byAllan & Leah Caple

On Saturday 24 November we organised a car show as a fundraiser for the Otamatea Christian School in Maungaturoto. This was the first time an event like this had been organised by me, supported by parents and church families associated with the school.

The day started off a little overcast but soon developed into a very warm enjoyable day. The school PTA provided the food and drink. Various automotive related businesses provided sponsorship in the form of prizes and financial support, and two motor vehicle dealers brought new vehicles to display.

The event raised just over $1500 to support the children with materials and educational aids. Sixty vehicles were registered on the day and there was quite a variety from a 1928 Chevrolet tourer to a group of Mustangs to an Ariel Atom. Leyland's were represented by Don and Elva Sutherland's Corinthian Blue Super, Fred and Rosalie Maunder's Pimento Super and Leah and my Grey/ Blue Deluxe. All the cars were V8s. We were hoping for a contingent from Auckland but, alas, that was not to be.

Voting was done by ‘People's Choice‘. Top car was a very nice Ford GT40 replica; top bike went to a Honda and the best truck to an immaculately presented '70s Ford F100. Promoter's choice went to a tidy Mk3 Zodiac owned by a local guy. (Bribery by the local Ford dealer?)

Two of the more unique vehicles displayed were an electric road going scooter and a brand new 4 cylinder Falcon (yes you read that right). What is this world coming to?

An additional feature was the visit by the White Ribbon riders. Half the Northland contingent came into the show about mid-morning (approximately 70 bikes) while the remainder waited on the road. White Ribbon supports the ﬁght against violence against women.

In any case, feedback has been very positive and almost everyone wants to come again.

Naturally there are areas that will need attention to make the show better. We have decided to take up the challenge and make this show an annual event to be held at the end of November.

Thank you to all who supported us.

A sprinkling of the eye watering offerings on show at this event. Check out the backgrounds in the photos as well as the main event!

The Aerial Atom, an amazing car featured on Top Gear, One also appeared at British Car Day in Upper Hutt.

It's teasing those American muscle cars! Ford GT 40, another Top Gear car being watched by Camaro, Pontiac, Bel Air’ s. and Thunderbird. Sense a theme here?

The cream of the show! Leyland P76's from Fred, Don and Alan.