Cars and bikes prove big draw card

 

 

BY ROB POOLEY

The Waipu Car & Bike Show on february 10 again proved to be the biggest local post-New Year event for miles around as the throng of locals and visitors converged on Caledonian Park to admire a display of over 700 cars and 150 bikes in the biggest show of its kind north of Auckland.

Beauties old and new of the motoring world brought glazed eyes to petrolheads of all ages. 

It is hard to imagine a venue better suited to such a display which is growing by the year. The layout of vehicles works, and the commercial stalls and seating lined under the trees abounding the park gives the public some respite from the intense sun. Ice cream and food stalls did steady trade throughout the day.

The show has been blessed with a large number of sponsors both local and within the industry and winners of eighteen different categories received prizes.

People’s Choice and Best American Car was Ian Neary's 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner. He has had the car and the ‘Orgazm’ plate for 16 years though did not apply for the registration knowing the NZTA would not allow it anyway. While a study of glitz and glamour the car is used almost on a daily basis and is a drawcard wherever it goes. 

For many it is hard to reconcile the differences between Britain’s Baby Austin of the 1950s with the American gas-guzzlers almost six metres long, but models have changed markedly with economics and technology.

The same applies to the bikes on parade, and while the majority carried the Harley Davidson badge, the age span covered well over half a century. One enthusiast arrived on a 150cc scooter which had just completed a 1000 kilometre trip around the Coromandel.

All tastes are catered for within the different makes and models and owners are to be complimented for their time spent in sharing their projects and their knowledge with new and younger enthusiasts.

Ron and Karen Cave, also multiple car owners, organise the event on behalf of Waipu Lions.

“We don’t know what we can do to make the day any better. It’s very rewarding to get such support from sponsors and car and bike people and all funds go to local groups or charities.” 

This year the major recipient is Bream Bay St John, although members of Bream Bay College's kapa haka group, The Panimals music group and Bream Bay Swim Club who assisted on the day and will also be beneficiaries.