Change of date for Waipu classic car show

 

If you happen to miss the Black Swamp cavalcade from Mangawhai in early January, don’t be too concerned as Waipu will again be turning on a memorable car show on Waitangi Weekend, Sunday February 5, at Waipu’s Caledonian Park.

After a show last year that far exceeded their expectations, organisers Waipu Lions have brought the date forward to avoid any log-jam with other Easter activities.

Entry is again free to vehicle owners and if last year is any indication this could be the show of the year with not just a huge range of custom and classic cars but also bikes, army vehicles, an amphibious war vehicle, motorbikes of many vintages and even horse-drawn vehicles, all of which have a tale to tell.

The petrolheads of 50 years ago are now much more sedate in their driving habits but no less enthusiastic about the vehicles they have resurrected literally from the dead having got seized motors turning over again, spent many hours rubbing down and re-painting and restoring upholstery to its original state.

There can be no monetary figure put on the time spent over decades in this refurbishment but in most cases the value in the vehicles would provide a healthy retirement fund. Many owners have become collectors of certain makes or models of car and are only too willing to show them off with unashamed pride.

Organisers Ron and Karen Cave say there has been a tremendous response to the show which is run as a fundraiser to assist a group of Bream Bay College students on a trip to Japan. The students will also be assisting with parking and other duties on the day.

“There will be a number of food stalls including spit roast,” says Karen. “In the music line-up there will be a DJ. New Zealand’s only steel timpani band, The Panimals, will also perform – and we’re working on another surprise act as well.”

As usual there will be opportunity to select the ‘peoples choice’ vehicle but a big vote of thanks goes out to a number of local businesses for their generous sponsorship which allows 15 prize categories.

Good weather has been ordered in advance so make a date for a family outing.

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