by Helen Martin
Fresh from its successes at the Aroha Cruise-In Car Show, for the third year Kaipara Classic Car Club provided classic car owners with the opportunity to show off at November’s Shine in D’Ville, held at the Helensville Museum River Reserve.
With a cash bar over the road and market stalls on site selling food and non-alcoholic drinks there was plenty of sustenance for the more than 500 people who turned out to enjoy the day. To the sounds of West Coast radio station, which was broadcasting live from the show, the 101 beautifully presented vehicles strutting their stuff included Chevs, Fords, Mustangs, Rolls Royces, a Morris Minor, a VW and a Mercedes limousine, to name just a few. Organisers Dave Swale, Vikki Pike, Graeme and Coral Ritchie, Mike and Nicky Barton, other KCCC members and show manager Quintin Dalgleish were thrilled with the turnout and very pleased to see cars and clubs not previously entered in the event.
While the organisers are adamant that competing is not the main focus, prizes based on audience vote were awarded. The Kaukapakapa owners of the beautiful 1933 Studebaker “Luxurious Lady” took out three top prizes, including People’s Choice. Winners were:
The 1933 Studebaker “Luxurious Lady” was easily the crowd favourite
Best Original, People’s Choice, Best 4-door: 1933 Studebaker, Clifton Thomson and Lulu Martin.
Best Pickup Truck: 1950 Ford F5 Coe, Brian and Sandra Strickland.
Best 2-door: 1965 Chev Impala, Lee Wood.
Committee Choice: 1964 Ford Fairlane, Coral Ritchie.
The event would not be possible without a lot of support. The organisers would like to thank the following sponsors for their generosity (with apologies to any sponsors who may have been inadvertently missed):
Treasurer Graeme Ritchie hands Helensville Museum President John Smith a cheque for $1,050, collected from gold coin donations at the Show in D’Ville.
Helensville: HLV Mitre 10 (major sponsor); Thrifty Auto Supplies; Ginger Crunch Café; Swale Earthmovers; HLV Caltex/Repco Auto; McLeod Motors; Comer Firewood; HLV Mechanical Services; Farm Source (RD1); Parakai Motors; Mt Rex Shipping.
Kaukapakapa: West Coast Radio; Dave Crow; Kaukapakapa Hotel; Highway Auto; Shark n Tatties.
Kumeu: BNT Automotive; Western ITM; R&S Automotive; Kumeu Tyres; Kumeu Plumbing; Cottle Motors.
The system of entry by gold coin donation enabled Kaipara Classic Car Club to present Helensville Museum with a welcome cheque for $1,050.