Classic styles shine at vintage car show

Anne-Marie Emerson | 15th March 2010

 Chris Lee is very proud of his 1967 Volkswagen Beetle.

"It's still in its original condition, and it's still running on a six-volt engine."

Mr Lee, from Palmerston North, was one of hundreds of vintage car enthusiasts who descended on Wanganui - with their wonderful cars - for the fourth biennial Rotary Club of Wanganui South Classic Car show yesterday, at City College.

Mr Lee, his wife and his Beetle came to the show with other Volkswagen enthusiasts, who were only too keen to tell the Wanganui Chronicle what was so great about Volkswagens.

"They're cheap, lovable, have good German engineering, lots of variety and they're just a fun, stress-free car to drive."

Mr Lee said as soon as he got behind the wheel of his Beetle, his stress melted away.

"I know it won't go very fast, and that's fine by me."

John Peters, of Foxton Beach, prefers his cars American. He brought with him his 1966 Chrysler 300, an impressive beast.
 "I just love any car that's American.

"It's the first time I've been to the Wanganui show, and I love it. There's such a great variety of cars here."

Kelly Ross' 1957 Holden FE is a head-turner - it's painted bright, shiny pink.

Ms Ross said she was attracted by the car's classic shape - and, of course, the colour.

"Pink's a nice, girly colour."

Organiser Ken Pfeffer said more than 400 cars were on display at the show.

"We had people from as far south as Wellington and as far north as Taranaki."

 Mr Pfeffer said there were some extremely rare cars at the show - including a Leyland Force 7, one of only eight left in the world.

Proceeds from the show would go to Wanganui Hospital's "sim baby" project. 

The next show will be held in 2012.

FOR MORE CLASSIC CAR PICTURES SEE PAGE 9