Oldtimers to tour the region
Ancient car junkies, get your voting papers ready . . .
For t he first t i me, Whanganui is hosting t he National Veteran Rally (NVR) this Wellington Anniversary Weekend, January 21-23.
At least 28 veteran vehicles from across the country have registered for the event. The cars are expected to be driven and showcased throughout the city.
The cars will be parked outside the post office between Maria Place and Guyton St for public voting on Saturday from noon to 4pm. Voting slips will be available on site and the winner will obtain the coveted William McLean Trophy.
Before voting, a veteran cruise will take place on Saturday morning after meeting at Cornmarket Reserve.
Vehicles will assemble at 8.45am for a 9.15am departure. They will travel along Taupo Quay and cross the City Bridge, past Kowhai Park and continue for a scenic run.
The Wanganui Vintage Car Club is one of 35 branches of Vintage Car Club New Zealand. They put their hand up to host the event in Whanganui.
Car club organiser Lydia O’Keeffe said they were hoping for a bigger turnout but certain factors reduced numbers.
“Due to the Kaikoura earthquake and another event later in January up north, the number of registered vehicles is less than expected,” she said.
Veteran cars manufactured before 1919 are the earlier generation of vintage cars.
Mrs O’Keeffe said some veteran vehicles will be trailered and others will be driven.
“One veteran vehicle is being driven from North Canterbury and will travel through the Wairarapa before arriving in Whanganui,” she said.
On Sunday, the event will run in conjunction with the annual Burma Rally for vintage cars.
Veteran and vintage vehicles will assemble in Taupo Quay alongside Moutoa Gardens at 8.30am for the “competitive part of the rally”.
Mayor Hamish McDouall is scheduled to present the first lot of cars getting away at 9am. The last group will leave at 9.45.
All cars will return for a picnic lunch at Moutoa Gardens by midday.
A combined prizegiving dinner with 200 people in attendance will wrap up the weekend.
Mrs O’Keeffe said they were all very excited and hoped the weather held out for the drivers with no cover.
The club welcomes new members with c at egories r anging t hrough to 1986 vehicles.