Major vehicle display will appeal to all motoring enthusiasts

Press, 6 October 1988, Page 38

Major vehicle display will appeal to all motoring enthusiasts

Next week-end, The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand holds its annual Swap Meet at Cutler Park on McLeans Island. The event, which will be open to the public, will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Entry charges

are $3 for adults and children are admitted free. Cutler Park is found between the McLeans Island steam museum and Orana Park. Organisers of the Swap Meet request that those attending do not bring their dogs. The event will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in vehicles. In addition to more than 200 vintage vehicles on display there will be a number of new cars and modern road coaches to inspect. “If it’s got wheels we will display it,” says Alan Parris, one of the Swap Meet organisers. A number of commercial interests will also be represented. These include the Christchurch Transport board, Newmans, Avon City Ford, Wrightcars and others. Some 450 stalls are being set up to sell car parts and some household goods. In fact, Mr Parris believes it will be the biggest garage sale in New Zealand.

The Russley Hotel is holding a promotion to coincide with the Swap Meet. A double-decker bus will be running a shuttle service from the hotel to Cutler Park. The $3 return ride includes entry to the park and a complimentary drink at the hotel. A small display of vintage cars will also be at the Russley Hotel. For more than 11 years, the Canterbury Branch of the Vintage Car Club has held an annual Swap Meet at its Cutler Park premises.

It started as a very small group of enthusiasts joining together to swap, sell, trade or give away car parts that would help someone else to complete a car restoration project. It is now one of the largest vintage car meetings in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 26,000 people are expected to attend the event next week-end. In the past, the Swap Meet has been attended by vintage car enthusiasts from as far away as North America. These overseas enthusiasts have been able to combine the Swap Meet with a New Zealand holiday. Usually, they have been able to take home some useful parts. Next Saturday morning, the stall holders will arrive early with their treasures and junk. Just about everything imaginable will be for sale, from complete cars to small parts and new and old accessories. The club has a very good library and spare parts department at its Cutler Park premises. Members are always interested to receive any old car parts or books that may have otherwise been discarded.

The library and spares department is well worth a look at if you have an interest in motoring. The Swap Meet is designed to appeal to the whole family and the children will certainly not be left out. They will be able to enjoy Noddy rides, the Kiddy Castle and many other attractions. Refreshments and meals will also be available.