Classic-car enthusiasts were out in force last weekend at the Edgar Centre for the annual Hydraulic Services and Repairs Ltd Autospectacular.
On show was a mixture of 35 car and motorcycle clubs along with many individual entries amounting to more than 300 vehicles on display. This years theme for the clubs was Mild to Wild and the production crew from Southern Television – Channel 39 were there to cover the highlights.
There were a few significant anniversaries worthy of special attention including Bentley who clocked up 100 years and had a range of the older models through to the more modern. Often a crowd favourite are the performance cars like the Ferraris and the Lamborghinis and at the other end of the spectrum were the latest from Porsche and the Audi e-tron.
The Mini celebrated 60 years and Mini Club of Otago member Gil Edmunds who owns seven Minis preferred the older cars to the new and thinks they’re marvellous little cars that handle well and are pocket rockets. He also likes the fact he can fit more of them in his garage.
The Ford Capri celebrated 50 years and was derived from the bigger Mustang. Peter Stephenson has owned a 1970 Capri since he was an apprentice and still enjoys driving it so much he bought a second one with top specifications from the GT class.
Rover celebrated 70 years since the launch in of the P4’s in 1949 and there was a display from the first to the last of the beautiful old cars. The Otago Jaguar Drivers Club celebrated 60 years of the MKII which is one of the icon saloon cars of the time which committee member Steve McNelty describes is a family sedan super car performer.
The Packard display was headed up by Tony Deveraux who describes them as wonderful old cars but not for the faint hearted as they are not simple to drive.
A similar feeling among all owners was that they weren’t necessarily interested in the monetary value of the cars but more of them being their pride and joy and more the value of feeling that they give enjoyment. Just to go for a ride and know there has been a lot of work in keeping them going and enjoying the overall experience.
- The Hydraulic Services and Repairs Ltd Autospectacular screened on Southern Television on Sunday 22nd September at 7pm and will be available on-demand at odt.co.nz.
