Words by Jeff. Pictures by Mat & Jeff.
The inaugural Daylesford Motorfest was suggested by long standing member Neil well over six months ago. At first we didn’t know how it would go and nor did the organisers. Over the last six months or more, mainly driven by Facebook it would seem, this event garnered more and more interest and support. Even the RACV jumped on board only a few weeks ago realising that this event had become too big to miss. The event was attended by probably around a thousand vehicles of all types and ages.
As for the Motafrenz contingent, we had Neil with his trusty partner Steve and Oskar the trusty and definitely non rusty 2 stroke Trabant. Nick with his VW beetle, David with his Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL, Paul with with Triumph 4 stroke motorbike and myself with my trusty EH Holden Premier. We also had members without showing their cars: Mat and Phillip, James H and Christopher G with which we all enjoy their friendly company.
Most clubs did not go to any effort to promote themselves, as this event was a drive-in, park and show. Fortunately Neil organised a nice spot for us which worked out fine with good shade. Nick displayed Motafrenz paraphernalia with a considerable amount of it being picked up and taken. James noticed a copy of Cruise Control on the front seat of a 1963 EJ Holden station wagon not known to us. ‘Well done Nick’. For those of you who know Victoria Park in Daylesford where Chillout is held, everywhere was taken up with vehicles of every size shape and colour. The back of the oval, the oval and right through the entire park, it was a mammoth show and there were various awards including best dressed and themed.
The general crowd were also very amicable friendly with owners spending just enough time with their vehicles to chat with passers by. There were many friendly conversation with owners about their cars, and I certainly enjoyed many of them, although Neil had to spend a considerable amount of time chatting to all those fascinated with Oska the yellow Trabant. Oska was indeed very very popular being the only running example of this east German triumph of motoring engineering whilst parked next to David’s luxurious west German 560 SEL.
The variety of vehicles there was from a 1904 delivery truck, a 1913 TH Schneider, 1927 Crossley, and I’m going to have to stop there as there was something there for everybody right up to brand new. Ok. Some rare ones: de Tomaso Pantera, Lagonda, Dodge Charger 340 six pack, Silver Dawn limousine, Bollwell, Clipper Deluxe, Roadmaster 75, Zephyr, Hillman, and my favorite muscle (pony) car, a Plymouth Duster.
This was a wonderful day, albeit not of Motafrenz’ making but a big thank you to member Neil for standing up to suggesting and leading this event. I hope we will be there next year. We will shortly be back to Victoria Park Daylesford for ChillOut Carnival with what is likely to be a spectacular presence as usual.
