Report: Classics come out for Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

| 30 May 2018
Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Hundreds of beautiful classics ranging from an early Model T Ford to a recent-vintage McLaren 12c packed the Berry Showground in New South Wales for Australia's National Motoring Heritage Day on Sunday. 

The Australian equivalent of the UK's Drive It Day celebrates all vintage, historic, classic and special interest vehicles, with both individual owners and clubs invited to drive to one of the designated destinations to show off their wheels. 

One of the most popular venues is the Berry Showground in southern NSW, about 100 miles south of Sydney, in which the Shoalhaven Historic Vehicle Club hosts its event.

Clubs including Morris Minor, Mustang and Mercedes were out in large numbers but the many individual rarities made for variety along with trucks, hot rods and barn finds.

This writer’s personal favourite was the perfect black 1953 Buick Skylark (pictured top); scroll down to see some of the other gems on display.

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Stephen Barkwith’s Austin A40 convertible

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1936 Ford V8 Coupe

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Garry and Ronnie King’s 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

McLaren 12c drew many admirers

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1955 Studebaker President Coupe

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Dodge Charger Daytona finished as a recreation of the Buddy Baker NASCAR racer that was the first to top 200mph at Talledaga in March 1970

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1955 Thunderbird

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Matt Allen’s 1976 Chrysler Charger

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1962 Porsche 356B of Steve Drake

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

They don’t get more Aussie than a Ford Falcon 351GT ‘Ute’

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Bill Jansen’s 1941 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) truck

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1954 Vauxhall E Tourer bodied in Australia by Holden, with another behind

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Australian made Bufori was a continuation of the Madsion kit car from the ‘70s. This one even had a matching child’s car on tow

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1949 Packard styling not too dissimilar to today’s budget end ‘blobmobile’ sedans

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Lagonda M45R from 1935 owned by G. Lawrence

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

James Casey’s 1953 Buick Skylark

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Steve and Jane Cooke’s 1951 Holden FX Ute

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Rare 1927 Erskine 6 ( a division of Studebaker only made from 1926 to 1930) Greg and Kerrie Wright

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1915 Willys Overland owned by Ian and Jenny Streatfield

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Vic Nic’s 1926 Vauxhall 30/98, one of two at the event

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1924 Vauxhall OE

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

1971 Buick Riviera owend by Fran and Laurie Koster

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Reg and Francie Schwartz’s rare 1923 Alfa Romeo RL drove in from Engadine, a 140 miles round trip

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Eros Lazzaro’s Mercedes 280SL from 1968 is a regular trophy winner

Report: Australia’s National Motoring Heritage Day

Philip Speer’s 1927 Lancia Lambda