Classic motoring shines at Dalyston Show & Shine
The Bass Coast Historical Automotive Club’s annual Show & Shine at Dalyston Recreation Reserve attracted car enthusiasts, collectors and families from across Gippsland for a celebration of classic and vintage cars.
The Bass Coast Historical Automotive Club’s annual Show & Shine brought a colourful collection of motoring history to Dalyston Recreation Reserve attracting car enthusiasts, collectors and families for a celebration of classic and vintage cars.
An impressive variety of vehicles were on display from Holdens and Fords to American classics, vintage models and beautifully restored examples of motoring history.
Highlights included a distinctive American car which had originally been brought across from America as a project before its current owner took on the task of completing the restoration.
Club vice-president Keith Tonkin said the event attracted 60 entries on the day.
“Look, there’s some Minis and a couple of great Fords. You can’t get any better.”
Australian-made vehicles were particularly well represented with Holdens and Fords continuing to hold a special place among vintage car enthusiasts.
Mr Tonkin said locally manufactured vehicles remained popular with club members partly because of the availability and affordability of replacement parts.
“That's the biggest problem with vintage cars, is to get the parts for them.”
Mr Tonkin explained that vehicles needed to be at least 25 years old to qualify for vintage registration, with registration costing approximately $68 annually. Owners are expected to exhibit their vehicles and remain involved in the motoring community.
The Bass Coast Vintage Car Club has approximately 250 members, with monthly general meetings attracting between 70 and 85 people providing an opportunity for members to share their enthusiasm, discuss restoration projects and maintain friendships built around a common interest in historic motoring.
Mr Tonkin said sponsorship and community donations helped the club contribute to worthwhile causes including the Wonthaggi Special Developmental School and local food bank.
Among the organisations supporting the event were Tyrepower Wonthaggi, Wonthaggi Country Club, San Remo Bendigo Bank, Alex Scott & Staff Wonthaggi and Autopro Wonthaggi.
Mr Tonkin also acknowledged support from Bass Coast Shire, Wonthaggi Toyota and Kia, and other local businesses and individuals.
Top honours in the motorcycle class went to Peter Mattea who claimed 1st Place Overall with his stunning, completely original silver 1995 BMW R1100R.
John Mitchell and his red 1965 Trike Box won 1st Place Overall Oldest award.
In the styling categories, Rob secured 1st Place Paint with his deep red 2012 Harley Davidson Sportster 72.
In the vintage and classic motor vehicle categories Aaron Price scored 57 points for his custom, fully engineered blue 1964 Holden EH, which dominated the Interior category.
Paul Kennedy brought heavy-duty style with a red 1946 Ford Jail Bar pickup truck, scoring an impressive 56.5 points to lead the Pickup category.
Darren Oudshoorn matched that score with 56.5 points for his immaculate Silver Mink 1968 HK Holden Premier in the Engine Bay category.
Dean White scored 55 points for his 1976 Holden HX Panel Van.
Dennis Anderson from Tarwin Lower scored 54.5 points in the muscle category.
Don Burton scored 51.5 points for his green 1929 Ford Model A Sport Coupe.
Bruce McHenry’s 1935 Chevrolet Panel Van scored 50 points after a13.5-year build process before being finally registered in 2020.
