Vintage cars prove mighty popular

Rotorua was wound back at least 30 years as hundreds of vintage cars poured into town for the Rotorua Vintage and Veteran Car Club show.

Club chairman Andy Watson said they were surprised to see such a great turnout at the Village Green at the Rotorua Lakefront yesterday, with car clubs from across the North Island coming to join in the show.

"It's been a fantastic day, the sun has come out and over 200 cars are here with all different makes and models," he said.

"You name it and it's here."

He said they held the show to raise money for St John Ambulance and boost membership for the veteran car club and other car clubs.

"We received a lot of positive feedback and we will be back again next year."

He said they had handed out membership forms and had collected a lot of donations for St John Ambulance.

Mr Watson said there was even an old-style Dodge ambulance for the children to enjoy.

It was almost impossible to pick a favourite car, he said.

"There was an Aston Martin that I wanted," he said. "But there are so many nice cars it's hard to have a favourite."

He said among the vintage cars on display there were also hot rods, Jaguars, Rovers, Triumphs, Fords, Zodiacs, Chevrolets, off-road vehicles, Mercedes, Land Rovers, Aston Martins and Citroens.

Mr Watson said, by definition, a vintage car is anything older than 30 years.

He said it was great to see so many locals and families coming down to have a look at the cars and enjoy the free activity.

"We would like to thank all those who took part and those who donated to St John," Mr Watson said.

He said they would present St John Ambulance with a cheque at their next club meeting or a similar event.