The Wheels at Wanaka event that evolved over a box of beers in a paddock into a one of the country’s biggest automotive shows, is set to roll into the Southern Lakes town this weekend.
West Otago Vintage Club member Peter McDougall said an event was first discussed a few years ago as a way to celebrate the club’s 60th anniversary this year.
McDougall said that once Wanaka businessman Allan Dippie, who had the space at Three Parks development and a sizable collection of vintage tractors, and Warbirds and Wheels museum director Robert Duncan, with his access to rare classic and vintage vehicles, were on board they knew they had the makings of a great event.
Since then, private and corporate interest has grown to the point that the two-day show is expected to attract over 1000 vintage vehicles and more than 15,000 visitors.
Earthmoving machinery, steam-powered engines and transporters full of vehicles from Invercargill’s Bill Richardson Transport World have been arriving over the past few weeks.
The event has captured public interest, with people travelling the length of the country to display their vehicles. Huge trucks are heading south and even a group of five tractor trekkers have been making their way to Wanaka from Hokitika via Canterbury.
Anything with tracks and wheels was on the invite list and many will be on display in the Drivesouth Car and Motorcycle Show.
And the displays are not just static :Ford New Zealand, the Bill Richardson Transport World and several private collectors have combined for the 123 Years of Ford display, which will will see over 80 Fords completing laps around the parade ground showcasing the evolution of vehicle technology. Vehicles in the parade range from some of the earliest vehicles made — the 1896 Ford Quadracycle and the rare Ford Alphabet Cars A to T (1908-27) — to a 2018 Ford feature car.
Dig This, the ultimate in big toys, will also be on-site teaching people how to operate heavy machinery. Options range from mini-digs to hour-long car-smashing sessions.
Wheels at Wanaka runs from 9am to 4.30pm April 20-21.
- by Catherine Pattison
Photo: Supplied
