Torquay Motor Show revved up to return

THE Torquay Motor Show is back in its usual format in 2022 after a one-year-hiatus, and the Torquay Rotary Club is looking forward to the event’s return at the weekend.

Held in its traditional spot at Elephant Walk off The Esplanade, the motor show this Sunday, February 13, will follow the Great Ocean Road Cruise the day before from 3-8pm.

Both events are family-oriented and will be compliant with COVID-19 restrictions.

“We trust that this year’s inexpensive events will also provide a tonic for recreational motorists after a pretty dismal couple of years, and that you will see fit to dust off your prized motoring machine and join us with fellow enthusiasts and their families in activities that traditionally include the world’s rarest, interesting, valuable and iconic motoring machines, many of which are likely not to have been seen in our part of the world before,” motor show organiser Greg Plumridge said.

“We also hope that our dynamic weekend of events prove entertaining, informative and a source of special memories for you.

“We especially hope that for those with a keen interest in preparing and showing their motoring treasures, that our events are also a source of inspiration and motivation to join us and fellow enthusiasts at future Torquay Rotary recreational motoring events.”

He said the Torquay Motor Show and Great Ocean Road Cruise were the product of the tireless efforts of an unpaid group of volunteer members, who relied on the income derived from the events to fund Rotary’s diverse portfolio of community service projects.

Owners can enter their car or motorbike in one or several of 24 different categories at the show, including Best Pre-1959, Best Ford, Best Holden, Best Corvette, Best Alternative Fuel Car (not petrol, diesel or LPG), and Best Motorcycle (with separate categories for UK, European and American bikes).

Mr Plumridge said entries were open for vehicles of all ages, and attracted cars and bikes as well as spectators from across Victoria.

“I had an inquiry the other day from a guy who’s got a 60s or 70s model F100just as he’s found it – he hasn’t done any body restoration, it’s got a bit of rust in it – we’ve got a class for those sort of cars as well, so he’s going to bring that along.

“There’s a class pretty much to cover everybody.

“With COVID, we’ve capped the number of entries (350) for this year to try to manage it, so it’s a bit more socially distanced on site.

“We see no reason to see why the show won’t be as successful as it was two years ago.”

Entries close at 10pm on Saturday, February 12.

For more information on the Torquay Motor Show and Great Ocean Road Cruise or to enter, head to the Torquay Motor Show website.