More than 100 classic cars packed the grounds of the Australian Motorlife Museum this week to celebrate the region’s annual Motoring Expo. Dozens of cars and bikes from across the country made the trip to Kemble Grange, New South Wales in support of the event, including a hand-built Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica and a stunning selection of American muscle courtesy of the Mustang Club.
Local celebrity Warren Brown, presented of the Australian version of Top Gear, was on hand throughout the day offering guided tours of the museum’s exhibits, while the collection’s Sydney-built 1904 Innes gave visitors the chance to ride around the grounds in style.
The oldest car driven by a member of the public belonged to Murray Alcock, who’s 1912 Ford Model T made it’s first post-restoration journey from Gerringong on the south coast only to suffer a tyre blowout while parked.
Meanwhile, Reg Schwarze’s 1923 Alfa Romeo R1 scooped the Best Continental Award following its 60km trek from south of Sydney, while the Best Thirties Award was given to Ross Cooper and his immaculate 1938 Ford V8 Coupe.
A 1959 DeSoto Firedome picked up the Best American Award, with Bob Dunk’s Bristol 403 topping the Best British class.
Ray Tubman’s 1949 Triumph Roadster was judged Best 1940s Car after arriving at the event with four occupants and its Dickey seat in use.
Other winners included Dean Harris’ 1975 Triumph Trident motorcycle, Frank Tropea’s unrestored 1965 Holden EH and Colin Cavanagh’s Enigma XK D-type replica.
The People’s Choice Award was won by Andrew Demoto and his 1972 Holden Torana XU-1.
