TWIN RIVERS MOTORING EXTRAVAGANZA
After Covid forced the cancellation of the Twin Rivers Motoring Extravaganza last year, the 2023 event went ahead at the Canterbury A&P Showgrounds on Sunday, March 12 and perfect weather saw a record attendance of more than 700 cars.
Organised by the Avonhead Rotary Club, the principal sponsor of the event – for the 18th successive year - was the Paul Kelly Motor Company, and this year Paul Kelly had his Auburn Speedster and a 1959 Cadillac Coupe Low Rider on display.
Other sponsor displays were MTF Moorhouse with Simon O’Connell’s Lamborghini Murciélago, Eyrewell Forest Motor Company showed a McLaren M6 replica, SMITS Group (Meguiar’s) displayed Jason MacRae’s Porsche Cayman and the Euromarque display included a very impressive Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible.
The Vintage Car Club also turned out in force.
Best in Class prizes of a one-year subscription to NZ Classic Driver were awarded to Kevin Sullivan (Best American for his ’63 Corvette); Brendan Beyers (Best Australian with his E49 R/T Charger); Best European was Richard Moon’s E28 BMW M535i and Best Japanese/ Korean was the Mitsubishi Evo VI owned by Shane Faulkner.
Best Motorcycle was Otis Thomas’ Pro Street Custom.
A veteran Alldays & Onions owned by George Lee won Best British and the Best in Show prize presented by Meguiar’s, who also presented the People’s Choice Prize to Barry Kilkelly for his beautiful red BMW 635i.
The event was well supported by the Alfa Romeo and Wolseley Car Clubs as usual, together with the Ford Capri, Cortina, Mini and VW Clubs attending in force.
The Vintage Machinery Club had a great display again, and St John staged a special display of six vintage ambulances that clearly demonstrated the improvements made over 70-plus years.
Also on display was the new Haval Jolion car presented to the Canterbury Charity Hospital by the Avonhead Rotary Club with the assistance of the Cockram Motor Group. This year’s event was held to raise money to pay for the car, and organisers are pleased to report that this objective was achieved.
Unfortunately, the Parade couldn’t take place this year because of the large number of road works along the proposed route, but with the success of the day it didn’t appear to be missed.
Next year’s event will be held on Sunday, March 10 and organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout.