IT WAS a case of “boys and their toys” at the Summer Beach Hop in Coffs Harbour, with dozens of classic cars drawing crowds of enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike.
From gleaming chrome to rumbling V8 engines, the event showcased an impressive range of vintage and custom-built vehicles at the Harbourside Markets.
Car owners proudly stood beside their prized machines, sharing stories about the time, effort and passion that goes into keeping these classics on the road.
One standout creation was a hot rod with a 1957 Volkswagen Beetle grafted on top.
Owner Steve McCudden from Korora said, “VWs normally have a small four-cylinder engine in the back, but this one has a 5-litre fuel-injected Ford V8 up the front.
“I’ve recycled parts from 27 other cars to make-up this car.”
Also on display were a 1967 Jaguar Mark II, 1958 Ford Customline Star Model, 1955 Ford Sunliner Convertible, 1937 Vauxhall Wyvern (Holden-bodied), 1978 Chevrolet Camaro, 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk, 1928 Ford Model A Roadster, 1972 Buick Riviera, and a 1955 Chevrolet 210.
Craig Dandeaux of Coffs Harbour brought along his 1967 Jaguar Mark I, a car he has only owned for a year.
He said he hasn’t yet had the chance to do any work on the vehicle, but was pleased to show it at the event. Joking that it was one of only two cars from the United Kingdom on show, he said it proved that “most people had the good sense to buy American rather than British cars.”
The cars were part of the broader Summer Beach Hop celebrations, which brought retro music, dancing and vintage motoring culture to the Coffs Coast.
By Kate PYE
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