Fun in the sun at Black Swamp Rod Run

 

By Brenda Chalmers

With its vibrant Saturday morning market Mangawhai was already buzzing when the incredible array of vintage, classic, high powered muscle cars, bikes and ‘projects’ began lining up at the Domain for the annual Black Swamp Rod Run. 

The sound of a V8 engine aside, it is the gleaming chrome and spectacular paint jobs that usually grab my attention. This year, one of my faves was a candy apple red 1960 Thunderbird convertible shot with purple. 

Yes, American makes and models did appear to dominate the field but British and European cars were also represented. A Jaguar and VW Combi complete with surfboard were welcome surprises. Also a surprise was a rare appearance by the mayor of Black Swamp who pulled up in his latest new ride, a Chevy Blazer, with some very excited grandkids onboard. 

An invitation to view these glorious machines, prior to the start of the cruise to Waipu and back, saw a huge number of visitors walk around the display. Many contributed a gold coin donation that raised $540 for Otamatea High School. 

A few of the local lads who race cars brought them down as a static display. These included street stocks, super saloons and rally cars. Thanks for the awesome display boys.

Over 35 prizes were handed out to registered entrants thanks to sponsors Protecta Insurance, Repco, GAS, Cartes, ITM, NZ Hot Rod Magazine and Petrolhead.

By 11am Drew’s white 1956 Chev Bel Air was leading 165 registered entrants on the cruise along the route to Waipu and back via Mangawhai Heads to the Black Swamp Club orchard venue. To the delight of many spectators at vantage points, all the tooting, revving, cheering and waving just added to the fun of the run. 

The hot day may have contributed to a couple of breakdowns but, as always, Tail End Charlie was on hand to ensure all made it safely back for the family fun day at Black Swamp. Under the shade of olive trees, registered entrants caught up with friends, entertained by The Steve Tulloch Band and special guest Billy Hood, while the kids cooled off in the pond and raced down the slippery slide under the watch of Mangawhai’s junior surf lifesavers. Water stations dotted the site, Mr Whippy made a well-timed appearance and the Paparoa Lions Club kept up with the demand for hot dogs, chips and cold drinks. 

Official photographer Phil Clark from Motography took superb images of the event.

A huge thanks to the yellow shirted crew who run the event making it such a friendly, relaxed and well organised day that it has become our traditional must-do activity on the first Saturday of every year. 

Drive safe and we’ll see you again Saturday January 4, 2020.

 
 


- PHOTOS /PHIL CLARK MOTOGRAPHY