Greater Victoria will offer the fourth iteration of the model show with a $5 fee for model entry for up to five cars, then a buck for the next five and free for unlimited options beyond that. For $10, Dauphinee will showcase 32 of his ’32 Ford models, among about 200 on display to augment the 1,300 life-sized versions expected outside.
“A number of these are actually models of cars that will actually be outside or have been outside at previous Deuce Days shows, and some are replicas of '32 Fords that are considered iconic,” he said.
Some are crafted to mimic those among the 75 most significant '32 Ford-based hot rods chosen by the motor company and experts to celebrate the 75th anniversary in 2007.
“They probably won’t be outside because they’re likely in a museum,” Dauphinee said. His vast collection amassed over a 30-year hobby includes racing cars, customized cars and sports cars.
“It’s creative. I never build models directly from a model kit, I always modify,” he said. “Usually I'm inspired by something I see in a magazine or a book or online."
The model he is currently working on is inspired by a real car that Deuce Days founder Al Clark is building for his daughter – which will be unveiled during the ‘big car’ show.
“I was privileged to see some pictures of it, which inspired me to build the model that is reminiscent of that particular car,” he said.
During the July 19 and 20 Northwest Deuce Days, he’ll also play host to a couple from Perth, Australia travelling around the globe specifically for both shows – big and small.
Because the scale model display is primarily for the public, modellers are encouraged to bring as many as possible, Dauphinee said. To allow more models of a greater variety this year, models representing cars up to 1999 can be entered. The scale show includes 11 classes – Deuces, Hot Rods, Customs, Street Machines, Racing Cars, Factory Stock, Large Scale, Small Scale, Diorama and Other Vehicles. Modellers will vote for their favourite in each class and favourite overall – with awards at the end of the show. There will also be special awards for the Favourite Overall and Spectators’ Favourite.
Deuce Days in Scale runs 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 20 at the Hotel Grand Pacific with entry by donation. Children under 13 enter for free and will receive a car poster to take home to colour.
