WONTHAGGI Power roared to life on Sunday as trucks, motorbikes and cars from the early 1920s right through to modern engines wheeled into place.
With car numbers near to equal to last year, foot traffic was near on double with the swap meet also seeing a significant improvement in the number of stalls on previous years.
As for the raffle, it was the biggest ever according to organiser Kris, which he noted came down to the kids running around selling raffle tickets.
“A (first time car attendee) said it was one of the best shows he had been too, especially due to the mix of cars,” Kris explained.
“It’s been a great smooth event with lots of happy people and smiles,” AutoPro co-owner Gavin concurred.
“We’d like to say a very special thank you to all the junior club volunteers – parents and children – who came along today and helped out. It was fantastic!” Kris said.
The top prize of the day, the President’s Choice Best Overall, went to Adrian’s 1973 Nissan 240Z.
Finished in November 2023, Adrian of Nar Nar Goon explained he had built the beauty from a $250 shell over eight years with a GDR Skyline engine and drive train.
Amongst the other winners of the day were ‘Marilyn’ – Leigh Smith’s red Aussie built 1968 Chev Impala (Best Tuff Street).
“I’ve had her for six years,” Leigh explained, noting that the previous owner was a kid in a lolly shop each time they reunited with each other.
Best Vintage (pre-1950) went to Leongatha’s Jessie and Tim with their 1926 Bayliss Thomas, whilst Cowes’ David and Kelly secured the Best Engine Bay with their 454 big block inside the 1968 Holden HK Monaro.
Built over 15 months with the engine finished in 12, the fully engineered car was spec’d by Kelly and built by David with the pair noting they’d kept the interior appearance as original as possible even if a few mod cons behind the dash had been added.
Shane Bolding’s 1987 Series II Calais Turbo won Best Original in show.
Fellow local Brendan Benetti’s 1941 Indian 741 v-twin three speed took out Best Bike.
A hobby, Brendan explained the bike has been built from a set of engine cases with all the work done over the 10 years he has owned the bike.
