A CARNIVAL atmosphere reigned at the second annual Ladies Day where women showcased their classic and vintage cars at the National Holden Motor Museum in Coffs Harbour.
Twenty-two entrants including locals and from as far away as Brisbane, Port Macquarie, Murwillumbah and Armidale gathered on the last Sunday in August, bringing a range of cars that included a Model T Ford, early Holdens and Japanese street machines.
The winner of the Chrome Bumper Classic award was a 1964 EH Holden owned by Margaret Renton, from Emerald Beach, while both the People’s Choice and Modern Car awards went to Colette Morrison, from Coffs Harbour, for her rare Nissan 300Z Heritage, one of only 10 in Australia.
Event organiser, Chris Paynter, said the event was a huge success, with the entrants plus plenty of friends, family and car enthusiasts turning out for the day.
“It just goes to show there’s plenty of ladies who enjoy their cars just as much as the blokes,” he said.
“The line-up of cars, along with the stories behind them, was really special, and we’re glad to have been able to provide the platform for it to happen.
“This is the second year we’ve run the event and it’s really gained momentum in the car community, so we plan to make it bigger and better next year.”
Entrant Heather Collyer told News Of The Area that, for many of the ladies, it was the first car show they had entered.
“Having a dedicated Ladies Day show encouraged young women to get involved in displaying their pride and joy, and to work on their cars,” Ms Collyer said.
“One young lady had never been to a car show before and the first time she had exhibited her car, a Toyota Corolla named Lucca Swagmini.”
A young mother and daughter drove from Grafton so that the 17-year-old daughter, Montana, could see what was involved with a car show.
“Montana is doing up an early Falcon,” her mother said.
The women who drove long distances said they felt it was important to support a ladies’ car event.
“Cars mean so much to women, they hold lots of great memories,” Ms Collyer said.
This year’s event was supported by Geoff King Motors and Coffs Harbour City Council.
Supporters from local radio station 2AirFM Max Dawes, Adrian Paul and Steve Elton played music and handled people’s requests, while Janeice Elton exhibited her classic car.
The National Holden Motor Museum display features iconic models, a dedicated exhibition of the FX Holden, Australia’s very first production car, and examples of motoring history such as the classic grey and red motors. It is open Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 4pm.
By Andrea FERRARI
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