Published: October 01. 2009 2:00AM

By Dan Byers
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In today's chaotic world, it takes a lot to be noticed. Even though we're bombarded with sights and images by the thousands, our eyes long for the moment when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, when the forgettable becomes a memory. By nature, we see the memorable but are blind to the mundane.

For automotive enthusiasts, this trait is especially noticeable when driving. We barely see the endless sea of cars parading through traffic until something appears that is both familiar and unique at the same time. And for many enthusiasts, few things catch the eye like a European car. Fortunately for car lovers, this month's Euro Auto Festival offers a chance to see 500 cars that stand out from the crowd.

The Euro Auto Festival is one of the largest European auto shows in the Southeast. Now in its 14th year, the Euro Auto Festival is held on the grounds of the BMW Zentrum and will feature 500 cars representing 24 different European automotive manufactures.

“The Euro Auto Festival is a rare opportunity to see classic, vintage and modern examples of the most beloved European marques”, said Barry Harms, the festival's Director of Car Show and Awards. “The festival attracts European car owners and enthusiasts from all over the country, with registrants coming from as far away as Canada and California.”

“Participants at the festival enjoy the car show, vendor exhibits and a road rally,” Harms said. “They can also sign up for an autocross and have an opportunity to try high performance driving at BMW's Performance Center.”

But you don't have to register in advance to enjoy the festival. Many participants register the day of the show. Others come to see the cars and enjoy the festival's European atmosphere, Harms said.

Scott Caufield stumbled on the festival four years ago, and has been hooked ever since. An avid Volkswagen owner and enthusiast, Scott now volunteers to coordinate the forty VWs expected to attend. “The variety of cars is simply amazing,” Caufield said. “You'll see everything from Morgans to Minis, from brand new European sports cars to classics, such as a vintage 1911 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.”

“The Euro isn't just a car show,” added Caufield. “Obviously, the cars are the main draw, but there are wonderful characters to meet, too. Everyone feels welcome here. It's a wonderful event and the Zentrum is a great location.”

One of the characters you're likely to encounter is Eddie Saunders. Originally from South Africa, Saunders moved to Greenville in 1978. “Moving to Greenville was a golden opportunity,” said Saunders, a retired automotive engineer. Saunders love for cars followed him to the U.S., and continues to be a driving force in his life. Today, you'll find Saunders working on everything from his 1963 Jaguar Mark II, 1958 XK150, or 1958 MGA to high performance racecars.

Saunders was member of the Foothills British Car Club (FBCC) when the idea for the inaugural Euro Auto Festival was hatched.

“While driving past the BMW Zentrum one afternoon, two of our members realized it would be a great place for a car show,” said Saunders. BMW agreed, and the Euro Auto Festival was born. “We had 120 cars that first year. The show grew by leaps and bounds, and within four years the festival was consuming more resources than the FBCC had, so BMW agreed to underwrite the event. From the beginning, proceeds from the event and sale of Euro Auto Fest merchandise went to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Last year, the festival raised more than $40,000.”

“The Festival is like no other,” Saunders said. “We've had everything from a British Light Armored Vehicle to classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL gull wing coupes.”

The show is one of the few places you can see every make of European car at the same place, Saunders said. And even though you'll see beautifully restored cars, the show isn't intended to be a concours d'elegence.

“The festival is more accessible”, Saunders said. “Here, you'll see original cars, daily drivers, and one-of-a-kind cars like the original three-wheeled Morgans.”

To catch a glimpse of some of best, most distinctive cars ever made, make plans to attend the Euro Auto Festival at the BMW Zentrum. The show offers great cars, great food, and great fun, and will be held on October 17. For registration and other information, go to http://www.euroautofestival.com/.

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