Cruise along to the Torquay Rotary Car Show

FROM 20 cars in 2007, to around 350 cars today, the Torquay Rotary Car Show returns on February 11.

Head along to the family-friendly event as car hobbyists, enthusiasts, and fanatics adorn the Torquay foreshore with some of the region’s best motor cars.

The “show and shine” event is open to all original or restored vehicles, and displays motor cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles less than 3 tonnes.

Torquay Rotary committee member Amanda Hough said the theme for this year is Italy, with crowds to expect an assortment of international cars and bikes.

“The Italian theme should bring out all those marvellous Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati and Lamborghini cars.

“Even some obscure models like Bizzarrini and Iveco. We also hope to attract Italian motor bikes like the Vespa, Moto Guzzi, and Ducati.”

Ahead of the big event people across the Surf Coast can listen and look out for motorists, as they wind their way along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne and back on February 10.

The convoy of spectacular cars both old and new, will take part in the annual Great Ocean Road Cruise event before making their return ahead of Sunday.

M Hough said the day was not only about showcasing cars and bikes to an expected 7,000-strong crowd but also raising funds to support important community causes.

“All proceeds of this event go to Rotary projects locally, nationally, and internationally.

“At the moment we are providing reticulated water to an area school in New Guinea, as well as contributing towards Malaria and Polio eradication.

“Locally we provide scholarships to Torquay students and support other community causes like Food Aid. We have around 150 volunteers taking part to ensure the day goes as smoothly as possible.”

If your vehicle is special to you, enter for a chance to win one of over 24 different prizes.

“Some of the cars that turn up are marvellous.

The owner discovered them in the back of a shed, or birds were living in them, before they are cleaned up, restored, then brought along,” Ms Hough said.

“One car was repaired using old wood and corrugated iron. It was an old farm ute – you just never know what will be on display.”

For more information on the car show, head to torquaymotorshow.com.au

This event received $1,500 as part of the Surf Coast Shire’s 2023/24 Event Grants and Sponsorship program.

Event organisers are invited to apply for the 2024/25 program this February across two categories: Tourism Event, and Boutique Creative/Special Focus Event.

You can find more details at surfcoastevents.com.au/event-organisers

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