Bangers being brought to Bluff for bidders
A minor suspension problem and a hydraulic fluid leak have been the only serious problems encountered by competitors in the Bangers to Bluff Car Rally, organiser Peter Bailey said.
Flat tyres have also interrupted travel plans for a few, but overall, the 12 cars are on schedule to finish the Auckland to Bluff fundraising event on Saturday afternoon.
Within several hours of arriving in Bluff, the cars will be driven to the Newfield Tavern and auctioned, with all money from sales to be given to Hopeworks Foundation (a brain injury education trust) and Multiple Sclerosis NZ. It is an unreserved auction. William Todd & Co (2011) auctioneer Lindsay Francis and manager of Southland Multiple Sclerosis Rachel Hucklebridge have arranged separate fundraising to run alongside the rally and all the money generated from those activities will be given to Southland Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay in Auckland is holding the rally for the fourth year.
Cars must have been bought for less than $2000, their owners each pay $500 to enter the event and have to individually raise $500 or $1500 in donations.
‘‘We’re all still going,’’ Bailey said from Kirwee, near Christchurch, on Monday morning.
‘‘One car has few suspension problems but we’re nursing it through.
‘‘A Citroen is leaking a bit of hydraulic fluid and we’re topping it up ... it looks like it’s had a rough life.’’
If cars break down and can’t continue, the AA will tow them to safety, probably to a wrecker’s yard. ‘‘It’s our responsibility [Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay] to move them ... I can’t image the owner would want to spend money to get it back to Auckland.’’
Bailey said most of the cars were in reasonably good condition and all had third party insurance for the trip. His 1997 Toyota Camry needed two new tyres in Blenheim.
The car owners include retirees, a schoolteacher, a Hire Pool employee, business owners, a financial adviser, and the chief executive of the Stratford District Council.
They are staying in motels and at holiday parks along the way.
Just before the auction starts on Saturday, the owners will talk about their cars and disclose any problems they have.