Kaipara Classic Car Club (KCCC) went into its fourth annual classic car show in November still glowing from once more winning the titles Best Car Club (for the fifth time) and Best Classic Car (Pete and Michelle Rauner’s 1946 Mercury) at Te Aroha’s classic car, bike and hot rod show in October.
This year the Sunday event Saker Automotive Shine N d’ Ville was preceded on the Saturday by a KCCC-organised burnout competition, where enthusiasts could enjoy their sport in an environment safe for both competitors and spectators. As club member Roger Thomas explained “It’s not just for locals - we get competitors from around the country. It’s a sport that’s all about car control and the people who take part improve over time so there’s always something new.”
Shine N d’ Ville was again held at the Helensville Pioneer Museum Reserve, with the $1,100 entry proceeds going to the Museum. Against the backdrop of the
Museum’s historic buildings, and with several Museum members in attendance in period costume, the show was really well attended with an increase on last year’s numbers. Club members looked flash in their new club shirts– black for the men, black and white checks for the women, all made by club member Coral Ritchie – and the line-up of approximately 110 classic cars and 8 bikes (a category introduced to the show this year) was impressive. For the first time a swap meet was held across the road at the clubrooms, where enthusiasts could talk cars and swap car parts.
Food and drinks were available from Helensville Lions, Country Backyard Coffee, Helensville Rugby Club, On-Site Catering and Helensville Pita Pit and an excellent live band entertained the crowd.
KCCC was very pleased with the response from local businesses in providing sponsorship Sponsors were: Saker Automotive(major sponsor); Dalgleish Family Trust; Kaipara Concrete Ltd; Physio Flex; Placemakers Helensville; Rauner Bookkeeping Services; R L Photography; Two Hoots Ltd; Swale Earthmovers.
Winners of the competitive categories were given trophies and gifts on the day.
People’s Choice Bike. Renee Sitters: 1951 BSA. Once a race bike but now road legal. Described by its owner as “a work in progress.”
People’s Choice Car. Cliff and Lou: 1933 Studebaker. Immaculate white and burgundy, named Luxurious Lady. Only six in the world, this is the only one in NZ.
Best Work in Progress. Lee Grunsell and family.1968 Ford Country Sedan. Has so far been reupholstered and has completed the Vinning process. 15-year-old son Lewis has been helping work on the family cars since he was seven.
Best Pick-up. Paul.1956 F100. In a beautiful grey.
Best Hot Rod. Tony and Sue. Beautiful midnight blue T Bucket. 468 big block motor that delivers 796hp at the flywheel. For those who don’t know, this means it goes really, really fast!
Best 2-door. Martin Youl. 1967 black Camara. Has had a Z/28 motor upgrade. Fun and fast!
Best 4-door. Nick Kale. Falcon GTHO. Beautiful inside and out. Club member Paul worked on the motor.
Best Original. John Atkinson. 1967 Kombi in sea blue and cumulous white. Stunning. Attracted a lot of attention during the day.
Judges’ Choice Bike. John. Triumph, ’71 front and custom back. A very cool bike.
Retro Fashion Female. Julie Thomas (see photo). Retro Fashion Male. Unfortunately, not many took up the call for this category. The trophy was awarded to a lovely man in a Hawaiian shirt.