Jim and Sandy Sewell had to dig out their 'jumpers' (sweaters) when they visited the Aldergrove Fair Days Car Show Friday evening.

Unseasonably cool weather greeted the Australian couple who had recently arrived in Vancouver along with their 1943 military vehicle.

They are embarking on a trek to Alaska as part of a convoy of vintage military vehicles from Canada and the United States via the Alcan Highway.

It's not the first time their olive green vehicle has been on Canadian soil.

"The truck was made here in 1943," he said, "made and sent to Australia."

The finishing work was done in Australia for the vehicle used for that nation's war efforts more than six decades ago.

The Sewells restored the vehicle around 2008 and took part in a Galipoli trek in the past. Now they will drive up to Fairbanks.

Nearby sits an RCMP cruiser but the flashing lights don't signal a crime. The 2005 car is owned by International Movie Services, an Aldergrove firm that handles props for TV and movies. This particular vehicle is used in the CBC show Arctic Air, which is partially filmed in Aldergrove.

Rain held off Friday evening so that car owners could show off their prize possessions. Vic Mossey brought his black Ford Fairlane Skyliner with its retractable hardtop. He has owned the 1957 auto for 12 years and makes sure it gets plenty of road time.

"We take it all over," he said. He explained that there are retractable top auto clubs that host gatherings around North America.

It helps that he has matching Boler trailers for his Skyliner and the other 1957 Ford Fairlane that he owns.

While many exhibiting at the Aldergrove Fair Days Car show are traditionalists in their restorations and vehicle appearance, Abbotsford's Rob Brown decided he wanted to make something never seen before - a hot rod VW Bug.

He's used the hot rod elements to convert his VW, including suicide doors, tinted windows, an elongated front end and pinstriping in vintage colours (done by an expert). Brown even stitched the interior upholstery.

"It was all about no money," Brown explained about hot rod culture. "You built with what you had."

The project has taken on a life of its own. He has modifed a trailer to transport it, and even created a matching black, red, and white pickup truck to haul it. So far, the Gangsta Bug, as he's dubbed it, has won first place at two auto shows of the six he's attended.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com