Watching members of the Tilligerry Auto Club mill around a 1976 Chrysler Charger, talking about what was under the bonnet, Ian Jones remarked: "this is what the motorama is all about".
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"People coming together to simply rattle on about cars," he said.
Mr Jones, president of the auto club, was speaking about what it is at the heart of the annual Tilligerry Motorama, which will roll around again on Sunday, May 19.
"It's people wandering around looking at cars or sitting around a barbecue and talking about them because that's what they love doing," Mr Jones said. "And our community benefits so much from it."
The club is anticipating between 450 and 500 cars, bikes and trikes from right across the state and even from as far afield as Gladstone in north Queensland to feature in this year's motorama.
Auto club members will also show their vehicles on the day. However, theirs will not be included in the judging to determine the best on show.
Alan Ford, Phillip Robinson, Pieter Zeeman, Kevin Colman, Geoff Nutt and Phil Wellens - all auto club members - rolled out some of their classic and vintage cars and bikes in Lemon Tree Passage last week in preparation for the motorama.
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Mr Ford's 1923 Ford T Bucket was the oldest of the group closely followed by Mr Robinson's 1929 Chevrolet.
The Chevrolet is in original condition and has only been owned by three people. "It's amazing to find a car as old as this that has only had two owners, three including me," Mr Robinson said.
Mr Zeeman, one of the club's newest members, showed his restored sky blue 1966 Citroën 2CV panel van that was imported from Europe to South Africa then to Australia. "These types of vans are a rare find," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Coleman's 1965 Mustang GT convertible, which he has owned for 12 months, was treated to a thorough inspection by the group. "It's the first time they've seen it," he said.
The red Charger, owned by Mr Nutt, was also treated to an inspection. The modifications Mr Nutt has made to the car, which he has owned for 11 years, including replacing the engine with a V8, were a hot topic of discussion.
Mr Wellens rode in on his 1977 Kawasaki Z650 - one of three in his vintage motorcycle collection.
The experienced rider remarked how in his youth motorcycles were seen as a waste of money but these days "these bikes are going up in value".
Vehicles will go on show on the grounds of Tilligerry RSL and Sports Club, in Tanilba Bay, at 9am on Sunday. The motorama will wrap up about 3pm. Entry is a gold coin donation.
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Anyone wishing to display their car in the motorama is welcome to do so. The cost to display a vehicle is $10. Cars begin rolling into place at 7am.
Money raised on the day, through the display cost, entry donation and raffles, will this year be donated to the John Hunter Children's Hospital paediatric oncology unit.
Last year $15,000 was raised from the motorama, which was split between the hospital and junior sporting team on the peninsula.
Mr Jones thanked all the people who have supported the motorama in the past, and again this year.
"The Tilligerry Motorama is supported by a host of dedicated volunteers and local businesses that all work together to make it happen," he said.
A major fund-raising aspect to the motorama is the raffles. This year there will be two. One is to win a flight on a WWII fighter at AeroHunter, the second is filled with prizes including fuel vouchers and donations from Tilligerry businesses.
Award winners will be announced after the raffles are drawn about 1.15pm.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
