From a car which costs more than a million dollars to a one-in-a-million car: Saturday’s Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show had it all.
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Initial estimates suggest more than 5000 people attended the event at Sir Jack Brabham Park, which also included a flyover by a Boeing C-130 Hercules.
A rare Maybach 57s, worth $1.2 million, was one of the show’s star attractions and had plenty of people pressing their noses up against the windows for a better look.
A 1961 Volkswagon Samba at the other end of the price scale still dragged in plenty of interest from punters as well.
The car – described by co-owner Hayley Lavers as “one in a million” – is un-restored, making it a rarity among fans of VWs.
“We’ve kept it in original condition. It’s how we found it,” Mrs Lavers said.
She said the Samba was interesting as it still featured original parts, which otherwise would have needed a replacement during a restoration.
“It’s just fun. People expect it to be hidden away and driven around on trailer, but we want to enjoy it as it is.”
Sydney’s Mal Brindle made his first journey to the Orange show in his 1962 Ford XL Futura.
Restored to original condition, the Futura still rides comfortably and, despite the absence of power steering, Mr Brindle said it felt quite light.
“I rebuilt it standard over the last four years. It was a labour of love which was tough on the wallet,” he said.
“I was looking at Mustangs and they were all left-hand drive and I didn’t like that.
“I bought the Futura because they’re very rare, only 2100 were built and there’s not many of them left.”
There’s not even a radio in the old Ford, as the original owner didn’t buy the option.
“It’s got twin horns, a heater, there’s a chrome panel in the dash for where the radio would have been.”
The show attracted more than 500 cars, but Orange mayor John Davis reckons there’s more cars hiding in garages around the city.
“It’s a pity there isn’t a place we can house them so people can look at them. They get locked up in the back of the shed,” he said.
Cr Davis gave the event his tick of approval.
“There is where dreams are made for many young people,” he said.
Cr Davis opened his own garage to show off some of his rare cars, including one of 35 Australian-built Mazda RX-7 SPs.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
