Rod Run display gets locals revved up

WORDS & PHOTOS BY JULIA WADE


 

Over 170 classic automobiles and hot rods including Ford Roadsters, Model Ts’ Mustangs, Holden Camaros, Chevy coupes and Minis, some dating back to the 1920’s, as well as rally and speedway cars, lined up for the public at Mangawhai Domain on January 4, for the 14th annual Black Swamp Rod Run.

The large convoy then set off for a 90 minute round-trip cruise to Waipu via Cove Road, before returning to a private Black Swamp residence for an afternoon of music, feasting, swimming and to generally ‘talk cars’.

Initiated and managed by a local hot rod enthusiast family, coordinator Sandra Brunt says both car admirers and Rod Run participants appeared to have a good day.

“What was really great was the support of locals along the route, they gathered outside their homes, sitting on grass kerbs, chairs and under sun umbrellas waiting for the cars to come by,” she says. “We also raised $577.50 for Otamatea High School with people coming to see the show and donating a gold coin.”

From humble beginnings of just 13 vehicles on the maiden 2007 Rod Run, the non-profit event remains a family affair Sandra says with the crew consisting of brothers, cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles all pitching in, including nephew and V8 racer Brad Lathrope offering a ‘pit-stop changing tyre’ challenge to the public, and musician cousin Billy Hood providing entertainment at the private gathering with his band Slick Back Rockabillies.

“Want to say a big thank you to family and volunteers, the Lions Club for providing food and all our sponsors who gave us items for the spot prizes as well as our main supporter, Protector Insurance who provided our uniforms and registration packs,” she says. “It’s quite a big event now but we seem to have it down to a fine art.”

Sponsors include ITM Mangawhai, Mangawhai Pharmacy, Gas Mangawhai, Hunting & Fishing Dargaville, Lake Road Quarry, Mark Crombie Holden, Bindons Whangarei, Repco, Petrolhead Magazine and NZ Hot Rod.