Monday, January 9, 2012

Australia: Vintage cars stand the test of time - and weather

From the Standard: Vintage cars stand the test of time - and weather
THE south-west welcomed motoring enthusiasts yesterday at the Warrnambool and District Historical Vehicle Club’s display and Port Fairy’s 30th annual show’n’shine.

One hundred years of Chevrolet were dampened by wet weather at the Warrnambool club’s Lake Pertobe display.

But keen Chevy fans ignored the wind and rain to celebrate the car brand’s birthday at the annual event.

More than 100 cars, motorbikes and stationary engines, including Bristols, Austins, Holdens and Citroens, were also entered.

Club publicity officer Bill Poynton said people had visited the display in bursts despite the disappointing weather.

“The inclement weather had us running for shelter for a little while,” he told The Standard.

Club members had been looking forward to celebrating the Chevrolet brand at the annual display, saying it was remarkable it had survived so long.

“Chev owners have responded very well,” Mr Poynton said.

“There are a lot of pre-World War II Chevs and of course a lot of later Chevs. There are also several Corvettes.”

Mr Poynton said vehicle club members and Chev owners made up the bulk of entries but there were also enthusiasts from Ballarat, Colac, Portland and Hamilton.

A range of unique vehicles from the 1950s to the 1980s proved popular among visitors to the display.

“There’s a Blitz truck ... (with) living quarters at the back that is attracting a bit of interest,” Mr Poynton said.

“There is a Maserati and a Hupmobile. We have a 1924 fire engine doing pumping demonstrations every hour.”

About 500 classic street cars and hot rods were on display at Port Fairy’s Southcombe Park for the annual show’n’shine.

Entrants enjoyed a lunch at Koroit’s Victoria Park before returning to Southcombe Park for a rock ’n’ roll concert.

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