Volkswagens will roll at Torquay motor show

THE Torquay Rotary Motor Show is revving up again on Sunday, and this year will see Volkswagens rolling in for the first time.

The classic German cars have been an increasing presence at the car show at Elephant Walk in recent years, and organisers have introduced a “Best Volkswagen” category for the 2018 event.

Two local VWs – Josh and Tracy Van Looy’s 1962 Beetle, and Steve and Paula Christou’s 1967 Kombi van – made an early appearance on the Torquay foreshore on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Van Looy said his Beetle had significant sentimental value, as it belonged to his wife’s family and she was driven to kindergarten in it when she was four years old.

“It’s pretty much original – I’ve just converted it to 12 volts and put an alternator in it, and that’s it.

“It’s really economical and zippy around town. Gets blown around a bit on the highway, but I love it.”

The Christous formerly owned Torquay’s Frontbeach restaurant and fully restored their Kombi (which has the classic “split screen” windscreen) as a promotion for the business – it was frequently parked outside on The Esplanade.

Since selling the business, they have kept the van’s signage and “CRFTBR” numberplate intact.

“It’s part of the history of the van, as I see it; it was built for that,” Mr Christou said.

The 10th anniversary motor show in 2017, which saw the introduction of new classes for alternative fuel vehicles and for unrestored cars, was a great success, and organisers expect more than 300 vintage, veteran, classic and contemporary cars and motorcycles to compete for trophies in 26 classes this year.

This event is provided by the Rotary Club of Torquay, supported by the RACV and other local traders. Proceeds from the event will be used for local, national and international Rotary Health projects.

The motor show will be held at Elephant Walk, The Esplanade, Torquay, on Sunday from 10am-2pm.

Entry fees are $20 for car and driver, with adults $5 and children free.

For more information, phone 0423 620 009, email [email protected], or head to torquaymotorshow.com.au.