Bill Lemon, a hot rodder from the Vancouver area, will be honored at the annual induction ceremony hosted by the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society. The event, taking place at Shannon Hall in the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, will recognize Lemon, along with eight other inductees, for their contributions to motorsport.
Bill’s passion for modified cars began at a young age when he would explore the lanes of south Vancouver on his bicycle, looking for fellow hot rod enthusiasts. Over time, he accumulated a collection of old Fords that he would modify with high-performance engines. Even after moving to New Zealand and starting a family, Lemon’s love for hot rods remained strong. In 1979, when he and his wife decided to return to Vancouver, they purchased a 1956 Chevrolet Nomad in Los Angeles, which they customized with a powerful engine and a black paint job.
In 1987, Lemon brought his 1946 Mercury woody station wagon to Vancouver from New Zealand, rebuilding it in just eight weeks to attend a street rod event. This car, which had previously belonged to the governor general of New Zealand, will also be showcased at the induction ceremony.
Lemon’s signature car, a traditional 1932 Ford roadster, will also be on display. This hot rod reflects the style of the 1950s, with its fenders removed, a race-ready Ford flathead engine, and a floor shift transmission.
The Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society, established in 2001, has honored over 300 individuals who have made significant contributions to various aspects of motorsport, including hot rod and custom car building, sports car racing, motorcycle racing, and boat racing. Alongside Lemon, nine other motorsport pioneers will be inducted this year, spanning a range of disciplines such as collector and restoration, road racing, drag boat racing, motorcycle racing, and oval track racing.
The induction ceremony provides a unique opportunity for motorsport enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the rich motorsport history of the area. Society vice president and historian Brian Pratt emphasizes the importance of recognizing these pioneers and preserving their contributions to motorsport throughout the decades. Ken Bayko, president of the Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society, echoes Pratt’s sentiment, highlighting the event’s role in bringing together fans and their heroes while fostering a sense of community.
Attendees of the ceremony can purchase a program featuring photos and stories of the inductees. Additionally, a classic yearbook edition showcasing pioneers inducted over the past decade will be available. The ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Shannon Hall, Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey.
Alyn Edwards, a partner in a Vancouver-based public relations company and a classic car enthusiast, authored this article. Edwards has a deep love for cars, which has persisted throughout his career as a journalist and communications consultant. He is known for his restoration work on classic cars and his dedication to sharing stories of individuals who treasure their special vehicles.
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