Gleaming metallic glory in Leongatha

CARS and motorbikes rumbled into the Leongatha Velodrome from 7.30am Sunday, with many enthusiasts refusing to let a bit of rain discourage them, while bric-a-brac stores began selling even earlier.

As for the automobiles, Steve McDonald of Colac claimed the biggest prize, with his 1931 Ford A Type coupe named ‘Entry of the Show’.

Steve bought the vehicle, originally built for the Philadelphia Fire Department, as a shell, starting work on it in 2015, with the project taking about five years.

The restoration includes new headers built by Paul Henning in Wonthaggi.

Melburnian John Abbot’s shiny red 1969 series 2 E Type Jaguar was declared the ‘Best of British’ winner.

Over 300 entrants displayed their vehicles on the velodrome oval, with the swap meet also well supported.

Traralgon’s David Willis had an intriguing stall, selling a mixture of items, the largest and most attention grabbing being enamel signs he described as “very collectable”.

Collecting is something he’s been passionate about for years, having visited many swap meets, particularly in Victoria and South Australia and getting to know many people in the process.

He expressed particular fondness for the Buick Sign he decided he was willing to part with, describing himself as “a big Buick man”.

While David enjoys shows such as American Pickers, he said enamel signs generally fetch more in Australia than in the United States where many more such signs are available.

Those who attended the Show ‘N Shine & Swap Meet were rewarded with the weather improving so they could enjoy all that was on offer.

The event is an important fundraiser for Rotary Club of Leongatha contributing to the projects it supports.