AUCKLAND BRIT AND EURO CLASSIC CAR SHOW

The third Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car Show was held on 3 March at Pakuranga’s Lloyd Elsmore Park. This event has really gained momentum, from 480 cars on display at the first show in 2016 to more than 1200 classic cars and an estimated 10,000-plus visitors in attendance at this year’s event.

It was an early start for some of the clubs, as getting more than 1200 cars parked up for a 10am start was no easy task. The event organizers and marshals did a great job of shepherding everyone to their allocated spot before opening time — and you couldn’t have asked for a better day for it.

The great weather brought out some fantastic cars, from elegant 1930s Mercedes; Jaguar C-, D-, and E-types; and the ever-popular Fords of all shapes and sizes to the faithful Minis that

turned out in droves. There really was something for everyone, including steam engines, model trains, and a few vintage motorcycles. The rows and rows of polished paint and gleaming chrome did take a few hours to get around!

A few personal highlights were an elegant coach-built Ghia 1964 Fiat 2300 coupé in gold, reminiscent of the Ferrari 250 and ASA 1000 of the same era, and a flawless Lancia Fulvia, imported from Durban, South Africa, and subjected to an extensive and lengthy restoration. For sheer presence, a Maseratiengined 1972 Citroën SM was hard to beat — this one looked as if it had escaped from a sci-fi film set. It was great to see the Porsche and Triumph enthusiasts out in force and Lotus and TVR nicely represented too.

With this event going from strength to strength, and a field or two left for it to occupy, I’m very much looking forward to seeing what the turnout will be next year.