History on wheels for Ipswich

THE largest collection of veteran cars to assemble in Queensland has begun massing at the Ipswich Showgrounds.

Trevor Farnell polishes the brass headlamp of his veteran 1910 Buick. Mr Farnell is the tour chairman of a pre-1919 car tour based in Ipswich between September 12-19. . Picture: Claudia Baxter

THE largest collection of veteran cars to assemble in Queensland has begun massing at the Ipswich Showgrounds.

Some of the cars are more than 100 years old and will be touring throughout the region this week.

More than 130 vehicles, all built before the end of 1918, will make their way through Ipswich, Rosewood and the Scenic Rim from Wednesday.

Local highways and country roads will be filled with the veteran vehicles as they motor along the quiet country roads.

The cars will make daily runs to attractions in the Ipswich and Scenic Rim districts until next Wednesday

On Thursday the cars travel to Rosewood and Grandchester before returning to Ipswich for the Gas Light Parade and Time Machine Adventure in the Top of Town in Brisbane St.

Tour chairman Trevor Farnell said the Gas Light Parade would be a spectacular sight through the historic buildings of Ipswich.

"This parade and the atmosphere generated by the veterans running with flickering gas headlights and kerosene side and tail lamps, will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those interested in Australian motoring history," he said.

"The city is also turning it on, with the closure of Brisbane St in this part of town for the evening.

"As well as featuring the veteran vehicles, there will be street entertainment for all to enjoy."

The Gas Light Parade will start at 6pm and travel along the top end of Brisbane St, before the veterans are parked on display in the closed off street.

The cars will be at High St, Boonah, on Monday, September 17 from noon to 2.30pm.

CARS ON PARADE

The veteran cars will be at the Ipswich Showgrounds from Wednesday.

On Thursday they will make their way to Rosewood and Grandchester before returning to the Top of Town for the Gas Light Parade at 6pm.

The cars will be at the Showgrounds on Sunday and will visit Boonah on Monday.

Originally published as History on wheels for Ipswich