Rotary Motor Show to rev up Surf Coast

More than 350 classic vehicles will bring Torquay's Elephant Walk to life this Sunday as the Rotary Club of Torquay's annual Motor Show rolls into town. Left to right: Torquay residents Andy Lee alongside his BSA motorcycle and Alan Howlett with his vintage Corvette, next to Torquay Rotary Motor Show lead organiser Bruce Turner on Elephant Walk. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

HUNDREDS of vintage cars and motorcycles will fill Torquay’s Elephant Walk this Sunday, February 12 for the 13th Torquay Rotary Motor Show.

The show’s organising committee expects more than 350 vehicles to make the trip to the Surf Coast. Among the vehicles on display will be a Corvette to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first Corvette model.

Torquay resident and Corvette owner Alan Howlett said it would be the first time he had brougt his vintage American car to The Esplanade, but not his first Torquay Motor Show.

“I’ve been down here in Torquay for about 20 years now and it’s always amazing to see car enthusiasts bring their cars into town, because Torquay isn’t necessarily known for being a ‘car town’ as such,” Ms Howlett said.

“So it’s quite a rare occasion to see so many classic cars all in one spot.”

The Rotary Club of Torquay has urged anyone with a Corvette to register for the day.

The Sunday show will again be preceded by the Great Ocean Road Cruise, beginning in Lorne at 4pm tomorrow (Saturday, Februay 11) and finishing on The Esplanade.

All drivers interested in the cruise, are directed to arrive in Erskine’s Paddock, Cypress Avenue, located behind Mantra Lorne, at 3.30pm sharp.

“People spend hours and hours of their time, as well as a few dollars, to prepare for this event,” Mr Howlett said.

“It’s not just buying a nice thing, it’s a lot of hard work, it’s art.

“It’s also a massive family event and when people bring their kids and relatives along, it’s just the best.

“Everyone’s always having a really good time, spending all their money here in town. It’s arguably one of the best all-around community days of the year.”

On Sunday, the Torquay Motor Show will open its gates at 8am, judging will start at 10.30am and award presentations in 24 categories will run from 2-3pm, including the coveted Mayor’s Choice award.

Adults and children over 16 years and older are required to pay five dollars for entry. Children under 16 years old will be admitted free of charge.

All proceeds raised from the day go to the Rotary Club of Torquay’s community initiatives.