Waipu hosts biggest car show in the north

 

If there is a class of car, then there is a category for it and the chance to be a prize winner in what is now arguably the biggest auto show north of Auckland – the annual Waipu Car and Bike Show. Last year’s display saw more than 600 cars and around 150 bikes sunning themselves on Waipu’s Caledonian Park.

Without seeing them it’s difficult to describe the variety, the history and the magnificence of some of these old girls who have been lovingly restored to much more than their former glory. Proud owners – and they’re not all guys – have put mega-hours and megabucks into their pride and joy and are only too pleased to parade them to the public. 

Such public interest generates a guaranteed future for these often little known models, some still in the throes of restoration and even some which are now obsolete.

And you don’t have to be a dedicated petrolhead to appreciate the grace and beauty of the cars and bikes of yesteryear which, for the younger generation is as much an education as it is a spectacle.

NZ Hot Rod magazine is sponsoring awards for vehicles judged the top 5 of the show. Paul Grace, now a full-time Waipu resident owner and publisher of NZ Hot Rod magazine, now published in Waipu, and at 52 years of age is the country’s longest–running car mag. 

There are sixteen categories, loads of prizes thanks to wonderful sponsorship from local businesses and others within the automobile industry.
The Waipu Car and Bike Show is a no-alcohol event so it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy and are also able to vote for their choice of prizewinners. Add to this a variety of food, drinks, real ice cream and Sunday February 10, Waipu’s Caledonian Park is the place to be. 

Run by Waipu Lions, every cent is donated to the local community and involves the community with entertainment from the Panimals and Bream Bay Kapa Haka Group with the Bream Bay Swimming Club assisting on the day.

Don’t forget your hats and sunscreen.

 Want to take part? Just arrive on the day, no pre-registration. Sixteen categories, loads of prizes and also a major prize package. See advert this page for more details.

Last year saw more than 750 display cars and bikes lined up for viewing. (PHOTO/SUPPLIED)