Americarna roars into town
Taranaki’s biggest classic car event kicked off with a private game of croquet.
The yard game was played on the lawn of Taranaki businessman Bryce Barnett’s Brixton property as Americarna attendees perused his massive car collection.
About 800 classic American cars rolled into New Plymouth yesterday, revving up for the official first day of the 10th Americarna today.
Only a small portion of those attended a pre-cruise tour of Barnett’s two garages filled with classic cars.
‘‘Usually the ladies take to the gardens and the guys look at the cars,’’ groundsman Murry Fabish said.
‘‘They’re not just for show. The best way they’re displayed is out on the road.’’
Those who signed up for the pre-cruise tour enjoyed the closeup peek into history.
Barnett’s son, Reeve, said the visit to the seven acre Te Kukumara property was always a hit.
‘‘They’re usually quite surprised by what’s in here. People always love it.’’
As Americarna entrants geared up for the four-day festival, Valerie Payne, of Paraparaumu, smiled from ear to ear and announced it was her first year attending the event.
‘‘I’m going to eat, drink and sleep America,’’ she said, as she displayed her 1958 Ford Fairlane.
‘‘American cars are loud, wild and just awesome.’’
The TSB Stadium offered American-themed merchandise to entrants while enthusiasts donning cowboy hats and American flag singlets talked shop in the carpark.
‘‘I’ve made every year except the first,’’ Lee Atkinson, of Wellington, said.
‘‘It’s a great event and everyone is so friendly.’’
As Atkinson roared the engine of his white 2012 SS Camaro, he spoke of his favourite part of American culture: ‘‘Cars and rock and roll.’’