More than 1000 classic cars from across the country will soon descend on east Auckland for the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
This year’s Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show will be staged at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, on Sunday, March 5.
Rev Dr Richard Waugh, who chairs its organising committee, says this year’s version is set to feature a flyover by vintage NZ Warbirds aircraft just after midday and a special display of ‘micro cars’.
Among the stunning vehicles set to be displayed are models from manufacturers including Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Bentley, Porsche, Ferrari, Peugeot, Rolls-Royce, MG, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and more.
“There’s going to be more than 55 car clubs and associations displaying with all British and European brands including some very unusual ones,” Waugh told the Times.
“Our numbers are tracking pretty much close to record levels and we may get 1200 cars.
“About 70 per cent of them will be coming from outside east Auckland.
“That’s really good in terms of attracting people to the area around Howick Historical Village and getting some understanding of the east.”
Waugh says the popular show draws thousands of visitors to the local community from far afield.
“We’re getting quite a few people [entering cars] from the Bay of Plenty and Hamilton and there’s even some people bringing cars from the South Island.
“It’s fast approaching becoming the New Zealand Brit and Euro Classic Car Show.”
While the majority of cars displayed will be older than most cars on the roads, there will be some built as recently as the early 2000s, Waugh says.
“If someone asks ‘what’s a classic car’, we say ‘if you’ve got a British or European car that is interesting and in excellent condition and you cherish and love it, you’re welcome [to enter it]’.
“We get younger people in their 20s bringing cars built in the early 2000s and that’s absolutely fine.
“There are also cars back to the early 1920s, so at least 100 years old.”
As well as the classic cars there will also be examples of magnificent two-wheeled machinery.
“There will be a few motorcycles and we always encourage motorcyclists to come,” Waugh says.
“Older British and European motorcycles are very welcome to register.”
He says the show’s popularity is due to it being a major free community event with so much to offer.
“There’s plenty of food and East FM do a wonderful job with their music [playing throughout the day].
“I often say to people they don’t have to be that keen about cars or even classic cars, but come along and see the colour and the vibrancy and enjoy the whole ambience of a classic car show.
“It’s right by Howick Historical Village and it’s a great site.”
The show is staged in Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, from 10am-3pm on Sunday, March 5, and entry is free.
It’s sponsored by Times Newspapers, Howick Local Board, Protecta Insurance, and NZ Classic Driver.
People who want to register their classic car or motorcycle to take part can go online www.briteurocarshow.nz and register by January 27.
