Australian classic enthusiasts are known for their love of a good show, and at no time was that more in evidence than their National Motoring Heritage Day on 18 May. Our man Down Under, Chris Martin, was there.
The National Motoring Heritage Day is the Australian equivalent of Drive It Day in Britain; it is a hugely popular occasion and a great excuse to get vintage, veteran and classic vehicles out on the road. Various locations are designated as destinations including the showground at Berry, NSW.
Though some local clubs give out trophies, the event is rarely competitive. The main attraction is the depth and breadth of classics on show.
Only in Australia would you find a Bentley ‘Ute’ or a rare Bolwell GT alongside all variants of Holdens from the 1940s and '50s; these included a 1956 FJ Ute and a ’59 FC Sedan that has been in the same family from new.
Australia’s GM brand was also represented by a 1988 VL Commodore, which was raced in period by Larry Perkins and Denny Hulme.
Other old racers present were Steen Pederson’s 1927 Salmson, which still competes in historic events, the 1958 Lasol Holden Special and the 1962 Bridge Peugeot single-seater.
There were impressive displays from Morgan, Jaguar, Bentley and Mustang clubs, a lone Standard Vanguard between a pair of Triumphs, plus Cobra and GT40 replicas.
