Organiser of the Isle of Wight Classic Car Extravaganza, Victor Galluci, has sadly passed away.
A retired actor, Victor was recognised by many for his role in the hit TV series, The Bill, where he played DC Tom Baker. He also starred in The Professionals, Minder, Return of the Pink Panther, The Dirty Dozen, Carry on Henry VIII and was even a Stormtrooper in the Star Wars films.
IW Classic Car Extravaganza
But here on the Isle of Wight, Victor was most well known as the man behind the successful IW Classic Car Extravaganza – seen pictured above with Christopher Jackson at the 2019 show.
The event has been running for 22 years, and saw hundreds of classic cars and bikes descend the Island over two days, with displays in Newport Quay and Ryde Esplanade attracting thousands of people every year.
A wonderful storyteller
News OnTheWight got to know Victor many years ago when he began calling our story tip line with nuggets of information. Although he usually delivered each time in a different voice, we always recognised him. He was keen for us to explore stories that other news sources wouldn’t and was always enjoyable to chat to him about the latest goings on.
Vic’s legacy
Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley, confirmed to News OnTheWight that this year’s event will go ahead as Ryde Town Council (RTC) have committed funding for five years.
Vic’s legacy is clear for all to see as RTC are speaking with others involved in the event’s organisation and Vic’s family to ensure the event goes ahead and renaming it to The Victor Galluci Classic Car Extravaganza in his honour.
Cllr Lilley told News OnTheWight,
“We are absolutely devastated, Victor was very much loved in Ryde.”
Farewell friend, you’ll live on in the memories of thousands of Islanders who have immense gratitude for all that you did.
Classic Car Extravaganza
If you never made it to the show, you can see the breadth of cars and bikes that exhibited in this great short film, shot and edited by Paul Knights.
Article edit
9.15am 15th May 2023 – Comment from ML added, and update on whether event will go ahead
Image: © Christopher Jackson
