New Zealand Classic Car – September 2019

NATIONWIDE EVENTS (^) Classic events from around New Zealand
EVERY YEAR A GAMBLE IN PARADISE VALLEY
Words: John McTavish
T
he Rotorua Vintage and Veteran Car
Club’s (VCC) 39th Central North
Island Swap Meet and Car Show
Spectacular was held Sunday, 14 July 2019.
The Rotorua VCC insists on organizing the
central North Island’s biggest swap meet and
car show in the middle of winter, and, despite
the odds, every year, the gamble seems to
pay off. The forecast for Sunday, 14 July was
showers before things would really turn to
custard around midday.
Club president David Tomlinson and key
members Neville Harper, Bob Mackay, and
Roger Nelson expected the worst, so predicted
a low attendance. Yet the opposite unfolded.
All the vendor sites and carparks filled
quickly. Four-wheel drives parked on adjacent
farmland. Luckily, my assistants and I were in
our Jeep. Clearly, everyone was aware of the
impending weather bomb and had made sure
to arrive early with the aim of departing early.
Among the many cars on show were a
fabulous 1950s Packard Clipper; a 1972
Chrysler Imperial Le Baron, which must be
the longest car ever made; and a magnificent
1931 Studebaker President, owned by
Neville Harper. The number of cars on
show topped the century mark, but it was
difficult to keep track as the weather dictated
a quick turnover. Public attendance was
around 5000.
With midday looming, and the skies
suggesting that it was time to go, we made
our way towards our vehicle. At five minutes
to midday, as we shucked off our wet weather
gear and got safely aboard, the heavens
opened. Now that’s what we call a reliable
forecast — the sort you can set your watch by
to organize a major event.
Next year will be the 40th running of this
iconic show, and I’m predicting that, given this
year’s testing weather, 2020’s will be a breeze.
104 New Zealand Classic Car | themotorhood.com