Torquay revs up for annual motor show

AN ESTIMATED 5,000 people will descend on Torquay’s Elephant Walk this weekend for the 15th annual Torquay Motor Show.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Torquay, the event will take place this Sunday, February 9 between 8am and 3pm, with up to 400 vehicles, spanning a broad range of makes and models, to be displayed.

A total of 24 award categories will be judged on the day and, for the first time, spectators are invited to participate in the process by helping decide the winner of the inaugural People’s Choice prize.

Sponsored by Priceline, this award will see both the winner of the People’s Choice crown and a lucky voter win a $1,000 travel voucher.

Rotary Club president Bruce Turner said all entrants had a chance at earning a title.

“If people go back over the years, the range of winners has been phenomenal,” he said. “It’s ranged from Tuckers to Hot Rods.”

The winner of the event’s Best Car Club Award will also take home a prize this year, and Mr Turner said there was still time for people to sign their club up for the event.

Those entering are reminded to indicate their club during the event registration process.

While motor show entrants are welcome to register on the day, Mr Turner strongly encouraged community members to register online before the event to ensure quick entry to the site on Sunday.

For spectators, the motor show also offers an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area, with visitors free to come and go throughout the event.

“The weather’s looking sensational for the weekend, so people should come out,” Mr Turner said.

Motor show convenor Trevor Hall said the event served as the Rotary Club’s biggest fundraising event for the year, with all proceeds used to support the club’s wide-ranging projects and other community groups.

“The more people we have coming along to look, the better for all concerned,” he said.

This year’s motor show will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ford Motor Company in Geelong, with several of Model A and Model T Fords set to make an appearance as part of the display.

Tomorrow (Saturday, February 8), a casual cruise, planned as part of the event, will depart Mt Duneed Estate for a tour of the local countryside, concluding at the site of the motor show.

For more information, head to torquaymotorshow.com.au