Annual event keeps automotive history alive

GALLERY: Auto enthusiasts looking to show off their vintage beauties or restore a ride to its glory days were in automotive heaven at the Combined Motor Clubs Motor Show and Swap Meet.

Auto enthusiasts looking to show off their vintage beauties or restore a ride to its glory days were in automotive heaven at the Combined Motor Clubs Motor Show and Swap Meet.

Held at the Townsville Showgrounds yesterday, the annual event drew a 3000-strong crowd looking to immerse themselves in automotive history.

Now in it’s sixth year, the event had everything from cars, boats and motorcycles to related literature, tools, and memorabilia.

Organiser John Weber, 77, said like many automotive enthusiasts, he’s had an obsession with motorcycles for as long as he could remember.

>> SEE THE GALLERY OF PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

MEGA MARKET

He said it became harder to source spare parts with cars, boats and motorcycles eventually being removed from manufacturing lines

Mr Weber said it was events like this which made it possible to keep engines running.

“We started it (the event) to get all the old parts, and bits of pieces of old cars and motorbikes out so people can find the parts they want,” he said.

Mr Weber said the organising committee was proud to donate all gate entry fees to Ronald McDonald House Charities North Queensland, adding to the $20,000 raised from previous years.

“We did a bit of research of all the charities a few years ago and it was the only one we could find that 100 per cent of donations go to where they said they would,” he said.

“Admin costs and salaries are covered by the Ronald McDonald franchise.

“So it means the money we give stays locally.”

Originally published as Annual event keeps automotive history alive